An- I wrote a lot these last few days so I think my writer's jam (not a full block.) is broken. Some angst because Juniper has been programmed to feel guilty about everything. Some Loki being Loki. Remus makes her see a few truths about Sirius. Juniper finally reads some of Lily's letters and realizes she needs to make a trip to Surrey. Hopefully under the noses of the others (cause she's sooo good at hiding things from Ron and Hermione.) and that there is only one person she can safely ask to accompany her.
An- Scent is a powerful part of memory. Juniper already remembers the night her parents died so I thought maybe give her a few nicer memories of them along with the letters.
bahnannah- I have a theory Barney is actually magic of some kind. I used to work at a nursery and it was like Barney put the kids in a trance. Not even veggie tales worked so well. She still has the resurrection stone so seeing her dad again is still possible.
BioHazard82- Thank you so much.
n7kairos- Ouch that sucks. I hope your able to get it back without too much hassle. The next chapter should be a important one for Leta.
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Chapter Forty
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Tony couldn't help watching Juniper worriedly. She wasn't eating. She'd taken her potion which generally encouraged her to eat but instead she was just sipping her tea eyes dark. He wasn't sure what to say to her. What he could say. At the moment he could sympathize with Blaise as the boy's angry and pained scream had reminded him of his own reaction after seeing the video of his own mother's death. At the same time he couldn't fault Juniper, or Draco for taking measures to keep him from going after Bellatrix. From everything he'd heard about the woman she'd kill the boy quicker and easier than batting a eye.
"Juniper he'll be okay." Hermione said softly.
Juniper shook her head. "His mum was the only family he had."
"He has Draco and Pansy." Hermione answered.
"Its not the same thing Hermione." Juniper said.
"No but its something. They will hold him together until he can do it himself." Hermione reached across the table taking her hand. "I'm sorry Juniper. About break 5th year." Juniper looked up at her in surprise. "We never should have listened to Dumbledore. You shouldn't have been alone at the Dursleys after you had to watch Sirius die. He convinced us it was the right thing to do. To leave you alone to grieve but it was wrong and it was cruel."
"This isn't about me Hermione." Juniper answered softly but squeezed her hand acknowledging what she said. It had hurt. Being alone with nothing to think about but the battle. Running it over and over in her mind. Seeing her friends injured, seeing Sirius die. Honestly as broken as she'd been about being deserted after Cedric's death 4th year, especially when she'd found out Hermione and Ron had spent so much of the holiday at Sirius's house, after 5th year she'd just been pitifully grateful that her friends didn't hate her. She'd gotten them all injured and she would never forgive herself for that.
"Good morning Avengers, little Stark, and assorted others." Tony looked up glaring at Loki. He sounded much to cheerful for his peace of mind. "Have you told you daughter the good news Stark?"
"What good news?" Juniper asked sounding suspicious.
Loki gave her a grin that was dripping with mischief. "Ask your father."
Juniper looked over at Tony. "Reindeer games and I made a deal kiddo. Hes going to help us deal with Grindelwald and he asked for a few things in return. First couple you don't have to worry about but he wants to teach you magic."
Juniper froze teacup halfway to her mouth and her eyes went wide. She put it down slowly. "Are you telling me that a literal god of magic, one of the original Hogwarts teachers, someone who use to hang out with the founders wants to teach me magic?" She asked softly. "Why do you look like that's a bad thing? He can teach me things no one else can." She turned her eyes to Loki. "Can you teach me how to become a Animagus, and how to do that illusion thing you did in that video from Germany?"
Hermione hid her own grin in her teacup at the disturbed look on Tony's face and the look of triumph on Loki's. It wasn't as big of a deal as they thought it was. Juniper never would have been a Ravenclaw as smart as she was because she didn't value knowledge as a whole. Juniper was really good at classes where she found what they where learning was valuable. That was probably why she'd been first in Defense class every single year except fifth when Umbridge was the teacher. She also soaked up knowledge like a sponge when the teacher was supportive and warm which was why she'd done so well in Charms with Flitwick, Care of magical creatures with Hagrid, and Transfiguration with McGonagall. She did badly in classes she thought where worthless like History of magic, or classes with bad teachers like Potions. She'd gotten OWLS in both by cramming before the exams but Hermione wasn't convinced she'd retained any of the information after the exams. Juniper also had a talent for shoving things she didn't consider important right out of her brain. She knew her friend and was convinced she'd take the knowledge she wanted from Loki. Learn what she could from him but that didn't mean she would absorb any of his attitudes or values. Not that she couldn't be manipulated Dumbledore had proven that but Loki didn't have anything Juniper wanted more than she wanted the family she had with Tony. In a battle between Loki and Tony she had no doubt Juniper would always choose her father.
