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

I smiled over at him, allowing us to have this moment to ourselves, something we hardly ever had. I sighed, brining myself back to reality. "How much longer do you think we have until Father comes to find us?" I hoped we still had a bit of time to be together before we had to say goodnight to Mother and Father.

I shrugged, though I suspected it would not be long.  "Maybe we should just go to our rooms?  That way he can think we were there waiting for him the whole time?" I suggested, knowing that if Father found us like this in the bathroom, we would end up in more trouble.

I sighed and reluctantly nodded. "I guess you're right. That is a good idea." If Father wasn't yelling at us yet, it meant he probably hadn't realized we were still in the bathroom. "Besides, we still have to get our pyjamas on as well." I pointed out.

"Right," I said, opening up the bathroom door.  "The coast is clear," I told her in a whisper.  "We could still try to talk through the wall..."  I hated the fact that Juniper might be lonely tonight being by herself.  I at least had Eddy to keep me company.

I brightened slightly at that thought. "Okay, I don't think Mother and Father know about us talking thought the walls. We should be safe." I nodded in agreement with myself. "We just can't be too loud. Neither of us needs to get in any more trouble tonight." I was happy that Draco had Eddy but maybe I wouldn't be as lonely as I had thought if we did talk through the walls.

I wanted to point out that I knew all of that, but did not bother, instead I just nodded.  I gave Juniper a hug and let go of her quickly when I heard shifting in the other room.  "I think Father might be getting up... we better hurry," I said quickly, but quietly so they would not hear us since the door was now open.

I returned Draco's hug but pulled back just as quickly as he had, I heard the noise as well. My eyes widened slightly but I blinked them back to normal. I nodded and gave my brother my best reassuring smile, "We'll see each other tomorrow." I whispered back. I took his hands and squeezed them before letting go and running to my room. I had my hand on the handle when I looked back, waiting for Draco to go into his room before I would enter mine.

I walked into my bedroom and gave Juniper one last smile before entering.  I quickly got changed and climbed into bed.  I wanted it to appear like I had been there the entire time for when Father came to check on us.  I knew that he would be coming shortly, I could hear footsteps coming down the hall.

I returned his smile before entering my own room. I quickly changed into my nightgown and jumped in bed after I grabbed one of my books. I couldn't read very well quite yet but maybe if Father saw me try, me would be proud of me. I could hear footsteps coming down the hall. I took a shaky breath, preparing myself.

I had not heard the children call for us to tell us that they were in bed like they normally did.  I set my book down and stood up, going to check on them.  The hall was dark and things were quiet.  I went to Juniper's room first.  I opened her door and saw her in bed, trying to read.  "Excellent," I said to her.  "But it is time to sleep, Juniper.  Put that away."  I was pleased to see her attempting to read, but what part of bedtime did she not understand?  I flicked her light off and closed her bedroom door without another word before walking towards my son's room.

"Goodnight Father." I called just before the door closed. I let my head fall back on my pillow as I sighed. We had almost be cought but it had worked. I put my book on my bed side table, turned towards the wall and gave a few soft taps to let Draco know Father was coming, even though I knew he was well aware. All I could do now was wait for Draco to let me know Father had left his room and we would be in the clear.

I opened the door to my son's room and saw him laying there, apparently trying to fall asleep.  I walked in and sat on the edge of his bed, seeing his eyes open and look at me, I told him, "I am proud of you for developing your magic today, son.  Even though you got in trouble, I would like to reward you... perhaps this weekend I can take you to Diagon Alley to get something new."  I wanted him to know that he had done well despite being a little troublesome.  I naturally assumed that it was mostly his sister's fault.

I had heard June's warning tap on the wall and anted to thank her, but father came in much too quickly.  I had snapped my eyes closed when I heard my doorknob turning.  I wanted him to think that I was trying to behave and fall asleep.  I only opened them when he sat on my bed.  I looked up at him and could not help but smile when he said he was proud of me.  And the grin got even bigger when he said we could go to town this weekend and get something to reward me.  "Really, Father?" I asked, disbelief in my voice.

I smiled and leaned down, kissing Draco lightly on the forehead.  "Of course, Draco," I said.  I rewarded good behavior when my son did something to be proud of and not just something that was expected of him.  "We will discuss it later... right now, it is time for you to sleep."  I stood back up and walked to his door.  I turned slightly and said to him, "Goodnight."

<< Lucius is such an ass... being all nice to Draco and mean to June >>

"Goodnight Father," I said as he shut my bedroom door.  I waited a little bit to hear his footsteps fade before I jumped out of bed and went to the wall to tap to Juniper.  All clear, I said in our code.  Wasn't bad.