"No, indeed!" said Siobhan, beaming.

Narcissa must have seen the murder in Lucius's expression, because she quickly grabbed Siobhan's elbow. "Let's find out what waltz is playing next. Lucius can meet us in the ballroom."

She dragged her friend away, and it was just Hermione with Draco and his father, smiling tightly at each other.

Lucius glanced around before taking a step forward. "This is reckless." His lips barely moved as he spoke. "There is no reason for you to be away from your post—"

"Nor you, Father—"

"I have hosting responsibilities for an evening the Dark Lord wished into existence," Lucius hissed. His nostrils flared as he seemed to collect himself, quickly placing his hands on Draco's shoulders and straightening his tie. "You were ordered to stay."

Draco seemed to stand taller, not breaking his father's gaze. The warmth of his hand was burning into the skin beneath her dress.

"By Bellatrix. Who left her post a half hour ago to play with the prisoners." Lucius's eyes flashed. "It's 10:15, Father. Two hours isn't a risk—"

"And what do you think will happen when your aunt tells the Dark Lord you left your post because you couldn't bear being away from your Mudblood whore a moment longer?"

Draco stiffened beside her. She could hear him swallow even through the blood rushing in her ears.

Lucius's pasted on smile never faltered as Draco blinked and slid his hand from around her waist. Grasping her elbow instead.

She felt ice in her chest with the loss.

"Good," Lucius hummed. "Now listen carefully, you foolish boy." He brushed imaginary lint off Draco's jacket. "You will not disappear with her. You will not dance with her. You will not kiss her at midnight."

"Fath—"

"She is not your date." His hand squeezed Draco's shoulder. "She is your property. And by arriving here tonight, you've given five hundred people a reason to be curious about the inner-workings of your relationship."

Draco took a slow breath. She listened to him exhale and saw the slightest nod of his head. Lucius plucked up two passing champagne glasses and held one to each of them. His lips were still curved in a smile, but his eyes were feral, almost daring them to disagree. Hermione blinked and quickly took the glass. She wrapped her fingers around the stem like a lifeline.

"Enjoy the party, children," Lucius lilted. "Draco, I expect you back in Zürich by 12:01."

And then he vanished into the crowd, leaving behind only the heavy weight he'd placed in her chest. She closed her eyes and tried to suck in air. It was the first moment she'd seen Draco in eight weeks, and she could hardly dare to look at him. She couldn't without exposing herself. The hand on her elbow tightened.

"Draco, darling!" Her eyelids flew open to find a tall woman dripping in diamonds approaching them. "You grow more handsome every day!"

She watched his mask slip on as he released her elbow and kissed the woman's cheeks. "Marie, you look ravishing as ever."