Alive

by Juniper_Potter

Summary:

What happens when Juniper and Liam are not dead? How will Molly react to the foster child she used to care for will be taken away from her? How will Juniper react to Molly laying claims on her child?

Read to find out.....

Chapter 1

Everyone were happy in the order as soon as Dumbledore announced that Juniper and Liam were still alive. Shocked, perhaps. But still happy when they got over their shock. Sirius would be the most happiest person if he were still alive, Remus thought with a sad smile on his face. But he was happy that not all his best friends died leaving him alone. His first friend, best friend, sister in all but blood is alive and he didn't even know that till now. All these days, he was mourning for her silently thinking she left him and this world. He mourned for his other best friend Liam too.

"How are they alive?" Molly asked the question everyone were wondering.

"They were hit with a curse making them go into a coma. We didn't know how long they would take to wake up again. We can't risk their lives and I decided to announce them as dead while secretly healing them in my private house with my personal family healer." Dumbledore explained.

"When are they going to come here?" Remus asked him this time.

"Not yet. They just woke up from the coma and it might take a few days for them to recover and gain their strength. I just wanted to tell you what's going to happen soon." Dumbledore smiled at him. "Remus, can you inform this to Miss Potter?"

"Sure." Remus agreed and Molly pursed her lips in anger. She is the only one in the whole room who is angry that Juniper is still alive. The only unhappy person in the room.

"Albus, Can I come with you and see them? I want to see if Juniper needs anything. You know a woman can share some things only with another woman." Molly said and Dumbledore seemed to think about it and agreed. Molly smiled and was plotting how to separate mother and daughter.

"Liam, where is Juniper?" Dumbledore and Molly flooed to his house where Liam was sitting on an arm chair with a book in his hand. He looked up at Dumbledore and smiled. Molly smiled at him when he saw her and he gave her a small and unsure smile back. There is something wrong about this woman. He can feel it. But what? He thought to himself.

"She is in the kitchen." Liam said to Dumbledore's previous question. "She is quite bored sitting and lazing around. She wanted to do something and decided to cook for us. Wanna join for lunch?"

"Not today. I'm getting late for the staff meeting." Dumbledore looked towards the door before looking back at Liam. "Did you tell?"

"I didn't. It was hard to even think for me. I don't know how she is going to react." Liam sighed closing the book. 

"Anyways, Molly is here to see if Juniper needs anything. She might like to have a female companion after so long." Dumbledore told him.

"If it was anyone else, I would've agreed Albus." Liam chuckled. "But it's June. She is more comfortable with our other friends than her female friends. Though, thanks for the thought and coming here for my wife, Molly."

"Think of it as nothing." Molly said inwardly sneering at his previous sentence. Such a whore, she huffed to herself. More comfortable with males than females? She is definitely bad influence for Poor Holly.

"Can I go to the kitchen?" Molly asked and Liam nodded. Dumbledore talked to Liam for some more time before leaving.

"Juniper." Molly called startling her as she was lost in her thoughts about her daughter. She can't wait to meet her and take her into her arms. Oh, how she has grown up so much. Juniper missed everything of her daughter's life.

"Molly, Hi." Juniper smiled big. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Yeah." Molly didn't smile though and Juniper's smile faltered a bit. "Are you making Pasta?"

"Yeah." Juniper smiled again. "Liam loves it."

"Humph." Molly huffed. "This tastes like shit. If not for the boiled pasta in it, one might think this is for some dog or cat."

"Huh?" Juniper looked confused at her. "May be, I put something wrong. It's been so long that I last cooked so it must've been bad, I guess." She said unsure.

"Too long." Molly sneered at her. "You are right about that. And it's good that you are not there in her life for too long. Else, she would've become a characterless woman like you. I was there to make sure she is growing up as a fine young lady."

"What are you saying, Molly?" Juniper asked her looking hurt and confused.

"I'm talking about Holly, my daughter. The daughter that you are going to take away from me!" Molly screeched.

"Molly, I'm glad that you treat her as your daughter, but she is my daughter." Juniper said not letting her hurt show on her face. She wasn't there for her daughter and it was not wrong that Holly found a mother in another woman. It's not Holly's fault and Juniper can't blame anyone but herself for it.

"I was the one who sent her gifts on Christmas in her first year when she didn't have anyone to send anything. I was the one who warned her relatives to take care of her at the end of the first year. I was the one who opened my house for her to stay when Ron and twins brought her in her second year when she is being starved by her relatives. I was the one who took care of her and her health before she came back for her second year. I was the one who was there for her when she returned after fighting a basilisk. I was the one who gave her the care and love a mother gives when she needed after the adventure. I was there for her when she ran away from her relatives after blowing up her Aunt in her third year. I was there for her when she was afraid of Sirius Black wanting to murder her. I was there to send homemade food for her every month. I was there when she almost died from dementors and returned from Hogwarts. I was there to invite her when my husband got her tickets for Quidditch world cup. It was me and Arthur who gave her parents' love. I was there when she came back from the death eater attack at Quidditch world cup. I was there to support her through letters when she had to fight Dragons, save Ron from the bottom of the lake and returned after seeing You-Know-Who's rebirth and Cedric's death. I was there for her to cry on my shoulder. I was there for her when she came to headquarters after almost getting kissed by dementors. I was there when she wanted support before her trial. I was there when Umbridge gave her detentions and made her write with a blood quill. I was there when her stupid godfather can't help himself and ended up dead leaving her all alone again. I was there for her when she needed a mother. I was there for her every single time. She is my daughter. I took care of her." Molly said panting at last. "I was the only one who was there as her mother. Not you. Never you. You can't come back now and try to take her away from me."

