Hi everyone ! Here comes a big chapter. I just couldn't stop myself. I hope you'd all enjoy it. Thanks a lot for reading. Your reviews will be much welcomed.

Part 3 : A New Friend ? or A Slap On Cheek

After that morning in the forest, Juniper couldn't stop thinking about Wind and Firenze. Two weeks had passed without her getting a chance to go back there. With the homework load piling and teachers wandering, it was already hard for her to get to the forest but she had also promised Firenze not to go alone to the forest again. She had to find a way and with these in her head, she was getting rather dreamy in the classes and the teachers began to reproach her very often because of her lack of attention. Still she couldn't help it and when she was worrying about the safety of Wind and the other unicorns, it was so hard to follow the lessons. Actually, the only thing that prevented her from loosing all her connection to the class during the lessons was the frequent nudging of Morgan. She had told him all about her morning '' stroll '' the very day she had met Wind and Firenze. With his energetic and loud nature, Morgan hopped around her, crying '' Wow ! '', '' No way ! '', '' Smooth ! '', causing everybody in the Common Room to stare at them. Juniper even had had to punch him slightly on the arm to make him hush a little. When he had got calm again at last, he said in a low voice, a little offended : '' How come you didn't wake me up ? I could have met them too ! ''.

Juniper answered that with a snort :

'' Yeah, as if the-boy-who-can-only-wake-up-ten-minutes-before-the-classes would have come to walk with me that early, in the rain ! You would have thrown me a pillow for waking you up Morgan ! ''

'' Well, you could have tried. '' said Morgan chuckling.

It was an unexpectedly sunny Wednesday, after double Transfiguration with Slytherins, who didn't hesitate to laugh at Juniper whenever Professor McGonnagall reprimanded her – seven times, to be exact. At the end of the class, Morgan and Juniper, like everybody else, got outside to profit from the recently rare sunlight. They settled under a willow tree near the lake.

'' I can't believe it, June ! '' exclaimed Morgan, '' You got yourself yelled at by McGonnagall seven times ! Gosh ! You are lucky that she let you go by that much. You should really pull yourself together. ''. Then he added with a disgusted expression : '' See what you made me do ? I can't believe that I am actually lecturing to someone on listening to the classes ! ''

'' Cool down, bro ! You know that this is not normal me. I..I just want to go back to the forest and check on Wind. '' Juniper sighed.

'' Then, let's go in there ! '' Morgan said matter-of-factly.

'' Morgan, you have problems with your ears or your memory ? I have been talking of the obstacles for the past two weeks ! Which part you didn't understand ? '' she said a little angrily.

'' Come on June ! Yes, you really didn't do anything except for nagging. You want to go, right ? No, actually, you need to go, right ? Then, can't we just focus on the possible ways rather than what you call ' difficulties ' and I ' bullshit ', for a change ? ''

'' Those are not bullshit ! Still, you know what, I think you are right. I have really done nothing but complaining. Firenze told me not to go back again alone but he also told me that I should keep seeing Wind. So he clearly asked me to get from time to time into the forest. ''.

'' That's my girl ! '' yelled Morgan exicetedly. '' And you will not be breaking your ' vow ' because you are going there with me ! Now, we just need a neat plan. '' said Morgan and lay under the tree, thinking.

Juniper watched him smiling at his enthusiasm and warm friendship for a few seconds and lay next to him. Talking over and over, they decided on going into the forest that Saturday, early in the morning. First of all, they didn't want to go there in the night and secondly, most of the students and the teachers slept longer on the weekends. Usually, there was nobody to check the corridors on the mornings. Well, except for the student-hater janitor Mr. Filch. Afrer having settled upon a plan, they closed their eyes and daydreamed untill a voice of a girl made both of them hop. When they opened their eyes, they saw that Miranda Emerald was standing next to them. She was a first year, fellow Gryffindor. They weren't that close but Juniper usually enjoyed her company, though Morgan found her creepy and intimidating. Miranda was a rather silent, introvert girl. She had very straight, crow black hair that reached her waist and light grey eyes which had a sharp look. Adding to those her paleness, one could took her for a ghost or a vampire at night. After a few chats, Juniper got impressed by her intelligence, kindness and sense of humour. She was actually fun to be around when she chose to talk. The problem was that she would do so only around a very few persons. So, Juniper was one of those lucky ones. However, when it came to Morgan, Miranda didn't seem to like him much. It was no surprise as they had almost contrary characters. She talked very little with him and that was usually to snap at him.

