"What are you gawping at?" Juniper head lay on the pillow, early morning light washing her skin in a soft glow. Dawn had just begun to break, sun cresting atop the mountains, just barely skimming the fluffy white clouds. The sky was clear, watercolor paint spilled across its wide expanse, the only trace of the stormy night was the dew sparkling on the grass.

"You." Teddy whispered, scooting closer to her, even though they were already lying face to face. Their noses were almost touching.

Juniper blushed as Teddy trailed his fingers along her bare shoulder. "You have a freckle," he noted, drawing her closer.

Juniper rolled her eyes, "What a brilliant observation, Captain Obvious."

"I thought so," Teddy said, "can I kiss it?"

Juniper did her best to hide her smile, "Can I stop you?"

Teddy had already bent forward, pressing his lips to her skin. His mouth traveled up her shoulder daringly, Juniper delighting in his touch.

He dragged his tongue along her lower lip, kissing his way back down to the curve of her neck.

"I don't think I have any freckles there," Juniper pointed out between kisses.

"Oh really?" Teddy arched a mischievous eyebrow, flipping to his hands and knees so he was hovering above her on the mattress. "Because I could've sworn there was one right here." He bent to kiss her again, but Juniper rolled out of his reach, eyes sparkling.

Teddy dove on top of her as he began to tickle her mercilessly. Juniper giggled, doing her best to escape his wrath. Soon, however, she was pinned to the mattress by her wrists, Teddy smirking triumphantly above her.

"Teddy!" She exclaimed, out of breath. "Let me up, you arsehole!"

"I'm going to need something in return."

"Yeah? And what would that be?" Juniper tapped a finger to her chin, feigning confusion.

Teddy's lips met hers, firm and soft all at once. "Stubborn girl," he said, shaking his head and taking Juniper in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and Juniper's heart soared. This might be the happiest she'd ever been, wrapped in Teddy's arms, nestled deliberately into his chest. She felt safe and loved and her stomach wasn't twisting in knots trying to figure out why he didn't love her.

Because he did.

Teddy Lupin was in love with her. And she was in love with him.

Juniper sighed contentedly, snuggling deeper into the warmth of his body. He laced his fingers through hers, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You need to shave," she remarked teasingly, batting him away.

He made a bite for her playfully, and Juniper scrunched her nose in response. The girl stretched, disentangling herself from Teddy's grasp. (with much difficulty mind you, as someone was reluctant to let go) She rose from the bed, padding across the rug to pick up her discarded clothing. Unhooking her bra from the bedpost and bending down to get her crumpled skirt, from the bed Teddy watched with a huge smile on his face, leaning back on his elbows against the pillows.

"Stop staring at me like that!" Juniper commanded, putting her hands on her hips.

"Can't I admire the view?" Teddy's eyes widened in false innocence, the devilish quirk of his mouth causing Juniper's pulse to race.

Juniper forced herself not to flush, chucking a balled up pair of stockings at his face in retaliation. "Behave!" she reprimanded, shrugging on one of his jumpers and one of the pairs of leggings she kept in the boys' dorm.

"Love, that's one of my least favorite pastimes."

Juniper felt a little shiver of pleasure shots up her spine at 'love'. He called her love. Love.

"I should probably get dressed too," Teddy yawned, swinging his legs out of bed. "Boys'll be coming in soon." He pulled a black t-shirt over his head, muscles rippling as he did so. Then a pair of sweatpants, ruffling his mussed hair, which had reverted back to its usual blond.

Meanwhile Juniper had paused, a prickle of uncertainty poking her mind. That sentence, that urgency to leave in the morning because no one could find out, it reminded her of before. December and January. Her insecurity when she found Teddy gone come morning. Anxiety flooded her, what if it wasn't different? What if he didn't mean what he'd said? She chewed on her lower lip.

"Hey," Teddy tilted her chin upwards, noticing that she'd zoned out, "you okay?"

"Mmmhmm." Juniper nodded, still gnawing on her lip. "Fine. I'm- it's stupid."

"Junie," Teddy gave her a long, knowing look, "what's wrong?"

He could always read her. It was thing Juniper loved and hated most about him.

"I just- it's okay if you're not ready to tell everyone. Hell, I'm not ready to tell everyone yet," Juniper winced at the thought of Leo, Charlie, Nessa's, reactions. Oh god James' reaction. Her parents- nope she was definitely not ready for that. "But- I do want to tell people eventually. I don't want- last time when- I don't want to be your secret anymore, Teddy."

