"Shhhh," Rory pressed a finger to her lips, holding back laughter. Her and Juniper tiptoed across the carpet together, nearly toppling them over from their sheer amusement. Juniper crept over to the nightstand, rummaging through the doors as quietly as possible.

"You find it?" Rory whispered lowly, throwing a furtive glance at the beds behind them.

Juniper nodded, holding the camera aloft in triumph. Praise Godric for her brother's predictability and anal organization. It really came in handy at times like these. She carefully made her way back over to Rory, shadowy figure lit only by the moon and the stars. It was so dark that Juniper didn't see the pile of book strewn in front of her, and clumsy as she was, tripped over it. This sent the camera flying out of her hands, landing on the floor with a clatter. Damn Leo and his chronic messiness!

"Junie!" Rory hissed, as the boys shifted in their sleep. "They're going to wake up!"

Juniper shook her head, bending down to pick up the camera. "Nah," she murmured, her and Rory approaching the bedside, "they are conked out." Her and Rory giggled, "Just look at them."

Teddy and James were fast asleep in James' bed, cuddled together so closely it was hard to tell where one boy began and the other ended. During this week's movie night, they'd both fallen asleep, and Juniper and Rory couldn't help but take advantage of the opportunity to tease them. Teddy's face was buried in James's shoulder, blond curls falling over his forehead. James was snoring, as usual, his bedhead completely out of control. As usual. Not that Juniper could judge. Teddy had compared her to Medusa in the mornings more times than she could count, that or a porcupine.

Rory tilted her head, clasping her hands together, "They're so cute."

Juniper snickered, "Dorks." She snapped picture after picture. Her and Rory even posed for some of them, pointing the lens at their faces as they stuck out their tongues and cheesed for the camera. Their hushed giggles covered by their hands, finally running out of film. She linked arms with Rory, laying out the photos on the little round table near the windowsill.

"They're gonna kill us," Rory yawned. Her lids were droopy. It really was quite late. Or early. Nearly half past two.

She perused the images gleefully, "I know." Her green eyes gleamed in the starlight, "I'm really looking forward to it." Juniper picked the funniest photo of the bunch, engorging it, and then stuck it to the door with a charm. Her and Rory stood back and nodded, satisfied with their work. They padded back to their dorm room, collapsing in Rory's bed with a sigh.

Juniper pulled up the covers, tangled black hair spilling out on the white pillowcases. Rory kept her bed impressively clean. Now it was Juniper's turn to yawn, it had a been a long day...and night. But a good day and night. Juniper went to sleep smiling. Neither girl noticed that the bed on the far left was empty.

"JUNIE! WOOD!" The roar reverberated through Gryffindor tower, christening the morning louder than the cow's squall outside the window. Juniper and Rory's eyes flew open in a flash, the thunderous footsteps getting closer and closer. The girls looked to each other with wide eyes and shot out of bed. Obviously, the boys had seen their little surprise. And it sounded as though they were coming for them with the wrath of a thousand suns.

The door flew open with a crash, Teddy and James standing there murderously. "You are dead," Teddy and James growled. "Do you hear us? Dead." They lunged for Rory and Juniper, who bolted for the exit.

Rory and Juniper squealed, dodging the two boys, and careening down the stone staircase. Teddy and James followed them closely, taking the steps two at a time to catch up with them. They chased the girls in circles around the common room, leaping across couches and armchairs, and a few unsuspecting first years. They probably looked insane, the four of them. All in their pajamas, running around shrieking like toddlers.

Finally, the boys caught them. James wrapped his arms around Rory, flopping on the couch with her entangled in his grasp. Teddy tackled Juniper to the ground triumphantly, pinning her wrists down. He smirked, relishing being in control, "I win, trouble." Teddy's lips met hers, firm and deep. He brushed a piece of hair off her forehead, "And now you win." He bent to kiss her a second time.