"If Holly forgets everything I did as soon as she sees her real mother. Then what about me? What about everything I did for her? Huh?" Molly asked with tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Molly, I would never do that to you." Juniper said taking a step towards her. "I know you did so much for my daughter. I know you treat her as your own daughter, but she is my daughter too. You can't expect me to just let her go. I'm not trying to take your place in her life. You will always be a mother to her, but I'm her mother too. I gave her birth."

"And then what? Left her to live on her own?" Molly scowled at her. "You just left her lying on a hospital bed. You did nothing for her."

"I saved her from Vold-" "Save you say?" Molly scoffed at her. "You put her in even more danger after so-called saving her. If it wasn't for you giving birth to her at the end of July, would anything of this happens?"

"Tell me, Juniper. Would any of this happens? Tell me the truth what you think." Molly asked again when Juniper stayed silent.

"No." She said and Molly looked at her triumphantly.

"So, whose fault is it?" Molly asked.

"Mine." Juniper admitted to her. "but-"

"No, buts. You admitted it yourself. It's you who caused your daughter harm from day one." Molly said and Juniper clenched her fist slightly. "It was me who wanted her good all the time."

"I would never want anything bad to happen to my baby." Juniper said to Molly with hurt in her voice. "I love her and I gave my life to save her."

"You knew about the prophecy and yet you risked her life." Molly sneered and she looked away. "You knew she is going to be in risk and yet did nothing to protect her. You just went ahead and got yourself killed or so you thought which is so great in your point of view. But then didn't end up getting killed and instead you were sent to coma for a long time and came back when Holly has another mother who unlike you wants her good and well. But now you are going to snatch her back again from me and throw her to death again by risking her life."

"Molly, you are crossing your-" "I will damn well cross anything to make sure no one steals my daughter from me." Molly scowled at her and Juniper took a step back after seeing the animosity in Molly's eyes.

"I won't steal her from you, Molly. I just want to be a part of her life." Juniper said to her with so much emotion in her voice and Molly narrowed her eyes in anger.

"I don't want women like you to be a part of my daughter's life and-" "Women like me?" Juniper asked with tears forming in her eyes.

"Yes." Molly said harshly. Juniper didn't know what to say. "Who don't know how to be in their limits around men, I know all about you and your so-called best friends."

"I'm thankful of you for taking care of my daughter all this time, but she is still my daughter and I just won't let her go because you think I should." Juniper said determinedly.

"She doesn't even want you in her life." Molly rolled her eyes and looked at her with a smirk. "She calls me mum."

"I will talk to her and-" "She hates you." Molly said to her.

"I can still talk and-" "Force her to talk to you? Like you?" Molly asked and Juniper shook her head. "Your dead friend did the same to her."

"Dead?" She didn't realize that Molly already said that Sirius was dead before.

"Yes, dead. Sirius Black is dead. Good riddance, I say. He was always trying to spoil her mind by giving her stupid ideas and risking her life. He just deserved to be in Azkaban." Molly sneered.

Juniper couldn't accept the fact that Sirius was dead and he was sent to Azkaban? She couldn't say anything in return. She couldn't even open her mouth to scold Molly. How can Sirius be dead? What's going on? She almost fainted in shock and pain.

"Holly was free of one idiot and then another one came into her life." Molly continued. "I won't allow you to risk her life again. I won't allow you to harm her again. I won't allow it."

"You don't have any right over my daughter." Juniper said to her.

"I do. I'm the only one who has any right over Holly. She is my daughter and my daughter alone." Molly said to her with a glare. "Don't try to make it seem otherwise."

"My daughter-" "She is not your daughter!" Molly shouted. "Not."

"Just because you say it-" "Fine!" Molly said to her. "I'll prove it to you. Come with me."

"What?" Juniper looked at her confused.

"Come with me." Molly took her hand and led her out through the back door and apparated to Burrow. Molly took her wand out and glamoured Juniper to look like one of her friends. "Children, I'm back."

"Mum, I'm hungry." A teenage boy whined coming into view. He has red hair like every Weasley boy and has freckles around his nose. Juniper saw him look at her weirdly before ignoring her completely.

"Of course, Ronnie. I'll make something soon." Molly smiled at him. "Now, where is Holly?"

"She is with Ginny. They are painting their nails." Ron shrugged.

"Can you call her down once? Tell her I have some work with her." Molly asked and Ron went away. Soon light footsteps were heard and her daughter came into the room. Juniper's breath hitched in her throat looking at her. She is so cute. Her baby is so cute. She was even more beautiful than in the pictures. She smiled as soon as she saw Molly.

"Mrs Weasley, you called me?" Holly asked and Juniper was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't notice her nervousness.

"How many times did I ask you to call me mom?" Molly said with a light glare hidden from Juniper.

"Sorry mom." Holly said and then looked at the woman beside her.

"She is my friend." Molly said nudging Juniper.

"Hi, Holly. I'm June." She smiled and Holly smiled back at her.

"Hello." She nodded.

"Holly, June wants to know what you feel about your mother." Molly said and Holly looked at her confused. "We talked last week about it, remember?"

"I-" Holly stopped her sentence which was she is still my mother no matter what. I love her. Molly scolded her for the whole day and made her do the dishes for the rest of the week, cook for everyone and even wash the clothes by hand, clean the garden and many more all by herself. She didn't give her any work when she left this morning and Holly was relieved. But when Ron said Molly was calling her down to talk and she has some work, Holly felt dread pooling in her stomach.

