A/N: A sequel of sorts to the previous chapter.

Chapter Ten: Not Quite A Discussion

Teddy sighed and ordered yet another chess piece of move. James sat opposite him, staring intently at the board as the pieces began to bicker. Teddy barely noticed when James finally won. James cheered wildly as Albus began to clap his hands.

"He beat you again, Teddy?" Ginny asked as she finished braiding Lily's hair, giving it a gentle tug into place.

"Fair and square, Mum!" James boasted.

"Cheeky," Teddy laughed, packing the wizarding chess set away, much to James's dismay.

"Come on Teddy, one more game!"

"Please Teddy!" asked Albus.

Mercifully, Harry stepped in. "Leave Teddy alone, boys," he gentled scolded. "Teddy, reckon you could help me in the kitchen?"

"Sure, Uncle Harry."

Teddy stood and briefly took in the domestic scene in front of him. Teddy missed his Gran terribly over the holidays, but he always felt welcome and amongst family with the Potters. Harry smiled and ruffled Teddy's bright blue hair. "You're growing older and thicker every day," he teased.

"Thicker, you reckon?"

Harry laughed and passed Teddy a cloth to dry the dishes. "Sometimes you're as thick as a brick wall, Teddy."

Teddy was confused. "Huh?"

"Heard from Victoire yet?"

Teddy blushed. "Er, no, but I'm happy she's having a good time in France."

"Bollocks you are," Harry replied, looking at Teddy pointedly. Teddy wasn't sure when Harry had caught onto his one-sided love affair with Victoire but he certainly wasn't happy it wasn't a secret. "You two are worse than Ron and Hermione."

Harry laughed at Teddy looked affronted.

"Look, all I'm saying is that you're getting older and probably starting to notice Victoire, and probably other girls..."

"Both you and Uncle Neville have already tortured me enough with that talk, thanks," Teddy replied sarcastically.

Harry put a hand on Teddy's shoulder. "You're a good boy, Teddy Lupin. Use that brain of yours. If you fancy her, say something. Don't spend forever wondering."

Harry handed Teddy a dish with a knowing smile on his face. Suddenly, Lily's face appeared in the doorway.

"Teddy, come quick! A present just appeared under the tree and it's got your name on it!"

Teddy shoved the dish back into Harry's hands and ran back to the sitting room. Albus and James had joined Lily next to the present.

"Go on, open it!" James urged, shoving the present into Teddy's arms.

"Who's it from?" Lily asked, practically bouncing. Teddy ignored Ginny's laughter as he took the present and inspected it.

"Is it from your Gran?" Albus asked.

Teddy didn't need to open it. He stared at the loopy writing that bore his name: Teddy Lupin. He opened the card that sat atop the beautifully wrapped gift.

Teddy,

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas. Sorry I couldn't give this to you in person. France is beautiful but I will miss a lot of things about an English Christmas. Give my love to the family.

Missing you,

Little Vicky

Teddy caught eyes with Harry from across the room.

"It was from Victoire."