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

I nodded in agreement with Draco and smiled at Father. "We hope you'll find them completed to your liking Father."

I was happy that the children were behaving themselves for the most part. They were making polite conversation and had completed the work Lucius had set for them. "I'm interested in seeing you work as well." I wanted to see how their handwriting was coming along.

I did more than what Father told me to do in hopes of pleasing him.  "You should see my math, too!  I have started to add the numbers now," I told them.  Of course I was counting on my fingers to make sure, but knowing how to add things was a good thing, right?  I hoped Father adn Mother saw it that way.

I smiled at the children, they deserved praise when they did well.  "That is excellent to hear.  After supper and after Juniper does her chore, you will have to show us," I said to them as lightly as one such as myself could pull off.

I was happy that Draco had convinced me to finish the math as well. We helped each other out on that one. "I did as well Father, we both finished everything." I smiled over at him, "We would be pleased to show you."

I nodded vigorously.  "Juniper did really well on the math," I added, wanting to put her in the spotlight with something good rather than bad.

I raised my eyebrows.  "That is excellent news to hear, Draco, thank you," I said, thinking that if her work was as good as what Draco said it was that perhaps her punishment may be lessened in time.

I shrunk in my seat a bit. I hoped Draco was right, he always had more confidence in me then I did. I forced a weak smile to Father, "I hope you'll find it satisfactory Father."

I opened my mouth about to reassure Juniper, but I stopped.  We were not supposed to be making conversation with each other.  I reached for my drink and sipped at it to hide my near mistake.

I saw Draco almost slip up and I turned to Father, hoping he didn't see. "Father, will you be required to work all day tomorrow?" Again, I knew I shouldn't be asking about his work but I hoped since it was a simple yes or no question, just enough to distract him from Draco, that I would be okay.

"Yes, I shall be gone most likely late into the evening," I replied, nodding.  "But that does not mean that I will not know if either of you put a toe out of line."  I looked at both of them intensely.

I nodded, "Yes Father." I replied. "We will be on our best behaviour."  I inwardly smiled, if Father was going to be gone tomorrow, maybe Draco and I could convince Mother to let us play together for a bit. It's not like playing together would be that big of a deal.

I remembered Lucius said he would be gone tomorrow. I was happy about that though. Since the children were being so well behaved right now, I decided I would reward them. I wouldn't tell Lucius of course. I smiled at Draco and Juniper, "We will have a wonderful day together."

"You need not worry yourself, Father," I assured him, "we will behave."  Okay, we most likely would not, but he didn't need to know that.  I really was no longer hungry, but I wanted to stay out there by Juniper since we would not see each other that much for the next week or so -- that was normally how long punishments lasted like that around here.

I smiled at them and continued eating.  I cleared my plate and snapped my fingers at Dobby.  "I dare say, I should not have to instruct you to do your duties, elf," I muttered in an undertone.  I looked at the children.  "Juniper, if you are finished, have Dobby show you where everything is to clean the dishes.  And then we all can look at the work the two of you have done."