Juniper climbed the staircase to the Headmaster's Tower, already nervous for her conversation with Harry. She was hoping he would take it so well that he wouldn't even mind when he had to break the news to the family. There was no way in hell she was telling her brother. He'd just blab to the rest of them.

"Hey Dad." Juniper called into the empty study, looking around for her bespectacled father.

"Coming Junebug." Harry stumbled into the room, he seemed to have misplaced his glasses. As he patted his pockets, "What's up honey?"He paused for a moment, as if debating whether to say what had popped in his mind, "How are things with the Zabini boy?"

"Fine Dad." Juniper grimaced. She did not want to talk about this with him.

"He's treating you right?" Harry said gruffly, clearing his throat, "No funny business? Don't do anything you'e not ready-"

"DAD!" Juniper's cheeks were a fiery red, "Can we just- not?!"

"Yes." Her dad sighed in relief, settling behind his desk. "Thank you."

Juniper noticed the clothes strewn across the floor, her father's rumpled slacks, unshaven face, the makeshift sofa bed in the corner. Her brow furrowed, "Dad...are you- sleeping here?"

"Oh..." Harry put on his glasses, scratching his head sheepishly, "I suppose- yes."

"But why?" Juniper prodded, "I thought you were staying at home."

"I was." Her father replied, shuffling some papers on his messy desk. "You know- with your mother gone so often- it didn't make sense."

This was news to Juniper, "Mum's gone again?"

"Back today I think." Her father's face brightened slightly, "Actually she should be coming just about..." He checked his watch, "Now."

Juniper's eyes widened, slowly she stepped back. This was not good. Harry was always understanding, the pushover parent, plus he would probably be so awkward that he'd want to get it over with as soon as possible. Her mother, on the other hand, would be so much harder to convince. Which is why Juniper was counting on Harry's help with that.

"You know, I can come back later, we don't have to-" Juniper started to stammer, making for an exit, just as the grand fireplace flashed green. Uh oh. Juniper cursed silently at her bad luck.

In a flurry of ashes, her mother stepped out of the fireplace, relatively unsmudged. "Juniper!" She exclaimed, surprised, looking to her husband for explanation.

Juniper averted her eyes, expecting her mother and father to commit a very public and gruesome display of affection that would have her gagging until next week. Instead, they shared a quick, chaste kiss, and brief hug. Well that was odd. Juniper presumed they must be trying to save her some embarrassment, which she was grateful for. Usually, they wouldn't give her that courtesy.

"What are you doing here Junebug?" Her mother asked.

"She was just about to tell me something." Her father answered for her, and Juniper scowled. Damn it Dad, why did he have to be so clueless?

"I'll come back later." Juniper started to scurry out again, "You guys catch up-"

"It's fine." Miranda smiled invitingly, "What did you need?"

"Go ahead Junebug." Harry slipped an arm around his wife's waist, "We're listening."

Juniper wanted to bang her head against the wall. This was exactly what she'd been trying to avoid. She drew her gaze back up to her parents smiling faces with growing dread. There was no backing out now. She was trapped. Here goes. She took a deep breath, "SoXavierwantsmetomeethisparentsbutitsonHalloweenandIpromiseI'llstillcometothecemeteryandeverythingIjusthavetoleavealittleearlyandprobablystayovernightandit'sreallyimportanttoXavierandI'msorrypleaseletmego?"

Harry blinked slowly, cocking his head in absolute bewilderment. "Er-"

"Juniper Lily Potter!" Her mother cried, crossing her arms, "Are you serious?!"

Harry turned to Miranda, "You understood that?"

"She wants to go to the Zabini home for their annual charity ball." Miranda's lips were pressed in thin line.

"How'd you know about the ball?" Juniper questioned. She knew her mother would react like this.

Miranda's nostrils flared, "Francine Zabini's been hosting that thing for years."

"Xavier's mother?" Juniper asked. Miranda almost looked disgusted at the very mention of the woman's name, but Xavier had only nice things to say about her. She didn't even go to Hogwarts, how could her mother possibly know her already?

Her mother was not finished, "Juniper how could you do this? How could you expect us to be okay with you staying overnight-"

"I'm meeting his parents!" Juniper protested, throwing her hands up in defiance, "It's not like I'm gallivanting off to the Maldives."

"You haven't even introduced him to us!" Miranda retorted indgnantly.

Juniper's anger intensified, "Do you not remember the horrible invasion of my privacy at dad's stupid headmaster thing?! Because I do! That was enough introduction for me."

"Again Juniper! At your father's induction?! Do you not see what's wrong with that sentence? You are changing yourself for this- this- boy, and-" Juniper could practically see the smoke spewing out of her mum's ears, and she was a hundred percent certain that she was sporting the same expression. Her mother and her may not have been anything alike, but boy were they stubborn. And when their tempers reached their boiling point, anyone in the vicinity best stay clear of the debris.

