Juniper heaved a large sigh, closing the door to the classroom behind her. How was she going to face her family? She smoothed her hair, trying to contain the frizzing, and looked up at her mum, "Thank you, mum. You have no idea-"

"Really, Juniper?" her mother turned on her, her calm and understanding demeanor completely gone. "At your father's headmaster reception?"

"Mum I-"

"That is unacceptable. You know better." Her mother walked briskly through the halls, berating her, "God, Juniper. I didn't even know about this boy until five seconds ago! How could you think that was okay? You're sixteen, Juniper!"

"But-"

"Do not interrupt me, Juniper Lily Potter, or so help me Godric, I will have your aunt give you detention for the rest of the year!" Miranda yelled, raising a warning finger. "Please fix your dress. We have a picture to take."

"This is so not fair!" Juniper protested, eyes flashing, "If it was James or Nessa, or literally anyone else you wouldn't have a problem with it! No, not your perfect little babies! Just me!" she spat. "Shouldn't you be happy I'm finally in a relationship? You've been badgering me to get in one for ages, and the second I do, you reprimand me?!"

"I helped you, Juniper," her mother said in a low, dangerous voice. They were nearing the Great Hall now. "Yes, your stupid father and those stupid boys blew the situation completely out of proportion, but your actions-"

"My actions?" Juniper shouted angrily, "My actions?"

"Juniper Lily Potter, restrain yourself immediately," Miranda hissed. "This is a very important moment for your father, and we will not mar it with this disagreement. You will paste a smile on your face, stand next to your brother and look like you love all of us so Rita Skeeter can snap a picture. Do I make myself clear?" Her mother stared her down, mouth pressed in a firm line. The steely gaze she was sporting said it all.

"Crystal." Juniper gritted her teeth, rage boiling inside of her. She couldn't believe she'd actually been worried about her mum. That she'd missed her. Her mother would never understand her, that much was clear. Why in the world did her dad choose her? Parents. They ruin everything.

"Fantastic," her mother replied tightly.

They joined the rest of the family, who were already posing by the portrait. Juniper's father still looked slightly on edge, and James was eyeing Juniper in a way that she knew meant he was going to have a talk with her. It was going to be a long night. Vanessa, who instantly sussed out the tension between Harry and Juniper, James and Juniper, and Miranda and Juniper, silently tried to deduce what was going on. Cali was her usual bubbly self, brown ringlets and rosy cheeked, completely unaware.

Juniper slid into her spot next to James, not making eye contact.

Junie...

Not right now James.

Junie-

James we're taking a picture.

Junie you can't just-

Smile and shut up, James.

Listen to your sister

"3, 2, 1..." The photographer counted down, and Juniper smiled wide.

The Potters looked every inch the perfect family they were supposed to be. James with his dashing grin and hair identical to his father's. Vanessa the mirror image of her mother. Cali, the perfect mix of the two. And then her. Juniper had never felt more like the odd one out. Even in her own family she was an outcast. Would she ever truly belong anywhere? She hung out with boys, so she was too tomboyish to be one of the girls. So she hung out with girls and then the guys said she was too girly. She was teased for not having a boyfriend and now she had one and everyone was mad. It was impossible being female.

Each flash of the camera made her eyes water, searing into her corneas. Once the photographer was satisfied, Juniper was free to go, but her mother held her back.

"Juniper."

"What?" Juniper snapped. She was not in the mood for another round of scolding.

"Though I don't like your tone," her mother started, raising an eyebrow, "I understand that maybe you think I was a bit harsh."

"A bit?"

"Let me finish," Miranda told her. "While I do think there's an appropriate time and place for such things...I also remember what it's like to be a teenager-"

"Could've fooled me," Juniper scoffed, unrelenting. Miranda gave her a stern look. "Sorry," Juniper murmured sheepishly.

"Do you like him, Juniper?" her mum asked.

"Yes," Juniper nodded honestly, anger subsiding.

"Is he good to you?"

"Yes."

"Well then." Miranda's face softened, "That's all that matters. Isn't it?"

"I think so." Juniper responded in a quiet voice, almost bashful. She paused, glad her mother was okay with it, but there were other variables in this equation. "Mum? What about-"

"I'll deal with your father." Miranda rolled her eyes, "He still sees you as his little girl so this might be hard for him, but he'll come around." She chuckled, "As for James...you're gonna have to handle that one yourself."

Juniper groaned, already dreading it.

"Before you talk to anyone though, I'd go find him." Her mother advised, "Xavier, I mean. Make sure we haven't scared him off. That was quite a welcoming he got."

