Heaven in Hiding [H.P.] ✓

Second Year Misery

Juniper had settled into a routine of just holding herself in a position that stopped people from approaching her in her first year and done that so well that in her second year she didn't even have to worry about it anymore.
"Michael.", she greets her friend who salutes her. Narcissa joining them mere moments later. Lucius, now a third year, had sent them to board the train and reserve a wagon for their rather large 'gang' of sorts.
They do so quite successfully. "Is something free here?" "Depends.", Michael Monteague snarkily replies, making Narcissa and Juniper snicker. "What are you doing here, pipsqueak?" Bellatrix had found them. "Bella." "Look at you, little snake..", Bellatrix greets Juniper, dropping down beside her little sister. "We have standards as to who can stay, pipsqueak. And you don't look like you fit any of them. Now piss off, you sad sack of shit." The boy hurries away. "Are where are the others? Are the Higgs brothers still missing?" "They just arrived. Never on time those ugly bastards.", Bellatrix scoffs. "Malfoy and Lestrange, same as Andromeda are heading here. I send Crabbe and Goyle to let them know where we are.." "They are being used as messenger owls again then?" "Look at them.. what else are they good for? Fat, ugly oafs that share a braincell between them. The only reasons those genes might be preserved is because they are still purebloods and therefore a sliver more favourable in arranged marriages. Poor gals, the two women who will be burdened with them." Juniper snorts. "They aren't inbred anymore.. just misbred. Not that they can do something about that...", the blonde admits and Bellatrix laughs hysterically while both Michael and Narcissa chuckle. "I taught you well.", the messy haired witch proclaims. "You did have a bad influence or two on me." "You enjoy it." "I can't confirm nor deny that." "You love me. You even wear your hair curly because of me." Juniper gently tugs at her, slightly more orderly, blonde curls she had secretly charmed into her hair. "Okay.. you got me."  "Move, Bellatrix. She's my sister, not yours." "Lucius!", Juniper huffs, shuffling a bit. Finally she just climbs over Bellatrix who she knew wouldn't move to provoke him and instead points for him to sit down in her place, which he does, only for her to hop into his lap, settling down comfortably. "How cute.", Bella scoffs and Juniper pokes out her tongue at the older girl who in return lurches forward as if to bite it. Juniper jumps back, letting out a squeal of laughter. She continues to giggle and joke around with her friend while the rest of their large group was settling beside and around them.

"Look. My little cousin. Sirius Black.", Bellatrix whispers to Juniper who glances at the dark haired boy who was making his curiously. "I think you'd  like him." "Why?" "He's pretty enough.. and a pureblood. A Slytherin. What more could you want?"  Just that very moment, the sorting hat is placed onto his head. "GRYFFINDOR!!"
Juniper holds her breath. Bellatrix clenches her hands to fists. "He's fucked.", Michael mumbles to her and Juniper clutches onto Bellatrix's and Narcissas hands under the table, unsure how else to console them, let them know that they were not alone.

The two squeeze back, thankful for her inaudible support. They had walked out of the great hall wordlessly ignoring the now Gryffindor boy that had sent quite the stink eye over to them. Juniper freezes in the door. "Hey! Goyle! Crabbe! Take the rest of your food with you or you'll not know the new password!", she calls over to the two older boys still shovelling food at the Slytherin table. Shaking her head at them she sighs while, same as Lucius. "She is right. Get moving, idiots." Bellatrix cackles beside her and Juniper too snickers.
The two had jumped up, just carrying their food with them. "Finally. Let's go."
They make their way down to the dungeons, settling into the common room. "Salazar that bleeding idiot. His parents are going to kill him.", Bellatrix curses and Narcissa nods. "Little Frost? Do me a favour." "What can I do for you?" Andromeda gently brushes her fingers over her blonde locks. "Keep an eye on him? Your family is the only one that is not openly for Pureblood and Slytherin supremacy. You'll get away with keeping him safe here.. we wouldn't." "I understand. I'll do my best but.. Mr. Malfoy can't really catch on either. I love uncle Abraxas but he would disapprove. But that is not as bad as what would happen to you.." They smile, gently nudging the girls head. "You're honestly the most adorable thing there is."

Oh, how Juniper would come to regret those words.