"Ready?" Fred asked as she quickly slipped into her ankle boots and wrapped her long knit jumper around her shoulders against the autumnal wind that had finally arrived on the tail of a lovely sunny summer a few days ago.

"The flowers!" she exclaimed, nearly forgetting them and the vase in the kitchen. She summoned them and cast a spell to keep the water in without splashing during the travel. "Okay, ready," she allowed herself to be pulled between them and closed her eyes for the side-along apparition, just outside the 's admissions.

They walked to the visitors' entrance and got the number for Fleur's room before heading up the stairs to the correct floor. Her first pregnancy had been difficult but giving birth to Victoire had been surprisingly easy and both mum and baby were well afterwards. It was usual for witches to give birth at home with a midwife and only transfer to the hospital if there were serious issues, and Fleur had enjoyed the comfort of her home as they bonded with Victoire as a family.

Hermione was aware that the blonde had been uneasy, her second pregnancy barely any trouble, nausea perfectly manageable and brief. It made her fearful of the birth, and it appeared her intuition had been spot on. Bill floo-called an hour ago to let them know they were finally awake and that most of the family had already left, giving them a chance to come through and spend some time with them uninterrupted.

They knocked gently on the door and waited to be invited in by a tired-looking Bill. Hermione gave him a quick hug before moving to the bed, smiling at a pale Fleur who was cradling a sleeping little bundle in her arms.

"Hey," she leaned down and pressed a kiss to her clammy cheek, glad to see a smile on her friend's face at the sight of her favourite flowers. Hermione spotted a couple of bouquets of roses and cards, but no wildflowers as Fleur preferred. So she set the vase with the bouquet on the empty bedside table so she could reach them from the bed. "How are you both?"

"Tired," Fleur didn't even know what else to say at that point, grimacing a little as she shifted to get more comfortable against the pile of pillows.

"Do you need me to get anyone for more pain potions?" Hermione adjusted the sheet around her, noticing she was bleeding through onto the white linen. She looked up and took out her wand, asking permission to help clean the blonde up with a gentle spell.

Fleur nodded and winced a little even at the gentle tingle of magic, allowing her friend to tuck her in more comfortably while the Weasley men spoke quietly by the door. "Merci. I can't have anything else at the moment, they're waiting for the repairing potions to finish working and knit everything back together. I had some tearing and internal bleeding. Pain potions would interfere with the dittany," she explained.

Hermione nodded and poured her some water, helping her drink some as she perched carefully on the edge of the bed by Fleur's hip. "Let me know if I can do anything for you."

Fleur nodded and shifted the sleeping bundle in her arms. "I will. Right now, I would like you to meet your goddaughter, if you'll have her," she smiled softly at the expression of awe on Hermione's features.

"Me? Her godmother, are- are you sure?" she asked, not expecting such an honour. Victoire's godmother was Fleur's sister Gabrielle, and Hermione assumed it would be Ginny's turn for this little one.

"Absolument, we're family now as well as friends. And I know your practice is dedicated to our lady Hecate, my own patron," Fleur smiled and passed the little baby to Hermione who held her carefully.

"I..would be honoured," she managed around the emotion closing her throat. She looked down into the sweet pink face of the little girl that would be her goddaughter and smiled brightly. "She's so beautiful. A bit squished and pink but perfect," she smiled, making Fleur chuckle in amusement. "Do you have a name yet?"

Fleur nodded and reached up to caress her daughter's soft head. "Dominique, born and blessed by the Gods."

"Bonjour Dominique, bienvenue dans le monde," Hermione greeted her properly. "One of these lovely little honeysuckle flowers is for you, I hope you like them," she cooed at the little one.

Born under the sign of Virgo just like Hermione, this little girl would be blessed with bluntness, and likely become self-sufficient, ambitious, perfectionist and loyal. Victoire was already a force of nature at two years old, and Hermione had no doubt this little lady wouldn't be any different. She couldn't wait to watch her grow up and was gratefully more and more each day to have returned, met her soulmates and got to be a regular part of the lives of people such as Bill and Fleur and their growing family.

