OK, another chapter done. I will say, this one did NOT end up the way I had planned when I finished last chapter. A couple of people I corresponded with know what I had planned for House Nott, but this felt more appropriate.

I don't know if I've stated this anywhere before, but Harry is still suffering some effects from Post Traumatic Stress resulting from the war and to a lesser extent the effects of his abuse as a child. This is despite the healing done by Fawkes.

Oh, and please leave a review if you get the science fiction reference in the chapter. :)

Previously

"So long as you're okay, I'm fine," he said softly and kissed the top of her head.

Hermione felt his love through the bond as he said that and her insides melted. 'How did I get so lucky?' She thought.

Harry and Hermione continued to draw comfort from each other, while Theo Nott moved to a bench under the watchful eyes of the Charms master. Professor Flitwick had also retained Nott's wand as a precaution.

It was only 15 minutes or so later that the Headmistress reappeared accompanied by Madam Bones and a quartet of red-robed Aurors.

The head of the DMLE looked at Harry and said. "Mr Potter, I suspect my job would be a lot less complicated if I simply stuck you in a cell and threw away the key."

Harry looked at the stern lady and said in a serious tone. "You're probably right. It's actually Lord Potter now," he said showing her his ring. Amelia gave him a shrewd glance, noting his closeness to Hermione and connected the dots.

"My apologies Lord Potter. So, is Hermione the future Lady Potter?" she asked.

Harry smirked, "No, she's the current one."

For once, Madam Bones was taken by surprise. She gaped briefly before asking, "since when?"

Harry looked at Hermione and projected his love for her across their growing bond. Upon her feeling that love and returning it, they both began to glow with a golden light. Gasps of amazement were heard from their stunned audience. Still looking at his love, Harry said gently. "Since we Soul-Bonded yesterday."

Nott gasped, a sense of shame overcoming him that he had almost harmed a soul-bound couple.

Hermione smiled, "it's hard to believe it was only yesterday."

Regaining her composure, the head of the DMLE asked. "Can you tell me what happened here?"

"I can do better than that," replied Harry. He turned to the Headmistress, "Professor, could you please ask one of the elves to bring the Pensieve from your office?"

The headmistress nodded and the item in question was soon fetched.

Harry produced two memories that were then viewed by Madam Bones. The first showed the events leading up to the challenge and the second the duel itself, they skipped Harry's chat with Hermione.

Madam Bones watched the two memories and then glared at Theo Nott. "You are an immature idiot. What did you ask Lord Zabini to do?"

Nott paled, "I-I asked him to distract Lord P-Potter." He stuttered as he glanced nervously at Harry. "I didn't know he was going to attack Gra- Lady Potter." He said looking at the floor. "I didn't know you were Soul-Bonded."

His eyes suddenly snapped to Harry who stood there with a visible aura of magic. His eyes were glowing, his face contorted in anger, and sparks flashed from his fingertips. As Nott moved back in fear, Hermione reached out to Harry and laid her hand on his arm, "Harry, it's OK, I wasn't hurt. I was just given a fright by the suddenness of it." Harry turned and looked at Hermione and the aura faded. He turned back to Nott, obviously still unhappy, with a grim look on his face.

Nott dropped to his knees in front of Hermione and, head bowed, said. "Lady Potter, you have my sincerest and humblest apologies for my words yersterday and also that my actions almost caused harm to you and your soul-bound mate. It was not my intent that you be harmed in any way." Turning to Harry, "Lord Potter, I apologise to you for my actions, they were unworthy of a Lord and I am ashamed of my behaviour. By way of atonement, I offer an Oath of Fealty to your house from House Nott. I know you could simply take the Lordship from me. But, none the less, I ask this so I may serve you to repay the debt I owe you for my heinous actions."

Harry was stunned by this and went a few steps with Hermione and Neville. "Hermione, I'm out of my depth here. What should we do?"

Hermione thought for a bit and replied, "I believe he is sincere and it prevents him or anyone in his house hurting us on pain of death." Neville smirked briefly. "You can also direct him on how to vote in the Wizengamot. So, it's more political power if you want it."

Harry thought for a moment and nodded. He turned to Madam Bones.

"Lady Bones, as Dowager Lady of House Bones and Head of the DMLE, I ask you to bear witness." Harry asked formally and bowed to Amelia Bones.

