Ron was standing at one of the cocktail tables, champagne glass in hand as he watched his wife mingle with all the so-called important Ministry big-wigs at her swearing in ceremony. She was now officially the new Minister for Magic, having taken over as Kingsley stepped down.

His heart swelled with pride and love for his wife, whom he knew would always achieve great things. Ron thought back to when Rufus Scrimgeour had appeared at the Burrow all those years ago, and Hermione had told him she was hoping to do some good. He chuckled to himself. Well, she's certainly done just that, and this is only the beginning.

Ron could sense someone watching him, and he turned to see Rita Skeeter approaching. "Oh brother, here we go," he muttered to himself, as he reached into his pocket, fidgeting with its contents.

"Mr. Weasley! I'm surprised to see you here by yourself and not at your wife's side," Rita remarked snidely.

"She's capable of taking care of herself, but thanks for your concern. If you'll excuse me.." Ron turned to walk away, but Rita stopped him.

"Oh, but I was hoping for a few words for the Daily Prophet. You wouldn't mind, would you?" she said smoothly.

"That depends," Ron said sternly.

"Whatever do you mean?" Rita said sweetly.

"What would you like to know?" Ron responded carefully.

"Wonderful!" Rita got out her notepad and standard quick quotes quill. "How are you feeling about Minister Granger-Weasley's recent promotion?"

"Couldn't be happier for her," Ron said genuinely. "I always knew she'd accomplish anything she set her mind to, she's been proving that since we were 11," he couldn't help the smile that escaped his lips. There was no way he'd let Rita skew his words, or give her any excuse to find malice in what he said.

"I see and do you think this will have any affect on your marriage as she becomes busier than ever in her new role?"

"What kind of ridiculous question is that? Honestly, Skeeter, if you think you're going to find out anything from me that you can write to the tabloids you're sadly mistaken. This day is all about Hermione, and don't you dare try to turn this around and make me out to be some jealous bloke. That's the love of my life over there, and I'm more proud of her than you could ever dream of. She's always set out to do some good in this world, and she's overcome so much to accomplish those goals! As much as you've tried to break us down over the past 21 years, the only thing you've managed is helping us become stronger as a couple."

Rita stared at him, her eyebrow cocked as she was clearly trying to rapidly think of a way to spin his words.

"One more thing," Ron interrupted her thought process. "Remember the spring of 1995? Don't forget Hermione knows your secret, and if you so much as write a single word that depicts her in a false light, I have a feeling your stay won't be as cushy as the jar you had back then. If I were you, I'd choose your words carefully, and my official statement is, 'I love my wife and am more proud of her than I ever thought possible. Wizarding Britain will not be disappointed.' Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find Hermione. Good evening." Ron walked away before Rita could utter another word.

He pulled the small recording device out of his pocket, and pressed stop, smiling to himself. That'll show her, he thought, as he silently thanked his in-laws for keeping up on muggle technology. Ron slid his arm around Hermione's waist and kissed her cheek.

"Have I mentioned how proud of you I am?" he asked as she blushed at his words.

"Oh, not since the last time we were together," Hermione smiled. "I saw you with Rita. What was that about?" She looked at him curiously.

"Typical Rita antics. Probably trying to use my words against me so tomorrow's tabloid says how jealous of you I am." Ron and Hermione both laughed at the ridiculousness of his words.

"It's sad, but you're probably right," she sighed.

"Here, take this," he said, handing her the voice recorder.

"Why?" Hermione asked.

"Let's just say I recorded the whole conversation. So, you can hear how manipulative her questions sound, and can use it to back my words up if she does try and depict me from a less than flattering angle," Ron explained.

"My, my, aren't you sneaky," Hermione said as she slid the recorder into her purse.

"Once an auror, always an auror," Ron said with a smile and a shrug. "How late are you expected to stay, anyways?"

"Well, the crowd is starting to thin, I think we can slip out unnoticed now. I've spoken with everyone who was 'deemed' important," Hermione said with one last glance around the room.

"Brilliant! Lead the way," Ron followed her out of the hall.

Later that evening, after they'd returned home, Hermione was emptying her clutch in the kitchen before heading upstairs to join Ron. She pulled out the voice recorder and couldn't resist listening to the conversation. It wasn't that long, after all. She kept the volume low so he wouldn't hear.

Hermione's heart melted as she heard Ron's words, and how he'd defended her and their relationship. The tabloids sure had tried to put them through hell when they were younger, but they'd always persevered. She could hear the love and devotion in his words, and her heart swelled as she was reminded of why she fell in love with him way back before she even realized she had feelings for him.

"He's always been my king," she whispered quietly to herself. She tucked the recorder back into her bag, and walked up the stairs. She'd been worried that taking the position would strain their relationship, but hearing the pride he'd felt for her in his words, she was certain then that they had nothing to worry about.

Hermione climbed into bed after going through her nighttime routine and cuddled up against Ron. "I love you," she said as she kissed him tenderly.

"And I love you, more than you know," he said, returning the intimacy.

Actually, I think I just might, Hermione thought happily.