She felt the twins at her back as Bill came to stand on the other side of Fleur's bed, clearly still hovering a bit worriedly.

"Let's see if this one also inherited her mother's beauty," Fred smiled at Fleur and rested his chin on Hermione's shoulder to have a look. "Yup, thank Merlin, she avoided Bill's ugly mug as well! Congratulations on winning the genetic lottery, little one," he grinned as Bill scoffed at his words and Fleur suppressed a laugh.

"But little Dominique here will be a Weasley through and through," Hermione pushed aside the little hat to reveal a full head of dark coppery hair.

George rested his chin on her other shoulder and beamed at the little one. "She looks just like Nana Prewett, don't you think? The arch of her brow and her little button nose," he pointed out.

Bill grinned proudly. "Yup, Dad already said so as well. He looked a bit nervous," he snickered, as he was the only one to remember the hurricane that was Nana Prewett and the fear of the Gods she instilled in his dad as his mother-in-law.

"She sounds like a formidable woman," Hermione smiled down at the little girl in her arms, feeling magic swell in her chest as she looked at the little girl. Trusting her instincts, she spoke the words that came to her so easily. "Then as your godmother, I call for you to receive blessings of beauty from the Graces, talent for magic from our lady Hecate, and most of all plenty of fortitude that will carry you through all stages of your life. So mote it be," she whispered, her powerful magic humming in the air.

Fleur squeezed Bill's hand on her shoulder, eyes misty with emotion as she watched her daughter receive blessings unlike very few magical children get from their godparents. She could tell from the pulse of Hermione's magic that she was guided by the Goddess herself when she spoke her blessing, and felt privileged to have such a powerful godmother for her second daughter.

"Thank you, Hermione. Your blessings are most welcome," Bill spoke softly, giving the magic a moment to settle.

Hermione nodded and passed the little girl back to her mother before she started fussing, likely getting hungry again. "I look forward to being here for her. On another note, when do you think they'll let you go home?"

"The healers said we'll be good to go in a couple of days or so. Charlie is staying with us while he finds his own flat, and is helping to look after Victoire as well."

"Would it be alright if we stopped by? I was going to get some small flowers for Victoire as well, as she's now become a big sister," Hermione asked, not wanting to overstep.

"Oh please do, Charlie will have someone else to discuss his research with. It's fascinating stuff, you'll love it," Bill chuckled.

"Perfect," Hermione beamed and took Fleur's hand once more gently. "Congratulations to you both again. We'll leave you to rest now but please let us know if you need anything else."

"Oui, et merci pour les bénédictions," Fleur squeezed her hand before letting the twins kiss her cheek each and they headed back out of the hospital.

Now that the cat was out of the bag about their relationship, she didn't hesitate to take George's hand as she looped her other hand through Fred's elbow. "I'm so happy they're alright," she sighed.

"You're amazing, did you know?" George squeezed her hand with an enchanted smile.

"I have my moments," she admitted, still feeling the tingle of the Goddess' magic at her fingertips. "And I'm also starving. Can we go for lunch?" she asked hopefully.

"How does pasta sound?" Fred grinned, having a place in mind.

"Like I would give an arm and leg for delicious carby goodness right now," she admitted.

"Say no more, milady, and hold on," he grinned and they disapparated on the spot with a quick twist.

November 2003

She put the finishing touches on the beautiful detailing, her wand hand trembling a little with the strain. She'd worked practically nonstop on these for the past week, until they were crafted just as she wanted them, layering a pattern of spells that were the finest craft she'd done so far. And she was hoping the evening would go as she was imagining it would.

She has been sure about the next steps for the past two weeks, especially after the surprise they prepared for her birthday at the end of September. She had booked the day off anyway as this year her birthday fell on a Friday so she made a long weekend out of it. With no expectations other than a trip to her favourite bookshops around London and a brunch at her usual little cafe in Soho, she came back home around 2pm, only to find an envelope waiting for her on the table. It contained a portkey with a magical password, and a little note that suggested she should pack some warm waterproofs and good walking boots.

