A/N: This is it, guys! It's been a great pleasure sharing this with all of you, getting to know some of you and receiving such wonderful reviews, comments and messages. You're all the best. Hope you enjoy this one and if time permits and my muse allows, there might be an epilogue sometime in the future. No promises on that, though. For the time being, I have no more plans for another Fleur/Hermione story, but you never know when I might get inspired to write another one. I'm just really into the Glee fandom right now and the ideas and stories I'm working on are all for that. Regardless, Fleurmione will always be one of my favorite pairings to write for and I might end up coming back to them.

Again, thanks so much for the support and for your patience! You're all the best!

One Step at a Time

Chapter 25: Planning the Future

"Can you believe we're celebrating Aimée's first birthday tomorrow?" Hermione asked as she mixed cake batter.

She had decided she wanted to bake their baby's cake instead of getting it from a store. Luna had been more than willing to help and they were having the birthday party at their home since there was plenty of room for everyone. Presently, Harry and Fleur were outside making sure the tent was up as well as the tables and chairs. They had wanted an outdoor party and so far the weather seemed to be cooperating. She just couldn't wait to have everyone together again and by morning, their families and friends would be by to finish setting up.

Right now, she was in the kitchen with Luna, who was already working on the icing for the cake. Ginny and Mel were in the living room entertaining the kids to keep them out of the kitchen. Both kids were curious and now that Aimée could walk, Xavier was helping her explore everything they could get into.

"Time really has flown by, hasn't it?" She looked towards the living room where Ginny and Mel were lying on the floor playing with their children. Colorful blocks surrounded them and as soon as a tower was built one of the babies would knock it down and both would laugh merrily. "Xavier is still as enchanted by her as he was when he first saw her."

Hermione smiled as she looked at their children as well. "And she absolutely adores him. I wonder what will happen when more babies come into their lives," she pondered.

Luna's eyes moved from their children and their friends to Hermione's face, her head tilting sideways curiously. "Something you want to share?"

Hermione looked at the blonde and smiled. "Oh, no! We're not expecting, but we want another baby soon. We don't want Aimée to be alone for too long."

"Who's having it? Who's going to be the dad?"

Hermione shrugged. "We've been discussing using one of Fleur's cousins as a donor so the baby will have Veela blood like Aimée, but we haven't made any decisions as to whom yet. Obviously, it'll be through a method that doesn't require me to sleep with him," she explained with a little shudder. "But I want to have our next baby for sure."

"I don't think Fleur would be okay with you sleeping with someone that isn't her!"

"This is a good thing because the thought of being with someone that isn't her turns my stomach!"

Luna chuckled when she saw her expression.

"I think it's wonderful that you're already making plans for a new baby. Harry and I have been talking about having a second baby as well. Xavier has really taken to Aimée and we know he's ready for a sibling."

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if we had them around the same time?"

"Then that means you need to work on getting a donor soon."

"I know. I think we're going to discuss it with Fleur's family this weekend since everyone is staying over. I'm sure Apolline or Juliette will have some suggestions as to who we can ask."

Luna looked towards their kids again. "Still no word from Molly or Ron?" she asked quietly.

Hermione shook her head sadly. "I thought by now one or both would have approached us, but nothing. As you know, Arthur visits with us almost weekly and Aimée adores him. Even Charlie, who never seemed to make much of an effort to come visit before has managed to visit several times in the last nine months, even staying with us at our flat for the weekend. Ginny and Mel babysit her all the time now when they're free. Our parents have spoiled her like crazy as you well know since Xavier is spoiled right along with her. But as far as them, not a single word."

"Does it bother you?" Luna asked softly.

Hermione took a deep breath as she stopped the mixer and pulled out the metal bowl. "It does, Luna. It shouldn't, of course, but I just don't understand how they can turn their back on her when they know she is family."

"What about William? Has he tried?"

Hermione's shoulders tensed. "He's approached Fleur several times, actually."

Luna looked at her best friend carefully. "How come you didn't tell me that before? How do you feel about it?"

Hermione swallowed with difficulty and her hands trembled a little. "I know I should have told you, but I've been trying to push it to the back of my mind. The very first time she went to meet him I sat at home and cried."

"Hermione! You should have called me and I would have been there in an instant. Why were you crying?" Luna's tone was careful as she put a hand on Hermione's shoulder and gave it a little squeeze.

"Because I was being stupid and ridiculous."

"You thought she'd take him back?" Luna asked incredulously, eyebrows rising high. "After all this time you still think she'll leave you for him?"

