AN- Thank you BioHazard82. *hugs*
AN- Tony's comment to Jarvis in this chapter 'make it so number one.' is a reference from Star Trek the next generation and is something Captain Picard says quite frequently to his 2nd in command Riker. Seemed to fit.
AN- Sam gives a little info. Juniper has a night terror then bonds with Peter. Dobby comes back with some helpful items, a convo with Sam turns on a light bulb for Juniper and they are able to retrieve the resurrection stone. The Horcrux removal is well under way by the end of the chapter.
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CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
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"TONY!" Pepper yelled. "Did you not just apologize to Juniper for what she called Stark level crap? And your already doing it again."
"Well I figure since hes already here." Tony said with a shrug. Pepper crossed her arms tapping her foot a stern look on her face. "Alright alright fine." He muttered.
"Actually, there is not alot I can tell you that you didn't see yourself." Sam said. "As I've told you I'm a counselor not a psychologist I'm not qualified to diagnosis anyone and even if I was I wouldn't be able to do it over one dinner."
"But?" Steve asked softly.
Sam sighed. "In my opinion its not as bad as it could be. For one thing from what I could see they are interdependent but not codependent."
"Whats the difference?" Rhodey asked.
"They are close. Close to the point they don't actually have to speak to communicate. But they do have their own opinions, their own focus, and relationships outside their group. It seems they have fallen into their own roles Juniper leader, Hermione caretaker, and Ron protector but its not so set in stone that they get insecure when they switch off or someone else steps in. Ron and Hermione listen to Juniper but not to the point that they suppress their own opinions and she listens to them. They value each other thats obvious but they can and do function perfectly well separately as well." Sam answered.
He looked over at Tony. "I don't doubt for a moment that Juniper, that all three of them have PTSD but they seem to have no trouble forming attachments and they feel safe here. Safe enough that they are telling you things they haven't shared with anyone else. I think in a way they are relieved to have found adults or at least older more experienced fighters they can trust. As far as I can see none of them are in crisis. Juniper breaking down when she found out the man she'd thought of as her mentor had betrayed both herself and her father-figure is expected and normal. It would have been worse if she hadn't reacted." Sam told him. "Something else she said did seem...concerning. She said the Weasley's home and her godfather's home where the only places she felt safe. That meant her first 11 years of life as well as at school she had to constantly be on guard and until she met Ron and Hermione she had no one to trust, no one to watch her back. That kind of stress wears on a child not just mentally but physically and there are signs she was...neglected if not abused?"
"Oh no, she was abused." Clint said his voice almost a growl. "She was starved, she was beaten, she was mentally battered way before she started Hogwarts and that Dumbledore clown started manipulating her."
Sam nodded his expression hard. "You should take her to a doctor get her a checkup see how badly her physical health has been affected. From what I've seen with my niece who is a witch magic can help but its not a heal all. Maybe find out how long shes had those glasses too she may need a new prescription. I doubt her guardians where overly concerned with any of that."
"Her cousin whos a healer was here earlier. She seemed very concerned. She said she should have been brought to her years ago. She said something about having a meeting with Tony." Pepper said.
"Good you should do that as soon as possible. A magical healer will probably be able to tell you more than a no-maj. One more thing when you go to England I want in. Beyond even the war these kids are going to start a revolution in a way thats going to shake the foundations of the world my mother and niece are a part of. You should ask to take a look at that book of Hermione's. They have ideas that will change not just the magical world but the no-maj one." Sam continued.
"Redwing may not work." Natasha reminded him.
Sam shrugged. "Its low tech compared to Stark's toys but even if it doesn't I'm still a highly trained and decorated soldier. And I'm not the only one. There are plenty of squib soldiers who'd fight for someone like Juniper."
Tony nodded. "Thank you Sam. We will let you know."
Sam nodded and started for the door and then seemed to think about saying something and turned back. "Tony...I noticed when you, Pepper, or Barnes touched her she leaned into it. Thats makes me suspect...If a young chld is never touched with care they either fear or crave touch."
"Ron once told me the first time Hermione hugged her she jumped like she'd expected her to hit her instead then seemed to be confused like she'd never been hugged before." Bill said his voice rough. "Afterwards Hermione just hugged her, held her hand, rubbed her shoulders as often as she'd let her. My mom would do the same hug her, fix her hair. And Charlie which I thought odd as he was usually better with animals than humans but maybe he sensed that she needed it. Shes gotten better now. She is constantly hugging her friends, holding their hands I don't think I've ever seen her with Luna when they weren't leaning on each other."
"Shes touch starved. Its better than detaching which may have happened if it hadn't been for Hermione. Keep it up. Hug her, hold her hand, put a hand on her shoulder. If she pulls away just let it go but she needs it. Barnes is the same way after 70 years in HYDRA." Sam grinned. "The two of them may be particularly well suited in that way. Don't tell him I said that though. Tell Hermione I'll see her tomorrow she wants to ask me a few more things."
"Thank you, Sam. Good night." Pepper said with a nod. Sam did turn and leave the penthouse then leaving the core group of Avengers including Pepper Potts alone.
They were all silent for a moment then Tony spoke. "Jarvis gather all information on the cause and effects of touch starvation on children, make Juniper an appointment with an optometrist a good one and search for a way to contact Andromeda Tonks or Black."
"All available information is downloaded on all of your mobile devices, Juniper currently has a tentative appointment with Dr Marshall Shelly for tomorrow at 12:30 and I'm searching for her cousin as we speak." Jarvis replied.
Tony couldn't help a small smile. "Why do I even bother to pretend you can't read my mind?"
"I really couldn't say Sir. Should I also update my system to alert you anytime Ms. Juniper starts to have a nightmare as I suspect she may have one tonight?" Jarvis replied.
"Make it so number one." Tony answered then took Pepper's hand. "We should get some sleep I have a feeling our kids gonna need us in a few hours at most."
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"Juniper, come on at least try to sleep." Juniper who'd gotten the first shower and put on a pair of the pajamas Pepper had gotten her this one with koalas looked up from the book she was reading from the recliner she was curled up in.
