a lion runs fastest when it is hungry

a lion runs fastest when it is hungry juniper dunbar. {rp account}

[siriuslyxpadfoot]

New Year, New Promises

[juniperthelionheart]

siriuslyxpadfoot‌:

Sirius grinned and reached up to brush a few fingers through her hair, settling that hand against her hip. He loved her. He couldn’t imagine anyone he more wanted to spend time with than Juniper. Yes, he loved his friends, but Sirius was finally able to admit that he got it as for why James had spent basically their entire adult lives mooning after his girlfriend and now wife. “Sounds to me like the universe is sending us a sign that we deserve a late morning in bed.”

He readily accepted her kiss, unable to keep from smiling through it. “The whole world,” Sirius promised. “I might be a bit biased, but I assure you I mean it completely and totally.” He shook his head at the idea of the holiday not being exciting and then shook it harder at the accusation of being boring. “I don’t think you and I could ever be boring parents. Look at us. We’ve got a story and a half wrapped up in a simple hello. I don’t think having a baby could possibly make you any less cool than you are, and I’m, well, me.”

She laughed. “I think we do,” she agreed, shrugging her shoulders as she enjoyed the feeling of Sirius’ fingers running through her hair. Juniper often wondered just how she’d gotten so lucky as to have a man she adored. She wondered just as much how she’d changed from someone who was so nomadic to a woman who was happy to put down roots with a partner and a child so quickly. “Maybe more than one late morning in bed,” she mused as she thought of how comfortable it was to lie in Sirius’ arms most days.

The laugh that escaped Juniper’s lips was genuine and she shook her head. “You are you,” she agreed. “The epitome of cool, right?” It was easy to tease him and she let out a soft exhale as she took a sip of her drink. “I think you’re giving us too much credit,” she pointed out, well aware that there were some aspects about parenthood that would inevitably be boring. But she supposed she wouldn’t be bored with Sirius. Lips quirked. “So what plans do you have for us tonight?”

[juniperthelionheart]

jasperthetenderhearted‌:

“That’s the very best kind of uncle in the world, so duh.” He said, grinning right back at her. Jasper would’ve spoiled the kid no matter what. The child was someone Juniper loved. Which meant Jasper loved them too. He supposed he ought to extend that logic to Sirius now as well. He hated fighting with his sister.

Jasper went a bit pink around the ears. “Well, yes, actually.” He admitted. Even though he’d been the one to bring up the subject in the first place it still made him squirm a bit. Talking sex with Juni felt way different than talking sex with Hestia. “There’s this boy who’s like, creepy gorgeous, like he’s a model and he’s into me and he definitely thinks it’s cute I keep bees.”

She shook her head. “Of course it is,” she mused, knowing that her child would have a great many uncles, especially with all of the friends Sirius thought of as brothers. But it would be different with Jasper, she thought, or at least she hoped there would be a closeness. She ran her hand through her hair, twirling the ends around her forefinger as they spoke.

One brow arched in curiosity as he mentioned a boy who was gorgeous. “Oh?” The corners of her mouth turned up in amusement and even Ringo seemed more alert by the tone of her voice. “Tell me more about him. And what’s stopping you if he’s into you that much?” She certainly hoped it wasn’t Jamie.

[juniperthelionheart]

hestiasjxnes‌:

She was irritated

There was no real reason for her annoyance beyond the fact that the world was a giant shit hole, but she couldn’t seem to shake it.  Good, decent people were in jail while the world’s absolute nutters roamed free.  This war had been going on forever and it showed no signs of stopping – was she really going to live and die in the middle of a neverending war? 

Whatever.  There was always one way to blow off some steam, but the problem was that she wasn’t sure she was with anyone inspired enough to see the brilliance in her plan.  “Okay,” she announced to whoever was listening.  “Here’s how I see it.  Either you can buy me enough drinks that I forget that we live in a shit hole and that the future is bleak as fuck or we can break into the Harpies practice field and hit some Bludgers.  I’m like 88% sure I can talk us out of any trouble if we get caught – but we won’t get caught because it’s like 8 oclock.”

