CHAPTER EIGHT

AN- Thank you gingin I can't tell you how much your reviews are helping giving me ideas and support. *Hugs*

AN- n7kairos I intend to add a view of the battle of Diagon alley and a brand new battle that never happened in the books (the reason I moved Hufflepuffs cup.) as well as the Battle of Hogwarts.

aradia1967- Moving right along :)

Guest- Depending on the context that could be a terrifying notion and Bucky does contemplate what could have happened in this chapter. Not saying hes right.

Guest- Thank you hope you continue to enjoy.

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Juniper was tired but fighting sleep. Ron was asleep in one of the chairs in the main room, Hermione stretched out on the couch neither having made it too their rooms worn from the power they'd expended and just the emotions involved in the fight with HYDRA, the discussion with MACUSA and then the 'conversation.' they'd had when they got back to the room which mostly consisted of Hermione nagging Juniper both about using Sectumsempra, and her testing her Protego against bullets in actual battle ending in her in her refusing to promise to refrain from doing either again. It had ended with Juniper nearly screaming at Hermione asking if she'd prefer that she lie to her. She'd do what she had to do just as she always had. Ron had finally snapped at both of them to just shut up and sleep they could talk about it in the morning. That had settled Hermione who'd huffed, downed a dreamless sleep potion and crashed on the couch while Ron has almost immediately dozed off in the chair.

Juniper had finally gotten around to removing shards of glass from her feet and sealing the cuts with a small spell before starting to drift off as well snapping to wakefulness with the sound of Voldemort's voice in her head. 'Kill the spare.' smooth with just a tiny sibilant hiss. She did not need that particular dream preying on her tonight. She reached into Hermione's bag and pulled out a pepper-up potion gulping it down then settling into her chair and picking up Bucky's book. She hadn't realized she still had it until they got back to the room. She wasn't sure if she should open it or not but then he hadn't taken it back when she'd offered it. She opened it. It was written in a mix of English, something that was probably German, and what looked to be Russian and Romanian. She knew how to read Bulgarian as she like Hermione had been writing back and forth with Viktor for several years even though speaking it was a different matter and it was similar enough that she was able to make out passages here and there. Enough to make her angry and to break her heart. It made her want to burn HYDRA to ash and salt the earth. Cut off the head and cauterize the wounds thats how you killed a HYDRA. She actually couldn't decide who was more evil HYDRA, or Tom and his death eaters.

She stood and stepped into her bedroom so as not to wake up Ron and Hermione. "Jarvis do you know if Bucky is still awake."

"Mr. Barnes is in his bedroom but it seems he is still awake." Jarvis answered. "Would you like me to request he join you Ms. Juniper?"

"No I'll go to him." Juniper answered then paused for a moment. "Jarvis why did you switch from calling me Ms Potter to Ms Juniper?"

"After your alternate paternity was confirmed either Ms Potter or Ms Stark seemed problematic as I didn't want to cause any further confusion or make it seem like I had a opinion on what should only be your choice. Is this wrong do you prefer the former form of address?" Jarvis asked.

"No Jarvis I appreciate the consideration. And I'm really really glad your okay." Juniper answered softly affection for the AI in her tone.

"I assure you Ms Juniper the sentiment is entirely mutal." He assured her. "Mr Barnes room is almost directly above the one you are currently in."

"Thank you Jarvis."

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Sleep was not a option for Bucky. He wasn't sure if any of the others realized how close the Winter Soldier had come to being brought back. One and a half words. If Juniper had been a minute later there was a chance he would have fallen back into HYDRA hands and killed everyone in the tower.

Steve and Juniper would have been his first victims the Soldier had always been good at accessing the biggest threats in any given situation and as Steve had been chained and helpless he would have gone after Juniper first. He knew sleep would only bring nightmares of what would have happened if she hadn't realized he was a threat. One Blow thats all it would have taken. Her magic may be strong but she was small and delicate otherwise he could have killed her with one blow. He needed to leave. He needed to get as far away from the people he cared about as he could. If he ever hurt Steve or Juniper there would be no bringing him back again he knew that which was fine he wouldn't want to come back. Having his memory and emotions and knowing he had hurt either of them...super soldier healing or not he would find a way to end himself. Oh course Stark wouldn't let him have that option he'd end him first no doubt. But he also couldn't leave. Couldn't leave Juniper until the monster stalking her was dealt with. He couldn't stop remembering her reaction when that witch had spoke about sacrificing her. 'I'm use to it.' Those words had pierced his heart. He couldn't be another person who disappointed her deserted her.

