chapter one
❝i love you , i'm sorry❞

──── 20 OCTOBER , 1979

The Potter Manor was as beautiful as a dream, a grand estate nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant forests. Its imposing facade, a blend of Gothic and Victorian architecture, was adorned with intricate carvings and stained-glass windows that shimmered in the sunlight. Inside, the manor was a labyrinth of opulent rooms, each more breathtaking than the last. The grand hall, with its soaring ceilings and marble floors, was the heart of the manor, where the Potter family would gather for festive occasions. The library, lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, was a haven for bookworms, while the conservatory, filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers, was a serene retreat. The manor's grounds were equally enchanting, with manicured lawns, winding paths, and a tranquil lake. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the manor would be bathed in a warm, golden light, casting a magical spell over the entire estate.

Fleamont Potter, was the lord of the ancient house of the potter with his beautiful wife, Euphemia Potter nee Rosier died from dragon pox, leaving their only child, Juniper Potter, the sole heir to the ancient House of Potter, carried the weight of her family's legacy on her young shoulders. Orphaned by the tragic loss of her parents to dragon pox.

Despite the tragic death of her lovely parents, Juniper displayed a remarkable maturity. It would be a lie to say that the young woman was not affected by their death. She passed hours spent immersed in the Potter family's extensive library and gardens, where she hoped to forgot of her pain. Fortunately she had the support of her friends, they were there for her at every problem. They too lost a mother and father figure.

The Marauders which composed of three boys and one girl ─ Sirius Black,
the disowned son of Orion Black and Walburga Black lived with the late Lord and Lady Potter when he had run away from home ─ that is if the place he grew up in could even be called a home. He was rebellious and dramatic, a trait that ran in his blood. It was at the Potter manor that Sirius met Juniper Potter, the boisterous and charismatic girl who shared his love for pranks. Their friendship was instant and unbreakable.

Remus Lupin was the least troublesome of the little group, the one who patiently
wait for them to open up. He was obviously the smarter one. He too had a love for pranks ─ something he would never admitted even under the crucio cursed. Remus lupin was also known as moony, a werewolf in disguise at the magical school called Hogwards.

The third boy, the one who could be called shy, Peter Pettigrew was the most insecure one in the group, yet with the help of his friends, he overcomes all his fear and stay along side them. Any rat would follow a cheese after all. He was the least to fight unless he was given a good reason too. He almost end in being
a Hufflepuf.

They have always choosed each other over anybody else. There was no secret, their friendship was based on trust and they were confident that it would stay like this forever until one of them fall for someone forbidden. A secret that no marauder other than the girl herself knew. Juniper was utterly in love with the heir of ancient house of the black.

The warm summer breeze carried the sound of laughter as Juniper raced through the grand hallway of Potter Manor. Her dark brown hair, a cascade of sunshine, danced with each step. The sunflower dress, a vibrant yellow, seemed to glow under the soft sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows.

A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she darted around a corner, her laughter echoing through the ancient corridors. Behind her, a figure emerged from the shadows, his curly dark hair tousled and a playful smile on his lips. It was her beloved, their eyes locked in a silent exchange of affection.

As Juniper burst into the sunlit chamber, she paused, taking a deep breath of the fresh air. The ancient furnitures, a masterpiece of human artistry, stretched out before her. A wide smile spread across her face as she turned to face her pursuer.

As Juniper burst into her sunlit chamber, she paused, taking a deep breath. The ancient furniture, a testament to generations of wealth and history, seemed to fade into the background as she turned to face her pursuer. A wide grin spread across her face, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"You're not gonna catch me!" she teased, darting around the bed. Her laughter filled the room, a sound as light and carefree as the summer breeze.

Her lover, a man of lesser energy and handsome charm, tsked in response. "We'll see about that," he retorted, giving chase. The grand room, usually a place of quiet contemplation, was transformed into a playground of youthful exuberance. Pillows were tossed, laughter echoed, and the air was thick with playful banter.

As they chased each other through the room, their movements were graceful, almost choreographed. It was a dance of love and joy, a simple moment of happiness that stood in stark contrast to the often solemn atmosphere of the manor.

Juniper grinned as her lover catched, keeping a firm grip around her waist. He whispered, "Got you." A smirked spread on his lips. Juniper giggled and turned around to faced him, her arms wrapped around his neck. "Regulus." She whispered, her eyes lighten up with mischievousness.

Regulus Black was an art itself with curly black hair with sterling grey eyes. "Yes, my dear?" he replied, his voice a soft rumble.

"What if I said I wanted to... you know..." she trailed off, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink.

Regulus's eyebrows raised in amusement. "What if you said you wanted to... what?" he prompted, his voice teasing.

Juniper frowned. "The teasing is my job, starry bou."

Regulus's smile widened. "Starry boy, huh? You are aware that this is asking a death warrant." Juniper smirked.

"Scared of your older brother?"

"As if you are not worried." Juniper let out a sighed and locked her eyes with his sterling grey eyes. "I do not want to think of the consequence of our action when we are alone, reggie." She bited her lower lip. "Maybe its selfish of me. But I like being selfish. With you only."

Regulus tilted his head, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You are being influenced," he mused, his voice low and husky. With that, he leaned in, pressing his lips against hers. His kiss was gentle at first, a soft brush of lips that promised more. But as the kiss deepened, his touch became more assertive, his hand gripping her waist, pulling her closer.

Juniper responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck. She felt a surge of heat as his tongue swept across her lower lip, inviting her deeper into the kiss. She parted her lips, allowing him access, and a shiver ran through her as their tongues intertwined.

The kiss was a whirlwind of sensation, a dance of passion and desire. Regulus's lips moved against hers with a rhythm that was both familiar and intoxicating.

Juniper tugged at Regulus's shirt, her fingers fumbling with the buttons. With a few quick movements, the shirt was off, revealing his broad chest. Her eyes lingered on him, a spark of desire igniting within her.

Regulus, sensing her eagerness, pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together. A wave of heat washed over them as they shared a passionate kiss. With a gentle hand, he guided her towards the bed, their desires burning bright.

His lips trailed down her neck, sending shivers down her spine. A soft moan escaped Juniper's lips as he found a particularly sensitive spot. Regulus smirked, pleased with his effect on her. "Be quiet, sunshine." he murmured, his voice low and husky.

With a gentle hand, he guided her onto the bed, their bodies entwined. "Ready?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with desire. Juniper nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. As they lay there, their breaths mingled, their bodies intertwined. Lost in pleasure, none cared about the consequence, the problem that would arise if their friends found out. The only thing that matter was their love, one that Regulus knew had to come to an end soon.

Regulus stared down at Juniper, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the passion they'd just shared. Her hair was a tangled mess of gold, framing her face as she slept, her breath soft and even. A soft bittersweet smile played on his lips as he traced the outline of her face with his fingertips.

"You're something else, you know that?" he murmured, shaking his head in disbelief.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead, a gentle gesture that spoke volumes. As he stood up, he grabbed his shirt and wore it back. His eyes darkening with unspeakable emotion. He kissed her lips, a last time before going to the most stupid yet unspeakable thing that anyone ever done.

The task ahead was a dangerous one, a final confrontation with a piece of Voldemort's soul. It was a necessary evil, a sacrifice he was willing to make. Though his heart ached at the thought of leaving Juniper, he knew it was the right thing to do.

He place another kissed on a strand of her hair whispering something to his beloved. "Forgive me." His eyes staring at her sleeping self. "I love you." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm sorry."