"Ugh! I knew you would react like this! What do you care you're not even here anymore!" Juniper fired back, and she saw her mother's mouth drop. It was a low blow, but Juniper couldn't help herself. It wasn't like she was lying. Miranda was always away these days, that's why it hit so close to home.

But Miranda wasn't about to back down, she retaliated "Juniper! This is an important day for your father- for all of us as a family, and if Xavier doesn't understand that then-"

Harry who had been quiet the whole time, nervously looking between his wife and daughter, suddenly spoke up. "She can go."

Miranda and Juniper both stop short, stunned to silence.

"What?"

"What?"

"You're just missing the latter portion of the day, right?" Harry shrugged, voice oddly calm.

"Right." Juniper said cautiously. She couldn't believe her father was giving in, especially after her mum had voiced an entirely different opinion.

"Okay. You can go." Harry agreed smoothly, dusting his hands.

"Harry-" Miranda began, viewing him with wide eyes.

He placed a steadying hand on his wife's arm, "It's fine, Junebug." Harry repeated, Miranda stone faced. "You can go."

"Thank you so much Dad!" Juniper gave him quick hug and rushed out of the study before he could change his mind.

october thirty first, 2016

juniper's pov:

Carefully, I zipped up my overnight bag, praying I'd make it out of the house without bumping into anyone. Our friends were scheduled to arrive in a few minutes, and I had to meet Xavier at the Portkey soon. The day had gone the same as always, a visit to the cemetery, Dad told the story. Mum seemed...more distracted than usual. James was not at all happy I was going to the Zabini function, while Vanessa was annoyed that I got to go and she didn't. She'd been invited by Cordelia before.

But now, now I was finally leaving. I was ready too, at least...I thought I was. All I needed was to get out of the house and not-

"Junie?"

Fuck.

I winced, shouldering my bag and backing up a few steps, "Hey Lupin." I managed a small wave, hoping that would be the end of it.

Of course, it wasn't. "What's with the luggage?" Teddy's brow furrowed, eyes zeroing in on the bag in my hand. Ugh. He couldn't tell when I had a crush on him for ten years, but Xavier's in the picture and suddenly he's Sherlock freakin Holmes.

"Taking out out the rubbish?" I offered, attempting to slink away once again. He put a hand on my arm, pulling me back.

"Nice try." Teddy tapped his foot, "Potter..."

"Ok." I huffed. Teddy really got on my nerves sometimes. Sometimes I felt like he knew me too well. "I'm sort of...going somewhere."

"Somewhere?" Teddy's eyebrow raised in suspicion, "Is 'somewhere' code for the Zabini ball?"

I cursed silently. That stupid twin brother of mine. "How did you- I'm going to murder that little wanker."

"You really think James wouldn't tell me?"

"Let me have it then." I steeled myself for his daily rant about Xavier, "Tell me what a sucky boyfriend he is, tell me that I should break up with him, tell me he's controlling and bad for me."

"Seems like you already know all of that." Teddy said smugly, sending a haughty wink my way. "Still think you're making the right decision?"

Well I'd backed myself into that one. Obviously I didn't mean nor believe any of the things I just said about Xavier. I was just parroting what my very nosy friends told me. (unsolicited I might add)

"Just- ugh!" I pushed past him, "I have to go, and yes I am making the right decision."

"Ok." He replied without an ounce of emotion. Oh- he was being so goddamn annoying!

"Shut up!"

"Ok." Teddy repeated in the exact same manner. I saw the twinkle in those hazel eyes. That bitch knew what he was doing

"Stop saying okay!" I commanded, scrunching up my nose.

"Okay." Now he smirked.

"I don't care what you think!" I put my hands on my hips, and then after a beat, "You think I'm making the right decision?"

"Nope." Teddy smiled neutrally, popping the p.

"I like you better when you're angry." I grumbled.

"Me too." Teddy blurted, and then proceeded to clap a hand over his mouth. Well that was weird. And was that- was he- I thought I saw a tinge of red blossoming on his face. But no that couldn't be. I'd never seen Teddy Lupin blush in his life.

"What?" I asked, blinking slowly.

"What?" He raked a hand through his hair, looking both flushed and flustered. There was a moment of awkward silence.

"I don't have the time to deal with you right now." And with that, I exited my house and turned down the lane to where I was meeting Xavier. I was excited, and a little nervous. However, both things took my mind off my spat with Teddy. What had even just happened? I told him I wanted him to be angry and then he said me too. Seriously, what the fuck did that even- NO BAD JUNIPER! We aren't dwelling on Teddy Lupin, especially not today.

"Oh brilliant." Xavier waved from the hill, jogging to meet me, "I was afraid you were going to miss it."

"Never." I kissed him on the cheek, taking his hand as we prepared ourselves for the Portkey.

"How was your family thing?"

"Good." I smiled, "Thanks for-"

"It means so much to me that you're coming Juniper." Xavier gushed, the portkey starting to spin, "This is such an important tradition in my family. I can't wait for you to meet them. Especially my mother, you're going to love he-e-e-rrr." Xavier's words are lost to wind as the grand twists beneath us, the lush forest landscape spiraling away into metal spires and Victorian stonework.