As her steps were so light, neither Juniper nor Morgan realised that someone was approaching. So when she came near and said loudly '' Juniper '', both of them hopped on the spot and got up.

'' Hey Miranda. So you are studying on how to give people heart attacks, huh ? If you ask me, approaching them silently and crying their name is a good one. Go ahead. '' said Morgan grumpily.

'' I didn't cry your names. I just thought you were sleeping and wanted to wake Juniper up. But thanks, I liked the idea of giving you a heart attack. '' Miranda said coldly.

Morgan was about to answer her, apparently rudely, when Juniper interrupted :

'' Hi Miranda. No problem, just ignore him. What's up ? Why did you want to wake me up ? ''

'' Professor McGonnagall wants to see you Juniper. She is in front of the entrance door. She sent me to find you. '' answered Miranda, still looking at Morgan.

'' Oh, boy… I should have known she wouldn't let me go this easily. Okay, thanks. ''.

Juniper stood up and looked at Morgan who was still grumbling and to Miranda who had her usual closed-to-the-world expression. An idea came to her mind then. She hold her laugh and hoping Morgan wouldn't kill her later, she said :

'' Why don't you sit and chat with Morgan while I am with Professor McGonnagall Miranda ? So he wouldn't get bored. And…Er… I…I have something to tell you when I come back. ''.

'' What ?! '' Miranda and Morgan exclaimed at the same time.

'' I don't chat Juniper and I don't want to sit with him. You can tell me it later, can't you ? '' Miranda said.

'' Oh no Mi, that is what I wish whenever I see a comet : sitting long hours chatting with you.'' Morgan said half mocking half angry.

'' You, don't call me Mi. See Juniper ? We would be forcing our wands into each others' throats by the time you arrive. I am leaving. '' she said and turned back to go. But Juniper hold her arm and said :

'' Wait a minute Miranda. I really need you to stay and wait for me, can't you just stand Morgan for a few minutes ? You don't need to talk, if you don't want to. Just watch the lake or other students. Come on ! You told me you liked watching the lake. And it can't be anywhere else. Because…because I need to show you something while I am telling you this thing. Ok ? Please ? ''.

Miranda stared at Juniper for a few seconds and said curtly :

'' Ok, then. I am waiting. But try to keep it short with McGonnagall, will you ? And I don't promise that you will find your friend as healty as you left him. ''.

'' Oh no ! Why are you forcing the girl, June ?! You are such a bully. '' Morgan said rolling his eyes.

Juniper laughed and grabbed his arm, making him stand up.

'' A minute please, Miranda. '' she said.

Miranda, now settling under the tree, didn't say anything and turned her back to them.

Juniper took a few steps with Morgan and then whispered to him :

'' Look Morgan, Miranda is really nice when you get to know her. So, just don't be this prejudiced and give her a chance, okay ? ''.

Morgan looked her unbelievingly and said in an angry whisper :

'' What ?! Is it me who is being prejudicious ?! June ! She's the on who hates me ! She has never liked me, for some reason ! You remember all those times when I tried to have a civilised chat with her and how her always snapping at me or pretending not to hear me, for no reason ? Look, whatever you say, she is a freak, alright ? And what on earth you have to tell her, so urgently, under this very tree ? ''.

Juniper laughed at his last words and said :

'' Well, I wonder that too. I'll have to come up with something before coming back. ''.

