▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐎𝐧𝐞 ━︎━︎ 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩  ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐀𝐒 beginning to come to a close and Juniper had been exchanging letters back and forth with her dad when they could, now she was being dropped off at the Weasley's. Her mother gave her a kiss goodbye and gave her strict instructions to send a letter when she made it to Hogwarts safely. Juniper had agreed and watched her mother leave.  She walked in and gave a smile to Molly and Ginny.

     "Juniper, dear, it is so good to see you." Molly smiled, giving her a warm hug. Juniper smiled and hugged her back. "How are you doing, dear?"

     Juniper nodded. "I'm doing alright."

     "Good, good." Molly turned, putting breakfast on plates for all the children. "Harry, Ron, and Hermione are upstairs. They should be down in a minute." Juniper nodded and took a seat at the table. She began eating her breakfast, just as footsteps descended the stairs. Juniper turned her head and smiled wide when she saw Hermione.

     Hermione spotted her immediately and her heart warmed at the sight of her bright smile. Juniper stood from her seat and met Hermione halfway, pulling the girl into a tight hug. Hermione smiled as she hugged her back. They pulled away and Juniper frowned when she noticed the absent of Harry and Ron. "Where are the other two?"

     Hermione rolled her eyes. "Ronald probably fell back asleep."

     Juniper smirked. "I got this." She started up the stairs and Hermione followed. She entered Ron's room and Harry turned to look at her. She pressed a finger to her lips and Harry. The two friends watched as Juniper slowly crept closer to Ron before she roughly ripped the covers from his body. "Rise and shine, Ronald!" She yelled right into his ear causing him to shoot up out of the bed.

     "Blimey, Juniper!" Ronald cried and Juniper laughed with Harry and Hermione joining in.

      "Now that you're awake," Juniper hummed, "we need to be going soon so if you actually want some food, I suggest you hurry before Fred and George take it all." Ron glared at her and Juniper snickered before walking out of the room. Harry stayed with Ron to make sure he wouldn't try to fall back asleep and Hermione joined Juniper at the table as the two of them ate.

     "How was your summer?" Hermione asked.

     "It was nice." Juniper nodded. She lowered her voice as she said, "My dad and I sent letters back and forth. It was nice catching him up, even though I would've preferred it to be in person." She quickly changed the topic. "However, my mother and I went to Italy this year, oh Hermione it was lovely. Maybe one year you can go on a trip with us."

     Hermione smiled. "I'd love to."

     "I have a secret to tell you." Juniper whispered and Hermione leaned in closer. Juniper hesitated, their faces were merely an inch apart. "My mom is going to adopt Harry."

     Hermione's eyes brightened. "Jay, that's amazing! Does Harry know?"

     Juniper shook her head. "No. Mom said not to tell him until it was official. So we have to keep it a secret." Hermione nodded and just then Harry and Ron joined them. Juniper smiled at Ron who simply glared in response.

     Once they had ate, the entire Weasley family along with Harry, Hermione, and Juniper, left the home and began walking down a trail. Harry asked, "Ron, where are we actually going?"

     "Don't know." Ron answered before calling out to his father, "Hey, dad! Where are we going?"

     They continued their path through the woods and Arthur yelled back, "Haven't the foggiest. Keep up!"

     Juniper walked beside Hermione, keeping pace with her as they continued forwards. Soon a male voice called out to them. "Arthur! It's about time, son."

     "Sorry, Amos. Some of us had a bit of a sleepy start." Arthur answered, glancing back at Ron who yawned. "This is Amos Diggory, everyone. Works with me at the Ministry." They came to a stop in front of the man. He was older, around Arthur's age. He had glasses perched on his nose, graying hair that reached slightly below his ears. Just then, a boy jumped down from the tree, and Juniper cocked a brow.

     Arthur said, "And this strapping young lad must be Cedric, am I right?"

     Cedric and Arthur shook hands. "Yes, sir. This way."

Juniper glanced at Hermione and Ginny, watching as they exchanged glances with each other before smiling. A pang of jealousy echoed in Juniper's stomach. She didn't think he was all that good looking. They followed after the Diggory's, walking even farther until they were in grassy lands and were walking up a hill. Needless to say, Juniper was very out of shape. Her breathing was heavy and when Amos said their destination was just up that hill, she wanted to collapse on the ground right there.

