Happy Birthday, Victoire by abok1972

At 11:55, on the night before Victoire’s seventeenth birthday, she pulled her covers off and climbed out of bed. She put a sweatshirt on over her pajamas and laced up her trainers quickly after searching unsuccessfully for her dressing gown and slippers in her dark room.

She quietly shut her door, making sure she had her wand, and made her way down the stairs, through the common room and out the portrait hole.

“Lumos,” she whispered, as she walked quickly through the dark and deserted castle, holding her wand aloft. She finally found herself outside, sitting on the ground near the banks of the lake. She extinguished her wand; the moon reflecting on the water giving her just enough light. She breathed in the fresh air, hoping that it would bring some clarity to her thoughts.

Her mind seemed to be working overtime lately and she couldn’t relax enough to fall asleep. She hoped she could focus tomorrow, as she and the other sixth years would be going into Hogsmeade to take their Apparition test. Since Victoire turned seventeen tomorrow, she barely even qualified to get an Apparition license.

However, Apparition was not what was on her mind.

It was Teddy.

Teddy was finishing Hogwarts in a matter of weeks and would be leaving immediately for Auror training. Trainees were not allowed any outside contact for the first three months of their instruction.

No owl post, no visits, nothing at all.

Then when training was over, Teddy would be assigned somewhere. And Victoire would be coming back to Hogwarts for her seventh year. Without him.

The idea of not having daily contact with Teddy shook Victoire to the core. She had realised in some ways, she was still the same eleven year old girl who feared losing her best friend when he went away to school.

Except now, Teddy was much more than her friend. At least in her mind.

Victoire had been battling an internal struggle for months. She loved Teddy. She was in love with Teddy. No one meant more to her, no one’s opinion mattered more, and no one could ever make her feel the way Teddy did.

She had dated other boys. Sam McGuiness had been her boyfriend for over a year, and Victoire had felt very strongly about him at one time. But not the way she felt about Teddy.

And now, how could she possibly let him go without telling him her true feelings?

*

When she and Sam broke up at the beginning of the school year, Victoire had been upset. As a first boyfriend, Sam had been wonderful. He was thoughtful, kind, and gorgeous to boot.

They had dated from the very end of her fourth year, to the first month of her sixth year, so no one could believe it when they split up.

"Hey," Maggie soothed as Victoire cried, "what happened?" The girls sat on Victoire's four poster, the duvet littered with tissues.

"We broke up, obviously," said Victoire, sniffling.

"Yes, hon, I gathered that," said Maggie, as she rubbed Victoire's back. "Why did you break up?"

Victoire didn't know if she could even explain it. One minute, she and Sam were at a prefects meeting, and the next, they had decided that it was best to go their separate ways. It was a friendly, amicable split. They had even hugged when it was over, for Merlin's sake.

"Well," began Victoire, wiping her eyes, "we just decided that things between us had really changed. The spark was gone, I guess. And this is a busy year for him, with his N.E.W.T.s and everything, so he really needs to focus on that."

Maggie shifted her position on the bed. "So, let me get this straight. The two of you broke up so you wouldn't distract him from his N.E.W.T.s? she asked incredulously. "That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

Victoire leaned against the headboard. "There was more to it than that, Maggie. We just didn't feel the same about each other anymore, I guess. We both knew it was time to move on." Victoire wrapped a tissue around her fingers.

"So it was mutual then?"

"Yes," said Victoire, then she burst into tears again.

"But you're still going to miss him, huh?" said Maggie, as she moved to put her arm around Victoire again.

Victoire nodded through her tears. She would miss Sam. But there, in the back of her mind, was the other reason she was crying.

Teddy.

She had to come to terms with her feelings for Teddy, once and for all. No more hiding behind a boyfriend, or a potential boyfriend. It was time to really be honest with herself.

And there was nothing scarier than that.

*

Victoire pulled her sweatshirt over her knees in an attempt to warm up a bit. The ground was cold underneath her and not very comfortable. She slipped the ends of the sleeves over her cold hands and brought them up to her face.

Teddy. She could smell him all over this sweatshirt. It was his, after all. He had given it to a shivering Victoire at the final Quidditch match of the season. Victoire inhaled deeply, and sighed.

When she smelled the sea, peanut butter pancakes, and the warm, spicy scent of Teddy in Amortentia this year, Victoire hadn't been surprised. If anything, it just confirmed to her, again, that she was attracted to her best friend, and if she were being truly honest, she had been attracted to him for quite awhile.

