CHAPTER FOUR

Before Teddy had taken the leap and approached Aviana, he had sought the advice of his trusted best mates, looking for guidance and reassurance.

Teddy's first best mate, Skylar Black, a carefree Gryffindor from a year after him, was renowned as the eldest son of Sirius and Kaia Black.

His second friend was Victorie Weasley, a cheerful and mischievous Hufflepuff two years younger than them, recognized as the eldest daughter of Bill and Fleur Weasley.

Skylar and Victoire were both surprised that Teddy hadn't approached them sooner, especially since the duo was fully aware of his constant search for the infamous Slytherin female, Aviana Moon.

Though Skylar and Victoire both had their suspicions about Teddy's inexplicable attraction to the Slytherin, they refrained from sharing this opinion aloud. They harboured a strange feeling that it was somehow meant to be, a matter of destiny. However, both friends were hesitant to express their thoughts, well aware that their stubborn friend would dismiss their theory as mere fantasy.

Teddy pursed his lips, feeling frustrated as his closest mates appeared nonchalant about his predicament, seemingly uncaring. The part-Veela witch was deeply engrossed in a Wizarding Magazine, her attention focused solely on the contents. Meanwhile, Skylar, attempting to toss crumpled-up trash into the corner bin, was meeting each failure with a loud and comically frustrated grunt.

Teddy couldn't help but marvel at the carefree nature of Skylar and Victoire. He often pondered how they became his friends despite the carefree nature of the duo. Given the closeness of their families, it was natural that they had grown up together. But, their friendship was never guaranteed. Yet, he wouldn't have it any other way, recognizing the value they brought into his life with their unique personalities.

Teddy's patience was starting to run thin, and he instinctively reached up to grasp a handful of his vibrant blue hair, as if checking for stress-induced balding. The anxiety within his thoughts was beginning to take its toll.

Skylar couldn't help but chime in to address Teddy's growing anxiety, a playful smile on his face. "Relax, Teddy Bear," he said confidently. "You think too much. Your hair's gonna fall out at this rate."

Skylar couldn't bear the thought of his own hair being subjected to the same fate. Similar to his father, he held a fierce protectiveness for his dark locks. The idea of any harm befalling them was enough to send him spiralling into a fit of despair.

Teddy's irritation was evident as he rolled his eyes at the familiar nickname. Yet, he found himself unable to come up with a witty comeback to counteract it.

Frustrated, Teddy decided to let the nickname persist, realizing that no matter how hard he tried, it wasn't going to disappear. To make matters worse, even his god-sister Lily seemed to enjoy using the nickname, making it impossible for him to protest when she called him that.

"I am not overthinking, and I am perfectly relaxed," Teddy declared firmly, his words carrying a hint of defensiveness. Victoire couldn't contain her amusement at Teddy's outburst, and she used the magazine she was reading to muffle a loud snort that escaped her lips.

Once Victoire was confident that she wouldn't burst into laughter her mother would deem unbecoming, she lowered her magazine and leaned on her interlaced palms, a smirk playing on her lips. "You say that you're not overthinking, Teddy," she said, "but hair colour tells a different story."

Skylar burst into raucous laughter at the sight of Teddy's hair turning into a dark shade of yellow, finding amusement in the situation. "So, tell me," Skylar said between laughs, "what exactly about Moon piques your interest?"

Victoire couldn't resist adding her own input and, with a suggestive grin, chimed in, "Well, she is pretty, you know."

Teddy quickly raised his hand, quickly silencing Victoire before she could say anything else.

"Please, spare me," Teddy groaned, shaking his head vigorously as if trying to physically reject the notion. "I was just curious," he clarified, making sure to stamp out any speculation before it could even begin.

Skylar leaned over and whispered to Victoire, though not quietly enough for Teddy to miss. "Something tells me it's more than curiosity," he said, a smug expression on his face. Teddy, realizing what his best mate was implying, responded by grabbing a crumpled piece of paper and tossing it at Skylar.

The wad of paper bounced off Skylar's forehead, and he chuckled at how his best mate responded. While Victoire couldn't help but chuckle, feeling slightly entertained at them starting a war by throwing crumbled paper balls.