Hermione had the decency to blush. "I told you I was being stupid and ridiculous, didn't I?"

"What did Fleur have say about that? Because knowing her like I do I'm sure she knew you'd been crying."

Hermione's blushed deepened. "She, um, got pissed at first, obviously. We had a bit of an argument and she was incredibly hurt that I'd think she'd do something like that." She took a deep breath and looked away. "Then she spent the rest of the night reminding me just how much she loves me in every way imaginable. Let's just say I had a difficult time walking the next couple of days," she finished, cheeks burning.

Luna's happy peals of laughter only made her blush deepen and when Ginny heard her, she got up and walked over to them.

"We're apparently missing out on the good stuff by hanging out with the little people. What's so funny and why does Hermione's blush rival that of a Weasley?"

"Enlighten her, 'Mione," Luna said while still laughing. "It might give her a few pointers with Mel."

"Shut it!"

Ginny wiggled her eyebrows. "If you're blushing this much and Luna is laughing her head off, something good happened and I want to know. It's not very often the great Hermione Delacour-Granger is flustered!"

When Hermione busied herself by pouring the cake mix into the baking pan and ignored the redhead, Luna took it in her own hands and told Ginny what had happened to her utter mortification. While Luna was leaning against the counter holding on to her sides Ginny was bent over, both still laughing hysterically while Hermione huffed indignantly. This is how Fleur found them.

Walking over to Hermione, she wrapped her arms around her waist from behind and placed a kiss on her neck and smiled when she felt her wife shudder a little.

"I take it they're laughing at you?" she asked carefully.

"Mmhmm," she hummed but didn't say anything as she leaned her body back into the blonde's.

"Want me to kick their arses?" she whispered into her ear causing Hermione's skin to break into goosebumps.

"As much as I would love to see it, you'd side with them on this one, love."

"Oh? What is it they're laughing about?"

This question was asked louder and Luna and Ginny heard it.

"Well, your lovely wife here was just telling us about a little incident in which your loving left her walking funny for a few days," Ginny managed between giggles.

Proud woman that she was, Fleur had to grin at this. "I see. Well, she tells no lies!"

"Fleur!" Hermione reprimanded. "It's not like they need any more reason to laugh!"

"Aww, are you really upset by this?" Fleur cooed as she kissed her rosy cheek.

Hermione sighed as she turned around in Fleur's arms so she was facing her. "Well, no, I mean, it was something I'll never forget."

"Then what is the problem, mon amour? These are your friends."

Burying her face in the crook of Fleur's neck, Hermione shrugged her shoulders.

Luna and Ginny stopped laughing when they saw Hermione was upset. They exchanged worried looks before turning to look at Fleur, eyes wide.

"Hermione, we didn't mean to upset you, love," Luna immediately said. "We meant no harm by laughing!"

She started rubbing up and down Hermione's back as Ginny moved closer as well and patted her shoulder.

"Seriously, 'Mione, we didn't mean to upset you in any way."

There was no response from the brunette, only the slight shaking of her shoulders. Their eyes widened even more when they figured she was crying. They both started apologizing profusely, even going as far as telling her she could go home with Fleur and they would finish baking the cake and setting the decorations.

Next thing they knew, Hermione was pulling away from Fleur and that is when they heard it – slight giggles that she couldn't control.

"You sneaky wench!" exclaimed Ginny with outrage.

This only made Hermione laugh harder. "I did learn from the best, dear," she said before pecking Fleur's lips, winking at her and then going back to the cake pan waiting for her attention. "You can't be part of the Golden Trio without learning how to be sneaky and break a rule or a hundred."

Luna shook her head but laughed at her friend's antics. "You really had us worried for a bit there, honey."

"Serves you both right for making fun of me."

The rest of the day passed by quickly and before they knew it they were back at their place. After putting Aimée to sleep, they headed to their bedroom where they took a quick shower and then went to bed. As they cuddled, Hermione played with silvery blonde strands while their bodies wound down.

"I can't believe she's a year old already, do you?"

"I know, mon amour. Time 'as flown by."

"Are we going to talk to Juliette or Apolline tomorrow about a possible donor?"

"Actually, I forgot to tell you I spoke to grand-mère this afternoon. She's actually learned to use the cell phone we gave 'er a couple of months ago for 'er birthday and she calls me all the time now. She's going to ask a couple of possible prospects before they arrive tomorrow. She'll 'ave an answer for us then."