Madam Bones stiffened and looked at Harry, "Lord Potter, forgive me, but is this wise?"

Harry looked at her with a neutral expression, "Perhaps not, but I believe it is necessary and it was offered freely."

She nodded, "Very well, Lord Potter, I bear witness." She said formally.

Harry looked at Nott again. I accept your offer of fealty"

Nott shifted so he knelt in front of Harry and said. ""I, Lord Theodore Nott do promise on my magic that House Nott will now and in the future be faithful to House Potter, never cause the house or its members harm and we will observe our homage to House Potter completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit.""

"I, Lord Harry James Potter do accept the Oath of Fealty of House Nott. So mote it be!" A brief white flash surrounded Harry and Theo.

Harry turned to Madam Bones, "will you press charges against him?" Amelia shook her head, "He was stupid, but he has already atoned more thoroughly than anything I could do to him."

"Thank you." Said Harry, then his face hardened. "What of Zabini?"

"Based on your memories, he will be charged with attempted murder of the Lady of a Most Ancient and Most Noble house. It will be a short trial, the evidence is clear."

"And his punishment?"

Amelia shrugged, "That is largely up to you. If he is found guilty, you can ask for the veil and the Wizengamot must comply."

Hermione gasped, "Harry!" Hermione felt a flash of irritation through the bond and Harry turned to her with a deliberately expressionless face. "Was there something you wanted Lady Potter?"

Realising her mistake, Hermione flushed slightly. "My apologies my Lord, it can wait until later."

Harry nodded and returned his attention to Madam Bones. "Madam Bones, is there anything more you need us for at this point?"

"No Lord Potter, I have everything I need for now. Once he is out of danger, I will interview Lord Zabini and proceed from there."

Harry bowed to her. "House Potter thanks you for your prompt attention to this matter."

Madam Bones face quirked as she replied. "You are welcome Lord Potter but thanks are not needed. It is, after all, my job."

Harry smiled and replied. "Indeed, but my thanks is offered no the less."

With that exchange, the head of the DMLE gathered her people and departed.

Harry turned to Theo, "We will talk more tomorrow. Get back to your common room, while there is still food."

"Yes, my lord."

"Theo, unless it's a formal situation, it's just Harry."

Nott looked surprised, but smiled. "Okay Harry."

Harry turned to the Headmistress, "Professor, can you please show us where our new quarters are? I think we need to call it a night, it's been a long day." Professor McGonagall lips twitched in a smile so brief it was hardly there. "That, Lord Potter, is an understatement." She replied drily.

The headmistress led them to a corridor past the entrance to the Gryffindor common room. There a lady stood in a portrait. Looking at the headmistress, she asked. "Are these the couple?" She asked.

"Yes, Lady Elaine, may I present Lord Harry Potter and Lady Hermione Potter. Lord and Lady Potter this is Lady Elaine of Astolat."

Hermione gasped, "Lady Elaine, I am so sorry."

"Do not be, I am at peace now. At least you did not make the same mistake."

Hermione smiled and hugged Harry's arm. "No, I didn't."

"You must set a password."

Hermione smiled and said "Camelot."

Lady Elaine smiled, "Camelot it is."

The headmistress smiled at them, "I will leave you to explore your quarters. Call for a house elf if you need anything." With that, she departed.

Smiling Harry said "Lady Elaine, would you please open up."

"Of course, Lord Potter." And the entrance swung open.

"Please, it's just Harry when we are alone."

"Alright Harry."

Turning to Hermione, Harry smiled. Hermione gave a little squeal as he effortlessly picked her up and carried her across the threshold.

Giggling, she said. "My brave sir knight."

Grinning, Harry leaned in. "I shall claim my reward," he said and kissed Hermione, an act that was enthusiastically returned. After a couple of minutes of increasing passion, they broke contact.

"Wow," said Harry "that was….that was..." Hermione just nodded. Harry thought 'kissing Ginny and Cho was never like that.'

"I think we should look at the apartment." Said a flushed Hermione.

Hand in hand they proceeded inside, they were stunned by the opulence on display. Bright red and gold hangings adorned the walls. Deep burgundy leather Chesterfield sofa's and chairs adorned the lounge area and a beautiful oak dining table with Ladderback rush dining chairs. Beautiful paintings of country scenes covered the walls as well.

