Teddy stood at the kitchen counter, busy brewing a pot of coffee. He'd let Juniper sleep in for her birthday, also he never had the heart to wake her. She just looked so pretty when she was asleep, and her bedhead- Teddy loved her messy hair so much. It always smelled like fresh lilies and linens.

At the breakfast nook, Victoire, and Leo were wrapping presents. Charlie had gone out to get some scones from the local bakery, and he should be back shortly. It wasn't a very long walk.

"Think she'll like it?" Victoire asked earnestly, holding up the giant t-shirt plastered with Stevie Nicks' face and the lettering Edge of Seventeen. Stevie Nicks was one of Juniper's favorites, and the song was just all too fitting for the occasion.

"She's gonna love it, Vic," Teddy answered with a thumbs up, dumping the coffee beans into the grinder. Why couldn't Junie just like tea? That was a much simpler process.  Charlie returned from town, also toting two sparkly tiaras for the birthday twins.

Teddy had struggled a long time trying to find the best gift for Junie. There was just so much pressure now that he was her... boyfriend. Teddy was still having difficulty processing that.

Teddy knew that the typical relationship gift was jewelry or flowers, shit like that. But Juniper was far from typical, and he knew that she never wore jewelry and roses made her sneeze. So he was at a loss. Then, finally, a couple weeks earlier when he'd been at Grimmauld Place getting his stuff ready for the trip, he'd found it. The perfect gift. Junie was gonna freak.

There was a creak on the stairs, and a crop of black hair popped into the kitchen. James waltzed into the kitchen, still in his rumpled clothes from the night before. This was the first they'd seen him since Rory's confession.

Teddy and Leo wolf whistled the second he entered, Charlie doing a slow, appreciative clap, "Here he is, ladies and gentlemen, the man."

James reddened, holding a finger to his lips to quiet them down. "Oh shove off you pricks, nothing happened," he whispered. James poured a cup of tea, which Teddy assumed was for Rory.

"Mate-," all the boys viewed him skeptically, "the two of you have been holed up in that room all night. And on the beach before then."

"Shhhh," James hushed, pointing toward the ceiling, "she's still sleeping."

"Late night then?" Charlie waggled his eyebrows suggestively, making a kissy face.

James socked him in the arm with his free hand. "I swear nothing happened!" he insisted. "We talked for a bit, and then she fell asleep, so I took her to bed." He glanced at Teddy, "Sorry for forcing you to sleep with Junie by the way. I didn't mean to kick you out."

Leo snorted under his breath, coughing loudly to cover it when Teddy caught him.

"Took her to bed, did you?" Charlie smirked into his own cup of tea. "Potter, you sly dog."

"No!" James exclaimed, shaking his head vehemently. "She was drunk- we were both drunk. I didn't want her doing something she'd regret in the morning. I stayed to make sure she was okay, and she didn't throw up or anything. I slept on the floor. Nothing happened. Honest." He sighed, "I wouldn't- not while she was drunk. I'm not going to be that guy. If she still- I'm not going to sleep with her just for kicks, you know?"

Victoire's mouth formed the shape of a small 'o', one hand on her heart, "Oh my merlin."

Teddy clapped him on the back heartily, "A damned prince, I tell you."

"I'm not- it was just the right thing to do," James ducked his head, embarrassed.

"The only member of the male species I don't despise," Leo said with a shake of his head.

"Mate you have a boyfriend," Charlie reminded him, chuckling.

"Eh," Leo shrugged, "I tolerate him."

"Happy birthday, mate," Teddy said, hugging his best friend as James headed up the stairs.

James' smile practically split his face in two it was so wide, "It really is."

He padded up the carpeted steps, carefully carrying the cup of tea, which was sending spirals of steam into the air. James edged the bedroom door open, tiptoeing inside to place the cup of tea on the bedside table.

"Hello?" Rory's groggy voice reached his ears, brunette locks poking up amid the covers.

"Er- it's just me, " James cleared his throat. "I didn't- mean to wake you. Sorry- I just- er- I brought you tea?" The nervous boy's rose several octaves as he waved the cup in his hand, causing some liquid to slosh out. "Shit."

"Oh- Potter-!" Rory sat bolt upright, face paling. She rubbed her eyes vigorously, smudged with the previous nights makeup. In a sudden panic, she saw where she was- in James' bed- in the morning. She patted her body, making sure she still had clothes on, the events of last night tumbling back to her. Her eyes widened, "Why am I- is- did- what hap-?"

