Heaven in Hiding [H.P.] ✓

Floodgates

With the deatheaters having been set loose the large family had begun to make arrangements. With them all mostly safe, the adults had, with the brilliance of Regulus and the insight of Lucius, begun to make quick work of the Horcruxes.
Only to find themselves facing a final battle at the gates of Hogwarts.

Juniper has her arm wrapped around her son who is standing in between her and his father, who in return has his arm around him as well, Aspen having been handed to her grandparents.
On Junipers other side there's, as per usual, Lucius Malfoy, his fingers entwined with those of his wife whose hand rests on her sons shoulder. They stand as a united front, with Harry Potter amongst them, feeling stronger with his family with him.
"Mum?" Adrian looks at Juniper who stares put at the hordes, clearly identifying a few of them already. "Yes?" "Do you remember Bellatrix?" Juniper looks down at him. "Adrian.. I remember everything.. I know that I once loved her." Lucius looks sharply over at her. "I know that we were together.. and I know that she tried to give me a potion that would erase those memories and make life easier for me." Adrian looks at her in shock. "But.." "Haven't I told you often enough that I would choose you over anything and anyone? I love you. I love your father.. your sister. I love all that I have right now. And no one ever said that the first love is going to be the last, or the best. I can barely imagine.. not getting to meet you.. getting to have you in my life. I will stand here.. on this side.. and whatever happens, that will never change."

He hugs her tightly before straightening up once more. "Let's do this. We can defeat them. It's almost like playing catch with someone without arms.. or legs."
"...Hilarious?"
They all let out a small chuckle and Markus, who had dared utter those words earns a slight whack over the head. "Okay. Let's try and get attacked in any sort of way then."

The battle had been exhausting. Chasing after deatheaters was not an easy task. However.. now it had come to this. Juniper Nevaeh Pucey standing in front of Bellatrix Lestrange who stares at her, wide eyed. "Princess Wintertime." Juniper stares her dead in the eyes. "Bellatrix." "You look so surprised to see me." "I'm not surprised. How could I be?" Juniper scoffs. "I know you." "Oh.. you don't know how well you know me." "I remember everything.. Bellatrix. I know everything. From the first night in the dorms bathroom to the afternoon in your bridal room." The black haired witch lowers her wand. "How?" "Simple. Preserving memories in a little vial before drinking the erasing potion does a few things." "Why is it that you look at me that way then?" "Because it doesn't change anything for me and my life now." Bellatrix immediately gets angry. "That damn Pucey.." "My husband." "You were supposed to be mine! We both know it." "And yet I am not." "June.." "Mum!!" Bellatrix, fuming, glares at the two men running towards them. "It's all your fault. ALL YOUR FAULT!!!"  The curse she throws at them shakes the ground and yet they do not feel a thing. However.. outside Voldemort crumples to the ground, groaning as he, his snake and his last horcrux turn into vapor. Juniper moves in front of her son and husband, a deadly glare on her face. "You DARE to try and harm my husband?! MY SON?!" Her blue eyes are filled with unbridled rage. Throwing hex after hex and curse after curse at the woman she used to love the witch, frazzled, tries to defend herself, shocked at the pure hatred she suddenly could see in the eyes that used to look at her with unconditional love. "No one and I mean NO ONE touches MY family!!" Juniper throws one final curse that has the witch drop to the ground.. dead. Her body turning into a pile of soil.. from which a single icy white rose blossoms.
Juniper Pucey takes a deep breath. "Mum...?" The witch presses a kiss to her son's hair, then to her husbands lips, who in return wraps his arm around her. "Are you alright, my love?" She nods.
"I am. Let us try and see if there is something we can do to help the injured."
.
.
.
Hogwarts had become quiet and peaceful once more after the repairs had been finished. And Juniper stands before Dumbledore, who is staring at her. "Miss Pucey." "I hate you.", she simply states at him before turning around towards the great hall filled with students whom she greets with a smile on her lips. "Good evening and welcome to Hogwarts. For those of you who do not know me.. my name is Juniper Nevaeh Pucey. For those of you who do know me.. it is good to see you again." She can see a lot of tears in their eyes, and smiles. "I do not wish to keep you all from your well deserved dinner for long. All I can say is.. Welcome Home and I'll see you in class."

Thundering applause fills the entire hall and it feels just right. Walking around the desk she squeezes Severus Snapes shoulder gently, coming to stand beside him. He gives her a tiny smile in return. "Welcome home." "It is good to be back." "What about the youngest?" "She's got too many babysitters to ever get bored. And I'll be home a lot of the days anyways." "Well.. if that is the case.." They share a small chuckle.

"Slytherin loyalty?" "Slytherin loyalty!"