"I can teach you both." Loki responded. "The illusion spell is not complicated once you know how its done and the Animagus transformation is well within your power level."
"Is it all about power level though?" Hermione asked her curiosity overwhelming her. It had long been debated between magical theorist if the spells a witch or wizard was good at where only down to bloodlines or if anyone with the proper power level could learn the old family spells.
"Ahh that's the question isn't it?" Loki answered crossing to sit at the table across from the girl. "Purebloods would truly love to believe that its all due to bloodlines. Its true some families are more proficient at certain kinds of magic but muggleborns have risen to prominence in all areas of magical study. Often times they surpass purebloods even those whose families are traditionally advanced in those areas. You are not as powerful as Juniper and I expect are more gifted at offensive and mind magics but I doubt there's any spells you would not be able to perform with proper instruction and determination."
"I've never been able to master the Patronus charm." Hermione admitted with a slight pout.
"That doesn't surprise me. I have the feeling your magic is very logic based, very rational. The Patronus charm requires not only recalling a memory with great power but allowing yourself to feel the emotions you felt at the time as well." Loki explained patiently.
"A happy memory." Hermione said.
"A powerful memory. Yes happy memories are the best it has to have positive emotions connected. After the first time you create one its much easier to do with smaller memories but for the first it needs to be one of the most powerful things that have happened to you. Something that means more than your typical memories." Loki explained.
"Can you do it?" Hermione asked.
"Its been centuries since I attempted wand magic." Loki answered. "I have more effective methods of sending messages and dementors are not a issue for me. They don't like the taste of Asgardians."
"Must be nice." Juniper muttered. "They love me."
"They feed on bad memories and you have more than your fair share." Remus reminded her gently.
"Yeah, yeah I know." Juniper muttered. Loki gave her a speculative looked but seemed to decide not to ask. There was a moment of silence then the back door opened and the Slytherin trio reentered.
Blaise was pale eyes red but expression perfectly composed and emotionless. Pansy was on one side of him holding his hand. He was holding her so tightly it was a surprise she hadn't pulled away. Draco on his other side his hand on the small of Blaise's back his pale face flushed pink.
Juniper looked over at them as they entered. "Blaise I'm sorry." She said softly.
Blaise glanced over to her and emotion flickered in his eyes for a moment. "Not your fault Potter. My mother knew the kind of psychos she was working with."
"We'll be in the upstairs parlor. If that's alright?" Draco obviously tacked on the last part as a after thought.
"Oh course." Juniper answered with a nod.
Loki glanced over to Juniper after they where gone. "His mother...?"
"Dead." Juniper said softly. "Another deatheater orphan just like me. Just like Draco, Susan, Neville, Luna. Merlin, Ron's right we should form a club."
Tony reached over taking her hand. "I'm still here kiddo. I'm not James Potter but I am here."
"I know dad. I'm sorry. I spent the last 16 years thinking of myself that way its just taking a little getting use to." Juniper answered.
"And you still lost your Mom. I get that Juni. Just don't forget I'm here for you." Tony told her.
"Never." Juniper answered squeezing his hand. Then frowned slightly. "How is Pepper?"
"Shes fine kid. She just wanted to sleep a little more. She never gets to sleep in back home you know." Tony answered. Juniper nodded but Tony caught the slight quiver of her lower lip as she shifted her eyes away. "I offered to send her home last night if she wanted to." Juniper's eyes came back to him. "She said no. She said she wouldn't leave you."
Juniper couldn't help smiling slightly even as she spoke. "Maybe she should it would be safer for her."