"And you told her I have no intention of actually sleeping with them, right, love?"

"Like I would ever share you!" the blonde scoffed. "She knows what needs to be done, just in case they get any funny ideas."

Hermione chuckled. "You're so sexy when you're possessive like that."

"Bah, I'll show you possessive," she said before pushing Hermione onto her back and kissing her.

The next day was sunny and the sky was beautiful. They couldn't have asked for a better day. All of their closest family and friends were gathered together and Aimée was the center of attention. Xavier was a close second because where you found one, you found the other. The cake had turned out quite nice and Hermione was proud of her efforts and those of her friends' for making their little girl's first birthday so special.

There was plenty of food and drink and everyone was having a blast. Hermione had been going from group to group making sure everyone had eaten and had their glasses full. Fleur watched her with a loving smile while she caught up with family and friends from France, grateful that her wife was playing hostess so she could so do.

But she had a surprise for her and she wanted to give it to her before they got into singing and cutting the cake. Excusing herself from her cousins, she walked over to where her wife was chatting with some school friends and smiled in greeting at everyone.

"I don't mean to interrupt, but would you all mind terribly if I stole my beautiful wife for a moment?"

Hermione swooned visibly and the others nodded. Taking her hand, Fleur laced their fingers before starting to walk away from the group.

"Is something the matter, love?"

"Non. I just want to give you something away from everyone."

"What is it?"

"Wait a couple of seconds, alright? I 'ave to show you something first."

"Alright."

They walked in silence until they reached the fence that made Harry and Luna's land private. Hermione frowned when she noticed a few of the pieces of wood had been removed.

"Goodness, we better let Harry know he needs to fix this part of his fence. He probably hasn't even noticed."

"Oh, 'e knows. In fact, 'e took them out for us so we could go into the land next to 'is."

"Why would he do that?" she inquired as they crossed into the adjoining property and Hermione looked around. She'd never paid attention, but it was a beautiful piece of land and just as big as Harry's.

Fleur let go of her hand and took a small piece of parchment from her pocket. She tapped it with her wand until it was the original size.

"This is why," she said as she handed the parchment to Hermione.

The brunette took it and her eyes widened comically when she read the contents. "This is ours?" she asked in a trembly voice.

"Oui. I bought it a couple weeks ago as your anniversary present but we didn't get to celebrate it since we've been so busy planning Aimée's birthday that I 'adn't 'ad a chance to tell you."

Hermione's eyes filled with tears. "So we're going to build a great big house and be Harry's neighbors?"

"Oui, mon amour. I want us to decide on what our 'ome will look like and then we'll get the construction underway as soon as possible. I'd like to 'ave it ready by the time our next child comes into the world."

Hermione threw her arms around the blonde and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you so much, love. As much as I love our flat, living out here in the country will be so much better!"

Fleur grinned as she hugged her wife back. "I'm so glad you like it."

"I love it. And you. So, so much!"

"Hey, there, neighbor," a happy voice called out and Hermione turned around to see Harry and Luna standing near them with their children. Luna handed Aimée to Hermione the moment the little angel lifted her little arms towards her.

Kissing the top of the blonde hair, she smiled at her little girl. "Hi, there, angel. Look what maman got us! A great big piece of land where we're going to build our dream house and then you can play with Xavier all you want in your own tree house!"

Aimée cupped both of Hermione's cheeks with her tiny hands and made cute faces at her, making silly noises as she responded to her mummy's announcement.

"I know! I love it, too and we're going to be so happy here, love."

She walked a little bit away from the group as she kept on a conversation with her daughter, the others watching in amusement.

"You know that child is going to be speaking long before she is due," Luna commented.

"And she's going to be as smart as 'er mother. 'Ermione reads to 'er any chance she gets, and not just children's books. She reads poetry and works of literature to 'er all the time and Aimée just eats it right up."

"Smart and beautiful," Harry said wistfully. "My son doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell, does he?" he asked no one in particular.

"None. They are destined to be together," Luna told them.

Neither questioned her since they knew better. They've all learned long ago that what Luna said came true so they trusted her implicitly.

"Poor McGonagall," he sighed. "Hermione and I will be visiting the headmistress's office often to see her when it's time for these little terrors to go to Hogwarts. I can see it now!"

His comment was only met with laughter.

"Dada," Xavier said as she patted his cheeks.

"I know you won't mean to, baby boy, but it's inevitable. It runs in your blood!"

