These Walls Have Ears

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There probably isn't a single person inside the walls of Hogwarts who doesn't envy Victoire Weasley to some extent. And Victoire knows that; understands it, too.

Teddy Lupin is, quite frankly, the most excellent lover a girl (or boy) could possibly wish for.

"Just imagine that," Melissa Malone sighs wistfully, probably thinking Victoire is lost in her book and therefore not paying attention to their little conversation. "He could change into anyone you wanted him to. You see a hot piece of male in the street and you can have sex with him without cheating on your boyfriend! All you have to do is ask! Now how amazing is that?"

"Better yet," Scarlet Smith chimes in, simpering. "He could turn into your favorite actor. Or musician. You could date a star every night and you wouldn't even have to go out of your way for it."

There is a round of giggles from the group of girls chatting by the fireplace, some of them shooting envious, worried or just plain amused looks in Victoire's direction. Victoire, for her part, turns a page in her novel, pretending not to notice the multiply gazes lingering on her form curled up in the old, worn armchair in the corner.

"I wonder what he sees in her," Melissa stage-whispers.

"Agreed," Scarlet says immediately. "She's a good girl and all, but those horrible Muggle clothes she insists on wearing... Also, she's sort of... well."

"Boring?" Jennifer Finnegan supplies, clearing her throat.

Another round of giggles. Victoire lifts a hand to her mouth to cover a yawn.

"Maybe she knows stuff. You know," Claire Moss says, and Victoire can just see the way she wriggles her eyebrows without looking up from her book. "It's always the quiet ones."

"I don't know about that," Melissa replies dubiously. "I wonder what he's like between the sheets, though," she adds, sounding thoughtful. "Just because he can technically change into your nightly choice of a wet dream doesn't mean he lives up to the package."

"I bet he does, though," quiet little Diana Watson argues with surprising vehemence. "How could he not? He's just so... so..."

"Oh yes, he is," Scarlet finishes, trailing off into a longing sigh.

Victoire smothers another yawn, closing the book on her lap. All eyes dart her way at the sound, but she pays them no mind as she stands, rolling her shoulders to get some of the cramps out of her back and neck.

"Well, ladies, this was an interesting conversation," Jennifer says, grinning as she climbs to her feet. "Oh, also," she adds, "on the topic of Victoire and her, shall I say, hidden talents. She knows things you vain little brats couldn't even dream of doing. As for my bedroom performance," Teddy goes on, shaking long locks of blond hair out of his eyes until they shrink back to their shoulder-length brown state he prefers these days, "that is something you'll never know a thing about, I'm quite happy to assure you. Come on, baby, let's do that Potions revision before you fall asleep."

Victoire nods wordlessly, burrowing against Teddy's side as he places a gentle arm around her shoulders, steering her towards the portrait hole.

Four pairs of eyes, wide as saucers, watch them go.