Juniper was in a foul mood. She had been for days. Her emotions varied from sullen and closed off to bitchy and combative, ready to flare at any moment. There was no in between. Detention sucked, studying sucked, everything sucked and Juniper was tired of it. She didn't even have Quidditch to distract her since the season wouldn't start again til after holiday.

She hadn't seen Xavier since the...altercation in the hallway, which was purposeful. Juniper had been going out of her way to avoid running into him. Of course, rumours were still spreading through Hogwarts like wildfire. Anyone could see Xavier's black eye and Teddy's split knuckles, and each time the story was told it grew increasingly more exaggerated. Thankfully, people were slowly starting to move away from it and buzz about the  dance on Saturday, before exams this year, instead of after. Which also sucked, but not as much as the whole Xavier Teddy thing.

Juniper scowled at the posters lining the walls, quite wishing she could tear them all into tiny tiny pieces which she would then set aflame. "Fucking Happily Ever After dance." She muttered irritably, slouching beside Vivian. "Life isn't a bloody fairytale! Love isn't real, it's just a scam created by-" She shouted loudly in the direction of the nuzzling couples around the corridor, until Rory clapped a hand over her mouth.

"Don't mind her." Jade said, apologizing to the disgruntled couples. "We're so sorry."

Juniper struggled under Rory's iron like grip, "Mmph-!"

"Junie!" Jade chastised, swatting her. Once they were safely out of earshot, Rory released her, shaking her head.

"What?" Juniper replied crossly, "I was only telling them the truth. Happily Ever After is just something we made up to distract us from the inevitable march to death."

All three girls blinked. "Well you're in a fun mood today." Rory raised her eyebrows, sharing a look with Jade and Vivian.

"Better than pretending to be Cinderella. There's no prince, and there will never be a prince because men are pigs and incapable of true love. Which doesn't exist anyways, and anyone who says different is lying to themselves " Juniper ranted all in one breath, fist clenching and unclenching.

"So that's where you're at huh?" Jade rubbed her shoulder sympathetically.

"What?" Juniper asked, slumping down on a nearby bench.

"With the whole Xavier thing." Jade explained, tilting her head.

Even the name made Juniper's blood boil. "Who said anything about Xavier?" She snapped.

"Okayyyy." Vivian hoisted Juniper off the bench, dragging her upright. "You know what you need? A proper girls' night, so you can get drunk and forget about that snake once and for all."

"I can't go out, remember?" Juniper reminded her sourly, "All because I slapped his slimy face."

"Well then we'll stay in." Vivian proclaimed, walking up the moving stairs. "I've got a bottle of fire whiskey or two lying around. We can do Never Have I Ever, listen to my fuck all boys breakup playlist, cry and dance around the room in our pajamas. Pillow fight. Whatever you want J."

"Alright." Juniper agreed begrudgingly, a hint of a smile creeping up her lips. "But only because if James or Charlie tries to shove sweets at me and 'check in' on me one more time I'll go fucking insane." Juniper was starting to get bit excited in spite of herself. She hadn't had real fun in ages, and she hadn't really cried yet either. Either way, she was sick of doing nothing. Also, she had recently discovered she liked music by some Muggle singer named- what was it again? Tyler? Tammy? Sway something? "Hey V, " she nudged Vivian, "what's that Muggle singer's name? The one who sings that song I like."

"Taylor Swift?" Vivian answered, "Hell yes we can listen to Taylor Swift and get pissed."

Rory made a small noise of dissent.

"What?" Vivian whipped her head around.

"It's just- it's Thursday." Rory gestured aimlessly.

"And?"

"It's a school night, you guys." Rory chided, biting her lip, "Firewhiskey? Pissed? We've got classes tomorrow, and exams are coming-" She stopped short, cowering under the death glare all three girls were giving her. "Then again, yay! Hangovers in class!" Rory smiled weakly.

"Now that's more like it Wood." James's voice echoed behind them in the corridor outside the tower, "Yay hangovers!"

Juniper shoved her brother away, "You're not invited James."

James gasped in hurt, "Wood is this true?"

"Sorry Potter, just the girls for tonight." Rory laughed, rolling her eyes.

