Getting a Clue by abok1972

I couldn't wipe the grin off of my face if I tried. My heart is literally bursting with pride and happiness. It's not every day that one of my good deeds results in a wedding, you know.

I mean, I have an excellent life. I have a wonderful family, doting parents and grandparents, and some might even say that I'm a bit privileged, because of the fact my family is quite famous since the war. I have lots of friends, and I'm quite popular at Hogwarts. People also look to me for all things elegant and fashionable. However, none of this mattered when I saw the joy on the bride and groom's faces. And the fact that I, Victoire Weasley, was responsible for that joy warmed me to my toes. (Which, I must say, were painted a very fetching shade of pink that complimented my light blue dress perfectly.)

"I now pronounce you bonded for life," says the wizened old wizard to Neville and Hannah. "You may kiss the bride."

Neville reaches over and gives Hannah a soft kiss on the lips- the crowd then bursts into applause. I hand Hannah's bouquet back to her as she and Neville walk back up the aisle and head toward the reception. I take Uncle Harry's proffered arm and we follow.

"What are you grinning at, Victoire?" says Harry, smiling at me. As if he didn't know.

"Oh, nothing. Just the fact that my matchmaking skills resulted in a wedding today, that's all." I smile happily as I look at Harry.

"Your matchmaking skills, huh?" says Harry, as we reach the end of the aisle.

"Yes of course!" I exclaim, as I watch the wedding marquee lift and enlarge as a dance floor appears below our feet. "It was my idea to set up Neville and Hannah, you know." I give him a smug smile.

I mean, it's so obvious how grateful Neville and Hannah are to me. They asked me to be the maid of honor, for Merlin's sake!

"Whatever you say, Victoire," says Harry with a grin, as Ginny, Ron, and Hermione walk over to join us.

"Victoire, you look beautiful," says Aunt Ginny, kissing my cheek.

"Yes, you get lovelier every time we see you," says Aunt Hermione, giving me a quick hug.

"Thank you so much," I say. "You two look lovely as well." And they do.

I smile at them. I do enjoy their compliments, as they haven't forgotten the importance of personal style in the wake of marriage and children. Aunt Ginny is still stunning, with her long red hair, and Aunt Hermione doesn't even look like she's had two children. The way some women let themselves go after marriage is atrocious.

"Don't you need a sweater or something?" says Uncle Ron, glancing around for any lurking boys.

I laugh. ”I'm fine, Uncle Ron." My dress, while strapless, is completely modest.

Ron grunts and mutters under his breath. My uncles are all extremely protective of me, their firstborn niece. I often wonder if any boy would ever be brave enough to take on all of the men in my life.

"Victoire, don't pay any attention to him; your dress is perfect just the way it is," assures Aunt Ginny. Aunt Hermione hurriedly leads Ron away, lecturing all the while.

"May I have your attention please?" somebody announces. I turn, and the bandleader, in sparkling silver robes, stands on a small stage at the front of the marquee. "It is my pleasure to introduce, for the first time, Neville and Hannah Longbottom!"

There is tremendous applause, and the band strikes up a slow song as Neville and Hannah make their way to the dance floor.

I eye them happily. What I had told Harry was completely true. I was the one who had arranged for Hannah, my former nanny, and Neville, Harry and Ron's friend, to meet. Well, for them to get re-acquainted, anyways. Neville and Hannah had been in the same year at Hogwarts, but it wasn't until they met up again a year ago that the sparks flew.

Hannah had worked as a nanny for my family since I was seven years old. When my younger siblings, Dominique and Louis, were five and three, our mother wanted to continue her work at Gringotts. Hannah was hired to watch us during the day, and sometimes even on evenings or weekends. Hannah also worked part-time at The Leaky Cauldron, and to everyone's astonishment except mine, bought the place outright when Louis went away to Hogwarts. I always knew she had a flair for business.

"Been saving your pennies, have you?" chuckled Dad, when Hannah announced her intention to take over the pub. We had all been lazing about in the garden after a congratulatory supper at Shell Cottage.

"Well, Bill, I have to do something with all that money you and Fleur paid me through the years, now don't I?" teased Hannah, right back at him. I was glad that Hannah was going to own her own business. I had worried what would happen to her once Louis went away to school with the rest of us. What would Hannah do without us?

"Oh, Hannah! I'm so excited for you!" I gushed when I heard the news. "Now, all you need is the perfect man..." I trailed off, lost in thought.

"Silly thing. I most certainly do not need a man to complete my happiness," Hannah replied, shaking her head at me. "Just because you want a boyfriend, doesn't mean I do."

"Of course you want a boyfriend, Hannah! You're not getting any younger, you know." I gave her a knowing look.

"Victoire! I'm thirty-three years old! I know that may seem ancient to your fifteen years, but I'm far from dead, thank you very much."

I knew that, but let's be frank here. Hannah wasn't getting any younger. She needed to find someone now. Someone worthy of the sweet and gentle person she was. I needed to make her see reason.