Juniper suppressed a smile. "Self absorbed prick." But she kissed him back anyways, because she could never resist him. And because he was just so so good at snogging. Her hands traversed his jaw, sliding around his neck. "I love you, though."

Teddy was pleasantly surprised. Juniper usually expressed her love through lightly shoving him, or wrinkling her nose at him, or leaning on his shoulder when she was tired, and of course his personal favorite, telling him she hated him with a smile on her face. These rare moments of vulnerability warmed Teddy's heart. He grinned at her, "Okay." Juniper swatted him across the chest, gasping in indignation. That had been exactly what he was looking for. Teddy chuckled, "How the tables have turned, Potter."

She rolled her eyes, tilting her face up, "You love me, Lupin. Don't even try."

"Now who's self absorbed?" Teddy kissed her neck, lips trailing across her collarbone.

"Oi!" James bellowed, folding his arms sternly. He wagged a finger at Teddy and Juniper. "There will be no canoodling in the common room if I have anything to say about it! Lips off my sister, bubs."

Juniper groaned, throwing her head back in exasperation, "Ror! Help."

"On it, babe," Rory jumped into action. Literally, jumped. She hopped onto James's back, propping her chin on his shoulder. "Hi, baby," she whispered into his ear, running one of her hands through his hair. "Carry me to the Great Hall?"

James went pink. He bit his lip, managing to stammer out in a soft voice, "Yeah— yeah. 'Course." It really was helpful having Rory around. James was basically putty in her hands when she said something like that. Juniper was very grateful for her brother's lovesick tendencies.

Teddy and Juniper shared a smug expression. He reached out a hand to help her up, which Juniper predictably declined. "Breakfast?" he asked, poking her cheek. Juniper nodded, and they followed James and Rory through the portrait hole.

"This might be the best thing I've ever seen," Leo commented gleefully, downing a goblet of pumpkin juice. Him and Charlie were going through the other photos with Rory and Juniper, Teddy and James silently sulking into their eggs and sausage.

Juniper laughed, taking a sip of her coffee, "Just you wait until we show you the ones we took of you two."

Leo spat out his drink, Charlie choking on a forkful of beans. "Excuse me?!"

"You didn't think we'd forgotten about you, did you?" Rory raised a joking eyebrow. She pulled out the pictures with a flourish, and James and Teddy pounced on them. They were eager to get the focus off of their sickeningly adorable cuddling.

They had a field day with the snapshots. "That's lovely little sleeping mask, Charles," Teddy tapped the photo, biting back his laughter.

"Oh yeah," James agreed, faking sincerity. "What is that? Is that satin, mate? Very classy." He nodded sagely, lips twitching.

"Shut up," Charlie muttered, glaring at them. "It's good for my skin."

Rory and Juniper couldn't resist adding their own two cents. Continuing to brutally tease the boys. "I don't think I've ever seen that much drool before," Juniper nudged Leo, and Teddy and James snickered.

"It's a miracle he didn't drown, really," Rory said, and all of them exploded into peals of laughter. They clutched their stomachs, wiping tears from their eyes.

Charlie and Leo scowled at them. "This little dynamic? The four of you?" Leo pointed at them, pulling a judgmental face. "Hating it. Hating all of it." He rolled his eyes at the giggling group. "Ugh. Happy couples."

Henry swivels around from his seat his house's table. "Erm- we're a happy couple," he reminded Leo, smiling wryly.

"You are not being helpful, Henry!" Leo huffed.

"Mmm, wanna go snog in the Prefect's bathrooms?"

Leo's eyes lit up, lifting his lips coyly, "Ah helpful!"

Rory took her final bite of toast, dusting her hands of crumbs delicately. She kissed James on the cheek, "I'm going to go study by the lake." The girl rapped her knuckled on the top of Juniper's head, "And you, darling, are coming with me. No excuses. Exams are in a week."

"Are they?" Teddy feigned confusion. "We had no idea, babes. It's not like you talk about them five billion times a day."

