The only sound that followed up was the clatter of his shoes. His breathing was falling as if it was injured, and Draco’s heart seemed to follow. His stare chaotically flicked across the indoor space, searching for the nearest exit. The boy swallowed the viscous saliva that had settled on the sides of his throat. His hands reached automatically for the base of his necktie. His fingers gave an irrepressible thrill, and he tried to untie the rope around his neck.