He was sitting on the edge of the bed back to the door head in his hands when the knock came at the door. He didn't move just called out. "Let him in Jarvis." Assuming it was Steve.

The doors opened then shut and Bucky knew he'd been wrong almost immediately. Steve didn't smell like vanilla and cinnamon, Steve's footfall wasn't so soft, and Steve's presence didn't make his entire body react. Juniper.

He felt the mattress shift slightly as she slid onto the bed behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist leaning her chin on his shoulder. "Bucky? You okay?" Her voice was soft. His hands came away from his face going down to rest on hers leaning back against her. She was as always a little cooler than him making him want to turn and wrap her in his arms to warm her up. She was soft gentle but even now he could feel her power a very soft hum against his skin.

"You shouldn't have come. You don't know what I am." He said his voice a soft growl but he didn't release her hands.

Juniper was silent for a moment then said softly. "My godfather once told me something that I think you need to hear now as much as I did then. Your not a bad person Buck your a good person who bad things have happened too. The world isn't split into HYDRA and Avengers. We've all got both light and dark inside us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are. Hydra took away your ability to make that choice for a long time and since you've got it back you can be proud of the choices you've made."

"Your godfather was a smart man but doll don't forget HYDRA can take that choice away from me again." Bucky said softly.

"We aren't gonna let them. I'm sure Tony has tried all the technical ways to break your programing but we know now that HYDRA has witches. Could be your answer is magical not mundane." Juniper answered.

Bucky's breathe caught for a moment. He had heard what the witch had said earlier about witches in HYDRA but he'd been so enraged and worried about Juniper at that moment he hadn't considered what that could mean for him and the soldier. It did make a certain sense as Tony and Bruce the greatest scientific minds in the world hadn't been able to find a solution. "And if it is. Can you do anything about it?" He asked voice strained.

"Me personally no but I do know one of the best curse breakers in the business, and a expert in defense against the Dark arts. I think together they could find a solution." Juniper answered.

"You trust them?" Bucky asked.

"The first is Bill Weasley Ron's oldest brother practically my brother. Hell I'm wearing his shirt as we speak. The other is Remus Lupin whos family in every way that matters." Juniper answered. "I'll find a way to get them here Bucky. I promise. Finding a way is my specialty."

Bucky's hands tightened slightly on hers. He'd had hope before when Tony and Bruce had started their tests but something told him this was different. This was Juniper giving him hope and she was right from what he'd heard when Juniper put her mind to something she found a way.

"Thank you." Bucky whispered his voice thick with emotion.

"You don't have to thank me Bucky. We're friends right. Friends help each other no questions asked no thanks needed." Juniper said.

"Is that all we are friends?" Bucky asked softly shifting slightly back on the bed to face her.

"Merlin I hope not. If it is I've spent 7 years doing friendship really wrong." Juniper answered a slightly mischievous smile on her face. Bucky had never thought just a few minutes ago that he'd ever laugh again but that got one from him.

"You need sleep." Juniper said touching his cheek lightly.

Bucky shook his head. "And you don't."

"The wonders of modern potions are endless." She told him. "Come on lay down with me I'll keep the dreams away."

"How are you gonna do that." Bucky asked even as he shifted with Juniper so that they where laying down his head resting on Juniper's upper stomach as she mostly sat up back against the head of the bed hand gently stroking his hair.

"Same way my godfather would for me." She answered softly. "Jarvis lower lights to 25% please." She requested. The room darkened and Juniper started talking continuing to stroke his hair her voice sweet and soft.

Juniper didn't talk about the war or fighting or the pain of her childhood. She talked of a magical castle that was beautiful beyond belief when it snowed. The grounds filled with children throwing snowballs and building snowmen. Troublemaking twins who snuck with their younger brothers best friend to the kitchen when she couldn't sleep to talk the house elves out of hot chocolate and biscuits. A giant squid who lifted clumsy first years out of the water if they fell in and would do tricks for fruit snacks. Bucky wasn't sure when exactly he fell asleep but he dreamed of a snowy owl soaring over a magical castle. a adorable 13 year old Juniper cutting herbs with a cute long haired blond girl and a round faced brunette boy giggling so hard they where hardly able to work the clippers. And a chess game with pieces that yelled protests over bad moves and slammed each other off the board when beaten. It was the best night of sleep he'd had since he'd escaped from HYDRA.