She thought back to her fifteenth birthday, when Teddy gave her a big speech about boys and then hugged her and kissed her temple. He didn't know, of course, but that moment had left her reeling for days.

She remembered how confused she had felt. Here, she had accepted a date with Sam, whom she had been crushing on for months, but one touch from Teddy had made her question if Sam was what she even wanted.

All questions had been answered soon enough, when Teddy acted as if nothing had happened between them. He treated her the same as always, except for an occasional glance that always seemed to last a little bit too long.

Victoire had reasoned that everything she felt on her birthday must have happened in her mind, only. Teddy was just giving her a friendly hug and a brotherly kiss; he didn't mean anything by it.

So she had gone on that first date with Sam, which led to another, which eventually led to a serious relationship. She put the incident with Teddy in the back of her mind. He was still with Kate, and she was moving forward with Sam.

Victoire's and Sam's relationship began at a snail's pace, really. They had their first date, then owled one another over the summer. She even went to see him a few times, under the guise of visiting Caroline. Her parents didn't need to know everything, after all.

They didn't even kiss until they returned to Hogwarts last year, Victoire's fifth, and Sam's sixth.

They were coming back from the library one evening, talking about how much Victoire had improved in Potions.

"You know," said Victoire as they walked, "it's all thanks to you that I didn't end up in Remedial Potions." She smiled brightly at him.

"I can't take all the credit," Sam smiled back at her. "You're a hard worker, Victoire. Menchke said she's never seen anyone improve the way you have." They turned the corner.

"Well, my entire career choice hinges on my Potions grade," she said seriously, then she brightened. "I guess that means I owe you my future, huh?" She lightly touched his shoulder and tossed him a flirty smile.

Sam chuckled. "Well, I won't take your firstborn or anything, but there is something you can give me."

At that, he stopped abruptly and pulled Victoire into a darkened corner of the hall. He took her face in his hands, and kissed her.

At first it was awkward, as first kisses usually are, but Victoire soon found herself getting lost in the feeling of Sam's mouth on hers. He deepened the kiss, and pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. She clutched his shoulders and held on tight.

Things were heating up rather nicely when they heard someone clear their throat.

"Ahem." They broke apart hastily.

Danny and Teddy were standing in front of them. Danny looked amused, a big grin on his face, but Teddy looked... stunned.

"Sooo, Shorty," said Danny, with a smirk, "did you lose something in there?" He started laughing and looked over at Teddy.

Teddy, who wasn't laughing, or even smiling, handed Victoire an envelope.

"This came for you at dinner," he said quietly, not meeting her eyes. "Let's go, Dan."

Victoire watched Teddy and Danny walk away, with Danny still chuckling. She was embarrassed, sure, but she'd seen Teddy and Kate kiss last year, so what was the big deal? Teddy looked at her as if she'd done something wrong.

She turned to Sam, her cheeks pink.

"Sorry, Victoire," said Sam, sheepishly. "I mean, I'm not sorry we kissed, but I wasn't planning on an audience." He grinned at her.

"It's okay, Sam," she said with a shy smile. "I'm not sorry either."

As he walked her back to the portrait hole, she officially became his girlfriend.

*

Very soon after that, Kate and Teddy broke up. Apparently they had been arguing quite a bit, at least according to Maggie (who was always in the know), but still, Victoire was surprised.

She had run into a crying Kate in the girls loo.

"Oh, Kate, what's wrong?" Victoire searched her bag for a tissue.

Kate leaned against the sink as her tears fell. "Teddy and I broke up, Victoire," she choked out.

Victoire's eyes widened.

"I know," Kate continued, "I can't believe it myself. We've just not been getting along, and he seems all distracted lately. He ended it." Kate took the tissue from Victoire and wiped her eyes.

"I'm sorry," she told Kate sincerely.

"I'll be okay. I'm leaving Hogwarts after this year anyway, so it's probably for the best." Kate stood up straight and wiped the last of the tears from her eyes. "I'll be fine. It's just-" Kate paused, as if searching for the right words.

"What?" asked Victoire, puzzled.

"I think there may be another girl," she finished. "I mean, I don't think he cheated or anything. He just seems so distant." Kate gave her a slight shrug and adjusted her bag.