"No that's not-! We didn't do anything," James blurted in a rush, deducing what Rory was flipping out about. "I slept on the floor- I just stayed to make sure you were alright. I wouldn't- we were both drunk. I didn't want you to do something you'd regret."

Rory stood up, combing her fingers through her knots, "Not sure I would've regretted it..." Then she realized what she had just said and subsequently blushed a vibrant vermilion colour.

James bit back a grin, messing with his hair, "Oh really?"

Rory gave him a look, "Okay." She chewed on the inner corner of her cheek self consciously, averting her eyes from the beautiful boy in front of her. SO stupid. Why the bloody hell had she said that?

There was a heavy beat.

"So..." James shuffled awkwardly, breaking the silence.

"So..." Rory repeated, exhaling slowly.

"You kissed me," James stated matter of factly, waiting patiently for her response.

Rory winced, face redder than a fire engine. She passed her lips together, sheepish, "Did I?"

"Wood."

Rory let out a shaky breath, "I did."

"And then you called me an idiot," James said, with a small smile.

Rory laughed slightly, "Now that I remember."

"Then you ran away." James finished, more serious now.

Rory remembered that too. She remembered how good it felt to kiss James, the look of surprise on his face. She remembered wondering if he felt the same way or if he was utterly disgusted. She remembered the tears that sprang up in the back of her throat as she called him an idiot. And she remembered dashing through the sand to the seaside, barefoot.

"That may have happened as well..." Rory trailed off. "But everything after that is a bit blurry."

"I followed you," James answered. "We talked- kind of...you were pretty out of it," he continued. "Also- you were sort of...crying. And we were both royally pissed. Oh- and then you- er- threw up."

Rory gasped in horror, "Are you serious?"

"S'ok," James reassured, "I just carried you up to bed after that. I only stayed to make sure it didn't happen again. No trouble, really."

"Did you really sleep on the floor?" Rory asked, heart swelling with the amount of care James gave to her. She kissed him, ran away with no explanation, drunkenly cried and threw up and he- god he was the best guy in the world.

James nodded, "Yeah...don't worry about it. I didn't mind." He waved her concerns off, "I didn't want to make you uncomfortable, so-" he caught sight of Rory's face, which was filled with pure adoration, "what?"

"Just- just-," Rory groaned, burying her face in her hands. Her response was muffled, "You're perfect."

James frowned in confusion, putting a hand to his ear, "Huh?"

"You're perfect!" Rory exclaimed. "You're just- you're perfect."

"Is that why you kissed me?" James reveled in her words. Rory Wood thought he was perfect. Perfect.

"Hey!" Rory put her hands on her hips. "I'm pretty sure there were two sets of lips in this equation! If I remember correctly you kissed me back!"

James grinned, "Oh I definitely kissed you back." He stepped closer to her, and Rory's pulse raced faster.  "Definitely." James viewed her softly, blue eyes piercing and overflowing with promise. "How could I not? I only wish I'd known- I've wanted to do that for a long time, Wood." Rory squirmed under the intensity of his gaze, anxious.

"Sorry I didn't tell you sooner, Potter" Rory murmured, twisting her fingers together.

"Why didn't you?"

"I was afraid- the feelings I have...I didn't think I'd ever- but then," Rory struggled to explain herself. "You just- I really like you- maybe even...more."

James' eyebrows shot up in surprise. Before he could stop himself he blurted, "I'm in love with you, Rory. Always have been, always will be. And- you don't have to say anything back. At all. I don't expect anything. I've had a lot longer to sit with this than you." James took a deep breath, "I want you to know though. I love you."

"Okay- that," Rory cried, gesturing her hand at James. "That- there, you're so sure. So so sure. And you knew for so long, and you say you love me. But I'm scared- what if I don't live up to the idea in your head. I'm not perfect, James. What if I- you're James Potter-."

"And you're Rory Wood." James said, taking her hand in his. Rory felt sparks shoot up her arm, electrifying and warm. "You're not an idea, you're a person. A remarkable person. Who I fell in love with because you're you. I know you, Rory. And I love you, for you. Of course I kissed you back. And trust me, it was so much more than any idea I had in my head." He laced their fingers together, drawing her closer, "Now you know why I kissed you. Your turn. Why did you kiss me Rory?"

