The tension pulls at Dorian, but he is as unflinching now as he had been those months ago. He is not, however, as hostile, and he provides over the link some sense of the affection he holds for Gilgamesh to assuage him.

But it is Hermione that decides what happens next. Hermione's choice and Hermione's strength. That is how Dorian dresses her, in lines of smooth sharpness, fabrics of beautiful bite. Armour and weaponry, he wants Hermione to know she is someone to be reckoned with.

It is her choice, so he can accept it.

There is a sweetness when he smiles at Hermione. "All right, then."

There is a sense of pleasurable hunger when he looks at Gilgamesh. "I'm ready to be instructed."

The desire in Dorian's voice and expression are a mark of just how soft he was going on Hermione with his little jokes. As he trades teachers, he trades faces: the Dorian Gray whom Hermione knows transforms without any sign of change into the one that Gilgamesh gets. And he is ready.