'' I knew it ! But why June ? Why do you hate me ? '' Morgan asked, faking an offended expression.

'' Don't be ridicolous ! You know that you are my best firend. But Morgan, Miranda is always alone. I know she says that she prefers it and I understand it. But, you know, everbody needs a few good friends. It doesn't have to be a lot. So, I thought we could be them for her. In my home next to a forest, my parents' friends visit us from time to time. When they come mum and dad become very happy and they talk, laugh, cry together all the day and night. They let me stay with them as much as I wanted to, but feeling that I didn't belong there I would have usually gone early to my room. At those times, I used to feel like crying as I didn't have any friends. My parents used to pass loads of time with me, trying to cover this lack. And they were actually good at it, we had a lot of fun together. Although I was used to being the only kid around and happy befriending with wild animals, I was looking forward to come here and have friends of my own age, like everybody else. So, I'm sure, even though she likes being alone, there are times when Miranda wants to have someone around. And, you know, she doesn't behaves like that only to you. Miranda is quiet and a little aggressive in front of most of the people. So, almost nobody wants to be friends with her and some, even, mock her. You may say that she should change if she wants to have friends, but actually when you get a chance to spend some time with her alone, she is really nice and amusing. I think she just doesn't know what to do around people. I could have been like that too. So, please, please, please, stay here and try to be nice to her, even if she isn't to you. Will you ? '' said Juniper, looking him in the eyes.

Morgan sighed and said : '' Okay, okay. Nice lecture. I will do my best to ignore her stares and annoying silence. But, I don't promise anything. You know, some people are borned mad, and you should just leave them alone. Go now, McGonnagall will get angrier at you for keeping her wait. But, really, come back quickly. ''.

Juniper hopped on the spot :

'' Thanks Morgan ! You are the best ! Don't kill or get killed by her ! See you ! ''.

Then she turned back and ran towards the entrance hall. There, at the end of the marble stairs, stood Minerva McGonnagall, looking around angrily. When she spotted Juniper, she said :

'' At last, McRiver ! I thought Emerald forgot again what I told her to do. She is so absentminded. And, talking about absent minds, I have just happened to talk to some of your professors. So, even though it is ' relieving ' to know that you don't ignore my class in particular, I expect a valid explanation from you for not paying attention to any of your lessons for these two weeks. You actually started well to the semester for someone who was raised out of the society. You were listening to your professors, caring for your homeworks. But now, I dare say that, if the owls could write, they would have prepared better ones ! So, what is wrong with you ? Does something bother you ? Or is it Leather who influences you ? God knows, his elder brother gives me a lot of headaches. He seems better than him, but who knows ? ''.

Juniper listened to her, looking to her own shoes. There was no way she told her the truth she would have freaked out, given her detention and kept a close eye so that Juniper wouldn't sneak into the forest again. She hated lying, especially lying to someone she liked. But there was no other way she couldn't risk not going to the forest again.

'' Well, Professor…It has really nothing to do with Morgan. Actually, he is the one who constantly tries to return my attention back to the class. I..I think I miss my home. That's all, nothing else. I am sorry. '' Juniper said.

Professor McGonnagall looked at her softly and said in a rather understanding tone :

'' It's allright, McRiver. It is just so normal to miss your home, your parents. You adapted yourself pretty well to the school and I expect you'd try harder to solve this attention problem, am I wrong ? ''.

'' No, no, not at all, Professor. I will solve my problem. Starting from tomorrow, er…or from next week, I will be like I was at the beginning of the semester. I promise. ''.

'' Okay, then. We'll see. Now go and enjoy the nice weather. '' she said patting on Juniper's back and climbing back the stairs, towards the entrance.