Teddy's expression softened. He reached a thumb to her cheek, "Look at me, Juniper." And she did. "I promise it's not going to be like last time. Do you hear me? I love you, okay? You. And only you. I'd shout it from the rooftops if I could."

Juniper relaxed, circling her arms around Teddy's neck and kissing him lightly, "I love you too."  She paused, her green eyes glinting mischievously, "Oh and there's no way I'm telling James. I'm passing that job off to you, Lupin."

"Hell no!" Teddy protested, "I'm not doing it, he'll kill me. You're doing it."

"You're his best friend."

"You're his twin sister!"

"You're telling him," Juniper stated firmly, daring him to test her.

"Careful, Potter," Teddy warned, resting his hands just above her hips. "I won the fight this morning, don't you remember?"

"Aww you think you won?" Juniper pouted. "I let you win, Lupin."

"Let me? You let me win, now did you?" Teddy raised his eyebrows challengingly. "I suppose we'll have to test that theory." He lunged for her, trying to start tickling her again. Juniper shrieked in delight, dodging out of the way. Teddy chased her around the dorm, until she finally collapsed on the bed succumbing to his barrage of kisses.

"Fine! You win!" Juniper laughed, wriggling away, her stomach hurt from laugh so hard. She attempted to catch her breath, "You win!"

Teddy grinned, puffing his chest out. He cocked his head, "Sorry I didn't quite catch that-"

Juniper punched him in the shoulder, "Shut up!"

"No that wasn't it."

"You win, you massive prick," Juniper said sullenly, glaring at him.

Teddy's grin only increased in size, "Music to my ears."

"I hate you." Juniper shot back, clambering into's Teddy's lap. He played with her hair mindlessly. "Oh!" A thought struck her suddenly, "And I know we're not telling anyone yet, but I want to tell Rory." She snickered, "You know she'll figure it out on her own anyways."

Teddy scratched his head sheepishly, "Yeah I don't think you have to worry about that actually..."

"What do you mean?" Juniper furrowed her brow, confused. What was Teddy getting at? Did he know something she didn't?

"Well- erm- she sort of already knows." Teddy replied, beginning to braid Juniper's hair with quick, deliberate motions.

"How?" Realization dawned on Juniper. "You told her?!"

"More like she told me," Teddy chuckled to himself at the memory.

"I'm gonna kill her," Juniper groaned, throwing her head back. Teddy whining when she did because it messed up the braids. Of course Rory had known. Come to think of it, her best friend had always had a soft spot for Teddy. Juniper smiled at the idea that Rory had always been secretly rooting for Teddy. A view that so differed from the disdain Viv usually regarded him with. Oh god- Vivian. They'd just made up. What if she wasn't happy for Juniper?

She hadn't been before. But that was different. Surely she'd see. Surely she'd understand that this time around was good. Thankfully, Juniper didn't have to worry about that until they were ready.

Teddy finished her braids, looking at his work proudly, and Juniper kissed him on the cheek, "Thank you, now I'm gonna head upstairs. Ror is definitely lying in wait for me." She hopped off the bed, heading for the door.

"I'll walk you up," Teddy said, following her out.

She placed a hand on his chest, "You don't have to-"

"I know I don't have to," Teddy smiled, taking her hand in his. "But I'm going to."

"Teddy-" Juniper started to argue.

"Junie." He interjected, holding the door open for her. Hand in hand, they walked up the stone steps.

Juniper squeezed his hand, relishing in the feeling of walking like this with Teddy. Together. As one. "Is this what it's going to be like?" Juniper asked wryly. "You doing stupid things you don't have to-"

"And you fighting me not too?" Teddy finished for her, coming to a stop in front of Juniper's dorm. "Yes. That's exactly what it's going to be like," he tipped her chin up, eyes locking with hers, "And you love it." He kissed her slowly, Juniper's lips parting as his tongue slipped between them.

Juniper threaded her fingers through his soft curls, dropping her head to his neck when the firm press of his mouth met the sensitive space behind her ear. And Teddy's roaming hands traversed her body, sending little sparks of joy crackling through her.

The door swung open, "Okay I'm not going to pretend I can't hear you snogging your arses off anymore." Rory stood, biting her lip to keep from laughing, raising one very smug eyebrow. Teddy and Juniper sprang apart, flushed.