I stand, open mouthed in front of the Zabini house- no not house, mansion. Now family is pretty well off, our house is technically speaking a "manor", but this- this was a whole new level. There were freakin gargoyles perched on pillars. I could see at least five intricate fountains, and several house elves bustling around. Ooh- Aunt Mione wouldn't like that one, it was one of the things she was trying to abolish as Minister of Magic.

"You live here?" I gaped, incredulous, still unmoving from the massive driveway. Seriously how much land did they own?! "Oh my-"

"Come on." He chuckled, grabbing my hand and pulling me inside the double doors. Everything around me was pristine, glistening banisters and twinkling chandeliers. There was a pricey bauble around every corner and a rich array of portraits lined the halls. I spun around, trying and failing to count the number of rooms I could spot. The effect was dizzying. In fact, I nearly bumped into a waiter carrying a precarious tray of hors d'oeuvres.

"What are all of these rooms for?!" I asked in disbelief, Xavier dragging me haphazardly through hallways and up staircases.

"No clue." He shrugged, "Don't reckon I've been in all of them." Xavier sped up the pace, dodging a marble bust of some ancient wizard.

"Xavier!" I giggled, a little out of breath, "Where on earth are we going?"

"We've got to get to your fitting."

My eyes widened. Had I heard him correctly? Suddenly my mouth felt very dry. "Fitting?" I croaked.

"For your dress." Xavier replied, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"But I've already got a-" I am stopped mid sentence, when a round eyed house elf approaches us in the hall.

"Master Xavier?" The young elf says in a squeaky voice, "Would you like me to take the young miss's thing to your chambers?"

I turned bright red, stammering, "Oh no- I can take my own-" Well that was awkward. Sure Xavier and I had slept in the same bed lots of times, but it was his parent's house.

"That'll do nicely Roberta thank you." Xavier waved her off briskly, turning another corner.

I blinked in surprise, "Your parents don't mind us sharing a room?"

"Not at all." He said, "In fact they suggested it."

Thye'd suggested it?! What kind of alternate universe was this? If Xavier had been coming to my house, my family probably would've put padlocks on the doors to ensure we didn't sleep together. I guess the Zabinis were more open. Though. I had to admit, I felt a bit uncomfortable that my sleeping arrangements had been a point of discussion. An image of them sitting down to family dinner and talking about me and Xavier's sex life popped inky my head, and I visibly shuddered.

"Hurry Junie!" Xavier broke me from my horrifying imagination, "Mumsie's waiting."

"Mumsie?" I bit back laughter. He had to be joking. I was going to tease him so bad for this.

"Yes." Xavier looked at me strangely, like I was the one saying something out of the ordinary. Oh my merlin, this had to be a prank. Didn't he know I was teasing? Godric, if I told the guys about this they'd absolutely die.

"You mean to tell me that you call your mother, Mumsie?!" I repeated, trying so very very hard not to giggle. "You're joking!"

"He is not, in fact, joking." A crisp voice uttered behind me, "As you so kindly put it." I turned around to find a gorgeous woman, face unmarred by age, and hair wrapped in a sleek bun. Everything about her was impeccable. Her clothing, her jewelry, her makeup.

My teasing nature died in an instant when I saw the withering look she was giving me. Oh no. Had I just offended the one person Xavier valued most in his life? Juniper you complete arse! But I was joking. It was funny, maybe she'd laugh. I stole another glance at her expression. Nope, definitely not laughing. I had to explain myself.

"Oh I didn't- I was joking- I would never-" I stumbled over my words.

"No matter dear." Xavier's mother's lips curved into a thin smile, but her eyes remained cold. "Xavier my son." She doted, opening her arms wide, "Give mumsie a kiss."

I sort of wanted to avert my eyes when she kissed him on both cheeks, but I supposed it was a French thing. She held him tight in her arms, and flashed me another smile that didn't quite reach that icy gaze. "You understand Juniper. I have not seen my son in so very long." She pinched his cheeks.

"Of course" I agreed, extending a hand, "It's so nice to finally meet you. I'm Juniper."

"I'm Francine Renaldo Zabini." Francine splayed out a delicate hand and daintily shook mine, "You may address me as Mrs. Zabini."

"Xavier has told me so much about you." I complimented, maybe there was still hope. She seemed to be warming up...kind of."

"Ah yes, my son has told me a great deal about you too." Francine said, mouth tight. "I have to admit I am very interested to see if you live up to these expectations."

I swallowed hard. Ok so I was definitely not on her good side. What did I do to make her dislike me so much?

"Only the best for my Xavier." She continued, placing a protective hadn't on her son's shoulder. I heard what she wasn't saying at the end of that sentence. What she wanted to say, but couldn't, because it was hardly polite. "And you are not the best."

"Oh Mumsie." Xavier chuckled heartily, "She's only joking, Junie."