"And unfortunately your dick disqualifies you." Vivian said cheekily, folding her arms.

"I'm wounded." James clutched his heart dramatically, winking at Rory before he headed into the common room.

Juniper, Jade, Rory, and Vivian journeyed up to their dorm, linking arms. When they arrived inside, Vivian immediately plugged in her iPod, and pulled out the bottles of booze she had stored under her bed. Plus a few fags she'd nicked off Teddy.

Rory nearly fainted when she saw them, "Jesus Viv, that's contraband!! How long has that been there?"

"I dunno." Viv shrugged, rummaging through her dresser for a lighter.

"I'm a prefect V! If we got caught-" Rory's eyes were wide in protest as the room began to fill with smoke.

"You need to relax Wood." Vivian took a long drag of the cigarette, offering it to Junie next. She grabbed Rory's hands and began spinning her around the room to the song playing on the speaker.

"Viv-" Rory giggled, shaking her head in exasperation.

"Ror." Vivian handed her a shot of Firewhiskey, a daring gleam in her eye.

"Ugh fine." Rory downed the shot, mouth curving into a smile. "Let's do this shit."

The girls cheered, "That's more like it, Ror." Juniper bumped the girl with her hip, swaying to the music. The next few hours were a haze of burning throats and dizzy twirling. The more they drank, the more they giggled. Soon, they were jumping up and down on the beds and on the floor, screaming Taylor Swift at the top of their lungs, and trying on a variety of clothing.

Breathless, Juniper wrapped a feathery boa around her neck, planting a sticky lip gloss kiss on Rory's cheek as they shimmied around the room. Bright colors and rose tinted glasses, Juniper watches while Vivian struts around the room wearing a bright pink fedora and her favorite, giant t-shirt with the name of some Muggle Band on it. 1D. Whoever they are. Juniper feels bubbly, bright, happy. She's completely forgotten about Xavier, and she's having so so much fun.

"THE STORY OF US LOOKS A LOT LIKE A TRAGEDY NOW! NEXT CHAPTER!" They all shriek as loud and shrill as they possibly can, and Juniper screamed in exhilaration. Jade was now so drunk she's attempting to cartwheel across the rug, falling every so often to the ground. There is a loud bang when her foot catches on the desk, sending a stack of books flying.

Then there was a knocking sound outside. It got louder, and louder. The door to the dorm shook under the numerous thumps.

"Jesus fucking Christ, what the bloody hell is that?!" The girls open the door, nearly tripping over themselves to get there as they hold on to each other for support. Swaying, they lean against the doorframe, looking to see who's there.

James, Teddy, Charlie, and Leo were waiting in the hallway, arms crossed and eyebrows raised. "Hi there." James said, and they all shrugged to hide their laughter.

Juniper was certain they must look ridiculous to the guys. She was wearing a sparkly magenta boa  for one, for two they were all giggling like madmen and had garish makeup and clothes on. Juniper did not care in the slightest. She puffed out a ring of smoke, fag dangling between her fingers, "I seem to remember saying you weren't invited Jamesie."

"Someone's drunk." Teddy smirked, eyeing Juniper.

"Someone's drunk." Vivian mimicked in a deep voice, sticking her tongue out. The girls burst into giggles.

"Oh so they're all pretty drunk." Leo shook his head.

"Brilliant." James grinned gleefully, trying straight at Rory, "I've never seen Wood drunk before."

"Fuck off Potter." Rory slurred, poking his chest as she threw back another shot.

James bit his lip to keep from laughing, "Wow, you are royally pissed aren't you?"

"You're pissed." Rory fired back, leaning on Juniper's shoulder

"Nice comeback."

"I know."

"You guys are aware we have classes tomorrow right?" Charlie reminded them smugly, steadying Jade who had nearly fallen again.

"And this is why we didn't invite you." Jade teased, pinching his cheek.

"We just came to tell you lot to keep it down." Teddy said, clucking his tongue, "Some of us are trying to sleep."

"And your singing voices are not exactly a lullaby." Leo remarked, voice dripping with his classic sarcasm.