"Piss off, Lupin." Rory flipped him off, shouldering her book bag. "When I kick your arse in Potions you will be sorry." She returned her attention to Juniper, "You can get your notes from the dorm, and then meet me at our spot by the tree."

"What notes?" Juniper asked cheekily, winking.

Rory touched a finger to her temple, "You will be the death of me someday. All of you."

"She loves us, really," Charlie said, crunching on a piece of bacon.

"You really gonna study outside, Wood?" James questioned with a cock of his head. He stood, spanning her small waist with his hands. "It's snowing."

Rory shrugged, "Fresh air helps me think better. Frostbite is a small price to pay for top marks."

"Alright sunshine," James squeezed her lovingly. Then more daringly, "Who knows? Maybe a certain hunk of a boyfriend will stop by to study with a coat and a hot chocolate." He jabbed a thumb at Teddy, "If I can drag the slacker down there, that is." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, and then Rory turned to go, giving strict instructions that Juniper absolutely had to study.

Juniper sighed, draining the last few dregs of her third cup of coffee in one gulp. She stuck her tongue out, "I should go," she pulled another face, "study. Or Ror's gonna have my head."

Teddy shook his head with mock disappointment, "She has been such a bad influence on you."

"I know," Juniper said sadly. "I've been corrupted by responsibility." She spun on her heel and headed out of the Great Hall. The three remaining boys watched her disappear around the corner. The Great Hall was starting to clear out, students making a beeline for the library or a quiet study room. Others were procrastinating and playing rousing games of Exploding Snap at nearby tables.

"Well," Charlie told them, with a stretch of his long, freckled arms, "I've got detention with Uncle Nev, so I might to be going.

James whistled, propping his feet up on the dining table "Uncle Nev?" he asked incredulously. "Longbottom gave you detention?! Damn, Weasley what'd you do?"

The ginger winced, sheepishly rubbing a hand across his jaw. "I might- possibly have- sort of brought a girl round the greenhouse. And we may have- sort of- caused some unspeakable things to happen to a row of Flitterbush plants."

"Charles Arthur Granger-Weasley, you dog!" Teddy exclaimed.

Charlie bowed theatrically. He smirked, "Hey, someone's got to keep up our group's playboy reputation. Seeing as all of you lot are in *gag* committed relationships now."

Teddy and James hung their heads in over the top shame. Voices solemn, "We have failed you, sir."

He snorted. "Anyways, Uncle Nev walked in at the wrong time, and was wrecked about the state of the bushes. He said if I helped him prune Bubotubers he wouldn't tell Mum. Which seemed like the better option." He shuddered at the reaction Hermione might have. He'd definitely get a bright red Howler in the mail, that was for sure. Charlie waved goodbye, waltzing off to his detention.

Teddy and James sat at the Gryffindor table for a few moments longer, but then swarms of girls started to circle like vultures picking apart dead animal carcasses, and they hightailed it out of there as fast as their feet could carry them It was so trying being the two most sought after boys at Hogwarts.

The pair sauntered down the corridors in tandem, snow falling steadily outside the icy glass panes. It smelled of pine and cinnamon in the drafty castle, wreaths hanging on every available crevice. Candles floated above them, their only source of light, as the thick clouds masked any sign of the sun. James paused at one of the big bay windows, staring dreamy out at the white powdered landscape. The Black Lake was completely frozen over, and you could just barely make out the tiny, hazy figure of Rory. She was leaning against a tree, engrossed in a texbook.

James could look at Rory all day, if she'd let him. "Stop gawping Potter, you look like a codfish." He'd happily study the planes of her face. The slight upturn of her nose and the dimple next to her mouth. The rosy bow her lips tied into a smile. The way her honeyed eyes caught the light when she was blushing. The curve of her chin and how it fit perfectly into his shoulder. Her eyelashes and the way they brushed against his neck when she fell asleep on top of him. McGonagall had caught him admiring more than once in Transfiguration, but she never reprimanded him. Only threw him a knowing kind of smile, nodding in approval. Meanwhile Professor Parkinson called him out every chance she got. House rivalry still ran deep, evidently. Or maybe she was still holding a grudge against his mother. Both were likely.