Rory. Every time he said her name, she felt faint. Two syllables from him was all it took for her knees to go weak. It was just her name, for Chrissakes! But coming from him- god...

"You have to stop looking at me like that," Rory warned, breathless.

"And why is that?" James questioned innocently, his daring smirk betraying his smugness.

"Potter!" Rory moaned. "Are you really going to make me say it?"

"Yes, Wood." James said, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear swiftly.

"Because A, you're really unfairly hot. And B,  if you keep looking at me like that I'm going to fall in love with you all over again," Rory whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Love.

She'd said it.

Finally.

She loved James Potter.

And he was in love with her.

"Happy now?"

"Very." James might've exploded from joy right then and there, but he kept his cool.  He slid a hand around her waist and just kissed her, there was nothing more left to say. So he just kissed her. God he loved kissing her.

"You just kissed me," Rory pointed out when they broke apart, arms around his neck. She was flushed, heat blooming through her.

"I did," James grinned, thoroughly pleased with himself. Cocky and considerate and idiotic, and Rory loved it all. "And I'm planning on doing it quite often from now on. If that's alright with you?"

Rory bit her lip, flustered, "Er- yeah- yeah- I think that would be- that would be alright."

"Well if it works for you," James winked, bending to kiss her again. Rory's lips parted, their mouths meeting in perfect harmony. His hands were firm on her waist, while hers explored the strong build of his chest.

James touched a thumb to her lips, and Rory nearly died from the sheer desire coursing through her. Kissing James was like fireworks, setting mini explosions off in her heart. "Unfairly hot, eh?" James arched a devilish eyebrow.

Rory swatted him gently, "Okayyyy- I don't think we need to go there, Potter."

"I think we do actually," James teased. "I'm very interested to-"

Rory kissed him to shut him up, standing on her tiptoes to reach. A thought struck her suddenly. "Oh- I didn't even-! Happy birthday, Potter!!" she embraced him excitedly. She couldn't believe she'd nearly forgotten. It was a big one too, he was finally of age.

"Thank you, Wood," James kissed the top of her head.

"Bollocks," Rory cursed, "I don't have your gift with me."

James smiled, "Didn't have to get me anything, Wood." He wrapped a secure arm around her, "I've already been given the best present of all." James kissed her sweetly, cupping her chin in his palm.

Rory leaned her head on his chest, remembering, "Oh! I think I left it on the downstairs patio the other night when I was showing Teddy." She grabbed James' hand and pulled him along with her, "Come on! It's a really good present."

James laughed, letting the tiny girl drag him down the stairs, "Wait- Wood are you sure you're ready to-?"

"What?" Rory glanced up, questioning. James indicated their interlocked hands. "Oh- right- well seeing as I snogged you in full view of everyone last night...I'm pretty sure they know about us."

"I like it when you say us, Wood," James kissed the back of her hand, like he had done so many years ago on that very first train ride.

Rory hurried him along impatiently, "Come on!"

"Hey guys," James waved cheerfully, as they passed through the kitchen, grinning  from ear to ear. Charlie choked on his scone and Leo spat out his tea into Victoire's face. "Christ Wood, you're faster than I am. This must be good."

"It is," Rory said happily, rummaging through the tote bag hanging on the back of a lounge chair. The sun was already bright, rising high in the sky, golden above the crystal blue horizon. She finally found what she was looking for and bestowed it upon James, waiting for his reaction. "Sorry it's not wrapped, I-."

James gasped when he saw what it was, eyes growing large. "Is this-?" he stuttered, "is this a Bake Off cookbook?! Signed by Mary and Paul?!" James hurriedly flipped thorough the pages, almost jumping up and down with glee. James was a massive fan of The Great British Bake Off, he watched it whenever he could get his hands on a Muggle tv, and had practised Swiss rolls more times than anyone could count.

Rory nodded, highly enjoying the reaction she received.

"How-?"

Rory shrugged, "Sometimes old, rich grandparents who have disowned you come in handy."

James pressed his lips to hers, murmuring into her hair, "In case I didn't make it clear before... I'm in love with you." He stroked her hair, kissing her slowly, and it was everything Rory could ever want.

He sighed contentedly, "Okay- wait- there's still one thing I don't get. Why did Leo think you and Teddy slept together if it wasn't true? And why would you go along with it?"

