A/N: So, welcome back my dear readers. This chapter is bittersweet because it is the final chapter. I didn't know it would be until I finished it, and I am both elated and sad to have finished it. I appreciate all of your support through this story and I hope you're all well. You all mean so much to me because, without you, none of my stories would have ever happened. Thank you all for sticking with me during this incredible journey and I hope you will join me on my other stories.

You are all wonderful and I will miss writing and updating this story.

Enjoy!

Narcissa stood in front of the Head Goblin, ever the picture of composure, as he peered down at them. Hermione stood as still as she could, trying not to fidget. She was consistently amazed at Narcissa's ability to seem like the most important person in the room. Even though the Head Goblin was looking down at them, Narcissa appeared to stand taller. In comparison, Hermione felt like a little girl again.

"Name, please," came the nasal request.

"Hermione le Fay," Hermione managed, her voice echoing through the large room.

"Identification, please," came the next request.

Hermione handed her wand up to the goblin, feeling a twinge of nervousness as his hard gaze rested on her. He took the wand from her, examining it for a moment before passing it back to her.

"Follow me, please," he said, standing and leading them into an office-type room.

Narcissa gave Hermione a reassuring smile as they entered, both witches taking a seat across from the Head Goblin. They waited in silence while the goblin rifled through various papers, organizing them in a way that made sense only to him. He peered over his spectacles every so often, almost as if to make sure they were still there. Narcissa waited patiently, sitting stoically. Hermione felt the urge to fidget, unused to such relative kindness and respect from the goblins. She had gotten better at being on the receiving end of attention, but in certain situations, it still made her uncomfortable. The way the goblins were treating her now was so different from the curt, forced politeness they used to treat her with.

The Head Goblin fixed them with an expectant look, holding Hermione's account information loosely in his hands. Narcissa gave Hermione a comforting glance, covertly offering her hand for Hermione to take if she wanted to. The young witch took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts as quickly as she could.

"I'd like to set up public funds using seventy-five percent of interest on my account. I want it to be accessible to all members of the wizarding community to ease financial strain for families. I want it in effect one month from now. Inform the shops that any shortages will be covered and to send an invoice, which you will pay using these funds. I want to transfer twenty-five percent of my vault to set this up," Hermione said, willing her voice not to waver.

The goblin made notes, the gentle scratching of his quill on parchment the only other sound in the room. After a few moments of silence, during which he made the appropriate calculations. He mumbled under his breath as he did so, making sure the numbers were correct.

Finally, he looked up at her, blinking as he said, "Okay."

"Thank you," Hermione said, standing as gracefully as she could.

Narcissa followed suit, looping her arm through Hermione's and walking out of the bank with her. They meandered through Diagon Alley, stopping for ice cream. They continued wandering as they enjoyed their ice cream cones, walking in silence. Hermione ruminated on her relationship with Narcissa, and how she was glad to be part of her family. It was still a little strange, and sometimes she thought everything that had happened would turn out to be a dream and she would wake up, alone.

"It's weird, now that everything is settled. It's almost like there's not enough to do. Like something is going to go wrong," Hermione whispered.

"For our sake, Hermione, I really hope it doesn't," Narcissa said, brushing Hermione's hair behind her ear.

Hermione smiled at Narcissa, giving her a half hug. "Can we go home now?"

Narcissa nodded with a low chuckle, Apparating them back to Malfoy Manor. Hermione was immediately swept into Bellatrix's arms, the dark witch lifting her off the floor and spinning them.

"Bella!" Hermione squealed, wrapping her arms around Bellatrix and burying her face in her shoulder.

"School starts tomorrow, aren't you excited?" Bellatrix asked her, setting her gently on the floor.

"Yes, love, but not as excited as I am to be marrying you," Hermione answered, placing her hands on either side of Bellatrix's face and giving her a chaste but loving kiss.

"It will be a momentous occasion, right Cissy?" Bellatrix promised, giving her sister a hug.

