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

How could I help her?  I bit my lip and opened the door slightly to see only Juniper's face and Father's back.  I wished there was soemthign I could do for her.

"You are lucky that it can be easily fixed," I said, waving my wand and the plate was as good as new.  I looked down at the house elf.  "Perhaps you could do your job and show her how to properly clean the dishes," I snapped as I left the room.  All that did was extend her punishment.  There was no need to add something else when there was a perfectly good punishment in place already.

I closed my eyes and sighed as he left the room. That had been close, too close. I turned back and started drying the dished, being extra careful not to drop them. "If only I could drop one of your face." I said under my breath. I looked around, making sure no one heard me. That will be my first piece of magic, making him pay for everything he ever did to Draco and I. I gave a small laugh, as if I could do that.

I chuckled as I walked back into the kitchen.  "Geez, don't let him hear you say that," I told her quietly.  "He'll have your head served up on the plate you just broke."  I was trying to lighten the mood, but with Father around it was nearly impossible.

I jumped and almost dropped another plate when Draco came back in, I was hight alert after what I had just said. I put the plate  down. "Draco, you scared me." I said, giving a little laugh at his comment. "He had left already. He didn't hear. I'm still in one piece right?" A smile smile came across my lips, I would get Father back for what he had done to us. Clearly, Draco's idea of revenge had stuck in my mind and moved on to other people who had wronged us.

"Sorry," I said, looking at her.  "Are you sure you don't want any help?"  I knew that Father would probably be looking for me soon if I did not show my face, but I did not want to leave June.  It was boring in here by yourself.

I sighed, "The last I need is either of us getting in more trouble since I think I just added time onto my punishment." I smile at my brother, "Besides, I'm almost done, just a bit more to dry and to put everything away. Why don't you go into the parolr with Mother and Father and I'll be out before you know it?" I did want him to stay, it could get really boarding by yourself, but I didn't want him in anymore trouble.

I nodded at her.  "Alright," I said, grabbing the stuff and leaving the way that I came in and taking the longer route into the parlor.  I did not want Father to think I was in the kitchen.  "What was that crash from the kitchen?" I asked, putting our things on the desk in there.  It would help me figure out if Father thought I had been in there or not.

I looked up at Draco and shook my head.  "It is none of your concern, Draco," I told him simply.  Curiosity was an admirable trait, until it got him into trouble which happened more often than not.  He needed to learn to keep his nose clean when it came to matters that were of no concern to him despite what he thought.

Father was frustrating sometimes to say the least.  I nodded at him.  "I had just been curious, Father," I said, feeling so small by the way he spoke to me.  I hoped Juniper would finish soon; I did not want to be in there with our parents alone in the dead quiet.  It felt horrible.  I went to sit by one of our Irish wolfhounds that Father treated far better than us sometimes.  I started to pet him gently as I waited.

I had heard the crash and waited while Lucius went to investigate. He came back, angry that Juniper had broken one of the dishes. I was about to say something when Draco came in, inquiring about the crash. He seemed upset by Lucius response and went to sit next to one of our Irish wolfhounds. I wished I could've comforted him but I knew Lucius would only think I was babying him. I continued to sip my tea while we waited for Juniper to finish up.

I knew Draco didn't want to be alone with our parents for long so I finished drying the dishes as quickly as I could and Dobby helped me put them all away. "Thank you Dobby." I said as quietly as I could. I didn't want Father to know he helped me, we would both get in trouble. I left the kitchen and went straight to the parlor. "I'm all finished with the dishes Father. Please forgive me for taking so long and for breaking one of the dishes. It had been more slippery then I anticipated." I lowered my head slightly, wanted to just go into my room and get away from everyone but Mother and Father had wanted to see our work so I had to stay out here a bit longer.

I looked up and smiled at Juniper since Father was looking at her and not paying attention to me.  I was grateful that June was finished so we could go to our rooms after this.  I did not feel like being around our parents... I would have Eddy -- my favorite of the dogs -- come into my room with me.  He always kept me company when June and I were not allowed to see each other.

I ignored her apology and looked at both of the children.  "Let's see what you've done thus far on your work," I told them, waiting for them to show us.  "Draco, why don't you show me yours first while Juniper shows hers to your mother first."  I wanted to see the best work first and I knew that would be Draco's.

I nodded and grabbed my work and handed it to Father.  "How is it, Father?" I asked, worried that there were mistakes and he would punish me for them.  He did not like failure or mistakes -- even though we were young.