     "I don't think I'm going to make it, 'Mione." Juniper breathed out. Hermione just chuckled and grabbed her hand, using her other hand to place it on her arm and helping her up the hill. When they made it to their destination, Juniper stopped and her face fell. "It's a boot. We came all this way for a boot?"

     They all stood around the boot. "It's a portkey, June." Hermione said with a small laugh. "Jay, are you feeling alright?"

     Juniper swallowed and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. My lungs however are on fire and I could really use some water right about now."

     Hermione gave her an amused smile before they all grabbed onto the boot and were transported, screams emitting from some of their mouths. When Arthur told them to let go, Juniper looked at him like he was crazy before forcing herself to listen and letting go, her face quickly meeting with the ground. A groan fell from her lips, quickly flipping on her back. "Oh, I think I broke my nose."

     Hermione turned and looked at her, having landed on her back. She shook her head. "It's not broken."

     "Are you sure? It feels like it's broken." She looked up and watched as Cedric, Amos, and Arthur all landed gracefully. Her lip curled up into a snarl as she glared at them. "That is completely unfair."

     "I bet that cleared your sinuses, eh?" Amos asked, pure amusement written all over his face.

      Juniper pointed a finger at him. "If I didn't have respect for my elders, I'd punch you." Amos laughed at that and Juniper couldn't help but crack a smile. Hermione offered Juniper a hand and she took it, allowing the girl to pull her up. Juniper dusted herself off and huffed before giving Hermione a gentle smile. "Thanks." They walked up a smaller hill, revealing hundreds of tents set up on the ground below along with hundreds of people.

     "Well kids, welcome to the Quidditch World Cup." Amos said, a wide smile on his features.

     Juniper let out a breath, her nerves getting the better of her. "That's a lot of people."

     Hermione hooked her arm with Juniper's. "I'm sure it'll be fine."

     They headed into the crowd, the Diggory's going their own separate way. They followed after Arthur who led them to a small tent. "Home sweet home," he smiled, opening the tent flap. Hermione and Juniper exchanged a look before entering and a wide smile bloomed on Juniper's face. On the inside, the place was large. Juniper quickly ran over to one of the beds, plopping down on it.

     Arthur started throwing orders left and right. "Girls, choose a bunk and unpack. I see Juniper is already one step ahead." Arthur sent her a smile.

     Juniper sent him a wide smile back. "Always am, Mr. Weasley."

     Arthur turned to Ron who was standing in the small kitchen. "Ron, get out of the kitchen. We're all hungry."

     Immediately the twins mocked, "Yeah, get out of the kitchen, Ron!"

     To the twins, Arthur said, "Feet off the table."

      Again they mocked, "Feet off the table!"

     Hermione chose the bunk above Juniper, leaving Ginny to the single bed. Hermione peered down at Juniper from where she was standing, smiling excitedly. "Isn't this amazing, Jay?"

     "Yes, yes it is." Juniper agreed.

     "Aren't you going to unpack?" Ginny asked her.

     Juniper hummed. "I'd much rather take a nap."

     Hermione rolled her eyes, shoving her playfully. Juniper grabbed her arm, dragging Hermione down onto the bed causing the girl to squeal in surprise. Juniper quickly wrapped her arms around her. "There's no escape, Granger."

     Hermione laughed, squirming in Juniper's arms as she tried to escape but Juniper only held her tighter. "Jay, let go!" Hermione cried, unable to hide her amusement.

     "Never!" Juniper called back.

Hermione stopped squirming and turned her head to look at Juniper and Juniper smiled widely at her. Hermione couldn't help but think how beautiful Juniper looked. She had always been pretty, but over the summer her features had began to slightly mature and she looked stunning to Hermione. She'd never admit it out loud, but having Juniper's arms wrapped around her like this made her feel right at home, and if she was being honest, she never wanted to leave. Suddenly, Ginny jumped on top of Juniper causing the brunette to gasp in surprise, her arms loosening around Hermione allowing the girl to escape.

     "Ginny, no fair!" Juniper laughed.