"Don't remind me." Juniper winced at the memory. If only she could erase it from her brain. "Bye, Mum."

"Goodbye, Junie." Miranda turned to go, heading out the grand, double doors as she followed the rest of the adults. The party in the Great Hall was dying down, Juniper's father had retired to his tower, and only a few teachers lingered behind.

Xavier. She needed to find Xavier. Juniper saw Lola Parkinson out of the corner of her eye. Lola was one of Xavier's best friends, along with Brian Rosier. Lola was increasingly gorgeous, violet eyes, short dark hair with bangs Juniper couldn't pull off in a million years, and an hourglass figure. Juniper felt like a potato next to her.

"Lola!" She called, waving her over.

"Hey Juniper." Lola waltzed over, looking especially beautiful in a silvery wrap dress. "Is there something you need?"

"Have you seen Xavier?" For some reason, Juniper felt embarrassed asking. Lola definitely intimidated her. Each time she had hung out with her and Brian she had gotten the sense they were really only tolerating her for Xavier's sake. She was probably just overthinking though. And she wanted to get along with them, they were Xavier's best friends. Screw house rivalry.

"I think him and Brian were heading back to the dungeons." She pointed down a corridor, curtain of raven hair swishing against her angular chin. "You can probably still catch them."

"Thank you." Juniper rushed off in that direction, jogging around the corner.

"Junie." Juniper heard Xavier's voice and found him beside of large marble bust of an elderly wizard with Brian.

Xavier nodded to Brian, "Give me a second. Meet you at the dungeons."

Brian chuckled, shaking his head, "Mate, you are so whipped."

"Shove off." Xavier took Juniper's hand, smiling at her. "Hi," he said, kissing her softly on the lips.

"Hi." She laced her fingers through his, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, "About earlier..."

"Oh, that." Xavier grimaced.

"Yeah...that." Juniper bit her lip, "I'm so sorry, you know this is why I didn't want to- and I never imagined my dad-"

"I have to admit the addition of your father and uncles was a little jarring," Xavier conceded, paling at the memory. "But I would've expected nothing less from the rest," he said with a knowing smile. He wasn't wrong. "Have you talked to them yet?"

"No," Juniper answered.

"Good. Thank you for talking to me first." Xavier's tone had a note of shock in it. Juniper suddenly felt a little guilty, knowing that her first thought was to go talk to the guys and not him. Was that wrong? Maybe her mum knew more about relationships than she thought.

"Of course." She covered, laying her head against his broad chest.

He tilted her chin up and their lips met. Juniper sighed happily, extremely content in Xavier's arms.

"Do you have to go?" he whispered.

"Yeah." She kissed him again, "I need to get some rest. We have our Quidditch game tomorrow."

"I'll be cheering for you."

"What about next week?" Juniper giggled, "When we have a game against you guys."

"I'll still be cheering for you."

"Perfect." Juniper teased, smirking, "So will I. Prepare to be crushed."

"Looking forward to it." Xavier kissed her cheek as they split off, Juniper embarking on her trek to the Gryffindor tower.

When she arrived at the common room, Leo, Charlie, James, and Teddy were already there, sitting in a row on the large sofa. Their arms were crossed, each wearing identical looks of disapproval. Juniper groaned, throwing her head back in resignation. Still griping, she flung her heels off, slumping into an armchair. Hey, she might was well be comfortable for the most uncomfortable conversation of her life.

"Soooo..." she said, drawing out the vowel.

"So," Leo repeated, eyes twinkling. Juniper glared at him. He was enjoying this far too much.

"You all saw- what you saw." She cleared her throat, "A-"

"What we saw was Xavier Zabini groping you." James scowled fiercely, mouth pinched in disgust.

"Well that's one way to put it." Juniper flipped her brother off, annoyed, "Or you know, I was simply kissing my boyfriend..."

"Boyfriend?" they all cried in unison, enraged.

"I'll kick his arse," James growled, blue eyes sparking with fury.

"You will do no such thing!" Juniper commanded, hands on her hips.

"If he hurts you I swear to god-" Teddy, who had been oddly quiet during the discussion, bristled. There it was. Juniper had been wondering when that constant, stupidly over the top protectiveness would kick in.

"He won't." Juniper silenced, gazing pointedly at Teddy. She didn't need a continuation of last year. "And all of you are going to be nice. Do you hear me? There will be no mention of kicking his arse, and there will be no comments from the peanut gallery if and when we are affectionate."

