Firstly, I don't own Harry Potter, JK Rowling and her rights holders do. I write purely for my own, and hopefully my reader's, pleasure.

Also I'd like to thankthose readers, especially those who helped push the story past 20,000 page views last chapter. :)

Disappointingly, I didn't get a single response about the Sci-fi reference in the last chapter. Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle wrote a novel entitled "Oath of Fealty" and the recurring line in it was "Think of it as evolution in action." Hopefully someone will get the comedy references in this chapter!

Lastly, thanks to Lonewolf2293 for his help with the newspaper article.

Previously

He was now married with 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?'

Harry awoke feeling more relaxed and refreshed than he could ever remember. He also awoke to the unfamiliar sensation of his body being spooned behind someone. He could also feel hairs tickling his nose, opening his eyes he saw Hermione's bushy locks and smiled. He then began to mentally take stock of his position.

He was laying on his left side, with his left arm under Hermione's pillow. His right arm was…. Harry's brain froze. His right arm was draped over Hermione's body and his hand was cupping Hermione's breast through the material of her top. Worse, Hermione was holding his hand in position.

He gently tried to move his arm, but Hermione's grip tightened. Her sub-conscious, it appeared, wanted him to keep the hand there.

Harry started to panic, 'what will she think if she wakes up with my hand there?' Before he could decide what to do, Hermione suddenly moved. Without properly waking, she rolled over towards Harry and threw her leg over him, pushing him onto his back. She then cuddled into him with her head resting on his chest. Harry sighed with relief and just lay there enjoying the closeness.

Eventually, he felt Hermione's breathing change and he leaned down and kissed her hair, inhaling her scent. Putting his arms around her, he whispered, "Good Morning, my wife." Hermione smiled and looked at him. "Good morning, my husband." She said as she kissed him briefly.

Harry felt joy and contentment radiating from her through the bond. Hermione shifted herself until she was lying on top of Harry, folded her arms in front of her and laid down with her chin resting on her arms. She sighed with contentment as she looked at Harry and said "I get to wake up with you every day for the rest of our lives."

Harry smiled at her and leaned up to kiss her. What started out as a brief peck quickly deepened, Hermione shifting herself up Harry's body so she could kiss him more easily. She wrapped her arms around him and he around her, his hands roaming over her back. Harry was intimately aware that he had a beautiful and sexy girl that he loved lying on top of his mostly naked body with only thin cloth separating them. His excitement soon became obvious.

Hermione was aware that his interest had 'popped up' and reveled in the fact that she could produce such a reaction from him. This excited her and when Harry felt that through the bond, it excited him as well. Harry's hands wandered under her sleep shorts to hold her delectable derriere. As the spiral caused by the bond continued to raise their levels of passion, Harry felt himself start to lose control.

Harry pulled his lips away from Hermione and gasped. "Love, if we don't stop now, I won't be able to stop!" Although her eyes were bright with desire as she panted slightly, Hermione nodded and rolled off Harry. After resting for a few minutes, Harry started to feel a little embarrassed. Sensing this, Hermione went up on an elbow and looked at Harry. "What's wrong my love?"

Harry blushed, "I'm sorry if I… poked you."

Hermione smiled at him. "Harry, I love the fact that I excite you. Growing up the bushy-haired, buck-toothed bookworm wasn't easy. Knowing that my husband, the man I love, finds me desirable is wonderful. I felt it through the bond as well as… other places." Here she smiled slightly wickedly and continued, "and it excited me."

Harry smiled, feeling reassured he opened up a little. "I know I felt it, and knowing you were turned on, turned me on as well."

At this point Hermione concentrated briefly, then smiled and laughed. "Of course!" she said.

Harry just quirked an eyebrow at her.

"Harry, it's the bond. I don't think it's actively pushing us to consummate the bond, that would require magic to be sentient. But it may as well be."

Harry looked slightly confused, "what do you mean?"

"It's a feedback loop. We start kissing and you, my wonderful husband, start getting me turned on. You feel that through the bond and it gets you turned on. I sense that and it makes me even hornier, then you sense the increase and get more turned on as well. That keeps going on until we are both panting and are about ready to tear each other's clothes off." She said with a smile.

