There was a high-pitched shriek followed by a thunderous roar, the animalistic growl sounded like it could be Draco's name. Curious as ever, Heredis crossed the room in half a second and peered out of the door. It was then she saw Draco tumble past her with his broom in hand. "You have over a thousand acres to ride around on that bloody broomstick and you decided today would be a good day to test my patience?!" – judging by the increasing pallor of Draco's face Heredis could tell Lucius was getting closer. She jumped as she felt something on her elbow but upon looking behind her, she realised it was only Stevos who seemed completely unaware of her presence as he looked through the gap in the door above her head.

"I was onl-"

"You scared your mother half to death. I must have forgotten to check my calendar this morning because I had no idea that I was pencilled in to be chasing after you hellions all day. I am an important man, Draco. An important man with important work and the last thing I need is..." Lucius had walked into view now, gesturing broadly at his son flumped on the floor like a ragdoll, "…this". Lucius pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger, "At least Heredis and Stevos, despite being absolute idiots, don't seem to be intentionally trying to drive me insane. You on the other hand". Lucius gestured to the broom and boy combo again, seemingly lost for words.

"It was an a-"

Lucius held his hand up to silence his youngest son, his demeanour suddenly becoming much more serious.

"Don't. Don't you dare even try to say that this… this was an accident because I swear before the old gods and the new Draco, I will end you. I brought you into this world and as your father by Merlin I can take you out of it. Now I'd choose your words very carefully if I were you. It was..."

"a mistake, sir"

Lucius raised a threatening eyebrow.

"A mistake made by me. I intentionally flew into the house, just because I could. I didn't think I'd get caught"

"And that made it okay?"

Draco squirmed uncomfortably, wrestling with the words in his head, "…at the time..?"

Lucius nodded abruptly, "A little bit of honestly goes a long way Draco. Remember that next time you have an accident", Lucius basically spat the last word as if the pathetic defence left a bad taste in his mouth. Lucius turned and walked away, calling over his shoulder as an afterthought, "and tell your brother and god-sister it's rude to eavesdrop, I'm running very low on leniency today"

Draco blushed as he turned to face Stevos's bedroom door where his brother and god sister were currently scrambling, repeatedly trying to shut the door on each other whilst tugging each other in circles haphazardly.

"Father said that it's-"

"Yes Draco, I heard. I'm not deaf!" bellowed Stevos, letting go of Heredis and the door, pushing past them to retreat into his room.

"Only stupid" added Draco under his breath.