Final chapter! After all this time. I've really struggled to write this, this is the first solid few days I've had off in around a year! Sorry for everyone who was interested in this and kept having to wait.

Hermione laughed, the day had gone exactly as she'd wanted, perhaps a first in the time she'd known she was a witch. In a world full of unpredictability, she found it ironic that on one of her most challenging days, every plan had borne fruit so quickly.

Her healer friend had seen the paper, everybody had. Surprisingly, several of the healers had stopped to congratulate them, once they were safely in a secure part of the hospital and could remove their disguises. Fleur had unashamedly enjoyed playing the part of a meek older woman, bending at the waist, putting on the most appalling cockney accent Hermione had ever heard. It was fantastic, probably didn't fool anybody for a second, and if possible, made her feel even more for the older witch. A couple of patients had even gotten their attention, some with sincere thanks. It appeared Hermione and Fleur were far from the only non-heterosexuals in the building. Amazing given the viciousness of the backlash and how rare it was to ever see LGBT+ witches, wizards and wixes in their society. A shame really, but it definitely highlighted to Hermione that her plan to be out loud and proud would have ramifications far beyond her own relationship.

Healer Davis had jumped at the chance to help her, to repay a small part of his debt to her, not that she saw it that way of course. She wished he didn't feel that way, she'd simply done her job and fought for a cause she deeply believed in (Remus Lupin had had a most profound effect on her after all). Nevertheless, she was emboldened by his kindness and his willingness to take time out of his busy day. It was only the first of a range of meetings, but things were off to a good start. Results in hand, she'd promised to visit soon. In less busy times she'd been a frequent visitor to the children's wards, their little smiles growing as they spotted the famous witch. It was one of the only uses of her celebrity she could say she really enjoyed.

She'd received a few odd looks when she'd gone into the ministry, head held high. She had quickly been accosted by Kingsley, who hugged her tightly, in full view of the waiting media. It seemed he would never lose faith in his younger colleague, and happily embraced Fleur too, making an extra show for the cameras. She supposed they couldn't be kept out of the atrium, and she'd been more likely to make an appearance there than anywhere else given the accusations levelled at her. Being embraced by the Minister for Magic himself though, that was unequivocal support and an image which would no doubt make the front of the next day's paper.

He quickly ushered them into his office, apparently, he'd been working in his office waiting for the moment they entered the building. He'd already assessed Skeeter's claims himself, considering them entirely unfounded. Given the lack of grounds, Kingsley had refused to act on the accusations, although he promised to send an Auror to get a statement from St. Mungo's, to verify the authenticity of the test results. Hermione insisted, it wouldn't do well in this time of reform to give the appearance of nepotism, transparency in government was a concept Hermione firmly believed in. Kingsley agreed, but only because of the press the story had already received. It wasn't prudent for the government to interrogate hard working officials simply because somebody read something outlandish from a photograph. Hermione's status and Skeeter's pull were the only reasons he was willing to give a show of looking into it. That, and the golden girl had always been a favourite. Hard working and dedicated, he wouldn't be surprised if she were to be the one to succeed him.

She'd had a visitor in her office, apparently Minerva hadn't wanted to wait to speak to her. She hadn't even had the opportunity to send of an owl, but her former mentor undoubtedly knew that it would be a trying day for her ex-pupil and wanted to be there for her. She hugged both women, (it really was a day for physical contact it seemed) and almost demanded her protégé and partner speak at the school. Fleur naturally had some reluctance, but Hermione accepted for both of them, ignoring her girlfriend's eye roll. She would be the one doing the speaking if necessary, at minimum, all the blonde had to do was stand there and look pretty. Something the other woman could do with ease.

Once the older witch was mollified she went on her way, after wrangling a commitment to a monthly afternoon tea at the school with the brunette and a promise to 'always believe in Hermione'. It was actually rather emotional a display for the older witch. While the two had bonded over academics over the years, they were rarely so sentimental. Idly, Hermione wondered whether she might ask McGonagall to speak at their wedding. Certainly very few had had so great an impact on her life. She laughed inwardly, interested in women for five minutes, already thinking about marriage. Some stereotypes apparently were true, at least for her. Perhaps she should consider adding plaid to her wardrobe? Fleur would certainly look sexy when she borrowed it.

The civil suit was a little more challenging to file. By which she meant that she had to actually fill out a form and hand it in to the appropriate office. Most of her other goals had been achieved easily, without any energy expended, and in some cases without needing to have asked. It felt for the first time in years as though she was finally loved and supported, and none of it would have been possible without Fleur's new role in her life and the challenges it brought. While she didn't want to invite trauma and controversy, it had a funny way of showing her that she was cared for. She had a strong tendency to isolate herself, but it seemed as though this wasn't in her future. She was pleased.

By the time the day was over, The Prophet had had to issue a retraction, unheard of for the errant publication. Luna had happily rushed an article through about the travesty, including the information about Skeeter being an animagus and how she'd managed to spy on the champions during the Triwizard tournament. Skeeter was in custody pending questioning, and her civil suit was progressing nicely. Yes, everything was proceeding nicely.

