Heaven in Hiding [H.P.] ✓

The lion and the snake pit

Just to walk the castle corridors once again, adorned in green, the blonde witch felt at home. Rounding the corner into the great hall she immediately is bathed in the attention of all students there. They were a bit confused. Of course. It had been a couple weeks in. "Dumbledore." "Mrs. Pucey." They shake hands and she gives him a small nod. "Attention please, students!" The great hall falls silent, except for the few shuffling boys that immediately had set sight on their favourite person. "Please welcome our newest member of staff, Mrs. Pucey. Most of you will recognise the name from your books, seeing as her work has been revolutionary for the wizarding world. We have been honoured by the chance of her taking on a guest-professor spot in defense against the dark arts, as well as by her leading and organising a completely new dueling club which you can sign up for, as long as you are a second year or older." The witch is motioned to stand and address the students.
"It truly is a joy to be back at this school and that I will get the chance to see all of you develop and succeed in your magical endeavours. I am looking forward to seeing you in classes or in the dueling club. To all first years here.. I too wish to warmly welcome you to Hogwarts and to all older students.. welcome home." Deafening applause shakes the whole great hall and young Harry appears to no longer be able to sit, jumping up. "Auntie June!" The witch chuckles, amused, catching the boy in her arms. "Hello there, Harry." "Why didn't you tell me, Sirius or Uncle Reg that you'll be here?" "I told them.. but I wanted to keep it a surprise for you, my little fawn.", the witch chuckles, gently squeezing his cheeks together that are nice and chubby, still showing the joyful grin on his face. "I'm glad you're here, auntie June.", he tells her, hugging her tightly before stepping back. "I am too, deary. Now.. I've got to.." "Mum!" Adrian makes his way over to her and she cracks a grin. "Hello there, Adrian." He hugs her, soon followed by Marcus and Graham, while Adrian teasingly rests his arm on Harry's head, making the boy try and poke his side to get him off which he, as skillfully as an older brother, evades, a small smirk on his face. "Marcus! I see you've gotten Captain?" The boy nods pridefully. "Adrian is my designated chaser. Together we'll be making Slytherin as infamous as it was back when you were still a student, Miss Pucey." "I put great faith in that. Slytherins like us aren't made for losing. We'll work relentlessly to get what we want." Marcus nods. "Good. Good. Now. Where is my last one.. I know I've got five of my boys in Hogwarts now..." Juniper perks around until Draco pushes his way past Marcus. "There is my nephew. I almost thought you got lost on the way here.", she teases and he rolls his eyes. "Slytherin?" "What else?" Junipers eyes light up at the words he had copied straight off her. "Exactly! That is what I want to hear. Slytherin pride!", she nods, running her hand over his hair. "I'll gladly tell Lucius and Narcissa that you made it to Slytherin. They'll be just as proud as I am. You'll do great, I am sure, Draco." He nods, thankful, giving her a quick hug, not putting it past him to poke Harry's side, making the boy fold in on himself with a yelp and Adrian laugh out loud, giving him a high five. "Oy mate. Anyone is going to think she's your mum rather than mine! Move your ugly mug.", Adrian tells Marcus who scoffs. "We're basically brothers, idiot." Juniper simply watches on with amusement as both of them scurry off, before leaning down to Harry. "Are you alright, fawn?", she whispers. He nods. "It's weird.. being the center of attention but.. I feel weird about being in Gryffindor. I know Sirius and Remus will be proud.. but uncle Reg, you, Adrian, Marcus, Graham, even Draco.. and I don't even get along with him all the time..  you're all Slytherins. And I.." Juniper gently puts her hands onto his shoulders. "Harry.. Your mum and dad.. Lily and James.. both of them were proud Gryffindors. Look at me and listen really close, alright?" He nods. "It doesn't matter what house you were sorted in. You'll always be a part of our families and our lives. As Slytherins loyalty is a big part of what we take pride in. You won't ever have to worry about losing any one of us. Because we'll always be by your side. We don't have to agree on everything. We don't have to be the same. What matters is that we care for each other. Do you understand?" The boy nods, hugging her. "Thanks auntie." "Off to your seat now." He scurries off towards the Gryffindor table. "Isn't this going to make for favouritism?" There most certainly was an undertone to the pointed stare directed at the shaky, twitchy man that was alerting all of her senses in a very negative way. "Do not speak of or to me unless you're asked. I don't know who or what you are.. but I know you are false", she hisses lowly, her eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. He falls silent, making her even more suspicious. Juniper silently swears to herself to keep her eyes on him.

"Are you going to be staying at the castle?" "Oh no. You know perfectly well how your father gets when he's alone for too long." Adrian rolls his eyes. "He doesn't get that I am the favourite, does he?" Juniper laughs, shaking her head. "No. It seems he doesn't. Here.." Adrian accepts the small bag he knows to be overly stuffed with all his favourite sweets. "Brush your teeth before you go to bed." "Thanks mum." He hurries off to share with Marcus. Harry, Graham and Draco meanwhile cast her a certain look that has her, with a knowing look, toss them each a slightly smaller one, as they were, after all, meant for one person only, and not for Marcus Flint inclusive. They all grin at her, rushing off with their friends. "Being a parent seems to suit you.. Pucey." "Hello Severus.", she greets, holding up one last small bag which he takes from her hand. "Welcome back. I shall see you in the near future." "I'll be kicking your door down whenever I want a second person in the dueling club for demonstration purposes. I remember distinctly how good you were in defense against the dark arts." Severus Snape, a bit pridefully, straightens up, nodding with a slim smile before leaving.