When Bucky woke up Juniper had fallen asleep still half sitting up hand tangled in his dark hair. She had at some point taken off her glasses which where sitting on his bedside table and her face looked softer and younger without them. Or maybe it was the closed eyes hiding not only the beautiful emerald color but also the sadness that no matter how good of a act she was putting on seemed to lurk in their depths. He wanted to take that sadness from her eyes but she'd lost so much, so many people she loved he didn't know if it was even possible. He was almost afraid of what would happen if she lost someone else close to her. If she lost Hermione or god forbid Ron she'd snap. He could never let that happen he was suddenly very glad Clint had taken the boy under his wing training him in a alternate way to protect himself.

A soft sound escaped Juniper's lips that sounded a bit like a protest. Maybe against waking up or against something in her sleeping world. He smiled softly and slid a arm around her. "Come here babydoll." He said softly sliding her down so she was lying next to him instead of sitting up. She opened her eyes and looked up at him for a moment then closed them again snuggling closer burying her face in his chest.

"What time is it?" She asked voice muffled.

Bucky glanced at the clock. "A little after ten." Juniper gave a soft groan and he chuckled. "Bad night. It was late when HYDRA hit no ones gonna be up til noonish. Except maybe Steve."

"And Hermione."

"I don't think we have to worry about them. As long as Tony and Ron stay asleep we're fine." Bucky answered playfully making Juniper giggle. He turned over onto his side so they where facing each other reaching out a hand to cup her cheek his thumb caressing her cheek lightly. "Can you see me?"

"This close yes." Juniper answered. "Anything a few feet away gets blurry."

"Good then you'll see this coming." Bucky said softly and leaned in pleased that she met him halfway kissing him as much as he was kissing her. His intentions to keep it light and gentle went right out the window when she nipped his bottom lip lightly bringing a soft groan from him as he pushed her back onto the mattress. She wasn't as experienced as he was he known that from the first morning in the kitchen from her response to his flirting but she was a fast learner.

Juniper slid her hands under the white tank top he'd been sleeping in and the feel of her hands across his back brought a near growl from his throat his muscles tensing under her caress. She was glad they where already in a reclining position as this kiss was the kind that was guaranteed to turn her knees to water and shut off any logical thought processes. His lips ran down her throat. Juniper let out a moan never having realized exactly how sensitive her neck was until that moment. "Bucky." She whimpered her head falling back.

"Ummm theres that sound I've been looking for." He whispered against her neck. "Have I told you what a turn-on that accent of yours is."

His lips where returning to hers and had just brushed them when the pounding came on the door. "BARNES! IS MY KID IN THERE! GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER! NOW! OPEN THE DOOR!"

Bucky groaned resting his forehead against hers breathing heavy. "How much would it bother you if something very heavy and metal happened to fall on you father's head? Repeatedly."

"I believe at the moment I would be fine with it." Juniper answered her breathing just as heavy.

"JUNIPER! Get out here."

"Drama Queen." Juniper muttered under her breathe making Bucky snicker as he rolled off her. "I'll calm him down. You should probably give him a couple of minutes at least."

"Trust me Doll I'm gonna need more than a few minutes. Tony sees me before a nice cold shower and hes only gonna be madder." Bucky snickered again as Juniper looked confused for a minute then blushed scarlet as she got his meaning. She grabbed her glasses slipping them on then crossed the room slipping out of the door closing it behind her and turning to face Tony.

"Really Tony just really." She said obviously angry stalking down the hall away from Bucky's room.

Tony glanced at the door as if considering going in after Bucky but instead he turned and followed Juniper. "Your still only 17 Juniper hes older than you. Old enough to take advantage, and make you think it was your idea."

"Okay first of all I was the one in his room in case it escaped your notice. He didn't ask me to come. I decided too. I've been making my own choices since I really was a kid if you think I'm just gonna let you take over my life now just because we have a biological link your crazier than everyone says." Juniper answered heatedly heading down the hall towards the lift.

"You hardly know him Juniper. You met him two days ago and your already spending the night with him." Tony objected.

"I only met you two days ago too Tony. And nothing really happened we talked we slept neither of us had nightmares which for me is huge."

"Yeah thats not what those marks on your neck are telling me." Tony answered.

