The back and forth ended up taking every bit of the rest of the month, and with May behind them the date for the operation was set for the following Tuesday, so that the Ministry could have all day Monday to prepare. Draco grew very quiet at this announcement, and Hermione could see even through the mirror that his face had paled and his eyes dulled. She wanted to go to him immediately after the meeting ended, but needed to return to her flat to collect and distribute the  Felix Felicis  bottles she'd been saving. 