Draco shook hands with them and wrapped his arm around her waist, tugging her close. She met Oliver's eyes briefly before he glanced back at the floor.

"I suppose Molnár expects the Dark Lord to just allow it?" said Travers, continuing their conversation. "Last night was one thing, but two nights in a row…" He shook his head and circled his whiskey in its glass.

Yaxley glanced over his shoulder. "I believe the Dark Lord has sent someone to… assess the situation."

"I expected as much," said Travers. He sipped his drink.

Hermione's breath grew shallow. They were talking about the Hungarian Minister. And Bellatrix.

"I noticed Minister Romano isn't here tonight." Theo turned his head to search the crowd. "Strange, isn't it?"

Hermione glanced at Draco, and found his gaze narrowed on Yaxley. Hermione turned just in time to see Yaxley exchanging a quick glance with Travers.

"I see Berge is missing as well," said Yaxley.

"Yeah." Theo tugged at his collar. "All I know is that he's been detained."

"Curious." Travers' tone sounded like it was anything but. "I would have assumed he'd want to be here for the re-opening."

"I'm sure he did. I'm not sure what held him up." Theo sipped deeply from his tumbler, flinching as the liquid traveled down his throat.

Hermione looked over at Oliver, her fingers tapping the vials in her seam. She had to get one to him. But he was a lower priority than Ginny tonight. Or Ron.

With his father dead, only Theo and Oliver lived at Nott Manor now. She could send Kreacher first thing in the morning to call at the gates.

"Master Nott."

Theo turned over his shoulder. Charlotte stood behind him with a tray of champagne glasses. "Charlotte."

"Are you ready for the toast?" Theo stared at her blankly. She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Master Berge was planning to say a few words about the reopening. I assume you'll be doing it in his stead?"

"Er, yes. Of course."

Theo failed to conceal his grimace as he took off toward a small platform in the corner, Oliver following a few steps behind him. Hermione's gaze drifted to Charlotte, smiling at each guest as she passed out champagne.

The sound of wands tapping against flutes rang throughout the hall, and the crowd quieted. Hermione shifted behind Draco as Theo began speaking, her eyes quickly scanning the room. But it was too tightly packed — too filled with people she'd never seen before.

She caught a glimpse of Narcissa standing with the Selwyns. Amycus and Alecto Carrow were nearby. A pair of young witches whispered to Hermione's left. Their mother turned to glare at them, and when she moved between them, Hermione's blood froze in her veins.

A glimpse of red in the far corner of the room. Not fiery-red like Ginny, but burnt orange.

A book smelling of fresh grass and spearmint trembled violently.

Hermione shifted, trying to get a better glimpse, but then her spine prickled, and she found Dolores Umbridge staring at her through narrowed eyes. She tore her gaze to the floor.