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

I sighed in relief when Draco finally tapped that it was all clear. Good, I tapped back, Was he mad? I hoped he wasn't, I didn't want Draco getting in any more trouble.

No.  I pondered how I wanted to say anything else.  We could not be too long with our responses because sometimes it got hard to keep track of the taps.  He was okay.  I wanted to tell her everything, but that would have to wait until morning.  And I did not want her to feel bad, either... Father always was getting me new things and only got Juniper knew things to keep her up to par for being a Malfoy, but it was never new toys or anything like that.  Mother always got her those.

Good. I was happy Father hadn't been mad at him. We would just have to take our punishments and let Father cool down a bit. We were just kids though, what did he expect? I knew I couldn't tap too much, sometimes our code got confusing if you lost count of taps, but I wanted to assure him. It'll be okay. I would tap with him until Draco got Eddy into his room. As long as he wasn't lonely, I would be okay by myself.

I nearly laughed, but did not want to make noise when she reassured me about everything.  I always felt like that was my job to do for her.  I know, I responded back with.  I listened to hear if Mother and Father had gone to bed yet.  I would get Eddy in my room and then I would see Juniper tomorrow because Mother would let us break Father's rules until it was closer to teh time he had to come home.  Tomorrow.  I tapped back, trying to let June know that we would see each other and be able to talk in the morning.

I smiled as I stretched and yawned. Yes, tomorrow. I tapped back. I couldn't wait. Mother would let us play together until Father was almost home. We could never tell him or we would all get in trouble but Draco and I were pretty good at keeping secrets. Love you. I couldn't wait to see Draco again tomorrow.

Love you, I tapped back.  I went to my door and Eddy was pretty much waiting right there for me.  I let him slink into my bedroom and climbed back into bed, him jumping up and laying on my feet.  I wished Juniper would have company, it would make me feel better.  I drifted off to sleep.

Eddy woke me up by a light lick in the face and I let him out of my room.  It was before Father woke up, so I knew that I would not get into trouble.  I could hear light snoring from the direction of our parents' bedroom.  It was only a matter of time now before June and I would get to play.

I smiled as I burrowed my head deeper into the pillow. I was happy that Draco had company tonight and I was excited that we would be able to play tomorrow. I fell asleep with thoughts of tomorrow in my mind.

I slowly woke up the next day and walked up to my door. I opened it a crack and listened, happy that I heard Eddy's nails against the floor, walking away from Draco's door. I knew he had gotten out before Father found out. I sighed as I went back to bed and laid down again, waiting for when I had to leave the room and Draco and I could play.

I heard more creaking and voices -- Mother and Father were awake.  Perhaps they would let us 'sleep' and not go out to say goodbye to Father before he left for the Ministry.  We did not have to do that all the time.  It would be nice if we did not have to do it today.  Then, when June and I left our bedrooms, we could act normal since it would be just Mother home.

I awoke and started getting around for work.  I was pleased to see Eddy waiting to be let outside.  I heard no noise from the children's bedrooms, meaning they were still asleep.  I would let them be.  They were to stay separated after all, why would I let them see me off to work where they could reassure each other about everything?  I kicked the daft house elf out of my way and away from my shoes.  I looked back at my wife.  "It will probably be a late night, Narcissa... make sure they behave," I said to her.  I gave her a quick kiss and I stepped into the fireplace and vanished to go to the Ministry in bright green flames.

"We will be fine here dear, have a good day at work." I said before my husband used the Floo Network to get to work. I waited a few moments after Lucius left before I made some tea and took my book into the parlour, I wanted to let the children sleep in today if they could. Once they were both awake, I would let them play together as long as they behaved. I got through a few pages before I heard someone yawn in front of me. I put my book down and smiled at Juniper. "Hello Juniper, how was you sleep?"

I head the creaking of floorboards and Mother and Father talking. I hoped they wouldn't make Draco and I go and see Father off for work this morning. I didn't want to see Draco before we could be ourselves with just Mother home. I was quite, hoping that if they thought we were still asleep, they would leave us alone. Finally, I heard the sound of a Father leaving via the Floo Network and sighed in relief. I gave a light tap on our wall, I'm getting up. I wanted to let Draco know I was going to go see a Mother. I got out of bed, left the room and found Mother reading in the parlour. When I yawned she looked up. I smiled back at her, "My sleep was well, thank you Mother. How was yours?" I had to practice speaking properly and politely, so I would try my best. Maybe I would get better today and Father would be proud of me when he heard me tonight.

I heard Juniper's tapping and got out of bed.  I got dressed out of habit -- Father did not like us to be in our dressing gowns and pajamas if we could help it.  And so, after pulling on some khakis and a polo shirt - again, Father thought it best to look a little dressier than normal people - I went out to find Mother and Juniper.  I followed their voices and found them in the parlor.  June was speaking ever so politely and I knew that she was probably practicing for when Father got home tonight.  I smiled at them and sat on the floor with Eddy.  "Good morning," I said to the two of them, stroking the dog's wiry fur.

I smiled as I turned to my brother. "Good morning Draco." I walked over to him, sat down and started patting Eddy. "Hi Eddy, how was your sleep?" I giggled slightly. I looked at Draco and gave a small nod, here was the moment of truth, I would ask if we could play together. I stood back up, clasped my hands together behind me and faced Mother. I took a deep breath. "Mother, would you allow Draco and I to play with each other today? I know we were punished yesterday due to our misdeeds but perhaps you would allow us to play with each other and talk as a reward for Draco doing well on his work yesterday." I knew Mother thought I had done well too, but maybe if I brought up how good Draco did, she would be more willing to let us break Fathers rules. "Father will never find out." I tried to assure her.

I smiled at my son as he walked into the room. "Good morning Draco, you look very nice today." I watched the children pet the dog before Juniper stood up and asked if they could play together. "You did well on your work too Juniper, you both deserve a reward." I nodded, still smiling. "Yes, you may play together as long as you behave and only until your Father is almost home." I knew when Lucius was supposed to be home, so I would let them know when they should start to playing independently rather then together.

I looked up at Mother and smiled.  "Thank you!" I said happily.  I bit my lip slightly before asking, "Mother... why is it that Father has such high expectations of us?  I am just curious as to why we cannot be like other children..."  I was not entirely sure if I would get in trouble for asking such a thing, but I knew Mother would not take back what she said, either.  "I am just asking because Father did not seem to think Juniper did as well on her work as you think she did."  I wanted to explain where the question came from.