"Hermione, I'm sor-." Harry started to say before Hermione stopped him. "Harry, it's okay, I'm not upset. You said I would set the pace and I am. I'm enjoying what we are doing, enjoying it A LOT! If that means we consummate our bond more quickly than we anticipated then that's okay." Here she smiled even wider, "in fact, I am looking forward to it."

Harry smiled, leaned over and kissed her and said, "me too."

Having gotten dressed, they made their way down to the great hall for breakfast. While they were walking, Hermione asked a question. "Why did you make that comment about Malfoy last night?"

"I was winging it trying to enrage Theo. I know Malfoy saved us when he didn't identify us to Bellatrix and we did testify on his behalf, but he still got 2 years. I don't imagine we'll ever be good friends, nodding acquaintances at best."

"Okay, I was a little surprised was all."

"If he ever asks about it, I'll apologise."

Hermione kissed him for that and they walked in to the great hall. Th room fell silent as they walked across to the Gryffindor table. Neville passed the Daily Prophet to Harry as Ginny gave Hermione a copy. Harry looked at the front page.

Boy-Who-Conquered Attacks Lord

By

Gervaise Brook-Hamster .

We at the Daily Prophet received disturbing reports late yesterday that Lord Zabini, of the Noble house of Zabini, had been the subjected to an unprovoked attack by the so-called Saviour of the Wizarding world, Harry Potter. Mr. Potter recently rid the world of you know who, now apparently does whatever he wishes, even if it's against a pure-blood Lord. Lord Zabini is apparently quite seriously injured and has been transferred to the intensive care ward at St Mungos. What is wizarding Britain coming to when the Lord of a Pure-Blood family can be attacked so mercilessly? We understand that the Aurors are investigating. It would seem that the fame of being the Boy-Who-Conquered has made him believe he is above the law. Hopefully, we will soon see charges laid against the half-blood Mr Potter, despite him being of an Ancient and Most Noble house.

We have also received reports that Mr Potter claimed to be married to Miss Hermione Granger. It seems very strange, as until very recently Miss Granger was seeing Mr Ronald Weasley, a respected pure-blood. It hardly seems feasible that the reportedly plain jane Miss Granger could be married to Mr Potter when he has a number of demure pure blood young ladies at Hogwarts to choose from. Given that Miss Granger is reportedly quite bright for a muggle-born, one must wonder about her skills with Love potions and compulsion charms. Given her status, she may be just using Mr. Potters fortune to gain better status in our world. She has even claimed fine and upstanding Mr. Weasley had attempted to rape her. How do we know she did not stage the whole thing just to get into Lord Potter's bed? A bed she ha probably been occupying for some time if she is now married.

We will be following these events with interest and will give you updates on Lord Zabini's condition as we know more. We of the prophet wish him a full and speedy recovery and that Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger are seen brought to justice for their actions.

Harry felt Hermione's anger and hurt through their bond and thought to himself. 'I did not defeat Riddle to have the same old shit being peddled about me, and NO-ONE hurts Hermione.'

Harry comforted Hermione who was trying to hold back tears. He was thinking furiously as he held his wife. After a few minutes, he slowly gave a very cold smile. After assuring Hermione he wouldn't be long, he went over to the Headmistress.

"Lord Potter, you have my sympathies over the attack on you in the Prophet. Please do not act precipitously."

"Thank you, Headmistress. I promise I will give my actions careful thought. The best way to fight lies is with the truth. I wish to make some announcements here at lunch time if I may. I also wish to ask Madam Bones to be here along with members of the press. Would that be acceptable? I don't anticipate the announcements taking more than 10 minutes. I would appreciate if Madam Pomfrey was available as well."

"The students have 70 minutes for lunch, shall we say you can make your announcements after 40 minutes?"

"Thank you, Professor."

After that he went back to the Gryffindor table. Leaning past Neville he spoke to Neville's girlfriend Luna Lovegood. "Luna, can you be ready at lunch time to takes notes for an article for The Quibbler? Also, can you get the local reporters for Le Temps Magique and The New York Ghost here as well? I'm making some announcements."