"But-"

"No. No buts." Juniper faded her hands neatly in her lap, "He's my boyfriend. Our relationship is none of your business. You can, however, be happy for me." She huffed, "That's final."

"How long has this been going on?" Charlie questioned suspiciously.

"About a month."

"A MONTH?!" they shouted loudly, waking up some very irritable portraits.

"Can you blame me for keeping it from you?" Juniper laughed at their reaction. She'd known they were going to be surprised she'd managed to keep it a secret so long.

"So all the times you were 'studying' or 'doing homework', that was all fake?" Charlie said with air quotes, clucking his tongue in disapproval.

"Oh, she was definitely doing something," Leo muttered under his breath, winking at Juniper.

Juniper gasped, "Leo!"

"That wasn't ink on your neck... was it?" James was hit with realization, his features sinking dejectedly when he figured it out.

"No, that would be a hickey." Juniper snorted, "I don't know how you fell for that one."

"Ink?" Leo snickered, "Mate, really?"

"Hey!" James pouted sulkily, elbowing Leo.

"How does one even get ink on their neck?" Charlie piled on, joking.

James whacked him on the back of the head, "OI!" Soon, they devolved into a wrestling match. James calling for backup from Teddy as they brawled.

Juniper caught Teddy's eye, it looked as though he was about to say something, but at the last second decided against it. He turned away, and she was almost hurt? Why? Had she wanted him to say something? She didn't think so. Whatever he said was sure to be rife with insults to Xavier, or controlling remarks about how he didn't want Juniper to date him. Why was she sort of...disappointed? His non reaction was worse than a reaction. She wanted to know how he felt, but simultaneously didn't want to know. Their dynamic was off, the same odd tension that appeared this summer had not gone away like she had hoped. Maybe things would be better once he hung out with Xavier. Oh who was she kidding. It would probably be worse.

Juniper awoke early the next morning, and immediately went down to the Quidditch pitch. She liked to get there a good hour before everyone else so she could do her warm up routine in peace. She pulled her hair up into a hasty bun, throwing on a pair of trainers, shorts, and sports bra as she grabbed her broom.

After a few laps around the pitch, both in the air and on the ground, Juniper did some calisthenics. The crisp morning air caused her cheeks to turn rosy, the fall breeze already carrying that hint of the winter to come.

It was a perfect day for a Quidditch game. Cloudless skies, blue as far as the eye could see, and sun shining for once. Juniper felt her leg twinge slightly as she concluded her warm-up. Back in third year, she had fallen off her broom because of a rogue bludger, and the wound tended to flare up from time to time. Usually, she did yoga to ready it, but she hadn't been as good about it this year.

Perspiring slightly, she walked to the locker room to change, running right into Teddy.

"Oh!" She exclaimed in surprise, "I didn't think anyone was out here yet."

"I knew you would be." Teddy replied with a smile, eyes teasing, "Our very own Oliver Wood."

"Oh shove off!" Juniper scowled, starting to move again.

"Wait a second." Teddy held her back, full of concern, "Is your leg bothering you again?"

"No." Juniper brushed him off, deflecting the knowing look he was giving her. "Yes." She sighed, folding her arms. "I hate you."

"Do you need to sit out today? We can-"

"No!" Juniper said forcefully. That was the last thing she wanted. Teddy always made way too big a deal of when she was hurt. "I'm not missing a game!"

"But Junie, if-"

"Ease up Lupin. " Juniper plopped down on the grass, pointing her toes. "I'm fine. I just need to stretch."

"But-"

"I'm fine Teddy."

"Okay..." He peered at her skeptically, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Yes, actually." Juniper beckoned him nearer, standing and placing his hands on her waist.

He recoiled, like he'd been burned with a hot poker, "What are you doing?!"

Juniper wrinkled her nose. What was the matter with him? "Relax Lupin. I just need you to hold me steady so I can do this stretch."

"Oh."

"Christ Teddy, you're so tense today." Juniper mumbled, feeling the sharp stretch of her thigh muscles as she bent down further. Her ponytail brushed the floor, and she could see from her upside down view that Teddy was standing as far away from her as humanly possible. Weirdo. "It's just a Quidditch game you know."

"Really?" Teddy scoffed, releasing her waist when she was done, "You're lecturing me on the stakes of Quidditch?" He raised an eyebrow, "You. Juniper Potter. Quidditch maniac."

"Hey!"

"Aw we love our maniac captain." Leo slung an arm around Juniper, tugging her ponytail. The rest of the team was starting to arrive now.

