AN-Dobby shows up and the fate of Diagon alley is revealed. Bill is being clever. I intended to have something different but Bucky insisted on taking Juniper to the beach and hey whos gonna argue with the Winter Soldier. The necklace will be a thing later. All in all this was a bit of a filler chapter to get things set up for the next and its a nice break for Juniper. I do love giving my characters a glimpse of hope before I totally and completely rip it away. :) Enjoy because their will be angst next chapter. I am trying to get one chapter a week up but some weeks are longer and harder than others so a I apologize that this was a bit later than normal.
AN-Thank you biohazard I had a really bad day on the 1st and seeing your review when I got home made me feel so much better. gingin Thank you I always love your reviews your thoughts really help me find directions I need to explore and encourage me to write more.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"What are you two doing?"
"Watching the sun rise." Juniper informed Hermione even though honestly she and Bucky had spent more time making out and talking than watching the sky. Talking about quidditch and baseball, New York in the old days and Hogwarts in the new, Steve's penchant for getting into fights with bullies and Luna's talent for taking the winds out of their sails by not reacting. No mention of wars, or HYDRA or death eaters. She should tell Bucky about the Horcrux. Hell by now she should just give it up and tell everybody. Dumbledore had told her to keep the existence of the horcruxes a secret from everyone but Ron and Hermione and she had already thrown that order out the window but she just couldn't bring herself to admit to Bucky, her dad, Bill, or Remus that she'd had a piece of a monster's soul in her head for nearly her entire life. It was a death sentence and she knew it. It was bad enough watching Hermione fighting it and Ron ignoring it she didn't want to watch the reactions of the other people she...loved.
"Protip it'd be easier to watch the sunrise if you stopped all the snogging and looked in that direction." Ron said pointing towards where the sun had indeed started rising above the horizon painting the clouds orange making it almost look like the sky was on fire and lighting up the majestic skyscrapers. They where looking down towards most of them as the Avenger's tower was the tallest but it was still a awe-inspiring sight, especially for Ron who still couldn't quite grasp how the muggles had done all this without magic.
"Hermione." Was all Juniper had to say to have her smacking Ron in the back of his head.
"Thank you."
"Hey." Ron protested.
"Do you know how many times we had to watch you and Lavender slobber all over each other in the common room? At least Juniper and Bucky where out here alone." Hermione scolded him before sitting in one of the chairs.
"Have I mention how much I like your friends?" Bucky whispered in Juniper's ear making her laugh. It was true though. Juniper was closer to Ron but the loyalty, devotion and bond between all three of them was obvious. He had to wonder how much of who Juniper was, the choices she had made to be the hero instead of letting the pain and temptations she had endured turn her to the villain's path was due to them.
"So what are we doing today?" Ron asked.
"We have too..." Juniper trailed off. There was nothing she realized. Bucky was unbrainwashed, the wards where set up, the locket horcrux was dead, they knew where the other horcruxs where, and had the means to destroy them. They couldn't go back to Britain yet as they hadn't seen the muggle with the scars on his face.
It was a bit disconcerting to realize there was no pressing issues to take care of. They didn't even have to pull up camp and move for fear of being found if they stayed too long in one spot. "Nothing theres nothing." Juniper sounded almost confused and a bit worried as if a Saturday with no plans was just a invitation for chaos.
"Having a day with no impossible tasks isn't exactly a bad thing Juni." Ron pointed out as Hermione tried to hide a snicker.
"Gives me a chance to actually take you out." Bucky said linking his fingers with hers and giving her a warm smile. Juniper looked up at him eyes softening as they met his.
"And I need to get to the wizarding district. Restock our potions supply, see if I can find some copies of the Daily Prophet, and see what the American wizarding papers are saying." Hermione said.
"The Ghost." Juniper provided. "You have any Galleons?"
"I have your vault key and Remus said theres a Gringotts branch all I need is a drop or two of your blood." Hermione answered.
"You shouldn't go alone, and you should wear a disguise." Juniper suggested with a nod.
"I have poly juice potion keyed to Lavender I should be fine." Hermione answered.
"Do you want to go with her?" Bucky asked Juniper. "We can go out later."
"Oh Merlin no." Hermione said a bit of surprise in her voice. "Any disguise I wear will have to be dropped in Gringotts. I may be able to get away as someone who just looks like Hermione Granger. Juniper Potter in America may cause a full on riot even in Gringotts."
Bucky looked over at Juniper. "Exactly how famous are you in the wizard world."
Juniper muttered something under her breathe crossing her arms and sliding down a bit in the lounger they where still sharing.
"Shes the Tony Stark of the wizarding world." Hermione told him brightly.
"I don't mind the people so much. I don't like signing autographs but most people are really nice except for the occasional dark wizard who wants to yell nasty things at me. The reporters are a different story. I'm a hero, I'm a pathetic child, I'm a attention seeking liar, I'm a dangerous murderous psychopath. The only reporter I ever liked was Xeno Lovegood." Juniper said her tone a bit pouty. She'd never liked thinking about her fame. She desperately wished the only thing she was famous for was her talent on a broom.
"I can go with you 'Mione if you have more poly juice. We should probably ask Remus to come along too as he knows where it is." Ron offered.