"Buzzkills." Juniper flipped them off, struggling to keep upright. All of their legs threatened to give way. Then like dominoes, one by one they toppled to the floor. So maybe they were a little more than tipsy. Teddy caught her just before she hit the floor, picking her up like rag doll and depositing her on the bed. Carefully, he unwrapped the boa from around her neck, tucking her in beside Rory, who was already snoring, James having placed her in bed just moments before.

Leo switched off the speaker and turned out the lights, "Goodnight girls, try to stay out of trouble."

"Fuck off!"

"Idiots!"

"No boys allowed!"

"I am NOT drunk!"

A chorus of mumbled and drowsy dissent echoed from their beds, each girl fighting sleep. Juniper's eyes were heavy.

"We'll see you in the morning." Charlie whispered, as the boys closed the door behind them.

Morning came far too quickly, and Juniper was exhausted. She was not alone either. It took Juniper, Jade, and Vivian to drag Rory out of bed. Thankfully, Teddy was there with a giant cup of coffee, that Juniper finished before her first class.

"Regretting that last shot right about now?" Teddy raised his eyebrows, grinning over his cauldron at her.

Juniper glared at him, pointedly stirring her own potion. It was giving off a very potent, unpleasant odor, which meant her stomachs starting to lurch. And she had a feeling her complexion was more on the greener side by now.

"Oh shove off, Lupin." She growled, pushing back the strands of hair clinging to her perspiring forehead. Her hair and humidity were not friends.

He snickered, "Need some help?"

"No!" Juniper snapped, letting out a small noise of frustration when her potion splattered on her uniform. "Oh bollocks!" Juniper sort of wanted to scream. Last night had been fun, she had forgotten, but now it was tomorrow and it was all back. She raised her hand, "Professor Parkinson? May I go wash out my uniform?"

Professor Parkinson squinted at her, like most teachers, she was used to the numerous get out of class excuses utilized by the Potter, Weasley, Lupin. McGonagall bunch. "Well..."

Juniper pointed at her soiled top, and the dark sludge coating her hair and cheek.

"I suppose Rory can handle it while you're gone." Parkinson conceded begrudgingly, "Be quick about it though, Miss Potter."

But Juniper is already rushing out of the room and into the nearest empty lavatory. She quickly unbuttons her shirt, pulling her wand out from where it was tucked in her skirt waistband.

"Aguamenti." She muttered, spraying a stream of water at the stain, then , "Tergeo." While she waited for the spell to work it's magic, Juniper splashed water on her face, combing her fingers through her hair. She took a deep breath, leaning her forehead against the cold mirror as she hopped up onto the sink. Her shirt was almost dry, but she liked the quiet of the bathroom. It was almost soothing.

"Potter?" Teddy swung open the door.

"Jesus Christ Lupin!" Juniper scrambled to grab her shirt, attempting to cover her bare torso and black bra. "Give a girl a warning, would you?"

Teddy looked to the floor, running a hand through his hair, "Shit sorry, I didn't know you'd be- that you were-"

"You didn't think I'd be undressed despite the fact that I left to wash out my shirt?" Juniper said, giving him a look.

"Right- well Parkinson asked me to come find you because you were taking too long but I'll just-"

"It's fine." Juniper sighed, struggling with the buttons on her top with growing annoyance. "I'm almost ready. It's fine. It's fine."

"Potter-"

Juniper was flushed, overheated and unable to concentrate on her buttons. It was all crooked and she couldn't fix it. She couldn't fix anything. "It's fine! God damn it why won't the fucking buttons-"

"Junie." And then Teddy was there, gently guiding her hands way from the shirt. He began to slowly fix the lopsided lapels, carefully buttoning it up for her. His fingertips grazed Juniper's skin ever so lightly, skimming the line of her bra. And suddenly, she was hot for a whole other reason.

She gazed down at Teddy, feeling a catch in her throat when he secured the last button. He gazed right back up at her. "There." He said firmly, and lifted a thumb to her cheek, wiping a bit of potion off it. "Missed a spot." He murmured in soft voice, smiling slightly.

Juniper gulped. The way he was looking at her. It was happening again. One of those totally weird, intense, hot, moments. Like the ones over the summer, when they'd both come up for air at the same time. Or when he pushed her up against the common room wall. The moments when she couldn't read Teddy like she usually could. The moments where she had no idea what was going to happen next, but desperately wanted to find out.