"I am trying to sleep 'mione." Juniper answered. "I can't breathe well laying down so I'm sleeping right here." Hedwig who was perched on the arm of the chair let out a soft sound of agreement.
Hermione sat on the couch. "Does it hurt much?"
"Not as long as I don't lay down or breathe too deeply." Juniper answered.
"I still can't believe she shot you." Hermione said.
"I can't believe how much it hurt. I mean it wasn't the cruciatus but Merlin it hurt." Juniper answered then looked over at her. "Ron got the chance to beat the shit out of Marcus Flint though."
"I thought I recognized that voice." Hermione said letting out a laugh as she stretched out on the couch obviously intending to sleep right there. Juniper didn't object knowing the couch was perfectly comfortable and honestly she didn't really want to be alone. Ron entered the room as well still pulling his pajama top over his head and plopped down in another recliner across from Juniper putting his feet up and seemingly falling asleep immediately.
"How does he do that?" Juniper asked Hermione disbelief in her voice.
"Wish I knew." Hermione answered with a sigh. "Okay if we turn the light down or you need to read awhile?"
"Jarvis please lower lights to 10%." Juniper requested and the light lowered to almost total darkness. Juniper didn't like to sleep in the complete dark. She tended to think she was back in the cupboard if she woke up without a little light. When given the chance she'd always sleep by a window with the curtains open to let in moonlight. She put her book on the armchair opposite of Hedwig and turned slightly to meet the owl's huge amber eyes. She reached out gently stroking the snowy white feathers on her head smiling at the soft nips she received in return and let herself drift off into sleep safe in a room with her two closest oldest friends and her beloved Hedwig guarding her.
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Juniper was in the Department of Mysteries. She knew she was dreaming even before she realized Dumbledore was walking beside her. It wasn't the Dumbledore from her dream from the night before but the one from her memory with warm twinkling blue eyes, and kind lined face, long beard hanging neatly to his waist. He was speaking as they walked but it took her a moment to actually hear what he was saying as if her hearing was the last of her senses to turn on.
"...for the greater good. I know if I could make you understand how things where at the time you would agree that it was necessary. I regret any pain my actions caused you as well as Sirius and Remus but I had to take into account the future of our entire society." He told her his voice as calm and earnest as ever.
"I don't understand how letting Siri have a fair trial would have put our entire society at risk." Juniper answered her tone sharp.
"I needed you to have a point of view you wouldn't have being raised by Sirius and Remus. You would have been practically a pure blood Princess even if you are a Muggle born that was believed to be a half blood. The Black Princess. You never would have been able to appreciate the value of the magical world if you hadn't lived without it. I needed you to be willing to sacrifice, to fight, to bleed for your friends." Dumbledore answered.
"To die." Juniper corrected.
"To die." Dumbledore agreed. "If there was another way..."
"Did you even bother to try to find another way? Did you talk to the Goblins or the house elves? The vampires or the mermaids? The centaurs or even the unspeakables? I know you never talked to the curse-breakers. Bill is the Goblin's number one curse-breaker and one of the smartest men I know but you never asked him to look into it. Or Remus whos a expert in Dark arts. You never talked to Andromeda a healer and a Black. You never even asked Snape who was the youngest potion master in the world if he could think of another solution. Where you really that eager to just toss my life away? Did I really mean that little to you? I thought you cared about me." Juniper asked tears forming in her eyes.
"The news that Voldemort was still alive in any form would have caused a panic. Its also important that no one else knows the knowledge of how to create a Horcrux still exists. You asked Remus to remove the knowledge from your mind so you do understand that much." Dumbledore told her. "And I do care for you Juniper. I always have. It pains me to know I have to ask so much of you."
"I don't believe you. If you cared you wouldn't have left me with the Dursleys and forgot about me. You would have done something when I told you they were hurting me. You would have helped Sirius when you found out he was innocent and you wouldn't have left me alone at the Dursleys when Cedric died then again when Sirius died. My dad wouldn't have done any of that." Juniper answered wincing a bit at the sulky tone in her voice. It sounded so childish.
"I stayed away to keep you safe and hidden from Deatheaters and in the hope that you would have a normal childhood." Dumbledore answered the same answer he always gave.
"Or so I'd be mistreated and therefore easier to control when I came to Hogwarts. So I'd be willing to believe anything you said because you'd saved me. Is that why you kept me away from Sirius too? Because he might have figured out what you were up to and put a stop to it?" Juniper asked.
"Juniper you had to stay at the Dursleys for the blood wards. To protect them as well as you." He answered with his patented disappointed tone that in the past had always sent her into frantic back pedaling and attempts to please him.
"I don't care. They treated me like garbage why should I be responsible for the protection of the people who starved and beat me." Juniper snapped back almost surprised to hear the words from her own mouth.
Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "They are your family Juniper. You should be more forgiving. I must assume this is Tony Stark's influence you were never this heartless before you met him. I didn't want to have to do this. I am sorry."
"Do what?" Juniper asked looking over at him to see him lifting his wand she turned and saw Tony standing on the same platform where Sirius had been standing the veil of death behind him, talking to someone Juniper couldn't see.
"NO, NO, Please."
"Avada Kedavra."
Juniper started running towards her dad trying desperately to reach him before the green light even knowing she'd never make it. "DAD, DAD, please."
"Juni. JUNIPER. Stop. WAKE UP!"
She heard the voice but it meant nothing as the light hit Tony and he fell she crashed to her knees beside his body. "Noooooo Dad please." She whimpered seeing his empty eyes.
"BLOODY HELL JUNIPER WAKE UP!" Someone was shaking her. Someone was trying to pull her away from her dad.
"DAD!"
"Juniper baby. Its okay. I'm here I'm right here open your eyes." It was her dad's voice, Tony's voice. Her eyes opened and she was on the floor and he was there kneeling beside her one arm around her shoulders the other on her face. His eyes where alive filled with concern and something that was close to fear. "There you are." He whispered softly as she looked at him with disbelief for a moment then threw her arms around him holding tight trembling slightly as she cried. He gently pulled her onto his lap rocking her and whispered comfort into her hair promising her he was there and wouldn't leave her.