Hermione nodded. "As long as you don't mind looking like Seamus for a few hours." She reached out grabbing Juniper's hand. "Come on I'll help you with your hair." Juniper gave Ron a look as if pleading for help knowing that Hermione's words meant she was about to endure at least a hour of Hermione's yanking a comb through her curls trying to tame it into some semblance of order with whatever product she could find in the bathroom.
"Don't look at me as long as shes trying to make that bird's nest of yours behave shes not nagging me to cut mine." Ron snorted.
"Traitor." Juniper accused as Hermione tugged her to her feet and into the house.
Bucky watched amused then glanced over at Ron who was wearing a similar expression. "Better get use to it all the girls she hangs out with occasionally get it into their heads to do something with that hair of hers. Except Luna which may have been the original basis for their friendship."
"I like her hair." Bucky answered with a laugh. Then glanced over at Ron realizing this was the first time he'd been alone with Juniper's best friend. He knew a lot of guys who would have been fuming with jealousy to have the girl they where in love with have a male friend as close as Ron and Juniper but...he got it. The two of them had been the others first friend. Ron was the first person Juniper had ever trusted, Juniper was the first person who'd ever depended on Ron. Through the first two years of their time at Hogwarts due to a slow start to friendship with Hermione first year and her being petrified for a good chunk of 2nd they'd depended on each other. They had gone through things no one else would ever be able to understand. As Steve had once said about him even when Juniper had nothing she'd had Ron. And then there where just some friendships that where deeper and truer than most. Some people who connected on a almost instinctive level. He had the same kind of friendship with Steve.
"Juniper tell you about the earring yet? You might wanna do it before you go out." Ron asked surprising him holding up a small box. "Bill had something to do so he gave it too me to give to you."
"Ummm no. She didn't say anything about a earring." Bucky answered a bit suspicious.
"Its a charm it'll keep you from being imperioused." Ron turned his head so Bucky could see the small gold stud he wore in his own left ear. "Hermione and Bill have them too. Everyone in the family does. Juniper is immune so she doesn't need one. Its safer than any other jewelry type. Bill thought you'd like this one but Juniper can change it if you want."
Bucky caught the box Ron tossed him opening it too see a small stud that looked like a black diamond tiny unobtrusive and likely to be hidden by his hair unless he pulled it back. "My ear isn't pierced."
"No problem." Ron said standing and going over to him. "Hold your hair back." Bucky did so and Ron leaned over. Bucky felt only a sharp pain a warmth in his ear that flashed over his entire body then nothing. "All done. It heals the piercing automatically so you don't even have to worry about cleaning it. Nobody else can remove it so just don't."
Bucky nodded as Ron sat back down. "So you gonna give me the shovel speech too?" He asked raising a eyebrow at him.
"Nah, for one thing I don't think your dumb enough to just be screwing around with a girl whos dad is known is the merchant of death, whos godfather is a werewolf and whos has 6 brothers including a curse-breaker and a dragon handler. So I gotta guess you have actual feelings for her. For another I trust Juniper's instincts. Barty tricked her when he was posing as Mad-eye but he did it by targeting Neville and becoming a mentor to him first. Snuck under her guard. And theres Dumbledore which is...complicated. But for the most part Juniper has been right about who she could trust. So for now I'm gonna trust you too. Doesn't mean I'm not gonna give the two of you a hard time about the snogging and such. I'm the big brother thats my job." Ron answered shooting him a mischievous grin. "Besides I could use another guy around to hang out with. Viktor barely speaks to anyone but Hermione, and Neville is...well...Neville."
Bucky couldn't help but return the grin. He truly could see why Juniper liked him. "Maybe the two of us could get Viktor to be more talkative and Neville to be less Neville if we take them out and get them drunk. We'll try it as soon as this war is over."
"Deal."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
"Bruce could I speak to you?" Bruce who had just finishing reading the portion of the newspaper that he cared about and was carrying his third cup of coffee with him to return to his lab looked over in surprise at Bill who was sitting in one of the chairs in the family room among several still sleeping or just awakening members of the group.
He'd had yet to speak to the man one on one but had great respect for him. He knew how much work it took to get a doctorate and he imagined it took just as much to get a mastery. To have two at his age and to be as good as he'd witnessed him to be in both was impressive. Not to mention anyone who threw a wrench in HYDRA machinations was to be admired.
"Oh course." He said putting on his glasses. He had better eyesight than Juniper seemed to and tended to use them at times almost like a security blanket to hide behind.
"I know Hermione has been using your lab for her research. I need too see it." Bill said softly.
Bruce looked a little surprised. "I don't know if I feel comfortable with that Bill."
"I don't either but they are hiding something from us Bruce. I'm the oldest of eight. I know when I'm being lied too and Juniper and Hermione are lying to me and hiding something. Maybe that wouldn't scare me so much as those two learned how to keep secrets at the feet of the master but Ron isn't lying. Juniper tells Ron everything if shes not told him this its because shes afraid of how he'd react or because its dangerous to her. That neither of the girls have told him terrifies me." Bill answered eyes dark.
Bruce glanced over at Tony who nodded at him. "Alright I'll show you where shes been working."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
"See isn't that better?" Hermione asked Juniper brightly standing behind her in the mirror looking very pleased with herself.