"Oi!" Rory scurried into the lavatory, becoming them toward the door, "Parkinson's having a cow! Let's go!"

Immediately, Juniper hopped off the sink, brushing past Teddy and hurrying to meet Rory. Teddy paused for a moment, sort of pacing back and forth, almost like was collecting himself. Or chastising himself. He seemed agitated.

"Lupin you coming?" Juniper tapped her foot impatiently.

"Yeah- I- yeah." Teddy shook his head, like a dog trying to rid water from his ears, and followed them out the door.

The rest of the day moved fairly quickly, and Juniper saw at least five dance proposals go down in the corridors, which made her decidedly sick to her stomach. Finally, finally, she could retreat to the peace of her own dorm, and without a second thought she flung herself onto her bedspread. "Ouch!" She exclaimed, something bulky poking at her back.

"What is it J?" Jade called from her pruning plants area.

"I don't know." Juniper frowned, rolling over and digging the (slightly smushed) box out from under her. She undid the ribbon, and opened it, peeling back tissue paper. A small note fell out.

Heard about Xavier. Boys suck and I want him to burn in hell. I know you're not a fan of dresses, Junebug, but every girl should get to feel like Cinderella every once in a while. This was mine back in the day, I'm sorry I wont be there to see you wear it. Take pictures please. Be back by Christmas, promise. Tell your dad not to worry.

Love you lots,

Mum

P.S.
Make him eat his heart out honey ;)

Juniper unfolded a shimmery blue slip dress, thin straps and satiny to touch.

Vivian bounded over excitedly, practically combusting at the sight of the dress she squealed, "Oh J!! It's gorgeous! You can't not wear that. A dress like that demands to be worn."

Juniper wavered, the dress was beautiful. And it was a nice gesture by her mum, even if she had been distant lately.

"I know you weren't planning on it, but Junie, c'mon." Rory wheedled, giving her pleading puppy dog eyes.

"Well-"

Jade paused her pruning, wagging her shears at Juniper, "I didn't hear a no."

"Fine." Juniper agreed, holding the dress to her chest, and the girls started to squeal, "But, " Juniper shook a warning finger, "You all have to come with me, and I can leave if it gets too lovey dovey."

"Fine, but you have to at least try and have some fun." Vivian told her.

Rory squeezed her shoulder, "You deserve some fun, Junie."

"Thanks Ror." Juniper leant her head on her friend's shoulder, hoping that this was the sign of a fresh start.

"Rory I don't recognize that jumper." Vivian frowned, tilting her head in confusion, "Is it new?"

Rory turned red, tugging the sleeve of the jumper down nervously, "Oh- erm- you see-."

"It's not new, V." Juniper's mouth dropped open in realization, a smug smirk overtaking her face, "It's my brother's."

"WHAT?!" Jade and Vivian cried in unison, pouncing on a highly embarrassed Rory.

"It's not what you think!" Rory protested, "He loaned it to me, and I just haven't gotten it back to him yet. It's completely innocent."

"So that's why you're still wearing it then?" Jade raised an eyebrow.

Rory bit her lip, clearing her throat, "It's comfortable."

Juniper couldn't believe it. After all this time, Rory and James was a possibility. Secretly, she'd always thought they'd make a good couple. Maybe Rory was finally starting to see that. And while she would never tell him, her brother would make an excellent boyfriend. Far better than Xavier.

Rory was still trying to convince them it wasn't a big deal, "It doesn't mean anything."

"He's going to ask you to dance tomorrow." Vivian said, bouncing up and down on the bed, "You know he will."

"So?" Rory answered, burrowing into herself, "That doesn't matter. Just because I can tolerate him now doesn't mean that I- you know...he's still an arrogant idiot. Besides I don't even know if he..."

"But are you going to say yes?" Jade asked.

"I-." Rory gnawed on her fingernails, "I don't know."

All three girls' eyes widened, large as saucers, "She didn't say no." They whispered in reverence.

"She didn't say no." They chanted over and over again, increasing in volume until Rory knocked them all out with a pillow.