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Hermione and Ron, even Jarvis hadn't even realized Juniper was having a nightmare until she stared screaming for her dad. And then it got scary fast. Things started flying around smashing into walls as Hermione tried to wake her up. "Ron shes not waking up." She told him her voice strained as she ducked a book. The lights turning up signaling Jarvis's alarm.
"Juni. JUNIPER. Stop. WAKE UP!" She tried again as Ron shot from the chair and Hermione pulled Juniper from her own chair afraid she was going to get hit by one of her own flying projectiles even as Juniper struggled trying to pull away from her.
Hedwig barked in disapproval and took flight to get above the flying objects. A bottle of ink that Hermione had been using earlier slammed into Ron's forehead hard enough to open a gash. But he hardly seemed to notice as he knelt as well grabbing Juniper and shaking her. "BLOODY HELL JUNIPER WAKE UP!"
"JARVIS!" Hermione yelled.
"Sir and Miss Potts are on the way." Jarvis assured her as suddenly the coffee table burst into flames from Juniper's accidental magic. Hermione epped in alarm but had it out in seconds as the door flung open.
"Oh my god!" Pepper gasped. Tony batting things out of the way ran to them and knelt taking Juniper from Ron as alarms set off by the brief fire blared through the tower. "Jarvis turn that off." Pepper ordered even knowing chances where low that anyone had slept through it. It shut off immediately.
"DAD!"
"Juniper baby. Its okay. I'm here I'm right here open your eyes." Tony ordered Juniper a few seconds later her eyes filled with terror and grief blinked open and she looked at him in disbelief then flung her arms around him clinging to him. "There you are." He whispered softly rocking her as all the flying object just stopped and fell to the ground.
Bucky nearly ran into Pepper at the doorway but came to a stop just in time and let out a shaky breath as he saw Juniper on the floor in Tony's arms The room was a wreck the coffee table burned, and things flung around everywhere. He blinked hard seeing the colored pencils Juniper liked to use sticking out of the walls where they'd pierced the drywall. Hedwig landed on his shoulder and gave a bark as if complaining to him.
"I know girl." Bucky told her softly and entered the room as the other's started to arrive. Steve and Remus together looking equally rumpled a faint mark already fading on Remus's neck. Bucky made a mental note to tease Steve about it later as he sat in the chair Juniper had almost tumbled out of just a bit earlier.
"Juni." Ron's voice as soft. "Do you know where you are?"
"Ministry." Juniper whimpered not raising her head from Tony's chest. "He k...kill...killed you ddad. He killed you."
"Nobody killed me kiddo. I'm right here." Tony assured her gently stroking her hair as Pepper knelt with them her hands resting on Juniper's back rubbing comforting circles.
"Your not at the ministry Juni. Your in the tower. We're here me and Hermione. Tony and Pepper, Bucky, Bill, Remus. Everyones here. Everyones safe." Ron assured her.
"The tower?" Juniper repeated her voice soft catching on a sob. "I saw him Dumbledore killed dad. At the ministry." Tony gritted his teeth holding her even closer. He didn't need Sam to decode that one for him.
"No, Juni. That was Sirius that was 2 years ago and it was Bellatrix remember?" Ron reminded her softly.
"Sirius. Not dad." Juniper whispered her sobs slowing. "Not a vision?"
"Couldn't have been Dumbledores dead remember." Ron reminded her.
Juniper raised her head from Tony's chest to look up at him as if making sure it was really him and he gave her a shaky smile. Then she looked over at Ron seeing the gash on his forehead. "Did I do that?" She nearly whispered sounding heartbroken at the possibility.
"What?" Ron asked then reached up as if just realizing his head hurt then looked at the blood on his fingertips and shrugged. "Nah you know how clumsy I am." Juniper laid her head back on Tony's chest as if exhausted.
"Is she always this disoriented after a nightmare." Bill asked his voice low and Juniper seemed to not hear him almost as if she'd fallen back asleep.
"No." Hermione answered a concerned look on her face. "She also usually doesn't..." She twirled a finger to indicate the damage to the room.
Bill frowned in concern then met Tony's eyes over Juniper's head. "Don't let her see." he mouthed and Tony nodded shifting her a bit and stood still holding her.
"You can spend the rest of the night with me and Pepper." He told Juniper gently and she nodded without opening her eyes.
Bucky felt a little helpless as he watched Tony carry Juniper out of the room Pepper close to his side. A part of him wanted to pull her away from Tony and take care of her himself but he also knew right now she needed her dad. He clenched his fist and glanced around the wreck of the room.
"This is accidental magic?" Clint asked. "I thought that was a kid thing."
"Mostly it is." Remus answered walking over to remove the penicals from the wall. "Sometimes though when emotions run high any wizard can have a outburst. She was asleep her defenses where down and Juniper is very powerful."
"I've never seen her have a nightmare that bad before." Ron said as Bill cupped his chin to see the wound on his head.
"That wasn't a nightmare it was a night terror." Hermione said softly vanishing the burned table.
"Where did it go?" Natasha asked with a frown.
Hermione shrugged. "I don't know. Away. We can't repair stuff thats burned."
"Why not?" Rhodey asked frowning as well.
Bill who was now cleaning Ron's wound answered. "As near as we can figure Magic doesn't consider things that are burned damaged. Fire is a natural force. It cleans, it clears, it allows new growth. Thats why the buildings in Diagon alley are being repaired from scratch instead of with a quick repairo. Episkey." The wound on Ron's head sealed up. "Good as new."
Ron seemed more interested in Hermione's statement. "Whats the difference. The nightmare, night terror thing?"
"People having night terrors are harder to wake up, often fight back or in the case of magicals have accidental magic outbursts, they don't know where they are and sometimes don't recognize people, they generally don't even remember it happened, and they go straight back to sleep once its over." Remus said. "Sirius had them a few times after Azkaban. Its scarier watching than having them. Like I said chances are she won't remember it in the morning."
"No just cause she won't remember it doesn't mean she wasn't scared." Ron said.