Rory had been wondering when James was going to ask that question. She put her hands on his chest, "It's really not my place... that is something you should talk to Teddy about."

James's eyes were locked on a spot above her head, staring hard.

"Potter?" Rory furrowed her brow. "Potter? What-?" She followed his sight line up to the second floor window and instantly discovered exactly why he was acting so odd. The curtains were open, light streaming into her and Junie's room, and anyone with eyes could see Teddy and Juniper, very plainly snogging in broad daylight. "Or maybe you won't have to...."

Those stupid fuckers. Rory was going to kill them, unless James got to them first.

James' face contorted in disgust and rage as he processed the scene before him. Uh oh. "My sister-" he breathed, nostrils flaring.

Rory could tell disaster was about to strike. She grabbed James' arm, "James- it's okay. Don't-"

"THAT'S MY SISTER!" James roared, storming into the house .

"James-" Rory ran after him frantically as he charged through the kitchen, slamming doors and stomping like an elephant.

"Shit does he-?" Charlie and Leo grimaced, quickly leaping up to follow he infuriated James up the stairs.

"THAT IS MY SISTER!"

By this point, Juniper and Teddy had heard James' bellows, and they were freaking out. Fuck. Juniper thought quietly. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. He did not sound happy. In fact, her brother was probably the furthest from happy that she'd ever heard him. Damn him. Okay maybe they shouldn't have been snogging in front of the open window... but that was besides the point now!

Teddy had gone white as a sheet, and he looked as though he might be sick at any moment. "We gotta get outta here, trouble," he peeped, eyes darting wildly around the room for an escape route. James' footsteps were getting closer. Desperate, Teddy grabbed her hands, gaze wild like cornered animal, "I bet I could shimmy down the drain pipe. I'll go to Greece, we can start a new life."

Juniper rolled her eyes, "And I bet you'd fall off of the drainpipe and smash your head to bits."

"Well that won't really matter in a few seconds, will it?" Teddy gulped, clutching his hair. "He's gonna kill me."

The door to the room burst open with a crash, "TEDDY-!"

Rory, out of breath, skidded to a stop in front of the door. "I'm sorry you guys- I tried..." she panted, "I tried to- stop him."

Teddy cowered behind Juniper, peeking out from behind her shoulder. It was kind of adorable actually, how scared he was. Or it would be anyways, if her stupid brother wasn't standing in front of them like a bull in a fighter's ring. Honestly, Juniper half expected him to paw at the ground.

"Hey Jamesie," Juniper greeted him nonchalantly. "Happy Birth-"

"You." James growled, lunging for Teddy.

"JAMES!" Leo and Charlie grabbed him just in time, holding him back by the arms.

James! Don't!

I will deal with you later, Juniper.

JAMES!

Teddy stepped in front of Juniper, helpless and pleading, "James- I love her. It's not just- I'm in love with her, mate. Like really really in love with her." Juniper could have cried.

James paused, looking between his sister and his best friend cautiously. His temper simmered, lips pursed as he tried to figure out what to do next.

"I love her, mate." Teddy repeated, more firmly this time. He deliberately laced his finger through Juniper's, lifting his chin up resolutely.

"Awwwww," Rory put a hand over her heart, unable to contain the noise.

"Wood!" James looked at her in betrayal.

"Ohh- just look at them," Rory implored, nudging James.

James folded his arms, "You love her?"

"A lot."

"Next door, now." James commanded, dragging Teddy into their unoccupied bedroom.

Oh god. What was James going to do? Was he going to hit Teddy. Oh no. Juniper attempted to follow but James wouldn't allow it, shutting the door in her face.

James I swear to god if you hurt him.

What are you going to do?

James!

I know you can hear me!

Distraught, and in a frenzy of great proportions, Teddy feverishly tried to explain himself. His actions. He prayed James would listen. "Look- mate, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I never expected- but it can't be helped. It really can't. I fell in love with your sister. It's real- I promise. I know before I've- but Juniper's different. I'm not in it just for fun or- you know. It's not just physical. We have something good. Really good. And she- she's everything James. Now I understand what you've been talking about all these years. I get it, James. And for some reason, your sister- I love her. Please- James, forgive me. We kept it from you because we were worried- and I- I hated lying to you. But I'm not going to stop- she's my girlfriend." Teddy was beside himself with concern. James and him had been inseparable since they were babies. They were best friends, brothers. James was his family. Teddy didn't know what he would do if-

"Promise me you won't hurt her," James stared him down, stone faced. "Swear to me."