If Juniper was honest the answer was yes. After another of the long hot showers Juniper was getting very use too Hermione had somehow with the aid of a hair dryer, hair straightener, and a drawer full of different hair products tamed her wild curls into softer looser waves pinned back from her face. She was wearing one of the outfits Pepper had bought her a long sleeved light pink cashmere sweater and a light grey skirt that reached halfway to her knees. It felt too short too her despite Hermione telling her it was perfect because she had great legs. Its just felt so odd. With the exception of her school uniform and robes she'd never had brand new clothes, girl's clothes and while they where comfortable it was going to take some getting use too having clothing that fit properly.
"You don't need any mascara or foundation you horrible creature." Hermione said opening a jar of blush. "But a little color for your cheeks will be good. Pepper picked out a perfect color for you. Shes really good at this. Maybe shes got a personal shopper or something."
"This doesn't feel like me Hermione." Juniper said even as she let Hermione brush the color over her cheekbones.
"How do you know?" Hermione asked her softly. "Juni you've spent your whole life being who everybody else wanted you to be. Maybe its time to try some new stuff. I remember how beautiful and happy you looked after the girls helped you get ready for the Yule ball. Theres nothing wrong with enjoying dressing up a bit and looking good. Even for bad ass warriors." She gave her a quick hug.
"I'm not wearing high heels." Juniper warned her.
Hermione laughed. "Yeah I remember how you wobbled that night before you transfigured your shoes to flats. I will never understand how someone with such excellent balance 99% of the time just can not walk in heels. Just wear the pink trainers."
"We're in America Hermione. I'm pretty sure they're sneakers here." Juniper told her with a grin. Then a more serious look came over her face. "He told me he loves me Hermione."
Hermione's eyes widened and she sat on the edge of the bed surprise clear on her face. "Juni do you know how big that is? I mean for a guy like Ron is just something he says cause he thinks hes suppose to, or a guy like Cormac he says it to get his way but for a guy like Bucky to say that. Hes like Viktor. Viktor didn't say it until we where together for two years because for him it means something."
"I'm in love with him too." Juniper said softly sitting on the bed as well pulling a pillow into her arms holding it tightly to her chest.
"Are you sure Juniper? I mean hes very pretty and that much attention from such a fit guy would turn anyones head." Hermione asked softly. She felt bad for asking but Juniper as powerful as she was magically and as smart as she was had been badly emotionally stunted and damaged by the way she'd been raised. Hermione still remembered the way she'd flinched then stiffened as if not sure how to react the first time she'd hugged her. When they'd first started Hogwarts she'd been so starved for acceptance and affection she'd grabbed hold of the first sources of it that had become available. It was lucky those first sources had been Hagrid and the Weasleys. She'd gotten better thanks to the Weasleys surrounding her with a brotherly protective affection, the comradery she'd found with the quidditch team, and the bonds formed when you shared a dorm with other girls. Still Hermione had been both surprised and pleased when in fourth year she'd started returning flirty looks and showing interest in the three hottest guys objectively speaking in the school.
Terry Boot hadn't really stood much of a chance against Zambini or Cedric but honestly any of them would have been a good choice for her. When she'd started dating Cedric a lot of the girls in the school had let out dreamy sighs about the fairytale aspect of the hero of the wizarding world, the chosen one dating Hogwart's very own version of Prince Charming. More than one of their friends had already written a happily ever after version of that relationship in their heads when Cedric was murdered. After that Juniper had put a hard brake on the suggestion of any thing that even approached dating or a relationship. Not even the handsome charming and experienced Blaise Zambini could brake down the wall she'd thrown up. But Bucky seemed to have torn in down without even trying.
"I've never felt like this about anyone Hermione. Just being with him makes me happy. Hes not like anyone I've ever met. Everything I find out about him makes me just like him more and I want to know everything about him. I feel like he sees me. Not what everyone else sees or convinces themselves they are seeing but really me. He gets it he understands and he accepts me all of me. He so strong and he wants so much to be a better man that he can't see how good he already is. When I'm with him I feel safe and warm and when he touches me..." Juniper trailed off. "I can see a future with him Hermione. I want a future with him. I've spent so long even before the Horcrux not even daring to think about it because I was so scared the next step I took was gonna blow my foot off but for the first time I want more."
"Oh Juni." Hermione grabbed Juniper in a hug that surprised the smaller girl. "I'm so happy for you Juniper. You deserve love. You deserve someone who sees you." And she was gonna get that future Hermione promised herself. If it took every breathe in her body her friend was going to have the future she deserved.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Ron was just finishing telling Bucky why the Chudley Cannons where the best quidditch team in the league no matter how much Juniper loved the Holyhead Harpies when Tony and Steve stepped out onto the patio both wearing serious expressions.
"Ron we need to talk to Bucky why don't you head inside and have some breakfast." Tony requested.
Ron looked up at him with a slight frown seeming to sense something was about to happen. "Alright but just so you know if he gets bruised up Junis gonna take it personal." He informed them before going back inside ignoring the surprised looks from all 3 men.
"Where we just threatened with a 17-year-old girl?" Steve asked a hint of amusement in his voice.
"A 17-year-old girl who sets men on fire when she gets annoyed so valid." Tony pointed out as he sat in the chair Ron had vacated while Steve leaned back against the railing arms crossed.
