This is wonderfully written! Very dark and compelling. Hermione is a true femme fatale, using sex and intelligence to kill. As her machinations began to succeed, I found myself tallying up the body count.

I also loved Draco and Theo together. Their sex scenes were so passionate and loving. You said it best - “the draw of sensual magnificence”. I like that Hermione’s room was the place they could keep their secret, and that that was the only place Draco could go in the end, to fully express his grief and anger at his loss. That Hermione will never betray their secret is a nice touch as well.

Also good job picking out great, Machiavellian quotes – particular snake and lion ones!