Moving on they found a separate study with an oak desk and bookshelves as well as lead lighted storage cabinets, presumably for the lord to conduct house business while at school. "The desk is easily large enough for the two of us to do our homework and assignments." Said Hermione.

Harry smiled, "trust you to think of that." Hermione looked at him and smirked, "well I can hardly have my husband neglecting his studies."

Holding his hand to his brow in mock horror, Harry intoned "Oh woe is me, what have I let myself in for?"

"Prat!" Replied Hermione, who then kissed him and said, "a lifetime of love." Harry smiled and hugged her feeling her love wash over him as she felt his through the bond.

Continuing their tour, they found two smaller bedrooms for staff or younger siblings of the Lord. They were furnished to a similar standard to the rest of the rooms, although not as ornate. Each had an attached en-suite bathroom. Finally, they came to the master bedroom and were amazed by he extravagance. Oak paneling lined the walls with two beautiful walk-in wardrobes in polished dark oak. The centerpiece was a massive four poster bed with velvet and silk in Gryffindor colours.

They walked into the attached bathroom and the theme continued. Extensive use had been made of marble with gold fittings and taps. The bath would easily hold four people and Harry blushed when he looked at the double shower with numerous shower heads that were obviously designed for two people.

Moving back into the bedroom, they noted that all of their belongings had been moved into the two walk-in wardrobes. Harry blushed at this and looked at Hermione who blushed as well. "Don't worry," said Harry, "I'll sleep in one of the other rooms."

Hermione looked at him and he could feel embarrassment and determination through the bond. Squaring her shoulders, Hermione looked him in the eye. "No Harry, we are married. I want us to share a bed. We might do nothing more than cuddle, but I want us to sleep together."

Harry blushed scarlet and Hermione thought 'if I don't do this now, he'll insist we are still in separate beds in a year's time. He's too noble for his own good!'

"Are – are you sure Hermione?" He stuttered. Putting her arms around his neck, she kissed him. "Yes Harry, I'm positive."

"O-okay." He replied, still somewhat embarrassed. He could sense Hermione's resolve through their link and realised she truly wanted this. At that point, Harry's stomach rumbled and Hermione smiled. "I guess it's time to feed you. Shall we head for the kitchens?"

Harry shook his head. "Let's eat here. Winky." He called. With a pop, Winky appeared. "Yes Master Harry?" she said.

Hermione looked from Winky to Harry. "Master?" She said.

Harry looked slightly guilty and said "Er- yes." Winky looked as Hermione and said. "Mistress Hermione, Winky asked Master if she could bond with him, otherwise Winky would have died." She then looked decidedly unhappy. "But master insists I have days off and he pays me!" She stamped her foot. "Proper elf isn't paid and works all the time!"

Harry shrugged. "It was the best I could do."

Hermione looked at Winky, "you would have died otherwise?"

"Yes Mistress, elf'es needs the bond to live. I is happy except I don' have enough to do for Master Harry so he lets me help at Hogwarts."

Hermione's shoulders slumped slightly. "Okay" she conceded.

"Winky, can we have some dinner please?"

"Yes Master," replied the elf happily.

A few minutes later a delicious meal appeared on the table along with Ivory and silver cutlery, crystal goblets and bone china plates. The pair were amazed.

"Winky, where did all this come from?"

Winky replied, "From the storage area for these rooms. There is enough for twenty four people."

After enjoying a great meal including Harry's favourite dessert of treacle tart, they moved to one of the lounges. Sitting next to each other, Hermione cuddled into Harry.

Hermione was a little nervous, but felt she had to ask. "Harry, why did you accept vassalage from House Nott?"

Harry sighed, "Nott was stupid, but I could see he was sincere in his apology. I thought about just taking the 10% I said I was going too, but I decided that since he offered to be a vassal, I would accept. Do you know what will happen if anyone in House Nott tries to harm someone in House Potter?"

She shook her head. "No, I haven't looked at the House magics."

"Well, if they have lethal intent, their magic will kill them if they are of age. If they aren't it will stun them and the head of house will know."

"Kill them?" said Hermione shocked.

"Only if they try to kill you or me."

"Harry…" she stated.