And Juniper went to the dance. She got all dressed up in her mum's old dress, the satiny fabric hitting an inch above her knee. It was light, and for her perfectly. Vivian did her hair up with a pearlescent clip, a few stubborn strands refusing to join the rest. Juniper thought she looked beautiful. All her friends looked beautiful.

Rory was wearing a strapless dress with gold flowers up the side, hair in soft curls. Jade's dress was green, long and flowy, crown braid encircling her head. Vivian was in a lacy pink dress, a slit up the thigh. She took a picture, for her mum. And then her dad took several photos as well, almost tearing when he told Juniper she looked exactly like her mother. Juniper knew he was lying, she was nowhere near as pretty, but it was nice to hear.

She awkwardly avoided Teddy, who shuffled a bit when he saw her, unable to meet her eye. Juniper even managed to keep clear of Xavier. In fact, she wasn't even sure he came, and she didn't care.

She laughed and danced with her friends, oohing and aahing when Jade was asked to dance by a seventh year Hufflepuff. She chatted with Vanessa and Ophelia. Juniper did her best not to throw up in the nearest punch bowl when she saw all the romantic snogging and dewy eyes. Juniper was glad she came. She really was.

Juniper ladled two cups of punch, and carried them back to where she and Rory were sitting.

"Here, Ror." Juniper handed her a glass, settling down into the seat beside her.

"Mmm." Rory took the punch, staring blankly out onto the dance floor.

"Ror?" Junior nudged her, no response. The brunette was completely zoned out, "Ror?"

Rory didn't look away from the people twirling in front of them, "Hm?"

"Babes." Juniper out a hand on her arm, "What's up?"

"Nothing." Rory said, pursing her lips. "Nothing."

"Okay well-"

"It's just- Potter asks me to dance every time. Every dance since first year he's asked me to dance. Why Ould he-" Rory inhaled slowly, "You know what, it doesn't matter. I don't care. I don't. I don't care."

Juniper hid her smile in her cup of punch, "Kinda seems like you do."

"You know what? It's better this way." Rory huffed, setting her cup of punch down harshly, "It really is. Now I don't have to deal with all his annoying proposals, or his over the top, idiotic antics. This is what I wanted. He's finally moved past it. I never have to say no again. This is good. This is very good."

"You know it's ok to like James, right? Juniper said, waiting for her reaction.

"Well I don't." Rory snapped, "I don't." She was quiet for a moment, her voice subdued as she mulled, "I never have to say no again."

Juniper recognized that expression. It was one that had been on her face many times before. "Wanna get out of here? I'm all danced out."

Rory turned to her gratefully, "Alright."

The girls began to exit the Great Hall, heading back to the Gryffindor tower, but Juniper was stopped by her sister in the corridor.

"Junie." Vanessa called from down the way, "We have to take a picture for the Prophet."

"Ugh." Juniper groaned, "Really? Now?"

"Pains of being a Potter." Vanessa shrugged, walking away, "Get to the Great Hall in five."

"Okay, I'll meet you in our dorm soon." Juniper waved Rory on, "Hopefully this won't take long." She rushed briskly through the corridor, her feet were already killing her and she was really regretting the heels that clicked obnoxiously on the cobblestoned floor.

"Juniper!" A voice echoed loudly in the silence. "Juniper!"

"What the bloody-" Juniper whirled around to find the source of the noise and found herself face to face with Xavier Zabini. "No." She commanded, rushing away from him.

"Juniper!" He slurred, stumbling after her. Oh he was drunk. He was very drunk. "Juniper just-"

"No." Juniper repeated, "I'm not doing this. No."

"Juniper just let me-"

"NO!" Juniper shouted, "We're done Xavier."

Xavier took hold of her arm, preventing her from escaping. Juniper could smell the booze on his breath.

"Get off of me Xavier." She ordered, trying to wrench out of his grasp.

"I just want to talk." Xavier held on to the nearest wall for support, clutching her arm so very tightly. "You look so sexy."

"Xavier-"

"C'mon Juniper." He breathed near her face, leaning into her against the wall, uncomfortably close. "You know I didn't mean those things."