Juniper didn’t often go out, not with the baby coming in a few months, but every so often she tried to meet a friend or two, sipping water while they sipped at cocktails or beer. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a nice reminder that she was much more than an incubator for the baby she was so excited to meet. The war seemed neverending and every so often, a respite was necessary - for everyone involved.

One of her friends had gone to the bar for another drink and as Juniper sat at the table, sipping at a water with lemon, she heard a voice that sounded very much like an announcement - and perhaps a little intoxicated? Her head turned and she chuckled at the sight of the other woman. Juniper’s head tilted to the side and she shook her head. “I don’t think I should be anywhere near bludgers right now,” she pointed out, gesturing to her belly. “But if you want a drink or two, sure, put it on my tab.” She ran her hand through her hair. “I’d argue, at least a little bit, that life might not be that bleak though.”

[juniperthelionheart]

jasperthetenderhearted‌:

“I’m looking forward to being an uncle.” He said, glancing at Juniper’s baby bump before looking out the window. It seemed so wild to think about his sister pregnant. Thinking about anyone pregnant in the abstract was easy, but watching Juniper being pregnant was bloody weird. In a good way though. She’d make a great mum.

Jasper gave his sister a grateful smile. This was why she’d always be his favorite person. She always had his back. Even when there were plenty of good reasons for her to pick someone else’s side instead. Not that there were in this case, but just, in general. Juniper was a good person. Sirius was lucky. 

“Hey, the bees are awesome conversation!” He protested, grinning back. “And they make surprisingly good wingmen. Pun intended.”

Juniper laughed. “Will you be an uncle who spoils beyond recognition?” she inquired, her lips curving up into a half-smile even as she looked down at the dog who had fallen asleep on her feet. She continued to scratch behind Ringo’s ears, thankful yet again that she’d chosen such a good dog all those months beforehand. Her eyes moved back to Jasper.

She wouldn’t make them discuss Jamie; why should they, really? It was over and done with and as far as Juniper was concerned, it would be better for everyone to simply move on and forge new pathways ahead. She shook her head at her brother’s teasing.

“Is that so?” Lips quirked and she leaned back. “Tell me, have they ever helped you find a partner before?”

[juniperthelionheart]

jasperthetenderhearted‌:

“Yeah okay there’s gonna be at least one bee-themed gift.” Jasper admitted easily, giving his sister a sheepish grin. He’d been working very hard not to scoffing every time Sirius came up, and this time it actually worked. Sirius was… fine. Juniper loved him, and they were basically going to be related soon anyhow so he really ought to get around to really trying with Sirius. 

As usual, his sister had a point. Hell only knew Jasper would rather have them talk about Juni and her future kid than his sad sop of a love life. He’d rather talk about his future niece or nephew, too. “Hopefully. Help distract them if they bring Jamie up? We could talk about baby names or something instead.”

Juniper laughed, shaking her head as one hand moved to her abdomen. She could feel the baby moving now, though it didn’t borther her as it had originally. There was a pleasant feeling each time the baby moved, as if it was trying to feel a connection with Juniper, and she exhaled heavily as she looked over at her brother before her other hand reached down to scratch Ringo’s head. “I look forward to it.”

She nodded. “Of course I will.” Juniper would do anything for Jasper, no matter how much he might driver her crazy at times. And when it came to their parents, it was definitely both of them on one side and their parents on the other. Lips quirked. “We could talk more about your bees,” she teased.

[siriuslyxpadfoot]

New Year, New Promises

[juniperthelionheart]

siriuslyxpadfoot‌:

Sirius leaned over to press a kiss against her temple. “Maybe so,” he said, “but I can’t imagine a more perfect moment.” He refused his cutting and let himself dwell in the thought that this was his life now. His life had become domestic moments baking and doing small things to spoil the woman who meant more to him than he’d thought anyone ever could. The outside world was tipping toward chaos every day, but they had enough other. 

“Do you have anything planned for tomorrow?” he asked. The bakery wasn’t his problem tomorrow, so as much time as Juniper had, he was happy to spend it with her. And if she did have responsibilities, he could always go bother James or perhaps Remus. “I rather like the idea of spending the first morning of the new year sleeping in next to the most amazing witch in the world.”

