Ben hadn't expected either of his brothers to be home from the Ministry yet when he arrived via floo, so he just dropped the bag by the fireplace and came in without bothering to announce himself. The housekeeper seemed to have already gone for the night, which was good; he didn't much feel like lying to anyone at the moment, or even talking, for that matter. He wanted a drink. He hadn't packed alcohol, but he knew where the liquor cabinet was here and helped himself to a bottle. It was something he'd gifted Aldous that was still unopened, so probably not one he'd miss much, though if he did Ben could always replace it. He poured himself a glass and set the open bottle on the floor by the sofa, then sat down. It took only a few minutes before he gave up on that, though; the weight on his chest was too heavy and he ended up lying on the sofa, one hand holding the glass on his chest, and staring up at the ceiling.

He laid there, thinking and occasionally drinking, but mostly just waiting. Eventually the floo lit up green and he inclined his head up just enough to see which brother it was that had arrived first: Aldous.

"Hey," he said listlessly, looking up at the ceiling again. "Is it alright if I stay here for a few days?"

Aldous Crouch