"Come on, Junie," Rory grabbed her by the arm, yanking her into the dorm. "We have exams tomorrow and I know you haven't started studying. And you," she pointed to Teddy, who was attempting to pull Juniper back to him, "are a distraction. And are not allowed in."

Teddy whined in protest, "Wooodddd, I just need one second."

"Fine. But that's all," Rory obliged begrudgingly, "And keep those hands where I can see them, Lupin!"

"Yes, warden," Teddy rolled his eyes. He bent to give Juniper a quick chaste kiss, attempting to pull her in for more, but Rory was too quick.

"Nice try," Rory said, as Teddy released Juniper reluctantly. "That's quite enough." She pushed Juniper inside the dorm, and shut the door in a puppy dog eyed Teddy's face. Then after a moment, she opened the door again, smiling wide, "I'm really happy for you guys, by the way!" She gushed, "The two of you make a really great-"

"RORY!" Juniper cried out, cheeks burning, as Teddy grinned. Now it was Juniper who slammed the door shut, burying her face in her hands in pure embarrassment.

From behind the door they could both hear Teddy calling, "I'll miss you."

Rory snorted, "Didn't peg him as the clingy sort."

"Trust me," Juniper said, sharing a conspiratorial look with her, "neither did I." They both burst into giggles.

"I just need one second." Rory mimicked in a hilarious falsetto, nailing Teddy's pleading expression with wicked precision. And the pair nearly fell on the floor from giggling so hard.

Juniper wiped tears from her eyes, shoulders heaving. "He'd kill us if he knew how badly we were making fun of him," she sputtered.

"You're right," Rory nodded solemnly, trying her best not to dissolve into laughter. "We should stop." Her and Juniper were silent for a moment, locking eyes.

"I'LL MISS YOU!" They chorused in unison, exploding into peals of laughter, clutching each other to keep from toppling over. They were so immersed in their hilarity that they barely noticed when the door to the dorm opened.

"Oh- hey," Vivian waved from the doorway, eyeing then unsurely.

"Hey," Juniper and Rory said, flopping down on Juniper's bed. Vivian stood still, searching for what to do.

"Erm- we were just about to look over notes for exams- do you want to study with us?" Juniper ventured, knowing the last time they'd all been in the same room, Rory and Vivian had gotten into a screaming match over her personal relationships. Juniper and Vivian had made up, but she didn't know about Vivian and Rory.

Vivian shuffled awkwardly, "I mean- I don't want to-"

"Come on," Rory lifted a shoulder, beckoning her over. Vivian smiled gratefully, and Juniper made space for her on the comforter as Rory began hefting her impressive stack of notecards out of her bag.

"Did we even learn that much this year?" Vivian cracked, elbowing Juniper.

"Dunno," Juniper shrugged, winking at Rory, "wasn't paying attention." She nudged the focused girl, who was deep in her studying, "Frankly, I'm surprised Rory has so many notes for Advanced Transfig, the only thing she was studying in those tutoring sessions was my brother's arse." Juniper grinned.

Rory gasped, cheeks flaming, "I was not studying Jam- Potter's arse!" She swatted Juniper with a stray throw pillow, "As if!"

The girls' returned to studying, well...mostly. Rory studied, Juniper partially, while Vivian flipped through a Witch Weekly magazine. The boys filtered in intermittently, Leo and Rory feverishly combing through textbooks, Charlie and Juniper seeing how many spitballs they could chuck at Leo's head until he was fed up (five).  Then James and Juniper competing to see how many every flavour beans they could fit in their mouths. Juniper won, by an impressive eleven beans. James and Rory being quite literally the most adorable people in the entire universe as they studied, heads bent close together. Teddy, sneaking glances at Juniper when he thought no one was watching, sitting down right next to her so their thighs grazed each other and finding any way possible to touch her. (Rory caught him every time)

Juniper was a hundred percent certain that if he thought he could get away with it, Teddy would pretend to trip and "fall" into her lips, proclaiming it an accident. And although she wouldn't let it show on the outside, internally she was screaming with joy.

Eventually, her and Rory were passed out on the bed, lying in a heap. Vivian, who had gone to sleep hours earlier, slept soundly across the way in her own bed.

The call of morning came far too quickly for Juniper's liking, Rory tearing the covers off of her and dragging her out of the warmth of the pillows.

"Aaarggh.." Juniper yawned, curling into tight ball.

"Up!" Rory insisted impatiently, throwing clothes at Juniper with rapid succession. "Potions is today, and there is no way in hell I'm letting bloody Lupin and Potter beat us!"