What followed was a magical weekend, two nights at a chalet in the Austrian Alps with gorgeous hikes, cheese boards and evening board games, before travelling back to change for a small celebration at the Shell Cottage with Bill and his family, Charlie, her Slytherin friends, and a delighted Neville who gifted her a stunning periwinkle orchid. It was a weekend to remember, and though there were no overt romantic gestures or overtures, the thoughtfulness in their planning and the intimacy of their evenings together at the chalet were so precious to her. They knew her, they'd seen her at a low, and they celebrated her successes.

And she was utterly enchanted. By their skill, their dedication and creativity in their work. By George's perspective and the way he always engaged her in conversation, his quiet confidence but careful consideration of her, and the way he made her tea just right. By Fred's teasing grin, his tingling wandless magic, and even his slightly vicious streak when dealing with someone who upset the people he cared for.

Of course it wasn't all roses. George was easily as stubborn as she was and the one time they disagreed, he held out to the next day until they met for an apology coffee. But he was open to a dialogue, and he wasn't afraid to admit when he was wrong, and that she could appreciate. Fred was impulsive in a way that might seem childish to some, and it came to the forefront when he slipped one of their bubblegums in with hers. Thankfully she was still at home when she popped it into her mouth, just about to leave as she found herself with her mouth glued shut by one of their Gummy Gums. It was rather unfortunate as she was due to visit with Theo but she managed a non-verbal spell after about an hour to counter the effect. She had been furious and her own vicious nature kicked in at the blatant disregard for her wish not to be spiked or tested on. So the next evening she was at their home, she quietly slipped a potion into his shampoo and watched as his cared-for long curls all fell out in favour of a bold head. He was utterly wrecked over it and it took him two days to seek her out, confess, apologise and beg her to counteract the blasted thing. He finally agreed never to use any of their products on her but she was still on her guard nonetheless.

She knew they might seem as minor things to some, but she was learning about how they behaved in a conflict as well as on a good day, and to her it was invaluable. The bond was practically shoving them into bonding every time they were close together and though they ended up making out and coming together a few more times since, they had been careful not to consummate the bond just yet. It was her call, and after three months months, she was ready. Ready to feel their magic and bond settle, ready to really start her life with them and focus on her shop instead of the longing in her chest, and most of all ready to love them.

Were there still things to sort out? Of course. Her non-existent relationship with half of their family was still very much an issue, but truthfully, those who mattered to her were supportive of them. And while she hadn't really heard from Ron or Harry at all, her supposed friends, she had plenty of other friends who loved her for who she was and respected her choices.

So here she was, glad to be locking up the shop after another long Sunday and looking forward to having the day off with her men tomorrow after a productive weekend. She could only hope they will be happy to stay in bed most of the day tomorrow if tonight went well. After adding a lovely maroon bow to each box, Hermione slipped them into her handbag and locked up her shop, warding it before heading towards the side steps on the shop and up to their flat.

She knocked but since there was no response, she set her hand against the door and the wards welcomed her as she slipped into the empty room. They'd added her to their wards a couple of weeks ago and so far she hadn't used that privilege to just let herself in. But since they were still wrapping up downstairs, she kicked off her boots and made her way to the kitchen, starting on dinner from what she could find in the cooling cabinet. A few minutes later, she had the pasta boiling and the basis for a puttanesca sauce while she sliced bread and slathered on garlic butter before chucking it in the oven. There was also an open bottle of red she poured out for them to enjoy into the small glasses they preferred. She felt comfortable as she drained the spaghetti and mixed everything together, humming to herself as she opened the cabinet for some plates.

"Hmmmm delicious," the greeting came from behind her and she recognised the pleased grin in Fred's slightly lighter voice.

"It sure is, brother mine," George sounded a little bit closer, clearly moving into the kitchen to help.

"I thought it smelled nice, hope it tastes just as good," she turned to smile at them but Fred's intent hazel gaze was focused on her arse in the stretchy burgundy pencil skirt she had worn to work. "That's not dinner," she chuckled.