"It was a freak accident Juni. Nobody could have guessed the horcrux would get into her head." Hermione said softly. "Its gone now and Pepper will be perfectly safe here."
"Yeah, I hope so." Juniper answered. "You can't deny people around me tend to get hurt. Cedric, Sirius, Moody they'd all still be alive if they hadn't tried to help me."
"Cedric signed up for a tournament that was known to have a death toll. Moody was always going to fight the Deatheaters. No matter what. I'm not going to say he wasn't fond of you but he would have fought just the same if the chosen one was Susan, or Neville, or hell even your cousin Dudley. As for Sirius." Remus let out a sigh. "Merlin knows I loved the man but Juni, baby it was always just a matter of time. Sirius was reckless and self destructive. I don't know if he was trying to prove something to himself or James, or Dumbledore or just everyone who was convinced the Black name meant he was destined to go bad. I know part of it was being cooped up in this damned house. He could be happy when you where here because then it became a home something he could give you. But when you left, when you where at school it was like the ghosts of this house haunted him." Juniper was shaking her head but Remus reached out to her taking the hand Tony wasn't holding. "Do you remember his face that night?"
"I remember." Juniper said her voice shaking just a bit. He'd been happy. He'd been in his element. Dueling, fighting, letting out just a sliver of the Black part of himself that he usually worked so hard to hide. She would never forget the gleam of pure joy in his eyes when he'd punched Lucius Malfoy in the face. She'd never forget the look on his face as he'd fallen backwards through the veil either. Surprise. Then sorrow a apology in his eyes as if in his last moments he was trying to tell her he was sorry he was leaving her. Then relief. She couldn't help but remember what Regulus had said. No pain, no fear, no doubt. A place where everyone you loved and lost was waiting. Was that what he was seeing when that look of relief came over his face?
"Being trapped in this house unable to leave was killing him slowly. That night was exactly what he wanted. A chance to fight, let go, a chance to actually do something in the war. A chance to protect you. Its how he would have wanted to go Bambi. I know you miss him and what could have been but it WAS NOT your fault." Remus told her his voice firm. "And look at the final outcome. We lost Sirius and your friends where injured. But Tom exposed himself in front of the minister, a great deal of ministry staff, and the Aurors. Fudge was tossed out of office and Scrimgeour was voted in." He couldn't help grinning at the face Juniper made at Scrimgeour's name. "Yes I know, but at least he increased the auror force, informed the muggle prime minister about the war, got you that Order of Merlin you should have been awarded in second year at the latest, declared Sirius innocent, and warned the general magical population giving them guidelines on how to protect themselves. Most importantly you and Dumbledore where proven right so people started listening to you."
"He did enjoy causing chaos." Juniper said another smile curving her lips slightly.
"Sounds like a upstanding man and a excellent influence." Loki offered cheerfully waving a hand to bring a cup of tea to his hand.
"You seem to be in excellent spirits this morning brother." Thor said entering the room to hear Loki's statement.
"Why wouldn't I be? I have a intelligent and powerful new student, a interesting challenge in front of me, and I've made amends with my dear friends the Avengers." Loki answered with a smirk.
"Lets not get carried away. We still don't trust you Reindeer Games. We're going to be watching every move you make." Tony warned him releasing Juniper's hand.
"I look forward to it." Loki answered lifting his cup as if making a toast.
Juniper looked over at Steve. "This is going to be a thing isn't it?" She asked motioning towards her father and the god.
"'fraid so darlin'." Steve answered obviously holding back a chuckle before handing her a piece of toast and giving her a stern look.
"That don't disappoint Captain America look doesn't work on me I'm British." Juniper informed him seeing what he was doing. She'd seen the videos he'd made for schools to show in detention on Peter's phone. Neither less she took the toast. "I think since we have a bit of a break today that I'm going to read my Mum's letters."
"Thats probably a good idea." Remus told her softly. He knew between Pepper being attacked and having to tell Blaise about his mum Lily had to be on her mind strongly today. He'd known Lily almost as well as Juniper and Ron knew each other and had a feeling her daughter would find great comfort in the letters.
Juniper nodded and stood cup of tea in one hand toast in the other.
"Doll do you want some company?" Bucky asked her softly as Hedwig swooped over landing on her shoulder making it clear she would be accompanying her witch like it or not.
