Hermione slowly approached her left side and served her a piece of bread. Before she could retreat, Bellatrix seized her wrist. Hermione gasped, dropping the tongs with a clatter.

"Such pretty scars, Mudblood." She yanked her closer and ran her fingers over the markings on Hermione's arm. Another tug, and her black eyes locked on Hermione's. "I have more designs in mind. We could make a work of art out of you."

Hermione stared blankly back at her, even as her heart pumped furiously. Bellatrix's nails started curling, cutting into her skin.

"I, too, would like some bread," Narcissa said icily. "Whenever you're done playing with the help, Bella."

One last dig, then Bellatrix released her. Hermione grabbed the tongs and scrambled away.

Bellatrix raised a derisive brow. "Who are you fooling? You never ate bread in your life." She tore into her roll with the grace of a wild cat, dipped it into her soup, and chewed slowly, never breaking her sister's gaze.

Narcissa's lips curled.

"Unfortunately, the bread is the only edible thing on the table," Lucius cut in. He turned to Flint before Bellatrix could reply. "So. Looking forward to the ceremony next week?"

"I am, sir," Flint replied. "It's a great honor."

Draco's head snapped up. "What's this?"

Hermione placed bread on Narcissa's plate, her breath shallow.

"I'm receiving the Mark next week. Along with Theo and Greg."

"Congratulations," Draco said coldly. He turned back to his soup.

"I'm surprised you didn't know," Flint said innocently. "Theo and Greg are such close friends of yours."

Draco's spoon paused above his bowl. "I've been a bit preoccupied with the efforts in France and Italy." He swirled his soup. "And there's no newsletter between us all, as you'll come to find out."

Having placed bread on Lucius's plate, Hermione moved to return the basket to the sideboard.

"Mudblood!" Bellatrix called. "Refill the wine."

Hermione froze, fighting the urge to look at the two other slave girls against the walls. She blinked, filing her emotions away as she exchanged the basket for the wine bottle.

"I think it's high time," said Bellatrix. "You'll make an excellent addition to the Dark Lord's elite, Marcus. As for the Goyle whelp, well, that remains to be seen. I suppose he can't be worse than his father. I heard Gringotts finally declared him dead."

Rodolphus grunted in assent.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes and took a long dreg of wine. "And I know Ted is anxious to see Theodore take the Mark. He thinks offering up a capable son might help the Dark Lord be more… patient with some of his own shortcomings. But apparently his heart isn't in it at all." She smiled over at Lucius. "There's nothing quite like your only heir disgracing the family name. Isn't that right?"

Hermione reached Rabastan at the head of the table again.

"It would be devastating, indeed," said Lucius, lazily reaching for his wine. "Not that you or Rodolphus would know anything about heirs."

Narcissa shot him a heated glare.