"I know you're not ancient or anything, but you need to act now, while you still have your looks," I explained, with a pat on Hannah's hand. "Oh, and I don't want a boyfriend. I have plenty of other distractions in my studies and my painting, plus watching out for Dom and Louis. Besides, who could ever measure up to my Dad and uncles?" I said sweetly, with a nod in Dad's direction.

I mean that, too. I don't think any boy could ever love me like Dad does. I really have no need for a boyfriend. Besides, all the boys at Hogwarts are incredibly immature, and they spend way too much time obsessing over Quidditch and staring at your chest when they're speaking to you. It really gets quite old.

Hannah laughed. "Well, you certainly have me there, sweetie. Your dad and uncles are wonderful." She looked at me seriously. "Don't worry about me, Victoire. I have a full life, a busy career, and surrogate children in you, your sister, and your brother. I'm fine." Hannah gave me a hug.

I knew better, though. Hannah needed someone. And it was up to me to save Hannah from ending up bitter and alone. Sweet Hannah Abbott, who was like a second mother and a big sister to me. I had to make sure she was happy. I made it my mission to find Hannah a man from that moment on.

But who? This was the tricky part, of course. How was I going to find someone for Hannah when I didn't know of any single men around her age? I decided I needed to investigate Uncle Harry's and Uncle Ron's friends. They were all the same age, after all. And I trust my uncles’ taste implicitly.

So, last year, when Harry mentioned that Neville was coming over for dinner, I managed to snag an invitation for myself and a "friend." I told my aunt and uncle I wanted to get to know the new Herbology professor better, (which was not a lie, because eww, I don't do well with dirt) but in reality, I knew that it was an opportunity for Hannah to meet (or re-meet, in this case) her perfect match. So, I invited Hannah to come with me to what she thought was an innocent dinner.

I wouldn't have immediately thought of Neville Longbottom for Hannah, but he was a war hero. And, he was also extremely good friends with my uncles. Plus, if things went well, Hannah would be at Hogwarts, at least some of the time, visiting her boyfriend/fiancée/husband. And that worked in my favor, as I adore Hannah and missed her terribly once she left us.

And sparks flew, I remembered. Hannah had been furious at first, knowing I had set her up, but relented as the evening at Harry and Ginny's wore on. She and Neville sat by one another at dinner and couldn't quit talking. And I couldn't help but be excited as my plan fell perfectly into place. By the end of that evening, Neville had asked Hannah out for the following week. Just like that.

Six months later, they were engaged.

It was then I realized that I had a gift for matchmaking. It really was amazing that I hadn't seen it before. I mean, I can always find the perfect accessories to go with any outfit, knowing instinctively which items belong together. I just have a natural talent for all things beautiful, so why shouldn't that include romance? Not for myself, of course. I’m meant to help others with their love lives. Have I mentioned how crass Hogwarts boys are?

"You look happy. Too happy. What've you done?"

I was startled out of my reverie by a voice that I would know anywhere.

Teddy Lupin, my incredibly good looking, incredibly annoying, somewhat surrogate brother, was smiling down at me. I smiled sweetly in return.

Oh, this would be fun. Teddy loved to give me a hard time about my so-called shallow behavior. It was sweet victory on my part to put him in his place by showing off my good deeds.

"Nothing, Teddy, just watching the newlyweds that I brought together," I said rather smugly, as I smoothed down the front of my dress. Other couples began joining the bride and groom on the dance floor as the song changed from a slow one to a quicker one.

"You brought together!" laughed Teddy, his blue eyes twinkling. Oh, here we go. "That was simply a lucky guess on your part. Not to mention that Hannah and Professor Longbottom have known one another for ages," he added, taking the last swig of butterbeer in his hand.

"For your information, Hannah was not interested in anyone until I orchestrated their meeting," I said, giving him a good glare. "If I hadn't seen to it, we may not have had a wedding today." Take that.

Teddy rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay. But I still say that if two people are supposed to be together, they'll figure it out, without help from anyone." He set his empty bottle down on a passing tray. "You really should mind your own business when it comes to others’ love lives, Victoire." He gave me a pointed look.

I rolled my eyes right back at him. "Can't you just enjoy yourself for once, Teddy? Look around." I motioned at the twinkling lights in the tent and the gorgeous moon outside. "It's a beautiful night. All of those non-judgmental people out there dancing are having a great time." Because of me, I wanted to add.

Teddy laughed. He was so confusing sometimes. "You're taking credit for that too, aren't you?" He laughed again when he saw my expression. What is he, a Legilimens now? "You are really something, Victoire."

"Oh, shut up, Lupin." I tried to give him my best glare, but I couldn't help but smile. I never could stay mad at Teddy for long.

Teddy was probably the only male in my life who was immune to my charms. I could never use my puppy dog eyes or pouty face on him. He would just tell me to suck it up and to quit trying to Veela him. (Which was stupid, because I was only one-eighth Veela, which was practically nothing!) Not that I use my looks to my advantage or anything. I may occasionally use my position as first born child and grandchild, but never my looks. Anyway, Teddy and I have the whole animosity thing down pat. He tends to think I’m a bit selfish and shallow, and I tend to think that he’s too serious and a bit self-righteous. But it works for us. And I have to say, I do respect Teddy for his convictions and high moral standards. I like to think he enjoys having me around too, at least to bring a bit of sparkle into his serious, goal-driven life. It’s a good balance, if I do say so myself.