"I hate her." Holly said just what Molly wanted to hear and June looked at her shocked.

"And why is that dear?" Molly smiled at her.

"She left me to live by myself and died peacefully. She left me with those abusive muggles and also there is Voldemort." Holly said to her. "If it wasn't for her giving birth to me at the end of July, nothing of this would've happened."

"What if she comes to life?" Molly asked tricky question and Holly bit her lip lightly. "Would you say it to her face?"

"No!" Holly denied quickly and Molly narrowed her eyes in obvious anger. Holly stiffened slightly at that. Her mother coming back to life is impossible. She has to live with this woman for one long year before she is off age and it's not guaranteed that these people will let her live on her own and won't force her here after that. "I mean, everyone will be disappointed in me if I did that. Don't you think? I would just act as if I love her and am so happy to have her back in my life. When in reality all I want is her to be dead."

Holly apologized to her dead mother in her heart when she said that and hoped she won't be angry at her for lying like this. She can't do more of those chores. It was better at Dursleys as they are only a few people. But here, there are 10 people including her. Though, Bill and Charlie visit randomly. Fred and George only stay at nights. Percy just left making it one less for her. She wished she can just leave like Percy too.

"What?" The new woman, June asked her. She has a short name of her mother's name.

"She left me to die on my own when I was one." Holly shrugged lightly.

"Exactly!" Molly smiled at her proudly. "You can go back and do whatever you want."

"Yeah." Holly was relieved and left as soon as she can. She didn't want to do more work.

"Heard enough?" Molly asked pulling her out with a harsh grip on her forearm and apparated back. Juniper fell to the ground and Molly just left to her house. Juniper didn't know how long she sat on the ground looking lost. Liam didn't come to see her and she only came out of her mind when rain started pouring down.

Chapter 2

"Where were you?" Liam asked as soon as she entered the kitchen through the back door. He was sitting at the dining table with the burnt pasta in his plate. He was actually eating that shit? She was all wet from the rain. He looked worried when he saw her appearance and stood up. "What's wrong, love? Did Molly say anything to you?"

"No. We went out to walk as I was feeling stuffed in this house." Juniper said normally and he looked at her face to see if she is lying. She smiled at him to make him believe and he nodded. He felt something was off but couldn't tell what. "I'll go and change."

"Yeah. Need help?" Liam winked and she shook her head making him frown as she left without saying anything else. What's wrong with her? He thought to himself.

Juniper didn't know what to do with her life anymore. Her daughter hates her. She thinks it's better for her to be dead than alive. But can she hate her daughter? No, she can't. Can she really die leaving her alone again? No, she can't. She will just watch her daughter and her new family from far and be happy. Yes, that's it. She can do this. But what about Liam? How can he bear it? It's best if he doesn't know anything and just believe her facade.

"Honey?" Liam knocked on the bathroom door worried when she didn't come out for an hour.

"Just a minute." She dried herself and wrapped the bathrobe around herself before going out.

"You took so long." He said and she smiled sheepishly.

"I was just thinking." She said and it was true. Also, about Sirius. Her heart aches every time she thinks about it. She just avoided to think about him anymore.

"Dumbledore told everyone about us. Remus is going to tell Holly about us soon. We can meet her." Liam said excited and Juniper looked at him for a long moment before she went to get some clothes out of her closet. "Don't give me a show of what I can't get, love. It's hard to see and not do anything."

"Turn around." Juniper threw her towel at him. "I didn't know you were watching."

"Obviously, I would watch my wife. You are mine. I can do anything I want." Liam said but still turned around sulking slightly.

"The healer said you still need some time to-" "Screw the healer." Liam muttered scoffing loudly.

"I love you." She hugged him from back and rested her head between his shoulders. "I won't be going anywhere soon."

"I love you too." He placed his hands on top of hers before relaxing in her hold. "I love you so fucking much."

