His father's tone lacked any emotion, like always. As if he would admit to having been impatient and disappointed.

"You were looking forward to me getting an elm wand," Zenobia commented. Her father had been very particular about that wand wood, for some reason, not that it surprised Zenobia. He could sometimes be a micromanager, she thought.

  

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set by mj <3

"My wand is elm," he informed her neutrally. It took a good deal of concentration to keep his voice level, but it seemed important to convey this without the trappings of sentiment clinging to it. He didn't want her to get the wrong idea. "It's served me well through decades of hard use. It's a good wand. One of the best. I only want the best for you, Zenobia."

  

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Bree made this!

"No you don't," Zenobia argued but in her cute tone. "If you truly did you would let me practice my magic at home. Pleaaase, Papa!" She slapped her lap softly and pouted at him.

  

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set by mj <3

His mouth set in a hard line at her response. She was too young to understand, but that didn't mean he could just let her do as she pleased. The world could be harsh and cruel and she needed to be ready for it; if she went through life thinking that she could talk her way into whatever she wanted, she wouldn't be able to overcome obstacles as they arose, which they surely would. He could try and protect his children from as much as possible and shield them from consequences, but only for so long. Eventually he wouldn't be there to look out for them, and they would need the skills to survive on their own, through whatever means necessary.

"No," he replied simple. "I'll see you at dinner, Zenobia."

  

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Bree made this!

It was a losing battle and it took everything for Zenobia not to make a scene. Her father wouldn't give in by her pursuing her desire agreessively, or charmingly. She wasn't going to give him the pleasure of calling her a brute once more.

"Sure," she replied coldly, got up and left.

  

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set by mj <3