"Would you be mad if I said no?" Juniper asked. Honestly she may share the letters later but right now the first time she kind of wanted them to herself.
"I would only be mad if you agreed to something that you didn't want or were uncomfortable with to please me." Bucky answered ignoring Hermione's awwww. "I think I can manage to occupy myself for a while."
Juniper leaned over to kiss him lightly. "If you need me send Kretcher." She told them. As a Black elf he'd always be able to find her and she had no intention of reading them in the head's room. She'd need somewhere a bit more comforting.
As Juniper slipped out of the dining room Bucky looked over and saw Tony smiling at him in a way he found almost alarming. "What?"
"Nothing. I just got another reminder that Pepper is always right. Being around Starks must be rubbing off on her."
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Juniper had expected that the letters would make her cry part of the reason she wanted no one but Hedwig with her but she hadn't expected just opening the first envelope would set her off. She wasn't expecting the scents that came with the breaking of the seal or the memories it provoked. Lilies and clouds.
'PAPA PAPA PAPA!'
'There's my Junebug.' She could feel herself being scooped up and spun around. Her father's voice. James voice filled with laughter and love instead of fear.
'James your going to make her sick.' Her mum her voice filled with laughter instead of tears and panic.
'Nonsense Lils. Shes got a stomach of steel. Shes gonna be a amazing flier aren't ya Bambi?'
'Fly Papa fly.'
Safe, warm, happy, sleepy. Curled close to the source of the lovely scent of lilies as her eyes dropped closed thumb in her mouth. The soft singing voice lulling her to sleep.
'Hush-a-bye, don't you cry
Go to sleep my little baby
When you wake, you shall have
All the pretty little horses
Blacks and bays
Dapples and grays
Coach and six little horses
Hush-a-bye, don't you cry
Go to sleep my little baby
Go to sleep my little baby'
'Papa.' She could see him sitting at the table reading something. He looked over and smiled turning so she could run to him and scramble into his lap.
'Your suppose to be napping Junebug.'
'But papa biscuits?' She remembered looking up into his face and his laugh.
'Your gonna get us both in trouble.' He said tickling her feet to make her giggle. 'One biscuit but no telling Mummy.'
Juniper sniffed raising a hand to rub her eyes. Bits and pieces fragments of memories. A black cat purring at her, Remus smudging fingerpaint onto her nose, Sirius helping her balance on a toy broomstick, Peter...Peter sneaking her sweets. And always there always in the background her mum and papa. Her family. Her safety. Back then she'd never been afraid or in pain. She'd known that nothing could ever hurt her as long as her papa was there. That there was nothing her mum couldn't soothe away. Merlin what she wouldn't give to feel that again. She'd been so afraid and in pain for so long she'd forgotten what it was like until those scents had brought it back. Lilies and clouds.
Hedwig pulled on her curl's lightly as if pulling her back to the present and Juniper turned slightly then held out her arm so Hedwig hopped from her shoulder to her arm so she could look into her big amber eyes. "I'm fine Hed. I promise." She put the letter down for a moment to gently stroke her feathers soothing herself as much as her familiar.
They where curled up on a beanbag chair in the one room in Grimmauld Place that seemed to scream both Gryffindor and Muggle-lover. Sirius's childhood room. He and Remus had taken over one of the other rooms once they'd all moved in after Azkaban but this room, the symbol of his teenage rebellion had remained. The carpet was Gryffindor red the bed and chandelier Gryffindor gold. The walls where covered with so many pictures of muggle girls in bikinis, motorcycles, and Gryffindor banners that the wall paper was no longer visible. Teenage versions of Sirius, James, Remus, and Peter waved at her from a picture on the mantel over the fireplace. There was nothing of value or sentiment left in the room as Sirius had taken everything that meant anything with him when he'd moved in with James's parents at sixteen, but it was still the room where she felt him the most in the house. She could easily imagine him at 15 frustrated and annoyed, sprawled across the bed, phonograph blasting a muggle record that his parents would have hated with a passion.
Juniper took a deep breathe and bent her knees to give Hedwig a more convenient perch so she could have her arm back. "Already on we go." She said softly and unfolded the letter she should have been given at five.