Juniper gulped, inching her face way from his, "You're drunk Xavier." If she could just calm him down, get his roving hands off of her, maybe sober him up. She could handle it. She was handling it. Xavier wouldn't hurt her. He wouldn't.

"We were good together. You know we were." Xavier said, leering. His hand neared her arse, his lips an inch away from her mouth. "I miss you. Don't you miss me, sweetie? Don't you want to kiss me, right now? I know you still want me."

"Xavier-"

"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM HER!" Teddy barreled onto the scene, fists flying. He tore Xavier off of Juniper, pummeling him into the ground.

"Teddy no!" Juniper cried, yanking Teddy away from Xavier, whose nose was gushing blood.

"Juniper-" Xavier started, holding his nose.

"Leave Xavier." Juniper commanded, "Now." The boys scurried away, dripping blood as he went.

Then Juniper rounded on Teddy, socking him in the arm, "What is the matter with you?!" She dragged him into an empty classroom, still berating him.

"Ow Junie!" Teddy said, "He was-"

"He was drunk, was what he was!" Juniper yelled, shoving Teddy in the chest. Teddy never listened. Never listened. He just made it worse.

"You haven't even healed from last time." She chastised, shaking her head. "What were you thinking?!"

Teddy steeled his jaw, sucking in his cheeks, "I didn't think I just-."

"Well that much is obvious." Juniper threw her hands up, words sharp. "And now you've gone and split your cut open again!" Juniper fought the urge to clean the wound.

"I don't care!"

"Well I do, " She sighed, exasperated,  "NO! NO! I won't fix you up anymore! You got yourself into this."

Teddy nodded, "Okay!"

Juniper growled, glaring "Well don't agree with me!"

"Okay!" Teddy said again, putting his hands up in a gesture of peace. There was a small beat of silence as they eyed each other, tempers simmering.

"You didn't have to." Juniper rubbed her face tiredly, looking at the floor.

"I know." Teddy whispered, wincing as he touched the cut on his face. Juniper refused to feel sorry for him. This was not her fault, it was his.

"I didn't ask-" She reminded him. Juniper was not going to waste time feeling guilty.

"I'm not sorry I did it." He blurted, tone firm. Teddy's face grew stormy with rage, anger swirling in his irises. "I can't stand the thought of him hurting you anymore."

Juniper sighed, pushing him away, "I was fine. I was handling it." She said. And she had been handling it. And it wouldv'e been fine, if Teddy hadn't butted in like he aways did. Juniper was capable of taking care of herself. A fact that Teddy still didn't seem to understand. But- he only did it because NO NO! Juniper was mad at him. Mad at Teddy.  He was confusing and impulsive and he mucked things up, not matter how sweet the intention. She was mad at him.

"You didn't need to-"

"I know." Teddy's eyes softened.

Juniper was annoyed with his complacency. She dint want him to know. She didn't want him to understand. She wanted answers. She wasn't calm so he didn't get to be either.. "Why did you, then?" Juniper pressed insistently,  "Why? Why?"

Teddy clenched and unclenched his fists, "Because."

"Because why?" Juniper fired back, but Teddy remained quiet.

Juniper was defeated, irritated, and so done with this conversation. With this night. "God Teddy I can't even." She turned away from him, walking to the door because she was undoubtedly late for the picture and Vanessa was going to give her crap which she really couldn't afford right-

Suddenly and without a word, Teddy grabbed her hand, pulling her back into his chest aggressively. Their lips crashed together with hunger. His strong arm snaked around her waist, holding her in even tighter, the other hand firmly on the back of her neck. Her hands were all over his body, running up and down his broad chest and into his hair.

Juniper was kissing Teddy. Teddy was kissing Juniper. She was kissing Teddy. Kissing Teddy. They were lost in each other. Juniper never wanted to be found. It was everything she'd been dreaming of and so much more. Juniper couldn't believe it. This wasn't a dream. She was kissing Teddy. Teddy was kissing her.

He tasted like Firewhiskey, fireworks and mint, and magic.

Finally, after what seemed like seconds but simultaneously hours, they broke apart. Both of them were panting slightly, cheeks flushed, and lips swollen with lust.

