Author's Note: I am SO sorry, guys! I just realized I haven't updated in a month! That is horrible, and I feel terrible for doing that to you… One reason is school. Another reason, the bigger reason, is I just didn't have motivation last chapter, because I only got 2 reviews. Still, not a good reason for me not to update for more than a month. Again, I'm so sorry! Anyways, I'll shut up now.

Chapter 16: Turning Green

Sunday, 5 August, 2018 (week 32)

Moving in to the new house had been a challenge, but by the beginning of August, Victoire and Teddy were finally settled in. On the fifth of August, they had decided to invite their family over lunch. Somehow, each member of the family, excluding Andromeda, was able to come, which was rare lately.

After lunch, everyone went swimming in the river. Everyone except James, Fred, and Louis, who were passing around a quaffle. Teddy alternated between playfully dunking Victoire underwater and tossing ten-year-old Lily into the river. Grandma Molly, Fleur, and Audrey sat by the edge of the water and chatted with their feet dangling in the cool water, while Ginny and Hermione swam with their husbands. Arthur, Bill, Charlie, George, and Angelina had had started a game for the children, and even Percy had joined in.

They were in the river for hours until everyone began to get tired of swimming. Grandma Molly went in to get towels for everyone. When she returned, everything was in chaos.

"Dad!" Lily laughed. "You're green!"

Harry frowned. "I am."

"Everyone's green!" Albus pointed out. It was true. Even Grandma Molly, Fleur, and Audrey were green up to their knees. Just then, everyone began talking at once.

"But green's a Slytherin color!"

"Why won't it come off?"

"Don't ask me!"

"George, is this one of your joke products?"

"No. But It'd be a good idea."

"George!"

"What? It would."

"Maybe someone charmed the water?"

"Quiet!" Ginny screeched, getting everyone's attention. "Where are James, Fred, and Louis?"

Angelina smirked. "I think I know our culprits. The question is where are they?"

"Zhey are probably hiding again." Fleur said, and Grandma Molly nodded.

"Everyone!" Grandma Molly called out in her loud voice. "Split up and find the boys!"

Everyone did as they were told, and after about ten minutes or so of searching, it was Harry and Ron who found the snickering troublemakers.

"Boys!" Grandma Molly said sharply. "Explain!"

"Sorry, Grandma. Can't." Fred said, shaking his head in mock sadness. "It's top secret."

"Boys." Grandma Molly warned, giving them one of her intimidating looks.

"Well," James begin, swallowing. "Fred got the idea for this prank to turn everyone green, Louis figured out how to make it work, and I put the plan into action when no one was looking." He said this proudly, not feeling sorry at all.

"How does it come off?" Ginny asked sternly.

James and Fred looked at Louis, who replied. "There's nothing you can do Aunt Ginny. You just have to sleep it off, and by the morning it will be gone."

Everyone groaned and a chorus of "guys!" was heard.

"Can't you stay out of trouble for one day that you're together?" Ginny sighed.

"Nope." James said proudly.

"I figured not." Ginny said. "James, no broom for a week."

"But Mum –"

"No buts." Ginny said sternly. "And if you do anything else, I will add time."

"Dad – "

"Sorry son." Harry said before James could finish. "I'd be mental to go against your mother's word."

"The same punishment goes for you, Fred." Angelina said, and Fleur nodded in agreement.

"And you Louis." Fleur said, and all three boys groaned and sulked into the house.

About an hour later, everyone went home, leaving Teddy and Victoire finally alone. "Well one thing's for sure." Teddy said. "Life with the Weasleys is never dull."

Victoire laughed. "I couldn't agree more."

Wednesday, 16 August, 2018 (week 33)

The following week, Victoire received a letter from Harry.

Dear Victoire,

Kingsley Shacklebolt, the minister of magic, has a part-time receptionist job available. I could get you an interview if you're interested.

Love,

Uncle Harry

Victoire wrote back immediately, saying that yes, of course she'd be interested. Soon, she had an interview set up for Wednesday the sixteenth. She was extremely nervous, and dressed in her best clothes. "You'll be fine." Teddy soothed. "You're going to do great." This helped, but soon, Teddy left for training, and Victoire was left alone.

At ten minutes to two, ten minutes before her interview, Victoire flooed to the ministry. She didn't want to be too early and seem too eager, but she didn't want to be late either. Fortunately, by the time she found where she was supposed to go, it was almost two.

Victoire was greeted by an elderly woman sitting at a desk. "I'm here for a interview with the minister." Victoire told her.

"Ms. Victoire Weasley?" the woman asked, and Victoire nodded. "I'm Mrs. White. We've been expecting you. Follow me please."

Mrs. White lead Victoire down a long corridor. She explained to Victoire that she was the minister's current receptionist, and wanted to semi-retire, which left a part-time job open. In six months to a year, she planned to retire fully. Mrs. White then lead her into a large room, where the minister was sitting at a desk. "Ms. Weasley, it's been a while. How are you?" He asked as Victoire walked in.

"I'm well, Mr. Shacklebolt. Yourself?"

"I'm fine, thank you." the minister replied. "And please, call me Kingsley."

Kingsley asked several questions, none of which were very difficult. "So, when are you due?" he asked.

" The twenty-nineth of September."

"A how long do you plan on being on maturnity leave?"

Victoire thought for a moment. "Probably from the day the baby's born to the second of January. My grandmother offered to watch him or her after that."

Kingsley nodded. "Would you mind going into the corridor for a moment while Mrs. White and I converse?"

Victoire nodded, and did as she was asked. A few minutes later, she was called back in.

"So, Ms. Weasley, when can you start?"

Victoire gasped. "You mean I got the job?" she asked and Kingsley nodded.

Without thinking, Victoire jumped up and hugged the minister tightly. "Thank you so much. You have no idea how badly I need this job." She paused suddenly, not realizing what she had been doing. She blushed and immediately let go. "I'm sorry. I have no idea why I did that?"

Kingsley laughed. "It's quite alright. I would like to know when you can start, though."

"Is Monday alright?"

"Perfectly fine." Kingsley replied. "See you soon."

Victoire thanked him again before walking to the fireplaces to floo home. She had a job, and it felt good to know she could help Teddy support the baby. She slept soundly that night.

Author's note: My goal for this story is to update every other Thursday. It would be every Thursday, but I do have another story to update about too. But if I don't get the motivation I need, it might be longer. I'm just letting you know. Again, I'm so sorry for the month-long wait. I feel terrible. Please don't make me do that again, and please review. Thank you so much to those who do.