"I know." She tightened her hands around him. He moved them away turning around to face her and cupped her cheeks. He kissed her forehead and hugged her tightly. 

~~~~

"Surprise!!" Juniper jumped slightly when she heard it and dropped the plate which broke and pierced into her skin. 

"Merlin! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, darling." Liam put the box on the table and kneeled in front of her and slowly removed the glass from her leg making her hiss in pain. "I'm so sorry. I'm really very sorry."

"It's fine. I was just startled." She said as he healed the wound with magic instantly and the pain vanished. 

"Are you fine?" He asked caressing her foot. "Does it still hurt?"

"No, I'm fine. Now stand up." She said and he looked at her uncertainly and then at her feet. There was a sound from the door and she looked towards it. 

"What are you doing?" Molly frowned seeing Liam kneeling on the floor in front of Juniper. "Men shouldn't kneel in front of women-"

"I'm kneeling in front of my wife." Liam cut her off as he kissed the place where the glass pierced before and rubbed it gently for a few moments. He finally stood up not glancing at Molly even once. 

"I told you I'm fine." Juniper told him unhappily. "Why won't you believe me?"

"You always lie to me when it comes to your pain. You say there is no pain even when you are suffering from the worst pain ever." Liam frowned at her and she sighed looking at him. "You don't want me to worry and do it all the time. I know you." 

Molly huffed lightly at that and Liam turned to her a bit sharply. He felt there is something wrong about this woman and the way Juniper behaved after returning drenched in rain and looking sad, behaving odd, he felt his suspicions just grow. Juniper was hiding something from him and he can say it just by looking at her. The way she is avoiding his gaze and the way she is fiddling with her hands constantly. Also, since last night, she didn't let go of his hand unless it is completely necessary, which says that her anxiety is building up again and she is afraid of losing him again. He doesn't mind consoling her or holding her hand to assure her, but he can't see her sad. 

"Any problem Molly?" Liam asked coming out of his thoughts when Juniper held his hand hesitantly. Why hesitate? Did she think he is going to throw her off? How can she- No, First let me deal with this troublesome woman who is hellbent on making my wife upset. "Why are you here, by the way?" 

"I brought food as the food cooked by Juniper is obviously so bland and tasteless. I didn't know kindness is returned with rudeness." Molly said getting angry slightly. 

"My wife makes the best food. Whoever is spreading false rumors better hide themselves away from me or else they will regret saying bad things about my wife." Liam warned her. 

"There is no need to praise her just because she is your wife and-" "I would never lie to my June." Liam cut her off. "I would rather cut my tongue off." 

"Liam, calm down." Juniper wrapped her other hand around his hand and tried to pull him back when he tried to move forward. "You are scaring me." 

"I'm sorry, honey. Are you fine? Do you need something?" Liam looked at her worried. His expression did a 180 in the blink of an eye. He looked at Juniper who was clutching him tightly and frowned. "What's wrong? Do you need something?" 

"I forgot to take my medicine this morning." She said panicked. "I'm sorry." 

"It's alright. Calm down, I'll go get it." Liam led her to the table and made her sit down at the table and left the room without a second glance towards Molly. 

"Stop your drama, stupid woman." Molly huffed at Juniper who was breathing heavily and trying to control herself. "If you try to do this in front of Holly so that you can get her sympathy and also her love, you won't like the consequences. Understood?"

"Molly, please-" Juniper said closing her eyes tightly. Her fists were clenched at her sides. "Stop it." 

"You-" "Here." Liam ran to Juniper's side and gave her the medicines that she took instantly. She hugged him tightly as he stroked her hair gently and soothingly. "It's ok, honey, I'm here. Don't worry. Nothing's going to happen. I'm here with you. Always."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I'm so sorry." Juniper said trying to move away from him. Liam pulled her into his embrace and kissed her head lovingly. 

"You don't have to apologize for anything, love." Liam said softly. "I'm always there for you." 

"What about your daughter, Liam?" Molly asked him and he wanted to curse the shit out of that woman. "What if your daughter needs you when your wife starts acting like this again? What would you do then?"

"My daughter is not you, Molly. She will understand that her mother is not well." Liam said calmly. "Also, thank you for the food. But you should take it back with you. I would never waste the food that my wife makes for me."

"Liam, she is-" "Hush, honey." Liam patted her back slightly. "Thank you Molly." 

Molly just huffed before leaving the room and Liam felt Juniper relax in his arms. He just held her tightly till he is sure that she is fine and calm. He knelt in front of her again and cupped her face. He can see that she is avoiding to look into his eyes. He wants to know what's wrong with her, but how can he ask her without knowing what made her so insecure again? 

"I have a surprise for you." He said and she looked at him curiously. She looked at the box and back at him. She slowly opened it and frowned when she saw he brought her a new dress robes. "We are going to meet our Bambi today. I thought you will want to wear something nice and not your clothes which are 15 years old."

"Oh, Liam." Juniper smiled at him and hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much."

"Anything for you, love." Liam kissed her cheek before pulling away and standing up. "Remus said he will be bringing her anytime. Go and get ready."

"What if she doesn't want to see me?" Juniper asked fiddling with the new dress. "I left her when-"

"Honey, our daughter would never think like that. From what I heard about her from Sev and Dumbledore, she adores you. She wants to be just like her mother." Liam said cupping her cheek. "Don't ever think that our daughter is someone petty like the woman who just left."

"But-" "You will see it for yourself that our daughter is going to love you, June." Liam smiled at her. "Ok?" 

"Ok." 

~~~~

"Moony." Juniper gasped and rushed into his arms as soon as he flooed into the house. "You are so thin and so many scars." She choked as she traced a new red scar on his face. "I'm so sorry for leaving you all alone, Moony. I'm so so sorry."

"Hush, June." Remus hugged her to his chest and breathed in his little sister's scent. "I missed you a lot." 

"You are not taking care of yourself." Juniper said slightly angry. "Look at yourself."

"The war-" "Don't give me silly excuses, Remus Lupin." Juniper scolded him. "The war is no reason for you neglect yourself like this. You look so old."

"I'm old, June." Remus chuckled at her nagging. 

"You are not even 40, Moony." Juniper huffed. "Don't you dare call that as someone who is old. You are still so young. There's a long life ahead for you."

"For us." Remus said and she smiled at him. 

"Yeah. For us." She agreed. "You are going to take care of yourself from today. Do you understand, Remus John Lupin?"

"Yes mom." Remus smiled and hugged her tightly before kissing her cheek and pulling away. "Liam, it's good to see you back again."

"It's good to be back, Remus." Liam smiled before hugging Remus lightly. "Where is Holly?"

"She is-" Remus paused not knowing how to finish his sentence and Juniper's smile vanished. Liam looked at her concerned before looking at Remus. "Severus is teaching her occlumency and she is with him. She will be coming with Severus soon. Don't think otherwise."

"Oh." Liam sighed relieved. He didn't want to think that may be Juniper was right about their daughter not liking them for leaving her alone all these years. 

Remus felt guilty about lying to them, but he can't tell them that Holly didn't want to visit her parent's or well their graves in her point of view as she doesn't know the truth yet and Dumbledore suggested it's better for her to see them alive instead of telling her. Remus hoped Severus is going to bring her here soon by force at least. It's the only way. 