"James," Teddy snapped his fingers in front of the boy's face. "Earth to James."

James was pulled back into the present, attention resuming, "Present." He took one last glance out the window, "I'm gonna marry that girl someday."

"Some things never change," Teddy chuckled, clapping his best friend on the back.

"She's just— " James struggled for the words, "she's just— everything. She's everything— and more. I— I can't explain it." Then he added, "God— she's going to look so beautiful in a wedding dress."

"You are so fucking whipped, mate."

James elbowed him in the ribs, "Whatever Mr Commitment. I know exactly how bad you have it for my sister. Girls talk y'know." He continued, "Like you haven't thought about the future with Junie."

There was a beat of silence as Teddy considered this. In truth, he hadn't given it much thought. He was more focused on making it through the day, marveling at his own dumb luck that Junie hadn't realized he was dangerous and she deserved so much more than a monster. He pondered the idea, letting it sit with him. Waking up next to Juniper everyday, getting to make her coffee and tease her about her bedhead. Kissing her in the comfort of a home they shared, and seeing those bloody pyjama shorts all the time. Rory dragging them along on double date nights with her and James. Watching movies together, falling asleep on the sofa. It seemed perfect. Then more images flashed through his mind, flicking forward at a rapid space. Juniper unable to help him during a full moon. Him lashing out at her because it was that time of the month. A look of terror and revulsion on her face when she saw him in werewolf form.

Monster.

Monster.

Monster.

Teddy screwed his eyes shut, blacking out the dark thoughts. And that was why he didn't like to think about the future. Better to stay in the present. Easier. James was still speaking, "Teddy I've just had the best idea."

Thankful for the distraction, Teddy leaned in, "Oh yeah?"

"You know how in all those American Muggle television programs there's always a dance episode?"

Teddy had no idea where this was going, but he nodded all the same. "Sure."

"Well apparently, there are these things called promposals," James explained eagerly. "Leah showed me a few videos once. Basically, you do this big, grand gesture to ask someone to a dance. It's a whole spectacle. And it looks so cool."

Now Teddy knew what was happening. Understanding washed over him instantly, "Ah and with the ball coming up— "

"Exactly!" he said excitedly. "I think we should do them for Wood and Junie."

Teddy snorted, "Junie? She'd kill me if I did that to her."

"Oh come on," James scoffed, "everybody loves a little romance."

"Have you met your sister?" The boy raised his eyebrows pointedly.

James thought on that for a second, it wasn't as though he could disagree. He lifted a shoulder, "I'm sure you'll find something, bubs. It doesn't have to be big. I'm covering that."

"Oh god," Teddy knew exactly what that devilish grin meant. He'd seen it more times than he could count. "What are you planning?"

"I am going to serenade her," he stated proudly. "With the song by that Muggle British boy band."

Teddy groaned inwardly, "Please tell me you are not making us sing."

James's grin only increased in size, "You have to ask?"

"You're so lucky I'd do anything for you," he said, James already chattering away about costumes, props, signs, the proper time to do it. Where he would do it. He really did have a knack for planning these sorts of things. Rory was in for a treat, that was for certain. But what could he possibly do for Junie? Then— and idea struck him like lightning. Oh my merlin, it was perfect. He'd figured it out. Juniper was going to love it. Well— she'd say she hated it, which really meant she loved it.

Meanwhile...

Juniper clambered up the perpetually swiveling staircases, dawdling at certain portraits to waste time. She really didn't want to study. And technically, she was following Rory's orders. Just— more slowly. A lot more slowly. She finally reached the entrance to Gryffindor's common room, clambering through with the Fat Lady's permission.