Victoire shook her head as she looked at the older girl. "I don't think so, Kate. We're pretty close, and he never mentioned anyone to me."

Kate considered this and sighed. "Well, maybe not then. It's just a feeling I have." She reached over and gave Victoire a quick hug. "Good luck with Sam, sweetie. You two are so cute together."

"Thanks, Kate." Victoire watched as Kate left, wondering if she had missed something. Did Teddy have feelings for someone else?

*

Kate had been wrong, though. There was no other girl. Teddy hadn't dated anyone seriously since then, which was over eighteen months ago.

All of fifth year, when Victoire was with Sam, Teddy remained single. Not for a lack of girls trying, thought Victoire with a grimace. He just wasn't interested. Instead, he put all of his focus into his schoolwork, particularly Transfiguration and Defense.

She knew he felt very strongly about becoming an Auror. The loss of his parents planted a desire deep within him to eradicate those who embraced Dark Magic. She admired him even more for his conviction.

Teddy never said anything to her about the fact that he caught her and Sam kissing, which relieved Victoire. That would have been an embarrassing discussion, she was sure. She would sense him sometimes though, watching them as they studied, or narrowing his eyes a bit at Sam. She knew it was just his over-protectiveness kicking in, so she always overlooked it. He had made it perfectly clear after her fifteenth birthday that Victoire was only his friend, nothing more.

She definitely felt like Teddy had kept his distance from her while she dated Sam. They didn't spend nearly as much time together, and he always seemed to tense up if she so much as brushed up against him. She hated that his brotherly concern got in the way of their friendship.

So when she and Sam broke up at the beginning of this school year, Victoire thought things would be better between her and Teddy.

And they were. At first.

They would stay up late in the common room studying, then just talking about their shared past, laughing about childhood memories. Or sometimes they would talk about the future; Teddy's dreams of becoming an Auror, and Victoire's desire to be a Healer that specialized in delivering babies.

Then they would sneak into the kitchens and the house-elves would bring them their favorite foods. Sometimes they would even bring Victoire's cousin James with them, as he looked up to Teddy so much, and had been quite homesick as a first year. By now, they had been there so often that when the house-elves saw Teddy they would automatically bring out chocolate chip pancakes for him, and peanut butter ones for Victoire.

Things between them were natural and easy. She remembered how she loved being with Teddy when she was a child, as he always put her at ease. That hadn't changed. They could talk about anything, and no one could make her laugh harder. Victoire was selfishly glad that Teddy wasn't dating anyone; it was nice to have him all to herself. She looked forward to the time they spent together more and more, trying to suppress a part of her that noticed how incredibly attractive Teddy was. His eyes were a sparkling blue, his shoulders were broad, and he had the widest, most genuine smile Victoire had ever seen. She didn't know what to make of the stomach flutters that crept up whenever he got close to her.

It wasn't until the Christmas holidays that Victoire was no longer able to deny her feelings. She and Teddy had gone to Harry and Ginny's to baby-sit on New Year's Eve. They had a great time with the kids; Teddy playing Exploding Snap and chess with James and Al, and Victoire plaiting Lily's hair and letting her return the favor.

"Nice look, Vic," Teddy teased, as Lily put Victoire's hair into pigtails that matched her own.

"Now we're twins!" said Lily excitedly, holding up a mirror to Victoire.

"You're right Lily. We could be twins!" she smiled at her. Victoire got the feeling that Lily got tired of only having her brothers around.

"Don't we look beautiful, Teddy?" Lily continued, bouncing up and down.

"Oh yes, definitely," said Teddy nodding seriously, his voice laced with laughter as he watched Lily. He turned to Victoire, holding her eyes for a moment. Then he said seriously, "Very beautiful."

Victoire stared at Teddy, feeling herself blush. Teddy looked away and cleared his throat, shifting his attention back to the kids. "All right, you three. Time for bed."

Victoire shook herself out of her daze. While Teddy took the kids upstairs amid protests, she cleaned up the kitchen, along with the stray cards and hair elastics that were scattered around the sitting room. She flopped herself down on the sofa, and tried not to think about the look Teddy had given her.

The next thing she knew, Teddy was leaning over her on the couch, gently shaking her awake.

"Vic, it's nearly midnight," he whispered. "You told me to wake you up so you could Floo home." Teddy stood, while Victoire sat up sleepily.

