It's off my chest but never off my mind -- Fall/Winter 2004

I raised my eyebrows slightly.  "Have you spoken of your doubts to Draco?" I inquired.  This could be my window of opportunity to remove this blight?

I shook my head.  "Oh no," I said, chuckling nervously.  "You know how he is... always saying things will be fine.  I just want what's best for both of them and sometimes I feel Draco only thinks about Keegan."  And speaking of, my daughter started to cry from the playroom.

I looked at Pansy.  "Before you get her," I said, "if I could find a way to take care of Keegan without anything harming Ian?  It'd be a good combination and outcome for both children... would you let me help?" I could see the glimer of possibility flicker in her eyes and yet it went away.

I stood up, hating that Lucius's help would be appreciated as much as Draco would hate it.  "I have to see what's wrong," I replied, walking out of the room.  Ian passed me, grumbling under his breath about Keegan as he went back to the parlor.

I was so close.  Of course Pansy had no idea what I was really thinking.  I just needed to appeal to the mother side of Pansy.  I heard Dorian come in behind me while I poured another glass of scotch for myself.  I turned around and smiled at him.  "Dorian, what is the matter?" I asked him.

I sighed.  "She bit me!" I exclaimed angrily.  "But does she get in trouble?  Of course not!  Do I get asked if I'm okay?  No... but I'm bleeding."  I showed Grandfather my finger where there was blood.

I waved my wand and a bandage stopped the bleeding.  "Dorian, I want you to answer me honestly," I said silkily.  "Would you like it better if Keegan was not always around?  What if I told you I could help her go away?" If Dorian wanted this, I was sure that he could convince Pansy that I could help.

My eyebrows moved closer together.  "Like... go away to a place where she will get help and be okay? And I get more attention?" I asked.

Naturally my grandson would think innocently about it all.  I nodded at him.  "Sure," I said dismissively.  He did not really understand what I meant, however, that was okay.  "I could make that happen."

I had gotten Keegan to fall asleep in my arms.  I walked into the parlor to collect Ian before heading home.  "Make what happen, Lucius?" I asked in a whisper.  I knew the way I interrupted irritated him by the look on his face.  I looked at my son.  "Please gather your things, Ian.  We need to get Keegan home."

I sighed and rolled my eyes as I left the room.  Again, Keegan cut our visit short.  I hated how she always did that.  I grabbed my cloak only after cleaning up the playroom so Grandfather would not yell.

I looked at Pansy.  "Dorian is feeling rather put out because of Keegan always getting top priority," I explained simply.  "And I have a solution in mind where I could amke something work where it's best for both of them."  I could see a glimmer of hope on her face.  "Will you let me see what I can do?"

I knew Ian was always put out.  My son came back in, loking disgruntled.  I turned to Lucius.  "Okay... but nothing drastic, please," I warned him.  I could not believe I said that.  But I was wearing so thin and I knew, despite what he said, Draco was as well.  I waited as Ian said goodbye to his grandfather.  I smiled at him before leavin gwith the kids.