Remus sighed and nodded. "Yeah. Reparo." He said waving his own wand and watching everything flying back into place and everything broken mending itself even the pencil tips seemed to sharpen themselves.
"Lets get back to bed its still early and tomorrow may be as busy as today." Natasha said softly as Steve put a arm around Remus.
"Right." Bill said and gave both Ron and Hermione one arm hugs. "Tony and Pepper will take good care of Juniper. You two get some sleep."
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When Juniper woke up she wasn't quite sure where she was or how she'd gotten there. The bed was even bigger than the ones in the guest suite she and the others had been staying in the dark green sheets soft as a whisper. She looked over seeing the huge windows than ran the length of the room showing the amazing view of the city she had from her own window. It was facing West so it most likely had a fantastic view of sunsets and a the moment as the sun was starting to peek above the horizon on the other side of the tower the sky was just starting to lighten. Then she saw her dad next to the bed stretched out in a sleep chair laptop open on his lap. She sat up slightly wincing at the twinge in her chest and glanced over to see Pepper asleep on her other side. How did she get in her dad and Pepper's bed?
Well she certainly wasn't gonna wake them to ask. She quietly slipped out of the bed and practically tiptoed to the door and out. "Jarvis. Can you tell me how I got in Dad and Pepper's room."
"Good morning, Ms. Juniper. You had a bad night terror last night. You said you saw Dumbledore kill Sir in the Ministry of Magic. It was decided you would sleep better if close to them." Jarvis answered
Juniper froze a shudder running through her. Oh. Oh Merlin. Oh she was so glad she didn't remember. Oh Merlin she didn't even want the shadow of that in her head.
"Ms. Juniper are you alright?" Jarvis asked softly.
"Oh yeah I'm okay. Thank you, Jarvis." Juniper said softly and started walking again not certain where she was going.
"Ms. Juniper if you would care for some company Mr. Parker and you friend Dobby are in the kitchen." Jarvis informed her.
"Peter?" Juniper asked surprised. It didn't surprise her at all that Dobby was here so early as the little elf would be eager to deliver what Hermione had asked for as soon as he could but what was Peter doing here at the crack of dawn. "Doesn't he have school? What is he doing here?"
"You would have to ask him Ms. Juniper. Mr. Parker is allowed free access to all areas of the tower at all times with the exception of Dr Banner's laboratory." Jarvis answered.
"What about me Jarvis?" Juniper asked suddenly curious as she headed for the kitchen not wanting to be alone as Jarvis had guessed. "Where am I allowed to go."
"You are a Stark by blood even if not by name there are no restrictions on your movement in the tower. The only people who can override your orders are Sir, Ms. Potts, and Andromeda Tonks." Jarvis informed her.
"Andi?" Juniper asked in surprise.
"Yes Ms. Juniper. Ms. Potts insisted a year ago after a...incident that the official physician of the Stark family members are allowed to override their orders. If I recall correctly Sir authorized it after several days of Ms. Potts muttering about how he was reckless, stupid and had no sense of self preservation." Jarvis explained.
Juniper couldn't hold back a giggle. "Pepper and Hermione have more in common than I thought."
"I do tend to agree Ms. Juniper evidentially being the stable one in a relationship with a Stark is a nerve-racking position." Jarvis answered.
"Why Jarvis, was that a snarky comment?" Juniper asked sounding delighted.
"Oh course not Ms. Juniper merely a observation. I am not programmed to be snarky." Jarvis answered so Juniper was laughing when she entered the kitchen to find Peter and Dobby chatting as if they'd been best friends for years while cooking breakfast.
"Juniper Potter! Dobby is so happy to see you."
"Good morning, Dobby." Juniper said hugging the little elf. "I see you've met Peter." She said wondering how on earth Peter had convinced Dobby to let him help.
"Dobby is teaching his new friend Peter Parker to cook a proper full English." Dobby informed her.
"Ohh." Juniper replied her expression appropriately impressed. "Thats very kind of you Dobby." Dobby beamed at her. "Good morning, Peter. Don't you have school today?" She asked.
Peter gave her a good-natured grin. "We're not doing anything important today so I kinda texted from my Aunt's account saying I would be out today because we had relatives visiting from out of the country. Which is kinda true cause your like family." He replied rubbing his neck and looking a bit guilty.
"Wow. I'm so torn here. On one hand since Tony is kinda your dad figure that makes me kinda your older sister so I feel like I should scold you for skipping school but on the other hand I'm just so proud." Juniper said putting a hand to her chest. Peter gave her a bashful smile obviously pleased and handed her a cup of hot chocolate. "Ahh bribery huh? Proud it is."
Peter's smile widened even further. "Your a lot like Mr Stark you know." He commented as Juniper picked up a piece of sliced tomato to nibble at while sipping her Hot chocolate. A weird combo but sure why not.
"I'll take that as a compliment." Juniper said then glanced over at Dobby. "No haggis please Dobby? I can take black pudding but no haggis."
"Professor Kitty says proteins is good for growing little witches and wizards." Dobby observed.
"I'll eat plenty of the sausages and potatoes but please please do not ask me to eat haggis." Juniper almost begged. Because of Professor Mcgonagall's fondness for the dish it often ended up on the Gryffindor table and eating it had often been a dare or the result of losing a bet.
"No haggis." Dobby agreed sounding a bit pouty.
"Whats haggis?" Peter asked fascinated.
"Don't ask you really do not want to know." Juniper assured him. "Come on I'll teach you to play exploding snap."
Pepper was the first to come downstairs smiling warmly at the sight of the two teenagers playing the card game while the elf cooked happily. It was nice to see Juniper relaxed and actually acting like a teenager. Peter was good for her she decided.
She entered and grabbed some coffee in her go-cup before pausing to drop a kiss on Juniper's forehead. "Good morning sweetie. Morning Peter, Dobby. I have to go in for a few hours take care of some things but I'll try to be home for lunch." She took out a phone a Stark phone oh course and put it down on the table next to Juniper's cup of hot chocolate. "My number is saved under contacts so if you need anything just call. I can be here in 15 minutes if you need me my office is just downstairs."