"Unless she has the whistle." Vivian warned, looking far too put together for having just woken up.

Charlie groaned, "Oh god not the whistle." Juniper elbowed him in the ribs.

"Junie has her whistle?!" James, hair sticking up at odd angles, gasped in horror, "Who gave it back to her?!"

"Laps." Juniper blew her whistle as loud as she could, and the again right in James's ear for good measure, "And then get your arses changed. GO!"

Juniper could hear James and Vivian griping as the went, "All Teddy's fault." She smiled, shaking her head and finally getting to change into her own uniform. It was one of the only outfits Juniper ever felt wholly confident in. She wore her red and gold proudly, her captain's badge glistening in the sunlight.

The game went extraordinarily well. They obliterated Hufflepuff, Gryffindors cheering loudly in the stands. Juniper hugged her teammates, then ran headfirst into the waiting arms of her boyfriend.

Xavier grinned, "Congratulations."

"Scared?" Juniper challenged, leaning in for a kiss.

Xavier put a hand to her lips before she could, wiping a bit of mud off her cheek, "Ah, ah, ah."

She pouted, jutting her lower lip out, "Rude."

"I'd rather not eat dirt." Xavier said, cleaning the last remnants of splatters off of her. What could she say? Quidditch was a messy sport. He smiled, now moving to return her kiss.

Juniper ducked away, "Nope." She sniffed haughtily, shrugging, "Missed your chance."

Xavier chased after her, Juniper shrieking as she ran from him. He wrapped his arms around her waist, she giggled, resisting his embrace until he started tickling her, planting kisses all over her face and neck.

"Junie-" Teddy called, stopping short when he saw the scene, "Oh- er hey Zabini." He gave a small wave, jaw clenching slightly. He stared hard at the ground.

"Lupin." Xavier nodded, straightening and ceasing the kisses, although he did not loosen his grip on Juniper's waist.

Get along. Get along. Juniper prayed silently, not missing the palpable tension between the two boys. Be nice. Be nice. She said the words over and over again like a mantra, hoping if she said it enough times it would come true.

"Do you need something Teddy?" She asked, voice light. Juniper laced her fingers through Xavier's, twisting out of his hold in an attempt to get Teddy to wipe that aggressive glare off of his face. She'd noted when his gaze flicked to Xavier's hands on her body and figured it was best. She needed to give him a chance to get used to all of it. She also saw the slight look of hurt from Xavier, so she squeezed his hand. Of course Teddy was going to have to learn how to deal with it, but it probably wasn't the best idea to anger him right now, Juniper didn't want to have to break up a fight.

"We've got to set up for the party soon and-"

"Party?" Xavier turned to Juniper, confusion written all over his face. Juniper grimaced. She hadn't exactly told Xavier about the party. She'd assumed they would still be keeping their relationship under wraps, so she wouldn't have to worry about it. He was Head Boy after all. She wasn't sure if he would approve.

"Oh you didn't- are you going to- is he- you want to-" Teddy's eyes narrowed, obviously the thought hadn't even crossed his mind that Xavier would be coming.

"Go on without me. I'll be there in a sec." Juniper cut him off swiftly, directing her attention at Xavier.

"What party Juniper?" He prompted again.

"It small- it's nothing really- I didn't think you and I would-"

"Junie."

Juniper took a deep breath, "Ok. It's actually kind of a big party. We've been planning it for a while. Most of Gryffindor will be there, probably some people from other houses too."

"We?"

"Yeah, you know, me, Leo, Charlie, James-"

"Teddy."

"Uh huh." Juniper bit her lip, trying to gauge his reaction. For some reason, anytime Teddy was brought up, Xavier's lips pursed sourly.

"So they're all going to be there tonight then?"

"Yes."

"And you have to go?"

"Well..yeah." Juniper looked down at her palms, slightly disappointed, "But you don't have to-"

"I'll come." Xavier put an arm around her shoulders resignedly, pulling her close, "Can't very well give Lupin the satisfaction can I?"

"Really?" Juniper said excitedly.

"Really." He kissed her on the cheek, "Someone has to be there to keep you from getting too wild."

Juniper kissed him full on the mouth, hugging him with joy as they headed up to the castle, "Thank you! I promise they won't bother us."

Xavier gave her a look.

"Ok they're going to bother us, but I don't care." She kissed him again before going off to change.