Juniper wasn't sure how long she read. It was easy to tell from the beginning that Lily had expected her to be living with Tony in New York or Sirius and Remus in London. She'd also expected all three men as well as Rhodey and possibly Peter to be in her life. She got the impression that Lily had thought that like Sirius or Remus, Peter would have died before betraying them. Her mum's obvious affection for the man who was responsible for her murder had her wishing she could bring him back to life so she could kill him again.
She could also feel her mum's love for her and her guilt as she apologized at least once in every letter for not being there for her. The letters one for each of her birthdays were filled with stories and warmth that brought her to a better understanding of who her mum was and had believed than all the stories Remus and the others had told her. She had a feeling her mum would have adored Hermione, and would have agreed with her about her less than stellar study habits. Although in the end she had received OWLS in all her classes. Granted it had been by the skin of her teeth in History of magic but surely it still counted. She found it especially funny that her mum told her to listen to Tony and Sirius but to also verify anything they told her with Rhodey or Remus. Every letter ended with Lily reminding her she was loved and treasured. Most of the letters had a PS added by James. Most of them told her to be sure she was having fun and being a kid, suggesting pranks she could play on Sirius or Tony and asking her to make sure she was giving uncle Remus lots of hugs. In the first he wrote that although he was not her biological father he'd loved her from the moment he saw her and would be the best papa he knew how as long as they where together.
When she reached for the sixth letter she was a bit surprised to see that instead of being labeled Juniper-11th birthday this one said Juniper-Hogwarts's acceptance letter. She held it up as if showing it to Hedwig. "Should I save it for later?" Hedwig gave her a stern glare. "Alright but just the one more for now. I think if I don't go down for diner they'll send Kretcher to find me."
She opened the envelope and pulled out the letter reading this one aloud to Hedwig. "My dearest Juni I am sure today is a day you have been waiting for. Receiving a Hogwarts letter was one of the proudest days of my life. I'm also sure Sirius is going to way over-do any celebrations so I imagine you've already had a busy day today. You should know though that although Hogwarts is one of the best magic schools in the world you do have other options. Your a legacy at Hogwarts so application there is automatic but there are many fine magic schools all over the world. Ilvermorny, or Salem in America, Beauxbatons in France, Mahoutokoro in Japan, or Castelobruxo in Brazil are all very good schools ask Remus for help if you prefer to attend school outside of Britain. They do accept applications and as both the Potter and Black heir very few schools would refuse you entry. The American schools would be simpler as you are American through your father. If I know him I suspect he would rather keep you closer for at least the first few years of you magical education. Thats not to say I wouldn't love for you to attend Hogwarts but I want you to go where you feel is best. If Siri tries to make you feel guilty about it just ask Andi and Alice to send him howlers."
Juniper had to pause for a moment letting out a soft sigh. The gulf between the life her mum had imagined for her and the life she'd actually lived was so wide and so deep it was hard to reconcile. Especially since if Dumbledore hadn't stuck his nose into her life she probably would have had exactly what her mum had wanted for her. She gave Hedwig the last piece of the toast she'd been feeding her a bit at a time as she'd read and gave her empty teacup a mournful look before going back to the letter. Where the handwriting had changed to the larger blockier printing of James.
"Don't you listen to her Bambi. Hogwarts is the best school in the world. You'll love it there. You'll be sorted into Gryffindor and you'll be the best Quidditch player the school has ever seen. Well except for your papa oh course. If you get sorted into Slytherin though your disowned. Just kidding! Merlin you wouldn't believe the look your mum just gave me. Actually if you do get sorted into Slytherin, Sirius would have to attend Quidditch matches in green and silver and root for Slytherin. You know what that's not a bad idea. You'd do well in Slytherin and Professor Slughorn the head of house will adore you! Seriously though (don't let your godfather read this I assume you've heard his name puns more than enough by now.) we will both be very proud of you no matter where you go or where your sorted. As long as you play Quidditch!" Juniper paused again glancing over at Hedwig with a grin. The owl looked as amused as Juniper felt. "Back to Mum."