"I swear," Teddy nodded fervently. "I'd never- I swear." He waited with bated bread for James' response.

There was a beat of silence.

James raised his hands. Teddy flinched, bracing himself for the hit. But the dark haired boy merely hugged him, embracing him tightly, and Teddy let out a sigh of relief. Thank god.

"Okay," James sniffed, still hugging him. "I'm sorry I was so mad, mate. I don't want to lose you. You're my best friend, Teddy. But she's my sister and if the two of you- what if she breaks up with you and you hate me?! When it comes down to it I have to choose her- but mate, I was so afraid I was gonna lose you."

"Me too!" Teddy exclaimed, eyes wet. "I don't wanna lose you either, James. You're like my brother!"

James exhaled, both boys sniffling, "And you're mine! My brother and my sister are dating."

Teddy made a face, "Let's maybe not describe it like that."

"Sound bad doesn't it?"

"Yeah, just a bit."

James snickered, and Teddy slung an arm around his shoulders, glad things were back to normal. As they walked down the hall, James mentioned, "Oh- Wood told me she loved me! We're dating now...I think?"

"James!" Teddy cheered. "That's amazing!" Looked like him and Rory had finally gotten ahold of those bloody Potters. And although it was extremely entertaining watching her pine for James, Teddy was happy for her. In fact, this whole experience had bonded them closer than he realized. He now counted Rory as one of his closest friends. Surprising, given they didn't have much in common. Well- except for their taste in paramours.

They entered the girls' room. And James wagged his finger at his sister sternly, "Don't you dare hurt him Juniper Lily Potter. Or you'll have me to answer to."

Both Rory and Juniper rolled their eyes, "Nice to see the two of you are fine."'

"And you too," Teddy jabbed his thumb at Rory, narrowing his eyes, "don't you dare hurt my boy. That clear, babes?" Juniper and Rory blinked, sharing a look with one another.

"I want to kill them," Rory muttered under her breath.

Juniper glared at Teddy, "Feeling's mutual." How were these the boys that they had chosen? Juniper didn't know how her and Rory had ended up here, she really didn't.

The boys both grinned.

"I love you mate."

"I love you too."

"More than Junie?"

"Oh definitely."

"More than Ror?"

"Hundred percent mate."

"Teddy!"

"James!"

Rory and Juniper just shook their heads, while Charlie, Leo, and Victoire snickered to themselves. It was quite a spectacle, really. Very fun to watch.

"The lack of hesitation though," Charlie said, cackling.

"Straight couples scare me," Leo shuddered. "Where is your taste? It's nonexistent."

"I know right," Victoire teased. "Horrifying shit."

The day waned on, everybody setting up for the party, and adjusting to the two new couples in the group. James and Rory were sickeningly adorable. He told her he loved her every five seconds, and called her sweetheart. They were always touching too, her small frame wrapped in his arms, which made it virtually impossible for them to get any work done whatsoever.

Teddy and Juniper weren't doing much either. Mostly because they were either arguing with each other or snogging somewhere, one of the two. Leo commented at least a million times his favorite line as of late, "Fucking matches made in heaven."

James was occupied making the cake for that night. Even though they'd all said they'd buy one from a bakery, James had stubbornly insisted that he'd make it himself. He was far too anal to let anyone else help, of course. "Whack up the temperature for me, love," he said to Rory, dusting his hands off on his flowery pink apron. "The sponge isn't cooking fast enough, and I need it to cool before I frost it."

Rory obliged, sighing, "He's so cute."

Juniper threw her a look of disgust, sticking a finger down her throat. Her brother had powdered sugar in his hair, and streaks of butter down his cheek. Ew. Juniper did not know what Rory saw in him. But she was happy for her...she supposed. James retorted to her gagging by flicking melted chocolate at her face.

The guests were starting to arrive, sun sinking low and the sky beginning to darken. Their family came first, Nessa and Rosie completely unfazed when they saw Juniper and Teddy and Rory and James. Too smart for their own good, the lot of 'em. Ethan and Evie were more surprised, especially on the Juniper and Teddy part, and Juniper made them all swear not to tell the parents. She did not want to deal with that until she had to. She had a distinct feeling they'd be less than pleased. Everyone knew what a player Teddy was- used to be.