"Good morning, Pepper. Thank you I will." She promised with a soft smile as Pepper swooped back out. Juniper looked over at Peter. "I wanna be Pepper when I grow up."
"Really? Not Natasha?" Peter asked a bit surprised. "My friend MJ wants to be like Natasha."
Juniper shook her head. "Natashas brilliant but even she jumps when Pepper roars." She informed him. Peter grinned and picked up the phone Pepper had given Juniper she leaned over slightly to see that he was adding his own number to the contacts as well even adding a picture of himself. "Show me how to do that."
"You don't have a phone?" Peter asked having assumed that Pepper had just been updating hers with Tony's newest creation.
Juniper shrugged. "I spent most of the year in the same dorm with anybody I wanted to talk too why would I need one." She didn't add that buying something like that would have tipped the Dursleys off that she had money and they never would have rested until they got their hands on it. She was already dreading the possibility of them finding out she was actually the daughter of the super-rich muggle genius Tony Stark and trying to figure out how to squeeze him for money.
"You can use it for lots of other stuff." Peter pointing out sliding over so he was beside her instead of across the table. "Here let me show you."
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Tony wanted it to be noted he did not panic when he woke up and Juniper was already gone. He was use to Pepper rising before him after all she had his company to run but he'd expected Juniper to sleep late although why he'd thought that when she'd seemed to be a early riser when she slept at all he wasn't sure. He merely asked Jarvis in a slightly elevated voice where she was and let out a sigh of relief when he was informed she was in the kitchen with Peter and Dobby. After all who could be sad or depressed when in the company of two such sweet, kind people (Was Dobby a people?) that obviously adored you?
He was proven right when he heard Juniper and Peter laughing together as he entered the kitchen to see them sitting together watching something on what he assumed was Peter's phone. It reminded him he needed to get Juniper one. He'd have to get Pepper to handle that as the newest models where in R&D downstairs.
"Hi, Dad." Juniper said brightly making him think it was possible the text that Clint had sent him was right and Juniper didn't remember her nightmare. "Look Pepper got me a phone."
Tony couldn't hold back a grin. "Oh course she did. Where did all this food come from?"
"Dobby made Juniper Potter's new family a proper full English breakfast." Dobby answered happily offering him a cup of coffee.
"You eat like this every morning?" Tony asked surprised every English person he met didn't weigh 500 pounds.
"Merlin, no." Hermione told him coming in behind him obviously having heard his question. "We eat big full meals at Hogwarts because magic takes alot of energy, but Dobby's full English is a bit excessive even for Hogwarts. This is maybe a once every few months type of thing."
"I'd suggest taking a bit of everything to find out what you like. But maybe stay away from the black pudding." Juniper said pointing at what liked like black sausage. "I'm not sure your poor sensitive American stomachs could handle it."
Peter looked at them suspiciously. "Is it like the haggis?" He asked he'd looked it up when Juniper was in the bathroom and was slightly horrified.
"Not quite that bad but its better when you don't know whats in it." She answered in a fake whisper.
Bucky entered and looked relieved when he saw Juniper looking so much better than she had the day before. "Morning doll." He said sitting beside her and leaning over to kiss the top of her head arm around her shoulder's. Juniper leaned into him for a moment taking comfort from his touch.
"Morning Buck." She answered then looked up into his face then over at Ron and Bill as they entered and from the three men's expressions she knew and sighed. "Jarvis exactly how many of the people who where in the tower last night know about my little nightmare."
"I'm afraid everyone Ms. Juniper." Jarvis answered calmly.
"Great." Juniper muttered rolling her eyes.
"Hey we're allowed to worry about you ya know." Ron said looping a arm around her neck playfully as if preparing to choke her.
"But as your back to your usual bratty self we're over it." Bill said teasingly ruffling her hair and nudging his brother away.
"Dobby did you bring me anything?" Hermione asked the little elf as the rest of the household started arriving.
Dobby nodded and snapped his fingers a box and a few smaller packages all with rolled parchment appeared. "Mrs healer Andi sent medicines." He said taking the box and handed it to her. Like her bag it seemed to hold more than it appeared and as she read the letter she took out potion bottles handing two to Juniper, another two to Ron and one to Bucky who looked a bit surprised.
Ron made a face but held up his own bottles. "Cheers." The all chugged the potions making faces. Bucky was a bit surprised by the almost instant relief. He really didn't notice the pain the metal arm caused in his back and shoulders anymore until it was eased.
"Theres a cream too. Your supposed to use before bed." Hermione said handing it too Bucky. "I assume unlike these two your a adult and can follow directions." He tried not to snicker at the offended looks Juniper and Ron gave her.
"These are from Professor Sluggy, and Juniper Potter's Hagrid." Dobby handed her the other packages.
Hermione took a deep breath and opened Hagrid's parchment first. A look that seemed to be surprise that morphed into amazement came over her face and she dropped the parchment to open the box and take out a vial of what looked a bit like silver paint. Glowing silver paint.
"Unicorn blood." Juniper said softly.
"Not just unicorn blood Juni. Unicorn blood from the head stallion of the forbidden forest herd drawn by the horn of his mate. Given freely and willingly. If anything could match Phoenix tears it would be this." Hermione answered softly. "Hagrid said Firenze barely finished the request before the unicorns acted." Juniper smiled looking as if she was barely holding back tears she was so touched.
"What about the centaurs?" Ron asked. "I mean besides Firenze. Have they decided to take a side yet?"
Hermione shrugged shaking her head. "Hagrid says they are still blathering a lot of stuff about Mars and the stars."
"Bloody tossers." Ron muttered.
"I'd rather have the unicorns support anyday." Juniper answered.
Hermione opened the other parchment. "Professor Slughorn sends his regards. He says without more information he wasn't sure what potions to send so we have the Wiggenweld Potion, its a pretty powerful healing potion used to heal injuries or reverse the effects of a Sleeping Draught and it can give a stamina boost, Skele-Gro which can heal broken bones, and Antidote to Common Poisons and Uncommon Poisons which contains Bezoar."
