A / N : Drabble, 100 words, for the Quotes Challenge on xoxLewrahxox's Forum. Thanks to Mrs Bella Riddle for the quote!

"You will hear many of his Death Eaters claim that they are in his confidence, that they alone are close to him, even understand him. They are deluded. Lord Voldemort has never had a friend, nor do I believe he has ever wanted one." - Dumbledore, 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Bella gasps, crumpled on the carpet.

"I . . I disappointed you," she says hoarsely. Her third and final guess.

Her master surveys her.

Considering.

Perhaps to her credit, she does not flinch beneath his gaze. She merely tries to stand again, to kneel before him. Her arms shake, and she coughs . . . but she does not look away.

So he bends before the girl, presses one cold finger to her childish, wobbling lower lip . . . and laughs.

"Disappointment? Ah, Bella . . . ."

She shivers, and her master smiles.

"Nothing so sharp as that."