"It could be," he grinned toothily and she tossed the kitchen towel at him, which he caught easily with quidditch-honed reflexes.

George pressed against her back and reached around her generous hips to pick up two of the plates, winking at her when she turned her head to look at him in question. "Just helping, since you're not on the menu for now."

She turned and leaned back against the counter, arms crossed over her chest as she observed them both. They were clearly in a buoyant mood despite the long week they'd all had. "You know, I have plans for this evening but if you keep pushing me, I'll have to reconsider," she hummed, pretending to contemplate her options.

The twins exchanged a look before Fred lifted a hand to his lips and mimed zipping them up.

"We can't help it, we're irresistible," George pointed out.

"I am well aware, but it won't help you tonight," she tapped her foot on the ground impatiently. "I want to hear the three words," she said pointedly.

"We love you?" Fred grinned, gaze twinkling to let her know they were teasing.

She snorted. She didn't appreciate him using those particular words to get his way, they haven't even said them seriously yet. "That's sweet, but try again."

George sighed and they both raised a hand each this time to make the vow. "We will behave," they said in unison.

She nodded and joined them at the table, hiding a smile as they pulled out her chair and helped her sit down before taking a seat on either side of her, surrounding her with their presence and warm magic. They tucked into their meal, and Hermione only felt the resolve to proceed with tonight as she planned strengthen, as she relaxed into their evening catch up about their day. They complimented her pasta, she topped up their wine, and brought over the crispy garlic bread, chuckling when they teased her about getting them all to eat garlic on date night.

When the food was all gone and a few hefty breath-freshening charms were cast so they could enjoy their dessert, Hermione sat back, smiling when she felt a hand on her thigh, looking to see George smiling at her softly, just reaching out for some contact in the familiar way of his.

"I have something for you both," she admitted and flicked her wrist, summoning the two square boxes she'd prepared so carefully earlier. She made sure she handed them each the correct one and sat back, motioning for them to go ahead and open them.

The twins exchanged a look and as one unwound the ribbons before lifting the lids on their boxes, sitting back when the magic imbued in the beautiful pieces inside startled them. They each found a bracelet, similar, though not the same. George gently picked up the yellow gold torque bangle, similar to hers, but carved beautifully with a winding pattern, ending on two flat bits set with bright amber stones, the inside band carved with runes for protection, good health, and love. He felt the magic pulsing from the bangle and slid it onto his wrist, feeling it settle comfortably against his skin and warm instantly, a wash of protective magic tingling down his spine. There must be at least a dozen spells layered into the metal and he realised the feeling in his chest was only growing. He felt cherished, and his gaze snapped to her, watching her with surprise because he realised in that moment what this was. It was a declaration of love. Clearm, loud, and so very thoughtful he reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly. She was choosing them, really choosing them both.

He looked over at his brother and noted with a smile that while she'd used his favourite stones and kept his bracelet on the smaller side, Fred's was flatter, wider, almost like a cuff. There was no stone set in the metal but the incredible fine detail of vines and runes running across the surface was absolutely stunning. It was made of yellow gold as well, suiting his still slightly tan freckled skin as he slid it onto his wrist and shuddered, feeling the layering of spells as George had a moment ago.

"This is…it must have taken you a while to make these. The magic is unlike anything I've known," Fred said softly, for once all humour gone from his voice as he regarded her with sparkling hazel eyes.

"Two weeks," she nodded. "I wanted them to be perfect and last you a lifetime. The metal is durable, the charms will last decades and they will never tarnish while they continue to protect you," the words just tumbled out, realising she was rambling but she couldn't stop herself, wondering whether she was being silly all of a sudden. "I wanted to make you something special, something just for you that was yours from me. I-"

Her words were cut off as Fred leaned forward and took her lips in a firm kiss that stole her breath and whatever words that were on the tip of her tongue.

She blinked her eyes open as he pulled away, not far but just enough for her to see his earnest adoration as he smiled at her. "Thank you, I don't think I've ever received a more thoughtful gift."