"True." Steve acknowledged with a nod.
"Are we having the daddy, boyfriend chat here?" Bucky asked and glanced over at Steve. "Wouldn't Remus or Bill have been more appropriate?"
"Remus is getting ready to take Hermione and Ron shopping and Bill is searching through Hermione's papers trying to find out what the girls are hiding from the rest of us." Tony said softly. "Any ideas? Did Juniper say anything to you?"
"Besides her seeming certainty that shes not going to survive this war of theirs not a thing." Bucky answered with a sigh. It was a possibility one he didn't want to think about because he knew if he lost Juniper the soldier would be all there was left and he would turn her world the one that had turned their backs on a tiny innocent baby who'd just lost her parents, condemning her to ten long lonely miserable years in the hands of abusive monsters into a bloodbath.
"Its not a good mindset going into battle. Theres a diffrence between being willing to die and expecting it." Steve said softly.
"Another thing we need to figure out how to get into that twisty little brain of hers." Tony said softly using Bill's words. He turned his eyes too Bucky. "So I suppose this is the part where I ask you what your intentions are with my daughter? I've only ever been on your side of this conversation. I always thought it would be easier to be the dad."
The amused look on Steve's face almost made Bucky laugh. "Yes nothing in the world is easier than having a teenage daughter."
"My intention is to protect her as much as she'll let me and support her through what I can't. You can threaten me if you want but I'm not going to leave her Tony." Bucky said softly his voice intense.
"Good." Tony's voice was just as soft and he smirked slightly at Bucky's surprised look. "The Winter Soldiers still in there Bucky. You beat me, Nat, Sam, and Steve. Who else should I trust to protect my daughter if I can't."
"You got a new mission Buck." Steve said softly. "One you've chosen."
"Just don't hurt her Bucky. I'm not sure she can take another heartbreak." Tony said.
"I would never hurt her Tony. I love her." Bucky replied. Tony looked a bit surprise but Steve's smile just widened a bit.
"Yeah I was wondering how long it was gonna take you to figure that out." Steve said.
"Punk."
"Jerk."
"Just don't forget shes still only seventeen. A seventeen year old who was abused for years by the people who should have protected her, then used by the people she should have been able to trust, and finally watched the people who she loved who loved her die in front of her. Take it slow Bucky. The two of you started off at 60 and just keep hitting the gas." Tony said eyes serious.
"She deserves all the trappings Buck. She deserves to be courted properly. Shes never had a real relationship. She had a flirtation with that Zambini and a cute little puppy love with Cedric but I've seen the way you two look at each other. The two of you could be the real deal. If this is endgame give her the love story she deserves." Steve advised.
"Already ahead of you. I'm taking her out for the day. I'm gonna show her the city. Let her fall in love with it so after the war she'll want to come back here instead of staying back in jolly old England. Shes already half way there. Oddly enough she seems to love that no one knows her. Not gonna tell her thats gonna change as soon as the press gets wind of her being Stark's daughter." Bucky confided to them.
"We're gonna delay that as long as we can but it will eventually come out." Tony said with a sigh. In a way he wanted to tell everyone about his daughter. She was beautiful, brave, smart. He wanted everyone to know she was his kid but he knew what kind of attention it would bring to her. Attention she already got and hated in her world.
"Take her to the beach Bucky. She told Clint and Rhodey she wanted to see the ocean. That she'd never seen the ocean." Steve told him.
Bucky smiled. "Brighton Beach. Coney Island isn't open this time of year but the beach is."
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound they now knew heralded Dobby's arrival from inside and all exchanged apprehensive looks. The was going to be either very good or very bad. Bucky found himself almost pleading to any higher power that was listening to let at least part of the news he brought be good. Let something go Juniper's way for once.
They where the first to enter and Dobby his arms full of what looked like newspapers gave them a bright smile. "Hello Juniper Potter's new dad and Juniper Potter's Stevy and Bucky."
Tony couldn't help smiling it was pretty cute the way the little elf identified everyone in relation to Juniper. He really had the worst case of hero worship he'd ever seen "Hello Juniper's Dobby we're glad your back. We where starting to worry about you."
"Juniper Potter's dad worried for Dobby." The elf sniffed eyes filling with tears. "Dobby knew Juniper Potter's dad must be great to be the dad of such a great witch but to worry about Dobby..." He burst into loud sobs.
"Oh now you've done it." Ron who'd followed them from the kitchen munching on a apple muttered crossing to pat Dobby on the head. "Its okay Dobby honest. If Juniper sees you crying shes not gonna let you tell us a thing until shes sure your okay you know." The others had already started arriving as Dobby nodded getting control of himself and wiping the tears from his huge blue eyes.
Then Bucky heard a noise on the stairs and turned to see Hermione and Juniper coming down the stairs. His breathe seemed to catch in his throat and his heart jumped. He'd fallen for her in oversized guys clothes, and wild curls with no makeup but now seeing her with her hair falling almost to her waist in soft waves pulled back from her face framing it instead of trying to hide it so that her big green eyes where highlighted wearing clothes that actually fit and suited her coloring Bucky was convinced he'd never seen a more beautiful sight. Juniper's eyes where on him and his reaction brought a blush to her cheeks.