As they finished up with the party duties, lights, drinks, ice, sound, balloons, etc. they all drifted upstairs to get dressed. Juniper was wearing a deep v neck top, sheer,  with a tight black mini skirt, while Rory was wearing a flowery slip dress. Victoire, stunning as usual, was in a satin green corset top and a simple pair of jeans.

Phoebe and Pippa were here by now, so were Jade, Scarlett, Henry, Ophelia, and a mass of Gryffindor students. Juniper wanted to go over and say her hellos to Ariel and Olivier, as they were setting up for their set with Pierre and Vic, but Teddy pulled her to the side abruptly.

"Hey," he said, kissing her. He was hiding something behind his back.

Juniper tilted her head, wondering what he was up to. "Hey, yourself."

Teddy placed a sparkly tiara on her head. James was already sporting his proudly, strutting around with Rory on his arm. "Now you really are a princess, trouble."

"James can be the princess. I'm a queen, thank you very much." Juniper tossed her hair, adjusting the bejeweled crown.

"Impossible," Teddy tweaked her nose, which she wrinkled in response. "You know what every queen needs?"

"Not a man, that's for sure," Juniper teased, eyes twinkling with mischief. Teddy flipped her off.

"Love you too, trouble," Teddy said, taking the object out from behind his back. It was a small box, velvet. It looked like a jewelry box. For earrings or a necklace or something.

Juniper's heart sank. He'd gotten her jewelry? Really? She tried not to seem to disappointed as she pasted a smile on her face and opened it, "Oh- Lupin- you really didn't have to-" Teddy bounced on the balls of his feet, eager to see her reaction.

Her brows knit together when she saw a small charm attached to a pair of keys. She pulled it out, bewildered, and a tiny motorcycle dangled from the keys. "What-?" She gasped, "Is this- are these the keys to-? Oh my god!"

She punched Teddy in the arm. "Ow!" he cried reproachfully. "What was that for?"

"That was for tricking me!" Juniper told him, crossing her arms. Then she planted a kiss on his jaw, "And this is for knowing me."

"The look on your face when you thought I'd bought you jewelry," Teddy snorted. "Come on, Potter, I've only spent seventeen years with you. Oh wait- that's all of them." He smirked, lips meeting her neck. "I'm glad you like it, we can pick it up from Grimmauld Place on our way back."

There was a welcoming cheer from afar, and Juniper heard James exclaim, "AL!"

Alex. Alex was here. Juniper had nearly forgotten. Well- here goes. Teddy cocked his head, frowning at the name he didn't recognize...yet it sounded so familiar.

"Alex!" Juniper ran over to where he was standing with Rory, James, and Charlie, and greeted him with a huge hug. She'd missed him.

"Happy birthday, Juniper," Alex congratulated, kissing her in the cheek. "Seventeen's a big one." He stepped back, winking, "Wow."

Teddy tensed, expression darkening. Who was this guy? Checking Juniper out like a prick. Teddy hated him already. Why wasn't Juniper saying anything? Why wasn't James saying anything? His fists curled, knuckles whitening.

"Easy, Lupin," Juniper put a hand on his arm, "it's an inside joke."

An inside joke? That he wasn't a part of? What the fuck was going on? Teddy felt rage coil in his gut, tight and hot.

"Down, boy," Rory shot him a warning look.

Alex grinned, nodding in understanding. He glanced at the angry blonde, "You must be Teddy." He held out a hand, "Nice to finally meet you, man. I've heard a lot." Juniper blushed, glaring at Alex.

Teddy scowled, slipping a protective arm around Juniper's waist. "Can't say the same about you, I'm afraid," he sniped scathingly, voice cold.

"Lupin!" Juniper whacked him across the chest. "Be nice!"

James, who'd finally caught on to the tension between Alex and Teddy, whistled long and low, "Well this should be fun for you, Junie." And with that parting remark, he waltzed away with the rest of them, leaving Juniper in the mess with no buffer.

Teddy was growing more and more irritated with each passing minute. It bothered it him a great deal that Alex was so unbothered. Nothing Teddy said affected him at all, not a ruffle of feathers to be found. Alex just kept smiling and joking around, utterly relaxed. Teddy wanted to punch him in the face.