     Ginny smiled. "I saw a friend in need, it was only fair of me to come to her rescue." Ginny removed herself from on top of Juniper when Hermione managed to get off the bed. Ginny grabbed Juniper's hands, pulling her up. "Come on, we have a match to get to!" Juniper laughed as Ginny began to pull her from the room and Juniper quickly snatched Hermione's hand, dragging her with them.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐋𝐄𝐅𝐓 the tent and made their way to the quidditch match. It was Ireland versus Bulgaria, and Juniper was betting on the Irish. Fred and George had quickly agreed with her while Ron was intent on the Bulgarians winning. They made their way up multiple set of steps until Arthur stopped with Ron coming to his side.

     "Blimey, Dad, how far up are we?" Ron quizzed, looking around in awe.

     A level below them, the Malfoy's appeared. "Well, put it this way," Lucius Malfoy started, "if it rains, you'll be the first to know." A sneer formed on Juniper's face when Draco joined his father's side.

     "Father and I are in the minister's box," Draco called, a smirk on his face, "by personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself!"

     Lucius turned towards his son, hitting his cane into Draco's stomach. "Don't boast, Draco. There's no need with these people."

     "My, you always have a way with words don't you, Lucius?" Juniper smiled sweetly.

     Before Juniper could say anything else, Harry gently grabbed her arm and began walking away only to stop when Lucius reached his cane up, trapping Harry's foot with the hooked edge of it. "Do enjoy yourselves, won't you? While you can." Juniper chuckled humourlessly and reached down, quickly shoving the cane back earning a glare from the older Malfoy.

     "Yes, Lucius, I think we will." Juniper smiled, showing him that she wasn't scared of him. "Good day." She turned, grabbing Harry and walking away.

     "What happened to respecting your elders?" Harry asked with an amused smile.

     "If they respect me, I respect them. That man hasn't an ounce of respect in his bones, his entire family doesn't." Juniper shook her head as they made it to their seats. "I hate that family."

     "Well, they are your family." Hermione mumbled.

     Juniper groaned in disgust. "Don't remind me."

     The Irish flew in first, George and Fred pointing out half of the members. Next the Bulgarians flew in and almost immediately Ron was fawning over Viktor Krum. Juniper shook her head with a smile. The cheering of the crowd was silenced by Cornelius Fudge. "Good evening! As minister for Magic it gives me great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to the final of the 422nd Quidditch World Cup! Let the match begin!"

Watching the match had been a lifetime experience that Juniper would never be able to forget. The entire time she and the twins were going back and forth, betting on who was going to score, what moves would be made, etcetera. Ireland won and Juniper had screamed in delight. Now, they were back at the tent. Juniper was sitting on the couch, watching in amusement as Harry and Ron chanted Krum's name and the twins began singing awfully. Hermione and Ginny were sat beside her, all of them laughing at the antics.

     Fireworks from outside exploded, grabbing Arthur's attention. He walked away from lighting the fire while Ron moved to stand in front of his brother's. "There's no one like Krum."

     "Dumb Krum?" They asked.

     "He's like a bird, the way he rides the wind." Ron fawned, his brother's flapping their arms like birds and repeating 'dumb Krum' over and over again. "He's more than an athlete. He's an artist."

     "I think you're in love, Ron." Ginny smiled.

     "Shut up," Ron dismissed while Juniper chuckled.

     Immediately, Fred and George began singing. "Viktor I love you. Viktor I do." Harry started joining in. "When we're apart my heart beats only for you."

     George stood from where he had taken Ginny's spot beside Juniper. "Sounds like the Irish have got their pride on." Fred and Ron began play fighting only to stop when Arthur came bursting in.

     "Stop! Stop it!" Arthur ordered. "It's not the Irish." Juniper frowned and stood. Arthur quickly walked over to Ginny. "We've gotta get out of here. Now!" They all quickly left the tent and it was pure chaos outside.

     In the crowd someone yelled, "Get out, it's the Death Eaters!"

     "Get back to the portkey, everybody, and stick together!" Arthur yelled over the screams. He turned to the twins. "Fred, George! Ginny is your responsibility." Arthur grabbed his wand and went the other way whilst Juniper grabbed Hermione's hand and began running.

     When she noticed Harry wasn't following, Juniper quickly turned and yelled his name. Harry snapped his head towards her and immediately began running with them. She stopped when Harry got lost, quickly pushing Hermione towards Ron. "Juniper!" Hermione yelled as she ran away from them. "Juniper!"