Juniper's hand went to her neck glaring at him. "Yeah that was this morning and you interrupted before we got to the best parts."

"Good. Its too soon your too young. If you insist on starting this...this thing with him at least slow it down a bit." Tony answered.

Juniper turned to face him. "Age your really gonna play the age card here? I did the math Tone you where 17 when you got mom pregnant and she was 20." From the look on his face it was obvious he'd been hoping she hadn't done that particular equation. "And it case you've forgotten I'm in the middle of a war here. I don't know how much time I got. Theres people out there with a hell of a lot more experience than me who want me dead. I may not have time to slow it down. Okay I know its probably all kinds of wrong and selfish to start something with him when I could very likely be dead before the years out but he makes me happy. When he looks at me I feel beautiful and special no ones ever made me feel that before. Not Blaise not even Cedric. He sees me."

"Ah Baby." Tony said softly his heart breaking for his daughter.

"You know Tony. I know you do what its like when people look and you and see your money, your family name, your reputation. I've had proposals from every noble family left in the wizarding world not because of me but because of my name, what I have, what I've done. People I've never even met proclaiming their love and devotion one day and cursing my name the next depending on the newspaper headline. Graves wasn't the first who thought he had the right to see my scar because I'm the Chosen one, the savior of the wizarding world. Even Ron one of the first things he ever said to me was to ask if he could see it. Eyes go to my forehead as soon as people hear my name." Juniper had paused and leaned back against the wall so she could look up at him. "Bucky sees me. Not my scar, not my money and connections, not my destiny."

Tony gritted his teeth but had to admit Barnes wasn't the type of gold-digging con artist to get with a girl just to get to her money or ride her coat tails to fame and glory. And she was also right that he knew exactly what she was talking about. With the exceptions of Lily and Pepper every woman he'd been with had been just if not more interested in what he could do for them than who he was. It hurt him that Juniper knew that feeling and even more knowing it would be even worse if people found out she was his kid. She wouldn't only have to worry about the magical world's gold-diggers if it got out that she was the daughter of Tony Stark.

"You got all the time in the world. Your not going to die in this war. We are gonna kill Tommy-boy and send his little lapdogs running and you are going to have a amazing life. Starks are hard to kill remember." Tony said reaching out and taking her hand. "I just don't want you to get hurt Juni."

"I've been hurt Tony. For alot of reasons by more than a few people. If Bucky hurts me hes worth it and I'll survive it. I always do." Juniper answered softly.

"I only want to protect you from more pain." Tony said then gave a sigh. "Fine fine you want Barnes you can have him but don't expect me to like it."

"Does that mean your not gonna walk me down the aisle?" Juniper asked a soft lilt entering her voice.

Tony's head whipped up in horror then he saw the teasing light in her eyes. "Don't do that to me." He sputtered. "Don't you know your dad has a bad heart?"

"No. I think he has a really good heart." Juniper said softly.

"Shhh don't let that get around." Tony said with a grin. "Now your Uncle Rhodey is here and hes dying to meet you. Go get changed."

"I have a uncle?" Juniper asked eyes widening slightly.

"Yeah Colonel James Rhodes." He paused slightly. "Too many James in this family. Hes my brother same way Ron is yours."

"Alright I'll be down in about 20 minutes."

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"I still can't believe Tonys got a kid." Steve gave Tony a grin as he came back into the kitchen amused at how shocked Rhodes was at the news that he was a uncle. After all in Steve's opinion it was only a matter of time until one of the many DNA tests Tony had taken for numerous kids whose mother's had claimed he was the dad came back positive. It was no secret that Tony had slept around quiet a bit before Pepper and as much as he'd drank when he was younger he suspected he'd probably foregone protection more than a few times. He was of he opinion that witch and war aside he was damn lucky it was Juniper and not some kid with a money hungry vindictive mother.

"You'll believe it when you meet her." Tony told him entering the kitchen and giving his friend a smile joining the two men at the breakfast bar. "She looks like a mini-me except paler and with Lily's eyes and you know being a girl."

"I would think the whole shes a witch thing would be more of a shocker." Hermione who was sitting and the kitchen table with Bruce looking over the schematics for the tower said. She was determined to figure out how to ward the tower to keep out not only HYDRA but also MACUSA and the Deatheaters. She was still annoyed that Tony had disregarded her advice and told his friend about the magical world. This was exactly why MACUSA had been annoyed that he knew in the first place.