"Hermione, no! I will not let anyone harm you if I have a way to prevent it! Besides, House Nott is only Theo, his mother and a couple of cousins I think. Theo will be owling his mother to let her know what has happened. She will tell the rest of the family, they will have to try to kill us for it to be a problem for them. Anything else and they will be stunned."

Hermione felt his determination through the bond and realised that Harry would not change his mind. She also felt his love for her, so she nodded her head. "Still protecting me."

"Always." He replied.

"What about Zabini? You aren't going to order his execution, are you?"

"No, I'm not, but he doesn't know that. In a day or two, his mother is going to ask to see me to find out how she can keep her son alive?"

"What are you going to ask for?" asked Hermione curiously.

"An Oath of Fealty from House Zabini and Blaise abdicates the Lordship to his younger brother with his mother as regent until he is of age."

Hermione gasped, "but he's already attacked me once, what if he does it again?"

"If he's stupid enough to break his Oath of Fealty?" Harry replied coldly, "think of it as evolution in action."

"Harry!"

"Hermione, he attacked you. I won't risk him doing it again." He said hugging her tight.

"Besides," he continued, "it means I will control four Wizengamot votes which will help with a bill to protect house elves."

Hermione moved away and turned to face him. "Really?"

Harry smiled "Yes, really."

With that, Harry was attacked by his wife, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She said as she planted kisses all over his face before hugging him within an inch of his life. "Hermione" He wheezed. "Ribs, I need to breathe."

After cuddling for a while longer, Hermione yawned.

"Harry, it's been a long day and we have to face the school in the morning. The prophet will probably have heard by then as well after what happened tonight."

Harry sighed, "I know."

With that, Hermione stood up and took Harry's hand and pulled him towards their bedroom.

Despite her earlier assertion, Hermione was a little nervous. She was still determined to follow through though. Grabbing her night wear, she went to the bathroom and said "I'll change in here, you can use your walk in wardrobe. With that she closed the door and brushed her teeth before changing.

Harry meanwhile changed into boxers and a t-shirt and nervously came out into the bedroom. Soon the door opened and Hermione appeared in a t-shirt and sleep shorts. Harry's breath hitched, the clothes hugged Hermione's figure and showed it to advantage. Harry noticed her very feminine curves and could tell she wasn't wearing a bra. Hermione blushed slightly as she felt Harry's excitement through the bond.

"I need to use the bathroom!" blurted a red-faced Harry. With that he raced into the bathroom and closed the door. He spent a few minutes calming himself down as he completed his ablutions and brushed his teeth. He was, however, still somewhat nervous when he returned to the bedroom.

Hermione took one look at him and said. "Harry, it's okay. You don't have to be nervous."

"But what if I look where I shouldn't?"

"Harry, we're married. I'm your wife, it's okay to look." She smiled at him. "In fact, if it's you, I like it when you look."

"You do?"

"Harry, for a lot of years, I was just the buck-toothed bookworm. I like knowing that my husband finds me attractive."

"Hermione, you're beautiful and sexy, never plain!"

"Thank you, Harry," she said kissing him briefly. "Now do you normally wear a t-shirt to bed?"

Harry's eyes dropped, "No." He said in a small voice.

Hermione sighed again, this was harder than she had expected. "Then off with it, we both need to be comfortable." She grabbed the hem and pulled the garment over his head. This time it was her turn to be a little stunned. Harry had a definite six-pack bordering on an eight pack. His muscles were well defined and shifted smoothly under his skin as he moved. 'Wow, he's hot!' She thought as a little frisson of excitement ran through her.

With that, they climbed into bed. "Do you sleep on your back?" She asked him. Harry just nodded in reply.

"Okay, then get comfortable," she commanded.

Harry did so and Hermione leaned over him and smiled, "Good night, my husband" she said kissing him before she lay down and cuddled into his side using his chest as a pillow.

Although initially nervous, Harry felt Hermione's contentment through the bond and started to drift off, reflecting on an amazing day. He was now married to the love of his life, his beautiful wife and partner nestled into his side. His final thought as he drifted off to sleep was 'How did I get so lucky?'

A/N Well finally to the end of an eventful day! Five and a half chapters to cover one day must be some kind of record. 😊

Not sure yet how much the next chapter will cover. It will likely be the first part of the reaction to the previous day's events.

As always I appreciate reviews and suggestions.