"What's wrong?" Juniper asked looking nervous. Remus blinked twice before looking at Liam who gave a subtle nod and Remus smiled at her. 

"I was just thinking how you look same even after 15 years. You are still so beautiful." Remus said and Juniper rolled her eyes. 

"Shut up, Moony." Juniper blushed and Liam chuckled pulling her close to him.

"My wife is going to be beautiful forever. Even in her old age, she will look beautiful." Liam bragged and Juniper hid her face in his chest. 

"Liam, stop it." Juniper mumbled making them laugh some more. 

"Guess, who finally arrived." Severus' voice made Juniper snap her head towards the floo. Juniper's smile froze as she remembered the words that came out of the teenage girl standing there looking at them gobsmacked.

"Is this some kind of cruel joke, Professor?" Holly asked with tears in her eyes. 

"Holly, they are really alive." Remus made his presence known at that moment to Holly. 

"But, this morning- you said-" "I lied to get you here and show them to you." Remus told her and she shook her head. 

"No, this is a dream. I don't want to wake up thinking this is all a dream." Holly said backing away and fell down on her butt. Severus went to help her but she hit his hand away. Juniper automatically went forward along with Liam to help their daughter. 

"We are real, Holly. This isn't a dream." Liam said kneeling on her side as Juniper paused in the middle not daring to go near her. "We didn't die in the first place." 

"Wha- How?" She asked him. She looked at him shocked. "I don't believe you. No, just- just wake me. Please, don't do this to me. I can't take it when I wake up and not find you again." 

"Princess, mum and dad are alive. We are alive." Liam said cupping her cheek slowly and softly. Holly gasped when he touched her and within a moment she was in his arms sobbing into his chest. 

"Please, be real. Be real." She cried and he rocked them back and forth as he murmured sweet things into her ear. "You are real. You are alive. How?"

"We were in coma and Dumbledore thought it would've been risky to let everyone know about us. So, he declared us dead. He didn't know if we were ever going to wake up, so he hid it from you." Liam explained still hugging her tightly. He paused and looked at his wife who just stood there frozen. Liam looked at Severus who was beside him and then back at Juniper. 

"June, my little doe." Severus hugged her and Juniper chuckled wetly still in shock at seeing their daughter. "I'm going to say, I'll have to fight with your daughter on who is the most happiest person that her mother is alive. Her or me." 

"Sev." She just sobbed into his neck. "I'm so glad that you are fine. I was worried when Dumbledore told me that you are still working as a spy as he is back." 

"Don't worry, I'm going to be fine." Severus kissed the top of her head. "Let's go and meet your daughter first, hmm?"

"I-She-" Juniper didn't move away and Liam frowned at her back. 

"Honey, come on." Liam called her as pulled away lightly from Holly, but still holding her in his arms. "Our daughter is here, finally." 

"Mum." Holly called her. "Mum is here too. My mum is alive too." 

"Yes, princess. Your mum is alive." Liam kissed her forehead and led her to Juniper who was still hiding in Severus' chest. Liam pulled her slowly and saw her face stained with tears. "Oh baby, come here." He kissed her head and hugged her. 

"I'm sorry. I just couldn't-" Juniper gasped slightly and Holly looked at her scared. 

"What's happening to her? Is she fine? Mum, are you fine?" Holly asked and Juniper pulled away from Liam and hugged her daughter tightly even if she hated her. "Mum!" Holly exclaimed and hugged her back tightly. "Mumma." Holly murmured still not able to believe that her parents are alive.

"I'm so sorry." Juniper apologized. 

"No, don't say that. I missed you so much." Holly pulled away and looked at her with so much happiness on her face. "I missed you so fucking much."

"Language!" Liam and Severus reprimanded her and both mother-daughter pair laughed with tears still falling down their cheeks. 

"I'm so sorry for leaving you all alone, my love." Juniper caressed her face so gently as if she is going to vanish if she pressed hard, and stroked her hair. "My daughter has grown up so much. So lovely. Most beautiful girl ever." 

"Mumma." Holly said embarrassed and Juniper kissed her forehead and cheeks. 

"Isn't our daughter a beauty, Liam?" Juniper asked him and Liam hugged her waist with one hand and placed his other hand over Juniper's on Holly's cheek.

"Took after her mother." Liam said and Holly beamed at him happily. 

"Do I look like Mum?" Holly asked tilting her head to the side slightly and Liam chuckled at that. 

"You don't just look like your mum, you are her copy. You act like your mum, from what Dumbledore told me about you. You not only inherited her beauty, you also inherited your mum's kind heart and soul, her mannerisms, her everything." Liam said proudly. 

"You got Liam's brains though. I don't think much before doing something." Juniper said sheepish. 

"I don't think either." Holly chuckled. "I think Dad is the only one intelligent among us." 

"I guess so." Juniper joined in her laugh. "Your eyes are just Liam. Ditto." 

"Everyone says the same thing to me. Even Sirius said that-" Holly suddenly stopped when she remembered Sirius and looked at her mum sadly. 

"Bambi, you-" "I'm sorry, mum." Holly said to her and Juniper frowned. "Sirius-"

"Princess, let's not-" "I got him killed. He died only because of me." Holly didn't listen to Liam and continued. Juniper looked at her confused. 

"Bambi, what are you talking about?" Juniper asked caressing her cheek lightly. "What happened?"

"Honey, there was a miscommunication and-" "I was a fool. Voldemort sends me visuals through our link in my scar. I saw Sirius being tortured and went to rescue him. It was a trap and Sirius had to come there to save me and my friends. He fell into the veil of death while fighting in the department of mysteries." Holly told her and Liam sighed. 