Francine smoothed her skirts, going a little toss of her head. "Yes, quite."

"Sure." I gnawed on my lip nervously. I don't think she meant it.

"Are you ready for your fitting now?" Francine guided me toward a rack full of dresses and a wall of mirrors. "I only I'd known you were going to be tardy, I might've had the maids wait before setting all this out. What's done is done I suppose."

I gulped again. Did she have a personal vendetta against me or something? I glanced at Xavier to see if he was as uncomfortable as I was, but no such luck. Maybe I was blowing it out of proportion. I did have a tendency for that. It was just nerves. Just nerves. Still, a hot prickle of insecurity poked the back of my neck.

"I was just telling Xavier." I explained, squeezing his hand. Nope, Francine didn't like that, so I dropped it. "I've brought a dress, so there's really no need to-"

Francine barked out a lilting giggle of derision, exchanging a judgmental look with the tailor, "Oh sweetie, I'm afraid you'll require much more than a simple dress for an affair like this." She viewed me pityingly, like I was some charity case.

Yeah, I wasn't the most girly girl in the world. I was wearing jeans and trainers like I always did, but I didn't look bad. My hair was down, I'd put a necklace on. There was some effort made. And...I was looking forward to wearing my dress. It was purple, thin straps and very simple. Just the way I liked it.

"Don't worry." She reassured, patting my head, "We'll have you looking like a proper lady soon enough." Francine tutted, tilting my chin up to inspect me, "And we'd better get started. Got our work cut out for us, we do."

"Mumsie!"

"Joking again, darling." Francine winked at me. She was still keeping her voice light, but her eyes were like daggers. "Juniper loves joking, remember?"

"Right." I said faintly, mustering a short laugh.

Francine began ordering around the various maids in the room, "Pull those gowns there and there, no not those ones! Honestly Annette, we don't want her looking like more of a trollop! No, the pink will be ghastly with her coloring. She's got a rather stubby neck, so nothing high collared! I need makeup on standby, you look a bit peaky darling. Hopefully it's just the lighting. Large forehead, I'll need a hairstyle to distract from that Felipe! Oh and someone get Marianne, she needs a corset stat!" She views me with that same pitying expression, "It's ok darling, not all of us can have a lithe frame."

A corset?! Excuse me. Hell no. This was where I drew the line. Each sentence out of her mouth was an insult, and carefully disguised in what sounded like advice. Surely, Xavier was going to say something. Yes, it was his mother, but she shouldn't be talking to me like this. He saw what was happening. Right?

I turned to my boyfriend with pleading eyes, silently begging him to put a stop to this. But Xavier merely smiled and nodded along, entirely oblivious to my cry for help.

"Sounds good Mumsie." He approved.

WHAT?! Xavier come on! Look at me. Look at my face. Does it seem like I'm okay with this? Please!

"She's excellent at stuff like this, Junie." Xavier told me excitedly, slipping an arm around my waist.

"Run along now Xavier." Francine instructed, "Let me work my magic. We need some bonding time. Eh Juniper?" She put an arm around me, sharp red nails digging into my skin.

Xavier's face brightened at this prospect. He really wanted me and his mum to get along. I could tell. "Great!" He looked to me with question, lowering his voice, "You'll be ok here on your own?"

"Uh huh." I said weakly, kissing him goodbye. Take that Francine. I would try. Maybe we'd just gotten off on the wrong foot. Maybe I'd misinterpreted her. I was going to try. For Xavier.

And try I did. I sucked in when Marianne tied my corset so tight I thought I might pass out. The framing cutting off my circulation. I took deep breaths and stayed quiet when Francine made a comment about my "irregular" bone structure and "mannish" feet. I didn't complain once when Felipe yanked and tugged at my hair. Francine oversaw it all, which thankfully meant I didn't have to talk to her all that much because she was too busy telling Felipe that I "had disgraceful split ends" and she, "couldn't bear to look at at them any longer" Or my personal favorite, "You may as well shave her head."

That is until, she finally picked out a ball gown. One I personally wouldn't have picked. It was dark green, lots of frills and tulle. It was off the shoulder, with a very large skirt that was hard to walk in, and a ruffly, sequined neckline that itched. The dress was covered in shimmery floral appliqués and jewels that pressed uncomfortably against my bare skin. It wasn't an ugly dress by any means. It just...wasn't me.

I stood atop the stool and tried no to wince as the tailor nicked me with pins, hemming the skirt. I could feel Francine's eyes on me. Scrutinizing my every move with beady unforgivingness. It was quiet. Too quiet. Uh oh. I had a bad feeling about this.

"So Juniper." Francine started, still watching me closely, "Now we can finally talk, darling. How wonderful!"

"Wonderful." I shifted nervously, and felt a pinprick of a needle. The tailor glared up at me with mouthful of pins.

"May I be frank with you darling?" Francine queried, seemingly innocent.