"The most anticipated event of the year," Narcissa laughed, giving her sister a kiss on the cheek.

"I certainly can't wait," Bellatrix said, sweeping Hermione back into her arms.

Hermione giggled, sinking into her soulmate's warmth and melting into her other half. She tilted her head up, stealing a kiss as Bellatrix swayed back and forth. Narcissa smiled at the pair, flicking her wand and charming music into existence.

"Oh, are we dancing?" Lucius asked as he entered the room.

"If you want," Narcissa said coyly.

"I'd be a fool not to," he said with a wink, offering his hands to his wife.

Narcissa took them with a smile, laughing as Lucius began spinning her around the room, matching Bellatrix and Hermione's tempo. They danced around each other, trading partners every now and then, until they ended up where they started, all slightly out of breath but with smiles on their faces. Hermione rubbed her nose against Bellatrix's, hugging the dark witch tightly.

Bellatrix placed a subtle hand on Hermione's knee, prompting the brunette to stop bouncing her leg nervously. Hermione gave her a sideways smile, her nervousness dissipating slightly at the action. She looked down at the students in the Great Hall, understanding for the first time what she must have looked like to the other professors, and what she must look like now. She went from a muggleborn know-it-all out to prove she could do anything, to someone who had achieved the unlikeliest of things. Students gazed up at her in awe, and she smiled down at them, excited to usher in a new era for Hogwarts students. Students were still sorted into houses, but the separation between them was less pronounced. Only in the dorms were they restricted by house, but outside of it, they could freely associate. The Great Hall no longer had assigned tables, students were able to choose any class time. Hermione had already chosen a few students to aid in the research she wanted to do, promising future spots to those that earned it.

She glanced around the table, her fellow professors all smiling, unlike the unusually grim expressions they had graced the students with when she had attended. Lupin was, unsurprisingly, a competent Minister, and had done so much to sever the animosity between groups, something Hermione was glad about. House-elves were paid, centaurs had more leeway with their land provided they didn't harm students, and the stigma surrounding werewolves had lessened considerably. She knew she had been right to place her faith in him, and having it confirmed made her all the more confident in her decisions.

Minerva finished her welcome speech, clapping her hands to commence dinner and smiling back at Hermione. The volume in the room increased as students began telling stories to the first years and each other, chronicling their experiences in the war, each professor's part in it, especially Hermione and Bellatrix, and enjoying the feast before them. Hermione snatched Bellatrix's hand into her own, smiling brightly at the beautiful witch by her side, her heart fluttering in her chest. Bellatrix winked at her playfully, refraining from making a scene in front of so many people, even though she wanted to. Their relationship was certainly no secret, but that didn't mean they would be uncouth. Narcissa would have their heads on a silver platter if that ever happened.

Neville worked diligently alongside Narcissa, the two working tirelessly to catalog everything Morgana had stored. He was blown away by the sheer number he had never heard of, spending copious amounts of time in the library to try to find whatever he could. They experimented with everything they found, once they deduced where it had come from so they could collect more, and were meticulously recording everything they had discovered. So far, there was nothing ground-breaking, but Neville had the feeling it was only a matter of time before they made a shocking revelation. Morgana's castle held too many secrets for nothing to come of their experiments.

Hermione stood just outside of Ron's cell, hoping he would come to his senses at last. She was willing to forgive him, if he wanted her to. Truthfully, most of her wanted him to want forgiveness. They had been friends for a long time, and even if they were less than friends at the moment, it didn't mean they couldn't ever be again.

"What do you want?" he sneered, lurking just inside the shadows of his cell.

"I want you to reconsider," she said softly, almost too quiet for him to hear from so far away.

"As if there's any other bloody thing to think about in this place. Hermione this, Hermione that. I'm here because of you. Because of what I did to you," he grumbled.

"I don't blame you, Ronald, I want you to know that."

"What does it matter?" he growled.

"Because none of this was your fault, or my fault, or Harry's fault. It was Dumbledore's and Moody's and Sirius's. They misled us for years, hid things from us, lied to us. We were just kids, we had no reason not to believe them," Hermione said, keeping her tone soft and neutral.