"Sure Harry, I'll owl dad to get them here as well."

"Thanks Luna."

Hermione was a little confused and whispered to Harry. "What are you doing?"

Harry replied equally quietly, "I'm going to nail those bastards at the Prophet once and for all." He smiled coldly, "and it's all going to be legal and above board."

"How?" Hermione queried. Harry then told her what he had planned. Hermione just nodded and said. "Okay, but try to limit the damage to the appropriate people."

Harry nodded and wrote a couple of notes and quickly went to the Owlery before the first class of the day started.

While Lunch was underway when the man doors opened and Hagrid led in a number of reporters as well as Madam Bones who was accompanied by two Aurors. The reporters were seated in chairs in front of the head table and Madam Bones went across to Harry.

"Madam Bones, thank you for coming. I know you are a busy woman. How much can I say?"

"Thank You Lord Potter. You can broadly cover what happened, but don't discuss specifics that relate to possible court cases. I will cover what I can. I am disgusted by what was written, I will help where I can."

Harry bowed. "Thank you Madam Bones."

Harry went back to the Gryffindor table and collected Hermione and the pair walked up to the Head table. He nodded to the Headmistress who nodded back and went to the lectern. "Students, Lord Porter has some announcements to make, so please give him your attention."

"Good afternoon everybody. I wanted to talk about recent events and to make sure everyone in the press is aware of them." At this point Harry glared at the reporter from the Daily Prophet.

"A few days ago, Hermione was unaffected by a Love potion keyed to another person. This was because of her feelings for me." Harry turned and took Hermione's hand in his and kissed it. "Those feelings are True Love." Almost all the girls in the audience sighed at this.

"That's a myth!" said a reporter.

Harry looked at him, "It's considered polite to give your name before you yell at people."

"Gervaise Brook-Hamster , Daily Prophet."

"This was verified by Madam Pomfrey," said Harry.

"She's only a school healer," replied the reporter.

At this point Madam Pomfrey stepped forward and said, "I am qualified to testify before the Wizengamot as Madam Bones can confirm." Madam Bones nodded when people turned to her.

"That doesn't mean there is no other explanation, the last recorded case of true love was Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw. As if that would happen to a half-blood and a muggle-born." scoffed the reporter.

"Are you saying that only pure-bloods can love deeply? Anyway, there is supporting evidence."

"What could possibly be proof of that?" Brook-Hamster asked sarcastically.

At this point an owl flew in to the hall and swooped down on Harry. Grabbing the letter from the owl, Harry quickly opened it. He smiled at the reporter coldly. "Perfect timing. You mentioned Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw. As well as being cases of True Love, they were also Soul-Bound, as are we." Harry had taken hold of Hermione's hand and the golden glow appeared around them.

Smiling, "I also took up the Lordship of House Potter yesterday morning." Harry allowed his ring to become visible and there was applause from the audience. The reporter from the Prophet continued to look at Harry with disdain, while the editor Barnabas Cuffe who was with him, started to go pale.

Brook-Hamster looked at the glow, "You must be lying, that's not-"

"Shut up you idiot!" snarled Barnabas Cuffe.

"But-"

"I said shut up." Said the editor.

"Thank you Mr Cuffe, his bleating was getting tedious."

Harry now turned to Madam Pomfrey. "Madam Pomfrey, when you checked me a few days ago, was I under the influence of any potions or compulsions?"

"No Lord Potter you were not."

"Could you please check me again?"

Madam Pomfrey waived her wand and muttered several spells. "You are free of potions and compulsions."

"So," said Harry, "Lady Potter has not used magic to influence me?"

Here Madam Pomfrey smiled, "no my lord, she has not."

Not able to resist, Brooke-Hamster said, "So, using sex then instead," he smirked.

Hermione stepped forward and looked at Madam Pomfrey. "Check me."

Knowing what Hermione was asking, Madam Pomfrey raised her wand. "Revelare Castitate." With that a white light glowed briefly around Hermione.

"Lady Potter is a virgin," announced the healer.

Hermione turned and glared at the reporter. Harry also looked at him with a gaze that would liquefy nitrogen. "Any more slanders on the good name of Lady Potter?" she queried.