"Can we trust him? He is a Slytherin and was a mentor to Tom Riddle." Ron said softly.
"And regreated it for the rest of his life. Was ashamed of it. To the point that he went into hiding instead of joining him both times." Juniper said softly. "We can trust him."
"But how can you be sure?" Ron asked.
"Because he was also a mentor to Lily." Remus said softly.
"He told me Mum was his all-time favorite student. She once gave him a gift a Lily petal transfigured into a fish he said it was beautiful magic, wondrous to behold. He kept Francis the fish with him everywhere he went. Then one day he came downstairs, and Francis had disappeared and he...knew. So many other witches and Wizards were celebrating that day. Celebrating Tom Riddles downfall but Horace Slughorn was mourning Lily Potter's death and if nothing else that was genuine. He wouldn't betray me because to do that would betray my mum's memory." Juniper recalled softly she'd picked up the vial of unicorn blood and was gently running her thumb over the bottle eyes on it as she spoke.
"Your mom was a very easy woman to love." Rhodey said. "You remind me of her a great deal."
Juniper looked up giving him a smile. "Thank you Uncle Rhodey. That may be the greatest compliment I've ever been given."
"Juniper is the crown jewel in his collection of famous and powerful former students as well as his redemption. He would never hurt her." Hermione said.
"Still say hes a dodgy Toff. So we are gonna do this huh?" Ron asked softly.
"Yes. As soon as possible. Today." Juniper said firmly.
"We can wait a while. I mean theres no hurry the muggle with the scars..."
"Hermione today." Juniper repeated her eyes raised and she focused on Steve as if deciding he was the one most likely to understand. She was probably right considering the whole super soldier serum thing. "Today. I don't want to take the chance I'll chicken out."
Steve met her eyes as if looking for something then smiled just slightly. "I don't think you'd know how to chicken out even if you tried." Then he nodded. "Today. Eat your breakfast."
"What are we doing today?" Peter asked confused by everything that had just happened.
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Peter objected. Loudly. Dobby burst into tears. Hedwig who'd swooped in for her well-deserved praise and bacon barked her displeasure from the back of Juniper's chair. None of it changed her mind. The only sign of any unease was the way she'd edged closer to Bucky so she was sitting at the very edge of her chair her leg against his under the table. Not that he was complaining. He would have had his arm around her at the very least if he hadn't been more concerned that she eat something. Especially since she actually was eating. A side effect of the nutrition potion Hermione had explained when realizing the others were surprised by it. Not only did it provide vitamins and minerals it increased her appetite.
It was decided that Bruce was in charge of the muggle part of the procedure. He'd wanted to call in first Andromeda which Juniper had shot down saying her healer oaths would most likely prevent her from aiding them, then Dr Cho also refused as she wasn't in the know on the magical world. She had agreed to Sam who had been part of a Pararescueman unit in the air force and therefore had medical training.
On the magical side even though it was Hermione's plan she was more than willing to cede to Bill who had medical training from the goblins as the curse breakers often ran into 'issues' out in the field with no healers or human doctors anywhere near with Remus as a dark art specialist, and Hermione as back-up.
They all had concerns because oh course they did but Peter did solve one of Juniper's concerns. When she mentioned she was worried they may have trouble with the last few Horcruxes if she lost the ability to speak parseltongue Peter just pointed out it would be easy enough to make a audio recording of the orders they may need. Which led to more than a few of them feeling dumb for not thinking of it first then a bit creeped out at the sound of the hissy snake language that sounded even more bizarre coming from the small cute little raven-haired teenager still wearing Koala pajamas.
Finally, it was decided that Bruce and Bill would prepare the room and they would wait for Sam to arrive Steve would explain to him while Tony would get Pepper. Because nobody wanted to imagine what Pepper would do to all of them if they did this without her present.
Juniper was hoping Sam would arrive quickly because she could already see the conversations that were about to happen. She wondered what it said about her that she'd literally rather die than have the possibly emotional conversations with her family and friends that were about to happen. She considered sticking herself to Steve's side, escaping with Bruce and Bill to the ritual room or asking Jarvis to help her hide as she sank a little lower in her chair as she finished breakfast trying to stretch it out a little still close to Bucky's side trying to resist the urge to hide behind him.
Suddenly though Natasha cleared her throat and everyone looked over at her. "Since Pepper is occupied at the moment and Sam isn't here yet I guess I have to be the sensitive one so listen to me right now. I know there are a few of you who have things to say to Juniper and your not going to do it." She looked around the table with special glares for Tony, Remus, Hermione, Ron, Rhodey, and Bucky. "Shes already trying to melt through her chair. She doesn't need to go into this thing worried about you bunch so keep your thoughts to yourselves for once instead of trying to shove them into the head of the one whos actually doing the thing your worried over. Shes going to be fine and if you must get all emotional on her do it afterwards. Right now shes going to go into the other room with Peter, Ron, Hermione, and Bucky and watch cartoons and drink hot chocolate. If any of you say anything that starts to upset or make her uncomfortable Hedwig is going to peck you right girl." She looked at the owl who gave a bark of agreement and hopped over on Juniper's shoulder. Juniper looked up to meet Natasha's eyes in gratitude and she nodded at the younger girl.
"Fair enough. Come on Doll." Bucky said standing and holding a hand out to her. Juniper took it with a smile letting him lead her into the family room. Peter, Ron and Hermione following.
Clint looked over at Natasha amusement dancing in his eyes. "Just gotta be our nieces favorite huh?"
"Niece hell, I'm going for a big sister title here." Natasha answered with a smirk and went to get more coffee.
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It was nice. It felt...normal. Watching cartoons with her friends and boyfriend curled up against Bucky her feet on Hermione's lap as for some reason she'd decided to paint her toenails. Peter and Ron were sitting in the floor throwing popcorn they'd grabbed from the kitchen into each other's mouths. How they were still hungry after the huge breakfast they'd just eaten she didn't understand. She wasn't even thinking of much beyond the cartoon they were watching Animaniacs. Ron had already promised he was gonna start calling Juniper and the twins Yakko, Wakko, and Dot next time they were all together. Hermione had snickered but nodded at the same time getting a good glare from Juniper.