Rhodes shrugged. "There was always something special about Lily it only makes sense." He said sadness appearing in his eyes for a moment. "I can't believe shes been gone for 16 years and we never even knew. When she stopped writing I thought she'd just gotten busy with her life. She never even told me she had a child. Even if I hadn't known she was Tony's I would have checked in on her if I'd known about her."

"I wish to God she had told you." Tony said his voice fierce. Rhodes looked over at him in surprise. "Her uncle and aunt abused her Rhodes I'm still not sure we know the extent of it but it was bad enough that it affected her size. I'm 5'9 Lily was around 5'7 Junipers maybe 5'2. You would have known. The second you'd set eyes on her you would have known she was mine and that someone was hurting her."

Rhodes's eyes went cold and hard. "So when do we head off to Surrey to take care of them?" He asked.

"You don't." Hermione said firmly. "She doesn't want that. Your not the first. You think the Weasley boys, and Sirius and Remus didn't wanna go after them? Respect her wishes and leave it alone. She never has to go back now anyway."

Tony scowled obvious not okay with the thought of his daughter's abusers getting away with what they'd done to her. "Where is she anyway? Did you find her?" She asked.

"Yeah I found her. With Barnes." Tony answered a growl in his voice.

"And is Barnes still breathing?" Rhodes asked.

"Shes 17. Shes technically a adult. It could be worse." Tony said stiffly. Hermione gave him a approving smile.

"Juniper has the strength to power these wards and I know the rough placements of the runes we'd need to use but it would still be safer and much more secure if a ward master oversaw everything."

"Oversaw what?" Juniper asked coming in with Ron at her heels. Her long dark curls where still damp pulled back in to a quick braid wearing a grey long sleeve t-shirt with a white owl across the front that had been a birthday present from one of the Weasley's at some point and jeans with worn trainers on her feet.

"Wards. For the tower." She twirled the pencil in her hand as if to indicate the whole thing.

"A 93 story building. Are you nuts. I don't have that kind of power. Even the goblins would call in at least 10 person crew for that kind of job and Merlin the planning would take months if not a year just to place the exemptions for employees and clients and stuff." Juniper protested.

"No not the whole thing just like the top 10 floors. Places where only the residents and a few staff cleaners and stuff are allowed." Hermione answered rolling her eyes.

"Oh that makes more sense." She allowed then turned back to Tony and Rhodes.

"Your right Tony she does look like you. except her eyes you have..."

"My mother's eyes." Juniper interrupted with a smile. "Yes I've heard that quite a few times. Did you know my mother well?"

"I think as much as Lily allowed any of us too." Rhodes answered. "She had a best friend Remus Lupin who she was much closer too I think. I met him a few times. Lily was brilliant she constantly amazed our professors with the out of the box questions she'd ask. I guess I know now where some of her ideas came from."

"Yeah I know Remus." Juniper said with a warm smile. "Hes also a wizard they where friends since they where kids."

Rhodes nodded. "Well its nice to meet you Juniper. I'm James Rhodes. If you'd grown up with your dad I'd be Uncle Rhodey so you can call me that if you want."

"I think that'd be cool. I've never had a decent uncle before. My last one kinda sucked." Juniper said taking a cup of coffee Ron handed her took a sip and made a face. "Dear Merlin thats awful why can't you bloody Americans drink tea like civilized people?"

Rhodes burst into laughter. "Oh my god Lily said that exact same thing to me the first time I made her a cup of coffee."

"I think Peggy said pretty much the same to me as well at one point." Steve volunteered. "Obviously cultural brainwashing. Make her drink coffee it'll be good for her."

"Yeah cause she needs to get hooked on something else that will keep her awake nights." Hermione snarked then glanced back at Juniper. "We need Bill. Not just for the wards but to look at your boyfriend. I assume you've already put that together right?"

"That Bucky's brainwashing may have magical causes as well or instead of mundane ones? Yeah we where talking about that last night. I want Remus to look at him too. Hes good with mind magics."

"Wait is that likely?" Steve asked looking at them in shock.

"Very likely." Ron said with a nod. "Theres curses, potions, spells, all sorts of things to control a persons mind."

"Most witches and wizards won't use them and it use to be illegal as well." Juniper said. "But the type that would work with HYDRA wouldn't let a little thing like that stop them. Especially with a muggle."

"How soon can your friends come to see him?" Steve asked.

