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A Proposal Among Family | ||||
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Category: Holidays, Post-DH/PM Characters:Harry/Ginny, Hermione Granger, Other, Ron Weasley, Teddy Lupin, Victoire Weasley Genres: Comedy, Fluff, Humor, Romance Warnings: Mild Language Story is Complete Rating: PG Reviews: 3 Summary: One-shot. In which Teddy wants to propose to Victoire at Christmas Eve but doesn’t know how. Luckily he can always count on his family for help. Hitcount: Story Total: 1790 Awards: View Trophy Room Disclaimer: Harry Potter Publishing Rights ? J.K.R. Note the opinions in this story are my own and in no way represent the owners of this site. This story subject to copyright law under transformative use. No compensation is made for this work. Author's Notes: A/N.: I’ll be quick. It’s Teddy’s pov but involves a lot of the Potter/Weasley family. I apologize already for my attempt at Fleurs’accent. I don’t mean to offend anyone, but it’s bad. This is supposed to be light and sweet. I hope you read it, enjoy it, review if you can, and happy holidays! |
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The Ministry passed me by in a blur of people and offices as I made my way to the Auror Department. I already knew my way by heart to this particular department at this point but that didn’t stop me from colliding with two people already on the way there. My mind wasn’t on anything external anyway. It was instead on Vic and on the ring in my pocket. I thought that choosing the ring would be the hardest thing I’d have to do when I decided to propose. Deciding if I would propose took no effort at all. I’d known that since the moment I first kissed her under a mistletoe, hidden away from our family. The ‘when’ turned out to be easy as well. Christmas was the time everything changed for us. That, and Vic absolutely loved Christmas. She bloomed when she was surrounded by the whole family. The reason for my current distressed walk through the Ministry was: I had no idea how I would ask the question .Should I do it just the two of us or during the gifts’ exchange at the Burrow? Was I supposed to kneel? Because I’m not positive I wouldn’t fall butt down to the floor. That’s why I needed advice and went straight to my godfather’s office. The witch at the front desk recognized me immediately and smiled at me. “I’ll tell him you’re here,” she said, and walked to his door that read ‘Head Auror Potter’. “Mr. Potter, it’s a family visit,” she opened the door a little and said. Then gestured for me to follow through. I found Harry scrambling with a pile of parchment, that seemed to be partly on his desk and partly on the floor. In the air, was his old Golden Snitch batting its wings. He was picking the parchments on the floor. “I’m almost done with the reports, Hermione. The pile was way bigger when I started,” he spluttered. I smirked and leaned against the wall. It was evident Harry still refused to take Aunt Hermione’s advice on organization. He planted the parchments on the desk and looked at me. “Oh, it’s you, Teddy.” “Sorry, I can see you were deep at work.” He glared at me. “Smart ass.” I laughed. “Anyway, I came here to ask for your advice, actually.” “Of course, Ted. Take a seat. You know you can ask me anything,” he gestured to one of the armchairs in front of his desk as he leaned against his own. “Well, the thing is, I’m finally going to propose.” He raised his eyebrows. “Vic is finished with the healer training this year and we’ve settled into the new apartment. So I think it’s time,” I continued, trying to sound confident. “Wow, that’s…wonderful!,” he said, grinning. “When are you going to do it?” “At Christmas’ Eve.” “That’s great, son. I’m sure the whole family will be very happy for you two,” he reached out over the desk and squeezed my shoulder. “Yeah, but here’s the thing. I’m not sure how I should do it. I want it to be perfect and I thought maybe you could give me some ideas.” “Well, Ted, I’d love to help you. But I’m afraid I’m pretty bad about giving love advice,” he said apologetically. I noticed he seemed to be blushing a little. “Well, I know that.” And I remembered clearly some pretty useles talks