Drabble 18: Forging An Idea

Verity helped close up the shop and bid Fred and George Weasley goodnight. They sent her off with a wave and a grin. After a few moments they sat down in the Planning Room. In reality it wasn't so much a room as it was a walk-in closet, and that's with the use of space enlargement charms, but they made do.

They sat down in their chairs (magenta pillows on the floor) across from one another at the table (a short stool). The twins settled into the current week's thinking pose: a leg pulled up to hang around the neck and arms held up high.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking, Forge?"

"I do believe I am, Gred."

"The news are looking-"

"A grim so-"

"We should try some-"

"Thing bigger than we-"

"Had ever done before."

"Yes."

"But…what should we do?"

"Dunno. How about dinner?"

"…I think I'm stuck."

Drabble 19: Drip Drop

The silence was too much. Riddle reached over and turned on one of the faucets just enough so that it would drip. He closed his eyes and the world disappeared. The plopping of water was quickly drowned out by the memories of a young man, the smell of moist stale air, and the sibilant whispers of his most devout…friend.

She was down there, somewhere. She had to know he was here. He had stopped the 'good work' so suddenly and without explanation. There was no way she could not be angry with him.

He hadn't even said goodbye.

"What do you think, Nagini?" Riddle whispered. The large snake slithered towards him from a dark corner. "Do you think she's angry with me, still?"

"Since it's you, I'm sure she'll be forgiving."

"Maybe." Riddle sighed and walked towards the exit.

"Tom."

"What?"

"Don't forget to turn off the faucet."

Drabble 20: Dark Horizon

Ron was being very quiet. Hermione had thought something might be wrong and only confirmed it when she had to bully him to play a game of chess. She bit her lip and glanced at Harry who was wearing this odd frown. She had never seen him frown like that before and that's almost the only expression she saw on his face these days.

Christmas was a month from now. Only a little while ago the three of them had been making plans to join Sirius on to one of his wild excursions but now…Hermione just wanted to go home. She wanted to feel safe with her parents and away from this ugliness in the magical world. Hermione shook her head minutely and made a move.

"Looks like you lost, mate." Harry said to Ron. The redhead jumped and realized his pieces were yelling at him.

"Goodnight." Hermione left.