Fortunately it seems to have passed off a bit - but yes, Molly, you know me too well.

The Malfoys' party is the least of my troubles; once the Lord Protector had gone the atmosphere was almost cheery; it's not all Death Eaters, you know, and even Death Eaters can be pleasant among themselves. Although I did need a nip, or two, or three to fortify me both before and after the Lord Protector's visit.

I will never, never, never get used to that feeling that I am being probed and questioned and poked at, and to knowing that it's sheerest animal instinct that makes him unable to break through.