When Juniper arrived at her dorm, Vivian was already in full getting ready mode. Clothes were strewn across each of the four beds, spilling out of drawers and shoes littered the ground. Jade was busy curling Rory's hair, already dressed in a seventies style floral print dress. It looked as thought Viv had already showered, hair dripping from her towel on the carpet while she did her makeup.

Juniper took a quick shower and put on a flippy mini skirt Vivian had gotten her last Christmas. She'd worn it on one of her and Xavier's date a couple weeks ago, and she remembered him liking it. At Rory's direction, she finished the outfit with a jean jacket and a baby tee, black hair in a top knot. She didn't bother with make up, she ended to get downstairs and help the boys set up.

"See you in a few." She called out in parting, but Vivian grabbed her arm.

"Picture before you go!" Viv said adamantly, dangling her beloved Polaroid camera in front of Juniper.

"V, you're not even dressed yet." Vivian was currently in tiny athletic shorts, fishnets, one rainbow fuzzy sock, and a large t-shirt that said One Direction on it. Whoever the fuck they were. Juniper assumed it was a Muggle thing.

"Neither is Ror!" Vivian defended. To be fair, Rory was slightly more put together than Vivian in a pair of jeans and sheer, half buttoned blouse. "We all look hot. This needs documenting." The headstrong girl, marched determinedly over to where Jade and Rory were. Tightly coiled curls bouncing as she dragged Juniper along with her.

Vivian stuck her tongue out, posing for the camera as she snapped the picture. Juniper sauntered down the winding stone staircase, light fabric swishing around her bare thighs. She'd meant to wear stockings, but they were too wrinkled to put on.

"There you are." James said with exasperation.

"Oi!" Charlie yelled, "Get over here and help me set up the speakers." He hefted some rather large equipment in his arms, a tangle fo wires bunching at his feet.

"Where the fuck did you get the speakers?" Juniper nimbly stepped around the wires, careful not to trip.

"Knox knows a guy." Charlie answered with a shrug, plugging in an amp to the wall.

"Hold up a minute Charlie." Juniper's worry about having Xavier come grew. This thing was sounding a whole lot larger than she'd played it off to be, and Xavier had been so reluctant to come at all. She didn't want to scare him off. They'd only been dating a a month, and he'd already had to deal with the whole family fiasco last night. "An amp? Why-"

"Phil's band is playing." A voice came from the doorway.

"Nessa!" Juniper ran to hug her sister, whose thigh high black boots put her about eye level with Juniper. Ophelia, Landon, Axel, and a freckled girl Juniper thought was named Summer, began filtering in, all toting various instruments. A band? Seriously? Apparently James and Teddy had gone a bit overboard, depositor the fact that she'd specifically asked them to run everything by her or Leo.

"New skirt?" Vanessa asked with a raised eyebrow, "Xavier's coming tonight then?"

"Maybe."

James scowled from his seat at the drinks table, brandishing a plastic cup, "He better not try anything."

"Just how short is that skirt?" Leo side eyed her, and the resumed tacking up the red and gold hangings.

"Shut up." Juniper flicked the back of Leo's head, causing his decorations to fall down in the process.

"Hey!"

"Serves you right." Juniper triumphed, smiling.

"Come on now." Teddy pacified, "I think Junie looks very nice."

"Thank you Teddy." Juniper poked her tongue out at Leo, "Some people have manners."

"It just needs one more thing." Teddy grinned, pulling off his jumper and tying it around Juniper's waist so that it covered the entirety of her backside and the skirt. He stood back proudly, "Perfect."

"You suck." Juniper flipped him off, rolling her eyes. The boys all clapped appreciatively, heads nodding in approval as Teddy snickered. Juniper sighed, shaking her head, "I hate all of you." She turned her attention to Teddy, crossing her arms, "But mostly you." Juniper tapped a finger to his chest.

"Did you hear that mates?" Teddy said, still grinning broadly, "Looks like I'm the Chosen One today."

"You-"

"Ooh my favorite part." Teddy leaned against the wall, raking hand through his hair, "Let's have it then Potter. What names shall you call me today?"

Juniper laughed in spite of herself, opening her mouth to continue her rant, "Absolute-"

"Juniper?" Xavier swung open the portrait hole.

"Hey!" She exclaimed, perhaps a bit too loudly. Her call reverberated off the high ceilinged common room and she winced, blushing slightly. "You came!" Juniper stood on her tiptoes to give him kiss on the cheek, ignoring the several noises of disgust from the guys.

