~*~

A deep purple slip arrived in her closet on Friday afternoon. She did her hair and makeup like Pansy had instructed, and slipped into her dress, collar, and shoes. Her nerves were alight with excitement to see Charlotte and Cho again, but also with dread. It was odd to be returning to Edinburgh after so many months. To be leered at and salivated over again. She meditated all morning, clearing her mind so that she would be focused and prepared.

Draco didn't speak of Katya again. It wasn't until they were walking down the drive to the Manor gates that Hermione asked, "How do you know Katya?"

He was silent for twelve footsteps. "It's complicated."

She hummed, filing it away to bring up again at another time. He gripped her tattooed arm, took her over the threshold, and Disapparated them.

Edinburgh was bright under the moon, and even from the cobblestones she could hear the castle alive with people. They passed through the archways, up the side stairs, and into the courtyard. Charlotte greeted them with champagne, and her eyes lingered on Hermione before glancing away.

As they entered the Great Hall, Hermione was almost blown back by the noise. It was as if the normal crowd had doubled. Death Eaters all celebrating their win against the French and the Swiss and foreign officials who were now pledging support.

She barely had a second to register which familiar faces were in attendance before Draco tugged her up the stairs to dinner.

The boys jumped up to greet Draco, some of them saluting him as "General Draco Malfoy." Adrian Pucey shook up a bottle of champagne and sprayed it over the room when they entered.

The boys were in rare form tonight — drunk off other men's success.

Once she was settled in Draco's lap, Flint called out, "Draco, guess who's been here the past two weeks, looking for you?" At the silence, he winked and added, "Katya Viktor."

Goyle sat up straight, almost knocking Susan off his lap. "The model?"

Hermione tensed, nearly rolling her eyes. Of course she was a model. Giuliana Bravieri stared at her across the table, and she forced her muscles to relax.

Draco sipped his Firewhisky as Flint continued, "Been very interested on when Draco Malfoy would be back."

The boys jeered and ribbed him.

"She's supposed to be back tonight," said Draco nonchalantly.

"Got some balls showing up at Edinburgh," said Warrington. "I wish the girl I was courting had a pair."

"Well, if you need to take a walk in the moonlight together," Pucey called out, "you know we'd be more than happy to look after Miss Granger for you."

Draco sent him a sharp glare as the boys laughed.

"Speaking of Bulgarians," Theo said, "Viktor Krum is back tonight. I saw him walking around."

Draco went still beneath her, and Hermione had to remember how to breathe.

"He was staring a hole through every brunette who walked in the room," said Theo, as Pucey jeered. "Think he may be up for another chance at betting tonight."