"Thats the problem getting word to them and then getting them here." Juniper answered. "We can send brief messages with a Patronus but mine and Ron's are known so they'd be recognized and the message would have to be so short it'd do nothing but scare them, and they'd still have no way to get here."

"All owl messages are being monitored and there is no muggle way to contact them." Hermione said.

"No this is the problem. You put 3 Gryffindors together we think of all the most obvious front door solutions." Ron said. "Hermione is the brightest witch of our age, Junipers the Chosen one and I'm the chessmaster supreme of Hogwarts we should be able to think of sneakier, more Slytherin, more Ravenclaw options."

"Gryffindor Lily had a banner in her dorm room that said that she never explained what it meant." Rhodes said glancing over as Natasha and Clint entered Bucky slipping in behind them watching Tony to see if he could expect a attack.

"There are four Hogwarts houses. All students are sorted due to their dominant personality traits. Gryffindors are the brave, noble ones, the heroes and warriors. Slytherins are cunning and ambitious they've turned out more dark witches and wizards than any other house we don't get along. The Ravenclaws are the bookworms intelligent planners. They are all jealous we got Hermione. and Hufflepuff kind, loyal, hardworking they are the house we usually ally with." Ron answered giving Hermione a grin.

"And your all three Gryffindors." Tony said a glint of pride in his eyes. Yeah his kid was one of the brave, noble ones Oh course.

"At eleven they sort you by who you are at eleven?" Natasha asked.

"Once your sorted your surrounded by that mindset theres not much chance your gonna go another way." Hermione said.

"Back to the subject at hand." Juniper said. "We need someway to send messages and for people to apparate long distances both under the radar. It would be ideal if we could get information on whats going on at Hogwarts. We..." Juniper trailed off and she almost winced. "Are all complete idiots, total morons. How could we all three be so stupid?"

"HEY! I am not stupid I have a IQ of 132." Hermione objected.

"And mines 140. We're both still idiots." Juniper answered grabbing Hermione's bag and opened it pulling out what looked like a old piece of paper. "We need someone who can sneak around under everyones nose. Someone whos not noticed. Whos wickedly powerful but supremely underestimated and overlooked. Who can come and go from pretty much anywhere with no one thinking much of it. And someone who can find Bill and Remus quickly and easily."

"Agreed that would be ideal but..."

"I solemnly swear I'm up to no good." Juniper interrupted tapping the paper with her wand. It immediately unfolded showing what looked like the blueprint of a huge castle with dots labeled with names moving around.

"That is so cool." Tony said leaning over to study it. "Is that..."

"Hogwarts. My dad and his friends created it back when they where in school. It shows everyone in residence where they are and what they're doing. Including the answer to our problem." She tapped a small dot in the room marked kitchen.

"Oh Merlin we are idiots." Ron breathed out eyes wide.

Hermione's eyes went wide and she let out a harsh breathe. "Oh we are. We really really are. Do you think he'll come?"

"If Juniper calls he will. He worships her." Ron answered worrying Tony and Bucky.

Hermione looked over to Juniper. "Do it but be careful how you word things. You know how he is and we don't want him putting himself in danger trying to please you."

"I think I know how to handle him by now Hermione." Juniper answered then took a step away from the table. "DOBBY." She called out "DOBBY its Juniper I need your help. Please come Dobby." Only a few seconds later there was a crack like thunder and a small creature appeared in the middle of the kitchen. About 3 feet tall with peach colored skin, large bulging blue eyes, a bald head, and huge bat like ears he was wearing a blue jumper and mismatched socks that covered most of his body except for his skinny arms.

"Juniper Potter calls Dobby?" The small creature asked voice high pitched. The Avengers looking on all looked shocked and confused. Rhodes mouth literally falling open.

"Dobby." Juniper opened her arms and Dobby smiled hugely and flung himself at her hugging her so hard for a moment she though her ribs where in danger of cracking.

"Dobby is so happy to see his friend Juniper Potter. Dobby will always come when Juniper Potter calls." Dobby said happily.

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"...Yeah but how does it work?" Tony asked for what seemed like the hundredth time eyes still on the map which Juniper had left unfolded on the table as Tony seemed so entranced by it.