Steve nudged him a bit roughly. "Breathe Buck." He said grinning himself. He'd always though Juniper was cute but she cleaned up even better than he'd thought.
Ron was the only one in the room that didn't seem impressed but then He was also the only one besides Hermione who'd seen her dressed up for the Yule ball. Between her and Hermione everyone had been shocked speechless by Cinderella revels that night. "You should see her in a ball gown." He told them taking another bite out of his apple. "Dobbys back."
"Yes Ron we can see that." Hermione sighed.
"You look really pretty Juniper." Peter said with a warm genuine smile.
"Thank you Peter." Juniper said glancing away from Bucky to him as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Your really do." Bucky said feeling a bit awkward and resisting the urge to smack Peter in the back of the head like Hermione had done Ron early just for saying it before he did. Bucky was suppose to be the charming flirt and he'd let a 15-year old get the jump on him. "Your beautiful." He added bringing Juniper's eyes back to him as he reached out taking her hand and pulling her closer to lay a kiss on the back of her hand.
"Thank you Bucky." Juniper said her eyes sparkling. He had a part in putting that sparkle in her eyes. It was good for her being here. Away from the pressure and expectations of her world. Even Ron and Hermione did it. Yes they supported her but when a choice had to be made, a secret revealed, or a task done they looked to her. She curled her fingers around his and squeezed his hand before she released it and turned towards Dobby.
"Dobby I'm so glad to see you." She said to him.
"Dobby is sorry he took so long, but Juniper Potters twinsies made him wait until these where ready." Dobby said offering the stack of newspapers to her.
Juniper took a deep breathe and reached out taking the top newspaper off the stack and inhaled sharply her face paling as she sat hard on the couch eyes going wide. The other quickly took their own copies of the paper. Hermione's eyes actually teared up and Ron looked shocked at first before slowly a smile came to his lips.
The front page had the title of the paper THE QUIBBLER TWO then just underneath the words- Dedicated to the memory of Xenophilius Lovegood hero of the Battle of Diagon Alley. Under that three pictures the first a picture of Diagon Alley in its prime bright and bustling people in colorful robes, children playing in the streets, a small brown haired girl kept turning and waving at the camera. The second showed the aftermath of the attack burned out hulls of buildings still smoking, bodies in the street, people crying and others who looked like they where in shock. Then there was the third the one that had caused the trio's reactions. The streets had been cleared but there where wizards waving wands to repair the buildings others standing guard wands in hand with resolved expressions they where all wearing black armbands some emblazed with a golden phoenix the symbol that had once been Dumbledores but was now widely accepted to be Juniper's, others went further and actually had the Potter family crest on them. Some of the buildings had already been restored and they where adorned with banners and signs Gold signs with words emblazed on them in red. WITH JUNIPER POTTER.
"What are they doing?" Juniper asked her voice strained.
"Picking a side." Steve told her voice gentle.
Hermione turned the paper to get past the pictures and started reading. "The Death eaters attacked Diagon alley expecting a slaughter, easy pickings, instead thanks to the Heroes of Diagon Alley they found the tide turning and lost key members of their own forces."
"Juniper Potter even though not physically present managed according to eyewitness reports including my own managed to take control of You know who himself. She turned his spell meant to smash the ward of Weasley's wizarding Wheezes against his own forces killing twelve death eaters with one blow and causing the so-called dark lord to flee. Proving that she has not deserted us, or forgotten us as some claimed."
"We sadly lost three of our heroes in Saint Mungos Gilderoy Lockhart finally lived up to the reputation he gained from his highly fictionalized books. A long term resident of Saint Mungos hopital the former author and Hogwart's professor's body was found shielding two muggleborn children who had been visiting a friend. The children where physically unharmed and affirmed that Lockhart had pulled them into the corner and shielded them from death eater attacks. Also killed where Frank and Alice Longbottom former aurors driven to madness by the Cruciatus Curse 16-years-ago they are survived by their son the now Lord Neville Longbottom one of the famous ministry six and Alice's goddaughter Juniper Potter herself. 6 healers, and 3 medi-witches where killed protecting their patients, as well as 5 visitors and 7 other patients names listed below. The attack was lead by none other than Bellatrix Lestrange herself who escaped unharmed."
Ron who'd been following along read the next part. "The beloved former editor of the original Quibbler was slated to die at death eater hands as well but Xenophilius Lovegood lived his life defying expectations and died the same way. He only smiled as the death eaters entered his office with their threats led by Fenrir Greyback himself and fired one curse. At the Erumpent horn that had been hanging in his office for years. As everyone knows Erumpent horns are highly explosive. Xeno, his office and the death eaters where all caught in the ensuing explosion, seven death eaters including Rodolphus Lestrange husband of Bellatrix Lestrange where killed. Unfortunately Fenrir Greyback although reportedly injuried did escape. Xenophilius Lovegood is survived by his daughter Lady Luna Lovegood also a member of the Ministry Six."