Was that not what she has been doing this whole time? Apparently comparing how I walked in high heels to a "obese hippo clomping around in clogs" was not frank enough for Francine Zabini.

How could this be the person that Xavier most looked up too? The way he'd gone on about her you'd think she was the bloody Queen of England, but instead she was evil incarnate. I thought back to my argument with Mum. The way she'd said Francine's name, Like it was a curse. How had she known?

"Alright." I agreed warily, bracing myself for what was about to come. Better get it all out in the open now.

"Im sure you feel as if I've been a bit harsh on you." She conceded, smiling. Ok where was this going? Francine didn't seem like the type to apologize.

"You see Juniper, the Zabinis have certain standards. And we like these standards to be met, especially when welcoming to members into the family. My son is quite enamored with you, it seems." Her lips pursed sourly, "And I respect that, which is why I'm giving you this chance. I am testing you darling, it must be done. This is serous business. And I will not have my family made mockery of. Unfortunately, you're failing miserably. Which I figured would happen, given your ancestry. We need the best Juniper. Only the best will do."

"I'm sorry-" My jaw hung open. Who did she think she was? The best? I straightened my shoulders, looking at her in disbelief. "But I'm- I'm a Potter."

"Yes I know dear." She grimaced, as if it was something to be ashamed of.

"I'm a Potter." I said again. "My dad is the Chosen One. He defeated Voldemort. I'm related to the Peverell's for Merlin's sake! I'm a Potter. Even my mother, she's a McGonagall."

"Oh I know all about Miranda McGonagall." Her nostrils flared, and for the first time since I'd met her her saccharine smile disappeared for a moment. Just as quickly as it had gone it came back, and she bent low to my ear, muttering so only I could hear, "Tell mummy Francine sends her best regards, would you?"

"I don't understand." I shook my head vehemently, "I'm a Potter. How is that not good enough for you?"

Francine pouted condescendingly, "Truthfully darling, there's your blood, and then there's our blood."

I almost gasped. She was a blood supremacist?! Had Xavier lied to me? Then again, he might not even know. I didn't even know these types of families still existed. Before I could confront her about her bias views, Xavier re entered the room.

"Almost done in here?" He called, "You should go get ready Mumsie, the guests will be arriving soon."

"One last thing honey." Francine replied, pulling out a pair of contact lenses. Ugh. I hated putting in contacts. I got grossed out by eyes. She tore my glasses off my face, "These glasses have got to go."

I begrudgingly put the contacts in. And sure, I looked nice without the glasses obscuring my face, but I missed the familiar feel of them on the bridge of my nose.

Xavier came over and twirled me, "Perfect as always, Mumsie."

Francine finally left the room to go change, and I was finally alone with Xavier, who looked extremely handsome in his dress robes.

He took my face in his hands and kissed me slowly as I reached my arms around his neck. With slight difficulty, due to the constraints of my corset.

"You look beautiful." He murmured between kisses, "Why don't you wear contacts more often?"

"I dunno." I took his arm, following Xavier's lead through the winding palace that he called home. "Never felt the need to, I s'pose."

"Well I like it." He grinned, kissing down my neck.

Was this the version of me Xavier liked best? The made up, doll like version? I felt rather silly with all the makeup I had on, and my dramatic hairstyle and huge ballgown. It was all a little much for me. But to each their own. Right?

"Did you have fun with my mother?" He questioned.

I blanched. What should I say? Should I lie? Tell him the truth? What-

"Xavier!" Cordelia rushed towards us, gold skirt billowing behind her, "I need your help in the kitchen! The caterers are French and I cannot understand a word they're saying!"

"Maybe you should've learned." Xavier reprimanded, twinkle in his eye.

Cordelia groaned, "Shut up! You know I took Latin instead."

"I took both." Xavier preened, "And Mandarin."

"Ok Mr. Perfect!" Cordelia growled, flipping him off. Then she noticed me for the first time, "Hey Junie, you look...different."

"Nice eh?" Xavier said proudly, "Mumsie did it."

"I can tell." Cordelia raised her eyebrows at me.

Finally, someone who wasn't under the spell of Francine Zabini. Vanessas always did have good judgement of people.

"Is it alright if my stuck up arse of a brother helped me with this catering snafu?" She asked, "Mum'll kill me if the caviar isn't precisely placed atop the appetizer." She rolled her eyes in a way that suggested she thought it was totally unreasonable.

"Of course." I nodded, and then paused, "So you don't call her Mumsie?"

Cordelia gagged, "God no. I vomit enough when he does it."

"Ok, we're going now." Xavier gave his sister a stern look, then turned to me, "Junie, just take two rights, a left, sharp right, pass the portrait of Lawrence Renaldo, and through the double doors, and you'll be at the ballroom. I'll meet you there in a sec." He kissed me on the cheek, "Got it?"

"Yes?" I said uncertainly, watching him disappear down a staircase. I began to make my way through the vast property, stopping to ask a house elf every so often for directions.