"But you and Harry doubted them. I never did. We were best friends, I should've listened to you guys, but I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn't think things would be this way. I was scared you were manipulating everyone, even though I knew you better than that. When you told us, I felt like I didn't know you anymore. I felt like you hid it from us on purpose. I was a right git, but I've had a lot of time to think about things. And I know now that I was wrong. I think I was just...tired of always being the useless part of the trio," Ron admitted quietly.

"Are they treating you well?" Hermione asked, "Be honest, please."

"Yeah, they're good to us. Even though we don't really deserve it. Kinda makes me feel even worse about what I did. Hermione, I- if I could do it all differently, I would."

"I believe you, Ron," Hermione said sadly.

"I'm glad you found someone who makes you happy," he mumbled.

"Thanks," Hermione said, surprised.

"They say I'll be out in a few years. Not as long of a sentence as Sirius and Moody, which is nice, I guess. Maybe sooner than that, if they decide I deserve it."

"Depending on how things go, I'll put in a good word for you," Hermione offered.

"I'd appreciate that."

"Bye, Ron," she said, making to leave.

"Hermione," he said suddenly, stepping up to the bars of his cell, "Would you- you don't have to, but if you want to, would you visit me? Tell me how things are going? Whenever you want to."

"I'd like that," she admitted, a small smile on her face.

"Me too," he whispered to the space she had been.

Narcissa tucked one of Hermione's curls delicately behind her ear, grinning at her. "You look incredible, Hermione."

Hermione's cheeks colored and she looked down at herself self-consciously. The dress fit her perfectly, accentuating her best features, and Narcissa had done a perfect job taming her hair into loose ringlets. She clutched her small bouquet tightly, smiling despite the anxiety she felt.

"Don't you dare even get those thoughts in your head," Narcissa said knowingly.

"I'm excited," Hermione insisted, gracefully accepting Narcissa's kiss on the cheek.

"Bella is, too. You've been waiting for this for a long time, and it's finally here. Everything is how it should be," the blonde witch assured her, looping her arm through Hermione's and beginning to lead her toward her awaiting sister.

"Thank you, Cissa. For everything," Hermione said, looking at her very-soon-to-be bride with nothing but love and joy in her eyes.

A smile blossomed on Bellatrix's face as she watched Hermione approach, guided by Narcissa. Being in a Muggle dress was similar enough to her corset and skirts, so she didn't feel too uncomfortable. She was unable to tear her eyes away from Hermione, the way the white of the dress complimented her skin tone, the way her ringlets fell around her face, framing it perfectly, the delicate strength of her exposed shoulders, the way the light always shone on her. Hermione stopped in front of her, a light blush on her cheeks as she beamed at Bellatrix.

Hermione was too busy admiring Bellatrix in her wedding dress to hear any of the ceremony. She knew she recited her vows, she knew Bellatrix recited hers, but the only thing she could remember was the light reflecting off Bellatrix's skin and dress, watching her lips move, exchanging rings, and kissing her. She remembered Bellatrix taking her into her arms and swinging her around the dancefloor, feeding each other cake, more dancing. People congratulated her and hugged her, but in all the excitement, the details for Hermione were fuzzy. The end of the night was her favorite part, after everyone left and they retired to their room.

Bellatrix pulled Hermione to her, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. Hermione slid her hands down Bellatrix's back, undoing the zipper as she did so. She brushed her hands along her collarbones, smiling into the kiss when Bellatrix made to shrug off the dress. The fabric pooled around her ankles and she stepped out of it, left in just her slip. Hermione brushed her fingertips over Bellatrix's nipples, humming at the way they hardened under her touch and the soft moan Bellatrix released. She kissed along Bellatrix's jaw, sliding her hands under Bellatrix's slip. Bellatrix sighed into Hermione's shoulder as gentle hands roamed her body. Her own hands were glued to Hermione's waist, even as Hermione removed her slip and lingerie. She arched into Hermione's mouth when soft lips wrapped around her nipple, one hand teasing her nipple and the other tracing patterns on her thighs and lower abdomen. Hermione guided Bellatrix to the bed, laying her back and trailing kisses from the hollow of her throat to her navel.