Finally realising he may be in trouble, the reported stuttered "n-no."

Harry squeezed Hermione's hand briefly to help calm her and turned to Madam Bones.

"Madam Bones, can you comment on last night's events?"

Madam Bones stepped forward. "I have already investigated last night's events. I can state the following. Lord Potter engaged in a properly conducted and legal Duel with Lord Nott. Lord Zabini was acting as Lord Nott's second. While Lord Potter was dueling Lord Nott, Lord Zabini illegally fired a curse at Lady Potter who was observing the Duel. Fortunately, she was able to dodge the attack. Lord Potter then disabled Lord Nott and legitimately started to fight Lord Zabini as part of the Duel and also to defend his wife. He used only two spells on Lord Zabini. The first injured him and the second was a stunner. No charges are being laid against Lord Potter as he acted with honour and within the law."

"Lord Zabini will be assisting us with our inquires once he has recovered sufficiently." She added.

Harry bowed, "Thank you Madam Bones. Now, am I correct in saying that defaming the Lord or Lady of a House is a criminal offence?"

"Only if it I an Ancient and Noble or Most Noble House."

Harry turned and looked at Cuffe and Brooke-Hamster. "Well," he said, "since House Potter is an Ancient and Most Noble House, I would like to make a complaint against these two."

Barnabas Cuffe went white and Brooke-Hamster stammered. "Y-You can't do this, we're purebloods!"

Very carefully not smiling, Madam Bones turned to the two Aurors accompanying her and indicated the two journalists. "Arrest them and take them in!" she commanded. The two Aurors then put magic suppressing manacles on the pair and started to leave to take them to the DMLE holding cells.

Before they had gotten ten yards, an owl appeared and dropped a red envelope in front of Mr Cuffe. The envelope opened and Molly Weasley's voice boomed out. "BARNABAS CUFFE! HOW DARE YOU LET YOUR PAPER PRINT SUCH NASTY THINGS ABOUT HARRY AND HERMIONE! THOSE TWO SWEET KIDS HAVE SAVED THE WIZARDING WORLD AND YOU ALLOW SUCH VILE THINGS TO BE PUBLISHED. IT'S DISGUSTING! I'M CANCELLING MY SUBSCRIPTION TO THE PROPHET." With that final comment, the envelope burst into flames and dropped a small pile of ash on the floor.

Despite being slightly embarrassed at being referred to as a 'Sweet Kid', Harry couldn't help but smile.

Turning to everyone in the hall he said. "Well, that as exciting." This drew laughter from almost everyone there. The students had been sitting silent and enthralled by the unfolding drama, but that broke the tension. Harry finished by saying "That is everything we had to say." The noise level rose quickly as students started to move towards classes and chatted about what they had seen and heard.

As that was happening, Harry thanked Madam Bones and Madam Pomfrey for their help as well as thanking the Headmistress.

Turning to the remaining reporters, he said "I hope you feel that was worth the trip here."

Marcel Wave, the mustachioed reporter for Le Temps Magique replied. "It certainly was Lord Potter. We will both be publishing details of this tomorrow. I certainly hope you don't have a problem with what we write!"

"Providing it's the truth, we will have no problems with it." He smiled and shook hands with the pair who took their leave and then went to Luna. "Happy with that Luna?" he asked.

Luna smiled, "Very! I will owl the story to dad tonight, it will go out tomorrow."

"Thanks Luna." Said Harry with a smile.

Harry turned to Hermione and holding her hand, led her back to their rooms as they had a free period.

Harry held her and Hermione felt safe, warm and comforted in his arms. No words were necessary as the felt their partner's love through the bond.

After a while, Hermione shifted and gently kissed her husband. "Thank you, Harry. It feels good to know they won't be doing that again. It also feels wonderful the way you protected me. I know I can look after myself, but it feels good when you do it."

"Nobody hurts you and gets away with it," replied Harry.

A/N Well another chapter out, I hope you all enjoy it. I will try to get the next on out a bit quicker, but Life Happens™! Please review and tell me what you like and what you don't like.