Sam finally showed up around an hour after Steve had called him and gave them a wave before going into the kitchen to talk to Steve and Tony as promised left to get Pepper. They determinedly ignored the yelling they heard a few minutes later then looked up as Sam came back into the family room the others trailing behind.
"Juniper I just need too...That...thats Hedwig." Sam started then was distracted by the beautiful owl giving him a warning glare.
"How do you know Hedwig?" Hermione asked.
"My niece has the plushie." Sam answered as Tony and Pepper came back in.
"Oh Merlin." Juniper muttered even as she reached up to scratch Hedwig's neck feathers lightly.
"Wait wait theres a Hedwig plushie?" Clint asked sounded highly amused. "Is there a Juniper Potter action figure? Oh please please tell me theres a Juniper Potter action figure."
"Its a doll actually. I comes in a nice gift set with the first three books in the Juniper Potter girl hero book series." Ron answered. "Most of them kinda suck but the one where she and her pet unicorn Sparkles save the baby dragon Hugo from the evil potion master Rindhorn is pretty good." Juniper slugged him in the arm while Clint, Rhodey, and Tony howled in laughter.
"Those where written before I came back to the wizarding world so they are highly inaccurate for the record. Practically slander." Juniper said loudly.
"Its okay Kiddo. There are Iron Man action figures too." Tony said walking over to stand beside the couch where she was sitting.
"So we never saved a baby dragon?" Ron asked her expression amused.
"There was no unicorn and no potion master who wanted to use him, her, for parts." Juniper answered.
"Did we or did we not save a baby dragon?" Ron repeated.
"You did nothing you were in the hospital wing with a infected dragon bite." Hermione informed him.
"Ya know if Norbert was Hugo that would make you Sparkles right?" Ron pointed out cheerfully.
Hermione and Juniper exchanged a glance. "Right, no more sugar for Ron today." Juniper said and looked back to Sam. "What did you need Sam?"
Sam still gazing at Hedwig turned his attention back to her and sat on the table so he was across from her as she sat up. "Steve told me what your planning on doing and why. I just...I hate it Juniper. But I'm with you. Under one condition. Just promise me your going to be fighting to come back just as hard as we'll be trying to get you back."
"I've got reasons to come back now Sam. I've got family, and the chance for a future. I have to die but I also have every intention of coming back." Juniper told him then as a realization hit her she let out a small gasp and her eyes widened.
"I'm ready to die. The close." She looked over at Hermione's whos own eyes had widened at her words and was already pulling out the snitch from her bag and handed it to Juniper. "Cross your fingers." Juniper said softly then brought the snitch to her lips. "I'm ready to die." She said softly the golden ball started glowing softly lifted from her palm slightly then opened dropping a small black stone etched with the deathly hallows symbol into her hand.
"Oh Merlin. Thats it the Resurrection Stone." Hermione almost whispered.
Juniper stood her eyes wide. She wanted to use the stone. She wanted to see her parents. Wanted to see Sirius. Just one time just to say the goodbyes she'd never been able to say, hear their voices, see their faces one more time. But then shook her head and turned holding it out to Pepper. "I can't see them not right now. I need...need to do this first. Please hold it for me."
"Oh course honey if thats what you want. I'll keep it safe for you." Pepper promised. None of them objected after all she was already guarding Hufflepuff's cup, the sorting hat and the book of names for them.
"The Resurrection Stone." Sam repeated eyes on the mythical, magical item from one of his favorite childhood stories. "Its true isn't it? Everything Lovegood wrote about you three in the Quibbler its all true."
"For the most part. Xeno's daughter is one of our best friends and one of the other three in our inner circle and Xeno was the only reporter we ever actually talked to no matter what that nasty hag Skeeter tried to make people believe." Hermione told him.
Juniper looked up eyes meeting Sam's. "Help, make sure I can get back?" She requested softly. Sam nodded standing.
"Juniper is going to tell us who she wants in the room and the rest of us are going to stay out here with no arguing or whining." Natasha said firmly using the same tone she had earlier. "Bill, Remus, Bruce, Sam, and Hermione are a given do you want anyone else Juni?"
"Ron, Dad, Bucky, Pepper, and Steve." Juniper requested softly. Everyone nodded. and Natasha reached over to squeeze her shoulder lightly and most of the other's either ruffled her hair or put a brief hand on her shoulder as they headed for the stairs to head downstairs to the Avenger infirmary. Even Hedwig just preened her hair for a moment before fluttering over setting on Natasha's shoulder.
Just as they where about to enter the room Juniper reached out grabbing Hermione's hand. "We'll be along in a minute." She told the others. Assuming she just wanted a word with Hermione they all went inside.
Juniper turned to Hermione she took a sharp breath taking a step back a frisson of fear running up her spine at the look in her eyes as she realized it wasn't her Juniper looking at through those green eyes. The look was all Black.
"You better be sure about this Granger. If my 'better' half dies so do I. Then I will find a way to come back and I will make you pay." She hissed in Juniper's voice but with a tone she'd never heard from her friend. It was only for a moment then Juniper blinked and a look of confusion came over her face. "'Mione?" Her voice was soft and questioning.
"Nothing. Its nothing." Hermione said quickly doing her best to shove down the flash of fear she'd felt and put a arm around the smaller girl's shoulders. "Come on lets do this."
Hermione crossed to where Bruce was standing preparing a adrenaline injection and took out the blood replenisher that Andromeda had sent along with a note telling her it was the last until she prepared a new batch as she'd used a lot after the razing of Diagon Alley, the Wiggenweld Potion, Skele-Gro, and the Antidote to Common and Uncommon Poisons and added them to the table keeping the unicorn blood and phoenix tears in a pouch around her neck. The vials they were in where airtight, unbreakable and charmed only to open for her but they were still too precious for her to feel comfortable letting them out of her possession.