"Thanks for helping me tonight," he said, as Victoire gathered her bag and walked to the fireplace.

"No big deal," she replied, suppressing a yawn. The mantel clock struck midnight with a loud chime. Victoire jumped.

"Easy, there," said Teddy with a chuckle, as he steadied her. Victoire had looked up to thank him, when he leaned over and gave her the lightest, softest kiss, barely brushing his lips against hers.

"Happy new year, Vic," he said quietly, pulling away.

Victoire stared at him.

"A kiss for luck," he said softly, by way of explanation. He tucked a stray hair behind her ear as he gave her a gentle smile.

"Yes, right. Of course," said Victoire, trying to laugh, but it came out rather choked. "Happy New Year, Teddy." She stepped into the fireplace quickly, grateful for the darkness that hid her blush. She had to get out of there.

Arriving at Shell Cottage, breathing heavily, Victoire came to a realization. The feelings she thought she could fight, the ones she had buried since she was fifteen, and maybe even before that, were stronger than ever.

She was in love with her best friend.

*

Victoire looked out over the dark water. The moon was full and bright tonight, giving everything around a sort of ethereal glow. There was light flickering in a few windows of the castle, as the house-elves began their preparation for the upcoming day.

It was getting late. Victoire knew she needed to get some sleep or she would fail her Apparition test. Teddy had learned to Apparate last year. He, of course, passed with flying colors.

He'd even taken her side-along a few times this year. It always gave her a small thrill to take his hand or his arm as he turned to Apparate. He was so focused, so determined when he Apparated, and always made sure that Victoire was okay before she let him go.

"Can't have you splinched, now can I?" he'd say with a grin.

I'm so pathetic, thought Victoire. Even the smallest touch or gesture from Teddy these days sent her reeling. She felt an electric charge when he walked into a room. Her eyes couldn't help but follow him wherever he went. She thought about his New Year's kiss constantly, daydreaming that she would get the chance to kiss him again.

Maggie and Caroline would shake their heads at her as she stared at Teddy in the common room. Or the Great Hall. Or the library.

"Just tell him, Vic," Maggie urged.

"I can't!"

"You know, he may even feel the same," said Caroline, giving Maggie a meaningful look.

"What if he doesn't? What if he laughs? Our friendship would be ruined," Victoire protested. "It's not worth it."

"Victoire. Teddy adores you. Haven't you seen the way he looks at you? He would never laugh, no matter what," said Maggie seriously.

"And," continued Caroline, "it is worth it. You need to take a chance, Vic." Caroline looked at her sincerely. "There's a reason Sam wasn't the right one for you."

Victoire gave her a grateful smile. She had wondered if any of this would be hurtful to Caroline, Sam's sister.

"Besides," said Maggie cheekily, "taking a chance can pay off sometimes. Look at me and Donnelly." She grinned knowingly at Victoire.

Maggie had finally relented a few months ago and gone out with Danny just to get him off her back. To everyone's surprise, including her own, she had a great time. They'd been an item ever since.

"Okay, okay," smiled Victoire. "You have a point, there." She looked at her two friends. "I'll try and tell him. I just want the timing to be right."

*

That had been a month ago. Now here she sat, trying to figure out how she would tell Teddy that she loved him. She knew one thing for sure. It won't be tonight. Maybe tomorrow, after the Apparition test was over. She yawned and stretched, then stood up.

She was brushing off her pajama bottoms where she had sat in the grass, when she saw a light approaching. She quickly grabbed her wand and spun around.

"What are you doing out here, Victoire?"

She'd know that voice anywhere.

Victoire lowered her wand.

"Teddy," she said, as he came to stand in front of her, "what are you doing out here?"

"I believe I asked you first," Teddy retorted. "It's late, Vic. You shouldn't be out here alone."

Victoire was about to reply when she noticed how Teddy was glaring at her. He looked...angry.

"Are you mad at me?" she asked, surprised.

"Bloody hell, Victoire! It's past midnight. I was looking on the Map and noticed you weren't in your room. I was worried." Teddy shook his head at her angrily and ran his hand through his hair.

"Why were you looking at the Map?" asked Victoire, curious.

Uncle Harry had given Teddy the Marauders Map in his third year. Teddy, Danny, and even Maggie and Victoire had used it to have fun and avoid trouble. The others had been really impressed when a proud Teddy explained that his dad was one of the Map's creators.