George's hand on her thigh tightened as he leaned in closer and caught her chin between his fingers, guiding her into a languid kiss before pulling away with a final nip to her bottom lip. "Thank you, Hermione. It really is beautiful. I look forward to wearing it from tonight onwards, as a symbol of our soulbond."

She released a breath she didn't realise she was holding before nodding, her gaze shifting between them both. "A soulbond I would like to complete. Tonight," she whispered.

George who had suspected as such only smiled, while Fred's gaze sharpened and he took in her features to make sure she was absolutely certain about this choice. She reached for him and he gripped her hand tightly, thumb rubbing over her wrist just beneath the scar spelling up an ugly slur.

"I'm ready to have a full bond with my soulmates. But only if you are as well," she realised they might not be.

Fred snorted before he could help himself and George's eyes twinkled with amusement as he squeezed her hand gently. "Honestly, Hermione, we've been yours barely weeks in. We knew you were it for us and I can't wait to complete this bond with you."

Fred nodded. "Neither can I. So I think we should skip the dessert and move this to the bedroom, because as lovely as the thought of spreading you across this table for a meal is, I'd rather get comfortable."

Hermione shook her head at his teasing bluntness but kept a hold of their hand each as they made their way to the bedroom, excitement tingling down her spine as she felt her magic responding with eagerness.

A soft whine of impatience tore from her throat as George's teeth scraped her neck, making her blood rush faster through her veins. She had wanted to take her time, explore them both thoroughly with her lips and tongue, but her body was eager and wanting. George was the patient sort but she could feel eagerness even in his touch. His callused hands felt incredible as they cupped her breasts, pinching her peaked nipples and sending her spine arching into the dextrous touch.

She didn't even have enough time to feel self-conscious about laying on top of him, back against his chest and pressing him into the mattress with her stretched out body, his presence beneath her comforting and his touch exquisite. He had felt incredible inside her as well, both of them groaning deeply when he first slid inside her, but his hips had pulled away, leaving her empty and needful and yet squirming with the new sensation elicited by Fred's clever fingers.

He'd already proven to her that he had no shame, and the way he'd licked her tailbone to clit just moments ago was still making her shudder atop his twin's prone form. The growing bond magic lit every single nerve in her body, and a soft cry of pleasure was torn from her throat as she felt Fred's hot breath across the little bundle of nerves once more as a second slick finger joined the first one already stretching her puckered opening. She'd been taken like this a total of one time, and though she had enjoyed it, this was very new, and feeling them both at the same time made her equally hesitant and eager. She took a deep steady breath and pulled her knees up a little bit higher, leaning into the touch rather than pulling away from the questing fingers.

Fred took his time, stretching her a little more until he was satisfied she could take them comfortably before nodding to George who was ready. He poured some more oil over George's length, wanting to make sure their connection was as smooth as possible, and helped his brother align their lips. He sat back on his heels, unable to take his eyes off the beautifully erotic sight of the turgid head pressing against Hermion's stretched opening before slowly sinking in, inch by inch until George was as far in as the angle would allow.

Hermione was holding onto her thighs with trembling fingers, exhaling shakily as the dull ache of the entry made way for soft throbbing pleasure. She relished the hint of pain, something she'd learned early was to her taste in small doses, and willed her clenching muscles to relax slowly as she lowered her hips another inch or so, getting seated a bit more comfortably. George's hands gripped onto her hips tightly, grounding himself on her generous soft flesh as he felt her plush arse press against his loins. She was fucking perfect against him like this, so very hot and slick for them.

"Ready, love?" Fred leaned forward and kissed her calf as he rested her ankle against his shoulder.

She lifted her head to nod and he found the slight double chin on her adorable from this angle. He wanted to nibble it but wasn't sure would welcome such a touch just yet. "Please..I need-" she groaned as her magic pulsed and twined with theirs eagerly, the energy in the room shifting, so close to joining them all.

Fred shuffled George's legs a bit closer together as he straddled his thighs to get within reach of the beautiful glistening folds just beginning for him to slide between. "Alright. Tell us to stop at any point if it gets too much," he held onto her calves firmly as George held her hips steady and began inching inside her sopping quim, groaning at the feel of his twin inside her through the thin barrier.