Five years later.

'Ermione dear, we are going to be late' Fleur said impatiently, tapping her foot on the floor, arms crossed as she stood opposite Hermione's desk. Now head of magical law enforcement, a meteoric rise through the ministry, the brunette frequently worked late and had endless paperwork to do. On days like today though, Fleur simply didn't want to wait. She'd finished her own work an hour before, and had been getting more and more impatient for the duration.

'Oh hush, I just have one more report to write and then I'll be right with you!' Hermione said playfully, fully expecting Fleur to snap back. She wasn't disappointed.

'Do not 'ush me, or do you not remember the way things work?' The older woman growled out in mock seriousness. She wasn't truly angry of course, but she needed to make Hermione aware that she was approaching a line.

'I know, I remember. Sorry. I just need to do one thing, and you know our dynamic doesn't exactly extend to my work.' Hermione defended, blushing.

'Yes, but these are not working 'ours! It is a Friday night, your wife is tired and needs to pick up wine before heading over to 'arry and Ginny's!' Fleur responded, huffing slightly.

'Sorry. Okay there, done. I'm done, no more work for the remainder of the weekend, I promise.' Hermione acquiesced. The law she was drafting could wait, it wasn't going anywhere, there wasn't going to be another session of the Wizengamot for a while anyway.

'Stick to it or you'll actually be in trouble this time.' Fleur said, seriously. Her wife had an interesting habit of trying to press her buttons, fruitlessly trying to get the outcome she wanted. It seldom ever worked out for her.

'I know, I know. You know it's the fifth anniversary of when our love was revealed to the world?' Hermione asked quickly, changing the subject. It wouldn't do to press Fleur too hard, she didn't want to have to anticipate unpleasant consequences after their evening out.

'Oui, and the second since our marriage. It is bizarre that we chose this day instead of happier ones.' Fleur knew why her love had chosen the date, it wasn't as though she felt particularly strongly about any others. She always liked to hear the explanation though, and thankfully, her wife always indulged her.

'I know how you feel, but to me, it was the day I could finally be free. I wasn't willing to hide anymore. You were so important to me, and I was willing to burn every bridge if it meant living openly with you.' She responded, smiling, standing up from her desk and moving close to her wife. She kissed her quickly, before stepping back again. She didn't want them to get carried away in her office again!

'And now we can marry, thanks to a determined witch who wanted to make 'er proposal mean something more.' Hermione had successfully had the legislation passed barely three years ago, after a trying session in the Wizengamot. Luckily, the younger generation were gradually taking over and had been more inclined to open-mindedness. Even Malfoy had voted in favour, giving a heartfelt speech on acceptance of new ideas. She never thought she'd see the day!

'Indeed. I'll never forget the day you agreed to be tied to me forever.' Hermione smiled, lovingly. It had been an amazing day, full of family, friends, colleagues. Minerva had indeed made a speech, though the professor had undoubtedly had a little too much whiskey, and kept uttering the phrase 'why is it always you three?' throughout the speech.

'ermione, you are frequently the one who is tied.' Fleur said suggestively, winking at her wife. If only they were going straight to their home! Not that she didn't enjoy their weekly game night. Hermione and Ginny got incredibly competitive, Fleur and Harry normally spent most of the time trying to out drink each other. Luckily, Hermione was always prepared with a handful of hangover potions, so they were never too badly put out the next day.

'Alright, settle down Fleur, we have all weekend! And we have to behave when we're at Harry's, please let's not have a repeat of last time!' Hermione begged, though the damage had already been done. Harry was adorable when flustered!

'Oui, 'arry blushed more than Ginny I think!' Fleur giggled. She hadn't meant to, but Hermione had been so mischievous that night, poking fun at the blonde, she really hadn't been able to help giving her a warning about what would happen later, completely forgetting about the other people in the room. She had apologised unreservedly, in front of their friends and that night at home. Their rules existed for a reason, and Hermione had forgiven her, after her initial embarrassment.

'You and your fondness for making me use your title in public, I know you get a kick out of it, but not at our friends', not at work!' Hermione laughed. She'd been mortified when her friends had discovered the true nature of their relationship, Fleur in charge almost all of the time. Harry hadn't even realised such things existed, bless him. Ginny had choked on her wine, before joking asking for pointers.

'Oui. You still are mine though.' Fleur said seriously. Forever and always. Lifestyle relationships like their weren't exactly common, but it was what they both needed, and wanted.

'Yours, always.' Hermione replied, touching her pendant. The small mark she wore around her neck as a reminder of that fact. She never took it off. Would never without being instructed to, and she doubted Fleur would ever tell her to.

'Come on, there's wine waiting for us. Good French wine.' Fleur laughed, before leaving the room, intent on getting to the floo before her wife.

'I'm coming Fleur!' Hermione replied, before hurrying after her and locking up her office. Life was good.