Juniper left to go get drinks, and Teddy was alone with Alex. He stared the boy down menacingly, making it clear that he would protect Juniper at all costs. He hated that this was the boy who'd gotten to give Juniper her first kiss. Jealously plagued him like a disease, he was practically green with envy. Now he remembered where he'd heard Alex's name before. Those letters. Those blasted letters that Juniper got every month, and the photo of them on the beach in California.

Alex nudged him, "Hey- dude-? I know you hate me- and that's ok. I just wanted to say- she's really happy with you. She loves you a lot, and she has for a while now. Just don't- don't lose her okay?" he murmured lightly. "You've got a good one."

"I know that," Teddy griped, still sore. But he calmed slightly, maybe this Alex bloke was okay. James certainly seemed to like him. And he was loads better than that rodent, McLaggen, or even worse, the scum that was Xavier Zabini. "I know that," he exhaled slowly. "And for the record, I don't hate you. I hate that you had Junie first."

"First of all," Alex told him, "no one will ever have Juniper Potter." He flashed a wry smile, "And second of all, you've always been the one for her, Teddy. No one, not even me, could break that."

Juniper returned then, handing the drinks off. She peered between Alex and Teddy curiously, noticing the change in atmosphere. Teddy's fists had unclenched. "Playing nice, boys?" she asked, smirking into her plastic cup.

"Mmm." Teddy grunted noncommittally, not wanting Juniper to know that he respected the guy.

"Yeah," Alex chuckled, "we definitely bonded."

"We do have one thing in common, trouble," Teddy poked Juniper's cheek. "A stubborn girl with Medusa hair."

"I hate you," Juniper said, as Teddy bent to kiss her, cupping her face in his palms.  Alex knew then that Juniper truly had followed her heart. They were just so- right for each other. He couldn't imagine anything different.

From the patio, Victoire screamed into her microphone, "This one goes out to the birthday twins! Come on up here darlings!"

Juniper blew Teddy and Alex a kiss, hustling up to the stage, "Think that's my cue."

Her and James took a bow, and the band began to play Stevie Nicks' "Edge of Seventeen". One of Juniper's favorites. I mean, who could not love Stevie Nicks?

"Happy birthday little sister," James squeezed her shoulder, securing his tiara atop his head as he spun around to the sung.

"Happy birthday, James."

The crowd clapped and cheered for them, and they blew out the candles on James' cake in a single blow.

Teddy raised his cup of beer, elbwoing Rory. "Congrats babes," he said, clinking his glass with Rory's. "We did it."

"We really did," Rory agreed, the pair of them smiling up at the Potter twins.

The party continued later and later into the night, and in no time they were all good and drunk. Dancing and laughing and singing along to the band's songs. Juniper and Rory giggled so hard their stomachs hurt, and Charlie threw up a total of three times. Ocean waves crashed in the distance, soothing as the starlight and the half moon, bathing them in a haunting glow. It was the best birthday Juniper had ever had.

The guests filtered out slowly, until it was only the occupants of the house remaining. James and Rory were slow dancing barefoot on the sand, her head tucked into his chest. Leo and Henry had gone up to bed hours ago, he was staying the night. Victoire had gone with the band, and Charlie was passed out on the patio, snoring loudly.

And where was Juniper? She was curled up in a lounge chair next to Teddy, gazing up at the night sky. He placed his lips on her shoulder, laying a trail of tiny kisses along her soft skin. "I love you, trouble," he whispered to her, voice scratchy. Teddy traced his fingertips along her thigh, and Juniper shivered, nuzzling into him. She let her eyes shut, succumbing to sleep in the comfortable warmth of the boy she loved.

The break of dawn came far too quickly. Actually- that's not accurate. James and Rory's early morning assault came far too quickly.

"Come on, up you get!" Rory and James prodded the drowsing Juniper and Teddy. They were very bright eyed and bushy tailed, and Juniper wanted to strangle them both. How was this happening? They'd all been plastered last night. They were supposed to be pissed out of their minds like the rest of them. They were supposed to be sleeping.

They were very decidedly not asleep.

"Junieee!" Rory tugged on her arm, and Juniper rubbed her eyes blearily. Her head was pounding like a drum, and she was beyond dizzy. Was this bitch serious right now?

"Rise and shine, mate!" James sang cheerily. "We're going on a hangover hike!"

Teddy blinked, "A who?"

"Hangover hike, Lupin!" Rory said impatiently.

"Those words do not belong in the same sentence," Juniper told her plaintively, clutching her head. Was sun always this bright? Rory tossed her a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie, and Juniper put them on, very much out of it.