Teddy cursed under his breath, running a hand through his rapidly changing hair agitatedly as he paced, "Fuck, fuck, fuck! Why did I- fuck, I shouldn't- you know better Teddy! Fuck I-"

"What the bloody hell is the matter with you Lupin?" Juniper grabbed him by the shoulders, her lips still buzzing. Why was he freaking out? She couldn't freak out if he was freaking out! His hair was still morphing colors, yet another thing she found attractive about him. Juniper's neurons were firing at a rapid speed, her legs felt shaky, she could not believe this was happening. She was in complete and utter shock. She could feel his biceps beneath her hands and immediately ran hot, touching him like this was not helping the situation.

He gazed up into her eyes, and for a moment he looked as though he might start kissing her again, but he turned away again, muttering, "Don't- don't-"

"Don't what?" Juniper folded her arms, pursing her lips.

"Just- you can't-" Teddy stuttered, sounding pained.

"What? Spit it out Lupin!" Now Juniper was frustrated, she had been so stupid, even for a moment thinking that he- well... you know.

"That!" Teddy groaned, "You- You, with your angry face, just- you can't look at me like that, it makes me do stupid things like- like-"

"Like kissing me?" Juniper's nostrils flared, and she bit her lip hard, trying to conceal her hurt. She could feel a lump forming in the back of the throat as she inhaled sharply, she would not cry in front of him, she would not cry in front of him, "Was it really that bad?"

Teddy nearly laughed, "Bad? Are you joking Junie? It was like a fucking fairytale, but we can't- I can't- I shouldn't have done that."

Juniper's heart fluttered at the word fairytale, but she sustained her resolve, "Why not?" She cocked an eyebrow challengingly, walking slowly towards him, bridging the gap he had created between them.

"I'm not- what are you doing?" Teddy breathed, choking on his words as Juniper moved closer.

"What?" Juniper asked innocently, smirking.

Teddy gulped, eyes saucers, "Bloody hell, Potter- don't- I told you we can't, I'm not a relationship guy, I can't- I won't be good for you-."

"Who said I was looking for a relationship?"

"Junie you may think that now but later you'll regret- I could hurt you-." He darkened at the thought, staring her down.

He still didn't get it. Stupid Teddy. "Has it ever occurred to you that I might hurt you? Honestly Lupin I'm not some delicate flower that needs to be protected from-"

"I know that! You're strong as hell Junie, that's why- that's why I can't- you're special, okay, you're different. Stop doing that!" Teddy said, anguished.

"Doing what?" Juniper had moved even closer to Teddy, her lips curving in a smile. She had no idea who this confident, badass female is, but she was owning it.

"You know exactly what you're doing!" Teddy retorted indignantly.

"Just shut up and kiss me Teddy."

And then it's happening again, but this time they were not breaking apart. He was kissing her neck and nipping at her ear, and then he returned to her mouth. She felt his tongue trace her lower lip and gasped with surprise, granting him entrance as her mouth parted.

They both came up for air, Teddy smiled against her lips, whispering softly, "I wish you'd said that to me a long time ago, because bloody hell I had no idea what I was missing."

A faint blush spread across Juniper's face, peering up at him under her thick lashes, "I'm always right Lupin. I thought you'd have figured that out by now." She kisses his jaw intoxicatingly slow, tracing his chest lightly with her fingertips.

"God Juniper you-."

It was strange hearing him call her by her full name, it was always Potter, or Junie, or June. She liked the way it sounded, it made her heart beat faster.

"You called me Juniper."

"I want to be clear. Are you- are you sure? You know I can't be a boyfriend, this wouldn't- I don't-."

"You're a manwhore who's deathly afraid of commitment, I know. But we're young, don't forget I just did the whole boyfriend thing and look where that got me. We can do one of two things here Teddy, keep arguing over whether we should do this, or, " she started kissing him in between words, her voice dropping down to a whisper, "we can keep doing it, and see where it takes us." She twisted her mouth into a perfect bow, planting another kiss to his lips as she waited for his answer.

"You really think I'm a manwhore?"

Juniper gave him pointed look.

"Ok that's fair." He conceded, a grin starting to appear on his face.