Juniper nodded, a smile growing on her face. When she turned toward Sirius, she gave him another look, one that she hoped spoke volumes as to the depth of her feelings for him – for him and for the family they were starting together. It was nice, most days, to be lost in domesticity with Sirius where she could pretend that the war outside was not at their door most days and nights. Her lips quirked at his question. “No; the shop is closed for the holiday,” she said with a shrug of one shoulder.

The smile on her face widened. “The most amazing witch in the world, eh?” she asked, leaning forward to give him a quick kiss. “I like the sound of that, love. Sleeping in is one of life’s underrated pleasures.” She let out a soft exhale. “I feel a bit bad that New Year’s won’t be as exciting, but I suppose we’d better become used to being boring parents.”

[advance-emmeline]

hearth to heart

[juniperthelionheart]

advance-emmeline‌:

She took a step into Juniper and Sirius’s home and tried not to feel terribly out of place. It had been so long since Emm had visited someone she didn’t already know. What was the protocol on new-house visits? At least she’d brought food, her mother had drilled that much into her head. The place definitely felt like somewhere Sirius would live. She could see bits and traces of him throughout the room. It looked very lived-in. Cozy. 

Catching sight of Ringo made her relax a little. Newfies. That was right, Kingsley had mentioned giving someone a puppy a while back. It must’ve been Juniper. If she’d been let on to the Shacklebolt estate than Emm’s faith in the woman grew. Kingsley normally had excellent taste in people. 

“No, it’s alright, I really didn’t give you much warning.” She said as Buster blinked down at Ringo, something that looked entirely too much like mischief in his eyes. Clearly she’d let her pets spend too much time around Henry. “Buster, behave yourself.” 

“My dad refused to let me move out until I cook at least three meals.” Emm said, balancing one of the casserole dishes on a free edge of the table. “And then Hestia’s a disaster in the kitchen, bless her, so I ended up just teaching myself so we didn’t have to live off of take-out all the time.”

She wasn’t used to having visitors; even her own parents had yet to visit the place she’d called home for over half a year now. Jasper visited on occasion, of course, and she saw Sirius’ friends – hers now – but she did not often see people that she didn’t know incredibly well. There was still more to be done for the home anyway; the townhouse was barely big enough for the two of them and then the baby. At some point, Juniper planned on expanding it magically. 

Juniper didn’t argue – in truth, Emm hadn’t given her much warning, but she wouldn’t be rude about it – and instead she gestured for Ringo to stay down, noting how the other woman seemed to calm down a bit when she saw the dog. It seemed strange to her, but she supposed she’d just have to ask Sirius more later.

“I’m pretty relaxed,” she said with a shrug of one shoulder. “It’s certainly no trouble. And it’s nice to have the company.” Juniper still worked most days, but she knew she’d need to find something else to do after the baby came; she wanted to be able to be at home with her child as much as possible.

“That sounds nice,” Juniper said as her head tilted to the side. She’d enjoyed running off on her own, though it hadn’t helped her much when it came to domestic skills. “There’s a lot of takeout in this house,” she admitted.

[juniperthelionheart]

jasperthetenderhearted‌:

“Full disclosure, I will definitely be buying all my baby gifts.” Beeswax probably wasn’t very baby-safe and that was all Jas really knew how to work with craft-wise. Neither of them had really gotten a hang of crafting, much to their mother’s dismay. “But I think I can probably get Hestia to help shop, so they won’t all be dinosaurs and bee-themed. Though she’ll probably get the baby a little kiddie broom even though newborns shouldn’t go flying.”

He made a face and slouched down in his seat, even though he’d been the one to bring Jamie up in the first place. It wasn’t Juniper’s fault that Jasper had told their parents the absolute bare minimum of his break-up with Jamie. Everything had just felt too fresh at the time and then he’d just… avoided it so nicely. “I know they do. Just feels like they’re never gonna stop asking about them until I bring someone new home.”

Juniper shrugged a shoulder. Truly, she was thankful that Jasper wanted to get the baby things at all and while she liked the heirloom quality of the quilts their mother made, she was not going to turn her nose up at anything given to them. “Well I would hope that there’s something bee themed,” she pointed out with a wry grin. “But maybe not everything.” She very much wanted Jasper to have a presence in her child’s life. “Well, maybe see if Sirius wants to do that first,” she pointed out, not sure how she felt about a newborn having a kiddie broom.