"Where ever you go make sure you get a wand from Ollivander in Diagon alley. Hes the best wandmaker in the world and a very dear man. Also go to the Magical Menagerie, and Eeylops Owl Emporium but don't just settle for any pet! You should pick one you feel a special bond with." Juniper paused for a moment to give Hedwig a fond smile. "Treat them well and a familiar bond may form. Its a precious bond many witches and wizards who do not have will underestimate. You can trust your familiar above all else. Don't buy a trunk in the alley though." That surprised her.
"I have a trunk that once belonged to my father your grandfather Harry Evan when he was in the royal navy. He would have wanted you to have it and I have placed charms on it that will make it useful. Here is the tricky part. I doubt you have ever met your Aunt Petunia my sister as she was not a pleasant person and we have not spoken in many years but the trunk is in the attic of the home she now lives in. Its a house near London. 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey. I suppose Petunia and her husband may move between now and when you turn eleven but I doubt it as my sister is very much a creature of habit. Regardless the trunk is under very strong notice me not charms. I left it there to keep it safe for you. I wanted to make sure you would have something from my time at Hogwarts even if our house is destroyed and there are some keepsakes inside you should have. You should ask Remus to take you as he is more diplomatic than Siri or Tony. I would imagine as soon as you tell your aunt Petunia that there is something of a magical nature in her house she will be eager to have you take it away. Your other supplies you can buy in Diagon alley or the magical district in New York." Juniper lowered the letter and her eyes met Hedwig's.
Her mother's trunk. Her grandfather's trunk. With keepsakes inside her mum wanted her to have. Hedwig's gave her a sharp bark of disapproval obviously not at all pleased at the thought of her returning to Privet Drive. "I won't go alone." Juniper told her even though she had been thinking just that thing. It was obvious though that if Juniper tried to leave the house alone Hedwig would raise hell. Sneaking out wouldn't work either. Hedwig always knew where she was and usually where she was going.
The problem would be who she should ask to go with her. It would be easier if the house on Privet Drive was still empty. The Order of the Phoenix had evacuated the Dursleys on Juniper's seventeenth birthday but according to Bill they'd only stayed in hiding for a month or so. Evidently the protection the safe houses offered wasn't enough to make up for being forced into such close contact with the magical world. Dudley was probably back at Smeltings, and if she timed it properly her Uncle Vernon would be at work, but she doubted her luck would be kind enough to let her catch one of the times her aunt went to the market or a neighbors house.
Juniper had no doubt her Dad, Bucky, Ron, Remus, or Natasha would go with her but it wouldn't be good for any of the Dursleys they happened to meet. She didn't want either Hermione or Peter anywhere near her childhood home. They had both seen a lot Hermione maybe a bit more but they both had a kind of innocence that she would never wanted tainted by that kind of darkness. The other Avengers would most likely insist on telling her Dad where she was going he'd insist on coming and right back to problem number one. Draco was a possibility if he hadn't been taking care of Blaise. Loki was another problem altogether. He'd probably have fun provoking her aunt then turn her into a ant of something when she broke and pushed too far. She could sneak over to the alley and draft Mr. Weasley. He was by far the Weasley most likely to stay calm and handle whatever happened, but what if Nagini was right and his health was wore than any of the realized? No. In the end there was really only one person who could she ask for help at this moment.
Juniper sighed softly and looked over at Hedwig again. "You know who I have to ask to come with don't you?" There was a pause as Hedwig tilted her head slightly, then as if realizing what Juniper meant she made a short barking noise that Juniper recognized as her laugh. "Yeah, yeah sure laugh about it. Your coming with me too you know." She didn't need her familiar snitching on her. She may not be able to communicate with the others as well as she did with Juniper, but she could usually make herself understood by Ron. Hedwig gave her a of course I am look.
"Kretcher." Juniper called. The ancient elf immediately popped to her side. "Mister Black calls Kretcher?"
"Kretcher which room did you give Leta?"
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An- Short chapter but this was the perfect place to end it. Next chapter Juniper returns to Privet Drive. The crew back in London are worried and annoyed as Kretcher is evasive. We should get to meet Arabella Figg and Bucky gets a new friend. (Hint for comic book fans- Alpine.) Oh course Grindelwald has to ruin it.