an: this is my {late} christmas present to everyone over at the RoseScorpius Fans forum. i hope you all enjoy, and please don't favourite without leaving a review. :)
for Vicky.
"Teddy, help me put this up?"
Victoire stood before their Christmas tree, the star that belonged at the top in her hand. Teddy stopped decorating the fireplace with tinsel and came to her side.
"We're not still using that old thing, are we?" Teddy asked, looking amused. The star had been used every year at Bill and Fleur's since Victoire had been five. She'd made the star with a truckload of glitter, yellow paint and sticky hands, and over the years it had become worn and tattered. Victoire had sneaked it out her old home on moving day, unable to bear the thought of Christmas without it.
"Yes, I always have it," she said defensively, folding her arms beneath her chest. "Now help me out, please?"
Still grinning, Teddy very carefully lifted Victoire up so she could place her star on top of the tree. He didn't let go of her when he brought her down, but instead wrapped his arms around her as she leaned into him.
"Our very first Christmas in our own house," Teddy whispered, gazing at the softly glowing lights of the tree, charmed to float in the air.
"And this time next year, we'll have someone new to share it with," Victoire said, placing a hand on her swollen belly.
Teddy couldn't help the beam that took over his face at the thought of that. His own son to go to Quidditch matches with, or his own daughter to embarrass in front of her boyfriends. Or the other way round – Teddy really didn't care who his child turned out to be; as long as they were happy, they would have his full support. Teddy knew better than most what it felt like to not have your parents there for you.
"Oh!" Victoire suddenly gasped, blue eyes widening.
Teddy's heart rate sped up, automatically thinking the worst. "What is it?"
"The baby just kicked!" She grabbed his hand and pressed it to her stomach, looking at him hopefully. Sure enough, the tiny pressure against his hand was all it took for Teddy to grin like an idiot and sweep his wife into a bone-crushing hug.
"Ow – Teddy, watch it!"
But Victoire couldn't stop smiling, and neither could Teddy. Because now it seemed so much more real and exciting. The baby, their baby, their little girl or boy, was alive and well and kicking – literally.
They'd never been happier.