"Come dance with me," I tell him, taking his hand and effectively changing the subject. "You're seventeen, not seventy-five, Teddy." I start to lead him out on the floor.

He stops me. "You know I don't dance, Victoire."

I do know this. However, I happen to love this song, and it's almost over. And I can't very well go out there alone! Teddy can sacrifice his precious pride for once. I tug on his hand again.

"Don't be such a baby. Just move around a little bit. You'll be fine." I flash him my brightest smile, which works better on him than my pouty face, I've learned.

Teddy grins, relenting, as I lead him out onto the dance floor. Success! Just as we reach an open space, the song changes back to a slow one.

Teddy clears his throat. I look at him expectantly. He sighs, and takes my waist in his other hand. We begin to dance. Quite well, I might add.

"Teddy Remus Lupin, you're a big fat liar," I tell him, as he spins me around, my light blue dress swirling between us. The boy can dance.

"I'm not a liar," he tells me, as we sway in time to the music. "I never said I couldn't dance, I just said I didn't dance. As in, it's not my favorite thing." He grins at me. I guess I can't argue with that.

I take the moment to take in his appearance for the wedding: navy dress robes, as well as his sandy brown hair with light blue tips that just happen match my dress. Teddy really does clean up quite nicely. He is one of the best looking boys at Hogwarts, after all.

"Nice to see you out of your black t-shirts and denims," I comment, moving my hand over his shoulder. "I didn't think you owned anything except school robes and Led Zeppelo concert t-shirts." I flick a piece of lint to the ground.

"Hey, no mocking of Led Zeppelin," he informs me, looking serious, but with mirth in his eyes.

Teddy has this fascination with 1970's era Muggle rock music. He has these record albums that he plays on this odd Muggle contraption called a record player; one that he charmed to work. Before she passed away last year, his Gran used to be driven mad by all of the loud music coming from his room.

One of my favorite memories of her is when she was yelling at Teddy. "Turn that Muggle rubbish down! Merlin, as if you could actually buy a 'Stairway to Heaven'!" I grin at the thought of Andromeda, and suspect it was she who taught Teddy to dance.

Not wanting to sadden Teddy, I don't mention his Gran. "I'm not mocking." I pull a hurt face. "I'm actually trying to give you a compliment. Your hair even coordinates." I point down to my light blue bridesmaid's dress.

Teddy grins. "Oh well. Turquoise was out of the question. I didn't want to hear about the fact that my hair clashed with the wedding colors."

I know he’s making reference to the fact that I tend to comment on what people are wearing. I can't help it. I just feel you should always strive to look your best. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Teddy smirks at me as he continues. "So, thank you, Victoire. A compliment means a lot, especially from you." He twirls me again. "And you don't look so bad yourself."

"Thank you, Teddy," I say, feeling strangely pleased by his compliment.

The song ends, and Teddy and I clap politely for the band, who is taking a short break. We walk over and sit at a vacant table, look at our empty plates and mutter, 'Wedding Cake'. A slice appears on each of our plates, and to our surprise, some sparkling champagne in tall flutes.

We clink our glasses to our underage good fortune. "Cheers," we both say.

"So," says Teddy, digging in to his cake, "are you off to France?"

"Yes," I say, taking a sip of the champagne. "I leave next week for a month. It's going to be fabulous." My Aunt Gabrielle had given me a trip to Paris with her for my birthday. She’s going to take me to some Muggle art museums to help inspire me. I adore painting.

"You know, for my sixteenth birthday, I think I got some books and Chocolate Frogs. Nobody whisked me away to France." He smirks at me over his champagne glass. He gets such joy in teasing me.

"Like you would have even wanted to go, Teddy. Paris is about culture and fashion, two things you care nothing about," I tease him back.

That’s not exactly true. Teddy is one of the few boys at Hogwarts who cares about things like manners, art, and literature. He wants to be a lawyer though, so he can help the less fortunate. Not very glamorous, but noble, I suppose.

"Well, don't forget to owl, in between sunning and shopping," he says, as he downs his champagne quickly, and motions for me to do the same. Harry and Ginny are approaching. They’ve been Teddy's legal guardians since Andromeda passed.

"Well, only because you're like the older brother I never had or wanted," I say cheekily, as I give Teddy a smile.

"That hurts, Victoire," Teddy says laughing, as he gets up from the table to meet Harry and Ginny. "Have a great time, and I'll see you on the Hogwarts Express when you get back," he says sincerely, giving my bare shoulder a squeeze.

"Thanks, Teddy." I smile up at him. Even if he is annoying sometimes, I do count him as a friend.

As they walk away from the table, I again take in the scene around me, feeling very pleased with the fact that my good deed has given Hannah so much happiness. I resolve to not let my gift for beauty and matchmaking go unused when I return to Hogwarts. Who better to receive my help than my friends, right?

Thanks to Winged Talon for the beta!