"It's not your fault that he died, Bambi. He was there because he loved you and he wanted to protect you. He is your godfather and he would do it all over again if the chance arrives. Don't blame yourself for his death. He won't be happy that you are sad because of him. He wouldn't want that." Juniper said calmly shocking the three men in the room. Liam stroked her back thinking a mother puts aside her fears and sorrows for her child, just like his June. He kissed the side of her head and gave an encouraging smile to Holly. 

"Your mum is right. Sirius died because he wanted to fight for your happiness. Don't be sad and let his sacrifice go into ashes, princess." Liam told her. 

"Didn't I tell you, Bambi? Your parents think the same. Your mum was Sirius' bestest friend and soul sister, like she is a soul mate to Liam. You can always believe her when it comes to Sirius and Liam." Remus told her and she gulped slightly. 

"I miss him though." Holly said to Juniper. 

"We are all going to miss him, Bambi." Juniper kissed her forehead again and hugged her. Liam hugged both of them and sighed in content. 

"We are all together again. Finally." Liam said and Holly couldn't help but nod in happiness. 

"Can I stay with you?" She asked hesitantly. 

"Don't you want to stay with Weasleys?" Juniper asked cautiously. "I mean, we understand that Molly is like a mother to you as she was there for you when we weren't there. We won't force you to stay with us."

"Honey, she wants to stay with us." Liam said looking at her concerned. 

"I-But, Molly is-" "Mum, don't you want me to stay here." Holly asked in a small voice. 

"Merlin, don't think that ever. It's just, Molly would be sad and you are used to living with them. I thought you would feel uncomfortable here and she is like your mother-" "Honey, calm down." Liam said stroking her hair. "Take deep breaths. Calm down."

Juniper buried her face in her daughter's hair and cursed herself for blurting out so much. Her daughter already hates her and now she is going to think that she doesn't want Holly to be with them. She is going to hate her even more now. She couldn't help the sob that broke out from her lips, but quickly covered it up with a cough. Now isn't the time to cry, she needs to be strong for Holly. She is sad because of Sirius' death and she needs to be there for Holly. 

Chapter 3

"Holly dear, shall we go back home?" Molly's sweet as sugar voice sounded from behind them and Holly stiffened slightly. Juniper tightened her hold on her daughter at that and looked at Holly with sadness in her eyes. 

"If you want to go, you can. We won't stop you." Juniper whispered, even if she wanted to tell Holly to not go. 

"Molly, my daughter is going to stay with us from now." Liam put his foot down ignoring both mother and daughter who both want to stay together and yet too hesitant about each other's feelings. "I'm really thankful that you took care of her when we weren't here to do it ourselves, but as we missed a lot of her life, we want to spend as much time as possible with her before she has to go back to Hogwarts or marry someone else in the future." 

"But-" "I think, Liam is right." Dumbledore, the savior arrived at the right time and Severus thanked Merlin for his arrival. Molly Weasley is a stubborn woman and wouldn't listen to anyone except Dumbledore. 

"Albus, she is used to me-" "Molly, they are meeting her after 15 long years and for Holly this is the first time she is meeting her parents." Dumbledore said in a sad tone. "You need to understand that they need time to get along with each other and instead of trying to separate them for the same reason, you need to let them get used to each other instead." 

"Holly might feel this is new and not like it in the start, but she needs to get used to this. They are her parents and she needs to spend time with them." Dumbledore continued in a stern voice. "She wasn't used to you either when she came to your house after her first year, but she did get adjusted quickly to your routine. However, this is her home. Her family is here. She doesn't even have to adjust herself here for them. They will take good care of her as she is their only child. Just because you took care of her for a while doesn't mean that you have the right to separate a child from her parents especially the woman who almost sacrificed herself for her daughter not once but twice." 

"Albus, she just gave birth to her. I was there for Holly when she needed a mother." Molly still argued. 

"Do you want to go against me, Molly?" Dumbledore asked her and she shut her mouth. "Kreacher is left to you by Sirius, Holly. He will be your elf from now, but if you don't want him just order him to work at Hogwarts under the head elf there. He will be getting your things from Burrow." Dumbledore smiled at her and snapped his fingers. "Now."

"Blood Traitor Master's halfblood god daughter is Kreacher's mistress from now." Kreacher mumbled. 

"Mind your tone, Kreacher." Juniper snapped and Kreacher looked at her with wide eyes. 

"Mistress Juniper is alive." He looked at her without blinking. "Blood traitor master's sister blood traitor potter girl is alive."

"Kreacher." She warned him.

"I apologize, mistress. Forgive Kreacher." He bowed to her. "But, mistress being alive. Kreacher didn't know. Kreacher would've told blood tra-" "Don't call him that." Juniper ordered him and Kreacher nodded. 

"He listens to you." Holly whispered amazed still in her mother's arms. She leaned on her shoulder and smiled contently. She ignored even looking at Molly and tightly held her mother. A mother is who lets her child decide what she wants, unlike Molly who wants to be her mother by forcing herself onto her and make her do things she doesn't want. "Mumma, don't leave me again, ok?"

"Are you tired, Bambi?" Juniper asked and Holly shook her head. "Shall we go to your room? I decorated it lightly, I don't know your tastes and did it according to what I thought you might like."

"I'd love to see it." Holly said excitedly ignoring the arguments behind her about Kreacher, Holly's stay, Dumbledore, Molly, Liam and everyone. 