"That doesn't matter," said Teddy, frustrated. His tone softened. "Are you okay?"

Victoire looked into Teddy's concerned face. Her eyes swept over his familiar features- his blue eyes with long lashes, his strong jaw, his full lips. Victoire longed to touch his cheek, which had a slight stubble. She suppressed a sigh.

She knew she had to tell him. Now.

"Teddy, I'm fine. I just..I couldn't sleep. I needed to get out of there and think." Victoire laid her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry I worried you." Did his arm just flinch, or was that my imagination?

Teddy sighed and let out a breath. "I'm sorry too. I just didn't know where you were." He shoved his hands into his pockets. He looked at her for a long moment. "So, what were you out here thinking about?"

Victoire sat back down, and motioned Teddy to join her. He sat down beside her and looked at her, his eyes concerned.

Victoire looked out at the lake. She couldn't look at Teddy just yet. "I was thinking about you, Teddy. You and me."

"Me?" Teddy sounded surprised.

Victoire smiled. "We've been friends a long time. There's hardly a memory I have that you're not a part of."

Teddy grinned. "Remember the frog that peed all over me?"

Victoire giggled in spite of herself. "Oh yes. How could I forget that? I even have a picture to remind me." She chanced a glance at Teddy who was looking at her, a small smile playing at his lips.

"We have a lot of good memories, huh?" He nudged her shoulder with his.

Victoire smiled softly. "Yes, we do." She looked back over the lake. "That's why I'm out here, Teddy. It's my seventeenth birthday and I'm as scared and confused about you as I was when I was eleven."

"What?"

"It's just...you're leaving soon. I won't see or hear from you for months," said Victoire, as she picked at the grass next to her. "It's like when you first went away to Hogwarts. I just..I'm really going to miss you." I'm afraid of losing you.

"Victoire-" Teddy began.

"No. I'm not finished." She continued to stare straight ahead. She knew if she looked at Teddy, she would lose her nerve.

"When you finish your training, you'll be assigned Merlin knows where, and I'll be back here. Without you." Victoire felt her eyes fill. "I just can't believe that we're grown up-- that you won't be in my life every day."

"Victoire, you know that my decision to be an Auror was not one I made lightly," Teddy broke in gently. "In fact," he continued, as he followed her gaze out over the water, "the only thing that ever made me think twice about it was the thought of being assigned far from you."

Victoire turned her head and stared at him for a moment. His face was concerned and his eyes were sincere. She blinked back her tears.

"I've known you my whole life, Vic," Teddy continued quietly. "I don't want to be away from you."

Touched, Victoire took Teddy's hand. "Teddy," she said softly, "for me...it's more than just being separated from you. I- I need you to know something." She looked at their clasped hands. It was now or never.

She took a deep breath. "I...I'm in love with you. I have been for awhile now. And I...," Victoire bravely met his stunned gaze, "I need you to know how I feel before you leave. I don't want to hide from it anymore. I don't want to be afraid that it might change everything anymore. I just want to be honest with you, ... my best friend." She ended her speech in a whisper.

Victoire held his stare. She felt a tear slip out of her eye, but didn't break eye contact.

He reached over and caught the stray tear with his thumb, his hand cupping her cheek.

Victoire sighed, and leaned into his touch. She just couldn't help herself, after holding herself in check all year long.

Teddy looked at her with both tenderness and intensity in his eyes. "God, Vic, you have no idea... your friendship has meant so much to me for so long..." He looked at her in disbelief and amazement. "And I ...well somewhere along the way I fell in love with you, too." He chuckled lightly, not believing his good fortune as his knuckles brushed her cheek. "It's been so hard to only be your friend this last year. Hell, even before that. When you were with McGuiness, it damn near killed me."

What? Victoire couldn't believe what she was hearing. Teddy loved her? And by the sound of things, he'd loved her for awhile. It was like some kind of dream.

She felt him move closer to her and wrap his arm around her.

Teddy turned his head to look at her. Their faces were very close. He swallowed.

Victoire breathed in his scent, the very same one that was in her Amortentia and in the sweatshirt she was currently wearing.

"Teddy?" Victoire's voice caught as she looked at his lips.

"Hmm?" Teddy answered, as he traced Victoire's jaw line with his finger.

"You know what nearly killed me?" said Victoire breathlessly, turning her body slightly toward his.

