AN: Had a bit of a blue today so thought I'd dust this story off and try to write something. The chapter turned out quite different than I'd originally planned over a year ago which is why the title doesn't fit very well. Anywell, I'm excited about writing the next chapter so it should be a lot longer (and better) than this one. No promises on when I'll write it though.

Chapter 3 – The End of an Era, but the Beginning of an Auror (Louis)

The party was in full swing at the Potter household. Kids were running about, surely up to no good; adults were in polite conversation, secretly welcoming an excuse to have perhaps a little too much to drink; and teenagers were lounging around, pretending to be too cool to have fun at an inter-generational party at which their parents and parents' friends were also attending. As the night drew on, Victoire mingled among all three groups, not minding much what others might think of her. She loved her extended family and welcomed the opportunity to let loose and revel in the (mostly positive) emotions that only a family celebration could bring with it. Besides, she wasn't one to care much what other's thought of her. Perhaps it went along with being something of a natural when it came to receiving the approval of others, but Victoire loved being herself rather than trying to be what anyone else though she should be. There was one exception to this rule however, especially as of late. Currently though, said exception was nowhere to be found, despite this being his party.

Teddy Lupin had graduated from Hogwarts and the Potters had thrown a graduation party to celebrate. What had originally been planned as a small affair had somehow spiraled out of control as friend after acquaintance after acquaintances' friends had somehow managed to get on the guest list (or shown up invitation or not). No one appeared to mind though as everyone seemed to be having a good time. This struck Victoire as a bit odd. How could everyone be getting on so well when the man of the hour was nowhere to be found? Finishing her third sweep around the residence with still no luck in finding Teddy, Victoire headed out into the spring night, past the small bonfire some teenagers were gathered around, and into the darkness. While she wasn't much of a tracker, she was Teddy's best friend. That had to count for something. Her feet traced the uphill path she and Teddy had walked countless times, up to the knoll that gave view of the small village nearby. A figure lay sprawled on the peak, gazing upward towards the shimmering night sky. Victoire quietly sat down next to him. Some time passed – Victoire couldn't say if it were seconds or minutes – before she rested her head upon his chest. They gazed up at the radiating stars above them, listening to the night's faint choir of crickets, frogs, and owls. Enjoying the night atmosphere and each other's presence, they basked in the silence that had set in between them. They'd spent sixteen years talking. Now they'd earned the right to savor the well-earned silence that exists between two people who completely know each other. A comfortable silence. One that speaks of two people being whole.

After what seemed like an age, Teddy began gently stroking her face, futilely trying to tuck the countless strands of her platinum blonde hair behind her ears. She laughed softly and turned her head ever so slightly. Just enough to stare into his stormy grey eyes. He met her gaze and held it. Another age seemed to pass as they stared at one another, their noses only inches away. Slowly, Teddy inched his lips toward hers. She closed her eyes and infinitesimally tilted her chin up to let her lips meet his. All was right in the world.

…

"That's it?" asked James, with a hint of incredulity in his voice.

"I'm not sure," responded Louis. "I couldn't exactly hear them say anything from my position that night."

"Which was?" James asked.

"Snogging Taylor in some bushes nearby" Roxanne casually supplied, not missing a beat.

"You snogged Taylor that night?" James' eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his head.

"Just accept you're clueless when it comes to anything relationship related, James," said Roxanne. "It will save us time having to explain everything to you, and you won't sound like such a twat."

"And," Roxanne continued, "as romantic as your tale was Louis, I have a verifiable Teditore story that predates yours. Let me tell you all about the final quidditch match at Hogwarts in Teddy's seventh year."