"Come on." Juniper pulled her back slightly, Severus and Remus covered them till they exited the room. "What is your favorite color? I did the room in baby blue and lavender. Is that fine? But, if you don't like it, then we can also change the colors. I even bought clothes for you and filled the closet. But, I think we should go together for shopping so that we can buy more clothes that are of your choice. I shouldn't have bought the clothes that I like. That's not fair to you. I'm sorry, I even bought some skin care and bath products, just use them until we go out for shopping this weekend. What do you like to eat normally? I made chicken ravioli for lunch with some creamy tomato sauce. I hope it's fine or else I can cook something else. But, Molly said that my cooking is not good. Your dad just eats it because he doesn't want to upset me, but you have to tell me if it's not good, ok? Don't ever lie to me about the food or anything. Got it? And, why aren't you talking-"

"This is so beautiful, Mumma." Holly hugged her. Juniper snapped her mouth shut and sighed in relief. She hugged her back and scolded herself for speaking non-stop. "I love the room, it's just so cool and peaceful."

"Really? I'm glad that you like it." Juniper said to her. 

"I love it." Holly said to her. "I really do. You are the best mum." 

"Oh...." Juniper felt her breath rush out of her lungs and blinked her eyes hard to control her tears. "Do you not hate me?"

"Never. Why would you even think that?" Holly looked at her with wide eyes and Juniper didn't know how to tell her that she heard everything yesterday, but stayed quiet. 

"Just asking. We can go to shopping this weekend for your clothes and any other things you want. It's just, we need to go to Gringotts and arrange for a few things before we can go out. There a few things to settle with ministry too." Juniper explained to her. 

"It's fine. I like these clothes-" "No, please. Don't say it for me. We will go together and buy new things that you like, not me." Juniper requested and Holly just nodded a little confused. Sirius always said her mother was confident and strong, but she is so different from what she heard from Sirius and Remus and even Severus. Maybe, it's just all new to her or so sudden, after a long gap. So much has changed. 

"Mum." Holly held her hands as Juniper looked around the room not knowing what to say. "Can we sit together for a while and just enjoy each other's company until Dad joins us?"

"Sure, whatever you want." Juniper nodded and Holly smiled at her. 

Holly held her mother's arm tightly and leaned her head on her mother's shoulder closing her eyes as they sat on the bed. Juniper slowly relaxed and sighed out loud. She knew she didn't make a good impression of herself in front of her daughter and she regrets it.

"I'm just nervous, you know? I know nothing about your life other than what people told me what they know. After what I heard from everyone, it's like I failed you. I failed my baby girl. I failed as your mother." Juniper shuddered slightly and Holly tightened her hold. "I shouldn't have trusted Dumbledore. I should've just left the country with Liam and you. But, we were foolish and young. We thought we can keep you safe. I'm so sorry for everything, love. It's my fault-"

"Mumma, no. It's not your fault. You did everything you could. It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself." Holly pulled away and cupped her cheek to wipe her tears. "I'm so glad that you are here with me even if we had to be separated all these years." 

"Your heart is as big as your mum's." Severus chuckled from the doorway and Holly looked at him startled. She and Severus had civil conversations, but he never smiled before. Never. She gulped slightly and looked back at her mum who was looking at her with a smile. 

"Not me, Sev. Her dad." Juniper shook her head. "Liam has the biggest heart."

"Little doe, you and I can argue about this every day, but I can guarantee that I'll win every single day." Severus said to her and Juniper smiled at him tired. 

"Sev? Little doe?" Holly looked at them with wide eyes. "You call each other- I just, it's so weird seeing Professor Snape like- like this." 

"Professor Snape?" Juniper frowned and looked at Severus who looked away from her guiltily. "Severus, why is she calling you that?"

"Cause, he is my professor." Holly answered for him confused as Severus couldn't say anything. 

"Severus Snape!" Juniper said angrily and Severus knew he is in trouble. He gulped and went to the bed with slow steps. He sat near Juniper's legs and placed his hand on her foot rubbing it lightly. 

"Little doe, Dumbledore placed her with Dursleys after you-" "Dursleys? Petunia Dursley nee Evans? Liam's petty and bitchy sister?" Juniper almost screeched. "What the fuck was he even thinking? How dare he?"

"It was meant to keep her out of limelight until she starts Hogwarts. She is safe in the muggle world-" "The fuck, she is." Juniper snapped at him and Holly coughed to hide her laugh at the look on her professor's face. Severus didn't dare scold her, not in front of her mother. Holly hid her face in her mother's shoulder when Severus glared at her lightly for laughing. It's not his fault, it was Dumbledore and yet he was being scolded for it. He sulked silently and crossed is arms over his chest. Holly looked at him wide-eyed. 

"Don't give that look to my daughter, Severus." Juniper said and he looked back at her feeling wronged. 

"I couldn't fight against Dumbledore-" "You didn't even try, did you?" Juniper asked and Severus' hands fell down to his sides as he looked away guiltily. 

"Dumbledore wouldn't listen to me, you know that. I was here as soon as I knew about it. I was shocked to see you and Liam lying on the ground while Holly was crying. I was too shocked and couldn't even do anything for a long time. Sirius entered the house and he went ballistic when he looked at you lying there. We checked and you were not breathing, little doe. We didn't know Dumbledore already switched your bodies before anyone arrived. Sirius left as soon as he came to go after Pettigrew. Next thing I know, Dumbledore took Holly from me to Petunia and said I owe him for what he did to me. I just couldn't say anything to him. Sirius blew up a street and killed Pettigrew along with 12 muggles. There was no trial and he was sent to Azkaban for betraying you and killing. I couldn't even tell people that he wasn't the secret keeper. Dumbledore's indirect warning sealed my mouth shut. I couldn't stop the pain, but I tried my best to not get her killed. I swear, I did." Severus told Juniper, who looked as if she is in pain. 

