It is important to remember that we all have magic within us -- Fall 1986?

I nodded at her as I dried my hands.  "Yeah, and hopefully that won't last too long.  My guess is a few days, tops," I whispered, knowing that Mother would not let Father keep us away too long.  If he had his choice, I was sure that he would keep us apart forever so that way I could stay the way he wanted me to and Juniper would be left behind.  I hated how he was so mean to her.

I nodded, "Father said it will last as long as he says." I whispered back. I knew Mother would convince Father to let us see each other soon but not having a set day was frustrating. "Whatever that means."

I sat down and smiled at Narcissa.  "Perhaps so," I agreed.  "It is about time they start to realize right from wrong -- though I would have expected them to know that difference by now."  I looked at my wrist watch and sighed.  I had a feeling the children were up to something.  "Do not make me get back up," I called out, knowing that would give them enough of a warning to know to get out here for supper.

I rolled my eyes.  "It's just his way of saying that he has no clue," I replied.  I was going to add more when I heard Father's warning.  "We should probably go out there."  I did not want us to get into any more trouble today.

My eyes widened when Father yelled and I nodded at Draco. I didn't want him to get in anymore trouble. I replaced the towel and opened the door, leading the way into the dining room. I sat at my chair and looked at Mother and Father. "Please excuse our tardiness." I apologized for us. "It won't happen again."

I followed Juniper out to the table and sat down across from her.  I sat up straight and looked from Mother to Father trying to show that I was apologetic as well, but I did not apologize because Juniper already had done so.  I knew that things would not be any different if I spoke up as well on the matter.  "Father, has the Minister inquired about any more favors from you?  He owes you quite a few... I wonder if you will ever need them," I said, wanting to get the topic off of us kids.

I was pleased that they apologized promptly for keeping us waiting  The infidel served us our supper and left the room.  I looked at my son and sighed slightly.  "Draco, how many times do I need to inform you that you are not privileged to know of my work duties?" I asked him, slightly impatient with him.  The Minister came over often to discuss business matters and for me to fix problems he may have as he was in my pocket.  He did owe me too many favors to count, but I was sure I could find ways for him to repay them one way or another.  It was just none of my children's business to be nosing around that personal matter.

Apparently no one could make Father happy tonight.  "My apologies, Father," I said quietly, moving my fork around in the potatoes.  i did not feel much like eating anymore.

I looked at my husband as he spoke to Draco, then turned to my son. He seemed upset by Lucius's response and started pushing his food around his plate. I knew Lucius wouldn't be pleased with that behaviour. I felt he was being unfair with our son, he was only trying to make conversation. If Lucius didn't want to answer the question, he could've been a bit nicer about it. I was about to say something to take the attention away from Draco when Juniper spoke up.

Apparently, Father was just in a sour mood today. I felt bad for Draco, he was only trying to make polite conversation but Father clearly wasn't in the mood. I saw he started to push his food around his plate. I knew Father didn't like when we did that and since he was in a bad mood, I decided to take the attention away from my brother. "Father, is there any other chores I'm required to do for my punishment?"

When Juniper spoke up willingly about punishment, I realized what I had been doing.  She saved me from more remarks from our father.  I set my fork down and gave her a weak smile.  I listened intently, ready to stand up for her if I had to.

I was just about to scold Draco when Juniper distracted me.  I looked over at her.  "No, I think dishwashing is enough," I assured her.  "At least I hope it will be."

"Yes Father." I said with a nod. When he was looking down again, I returned the smile to Draco. "So Father, did you get a lot done with work today?" I was hoping since I wasn't asking for specific information, he wouldn't be to hard on me, I knew that was unlikely though.

"Draco, sit up," I corrected.  Would the children ever learn manners at teh dinner table?  I took a sip of the wine and looked at Juniper.  "It was a successful day, but did I not just say that we were not to be speaking about my work?"  I glared at the children over my glass.  "I want to see the exercises I gave the two of you on handwriting after supper.  I am expecting that they are completed and completed well."

I fixed my posture and ate a little bit more.  I looked over at Father and then at Mother.  "Oh yes, Father, we have everything completed.  I will be pleased to show you after supper,"  I said, glad that it could help me get off of Father's bad side.