"Our final hero who lost his life that day was Ambrose Shafiq who was manager of Flourish and Blotts. Dragged from his workplace by death eaters who had likely once bought their schoolbooks from him along with Madam Malkin the owner of Madam Malkin's robes for all occasions where generations of Hogwart's students bought their school robes. When the death eaters demanded Shafiq declare his allegiance the pureblood Ravenclaw's answer of 'With Juniper Potter.' signed his death warrant. Afterwards going against the principals of pureblooded wizards everywhere they turned their wands on the weeping Madam Malkin and killed her as well. Both of the purebloods where members of large families but had no children of their own."
Remus's voice came in reading the next part. "Florean Fortescue the owner of Diagon alley's favorite ice cream parlor turned into a case of biting off more than you can chew for death eater Walden Macnair. Evidentially he forgot the elderly business owner was in his younger years a Unspeakable of some repute. In a awe inspiring duel between the death eater known as The Executioner, and the former Unspeakable Fortescue unleashed a string of unknown and powerful curses that defeated the younger man in the duel to the death. Fortescue's ice cream parlor is one of the few businesses that still stand in its original form and the 27 people mostly children who sought refuge inside where all saved and protected by the owner."
"The death eaters made one more mistake and this along with the victories of Juniper Potter, Xeno Lovegood, and Florean Fortescue finally provoked the inhabitants of Diagon Alley to take up their own wands in defense of one of their own. Garrick Ollivander sold wands to at least 90% of all British wizards for the last 90 years. Most of us have fond memories of getting our first wands at 11-years-old and of the wizard who sold them to us so the sight of the old and frail seeming man being forced from his shop was the last straw for many. The death eaters left in the alley where forced to flee without Ollivander as the other business owners and more than a few of the customers turned on them flinging curses, charms, and potions. Then the Order of the Phoenix arrived including former Aurors Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Nymphodora Tonks just in time to root out the last of the death eaters trying to retain a foothold in the alley."
Bill's voice took up the reading. "At the moment with the possible exception of Hogwarts Diagon Alley is the largest bastion of support for Juniper Potter. Wizards from many communities are coming in to help with the rebuilding and the Goblins of Gringotts have donated the times and services of their ward masters to help secure the alley. When asked for comment the Goblins spokesman said. 'Its nothing personal. Its business. If wizards are afraid to come to the alley we lose money. Don't assume this is a gesture to that stupid girl or that idiot who thinks hes a dark lord either.' Many Order members have relocated to Diagon Alley to protect the inhabitants and if the death eaters dare to return they will find a even stronger defense than they faced this time."
"Juniper when you are ready we have a base of operations, a supply of weapons and back-up for the DA waiting for you. To the end Juni." There was a pause and Bill swallowed hard. "The by-line is Percy Weasley."
"Percy." Juniper repeated eyes wide. She had assumed one of the twins or possibly Lee Jordan had written it to have Percy declare his allegiance so plainly and boldly was surprising.
Ron let out a laugh. "Merlin Juni you got all Diagon alley now. The death eaters keep shooting themselves in the foot. The gave us the Slytherins by killing the Malfoys, the Hufflepuffs when they killed Cedric and the Ravenclaws by hurting Terry, now we got Diagon alley cause they know they can hurt them now."
"We could win this." Juniper said softly eyes wide as if the idea was actually sinking in.
Bucky who was sitting next to her on the couch reached out putting a gentle hand on her cheek. "We are going to win this." He corrected her and gave her a soft quick and gentle kiss.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
"Your going to freeze your feet off." Bucky's tone was teasing as he slid his arms around Juniper's waist as she stood in the ocean the water up to her ankles staring out at he water in awe as if mesmerized. Granted Hermione had cast a warming charm on Juniper's legs when she'd realized they'd be driving on Bucky's motorcycle but still it would wear off eventually right?
Juniper laughed leaning back against Bucky tilting her head back to look up at him. "Can't you feel that?"
"Feel what Doll?" He asked kissing her forehead lightly smiling at how happy and relaxed she seemed for once.
"The Magic Bucky." Juniper answered.
"I'm not a wizard Juni remember." Bucky reminder her.
"Just because you can't use the Magic doesn't mean you can't feel it." Juniper said with a adorably cheeky grin. She pulled away slightly and glanced down. "Take off your boots." She ordered.
"Well thats one article of clothing it doesn't thrill me to hear you request I remove." Bucky said dryly but backed up to pull off his heavy black boots and socks leaving them beside Juniper's pink Keds and pulled up his pant legs before wading back into the ocean.
Juniper took his hands pulling his arms around her waist from behind. "Now close your eyes and just feel."
Bucky had to suppress the urge to take that order in a completely different direction that she'd intended it but this seemed to be important to her so instead he did as she said. The night in his room after the HYDRA attack when it been quiet and they had been alone he had been able to feel Juniper's powers a soft pleasant hum against his skin. That was nothing compared to what happened when he closed his eyes with the intention of seeing if he could feel this Magic Juniper was talking about.
He let out a gasp as it washed over him. It was powerful. It was ancient. It was life and death but truly neutral. And for a moment he was part of it wrapped in the Magic of something so much more powerful than him, connected to something so much more than him. It should have been terrifying but there was a comforting quality to it. The Magic wasn't particularly concerned with him but it wasn't malevolent it simply was and always had been. There was a hint a feeling that if he knew how he would have been able to...not use but borrow a bit of that magic.
"What is that?" He whispered softly.
