AN: My apologies for the late update! I wrote some drabbles, realized they didn't quite fit (yet) and had to write some more. That and I've been working on a TaT related side project. Also, could anyone recommend a beta reader familiar with British English? I need to stop being stubborn and let someone edit my work...

By the by, I have created an account on Archive of Our Own! (Link in my profile.) It will eventually have the same work as this site but with better editing.

Drabble 33: False Clarity

"You must be recovering well, Miss Granger." Hermione glanced up from her punch and to see Professor Riddle.

"Yes sir. Madame Pomfrey said it might be a few months before all the side effects disappear, but I shouldn't have any more problems attending class."

"Excellent." He swirled his cup of punch absently. Hermione found his expression oddly bland and wondered if Slughorn's parties bored him as well. She watched as his hand suddenly stilled and posture straightened. "Miss Granger, did you ever discover who was responsible for your state? I'm not asking for proof. I'm merely curious."

"That's easy." Hermione snorted. "I was bewildered at first but I doubt there is a single person in my year that doesn't know the responsible party."

"Is that so?" He sipped his punch, which failed to obscure his quirked lip. Hermione drank and smiled and hoped she was not so transparent to him.

Drabble 34: Fair is Fair

"Are you sure about this, Hermione?" Ron glanced at his female friend. "This doesn't seem like you."

"Why not?" Hermione blinked at the redhead while the harmless snake squirmed in her grip.

"Aren't you the righteous do-gooder of our group?" Despite his words, Ron remained obediently vigilant at his lookout post. Harry ducked his head and grinned, careful not to blunder any of the spell work Hermione had charged him with.

"Have you ever heard the concept of karma, Ron?" Hermione stroked the snake gently.

"No. What's that?"

"Essentially, karma is the idea that one's actions are rewarded with similar actions. Typically, and as it should be, the law is there to handle bad actions. Lacking that however, the universe has a way of making sure everyone receives their due."

"Oh, sorry, didn't realize you were the universe." Ron quipped.

"Don't know why you're complaining Ron." Harry laughed.

Drabble 35: Delicious

An oddly lovely morning, it was. Draco had enjoyed eating breakfast while watching that horrid Granger tremble as she lifted her food and spasmed at odd intervals from unexpected pain. There was no better spice than a satisfied revenge, as father often said.

He could hardly contain his smugness when he entered the DADA classroom. Crabbe and Goyle settled down at his right and left, as always, before Draco finally allowed a smirk. Professor Riddle entered the classroom through his office, for once, and directed their attention to the board.

"Quickly copy these notes down so we can move on to the fun parts."

Draco reached into his desk for his quill. It felt odd, much thicker, and Draco went pale. A strange looking snake wriggled in his hand, leering, and struck his wrist. Agony flamed through his veins; Draco dropped the snake, the class gasped, and Professor Riddle savored.