Christmas.

Victoire admired Teddy so patiently play for hours on end with Lily Luna. She knew how annoying the small child could be yet Teddy acted as if he had all the time in the world, pondering to her every need. It was Christmas morning, and everybody had just finished opening their presents - which meant, unfortunately for her, Victoire would have to help her mother and Molly in the kitchen. Lunch on such occasions like this were enormous affairs for the extended family, but Victoire didn't really mind. She had missed everybody so much during school, even her brother and sister who were at Hogwarts with her. It was just so different when they were all at home together.

The meal was finished and it was time for the adults to chat over tea and coffee while the kids played outside, the new presents from the morning itching to be played with (despite the ridiculously cold weather). The lake outside The Burrow had frozen over and Teddy watched his adopted cousins make fools of themselves as they took turns seeing who could run farthest across the newfound ice rink without falling, in Al's new charmed bouncy shoes. Everyone was happy.

The only other child who had decided that watching the game was even more entertaining than partaking was Victoire. Teddy took the opportunity to observe her instead. He watched her perfect freckled nose crinkle as she laughed at whoever had most recently fallen. He watched as she tossed her long silvery blond hair over her shoulder, a smile dancing on her pink lips. Everything about her was unwaveringly attractive, even when she wasn't trying. Bundled up in a big soft coat with a woollen hat, laughing at her family. He wanted to freeze the moment, to stop it right where it was and stay there forever. She was all he ever wanted to watch.

"As much as I love Hogwarts, I could easily just stay here forever.", remarked Victoire, as if reading his mind.

"I know. I can never seem to bear leaving after Christmas. Everyone's just so happy.", came Teddy's reply.

"Yeah, and then to make things worse I have to see you at school," she smirked, nudging his shoulder. She hoped he realised she was trying to flirt, but with Teddy who knew.

"Watch it, you know prefects can give out detentions."

"Good effort Lupin, but I actually don't care."

"Not surprising that detentions don't really affect you anymore since you've had so many."

"Well to be honest you're not wrong. The teachers are never mean anyway. Who could punish this face?" Victoire questioned, pouting.

"Hmm very true. I bet you have them all wrapped around your little finger. I guess it's easy for the prettiest girl in school." The smirk on his face had now changed to laughter.

"You're not exactly lacking in that department either, you know" A classic Weasley blush crept up Victoire's neck.

"High praise, but why else do you think I'm a prefect, McGonagall just couldn't resist!" Waggling his eyebrows, Teddy continued "I think it's the hair. Everyone's so obsessed with the hair"

Victoire burst out laughing at this comment. She sensed something that hadn't been there before. Was Teddy flirting back? Or just joking around like they always did?

She couldn't help herself but add "and I'm no exception" under her breath. It wasn't meant for him to hear, but he heard nonetheless. She immediately regretted the brash comment, and went back to watching the younger ones.

Cupping her chin is his big hand, Teddy turned her embarrassed gaze from their cousins to him, and planted a soft kiss on her cold pink lips. Shocked at first, Victoire didn't know what to do, but soon regained composure and kissed him back, before pulling away and smiling into his gorgeous amber eyes.

They hadn't realised, but James had lost interest in the game and was watching them instead, just as they kissed. He was then laughing and decided to tell all his cousins, who in turn ran inside. Being infatuated with each other, Teddy and Victoire hadn't noticed the commotion. But they had heard Bill. Unfortunately, it was too late.