"I still don't know Tony." Juniper answered for at least the 5th time amusement thick in her voice as Tony was studying every inch of the parchment as if looking for a hidden switch or some sort of circuitry. She probably would have found it more annoying if it hadn't distracted him enough that he hadn't seemed to notice that when she'd sat on a stool at the breakfast bar after Dobby had popped off to deliver her letters Bucky had come up behind her and wrapped a arm around her. "Like I told you James Potter, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black and the rat traitor created it from scratch. Even Professor Snape couldn't figure it out. They where all geniuses in different disciplines of magic so it probably entwines them all."

"How come people on the 7th floor keep disappearing." Tony asked.

"The Room of Requirement." Ron who was paying half attention to Tony and half to his chessmen who where yelling suggestions to him as he played Bruce commented. "The Marauders Juni's dad and his friends never found it to add to the map." He glanced over to Hermoine and Juniper and they chorused together. "Sometimes its there sometimes its not."

"Huh?" Bruce queried. He was a bit thrown off by the talking chess pieces but maybe more so that the 17 year old who'd dubbed himself the chessmaster was proving it as he'd already beat him in two games. And rather more quickly than he'd expected as well.

"Its a hidden room in Hogwarts. it will only show itself if your in the right spot make the right movements and the need is great. And also something about if the castle approves of you. I found it first year." Juniper grinned at that it always made her happy to think that the castle liked her enough to show her its secrets. It was the first place that had ever been home to her. "Its also called the come and go room and the room of hidden things. At the moment well, since 5th year its been the headquarters of the DA. It provides whatever we need from practice rooms to sleeping quarters."

"That would have been handy during our war." Steve remarked to Bucky with a grin.

"Thats where you went wrong you should have had a sentient castle on your side." Hermione told him with a laugh leaning forward to point out someone else on the map to the others. She'd been amusing herself by pointing out allies and enemies and sharing gossip and stories about them.

"Sentient?" Bucky asked close to her ear sending shivers down her spine.

"Sentient." Juniper and carefully placed one of her exploding snap cards down giving her Uncle Rhodey a grin as he'd been the one nominated to play the game with her so the others could see how it was played. He'd actually won the first hand impressing Juniper since he hadn't fully understood the rules at the time.

"Hogwarts has been practically soaked in generations of magic for literally centuries." Hermione said. "It has staircases that move by themselves, classrooms that rearrange themselves, windows that repair themselves, statues and suits of armor that move around when you aren't looking. The room is the biggest hint that its sentient but not the only one. Its also said that it favors the founders descendants and as the sword that came to Juni during 2nd year was the sword of Godric Gryffindor thats a big hint shes one of them. At least through magic from James Potter. The sword will only come to a true Gryffindor."

"Maybe but if I am I would hardly been the only descendant. Considering how many years ago the founders lived and how inbred the wizarding population of Britain is theres probably hundred if not thousand of heirs of all 4 houses running around." Juniper said then squeaked as the cards exploded in her face. Bucky pulling her back slightly even though she was laughing.

"No fair. I was distracted." She told Rhodey her eyes sparkling.

"Tough luck Peanut." Rhodey responded determinedly ignoring Bucky. He'd never been a fan of The Winter Soldier but if Tony could take it so could he.

If Juniper would have responded was left a mystery as a crack announced Dobby's return and he was not alone. Juniper had given him letters for Bill Weasley and Remus Lupin, and told him to be careful only to approach them if they where alone, and to be sure they knew if they came with him they would be coming very very far away so they weren't surprised it had taken a while for him to return.

None of them had any doubt which of the men Dobby had brought with him. He looked like a older version of Ron seeming around 10 years older than his younger brother. He'd grown into his looks and instead of being tall and a bit gawky like Ron he was broad shouldered and muscular with a deep tan and callused scarred hands which showed the muscles had been earned with hard work not hours in a gym. His hair the same bright red as Ron's was as long as Bucky's pulled back in a neat tail that revealed a earring that seemed to be a tooth of some large animal his only other jewelry a gold wedding band on his left hand he was wearing a dark shirt, black pants, and a long leather jacket a dark green knapsack across his shoulder but his most noticeable feature was the 4 deep scars that ran across the side of his face as if he'd been clawed by a large vicious animal. It looked recent as in within the last few years. But other than that his face was a future echo of what Ron would look like in a decade.

His eyes scanned the room and the impression was that he'd immediately clocked every single person there and possibly any weapons they carried and calculated their threat level then his eyes swept back to first Juniper, then Ron as Dobby popped away again immediately.