"Thought I heard your dulcet tones, Wood," Teddy and James stride into the room, trademark smirks firmly planted on their faces. Juniper's brother snickered at her sleepy, half lidded appearance, and Juniper growled in response.

Rory narrowed her eyes, jabbing a finger in the two boys' direction, "I hope you studied, because Junie and I are fully prepared to kick your mediocre, slacker arses."

"Mediocre, slacker arses?" James gasped dramatically, clutching his heart. "Teddy, however will we recover?"

"I don't know," Teddy sniffed theatrically, "it may take years of intensive therapy."

Rory rolled her eyes, busying herself with getting her books together, as Juniper struggled to pull brush through her hair, but Teddy and James only continued to mock.

James pretended to wipe a tear from his eye, "I always thought I had a nice arse."

"You know what, mate? You do. You have a very fit behind." Teddy agreed, patting his best friend on the back heartily.

James made a show of checking out Teddy's backside, hoping to get a laugh out of Rory, who was struggling to contain her enjoyment. Both her and Juniper found it highly amusing, but of course, they hated letting Teddy and James get the best of them.

"You're not doing too bad yourself, mate. Very proportional." James nodded solemnly.

"Thank you, James. I needed that."

"No, thank you."

"Thank you!"

"No, -."

Juniper snorted. "For fuck's sake!" Rory interrupted with a groan, clambering up on a chair to reach one of her books on the top shelf. She really was short. Barely five feet, really. With her back turned, "If I catch you checking out my arse, Potter, I will personally end you."

"I'd consider it an honor to be ended by you, Rory Wood," James replied, just as Rory toppled of the chair...and straight into James' arms. "Hi there," James grinned, cocking his head at the brown haired girl with a devilish air.

Rory, flustered, leaped out of his arms, tucking her hair behind her ears hurriedly, mumbling, "It's not my fault the bloody chair fell over."

"You should consider getting someone in your life to reach things for you," James suggested, smile creeping at the corners of his mouth, raising himself to his full height not at all subtly. "Someone tall, dark, handsome, perhaps?"

Behind James and Rory's back, Juniper mouthed to Teddy, "So cute." And he nodded in full agreement.

"Oi!" Leo called from the doorway, peering at the bickering pairs. "Parkinson's going to hex us if we're late again," he warned, then because it was Leo and how could he resist? He added with a heavy dose of McGonagall sarcasm, "You lot can flirt and walk to class at the same time, I promise. It's called multitasking."

"LEO!" Rory and Juniper yelled at the same time, fiery expressions mirroring each other. They each shouldered their bags with a huff, following the smug boy out of the room.

He lifted his shoulder at Teddy and James, smiling like fools, "Hey- whatever it takes, right?"

The Potion's final exam was literal death. As Juniper had expected. But her and Rory probably did alright, she'd get shit from James, Ness, and her parents if she hadn't. And Rory would spontaneously combust if Teddy got a higher score than she did. Altogether, Juniper was drained and immensely glad that McGonagall was having a partner exam. The only downside to this, of course, was that she was having them draw names the day of.

"I'm done." Teddy proclaimed, lounging back on the common room couch. Juniper, sitting on the opposite end of the couch, inconspicuously stole a peek at the defined line of his abs that had been visible when he raised his arms behind his head. Teddy caught her looking and raised an eyebrow, propping her socked feet on his lap.

"You never started," Rory said, sitting cross legged on the floor.

Teddy laughed, "Ah, but I considered it, Wood. And that in itself was terrifying enough."

"You know what's really terrifying?" Charlie piped up from his place on the floor. He was lying on his back, lazily flicking his wand at the ceiling, his ginger hair flopping in his face. He gestured to James, parked right next to Rory, bent over a meticulously highlighted study guide, "That."

"I know, it's like a hippogriff swimming." Juniper teased.

"Yeah if that hippogriff was trying to impress a girl...OW!" Charlie scoffed, and was subsequently hit in the face with a quill.

Juniper stared out the window, bright sunlight hitting the deep blue of the Black Lake. It was a perfect summer day. And they were stuck inside. An idea sparked in her mind, "You guys!" She exclaimed, sitting upright, "We need to take a trip this summer!'

such a happy happy chapter!!

so out of character for me ;)

yk i love the angst (its not going away sorry!)

i'm literally so excited for summer and seventh year!!!

yay!

i'm tired!

long story short i survived

happy ranting OR gushing about how cute juniper and teddy are!!! --------------->

mwah,

coco