Before they could continue the conversation, a slightly out of breath Ginny reached them. "Hey, don't mean to interrupt the moment, but I think you all need to come back to the party. We've got visitors."

They all tensed when they saw the look in her eyes. It could only mean one thing and Fleur quickly called out to Hermione to come back from her little stroll through their new land. Hermione, noticing the urgency in Fleur's voice, was at her side in no time. Seeing their faces she didn't ask any questions when Fleur put her hand in the small of her back and started leading them back towards the tent.

As they got closer they noticed the music had stopped and people were in groups talking quietly while looking towards the side of Harry's home. When they reached the tent, they looked in that directions and their hearts stopped for a moment before taking off in a quick rhythm. Standing there looking a little lost and uncomfortable was Molly Weasley flanked by William and Ronald.

"Oh, Merlin," breathed out Hermione while tightening her arms around her child.

Arthur and Charlie were at their side in a moment and when Molly saw them she started walking in their direction with Bill and Ron following closely behind. Fleur's arm wrapped around Hermione's shoulders protectively as their immediate families gathered close around them. It made her feel loved and protected.

"We're sorry for crashing Aimée's birthday party," Molly stated softly as she stopped a few meters in front of them. "We were hoping you would allow us to participate, even if we've been acting like complete idiots all of this time."

A gasp was heard all around them but Fleur and Hermione said nothing. Molly sighed.

"Fleur, Hermione," she tried again. "Please forgive us for making the wrong decision when you came to see us so long ago. I let pride and anger guide me and my actions and it was the wrong thing to do. I have regretted it ever since but didn't think you'd want anything to do with us. It's taken all of this time to gather the courage to come see you and ask for your forgiveness."

Fleur nodded at her. "You are Aimée's grandmother and no one will deny you that right, Molly. I'm sure she'd love to 'ave one more grandmother around to spoil 'er even more than she already is."

"I promise to earn the right to have her call me grandma. I know I have a lot to prove to you both after the way I've acted."

"There is nothing to prove, Molly," Hermione told the woman kindly. "Just by being here you've proven to us that you love our baby and want to be a part of her life. The rest is forgotten as far as we are concerned."

"That is more than I deserve but I'll take it. I'm getting up in age and I don't want to miss any more moments of my grandchild's life. I've wasted enough time already."

"I'm sure you'll be able to make it up," Fleur told her. "You can come with Arthur anytime 'e comes to visit us."

"Thank you," she said as Hermione moved forward and handed Aimée to her.

Aimée looked at her for a moment before poking her nose and giggling. Molly was clearly smitten from that moment on.

"Hermione," Ron called out. "I acted like a git again. I just want you and Fleur to know I'm really sorry for being an arse and I'll do whatever it takes to earn a place in Aimée's life. I also want you to know I'm happy that you're together because it's so obvious to anyone with half a brain to see you truly love each other."

Hermione looked at him for a moment before smiling slightly. "Thank you, Ron. Believe it or not, that means a lot to me."

He rubbed the back of his neck. "And it would mean a lot to me to get to know my niece and any other sprogs that you two might have later. They'd all be family to us."

At this, her eyes filled with tears and she just nodded, unable to speak out of surprise and happiness. She had hoped that he would come around but had about given up hope.

"It's good to see you, mate, and welcome to our home," Harry added from her side.

"Yeah, it's good to see you, too, mate. I'm sorry about everything."

"I know you are. Deep down you've always been a great bloke. You just let that hot head of yours get you into trouble more than you should, but we know you'll always come back to us. We're the Golden Trio, after all!"

Ron chuckled at that before throwing his arms around both of them and they embraced each other tightly while the rest watched and wiped tears from the corners of their eyes.

Bill moved towards Fleur and she turned her eyes from the embracing trio to his. "'Ello, William."

"Hey, Fleur. Thanks for being so kind and accommodating with us. We sure as hell don't deserve it."

"You're 'er biological father after all, William. You might be an arse at times, but there was always good in you, too."

He blushed at her words. "I know. I've accepted that Hermione is her other parent and I will never try to get in the way of that."

Fleur chuckled. "Aimée truly is 'Ermione's child and no one will be able to break the bond they share since the moment she was born. Those that don't know the story would think 'Ermione gave her birth!"

"It's clear how much Hermione loves each of you. We never had what the two of you do so things worked out in the end. I'm just sorry I hurt you so much, Fleur. I truly loved you when we got together."