"Fuck- so full," she gritted her teeth, reaching down to hold onto a forearm each to signal for them to give her a moment.

She was full and stretched beyond her wildest imagination, and she was aching with the unused muscles being challenged so much, and her body demanding pleasure as she was so tightly wound up from the delicious friction. Gods, she was going to come in no time at all from the heady magic swirling around them and their bodies surrounding her and filling her so perfectly.

After a few deep breaths she leaned her head back against George's chest and nodded. "Move…please.."

Fred was the first to pull back a little and thrust back in gently to set a rhythm between them. She was jolted against George's form with each thrust as far as Fred's grip on her thighs would allow before she felt an answering thrust from George as well. It took them a few tries to find what felt right, but soon they had their stride and began thrusting in and out of Hermione's body in turn, tugging her in both directions and making her nearly lose her mind with pleasure. The initial dull ache of George's entry had soon lessened, making her gasp as he slipped free on one of the upstrokes, momentarily forcing her body to clench around the empty feeling.

Fred hissed as the pull of her muscles and stilled her as Geroge reached down and found the place he needed to join them, sliding back inside the stretched opening eagerly to get back to their rhythm.

And she was once agains hurtling towards the peak that was making her body tense. It took Fred pulling on her thighs to spread them a little bit wider and pushing her cheeks more tightly together around George's length for the angle to shift just a little bit, and she cried out as their firm deep thrusts met her sensitive spot.

"I'm…I'm gonna…I need to…" she whimpered as she got stuck so close to the peak, ready to tumble over the edge, just needing a little bit, something-"

Fred licked one of his thumbs and pressed it down against her hooded clit, quickly swiping the digit in small circles as he felt her flutter around him again. And that was all it took. She shattered in their arms, her clenching, shuddering body pulling George over the edge as he spilled deep inside her with a final groan, his arm coming around her chest to hold her close into him. Fred was very close himself, watching her flushed cheeks, her parted lips as she took great gulps of air in after the overwhelming orgasm. And when she opened her eyes to look at him, he lost it and thrust into her once more before also spilling deep inside her.

The magic around them swirled wildly and they arched as the pressure of the bond intensified until their hearts and souls were fully connected, bonded for the rest of their lives. Taking a moment to just breathe, George gently separated their bodies and encouraged her to stretch out her shaking legs as Fred hopped into the bathroom for a soothing balm to help with recovery from such an intense bonding.

A few moments later they were clean and settled for the night, her body aching sweetly as she stretched out on the cool sheets between their bodies. She was bonded to her soulmate, her mind and heart were jubilant and somewhat she could feel them, their contentment and joy alongside hers.

George pressed a featherlight kiss to her forehead, as she curled up on her side facing him for a change from having her back to him so often. "How are you feeling?"

A soft smile quirked her lips. "Like a soulbound woman."

Fred snorted and trailed a path of kisses over her shoulders, his teeth scraping her spine teasingly, making her shudder at the intimate touch. "Still happy about that?" his voice was teasing but something about the way he held her close told her he was serious.

"Absolutely," she promised, reaching up to kiss George's nose before turning her head for a quick peck to Fred's waiting lips. "Now, I need some sleep before you decide to have your wicked way with me again. And there better be a bloody pain potion in the bathroom when I wake up," she hummed, already feeling the pull of sleep.

"Anything for you, love," George hummed and she felt them settle around her, helping her drift off easily into a deep sleep.

The following week was busy as they worked on their bond to settle the powerful magic and discussed living arrangements, now that the bond demanded they live together beyond the occasional sleepover. And when Hermione set the beautiful glass display case with their three locks and keys onto the mantle above their fireplace, she smiled fondly. Each key was sitting inside a lock, unlocking their souls to the power of the bond between them. She remembered the cold dread and resignation, fearing she was her own soulmate since she couldn't find an explanation for having both the tattoos.

Today, she was loved, cherished, and bonded to two wonderful men she was looking forward to spending the rest of her life with, hopefully with plenty of laughter filling their days.

Fin.