She was about to go to her dorm when someone tapped her on the arm. "Junie?" Scarlett questioned. "Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to talk to you about something."

"What's up, Scar?" Juniper was going to miss this girl next year. Her sharp wit, and wicked Quidditch commentary. She remembered when she'd met Scarlett, she had been in second year. Scarlett was a scrawny little first year with a big personality, and she'd landed herself in detention with Juniper. She was quick on her feet even then, and managed to pick the lock of the drawer where Parkinson kept confiscated items.

"I got to thinking after the thing at the Quidditch game. Which was bloody brillliant, by the way." Scarlet talked fast, about a mile a minute, barley taking a breath between sentences. "Like how what you're wearing is for you. Not for anyone else. And— well, what if we did that for the ball this year? Clothing has no gender, you know? Girls wear suits, guys wear dresses or skirts, only if you're comfortable, of course. It would sort of mix everything up, hopefully start real change with the way some cavemen act around here."

"Scar, that's excellent!" Juniper gushed. She absolutely loved the idea. She knew all of her friends would be on board too. And her sister and her gang.

"You like it, then?" Scarlett beamed. "Could you maybe talk to your dad about it? I know it's short notice but—"

"I'll get him on board," Juniper promised. There was no way her father would refuse. He'd worn a skirt too, after all. "Thanks, Scar!" she called in parting, hustling up to her dorm room. She couldn't wait to get to the tree and tell Rory the news. They'd have to go shopping for suits. Juniper loathed shopping, but still. Ooh and Victoire could help! Lost in her thoughts, she didn't even register that there was another person in the room.

Juniper pulled her hair into a ponytail, grabbing various books and pieces of crumpled parchment. Her handwriting was atrocious. She could hardly read her own scribbles. Then, she heard a cough. The flush of a toilet.

Vivian hobbled out of the bathroom, forehead perspiring with sweat. She sank down on her bed, face wan. She was wearing a huge grey jumper, and dull sweatpants. Juniper did not recognize her in the slightest. That was it. Juniper had to find out what was going on with her. Once and for all.

"Vivian, are you okay?" Juniper asked, for what must've been the hundredth time since school started. She cautiously approached the girl.

"Fine," Vivian replied shortly, flinching even though Juniper hadn't touched her.

"Just- Viv- Vivian just talk to me," Juniper pleaded, not willing go give in. She pressed, "Please. Talk to me."

"What?" Vivian sniped, words filled with poisonous venom, "You bored, Juniper? Your new best friend is busy? God — just go snog your manwhore boyfriend."

"What is your problem?!" Juniper cried. "I want to help you!"

Vivian retorted with spite, "Don't act like you care, it's just sad. Did Teddy finally get tired of you? Tell me you have something better to do than— "

"Why are you being such an arsehole?!" Her temper flared. How dare Vivian speak to her this way? She was trying to help her! And Vivian was attacking her, attacking Teddy. Juniper was done. She was so so done. "You know what- Vivian, I'm going. You got what you wanted. Happy, now? I'm not going to sit here while you tear me down. I'm leaving."

"You can't just leave!" Vivian yelled, hands curling into fists. Her eyes were glossy. "You can't leave!"

"Why?!" Juniper shouted back angrily. "Why would I stay when you've been nothing but horrible to me?!"

"YOU CAN'T LEAVE!" Vivian screamed. A single tear slid down her cheek. "You can't leave because I need you. You can't leave because I'm pregnant and I have no idea what to do!" she choked out, breathing hard. "I'm pregnant." And then she burst into tears.

CLIFFHANGER ALERT
explanation to come
goodbye fluffy fluff flufffff
it was fun while it lasted for you guys
for me it was vomit inducing :)
ANGST HERE WE COME

hope you enjoyed :)

ranting ——————>
FINALLY THERE CAN BE ANGRY/SAD RANTING

MWAH

-colleen