"Hermione," Bellatrix moaned softly, sliding her hands over the brunette's shoulders.

"Let me show you how much I love you, Bella," Hermione whispered against ivory skin as she sank to her knees.

Bellatrix lifted her head, captivated by the sight of Hermione enveloping her clit with her lips. She moaned, her hips bucking involuntarily. She threaded her hands into the soft brown ringlets, holding Hermione's head firmly against her. Hermione's tongue circled Bellatrix's clit slowly, eliciting a series of moans and tugs from Bellatrix. She brought her fingers to Bellatrix's thighs, drawing closer to where Bellatrix was encouraging her to be. Slowly, she dragged one finger through Bellatrix's lips, humming against her clit as she pushed her finger inside. Bellatrix's hips bucked again, driving Hermione's finger deeper. Hermione smirked against Bellatrix's clit, driving her fingers in and out slowly until Bellatrix thrust her hips to set the pace. Her moans grew louder and more frequent as she came undone around Hermione's fingers, her walls quivering around them. Hermione collected Bellatrix on her tongue, kissing her way up to her lips.

"All mine," Hermione whispered against ruby lips.

"Until the end of time, lion," Bellatrix murmured, banishing Hermione's dress and pulling her into bed.

Ginny stood at the front of the room with pride, her shoulders squared. She tried to keep her expression neutral as the Head Auror pronounced her, and some other witches and wizards, full-fledged Aurors. She had worked harder than anyone else and ended up as the top trainee, thanks to Bellatrix's help. She sent a look toward Hermione, Bellatrix, and the rest of her family, smiling with her eyes. Pride shone on all their faces, lighting up at the special honor she received. She was a little surprised to see Ron with them, but he had been a lot different since going to Azkaban. He had settled considerably in the time he spent there, becoming a more level-headed individual. Mostly, he helped Fred and George with their products, and Ginny spent most of her time with Tonks. They had grown a lot closer since she finished Hogwarts.

Hermione laughed as her daughter ran through the garden giggling maniacally as Bellatrix pretended to chase her. Ginny and Tonks were on the porch next to her, watching with amused expressions. Hermione held her son in her lap, bouncing him gently up and down. Bellatrix caught up to their daughter, grabbing her and lifting her high into the air. She squealed excitedly as she flew through the air.

"Mummy! Mummy, look at me!" she shouted, waiting for Hermione to notice her.

"I see you, baby girl," she called, smiling at her beautiful wife and daughter, "My turn, Bella."

"Yeah, yeah, you cheeky witch," Bellatrix grumbled playfully, walking over to Hermione. She took their son from Hermione, giving her a peck on the cheek.

Hermione grinned, shifting into a panther and letting her daughter settle on her back. She trotted around the garden, eliciting excited giggles and shrieks.

"Oh, honestly, Hermione, must you spoil her so?" Narcissa asked as she appeared on the porch, passing out lemonade.

Hermione shifted back, holding her daughter on her shoulders and replying, "I do not spoil her, Cissa."

She was met with a chorus of light-hearted laughter.

"Mummy, I wanna lemonade," her daughter squealed, insistently kicking her legs against Hermione's shoulders.

With a roll of her eyes, she made her way back to the porch, lifting her daughter off her shoulders and setting her on the porch. She watched as she waddled over to Narcissa, holding out her hands. Narcissa chuckled fondly, handing her a small glass. Hermione sat next to Bellatrix, forcing the dark witch to move over to make room for her. Narcissa handed her a lemonade, and she gratefully accepted it. They sat there until the sun retreated below the horizon, moving into the study to discuss the way things were going. They had nothing but good news to share, the trend their lives had followed since the war had ended. They knew that together, they would always make it out okay.