we had about dating during Hogwarts. “But you proposed once, didn’t you?” I asked him. “Maybe you could tell me how you did it.” After that, I was sure he was blushing. He was avoiding my gaze and righting the parchments on his desk unnecessarily. “I don’t think it would be helpful. Maybe you could ask your Uncle George. He’s good at this sort of thing.” “What’s the matter?” I said ,feeling suspicious. He was acting really strangely. “Was Ginny the one who proposed? You always told everyone it had been you!” “It was me,” he said quickly. “So?” I asked. Harry looked at his watch and got up. “Ted, it was great seeing you. But I do have a meeting in five minutes, so I’m afraid you have to go,” he placed a hand on my shoulder and led me to the door. “What? Harry!” “I’m sure it’ll all work out. I’ll see you soon.” And, at that, he shut the door behind me. At Potter’s Cottage, Ginny couldn’t stop laughing. She had tears in the corners of her eyes and was leaning against the door after I told her what had happened at the Auror’s office. “I don’t get it,” I said. “Oh, Teddy,” she touched my face. “I’m so happy for you, sweetie. And don’t take it personally. Your godfather was just embarrassed to tell you.” “Why?” “Well, because he proposed to me in bed. After sex.” “What?” I spluttered. “Yes,” she laughed some more. “In his defense, it was a very special night. We’d just attended the Quidditch Awards Ceremony and he was wearing a black suit that made him look delicious. He couldn’t keep his eyes off me too. There was such a tension, we just wanted to get home. And after we apparated to his apartment…” “Augh please, please stop!” I clutched my ears like a five year old. “I don’t need to hear the details. I’m leaving. Love you, bye,” I called as I scrambled to the front door. That’s how I found myself in the backdown of WWW asking George for advice. Half of his left eyebrow wasn’t there and he had soot over his face. So, I was already questioning my decision. “Teddy Bear is finally tying the knot, eh? Well, my dear nephew. I’ll tell you how you should propose. Listen carefully,” he said flamboyantly. Through the door I could hear a noise that sounded like an explosion and children’s cries, but Uncle George didn’t bat an eye and continued on. “The secret is in the surprise. You have to do it unexpectedly. She can’t see it coming.” “And how do you suggest that?” “First, take her outside. Then, give her an instant blooming flower.” I opened my mouth to ask but he predicted my question. “These special flowers go from seedlings to true form in seconds. They can be bought at this wonderful establishment, but, as a part of the family, you can acquire them for free. Anyway, as I was saying, inside that you put the ring and disillusion it. And when she touches the flower, it will bloom and you, my dear nephew-“ “Will reveal the ring.” “Exactly!” he grinned. “Uncle George, I don’t think that Vic would-” “Shh,” he placed a finger in front of my mouth. “Just hear me out.” I was just nodding my head at that point. “Your beautiful lady will be completely surprised, and, just when she’s starting to get tears in her eyes, BOOM,” he mimicked an explosion pretty loudly. I admit I jumped a bit. “Fireworks start going off in the sky with the words Will you marry me?” he gestured grandly with his hands. “The best fireworks, you can find here too. And, by that point, she’ll be completely amazed.” I was just about to find something to say to that, when I heard another voice. “George, what kind of prank are you teaching to the kids now?” aunt Angelina said sternly as she walked down the stairs of the apartment above the shop. “It isn’t a prank, my darling. And he isn’t a kid anymore. So much so, that out little Teddy Bear is going to propose this Christmas,” he answered, grinning. “Oh, Teddy, really?” Aunt Angelina gave me a hug as I nodded. “And what were you telling him exactly?” she turned to Uncle George. “Just giving him a special idea, that involves a flower and some fireworks,” he said smugly. “Oh, dear. That won’t work at all,” she frowned. “Why?” uncle George said, appalled. “That’s what I’ve been trying to say. Victoire hates pranks,” I said. “She does?” he made a face like a sad puppy “And, besides, that wasn’t the best idea,” Angelina pointed out. “That’s how I proposed to you!” “And I figured it out the moment you gave me the flower,” aunt Angelina raised an eyebrow. “And that, Teddy, is how I was sure she was the one,” uncle George said as he put his arm around aunt Angelina’s shoulders. She melted in his embrace and looked at him lovingly. That’s when I knew it was time for me to leave. At the Burrow, grandma Molly and grandpa Arthur weren’t very helpful either. “I’m sorry to disappoint you son, but there wasn’t a proper proposal,” Arthur told me as we sat at the kitchen table, cups of tea in front of us. “We were both at the same page and always talked about marriage after school. After Molly got pregnant with Bill, we knew it was time.” “But you should do something great, dear. We lived in turbulent times back then,” Molly said as she grabbed my hand. “That shouldn’t be the case with the two of you. We’re at peace and you have all the time in the world.” I smiled at her. “Have you asked grandma Andy for ideas?” Arthur asked me. “I’ve told her already. But she just said I shouldn’t fret about it and that the proposal itself wouldn’t matter much. She and grandpa Ted have a similar history as you. They had to rush things too.” Arthur nodded understandingly. Molly, beside him, seemed to brighten up suddenly. “Dear, the wedding is gonna be at the Burrow, right?” she said. “Ahm, I haven’t thought about that yet.” I said hesitantly. “That’s the best place, dear. Fleur and Bill married here and this has always been both of your homes.” “Well, I’d have to talk to Vic first.” I shot a pleading look at Arthur and he got it. “Molly, love, I’m sure there will be a beautiful wedding when the time comes.” he put his hand over hers. “Don’t give in to her grandmother’s schemes, dear. She will want to do the wedding at France. And she will want to take control of everything. No,” she shook her head. “The best place is here.” “You know I love it here-” “And,” she cut me off. She was getting quite worked up by that point. “I can do the cooking. Fleur wanted to hire a catering service for their wedding but these things never work out.” “I think Vic has to say yes first,” I laughed awkwardly. “Yes, but this things happen fast, dear. Soon, you’re going to find yourself fitting for robes, and I love her, but Ginny was quite unhelpful at her own wedding…” “I thought we were supposed to take things slow,” I mumbled as grandma Molly went on and on. The other day, I was on my way to Harry’s office so we’d have lunch together, when I ran into uncle Percy with a stack of parchments in hand. Things with Uncle George hadn’t worked out very well, so I thought, why not try his exact opposite, right? He seemed very pleased that I wanted his advice and took me with him to his office. “Is this something Ministry related, Teddy?” “No. Actually, it’s something more personal” “Oh?” “Yeah. I want to propose to Victoire,” I told him hesitantly “That’s good news. I’d say you’re both at a suitable age for this next step,” he said. “I guess,” I didn’t really know what to say to that. “But I don’t know how I will do it, yet.” He hummed and turned pensive. “Have you asked her parents?” he finally said. “What?” I stammered. “You should ask her parents for their blessings first, Teddy. That’s very important.” “I didn’t think things were done like that anymore,” I said, worriedly. “Of course they are. It would be very disrespectful if you proposed to her without asking Bill and Fleur first,” he told me with certainty. That’s how I found myself at Bill and Fleur’s house having the tensest dinner ever while Victoire was at work. Actually, it was tense for me. They were just shooting me weird looks as I spilled my glass of wine for the third time. “Iz everything okay, dear?” aunt Fleur asked me. “Yes, everything’s fine,” I cleared my throat. “I wanted to ask you something…” They looked at me expectantly. “I want to propose to Vic at Christmas.” Aunt Fleur covered her mouth excitedly and uncle Bill’s eyes widened. “So, I’m here to ask for her hand” There was a stretch of silence. Then aunt Fleur let out a giggle. “Oh dear Teddy! You don’t ‘ave to do zat! No one does zat anymore zese days. I’m so ‘appy for you!” She rounded the table to give me a hug, and I cursed uncle Percy in my mind. Uncle Bill still sat staring at me. “Right, Bill?” aunt Fleur nudged him harshly and glared at him. “Yes, of course,” he cleared his throat, “I suppose there’s no better man.” “Thanks! I suppose, I only have to decide how to propose to her now,” I ran my hand through my hair. “Oh, you don’t know yet, dear?” aunt Fleur questioned. “No. I know it’ll be at Christmas but I haven’t figured out the details yet.” “Vic loves Christmas!” aunt Fleur said approvingly. “I don’t know,” uncle Bill unexpectedly entered the conversation. “Why don’t you propose to her at Kings Cross?” “When we leave the kids there?” I said, confusedly. “No, no. I was thinking the first of September. When the train leaves,” he said. “But that’d be nine months from now!” I said. Aunt Fleur wasn’t looking amused. “Exactly!” uncle Bill, answered, satisfied. “I think it would be perfect. Wasn’t there where you first kissed?” I was left completely speechless, but, luckily, aunt Fleur seemed to know the true start of mine and Victoire’s relationship and had the same idea, that uncle Bill didn’t need to find out at the moment. “Bill, zey‘re ready now. A proposal at Christmas is beautiful. I’m sure she will love it. And Teddy,” she looked at me. “Don’t overthink it. Just ‘ave some beautiful words on your mind and say zem looking into her eyes. Isn’t zat true, mon cher?” She stroked uncle Bill’s hair and he couldn’t contain a small smile “Yes, Teddy. It’s true.” Knowing that I should think of something beautiful to say, I went to the person who could help me the most with that. The next day, I knocked at uncle Ron and aunt Hermione’s house. It was already the 23rd and I didn’t have much time. “Aunt Hermione! I was wondering if I could have a word about something. It’s important.” “Of course, dear. Come in! Ron and I are just having tea now. Rosie and Hugo are at the Potters’.” I followed her into the kitchen and sat at their table after saying hello to uncle Ron. “The thing is, I’m proposing to Vic tomorrow.” “Nice one, mate,” said uncle Ron as aunt Hermione squealed uncharacteristically. “Yeah,” I gulped nervously. “But I don’t know how. So, I was wondering if you could help me, aunt Hermione. How did you know the right way to propose?” “Haven’t you asked Harry? I always wondered how he proposed. The git never told me,” uncle Ron said thoughtfully. I felt heat rise to my cheeks, and aunt Hermione must have known, because she was blushing a bit too and quickly cut across. “Of course I can help you, Teddy. Though, the proposal itself was the easiest part. The key is to have everything ready and, when the time is right, you’re prepared,” she said. “But how do I do that? How do I know what to say?” “No, Teddy. First, you need to have the finest details of the wedding planned out. Do you know where it’ll be?” “No…but I thought that came later.” “No, dear. That’s what I want to help you with. When I proposed to Ron, I had everything planned out. And he absolutely loved it.” “Mione, I think Victoire wouldn’t appreciate that like I did,” he said uncertainly. “But you need to have something planned out. Otherwise, you’d have to decide everything in a rush if you want to marry within a considerable timeframe,” she said emphatically. “I thought Vic would choose that with me,” I said. “Maybe,” she conceded. “But some things you can already plan out. Have you started a guest list?” “No! What if she says no?” I felt like I was back at grandma Molly’s again. “Oh, she’ll say yes, of course,” aunt Hermione waved her hand. “You can already plan out part of the food, the band, the drinks…” “Mione, I’m sure Teddy and Vic will get to that soon enough,,” uncle Ron said. “Oh, I still have the notebook I used to write down our wedding information! That could help you, Teddy. I’ll be right back.” And she got up and hurried towards the rooms. Uncle Ron and I watched her go. He leaned over. “Mate, just go,” he patted me. “Really?” I said, relieved. “Yeah, I’ll come up with an excuse. You know how Mione gets with organization. Good luck, tomorrow!” “Thanks!” I hurried out. I’d need a lot of luck, indeed. In the evening, I showed up at the Potter’s