"Its the ocean Bucky. Its pure magic." Juniper answered. Being so close to it made her feel almost recharged as if being this close to a source of so much pure power had soothed away the raw edges the last couple of days had left. "This is more Hermione's flavor. I'm more fire and storm but even to me the power of it is mind boggling."
"I've been here, been in the ocean a million times. I've never felt this." Bucky said softly.
"You've never tried. Most muggles don't. But when you become aware of magic you start feeling and seeing things you never did before. Its like your mind has a filter that tells you that something isn't possible and it refuses to see it. Thats why kids see ghosts, and fairies and things like that while they are young before they know they aren't suppose to see those things." Juniper told him.
"Its beautiful." He whispered. Juniper leaned back in his arms to look up at him giving him a brilliant grin. Bucky found himself wondering about the possibility of getting a beach house then nearly laughed aloud at himself. She was Tony Stark's child he'd buy her her own beach if he had even a hint it might please her at this point. He had a feeling it would. Maybe it was also partly finally knowing what had happened in Diagon alley and that she had people who would stand at her back but she seemed more relaxed and happy than she had been since she and her friends had popped into the tower.
"Can we just stay here? Just like this forever?" Juniper asked a playful tone in her voice.
"I'll make you a castle out of sand. Might be a problem when the tide comes in though." Bucky answered softly pulling her back into a position where he could kiss her he felt her rising up on her toes to meet his lips the tide only up to her ankles pushing her closer to him anyway. She was warm. She was wearing his jacket something which pleased him no end since Tony had doubtlessly filled her closet with jackets of different sizes and styles but she'd still picked the oversized leather jacket that smelled like him. But still this was the warmest her skin had been since he'd met her. Her lips, her cheek when he lifted his hand to cradle her face and her waist under his metal hand where her sweater had ridden up a bit when she'd lifted her arms around him. Fire flashed through him at the feel and taste of her lips under his her warm body against his. He let out a low groan as he lifted his head. Damn it was a good thing they where in public or Tony's advice to slow down a bit would have gone straight out the window. Her eyes looked slightly hazy when he lifted his head and he tried really hard not to smirk at that. It was good to know he effected her as strongly as she did him.
Then without warning something hit him. Not hard enough to really hurt but would have undoubtable sent Juniper tumbling into the water if he hadn't been holding her. He heard the loud wail and turned in shock to see that what had hit him had been a little boy. Maybe 4 or 5 with dark hair and eyes that had ran into him full tilt and was now sitting in the wet sand wailing.
"Oh honey. Its okay. Your okay." Juniper assured him kneeling beside him and gently helping him to stand her eyes scanning for any sign of injuries or his parents. To her surprise the little boy flung himself into her arms burying his face against her neck. Juniper wrapped her arms around him and stood stroking his hair and whispering comforting nonsense as he clung to her.
Bucky who had also been scanning for parents and had caught sight of a couple of older boys who must have run past without either of them noticing (and how had that happened?) who must be his older brothers turned back and felt his breathe catch. The little boy was cuddled into Juniper's arms nothing visible but his dark hair. It could have been their child in her arms. Bucky had grown up in a time when it was accepted that he would one day marry and have children but then he'd spent so long in captivity since waking up the thought of a family had never entered his mind but seeing Juniper holding the child in her arms put the thought in his head. The thought of a child with his hair and her eyes and unlike back in the old days it didn't scare him or make him want to turn tail and find some other girl.
He stepped forward and put a hand on the little boys back. "You okay buddy?" He asked softly.
The little boy looked up at him sniffling. "I fell." He whimpered pitifully.
"I know bet that was a bit scary huh? And now your brothers are running off on you. Thats not nice is it? Should we catch up to them do you think?" He asked him as the little boy first nodded, then shook, then nodded his head eyes wide. Bucky turned his back to them. "Hop on Buddy I'll give you a piggy back ride." The little boy nearly jumped out of her arms delighted at the prospect latching onto Bucky's back. "Hold on Buddy. Be right back doll." He set off after the other boys his long legs closing the distance quickly despite his bare feet.
Juniper picked up Bucky's boots and socks and pulled her own shoes back on following them at a much slower pace. She couldn't help smiling watching how careful Bucky was to keep a hand on the boy's arms to make sure he didn't slip and not go to fast. He had been so good with the little boy another thing to add to his good qualities. She watched as he caught up to the older boys and spoke to them quietly for a few minutes kneeling down so that he was on their level as he lowered the smallest boy to the ground. She was no where near close enough to hear what they where saying but when they left and Bucky stood and started back towards her the oldest boy was holding his youngest brother's hand carefully in his.
"So how many younger siblings do you actually have?" She asked handing him his boots which he pulled on sticking his socks in his pockets before he took the hand she held out.
"That obvious?" Bucky asked a hint of amusement in his voice. "A had a little sister Rebecca. I looked for her after I came back but she'd already passed."
Juniper hugged his arm as they walked. "I'm sorry." She said softly.
Bucky shook his head. "She had a good life. Got married to what seems to have been a good man had a bunch of kids, grandkids, great grandkids. She named her oldest son after me. James Buchanan Wilkins. Hungry doll?" He changed the subject glancing down at her. Rebecca was still a tender spot for him. She'd died around 15-years before he'd escaped from HYDRA but somehow when he'd started looking for her part of him had still expected her to be the sweet little 10-year-old he'd said goodbye to at their grandmother's house before shipping out. He'd promised her that when he came back she could come live with him and Steve one of many promises HYDRA had forced him to break over his life but that one still stung.