She wondered if maybe she shouldn’t have continued the conversation, though Jasper was the one to bring up Jamie to begin with. She leaned back and pressed a hand to her stomach. “Well you probably get a pass this time,” she pointed out with a shrug of her shoulder. “They’re likely to be more focused on the baby than anything.” It was a strange truth, she supposed.

[juniperthelionheart]

fortunexflower‌:

Lily felt immediately disgusting. This was not the way she envisioned her day going. Even she was taken off-guard by how quickly her body turned against her; she’d expected to make it to a toilet at least. The repulsed scoffs of the few commuters’ on the street definitely weren’t helping the shame.

Juniper’s voice cut through the bustling London side street, which gave Lily at least a small amount of comfort against the throng of not-so-pleased passerby’s who were finding their daily dose of schadenfreude in the red head’s green face. 

Lily let her shoulders fall a little as Juniper rubbed her back. “I think just that,” Lily responded to Juniper, trying not to gag at the foul taste in her mouth. “And water. Water would be really nice…” Lily slowly righted herself. What a way this was to start a long-overdo greeting.    

Juniper glared at a couple of people who had stopped to stare and then turned back to Lily, wanting to make sure she was being as helpful as possible. The people milling around were certainly of no help and though she had other things to do, there was clearly nothing more pressing than helping a friend.

Juniper ran her hand through her hair briefly and ran her hand over Lily’s back once more. “We can do that,” she said with a small smile. She gestured down the road. “There’s a small café in there. Why don’t we get you some water? It’s owned by a squib so they won’t ask any questions if we use a bit of magic to get you looking right as rain.”

She began to lead the way, her hand remaining on Lily’s back the whole while, not wanting to cause anyone else to look at them.

[juniperthelionheart]

jasperthetenderhearted‌:

Jas didn’t mind train rides. They took him back to the Hogwarts Express and simpler times. Plus they didn’t involve twisting into nothingness, which always had weirded him out. Magical travel may be faster but at least Muggle ways had comfort. And better scenery.

After his run-ins with Jamie and his time with Henry, Jas could use a break anyhow. While a petty part of him was surprised that Juniper had asked him and not Sirius, he’d said yes the moment she asked. It had been too long since they’d had any real time together. He wouldn’t turn that down. They probably had loads to catch up on, right?

“It’s gonna be worse than the first time I brought Jamie over.” He said confidently. “I bet they’ve already made a nursery for you. Mom’s probably already started a baby quilt.”

The train was nice, comfortable even, and Juniper found that she felt much more relaxed than she might have in Diagon Alley. She had left living in the magical world to keep a low profile but even in muggle London she worried, especially now that she had the baby to think about, too. Ringo kept laying at her feet and with her brother near her, Juniper had not felt so safe in some time.

A small smile graced Juniper’s face at Jasper’s final remark. “I hope so,” she said with a shrug of one shoulder. “I’m not the crafty one in the family, so I’d much rather the baby have a quilt than whatever awfulness you know I’d come up with.” She threw Jasper a wink and leaned back in her seat, tilting her head so that she could watch the scenery pass them by as the train moved through the British countryside. She exhaled. “Well, they just want you happy, you know.”

[juniperthelionheart]

@jasperthetenderhearted

Juniper hadn’t been to see her parents lately and though she knew she should see them now more than ever, it was often difficult, especially as she didn’t want to travel long distances in magical ways. Instead, she had convinced her brother to take the muggle train up north with her, to spend a couple of days at the resort on the coast. Ringo sat on the ground in their compartment, a very small confundus charm enough to allow the muggles to look the other way when it came to the large, four-legged beast.

She leaned back in her seat, her stomach having gotten just large enough that she looked actually pregnant. “How much are they going to fawn, do you reckon?” she inquired, her gaze narrowing as she looked over at her brother.