"Honey, you know it's all in the past. Just don't blame Sev for what Albus did." Liam said coming into the room. 

"It was my mistake all along, Juniper. They are right. Severus was tied down by me. Young Holly is safe in muggle world even if Petunia isn't a good woman." Dumbledore sighed from the doorway. "I know Holly wasn't happy, but she would've been under too much pressure here. I was wrong in assuming everything on my own and not letting Severus speak. But, I thought I was doing my best for young Holly."

"Clearly, you didn't." Juniper snapped at him shocking Holly. Dumbledore just nodded gravely. 

"I apologize, Holly. For everything. For making decision without thinking properly." Dumbledore said and she gasped in shock. "I'll take a leave. It's not the time for discussing about my mistakes. You should get to know each other, this is a happy moment for your family."

"Thank you, Albus." Liam nodded his head and Juniper just glared at him. 

"We will talk about my mistakes and you can have a go at me later." Dumbledore said to her and she just huffed at him. 

"Wow." Holly said looking at her mum in awe. "You were so cool. You scolded Dumbledore. Hermione would probably go nuts if she knew." 

"Who is Hermione?" Liam asked curiously. "Is she the muggleborn friend of yours? Ah yes, it must be her. Albus told us about your friends and all."

"Not friends. Just classmates and dorm mate." Holly said in a clipped tone. "They are not my friends. Not anymore."

"Oh, Bambi." Juniper sighed and pulled her close. "I'm so sorry."

Holly looked at her mother confused. That's it? She didn't even ask why they aren't friends anymore and she didn't even ask to not be rude and petty with her friends. She is just sorry for her. Holly felt tears in the back of her eyes and blinked them hard. She buried her face in her mother's neck and inhaled deeply. Is this how a mother support feels like? No judgements, no forcing, nothing. Just continuous support. 

"Where is Remus?" Severus asked Liam. 

"He is heating the food." Liam said and looked at the two most important women in his life. "You should eat, darlings. You are both too thin for your own good." 

"I'm not thin, but you are right about our Bambi. Aren't you eating properly, Bambi?" Juniper looked at her concerned. 

"I'm eating well, Mumma." Holly assured her. 

"I seriously doubt that." Juniper frowned. "I- Right, before I forget. Liam and I are going to Gringotts after lunch, would you like to come with us?" 

"It's not safe for all 3 of you to be out." Severus warned her. "Especially her. The dark lord isn't happy with the... incident that happened at ministry."

"I'll stay here or I can go to-" "I'll stay with her. Liam can go with Sev." Juniper said before Holly can say anything. She doesn't want her daughter to go to Molly, she is selfish. She wants her daughter to herself. 

"I'll see what I can do. But, if there's a problem you might have to come. Sev will stay with Holly. Remus will be here too." Liam said and Juniper hesitated. Severus isn't close to her daughter and from what she just knew, Remus wasn't there for her during her childhood either. 

"I- Let me write a letter to Potter account manager. I'll ask for a portkey due to safety reasons and we can directly go to his office. That way Holly would be safe too." Juniper offered and Holly sighed in relief lightly. She didn't want to leave her mum even for a moment. Holly didn't know why, but she can stay a while if her dad has some work and has to go somewhere, but she can't let her mumma go. Maybe, it's because she has father figures like Sirius and even Arthur was nice to her, not exactly like Sirius or Liam though. But, after everything with Molly and Aunt Petunia, this is all new and she is afraid it will disappear if she lets her go. 

"There is a manager for our vault?" Holly asked after some time. 

"Yes, darling. We have a manager for our vault- Wait, vault? We have more than one vault." Juniper looked at her daughter confused. "What do you mean by vault?"

"Hagrid gave me the key-" "Hagrid gave you the key?" Liam looked at her angrily. Holly squeezed Juniper's hand and she sighed. "I didn't mean to scare you, Princess."

"Are you saying that you don't know anything about your family?" Severus asked this time. 

"I know about my family." Holly looked at him feeling insulted.

"I didn't mean it that way. I meant about your title, your position in the Wizarding World, your inheritance, everything else." Severus pointed out. 

"I know my position in here. I'm the girl-who-lived." Holly scowled at him and Juniper sighed again. 

"You are Heiress Potter." Liam told her. "Did no one tell you that?"

"What does that mean?" Holly tilted her head to the side in confusion. 

"Oh, just kill me." Juniper groaned. "I'm going to fucking kill the old man."

"June." Remus looked at her disapprovingly from the doorway. "No talking about killing or dying."

"Sorry, Moony." She smiled at him cutely. But, she frowned soon. She narrowed her eyes at Remus. "What were you doing when my daughter was all alone? Severus had a reputation to uphold so that the death eaters won't suspect, but what about you? What were you doing?"

"I was scared and-" "Don't give me that, Remus." Juniper scoffed. "My little girl was all alone with Petunia. Do you even realize that? Petunia, out of all the vile creatures ever existed in this whole damned fucking world." 

"I should be offended to hear that about my sister, but I agree. Petunia hates me. She would obviously take that on my daughter." Liam said looking at Holly with concern and worry. Holly just hid her face in her mother's shoulder at the look. She didn't want anyone's pity. She hates to be pitied. 

"He isn't pitying you, darling. He would never do that." Juniper said calmly. "Let's get food into your body before we talk about everything. Come on, little one. It's time for lunch."