Juniper was relieved that Professor McGonnagall didn't dig it out, she hoped that '' missing her home '' is a valid enough explication, which was, by the way, true too. So, she consoled herself on not having lied completely. But now, she needed another lie, a much more specific one, to tell Miranda. She had only taken five or six steps towards to the lake, thinking on the subject, when she bumped into someone. It was the very blonde boy from Slytherin with whom she was taking some classes, though she couldn't remember his name, and next to him, a man who looked just like him so that Juniper thought it was his dad. She smiled apologetically and said :

'' Sorry, I was thinking about something. ''.

Juniper looked at them expecting to hear something like '' It's okay. '' but neither the boy nor the man said a word, but just stared at her.

'' Okay, then. '' she said giving up and moved to leave. At that moment, the blonde man said :

'' Such irrespectful kids who can't event walk properly and think at the same time. It's a shame that you are around these kind of children all the time Draco. But, well, we know that Dumbledore has no class. ''. At these words , the boy named Draco laughed loudly, but Juniper was stuck on the point. She couldn't believe that this arrogant jerk dared to insult Hogwarts' students and her beloved Dumbledore just because she accidentally bumped into them. She got very angry and said :

'' I said I was sorry mister, didn't you hear ? It's not like I knocked you down, right ? ''.

'' How you dare talking like this to my dad ? Do you know who we are ? '' said Draco.

'' Yeah, you are the boy from Slytherin, Draco, right ? And this is your dad ? Is there anything more that I should know except for your rudeness and anti-Dumbledore attitude ? '' she said, her voice raising little by little.

'' Stupid girl…You don't even know the great family of Malfoy ? And where are your manners ? Or is she a mud-blood, Draco ? Because, if this is the case I'd only pity more to my valuable minutes talking to her. What is your name, girl ? '' said the man.

Draco smirked and said :

'' I don't know dad. But she's a Gryffindor, so I never got interested in her. ''.

Juniper was angry but thought that they were funny carrying all the clichés of a Slytherin : arrogance, pride, pure-blood fanaticism.

She laughed and said :

'' My name is Juniper McRiver. And what if I am a Muggle-born ? That makes no difference. By the way, I know the ' great ' family of Malfoy. We have an old book about old wizarding families at home, I saw your name there. ''.

'' Why are you laughing ? So, you are not a mud-blood, but obviously, one of the worthless scum that claims blood makes no difference. McRiver ? It is a familiar name. Is there a possibility that you are the kid of Lawrence and Galanthia McRiver ? The ones who shut their doors to the society and do nothing other than publishing useless stories in magazines ? ''.

Juniper :

'' Yeah, it's them, my parents. Though many admire their stories and courage. ''.

'' The word courageus is usually another way of saying stupid. I had the misfortune of meeting them. Your mother is a pure-blood, distantly related to the Olivanders. When it comes to your dad, though, many of the McRivers made shamefull marriages. Half-bloods, mud-bloods and even muggles… McRivers are one of the most disgusting blood-traitors. They can't be even counted as half-bloods anymore. They are even worse than Weasleys, and that's saying something. I still can't understand how your mother chose someone from that family as a husband. Well, this shows her low taste. ''.

That was enough, Juniper turned all red, trembling out of anger. Seeing the satisfied smirk on the senior Malfoy's face, she wanted to hit at him. But as he was an adult, his chin was out of her reach and as she wouldn't hit someone that older than her, she waved a punch on the face that she had first seen the same smirk : right on the nose of Draco Malfoy. He yelled and cursed with pain, trying with both hands to stop the blood coming from his nose. Juniper couldn't believe what she did, she wasn't thinking and acted reflexively for her beloved ones. Mr. Malfoy was inclined on his son, looking at the damage.

'' Enough, Draco. You have let this insolent girl punch you so at least stop crying like a baby and act more appropriately remembering who you are. Don't worry, I'll definetly make her pay for it. ''. Lucius Malfoy said these in a hateful, cold and threatening tone, looking Juniper in the eyes while emphasizing the last phrase. Then he grabbed her arm and started shaking her violently. Juniper couldn't do anything other than trying to escape his tight hand.

