Charlotte appeared just next to them with her tray. Her eyes flickered before her lips curved in a demure smile.

"Well, the Mudblood might be good for something, then," Lucius lilted, grabbing the offered glass of scotch. "I'll talk to my son and see when is best for him."

"Good luck with that, Eleni," a dark, raspy voice said. Hermione looked up to see Dolohov strutting over to them. "You won't get the Malfoy heir to part with her for a night." He sipped from his glass and stared at her over the rim. "His son is quite… particular about the Mudblood."

Lucius stood very still next to her.

"Particular?" Cirillo asked.

"Mm. Perhaps I should say… taken with." Dolohov turned his eyes on Lucius.

"I'd be careful about what you're implying, Antonin. My son has refused to Share her with you on my orders." His lips curled." I'd rather not have her return to us diseased."

Dolohov looked like he wanted to respond, but bit his tongue.

Lucius turned back to Cirillo. "I'll be happy to consult Draco. But in the meantime, Eleni, have you met Anna?"

Cirillo raised a brow. "Anna?"

"A new Carrow Girl. Captured in Switzerland just last week. I'd planned to ask for her myself tonight, but one mustn't be greedy around their guests..." He chuckled, and the sound felt like knives in Hermione's chest.

"Hmm," said Cirillo, her interest clearly piqued. "I'd be interested to meet her."

"Charlotte," Lucius called out, and she approached. "Be a dear and fetch Anna for the Minister this evening. I think she's precisely what Eleni is looking for."

Charlotte inclined her head in acceptance, and before she moved away, Dolohov slammed his glass down on her tray and grabbed a new one. He sucked on his teeth.

"So. I hear Lestrange keeps asking for reinforcements in Switzerland. It's a shame she can't get that situation under control." He shook his head, then feigned a casual glance at Lucius. "Weren't you supposed to help her, Lucius? With your golden 'political touch?'"

"Yes, well, unfortunately we can't all have your subtleties, Antonin. What was it that got you demoted back to checking on the Lots? Raping the Italian Secretary's wife?" Lucius sipped his scotch.

Dolohov sneered at him, lips parting—

"Now, is that Minister Grubov?" Lucius gestured to the man across the room speaking to Yaxley. "I've been anxious to speak to him."

"Yes," Dolohov grumbled. "I'll introduce you—"

"I don't require an introduction from a half-blood. But thank you for your generous offer."

And without another glance in Dolohov's direction, Lucius was crossing the room with Hermione in tow. She was just recovering from the whiplash of the past few minutes when she was suddenly being introduced to a new Minister.

Her eyes cast around the room as Lucius spoke to Grubov. She listened to conversations, watched interactions, but very little was useful, as they all seemed determined to stick to pleasantries. She wondered who had slipped her the note, and for what purpose. Did they know she would be requested in the Burgundy Room tonight? Or was she now missing out on the important interaction in the Lounge because of Lucius?