"So?" Juniper's heart was now beating so fast she thought it would tear out of her chest from sheer anticipation. "You have to say somethi-."

Teddy cut her off with a kiss, his large hands encircled her waist, pressing her up against the wall. They grasped at each other frantically, and the thin straps of her dress began to slip down her shoulders. Juniper valiantly tried to readjust it, but it was not helping. Teddy grinned, "I know I'm good, but I didn't know I was that good."

Juniper just kissed him harder in response, tugging feverishly at his tie and nimbly undoing the buttons of his dress shirt.

"Juniper are you in here? What-" Vivian opened the door, and her eyes grew wide as she looked the scene up and down. Teddy's shirt was half undone, tie off. Juniper's dress was falling off, exposing the top of her lacy bra on one side, and her black hair was mussed. Both parties were flustered, pink, and breathing heavily. "Oh!" Vivian clapped a hand to her mouth in surprise, "I didn't- I'm sorry- I didn't realize you were- erm-" The embarrassed girl shuffled awkwardly, obviously debating whether to leave or not. "It's- er- Junie your dad is looking for you..." She trailed off, emphasizing the word dad. "You know what I'll just go and-"

"No, no, erm- I'll be right there Viv, just a moment." Juniper stammered, trying to act completely unbothered as she put her dress back into position, adjusting the straps and pulling down the hem. Combing her mussed locks through with her fingers, and taking a deep breath.

Teddy shoved his hands in his pockets, raking a hand through his hair.

"Hey Teddy." Vivian managed from the doorway, pursing her lips slightly.

"Hey Viv." Teddy waved sheepishly, looking at his shoes, his hair had finally settled on a bright shade of blue, drastically different from his usual dirty blond.

"Nice hair."

"Oh- er- thanks." Teddy ducked his head, the color instantly reverting back to blond.

The tension in the room was thick, it was was like a damn pressure cooker, Teddy was visibly sweating.

"Ok, I'm ready, let's go Vivian." Juniper dusted her hands airily, joining her friend.

"I'd wait a few moments if I were you, everyone's outside." Vivian advised Teddy in a tight voice, leading Juniper out of the room.

"Right. Thanks, I'll-" But they are already gone.

Vivian gripped her with much force, her fingernails digging into Juniper's arm while they walked down the dimly lit corridor.

"Ow! Bloody hell my arm! Viv!" Juniper pried her friend's hand off of her indignantly.

"What were you thinking Juniper?! Anyone could have walked in, your parents are here! Why would you-" Vivian whisper shouts, dragging her into a small alcove so they can talk.

"I was just kissing-."

"Yeah sure just kissing, god Junie, your dress was practically off!"

"I don't understand why you're so upset Viv, I'm a sixteen year old girl who was kissing a boy, you have no reason to-."

"Not just any boy! Teddy! Teddy who you've had a crush on for years, years, Juniper! Teddy the womanizer, who's probably slept with half our class, don't act like this isn't a big deal, he could-."

"If the next words out of your mouth are hurt you, I swear to god Viv I will slap you. I know what he does. I made the decision to kiss him, and that was my decision to make."

"I hope you know what you're doing."

"I do."

"I don't know who I think I am, giving relationship advice," Vivian chuckled to herself quietly, softening, "it's not as if I'm flourishing in that department. I'm sorry I yelled J, I just know how much you like him, and I don't want you to get-."

"Hurt." Juniper smiled wryly, "I know V, but we already agreed that this was going to be casual, no strings attached."

"And you're ok with that? With it being casual?" Vivian peered skeptically at Juniper.

"Yes. I promise. I'm fine Viv, now we really have to go. My dad's going to kill me if I'm not there soon."

"Wait." Vivian stopped her before they can enter the Great Hall, tapping a wand to Juniper's neck and muttering a spell. "Glamour charm, works every time. I'm assuming you didn't want your family and the entire wizarding community who read the paper to see the massive hickey Teddy gave you."

"What would I do without you?"

finally, am i right?
hope you enjoyed, sorry for not posting frequently

thank you all so much for reading i feel so grateful

also i love taylor swift and was definitely listening to her while writing this if you couldn't tell. ;)

ranting ———————————>

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goodnight,
i love you all,

-coco