So young, So damaged

Ritualistc

August 2nd, 1996
Juniper's POV

It's been almost a month since I mentioned the so called affair Draco had when I wasn't around at Hogwarts. We haven't brought it up since.

Everyday has been the same since then, I eat and drink more often now. Though, I still don't get much sleep.

My mind still wonders about Draco and the fellow slytherin, I wonder if it happened the minute I left or if it was just that night.

It was in the back of my mind for a few weeks, but every night that I stayed up and walked around the house, seeing him sleep in the guest room reminded me.

We aren't officially married, but does that mean I am
able to prance around and hop from guy to guy?

I've come to the conclusion that I will try to let it go, there is worse things that can happen. Worse things happened that day other than seeing my future husband leave a bathroom with a girl who's younger, skinnier, paler, more fit, and all in all prettier than me.

But today was the most different out of all those repetitive ones. This morning was nothing out of the ordinary, it was the same routine. I wake up very early, read or stare out the window, take a walk in the garden while the sun is on the horizon with Lynx, go back inside after Binx tells me my breakfast is ready, eat, and do that for the rest of the day.

Today as I was walking downstairs to get my lunch, I heard whispering by the library— inside the library. Quiet but not faint, bantering.

I tiptoed my way to the door where it was closed, I stood outside of the library listening into the conversation.

"Bella, I told you this already. I am not going to let him go through what Lucius went through." I heard Narcissa say striking.

Bellatrix is back, she's been gone ever since the incident.

"And Lucius has done amazing things... well, except get caught." Bellatrix giggled.

"He is too young. He has so much going on already. Look how much Juniper is going through, Bella." Narcissa said with a plead.

My legs were getting weak, I shifted my weight to one leg which made the floor creak.

"Bella—"

"Shh!"

Next thing I know the door flies open, revealing me at the door frame eavesdropping. Narcissa looks at me with fear and hurt in her eyes, while Bellatrix creeps towards me with a smile.

"Well look who it is! My future niece!" She cups my face, her nails digging into my cheeks.

"Bellatrix" I looked at her with disgust in my face from her retched smell.

"You should learn not to intrude." her drip on my face tightened, leaving a stinging sensation.

She pushed my face, making me stumble backwards. She slams the door, locking it with her and Narcissa inside to continue talking.

Bella is convincing Narcissa to make Draco get the dark mark, I know it. I made him promise me that he wouldn't let himself of the group become like our parents, like me.

I made my way to the kitchen, my fingerings repeatedly tapping against my palm from my nerves.

"What's got you anxious?" I jumped at the voice.

"Fucking hell Draco!" I said with force.

"Well answer the question." He cocked his eyebrow as he took a bite out of his croissant.