"Said I would. Didn't I?" Xavier smiled, shoving his hands in his pockets as he looked warily at the four boys in various areas of the room. The crowd was starting to increase, students from other houses entering the common room and helping themselves to food and drink. His gaze traveled down to her attire, and he frowned when he saw the article of clothing still around her waist. "That's not mine. Whose jumper is that?

"Oh!" Juniper untied it hastily, for a moment she had forgotten it was there, "Guys' idea of a joke." She chucked the ball of maroon fleece at Teddy.

"It's Lupin's?"

"Yeah..." Juniper's brow furrowed, bewildered, "Why?"

"No reason." Xavier waved her off, face clearing as he pulled her close. His thumb trailed along her thigh, circling her hips. "I have to admit I like it better this way." He whispered into her ear

Juniper bit her lip, inhaling sharply when the smooth groove of Xavier's ring grazed just under the hem of the skirt, cool metal in her bare skin. It was his family ring, engraved with the Zabini family crest. Juniper had never sen him take it off, which was somehow extremely attractive.

"They're going to see you." She warned, her heartbeat quickening as he continued his tracing of her thigh. Xavier silenced her with a kiss, long and slow.

"I'm going to go get us a drink." He murmured in a low tone, leaving Juniper dazed and her lips buzzing. Xavier Zabini was really good at kissing. Then again, she didn't have much to compare it to. Things with Xavier definitely made her think about going all the way. Her and Alex, well, they'd went...places, but nowhere near as far as her and Xavier. This had been on her mind a lot lately.

She touched a finger to her lips, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Leo sidled up behind her, smirking, "And that right there is why we wanted to cover up the skirt."

"Piss off!" Juniper punched him in the arm, still flustered. "Where's your boyfriend? He's much nicer than you." She craved her neck over the thick throng of partiers, searching for the mop of sandy curls.

Leo took a sip of his drink, "He's doing karaoke." He pulled a face, "I'm appalled obviously."

"Obviously."

"Honestly, karaoke? Cheesiest thing on the planet."

"I know." Juniper shook her head in mock disappointment, "He's so happy and outgoing."

"It's horrifying." Leo shuddered, "Don't know what I see in him."

"You love him."

"Oh yeah." Leo chuckled into his spiked pumpkin juice, "That's right."

"And he's stupid hot."

"So glad someone noticed." Henry appeared by Leo's side, swaying slightly as he draped himself between Juniper and Leo, "Sing with me Lee?"

"Not in a thousand years." Leo kissed the top of his boyfriends head, "I'll snog you in a broom closet though."

"Deal." Henry agreed, and the two boys vanished into the melee. Juniper watched them go, smiling, just as Xavier returned, drinks in hand.

He handed her a cup, "Here. I got you what looks like the least dangerous drink of the lot."

Juniper laughed, taking in the look of surprise on Xavier's face when she downed the contents of the cup in one gulp, "Yeah...James should never be in charge of drinks."

"It's a great party Juniper." He complimented, slipping an arm around her.

"Oh yay! You're having fun!" She had to shout over the music and people talking around them. James had abandoned the drinks table and was now drunkenly and recklessly flying around the room on his broom, trying to impress a very annoyed Rory.

"Wood!" James boomed, dipping low and nearly falling off his broom, "Oi! Look over here!"

"Idiot."

"Wood!" James did a flip, knocking a portrait askew.

"He's going to kill himself!" Rory cried, throwing her hands up in defeat

"This happen a lot?" Xavier viewed the scene with light amusement and a touch of concern as James wobbled dangerously in the air above them.

"A lot. A lot." Teddy, also drunk, thought not as much as James, joined them, words slurring slightly. He's standing close to Juniper, completely ignoring Xavier, who was clearly not too happy about it.

"He's kind of obsessed." Juniper said, not picking up on Xavier's irritation. It was Teddy. He was touchy. That was just how he acted, especially when intoxicated. She never thought anything of it.

Xavier bent to her ear, muttering softly, "Do you want to get out of here?"

"Oh- er- yeah. Sure." Juniper agreed. She didn't really want to. James was bound to do something even more outrageous as it got later, and sometimes if you got Leo drunk enough he would dance, but she figured Xavier had had enough for one night. It was only fair.

She allowed Xavier to lead her out of the common room, resting against his body. She was a little tipsy, clutching his arm for support, they stumbled through the corridors, stopping often to kiss.

And Juniper was very very happy.

long chapter

teddy pov next!! ik how much you guys love jealous teddy

so what's the verdict? team xavier? or team teddy?

vv sorry this took forever to get out

please vote and comment!!

-coco