     Juniper ignored her as she pushed through the crowd, trying to find Harry. "Harry!" She yelled his name, snapping her head left and right trying to spot him, but she couldn't see him. "Harry!" Panic took over her body. She had to find him. She paused, watching as the Death Eaters continued to light all of the tents on fire. "Shit. Shit!" She turned and ran, trying her best to find him.

She was shoved out of the way, sending her to the ground. She quickly rolled out of the way, trying her best to avoid people's feet, however someone stepped harshly on her wrist causing her to cry out in pain. She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to stand up. The crowd had completely diminished and she had found a way to hide from the death eaters. The only thing that was left was the smoke from the now burned out fires.

     Unshed tears burned in her eyes but she forced them away, carefully sneaking around just in case anyone was left. Her eyes spotted a familiar figure laying on the ground and she quickly ran forwards, sliding on her knees as she landed beside Harry. She gently shook him. "Harry!" He fluttered his eyes open and she let out a breath of relief. She was sure she looked rough. Her hair was all over the place, smoke and dirt covered her face. "Harry, are you alright?"

     "June?" Harry sat up. "June, your arm."

     She glanced down at her broken wrist and shook her head. "It's alright." Harry nodded and looked past her, up at the sky. She followed his eyeline and swallowed thickly. A skull with a snake coming out of its mouth was placed in the sky, Voldemort's infamous sigil.

     "June," Harry whispered, moving so that he was slightly in front of her. She turned her head and froze when she saw someone standing off in the distance, staring at them. The man began stalking towards them and Juniper stood, quickly pulling out her wand in warning. Harry rose to his feet, grabbing Junipers hand and tugging her away, running until they were out of sight.

     "Harry!" Ron's voice yelled from a distance.

     "Juniper!" Hermione's voice.

     "Where are you?" Ron continued to call and Juniper watched as the man began to run away.

     Juniper went to chase him but Harry quickly stopped her. She looked at him with wide eyes. "Harry, we can't let him get away."

     Harry almost let her go, but stopped when Hermione and Ron appeared in front of them. "We've been looking for you two for ages."

     "Jay, your arm." Hermione gasped, gently taking it into her hands. She met Juniper's eyes, nothing but worry swirling in them.

     "'Mione, I'm fine."

     "What is that?" Harry asked, nodding to the sky. A pained cry left his lips as a hand flew up to his scar. The group quickly turned when people appeared around them. All at once they yelled, "Stupefy!" and the four ducked.

     "Stop!" Arthur yelled, running towards them. "That's my son!" Arthur shoved past Fudge as he ran to the group. "Ron, Harry, Hermione, Juniper, are you alright?"

     "We came back for Harry and Juniper." Ron explained.

     "Which one of you conjured it?" Barty Crouch yelled, running towards them pointing his wand.

     Arthur looked at him in surprise. "Crouch, you can't pos―︎"

     "Do not lie!" Crouch interrupted. "You were found at the scene of the crime."

     "Crime?" Harry questioned.

     "Barty! They're just kids." Arthur hissed.

     "What crime?" Harry repeated.

     "It's the Dark Mark, Harry." Hermione explained. "It's his mark."

     "Voldemort," Harry answered in shock. "Those people tonight, in the masks, they're his too, aren't they? His followers."

     Arthur nodded. "Yeah." He turned to Crouch. "Death Eaters."

     "Follow me," Crouch ordered.

     "Um. . . there was a man, before." Harry quickly said. "Uh, there!" He pointed into the direction the man had gone.

     "All of you, this way!" Crouch ordered and they ran off.

     "A man, Harry?" Arthur asked. "Who?"

     "I don't know." Harry answered. "I didn't see his face. Neither did June." Juniper nodded in agreement.  They all looked up at the mark in the sky and a shiver ran down Juniper's side, sending pain shooting through her wrist. She hissed.

     "Oh, Juniper." Arthur called. "Your arm. Let me see it." She gave him her hand and with a wave of his wand it snapped back in place. A string of curse words left Juniper's mouth and she jumped around like an idiot, waiting for the pain to subside.

     After a moment, she swallowed and forced a smile on her lips. "Thanks. Can we go now?" Arthur nodded and immediately ushered the four of them away. Voldemort may not officially be back yet, but Juniper had a feeling he would be back very, very soon.