[siriuslyxpadfoot]

New Year, New Promises

[juniperthelionheart]

siriuslyxpadfoot‌:

“I wanted to try something tricky to impress you,” he admitted. If she hadn’t been in the middle of things, Sirius probably would have slipped his arms around her waist, but he didn’t want to create bother. His natural instinct around her was to want to reach out and hold her. He could be patient for a moment. “I mean I don’t want you to feel like you have to lie to me, but I hope it’s not awful.” Sirius laughed at himself and leaned back against the counter as he watched her move.

While Juniper had the glasses, Sirius cut the pastry. “Sparkling something? Ooh, a mystery. That’s exciting. I’m not particularly picky, so I’m sure it’s perfect.” As long as they stayed specific to just them and what was going on here at home, Sirius didn’t have to think about the uncertainty leftover from that questionable Yule Ball mission. When things went wrong in the world around them, Sirius and Juniper were starting a proper family. He couldn’t wait to have another year and many more with her.

A smile rose on her face at Sirius’ admission and Juniper exhaled, slowly and carefully, her head tilted to the side. “You always impress me,” she said, her voice genuine and low, eyes crinkling at the corners as the genuine pleasure in her voice reached them. A shrug of her shoulders was her answer – in truth, she’d likely lie to him even if it was awful, but she saw no need to tell him that – and she offered him a quick wink. “I’m sure it won’t be awful,” she said, head tilting as she appraised him.

Juniper laughed. “I hope it’s fine. I’m a bit disappointed on missing out on the champagne this year, if I’m being completely honest.” Another shrug of her shoulder accompanied Juniper’s words and she leaned against the counter after the glasses were poured, simply watching Sirius. Though they had more responsibilities than they’d originally envisioned with the other, she found that she was still entranced by him and watching him cut the pastry reminded her just how smitten she was.

[juniperthelionheart]

themalfoyswife‌:

It was not always that Narcissa was speechless. Facing the other, she remembered who she was and her hideous connections. Juniter, Juniper, whatever that woman’s name was boldly talking to her. In turn, the other needed an answer. Narcissa looked down and stared at the mirror while touching the dress lightly. “Do you think so?” The voice was slightly doubtful in what was said. “I thought of buying this to use at one of my charity meetings.” Narcissa didn’t have to say that to that person, but she deigned to explain. “What would be your suggestion?”

Juniper was not trying to be rude. She supposed her delivery had been somewhat flippant, though perhaps that had been more because of the assumption Narcissa had originally made. Either way, she offered an easy smile and shrugged one shoulder. “I just think it has a bit too much yellow in it,” she said, taking extra care with her words this time so as not to cause offense. “And if you’re not in the proper lighting, it could make you look washed out – which you clearly aren’t.” Her lips twitched and she gestured to another option. “That one’s also green, but it’s darker and it has bluer tones in it. I think it would set off your eyes nicely, too.”

[juniperthelionheart]

fortunexflower‌:

Nothing is impossible. The wizarding world keeps trying to outdo itself in more crazy mystical things each day. And, in many cases, it succeeds. Lily has gotten to a point where she almost isn’t fazed by anything anymore. Give her ghosts, shapeshifters, or magical spinning heads. It might annoy, confuse, or even hurt her but magic seemed to be the logical conclusion to everything nowadays. 

Except for this. 

This was new, uncharted territory. This was something she hadn’t even bothered to pick up a book on. Sure, she’d seen plenty do it. But in just a few months she never thought she’d be doing it herself. Or at least herself and with James by her side. 

The thought was dizzying. She had to stop for a second and hold her head, thinking she might puke - oh wait. There was no might about it. Before she could warn anyone around her or find the nearest toilet, that mornings breakfast was staring back at her on the street. And just mere inches away were shoes. Shoes which did not belong to Lily. 

The day was dreary, with the grayness of London making it feel much colder than it actually was. Juniper tightened her scarf around her neck as she moved through the throng of people milling around and going about their business on this wintry morning.

Juniper had been running errands when she saw Lily out of the corner of her eye. Her lips pursed as she could see just how dizzy Lily appeared and the elder woman moved closer, wondering if something was wrong and how she could help. She’d just been about to make a comment when she saw Lily lose her breakfast and immediately Juniper moved closer. A hand reached out to press against her friend’s back.

“Lil?” she murmured softly, having no desire to draw attention to them unnecessarily. “It’s Juniper.” She exhaled softly, her gaze moving over the other woman as her hand moved in comforting circles around Lily’s back. “What do you need right now? Other than to get out of here before more people start to stare?”