"Exercise, endorphins," James propped Teddy up to standing, "it'll be good for you! Rory and I researched everything. There's a really pretty lagoon we can hike to, we've already packed food and swimsuits for everyone. It's all set!"

Leo, Charlie, Vic, and Henry appeared on the patio too, hoods over their heads and expressions that matched the one Juniper was wearing.

"If we have to go, you do too." Leo muttered, burying his face in his boyfriends shoulder. "This is why I hate people."

"Losing daylight here people!" James clapped his hands like a fucking camp counselor, beckoning them all forward. Him and Rory led the reluctant, complaining group, both whistling and humming dandily. Juniper wanted to hit them over the head with a rock.

"I'm going to murder them," she said to Teddy.

He nodded conspiratorially, "At the first sign of a cliff, I'm not hesitating."

"I can make it look like an accident," Leo offered.

"And I'm far too pretty for Azkaban," Charlie preened, dark circles ringing his brown eyes. His red hair poked out of his sun hat at odd angles, creating a bit of a porcupine effect.

"Same," Victoire and Henry chorused in unison, sharing a laugh. Those two had become fast friends.

They trekked up a sandy path, James carrying Rory over a particular rough patch of rocks. Teddy offered Juniper a hand, and she just gave him a look, so he withdrew it. There was much grumbling, and much stumbling on Juniper's part. Which she refused help for by the way, insisting she was fine in her typical Juniper fashion. Then teddy teased her because she had a huge mud stain on her arse, making it look as though she'd shit her pants.

Finally, finally, they reached the secluded beach. It really was gorgeous, but Juniper didn't know if it was worth the hike. The day was beautiful, water clear and inviting. Juniper and Rory swam for hours, until their fingertips were pruned and their tan lines bore deep into their skin.

There was a rope swing attached to one of the trees, overlooking a rocky outcropping. They all jumped off of it, whooping like monkeys. It was tranquil and perfect. Juniper was login to miss summer. The days were dwindling down with increasing pace, nearing the close of this wonderful chapter. Seventh year was almost here.

Juniper and Rory stood on the water's edge, basking in the warmth of the sun. Juniper' skin was sticky with sweat and sea water, black bikini coated in sand. Rory was facing similar problems, light brown hair crusted with salt, and her natural honey highlights more prominent than Juniper had ever seen them. I mean, the girl was practically blonde. Her cheeks were slightly pink, an array of cute freckles kissing her nose.

Rory had a baseball cap of James' on her damp hair, protecting her from getting sunburned, while Juniper's complexion had already begun to darken.

In the ocean, James and Teddy horsed around, dunking each other under the swells of white foam, and splashing walls of water towards their faces. James shook his hair like a wet dog, a spray of droplets flying wildly.

Juniper and Rory watched from afar, both gazing at their respective boyfriends and biting their lips. They just looked so hot in the sun, no pun intended. Shirtless, muscular frames glistening with water, defined abs from Quidditch leaving nothing to the imagination.

Charlie, Vic, Henry, and Leo sidled up behind them, rolling their eyes. "Drool much?" Leo raised a judgmental eyebrow, snorting along with the sunburned ginger.

"Shut up, Leo!" The two girls chorused, swatting him simultaneously.

James and Teddy, having realized that they had an audience of admirers, grinned, neared closer to the shore. 

James tousled his dripping hair. "My eyes are up here, Wood," he called cheekily, smirking.

"Same goes for you, trouble," Teddy echoed, throwing Juniper a devilish wink.

"You are dead," Juniper said, the two girls lunging at their boyfriends.

Juniper threw her head back laughing as she chased Teddy through the water. Eventually, he had her pinned down on the sand, waves lapping over them softly. He lowered himself to kiss her, hands firmly planted on either side of her. He tasted of salt and summer, her lips parting.

She ran a hand though his sandy curls, pulling him closer to her so she could feel the press of his skin on hers.

"I wish we could stay here forever," he murmured against her lips, tracing a line of kisses down her collarbone.

Even the best summers must to come to an end...

extras after this longggg chapter :))))))

get excited and please vote and comment!!! i love reading them!!

our couples are so cute

but don't tell junie she'll kill you

happy happy happy

...

it won't stay that way :))))))

mwah!!!!!

just talk, rant, anything you want to say------------------------------->

-coco