"What?" said Teddy, his gaze moving to her mouth.

"New Year's Eve," said Victoire, her breath on his lips, "and this." She moved forward and as softly and as gently as she could, she brushed her lips against his, mimicking their New Year's kiss.

Teddy responded immediately, kissing her back, prolonging it by moving his lips softly and slowly over hers.

Victoire placed her arms around his neck, and ran her fingers through the hair curling at his collar. It was as soft as she had always imagined.

She felt his mouth sliding hers open, and had to hold on tight as their kiss deepened. She made a small noise in the back of her throat, which elicited a groan from Teddy.

Teddy kissed her slowly and languidly, and Victoire felt the emotion swell inside her as their mouths moved in unison. His hands moved from her face, to her hair, running them slowly down her sides before finally settling at her waist.

When they broke apart, they rested their foreheads together, their eyes still closed.

Victoire brought her hand to the side of Teddy's face. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," she said softly.

"And you have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," replied Teddy with a small smile. His eyes ran all over her face. "God, you're so beautiful," he murmured.

Victoire could feel her face heat up, and Teddy chuckled. "What? You are. And I've always thought so, even when I was too young and stupid to tell you." He grinned at her, then leaned in and kissed her again, wrapping her up in his arms.

Victoire felt her stomach flip with those familiar butterflies as Teddy kissed her over and over. She couldn't believe this was actually happening. Finally, she pulled back, looking at him seriously.

"So," said Victoire, brushing a lock of hair off of Teddy's forehead, "what now? You're leaving soon."

"Yes, I am," Teddy replied matter-of-factly, taking her hand and kissing her palm.

"And?"

Teddy looked her in the eyes. "Yes. I'm leaving. A fact that is making me crazy at the moment." Teddy sighed as he gazed at Victoire. "But this," he motioned between them with his free hand, "is something I plan on coming back to every free moment I have. You're not getting rid of me now." She saw his eyes twinkle before he leaned over and began to gently kiss her neck, up to her ear, and ending with a soft kiss to her cheek.

Victoire shivered. "Teddy?" she smiled up at him.

"Yes?"

"I love you." It felt so good to say it at last.

"I love you, too, Victoire." Teddy grinned back at her.

He stood, offered her his hand, and pulled her to her feet. They held hands as they walked back to the castle.

"So, why did you have the Map out tonight?" asked Victoire, as they walked.

"Truthfully?"

Victoire nodded.

"I check the Map every night just to make sure you're safe and sound." He looked slightly embarrassed.

Victoire stopped. "Seriously?"

Teddy looked sheepish as he replied, "Well, yeah. I have ever since that Slytherin bastard tried to mess with you a few years ago. I can't sleep unless I know that you're all right."

Touched, Victoire reached up and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," said Teddy, grinning.

*

When they slipped back into the castle, they heard a clock chime.

Victoire groaned. "Is it three in the morning? I am so going to fail my Apparition test." She smiled at Teddy. It was worth it.

"Nah," he said, tugging her hand in the direction of the kitchens. "All you need is a good breakfast."

When they walked into the kitchens, Teddy whispered something to the house-elves.

"What are you doing?" Victoire asked. Teddy just grinned.

He gave her a wink as the house-elves appeared carrying a large stack of peanut butter pancakes and two forks. There were seventeen brightly lit birthday candles on the pancakes.

Victoire laughed at the glowing plate of pancakes. "How did they manage to make all those fit?" She looked at Teddy incredulously as they hoisted themselves up to sit on one of the counters. The house-elves set the plate in between them.

"Happy birthday, Victoire," said Teddy, smiling softly as he looked at her. He nodded at the candles in between them. "Make a wish."

Victoire looked at Teddy, his eyes twinkling in the candlelight; his face framed by his sandy hair tipped with blue. The face of her best friend. The face of someone who was so much more.

She looked into his eyes and said shyly, "It already came true."

Teddy leaned forward slowly, meeting Victoire halfway, giving her a perfect birthday kiss. Victoire sighed and kissed him back. She was sure that this was the best birthday present she ever received.

______________________________________________________________________________

A/N: Another long chapter that took tons of editing! It's also unbeta'd, so all mistakes are mine. I hope it's not too confusing with all of the flashbacks. Also, I must tip my hat to John Hughes for my 'Sixteen Candles' inspired ending!

Please review...I appreciate it so much!