"Little brats." He muttered but the intense relief and affection in his eyes made it a endearment. Bucky released Juniper as she and Ron both jumped up and ran to him as he opened his arms grabbed one in each arm and pulling them close. It was obvious then that comments made about the Weasley's practically adopting Juniper hadn't been a exaggeration. There was no diffrence in the way he pulled her into his hug and the way he did Ron his brother by blood. "Merlin you have no idea...When you three disappeared after the attack at the wedding. And even Luna couldn't tell us anything for over a week except mutters about crossing timelines. We thought you where dead or captured. We didn't know for sure until you attacked the ministry and WHAT WHERE YOU THINKING?" He looked over to Hermione who stood to walk over not part of the family circle but still a member of the group. "Your suppose to be the smart, sane one how did you let that massive cock up happen?"

"It was totally Hermione's idea actually." Juniper said cheerfully shoving her friend right under the bus with absolutely no guilt looking up at Bill with wide innocent green eyes. Tony had to force himself not to snicker. He knew that expression he'd used it on Pepper, and before that his mom often enough.

Bill didn't buy it anymore than Pepper did. "Yeah right I know which one of you has the last shred of common sense between the three of you."

"It was necessary and we got what we needed and freed a group of muggleborns from ministry custody at the same time. We have no regrets." Hermione answered as Bill released his brother and the girl he considered his sister to give her a brief squeeze as well. "Fine I will accept that. You three will have to face Mum eventually though." Fear flashed in Ron's eyes and Juniper swallowed hard.

"We gotta make sure the twins do something stupid between now and then. Make us look better." Juniper muttered to him.

"Careful brat your Slytherins showing." Bill commented then glanced at the others in the room. "The Avengers hmmm? You could have done worse for a sanctuary." His eyes landed on Steve. "Captain Rogers I'm a big fan. Would be more of one if you where British but I suppose no ones perfect."

"He also prefers coffee to tea. Tried to make me drink some its awful." Juniper confided to him. As Steve stepped forward to shake the other man's hand. Then Bill's eyes went to Bucky accessingly. He'd noticed how close he'd been to Juniper and the arm around her waist but he didn't let that color his view and didn't consider the stories he'd heard of The Winter Soldier. In his line of work he kept a eye on Muggle events especially when HYDRA came up but for this he looked only at him as he was this moment.

He looked over at Juniper. "There is something. You don't feel it." He asked.

"Maybe something but I don't know enough to know what." Juniper answered. She remembered feeling the darkness in Bucky the other night when she'd first saw him. She'd thought it was just a natural part of him as it was in her.

"We wait for Remus. I'm not fooling around with Mind magics without back-up. And three magic school drop-outs don't count." Bill continued ignoring Hermione's squeal of protest. "Show me what you've got for the ward scheme you want."

Bill was cool. It was a quick and easy judgement for the Avengers to come to. His obvious and easy affection for the teens they'd so quickly became attached too made him easy to like. His confidence that when Remus came they'd be able to do something for Bucky cemented that further and inspired confidence in them as did his complimenting Hermione on her ward scheme but showing her in a gentle way that didn't crush the intensely intelligent and proud girl one mistake and a way to improve security around the elevator shafts. And then there where his stories.

They had noticed that Juniper had referred to him as a curse breaker and ward master as if they titles and they discovered they actually where. Tony after a couple of stories about Tombs he'd raided had dubbed him Indiana Jones. And that was before he confided in them he'd had a few run-ins with HYDRA when they'd been after the same magical artifacts. Nothing as impressive as the Arc of the covenant but he'd kept some pretty powerful things out of their hands. It was easy to see why when the girls had decided they needed help they'd both separately for different reasons thought of him. It was also easy to see why Juniper adored him. For a abused girl who'd most likely had dreams of someone coming to rescue her Bill must have been the very image of the big brother she wished to have.

Tony had just finished marveling delighted over the insults the map had aimed at him after Juniper had closed it with a wand tap and the words "Mischief managed." and ordered some lunch when there was another loud crack and Dobby returned with another man. Remus Lupin had arrived.

AN- Coming up Tony has to face that their may actually be a living 'father-figure' in Juniper's life one who has lost and loved the same people she has. Diagon Alley is attacked and Juniper gets wayyyy to close a look into the action while unable to do a thing about it. And she has a idea. Never a good thing for a Gryffindor without the counsel of a Ravenclaw or Slytherin.