[juniperthelionheart]

Juniper sighed as she walked through muggle London. It was colder than she was used to - certainly colder than she might have liked - and she tightened the scarf that was wrapped tightly wound her neck. Ringo was attached to a leash that Juniper held in her hand and she walked carefully behind the dog, murmuring a couple of commands when it seemed that the large dog might try to jump up on something. There was a cafe at the corner that allowed dogs inside - so long as they behaved - and she had been hoping to sit and have a cup of tea, as staying at home these days had begun to feel increasingly confining. As Juniper neared the entrance, she saw a familiar face exiting. “Fancy seeing you here!” she exclaimed.

[advance-emmeline]

hearth to heart

[juniperthelionheart]

advance-emmeline‌:

Emmeline hadn’t meant to let meeting Juniper officially slide away from her. It seemed that these days most things kept sliding away from her. She’d somehow missed Andy’s engagement, she’d missed Bill turning 10, she missed Maura, she missed Regulus. His birthday had just passed. He’d have been twenty. He would know he’d be an uncle. The thought twisted her heart. But none of that was Juniper’s fault. Everything she’d heard about Juniper came back positive. Sirius was wild about her. That mattered most. Even if they weren’t married.

She showed up at Juniper’s place armed with Buster, some vinyls, and some casseroles for them. Emm had no idea if Juniper knew how to cook but she knew enough not to trust Sirius with non-baked goods. It had always been Pete who cooked for the boys. Merlin, Merlin she missed Pete. Now wasn’t the time. She was meeting Juniper.

“Juniper?” She asked as she balanced some casserole dishes to free a hand and knock. “It’s Emm Vance, I’m— I’m Reg’s mum? Sirius’s… we’re friends. I brought some food?”

@juniperthelionheart

The knock at the door surprised Juniper, who had been writing out a list of baby things to purchase before the time came. She set down her pen – because magical quills had never been something she liked – and opened it, finding a vaguely familiar face.

There was a moment when Juniper was confused as to how this woman knew where she lived; since moving back to muggle London, Juniper had been rather careful about who knew her current address. One couldn’t be too careful these days. But when the woman mentioned Sirius, Juniper’s gaze softened and she nodded, ignoring the comment about being Reg’s mum for the moment as she was certain there was part of the story – or the puzzle, really – she was missing. Lips turned up and she opened the door more thoroughly. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said as she gestured for Emmeline to come into the home. “It’s a bit of a mess, I’m sorry.” The kitchen table was cluttered and she could see Ringo’s hairs all over the place.

But then Juniper looked back at the casserole dishes and recalled Emmeline’s words. “Oh, thank you!” she responded with a larger smile. “I’m complete shite in the kitchen.” Her head tilted to the side. “Sirius is a bit better, but I think we might as well take a class at some point.” Or, at least, Juniper certainly ought to.

[juniperthelionheart]

themalfoyswife‌:

Narcissa had chosen to visit one of her favorite dress shops. Even though she had a multitude of gorgeous and elegant dresses, she needed some new ones for her outings with Lucius. Therefore, the fabrics needed to be the most delicate, fashionable, and also those that would be forever in a women’s collection. She had chosen to test a dress in greenish hues with an embroidered fabric and a few tiny stones that would cost a small part of her and her husband’s fortune. As she left the locker room to look in the mirror, she soon found someone watching her. “It must have been stunning on me for you not stop looking at it.”

It was rare for Juniper to buy new clothing; so much of what she had was thrifted or found in muggle stores. But she had a need for a nice dress and with her larger figure – thanks, baby, she thought – she thought to purchase something new. Her eyes caught on a green dress and as she heard its wearer speak, Juniper bit the inside of her cheek. Juniper’s brow rose and her lips quirked into something some might call a smirk. She tilted her head to the side and ran her hand through her hair. “I was more wondering about the color,” she pointed out, well aware that she was speaking to one of Sirius’ cousins – but if she was truly that vain, Juniper couldn’t be bothered to care. “It doesn’t exactly go with your coloring; you wouldn’t want to look washed out, would you?”