The next significant dance was on a night that turned out to be doubly significant for them. The two had been dating for five years. During that time, Neville had first taken over the Head of House position for Gryffindor from Minerva McGonagall who had a lot on her plate as it was from being Headmistress and Transfiguration professor. He then apprenticed under Professor Sprout for a year before finally taking over the post of Herbology Professor when Professor Sprout retired. Neville, of course, flourished in the position and it was obvious that was his calling.
Hermione had been making headway through the Ministry of Magic, writing new laws passed that made circumstances better for werewolfs and house elves. The Lupin Act, written in memory of Remus Lupin, prevented anyone from discriminating against a werewolf while also ensuring that werewolves had access to the Wolfsbane potion every month. Even though it meant that werewolves still had to register with the Ministry to have that access as there were funds specifically set aside to pay for the potion on behalf of those who couldn't get it themselves.
As for her work on behalf of the elves, she had actually done more research and even spoke with elves, Kreacher being one of them. The extra research and interviews had benefited her as she had learned that the elves needed to be bonded to witches and wizards for their own health and magic which explained why they feared being free so much. So rather than trying to get them all set free, the law she got passed allowed an option of being paid, made it where they could have sick days and vacation days and also made it illegal to abuse them or to order them to hurt themselves as punishment. That law had been The Dobby Act in memory of Dobby the house elf.
Those two laws alone pushed Hermione up through the ranks. The work she did alongside Arthur Weasley to integrate some Muggle items into their world, particularly certain electronic items of entertainment and communication that needed special work to allow them to work properly without short circuiting around high volumes of magic. These items were televisions, cell phones and computers, bringing the Wizarding World a little more up to speed with the Muggle World. Though of course, with computers brought into the world, meant the internet was introduced as well. She gave speeches and explained that the internet was one place where the Wizarding World could communicate with Muggles and even mention that they were witches and wizards without fear of persecution as long as they didn't give too much about their world away. Such advancements combined with her status as a War Heroine garnered her so much respect and praise to the point that people were asking her to run for Minister for Magic if the chance opened up. Four years into her relationship with Neville, Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt announced that he would be stepping down the next year which meant the Wizarding World would have to elect a new Minister of the announcement made, people again started asking Hermione if she would run for Minister.
"I think you should do it." Neville had told her when she asked his opinion.
"Really?" She asked in bewilderment.
"Really. You've got plenty of support already which means people obviously want you to " He nodded with a smile.
"Alright then, I'll do it." Hermione beamed and started planning for her campaign run.
When Kingsley stepped down a year later, he already knew that the office, the Ministry and the British Wizarding World would be in good hands when they announced that the newly elected Minister was none other than Hermione Granger. Kingsley personally pushed for a ball at the Ministry to celebrate Hermione's win.
When Hermione made an entrance the night of the ball, no one was surprised to find Neville as her date and escort. Though as Hermione was the guest of honor for the ball, she and Neville were the ones to start off the dancing. The couple danced to the first song, the only couple on the floor. When the song was over, Neville was the one who would give the okay for everyone else to start dancing as well.
"Everyone, you all will be able to start dancing as well in just a moment. But first, there's something I need to do." Neville grinned. "I've already gotten approval to do this so don't get upset. It won't take long."
Hermione looked at him in confusion. "What exactly is that?"
Neville took a small ring box from his pocket as he got down on one knee. "Since the day we met on the Hogwarts Express our first year, you've been a wonderful friend. Not just to me but to everyone you've befriended, even when your efforts weren't shown nearly as much appreciation as you you excelled in classes, you never bragged about it, instead staying delightfully humble. And watching you through the years work to make things better for all has been an inspiration. You were my inspiration for wanting to be better and I'll forever be grateful. I've been lucky these past five years to be at your side and hold your heart. I ask will you make me even luckier and do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He opened the box to reveal a beautiful but simple ring that had a single diamond on it. He was nervous and it was taking him a lot of restraint to not show it.
Hermione was in shock at realizing Neville was proposing to her. But when he finished and showed her the ring, she knew she didn't even need to think about her answer. She knew he knew her well enough that she didn't need to doubt whether or not it was right. She nodded even as tears fell down her cheeks while smiling. "Yes Neville, I'll marry you."
Neville took the ring from the box and slid it onto her ring finger before standing up and kissing her happily amidst all the cheers from the audience. "Sorry for putting you even more on the spot." He murmured where only she could hear.
"Don't worry about it." Hermione smiled. "Made the night better." She looked and saw that people were starting to step on the dance floor. "Come on, let's go mingle a bit now that the more important part is over for now."
"As you wish, Lady Minister." He teased her playfully as he offered her his arm.
Hermione chuckled and looped her arm with his as they walked off the dance floor to start mingling with some of the other ministry workers as well as others.