I peered at the portraits hanging on the walls, hoping for something familiar? What the fuck did Lawrence Renaldo look like anyway? And why didn't the paintings have nameplates?!

I heard voices on the other side of a wall, and followed them, maybe I was close to the ballroom. The hushed tones grew louder, and I realized they were heated. I crept closer, straining my ears to hear what they were saying.

"Francine, don't you think you're being a bit hasty. She seems like a perfectly adequate option." A male voice, deep and calming. I didn't recognize it.

"Adequate will simply not do!" I definitely recognized that shrill shriek. It was Francine. "This is Xavier we're talking about! Think Blaise!"

Blaise. It must me Xavier's father. Were they talking about me?

"She is a Potter." Blaise pacified, "They're highly respected, and considerably wealthy."

Thank you Blaise! I cheered to myself. I was a damn Potter!

"Don't make me laugh."

"I went to school with them, Francine. You think he could do better?"

"He is the heir to our fortune Blaise!" Francine cried, "I need you to take this more seriously. His betrothed needs to be more than 'adequate'! They will be the face of the Zabini empire."

"He's still so young Francine. This girl may not even last."

"He is of age and past what we were when we became engaged, I'll remind you. He's brought her to a family gathering. He's serious about her Blaise. He has made his choice."

"And what if he has?"

"We need to do something about it! She is nowhere near perfect!"

"Will anyone ever be perfect? Be honest Francine, what is this really about?"

"I liked the Parkinson girl. She's prettier, if only Pansy hadn't married that blonde thing...."

I'd heard enough. I gathered my skirts and stormed away, bumping right into Xavier.

"Hey sweetie!" Xavier exclaimed, "Careful, don't want you injuring yourself."

"Do your parents think we're betrothed?" I reared, eyes flashing. "Is that why they're letting us share a room?" I stared him down, arms crossed.

"How do you-"

"Answer the question Xavier." I clenched and unclenched my fists, voice hard.

"They're- they're old fashioned, okay." He tried to explain, "They had an arranged marriage, and I brought you home. I've never done that before. They just assumed-"

"And you let them?!"

"Juniper, please." Xavier put a steadying hand on my arm, "Can we not fight about this? I promise it's not a big deal. Please? Let's just go have a nice time at the ball, okay?"

I took deep breath. I didn't want to fight either. "Okay." I took his hand and let him lead me to the ballroom.

"Thank you." He pecked me lightly on the lips,

The guests were starting to filter in, all dressed in an array of finery. I thought I saw a woman with a miniature peacock resting atop a nest of curls. It was like a who's who in the aristocratic families of the wizarding world, and Xavier seemed to know them all. I only spotted a few familiar faces, even waved hello to Narcissa Malfoy. Her and Mum chatted on the phone sometimes. But most of the guests were either foreign or so high class they hardly left their homes, that I'd never heard of them before.

Francine had a lot of olive skinned Italian relatives just as striking as she. Xavier's cousins looked like they stepped straight out of an oil painting.I didn't really have time to say hello to anyone though, Xavier was whisking me so quickly through the melee.

I still wasn't quite sure what the ball was for. Xavier said it was for charity, but I had yet to see any donations being made for a specific organization. There were quite a lot of cameras and press, however, and I couldn't take a step without the blinding flash searing my eyes.

It was getting to be very painful, especially because I hadn't worn contacts in a while. Xavier took it all in a stride, posing regally for photos and waving to the guests. He had a smooth way of talking to each and every elderly aristocrat that screamed prowess. I'd never seen him so in his element.

This was unlike any family gathering I'd ever been too. Most of mine included pranks, muddy Quidditch games, lots of shouting, and at least one minor injury. They were chaotic, messy, and altogether...really fun. I didn't have to dress up, or worry about doing my hair because everybody there had seen me at my worst and my best.

I suddenly understood what Francine and Blaise had been discussing. This, all of this. The grand parties, fancy dresses, clipped small talk and jewels the size of my fist. This was Xavier's future. Xavier's world. He'd be in charge someday. He'd be the one standing at the front of the room, wife by his side, regal as royalty.

For some reason, when I tried to imagine that, the woman by his side was not me. This could never be my life. I'd go insane. Was that wrong? I was only sixteen. There was no need to be thinking about marriage. But Xavier clearly was, at least, his parents were. We hadn't even said I love you yet for Merlin's sake. Did I love Xavier? Did Xavier love me? What did love feel like anyway?

A waiter dressed all in white handed me a glass of something as another camera flashed in my face. I drank it down, it was starting to get very hot in my dress, and it felt as thought my makeup was going to start melting off.

Xavier danced with me in the center of the ballroom. So many eyes, so many cameras on us. Heat crept up the back of my neck, the mask of makeup heavy on my cheeks. I faked a smile, the room was starting spin. So many people. I drank a second glass of whatever it was, and tried to ignore the pending in my head and heart.

