Draco nodded towards her, smiling only a little. Yes, the worst was over. Silence and Malfoy gold had mended a great deal of wounds in the Ministry's eyes. That and Draco had been positively squeaky clean, so much so he sometimes wondered if he was even recognizable.
Apparently, however, he was not only recognizable, but still respected. Daphne obviously felt that way. She was here, treating him as Prince of Slytherin still.
Her commentary on Pansy was a drastic understatement in his mind. Had she been as disturbed at the Muggle attire? The inconsistency?
"Yes, she was very much changed. Advantages, yes, though I never thought I'd see the day when Pansy Parkinson was simply useful."
It said a lot that Draco referred to her as useful. Pansy was now relegated to the status of so many others. A connection. A tool. Someone to use for advancement of his own agenda.
Tibby returned with a crack, tea service and petite sandwiches on a silver platter, then she disappeared with a crack. Draco motioned to Daphne, "Please. I hope you don't mind smoked salmon."
He took a sandwich himself, then shrugged. "She dresses like them. She looks like them, Daph. It's like she's become one of them."