Both parents kissed her cheeks. Quietly Rodolphus checked that Hermione knew what to expect and was ready to begin greeting her guests. By the time the line ended, Hermione's cheeks ached from smiling so brightly. A few attendees had been a surprise, the Patils, the MacMillians, and the Browns to name a few. "Social climbers," whispered Bellatrix, "behind closed doors, they might say things, but they jump at an invitation that seems like an opportunity to rub elbows with the elite. And make no mistake, we are the elite." She raised an eyebrow daring Hermione to object or disagree.