Twirling, twirling, twirling. Everyone was twirling. My stomach was churning. I felt exposed, on display like a china doll in a store window. Xavier was smiling, holding me close. I was so hot. So hot. I was completely overwhelmed in the cacophony of silverware clinking, dresses swishing, people dancing.

I felt lost.

I was instantly hit with a wave of homesickness. And I'd only been gone a couple hours. I wondered what my family was doing right about now. Probably swapping stories around the dinner table. I could practically picture it. Aunt Mione telling Uncle Ron not to talk with his mouth full. Charlie and Rosie fighting over the last piece of pie. Vanessa making fun of James and Teddy coming to his rescue. Leo would be rolling his eyes, pretending like he was done with all of us, but secretly smiling when Aunt Gin told a wildly inappropriate story that Uncle Griff immediately chastised her for.

"Xavier?" I whispered as we continued to waltz. He was much more graceful than I, and I kept stepping on his feet. "Xavier?"

"Having fun?" He asked brightly, kissing me.

The feeling of claustrophobia was getting worse, "Yes, but Xavier, could we maybe go for a walk or something?"

"Is it important Junie?" Xavier pressed, "I have to make some more rounds and I should really go over and say hi to Lo. She's with Mumsie."

Figured.

"Lola's here?"

"Mmhmm." Xavier craned his neck over the party goers to point at her. Lola looked perfect as usual, metallic ballgown, and laughing at something Francine had just said. "But if you need-"

"No it's stupid." I waved him off, shrugging, "Go see Lola, I'll wait." My boyfriend disappeared into the crowds and I felt even more alone. I didn't know anyone here. A waiter handed me another drink, and despite the fact that my stomach already wasn't doing so well, I downed it in one gulp just for the bubbly, five second reprieve it gave.

Where was Xavier? Then I spotted him, dancing in the spotlight with Lola. They looked perfect together. She was swanlike as she danced, nothing like my clumsy hobble. Francine stood watching it all with the air of a proud mother hen, flashing me a smug smile. At least someone got what they wanted tonight.

Tears pricked in my eyes, and I wondered if it was from the stupid contacts I was wearing or...seeing Lola and Xavier like that. Now her, I could see as the head of the Zabini empire. No wonder Francine despised me.

A sour looking wizard bumped into me, glaring harshly. It was all too much. This dress, this ball, my makeup, my hair, the cameras, Francine, being Xavier's date. Too much. I tapped a server on the shoulder, "Is there a telephone nearby?"

She gave me a strange look but pointed to an alcove just outside of the ballroom. Gratefully, I rush over and dialed my home number. And then instantly regretted it. What if my mum picked up? I'd basically proved her point. Then again if Dad picked up, or Nessa, this uncomfortable feeling might dissipate. It was too late now the phone was ringing. Maybe no one would pick up.

That was almost worse than if Mum did.

The receiver clicked, "Hello?" The phone was ancient, and whoever was on the other end's voice was scratchy. I couldn't make it out.

"Mum?" I ventured, "Dad? James?"

"It's Teddy actually."

"Lupin?" I massaged my temples. Of course it was Teddy. Fuck. I always did have the worst luck. Why did I call anyway? I was being such a baby. I had chosen this. I should just suck it up and-

"Is there another Teddy?" His voice crackled through the speaker, "What's up?"

"Nothing." I swallowed, "It's stupid." I hung up without saying goodbye. Dizziness washed over me, and I started to see spots when I looked back into the ballroom. I definitely didn't want to go back in there.

I spun on my heel and headed in the opposite direction, skirts billowing behind me as I ran to the outside. Air. I needed air. My vision was blurring, and my corset was chafing so badly now that the cold sweat burned my skin.

It was cutting off my blood flow. I felt lightheaded. Where was the damn door? I tripped over my skirts, ripping the petticoat when I face planted into a person. "Oof!"

"So clumsy." I looked up into the twinkling hazel eyes of, you guessed it, Teddy Lupin.

"What are you doing here?"

He smiled, shoving his hands in his pockets, "It's stupid is code for it's important. That's how you ask for help. C'mon Potter, I always know."

For some reason that made me want to cry. But I didn't cry. I couldn't cry. Not in front of him. So instead I said this, "Are you wearing dress robes?"

Teddy chuckled, "Had to dress up for the occasion didn't I?'

I rolled my eyes, "Vain prat." Then I conceded, "It's nice."

"You look funny." Was what he replied with, scrunching his nose.

"I bet you say that to all the girls." I said sarcastically. Godric, why'd I expect him to say anything different. Typical Teddy. "Exactly what I needed to hear right now, thanks Lupin."

"That's- not what I meant." Teddy moved closer, peering at my face in confusion. "You look pretty and all- you just don't look like you. And there's something off about your face...I just can't- wait- your glasses!" He exclaimed in revelation, "Where have your glasses gone?"

"I've got contacts in." I gestured to my eyes, "Finally don't have those bloody things covering my face."

"I guess..." He trailed off, tilting his head. "I dunno. I sort of miss them. I like your glasses."

