"Aunt Bella," said Draco softly. "I'll return shortly. I'm just taking Blaise home before he embarrasses himself further—"

"Don't lie to me!"

The shout ricocheted down the wood, curling up Hermione's legs and around her ribs.

Fire erupted again, and the crowd cheered. The light cast shadows on Bellatrix's face before it died out.

"You're up to something," she sang, waltzing closer to Hermione. "Disappearing twice during dinner?" She tutted. "One might question your breeding."

"Blaise was sick." His voice rose as he tried to head her off. "I was only assisting—"

"Out of my way."

Bellatrix halted before her, standing so close that their chests were almost touching. Hermione's eyes shot open in terror, her heart pounding beneath her petrified muscles.

"It's terribly suspicious, Draco." Her eyes narrowed, her stale breath on Hermione's face. "You are lucky the Dark Lord was preoccupied, tending to his little Ginger Snap." Her fingers snapped in front of Hermione's eyes.

"But something tells me," she said, circling her, "that whatever is going on"—her hand slid across Hermione's waist, tugging her back against her body—"has to do with her."

Hermione stared at Draco as he watched his aunt, his head tilted, his arms hanging at his sides. His eyes empty, betraying nothing.

A loud cackle in her ear, and Hermione's heart leapt in her throat. "I saw you at the dinner table, ready to jump in front of a curse for her. Something about this little bitch has you cock-whipped, nephew." Bellatrix dragged her hand over Hermione's waist and hips, slipping lower, between her legs.

Draco jerked forward, and Bellatrix raised her wand with her other hand. "Ah, ah!" He halted, and Bellatrix chuckled in Hermione's ear. "Maybe she has a golden cunt to match her—"

Bellatrix froze against her, her breath puffing on Hermione's neck. She gasped.

A second before Bellatrix moved, Hermione realized what it was.

"Accio!"

The wand in Hermione's thigh holster zoomed out from under her dress and shot into Bellatrix's hand.

Hermione began fighting against her invisible bindings as blood rushed through her ears, knowing it was useless—

She stepped around Hermione as flames soared overhead. Her expression was black with rage. "You've given her a wand?"

Draco swallowed. "I can explain."

"Are you allowing her magic?"

"No. Aunt Bella, of course not—"

"Then what is this?"

Her voice echoed down the Wooden Bridge, crashing into a swell of noise from the Quidditch Pitch. Draco stared at her with empty eyes.

Bellatrix took a step forward. "I've turned the other way one too many times, Draco. You have no idea, the things I've done for you and your mother. But this is treason."

The blood in Hermione's veins turned to ice. Draco's eyes flickered, and Hermione saw his fist curl at his side.

"I'm needed in Hungary promptly tonight, or else I'd consult with your parents. As the matter stands, the seriousness of the situation calls for immediate action." She began circling him, just like she had Hermione. "This can't go on, Draco." She paused behind his ear, her eyes locked on Hermione. "You'll disgrace your entire family. You will all be killed. My sister—" Her jaw worked, and she pulled back. She finished the circle to face him. "But we can do it my way. It can be quick."