"I loved you as well, but you are correct, William. 'Ermione completes me and makes me whole. I can't imagine my life without 'er."

"Marrying her was the best decision you ever made. Besides divorcing my sorry arse, that is," he tried to joke.

Fleur chuckled. "You should 'ave brought your wife and son. They would 'ave been welcomed 'ere as well."

"I didn't think that would be a good idea. As it is, we're crashing the party."

"I'm glad you all came. I've told you that you can still be a part of Aimée's life before today. I'm sure she would enjoy getting to know you."

"Thank you for being so understanding about all of this, Fleur. I don't really deserve how nice you're being to us."

"Well, the way I see it, I'm a lucky woman. I 'ave a beautiful wife and a beautiful child. My life couldn't be more perfect and I don't want anything to tarnish that."

Hermione chose that moment to join them and she wrapped her arm around Fleur's waist. "Bill."

"Hermione. You're looking lovely today."

"That's kind of you to say. I'm glad you all came over."

"And I've more than happy that you didn't greet us with some of your hexes," he told her with a little smile. "Not that we didn't deserve it, but it's nice to be here to sing happy birthday to Aimée instead of recovering at St. Mungo's."

"Tempting as that sounds, I'd hate to frighten my child by kicking your arse into next week," she responded cheekily making them laugh.

"In all seriousness, though, you look wonderful together," he told them sincerely. "It's certainly a match made in heaven, as you Muggles like to say."

Hermione smiled at her wife, love clear in her eyes. "It is rather wonderful being married to such an exquisite woman."

Fleur blushed prettily before kissing Hermione's lips lightly. "You're the exquisite one, mon amour." Looking back at Bill, she saw nothing but kindness in his eyes when he looked at them. "William, why don't you go back 'ome and get your wife and son? Aimée might as well meet them since they're going to be a part of 'er life from now on."

Taking her hand, he kissed the back of it. "You truly are remarkable, Fleur Delacour-Granger."

A moment later he Disapparated and everyone turned to look at the spot where he had been. After explaining that he would be back in a moment with his wife and son, the party continued.

Long after the last guest had left, Fleur and Hermione were back at the flat in Aimée's room. Their little angle was lying on her stomach, thumb in her mouth, sleeping peacefully. Fleur looked down at her, arm around Hermione's waist.

"She's beautiful, isn't she?"

"She looked just like her maman. As beautiful as an angel."

"She might look like me, but she is going to be just like you. I can see it already."

"Do you really think so?"

"I know so. She's into books, 'er eyes shine with intelligence and she is curious about everything. I can already see 'er being at the top of 'er class when she goes to school."

"That would be wonderful. I want a bright future for her and any other children we might have."

"Hmm, speaking about that, are you excited about going to France next weekend to meet the prospective donors grand-mère talked to?"

"Very excited. It means we could expand our family soon."

"I can't wait, either. It's going to be wonderful."

"It is."

Fleur looked to the side and spotted something on the dresser. "Oh! I forgot we received a letter. It came by post today before we left for 'Arry's 'ouse."

The blonde walked over to Aimée's dresser and picked up an official looking envelope from the top of it. It had the seal of the Ministry on it and Hermione looked at it curiously.

"What is it, love?"

"Let's find out together. I didn't get to open it when it came."

Sliding her finger under the seal on the back, Fleur opened the envelope and took out a folded piece of parchment. Unfolding it, she held it in front of both of them so they could read it together. The moment they started reading, their hearts started beating wildly in their chests and their eyes filled with tears.

"Oh, Morgana, it's official!" Hermione managed brokenly. "I can't believe it."

"Mon amour," Fleur gasped. "You've been formally recognized as Aimée's other parent. You are officially 'er mum!"

Hermione threw her arms around her wife and held her tightly, tears flowing freely from her eyes.

"This has to be one of the happiest days of my life, love. Not only do I have you as my wife, but now I'm legally Aimée's mum as well. I can't even begin to tell you how I feel right now!"

Fleur held her just as tightly, her tears of joy matching Hermione's. "It's been a long journey until this moment and we took it one step at a time. Even with the stumbles we 'ad along the way, I'd never change the past couple of years for anything else." Leaning back and cupping Hermione's cheeks, Fleur smiled at her. "I love you more and more each day we're together and I've never been as 'appy as I've been since our journey started."

Leaning closer, Hermione kissed Fleur tenderly, lovingly. Breaking it, she rested her forehead against Fleur's.

"And I love you more than life itself, Fleur. Our journey is just beginning."

The End