I was again struck by the odd urge to cry. What was happening?

"I do too." I took out those horrid contacts and retrieved my glasses from the handbag Francine had loaned me. They slid on to my face satisfyingly. "That's better."

"There's Junie." Teddy grinned, and then raised an eyebrow daringly, "Now we can talk about what you're wearing..."

"Shut up!" I swatted him on the arm with the handbag, "I'll have you know this outfit was not my choice!"

"I hope not." Teddy snickered, "I had a feeling the corset wasn't you idea."

"Merlin, no!" I unzipped the ball gown, grasping at the ties of the corset. My legs were starting to go numb, and I took that as a sign that this torture device needed to come off. "Speaking of, " I inched towards Teddy, "can you help me out of this fucking thing?"

"Sure." He smirked, attempting to loosen the corset. His fingers brushed against my bare skin, cool and comforting.

"Don't!" I elbowed him in the ribs.

"What?" He played innocent, still struggling with the strings.

"I know you're laughing at me!"

"I am not!" Teddy huffed dramatically, "How dare you assume such a thing?"

"I'll kill you." I growled, eyes narrowing. "As soon as I'm free of this, I'll kill you."

Teddy couldn't keep his laughter in anymore, "I'm sorry-" He wheezed, shoulders shaking, "I just can't believe that you're wearing a corset."

"I hate you." I was trying to keep a straight face, "Will you hurry up and get me out of it already?!"

"I'm trying!" Teddy laughed even harder, wrestling with the corset. My dress pooled at my feet, ripped petticoat revealed. "It's very complex!"

"You suck." I told him, but I was smiling. Teddy yanked so hard at the corset that we both toppled to the grass, breathless and giggling.

"Junie?" A voice called, "Junie? Where are-"

Shit.

"Get your fucking hands off my girlfriend!" Xavier roared, changing over to where Teddy and I had landed.

Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.

I scrambled to my feet. This was not good. For one, I was in a corset, dress around my ankles. Teddy was unlacing the corset and we were on the floor. It was not a great look for me, particularly from Xavier's point of view. Oh boy he was really angry. And Teddy never backed down from a fight.

"Look mate there's no need to-" Teddy started, rising and standing between me and Xavier protectively. His body was tensed, ready for confrontation.

"Don't 'mate' me, you piece of shit!" Xavier shouted, "There's a million other girls for you to shag. She is mine."

"She's not fucking yours Zabini." Teddy spat, hands curling into fists, "I've been her best friend for sixteen years, you don't-"

"I'm her boyfriend."

"I don't give a flying fuck what you are." Teddy advanced on him, "I'm here for Junie and Junie alone."

"I'm here for Junie!" Xavier protested.

Teddy scoffed, "No you're not. You don't even know her-"

"Well-"

"STOP IT!" I cried in anguish, stomping my foot. The amount of testosterone in the air right now was so thick I wanted to fling myself off the nearest cliff. I felt like a primary school teacher breaking up a squabble between two children. I wasn't some toy for them ti fight over. I was a human being. Boys made me so irritated sometimes. "Just stop fighting! You're being ridiculous!"

"He started it-" They whined in unison, glaring at the other.

"Enough! Both of you are acting like children." I reprimanded angrily, "Do you think this is fun for me? This is so fucking stupid! Here I am trying to accommodate everyone's needs and this is how you repay me. It's bullshit. Look Xavier, I called my house and Teddy picked up. I did not tell him to come, he just showed up. I needed fresh air and help undoing the corset I was forced to wear by your mother, that is it. Ok? And I'd wear it again, because it was important to you. I'm still staying here for the night. Teddy is leaving now."

"But-"

"Now, Teddy." I ordered. He scowled, but obliged, apparating into thin air. "Better?" I asked Xavier, lips pursed.

"God Juniper, his hands were all over you." His mouth curled in disgust. "How do you expect me not to-"

"Xavier do you trust me?"

"It's him I don't trust."

"He's my best friend." I said plaintively, "He's touchy, I told you. This is just what Teddy's like-"

This seemed to anger Xavier even further

"I KNOW WHAT TEDDY IS LIKE!" He burst out, jaw clenched, "Remember I was the one who told you about him last year. I know firsthand how protective he is of you."

"Like a brother!" I said, begging him to understand.

"No! Not like a brother! God Juniper are you that blind? He's jealous!"

Jealous? Teddy? That was laughable. How could Xavier think that?

"Teddy is just a friend!"

"For now."

"Xavier-" I reached out a hand to calm him.

"Just- don't." Xavier pushed me away, averting his eyes. "I need- just give me a moment ok?"

"Xavier I-" I tried to go after him, grab his arm and talk to him. Talk this through.

"Please Juniper!" He shook me off and stalked back into the house, head hung low.

Leaving me alone, yet again, in the darkness.

hope you enjoyed this loooooong chapter

well...
how we feeling?
lmkkkk I wanna hear all of your thoughts even if they're stupid (they're prob not)

love you all,

coco