house for dinner with my siblings back from Hogwarts. As soon as I opened the door, a little redheaded fireball ran into my arms. “Teddyteddyteddy!” “Hi Lilylu!” Jamie and Al came to greet me as well. “So, Teddy,” James said, leaning against the stairs’ railing. “I heard you’re going to propose to our eldest cousin tomorrow.” “What? How do you know that?” “Freddie told me,” said James. “Louis,’ then Albus. “Roxy,” then Lily. I sighed. This family is way too nosy for their own good. “Anyway,” James turned to me. “I can give you my expert’s opinion on the matter.” Lily snorted. “Good luck, Teddy.” “Just do the opposite of what he says,” Al told me. James scowled at them as they ran upstairs. I raised an eyebrow at him as he turned to me. “What exactly can a fifteen year old teach me about proposing, Jamie?” “I can teach you loads, Teddy,” he scowled. “Because I get girls. And you haven’t tried to win a girl over since your Hogwarts’ days. Which was like ten years ago.” “Four,” I glared at him. “Alright, Jamie, go on.” He cleared his throat. “From my experience, the most important thing is, you can’t let them know you’re too interested in them.” I rolled my eyes. “She already knows I’m interested in her, Jamie. I’m going to propose to her.” “You’ve ruined it then,” he said despondently. “But don’t make it worse! First, ask what she thinks about marriage. Then just throw the question in the air, but don’t ask directly. Like this: ‘suppose we were to get married’…” I started up the stairs. “Wait, Teddy! Where are you going?” “I’m going to ask Al for advice!” Christmas’ Eve, at the Burrow, and I couldn’t sit still. The ring in my pocket seemed to weigh a ton, and I didn’t know if I was imagining it or not, but it seemed as though everyone was looking at me expectantly. Christmas’ supper was amazing, as always, and the only silence at the table occurred when everyone had their mouths full. That wasn’t often, though. The cousins still at Hogwarts sat at one end of the table laughing at Freddie’s imitation of the Hogwarts’professors. Harry, Ginny, uncles Charlie and Bill were arguing about Quidditch at the middle part of the table, while uncle Percy talked to grandpa and grandma Weasley and grandma Andy about the Ministry, to their right. In front of this last group, sat aunts Fleur, Audrey and Angelina, giggling about something, and to my right were Molly and Dominique, talking to Vic. She was at my side, trying to avoid drops of wine from the numerous times I almost dropped my glass. “Are you alright?” she whispered. I could only nod. As soon as she turned around, Ginny winked at me discreetly and I managed to drop my fork this time. I left my seat and crouched down to pick it up, when I heard multiple sounds coming from the table. Everyone exclaimed at once and some chairs scraped the floor. I heard some squeals and grandma Weasley shouting “the camera, Arthur!”. I glanced up and around the table in my near crouched position. I could see lots of eyes on me. Lily and Lucy had their hands covering their mouths. The boys were leaning towards me. Molly and Dom had their arms around each other and the adults seemed to be smiling. But I saw aunt Fleur with tears in her eyes and grandma Molly already crying, while grandpa Arthur had a camera pointed in my direction. To my surprise, grandma Andy was crying too, and Harry and Ginny looked proudly at me. Finally, I looked at Vic. She was looking down at me amusedly, her lips twitching. So, I did the only thing I could do. I left my fork there and got down on one knee, showing her the ring. “Victoire Weasley, there’s no one else I’d want by my side during Christmas dinners at the Burrow. No one else I’d want to call my wife in front of this family. Will you marry me?” She nodded, her eyes shining. And next thing I know, she’s in my arms and this kiss with her was as sweet as the first one five Christmases ago. I was soon engulfed in more hugs and given more congratulations than I could count. I felt elated and relieved. When I came here, I still had no idea of how I’d propose today. And it all worked out in the end. How grateful I am for my huge, crazy family. |
| Reviews 3 |
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