'' I'll make sure that you get expelled, girl, even if that stupid, old man doesn't agree. You'll learn who the Malfoys are. ''said Mr. Malfoy.

'' Oh, I already know that, no need for you to teach it to me. You are a bunch of… '' Juniper couldn't finish her sentence, because Lucius Malfoy slapped her so harshly on the face that she fell on the grass.

'' Lucius ! '' shouted a voice. Trying to stand up, Juniper saw it was Severus Snape that was approaching them fastly. She noticed the anger in his dark eyes and it was not the usual, cold one that all the students got used to seeing. It was new, it was hot.

'' Lucius, what are you doing ? '' he said, obviously trying to control his anger.

Malfoy held the chin of Draco and pushed it upwards, saying furiously :

'' Look, Severus, look what did this irrespectful dirt did to my son ! When we, dignified families of the wizarding world, send our valuable children to this place, we expect them to be taken care of. But, I see the results of the stupid policy of accepting every random kid with a drop of magical blood in their veins in this ancient school, added to the soft ways of Dumbledore. Of course..I am not blaming you Severus. You are one of the few reasons I keep sending my son to this place. You are an old family friend, I expect that you'd do your best for this girl to be punished properly. ''.

'' Professor, I know that I shouldn't have hit Malfoy but his father kept insulting my family so unjustly that I couldn't control myself. It's not his fault to have this man as a father so I apologize to him, but only to him. '' Juniper said rubbing her cheek which took a shade of crimson.

'' So you still dare to… '' started Lucius Malfoy, but Snape cut in :

'' Lucius, you know that we don't hit the students here, not that I do agree but it's the rule. You know, as well as me, that without Professor Dumbledore's confirmation no student can be expelled and considering what Miss McRiver says, there isn't any possibility that he would agree to do so. However, if you still insist on taking this to the principal, I warn you that he won't be pleased to see the mark of your five fingers on this girl's face. His students are precious to him, you may get into trouble yourself. ''.

Malfoy looked angrily at Juniper's cheek and then to Snape, thinking. At last, he said :

'' I won't take it to the principal but at least can I trust on you punishing this kid, making her pay for her act ? ''.

Snape looked at Draco who was listening to them with his hands closed on his nose and said :

'' Yes, of course. Now take Draco to the hospital wing, he is clearly in pain. I will talk to McRiver. ''.

Malfoy smirked at Juniper before leaving with his son, pretty sure that his old friend would take good care of the situation.

When they got far enough, Snape turned at Juniper and examined her face. Her cheek was very red and swelled now, there were tears of pain in her eyes. It has been about two months since Snape had looked to Juniper who resembled so much at her mother. Now he was disappointed to see that nothing had changed he still couldn't look at her without seeing the childhood of his long lost love. It was like little Lily was standing there in pain and tears. He hated the instinct of protecting her that overtook his heart and mind.

Juniper waited in silence to hear her punishment. Snape was the head of Slytherin house and an old friend of the Malfoys. Even she was relieved to hear that she wasn't going to be expelled, she didn't expect him to act with justice. She wished it was Professor McGonnagall who had seen them. She would have given her detention too but only what she deserved, nothing more. She had become very tense before Snape talked curtly at last :

'' Twenty points from Gryffindor. ''. Then he walked away.

Juniper stayed there, shocked. She had guessed that he would have taken much more points from her house and she couldn't believe that he hadn't given her detention, not even for a week she had expected to be oin detention for at least a semester. Then she decided to leave before he came back, changing his mind.

When she finally got next to Morgan and Miranda, she found them arguing. Morgan saw her and said :

'' At last, June ! I really can't…Hey ! What happened to you ? ''.

Miranda stood up calmly to look closer to her burning cheek.

'' Well, let me sit first. '' Juniper said.

When she was finished, Morgan was cursing the Malfoys and making comments about Snape's incredible behaviour, while Miranda sat silent but her eyes shining with anger and curiosity. She didn't remember asking Juniper what she was going to tell her.