"A little." Juniper answered as he led her away from the beach and back towards the boardwalk where there where tons of little restaraunts, vendors, and shops.
"Like hot dogs?" He asked.
"Don't know never had one. We can find out." Juniper answered brightly. Bucky glanced at her in surprise.
"Your gonna get tiered of giving me that look if you do it every time I haven't eaten something before. Hogwarts was very traditionally British in the food they served."
"What about before that when you where with your relatives?" He asked tentatively. He remembered well what Ron had said the first night about them starving her and both her eating habits and size where evidence that it was true but none of them had yet broached the topic of her childhood with Juniper directly. At the moment there just seemed to be more important problems in front of them but he knew none of them not him, or Tony, or Natasha, or Rhodey, or even Steve and Clint where likely to forget what they knew.
"A lot of Cheese sandwiches, and apples. Can't stand apples anymore." Juniper answered averting her eyes to the wares some of the vendors where displaying. Bucky was lucky his teeth didn't crack from how hard he clenched them at that bit of news. What kind of bastard thought it was healthy, or wise to raise a child with only cheese sandwiches and apples to eat. It was a miracle she hadn't died of malnutrition long before she'd started school. He got control of his anger pressing it down reminding himself to share it with Tony later. He got the feeling the other man already had plans for the Dursley family but he would never think they where harsh enough unless they ended in a triple funeral.
Juniper knew her words had upset Bucky and her immediate response was to retreat. But when she turned her attention to the vender's table her attention was immediately caught by a necklace a white crystal wolf on a silver chain head back as he howled. Something about it reminded her oddly enough of Bucky. Remus was the one who was actually a werewolf but she'd seen him in his other form, seen Moony and he had none of the grace, beauty, or lethal power of a true wolf. Bucky did.
She could actually feel Bucky's anger die down before he moved to her side his arm going around her. "We'll take the wolf."
"Bucky you don't have too." Juniper protested.
Bucky kissed the top of her head. "I may not be able to spoil you like Tony no doubt has every intention of doing but I can get you this." He handed over some cash to the vender then took the necklace fastening it around her neck. The chain was shorter than the one for her locket so it rested comfortable just below the hollow of her throat. It wasn't magical but it still felt special maybe because of the proximity it had to the ocean as crystal did tend to absorb magic or maybe just because it was from Bucky.
"Thank you Bucky." She said putting her hand to the necklace giving him a sweet smile. That made him smile as well. "Come on lets get hot dogs and head home." Home. The tower was home now. Maybe even more than Hogwarts had been.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
It had started to rain a bit as they had pulled into the towers garage and they had gotten wet but not soaked. So it was a slightly damp Juniper and Bucky who entered the tower a few hours later Juniper giggling, and Bucky grinning to find the others watching Hocus Pocus. Ron and Hermione laughing wildly as some of the things while having to admit that a few others where not far off.
"Good your back. Run it back. I want Juni to see that human to animal transformation the witches cast. I think it would work Hermione said no way." Ron said to Tony who was looking at Juniper's happy face with a slight smile.
"Ron theres no way they didn't even have wands. And that was not a real spell it was even in English and it rhymed." Hermione said in frustration rolling her eyes.
"But there where three of them so they should have had the power and spells don't have to be in Latin." Ron answered.
"You guys do know movies aren't documentaries right?" Juniper asked sounding amused. "I could try turning the two of you into animals to test it if you'd like?"
"Nooo." They both chorused in concert. "Been a half cat before didn't enjoy it."
"When where you a half-cat?" Remus asked Hermione raising a eyebrow in surprise.
"2nd year. Poly juice accident. Its a long story." Hermione answered.
"Miss Juniper, there are two young ladies downstairs who are asking to see you. They claim they knew you in school." Jarvis broke into the conversation.
"Lets get a look at them Jarvis." Tony ordered. The movie paused and the screen showed two girls at least a good 5 years older than the trio. The first looked like a blond version of snow white with her pale complexion, blue eyes, pink cheeks and lips and pretty features. The other was a little taller but just as lovely with light brown hair caught back in a bun and light brown eyes freckles on her cheeks.
"I don't think I know them." Hermione said.
"They look familiar." Juniper disagreed. "Jarvis did they give their names?"
"No Miss Juniper but they did say to tell you Caput Draconis." Jarvis responded.
"Head of the dragon?" Natasha asked with a frown.
"That was the password to the Gryffindor common year our first year." Juniper reminded Ron and Hermione.
"Ohh Ohhh thats Cheyenne Navora, and Lizzy Lane. They where like five years ahead of us. Gryffindor muggleborns. What are they doing here?" Hermione asked in confusion.
"I don't know shall we find out?" Juniper answered. "Jarvis let them up please."
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
AN- Oh look they have guests. I'm sure they are completely friendly and kind with absolutely no gut wrenching terrifying news right? Guys right? Juniper has had a really good day so far and with Potter luck being what it is we know whats gonna happen now. Hope you all enjoy. Love and kisses.