"Phoenix tears are a topical antidote the unicorn blood needs to be taken orally which makes it a bit trickier if your...unable to swallow but we'll give you both. I don't see why we'd need the other stuff but the antidote may be useful as well and we can decide about the Wiggenweld once we have you revived." Bill told her eyes scanning over the supplies Hermione had gathered.
"We have adrenaline prepared to get your heart restarted if the defibrillator doesn't work but I see no reason we'll actually need it." Bruce told her. "Once your heart stops we'll be running on borrowed time. Once the horcrux is gone we will get you warmed back up and restart your heart. That will include warming blankets, a warming IV, and airway rewarming with a mask like Healer Tonks put on you the other day. Bill, and Remus will be worrying about the poisoning while Sam and I will be counteracting the hypothermia. I need to go ahead and put in a IV."
Juniper sat on the bed they had prepared and gave him her arm trying to keep her breathing normal.
"Once her body temperature drops enough someone will need to use the sword of Gryffindor to cut open her scar and introduce the Basilisk venom." Hermione said taking the sword Ron was holding. "Whos the best with a blade?" At the question Steve, Tony, Bruce and Sam all immediately looked at Bucky.
Bucky glared at them. "You all expect me to cut my girlfriend's pretty little face up."
Juniper reached out with the hand Bruce wasn't tapping on trying to get a vein and pulled him closer. "All you have to do is trace it over the scar just enough to break the skin." She said softly then smiled softly. "After all who else has a better reason to make sure my face stays pretty."
"You trust me with a knife on your face?" He asked her softly lowering his forehead to hers.
"I trust you with a knife at my throat." Juniper answered softly.
"Are they always like this? Its just a bit sickening." Sam asked dryly.
"At least its not your best friend mate." Ron told him making a face.
"Neither of you are allowed to talk until its your only daughter." Tony responded.
"On second thought maybe I don't want the two of them in here. I should call Nat and get them removed." Juniper said making Bucky smile.
"Your sure?" Bucky asked.
"Drama Queen." Sam muttered as Juniper nodded. Bucky reached out and took the sword which had resumed what seemed to be its default shape of the short sword that was easiest for Juniper to use.
When Bucky's hand closed around the hilt he felt a flash of what felt a bit like electricity shoot up his arm. Not painful but odd then the sword shifted into a dagger.
The magicals in the room looked at him in varying degrees of surprise then Juniper gave a smile with a hint of smugness. "My boyfriends a Gryffindor."
"Hmm, I guess it judges by the heart not blood ties or even magical abilities." Remus said a slightly puzzled tone in his voice but it was obvious it wasn't his top priority.
"Not surprising for a Gryffindor artifact actually." Hermione said and shrugged.
"Alright, Juniper if you would lay down please." Bruce said. Juniper swallowed and lay down forcing down the fear that was trying to rise. She was a Gryffindor after all. "You can change your mind right now if you want to Juniper." Bruce almost whispered to her obviously seeing the flash of fear even if they others missed it. It surprised her a bit not only that he saw her fear but that he was willing to stand by her if she changed her mind when he was obviously so much closer to Hermione.
Juniper shook her head. "I'm ready." She said softly. Bruce pulled a light blanket over her even though they where about to literally freeze her to death he hated how small and fragile she looked. She was still wearing her koala pajamas her hair pulled back in a braid again so she was as comfortable as they could make her all things considered. He adjusted the tube of the IV in her arm then stepped back next to Sam letting Remus and Bill step forward. He saw her glance over at Tony and give him a almost trembly smile. "It'll be okay Dad."
"I'm suppose to be comforting you Kiddo." He told her stepping forward and taking her hand even as Remus and Bill started the spell that would lower her temperature hopefully slowly enough not to send her into shock or cause any frostbite.
"Capere Frigus." They said together waving their wands. "Your going to start feeling colder shivering but you'll stop soon you may feel confused and you'll start feeling sleepy if you need to sleep its okay." Bill said softly as Remus cast a second spell to monitor her vitals as Bill continued the cold spell as Juniper did indeed start shivering.
"Hate being cold." Juniper said softly as Tony started stroking her hair lightly.
"I know kiddo. It'll be over soon." Tony said feeling Pepper's hand settling on his shoulder.
"Vitals are falling." Remus's voice was soft as he watched the temperature readings dropping, her respiration falling, her heart rate slowing. His hands where actually shaking with the effort it was taking not to grab Bill's arm and stop the spell his eyes flashing Amber for a second. Only the steely iron control in Bill's expression holding him back.
Juniper's shaking finally stopped as Remus had said it would her eyes looking a bit cloudy. "Dad." Juniper said her voice a little louder than she'd meant it to be and exhaustion washed over her trying to drag her down.
"I'm here Kiddo." Tony assured her gently.
"Your not..not third string..." She said softly struggling to get out what she needed to tell him. "Your...my...my dad always." Tony had to blink hard to keep away the tears reminding himself that Stark men didn't cry even as he remembered the conversation he'd had with Juniper before HYDRA's attack and knew what she was trying to tell him. Her eyes dropped closed before he could respond.
"Now Bucky do it now." Hermione said eyes on her vitals.
Bucky forced his hands to stop shaking as he stepped forward putting one hand on Juniper's cheek a bit shocked to find her skin even colder than usual and raised the dagger. Christ it felt wrong so so wrong to press the blade to the scar on Juniper's forehead. It was razor sharp so it split the scar open easily and he followed the lightning bolt shape of the scar blood starting to flow.
"Shes flatlining." He heard Remus's voice say just before all hell broke loose.
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AN- Next chapter we get to see the King's cross afterlife. Cookies for anyone who can guess who she meets there. Well invisible imaginary internet cookies but they have chocolate chips :). It will absolutely NOT be Dumbledore. I hope no one was disappointed that she didn't use the Resurrection Stone chances are she will later. Bad things will be happening back in the real world while shes having a nice chat with...*innocent whistles.* Juniper Black's comment to Hermione wasn't planned but it seemed to fit in well and gives a little hint that Juniper is starting to value her life a little more as her dark side popped up to protect herself. Not sure if that will be a good thing in the long run. Hugs and kisses to all.