"There is no 'settling down' without some 'settling for'." –Dan Savage
oOoOo
Teddy Lupin straightened his quills meticulously as Draco Malfoy entered his office and sat in the chair across from him. He greeted the older man with a warm smile and pulled out a file folder.
"Draco," Teddy began, "What brings you here? Not looking for a wife for Scorpius already, are you?"
Malfoy smiled tightly and shook his head. "Believe it or not, Astoria and I agreed we wouldn't subject our poor son to an arranged marriage. No, I'm actually here for myself." He touched one of Teddy's quills and shifted it back and forth on the mahogany desktop. Teddy felt his neck muscles tighten, but he forced himself to shake it off and meet Draco's eyes. Draco continued.
"Now that Scorpius is away at Hogwarts, Astoria and I have agreed that the best thing we can do for our marriage is to… well, quite frankly, we've agreed to have an open marriage. Mainly due to my sexual preference for members of my gender." Draco looked at Teddy for signs of an adverse reaction, but Teddy merely nodded and opened the laptop Harry had given him as a graduation present.
"What are the most important things you are looking for in a partner?" he asked, opening the program that would search his database.
Draco looked thoughtful for a moment. "Physical attractiveness. Intelligence. Financial stability. The ability to hold an engaging conversation. And, most importantly, someone with a respect for discression."
Teddy typed away at his computer for a few seconds. "Can you be more specific about what you find physically attractive?"
"Tall, I suppose. Not overly muscular, but with some definition. I prefer a classically handsome face with dark hair and eyes."
Teddy nodded and continued typing. "I'm going to tell you what I tell all of my clients. There is virtually no way I can match you with someone who meets all of your qualifications, but I do my best to find the closest candidates." He began clicking through files, reviewing the profiles and pictures of the gay and bisexual men in his database. He pulled out the best matches to review with Draco.
"I have a short, intelligent brunette or a tall, more simple dirty blonde. Which do you prefer?"
"The brunette."
"What about a wiry, out-and-proud pureblood or a buff, closeted half-blood?"
"How buff?"
"Feral werewolf buff."
"That one."
Teddy went through a few more questions with his cousin before closing all but one window and pivoting the screen. "Draco Malfoy, meet Alec Chamberlain, your match."
Malfoy gave a low whistle when he saw the photo. "Well done, Lupin. I'm impressed. You'll call and arrange a date?"
"Of course. I'm thinking of a quiet, intimate dinner at a Muggle restaurant for privacy's sake. Does Friday work for you?"
Draco nodded and pulled out a pouch. "I believe your rate is twenty galleons per session?"
Teddy waved a dismissive hand. "We're family."
"I insist. If you can't take it from me, take it from Astoria. She thinks twenty galleons is more than worth it to keep me from sulking about the manor all day." He slid the bag the rest of the way across the desk. "Buy the Weasley girl something pretty. Isn't it about time to look for a ring?" He chuckled and let himself out. Teddy put his quill back parallel with the others, and felt the tension in his neck muscles disappear.
oOoOo
Teddy returned to his London flat with four bags of groceries in hand. He set them on the counter and began putting them away, delighting in turning the cans and bottles so that the labels faced exactly forward. After he had assured himself that everything was on the appropriate shelf in the correct order, he saw the letter on the table. Teddy was surprised he hadn't seen it earlier, since it had been placed there carelessly with one corner hanging over the edge of the table. Frowning, he aligned it correctly in the center of the table before picking it up and opening it.
Dear Teddy,
How are you? I'm doing well, and thoroughly enjoying my final year at Hogwarts. Classes are challenging, but as you said, at least the content is interesting. I can hardly believe that I will be working in the 'real world' only months from now.
I suppose I should get to the point. Teddy, I've been doing some thinking. We've been together for two years, and you are a wonderful boyfriend. You are funny and romantic, and I consider myself lucky to know you as I do. However, in the time I have spent away from you, I have come to realize something. I thought that I would be lonely without you. I thought I would send you a letter every day, and count down the weeks until Christmas hols. But Teddy, I found that I like not having my belongings arranged precisely, or worrying that something I am doing is causing you stress. As much as it pains me to admit this, I think we should break up.
I will always be fond of you. You are a dear friend, and I hope you will find someone who can love you despite your condition. Please don't be too angry with me, Teddy. You deserve more than I can give you.
With love,
Victoire
Teddy folded the parchment exactly four times before igniting it with his wand. With tears filling his eyes, he dashed to the floo and called his godfather.
