A/N Hi All, my apologies for the long delay with this chapter. I've started it several times but couldn't seem to get it right. I'm still not 100% happy with it, but it's acceptable now.

I still don't own Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling and her rights holders do.

Thanks to Alix33 for her help if editing the previous two chapters.

Edit:11/01/2018 Thank you to Alix33 for her corrections to this chapter as well!

Previously:

After they had left, Harry hugged Hermione. 'Time for bed, tomorrow will be a big day.'

Hermione snuggled into Harry for a minute and then asked, 'Harry, I'm still a little sore from earlier, can we just cuddle?'

'I'm sorry if I hurt you.' Replied Harry.

'No, it was amazing and wonderful, but I'm still a little tender.'

Harry grinned, 'can we still cuddle naked?"

In the morning Harry and Hermione awoke together, wrapped in each other's arms. Harry slowly came awake, drowsily confused by being able to feel two sets of arms. As comprehension came to him, he could feel Hermione coming awake as well as hear her breathing change.

'Good morning my love, how are you feeling?'

Hermione just smiled and snuggled into him. She was feeling warm, cosy and loved and felt no need to say anything, knowing Harry could sense her feelings.

They lay there, simply enjoying the closeness for an indeterminate time before Harry cast a quick Tempus. He frowned slightly, if they didn't get up now, they would miss breakfast and they had a long day ahead of them.

He really didn't want to get up, he just wanted to lay there in his wife's loving embrace. He smiled to himself and thought 'Mione?' He only got back a questioning feeling. He mentally sang to her.

'I want to stand with you on a mountain.

I want to bathe with you in the sea.

I want to lay like this forever.

Until the sky falls down on me.'

Hermione mentally smiled at him and hugged him close.

'Time to get up my sweet.'

'Do we have to?'

'Yes, otherwise we will be late?'

'What time is it?'

'7:45.'

Hermione's eyes snapped open, "What!" she said, panicking slightly.

"Hermione, it's OK, we have time to get breakfast if we shower and dress quickly."

Hermione calmed down.

They quickly showered, dressed and headed for the great Hall. They could hear the murmur of numerous voices as they walked towards the hall, but as soon as they walked in the hall fell silent and they were stared at as they walked to the Gryffindor table.

'Well this is creepy', thought Hermione as they approached the table.

'It sure is, ' replied Harry.

They sat down across from Neville who silently handed them 4 papers, The New York Ghost, Le Temps Magique, The Quibbler and the Daily Prophet. Le Temps Magique had taken the unusual step of publishing an english language version of the paper today. It, the Quibbler and the New York Ghost had all published balanced articles about the events of the previous day and were supportive of Harry and Hermione and wished them well. They even quoted Molly's howler. The Prophet on the other hand was not happy with them.

THE COUPLE-WHO-RANTED

The article, written by the assistant editor, accused Harry and Hermione of lying to get the editor and Brooke-Hamster arrested. It went on to lambast Hermione. 'Obviously a muggle-born trollop' for leading Harry astray was among the nicer of the things written about her. It finished by calling for the couple's marriage to be annulled.

It was the Prophet at its ludicrous finest, making baseless accusations and ignoring inconvenient things like the facts. Harry felt Hermione's embarrassment and hurt at the way she had been portrayed. His anger started to build and quickly turned into rage. A breeze appeared to stir around him and sparks of raw magic arc'd off his hair. "God damn it," he growled, "don't these people learn."

He stood up and started towards the door, the floor of the great hall smoking where his footsteps left a green glow and then a black scorch mark as he walked. The other students either cowered in fear or watched slack-jawed in awe at the power being displayed. Hermione, who was initially been stunned into immobility, first by the article and then by the enormity of Harry's anger, finally reacted to what he was doing. She reached through their bond and caught a glimpse of his thoughts.

She jumped to her feet and started to race across the room. "HARRY NO!" she yelled. Harry ignored this and kept walking. She skidded to a stop a few yards ahead of him and spun to look at him and was shocked to see his eyes actually glowing green. "Harry stop… please," she pleaded. Harry just kept walking towards her and she realised that unless she did something drastic, he wasn't going to stop. 'Harry, you can't kill them!' she sent.

Harry smiled coldly. 'I won't, they will just wish I had.'

Hermione then did the only thing she could think of. Quickly casting a privacy shield around them, she raced toward him and jumped, wrapping her legs and arms around him as she kissed him. His magic recognised her and she wasn't harmed by the energy radiating off him. The intensity of the love Harry felt from her short-circuited his rage and after a few stunned seconds, he began to kiss her back.

After about a minute, Hermione pulled back. "Better?" she asked. Harry just nodded, he then added, "they are still going to pay."

Hermione nodded as well. "They will," she said, "but I want them in Azkaban, not you."

With that, Hermione dropped the privacy charm and they saw the Headmistress standing a few yards away looking very severe. "Lord and Lady Potter, my office. Now!"

Arriving in the Headmistresses office, the professor whirled around and hissed, "Lord Potter, what do you think you were doing!"

Harry hung his head, "I'm sorry Headmistress, I got angry… It's the bond, I could feel how hurt Hermione was by the article."

McGonagall's shoulders dropped and she sighed, "Lord Potter… Harry... you have to learn to control yourself better."

"I know," replied Harry. "But I won't let anyone hurt Hermione."

Hermione put her arms around him. "Harry, you are protecting me, but the war is over and we can't just use our wands on our enemies, as much as it would be nice somtimes. We are trying to rebuild the rule of law after Voldemort. You have to let the Ministry handle this via due process. We can make a complaint against the assistant editor when we are at the Ministry today."

Harry nodded, "I'm sorry Headmistress."

She nodded. "Alright Lord Potter, I will do nothing this time, but I cannot risk you endangering the students. If there is a repeat of this morning, we will be talking."

"Thank you." said Harry, "it won't happen again."

Hermione hugged him and said, "go back to the room and get Winky to bring you some breakfast. I'll be with you soon." After the door had closed behind Harry, Hermione turned to the headmistress. "I'm sorry Professor-"

"It's alright Lady Potter. Do you have any idea what caused it?"

"Harry is still suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He's much better than he was and continues to improve. I think that Ron's trial today is making him more emotional than normal. That, along with the fact that he thought he had dealt with this garbage yesterday.

The headmistress nodded. "Let me know if there is anything I can do."

Hermione nodded. "I will do, I better go and eat before we have to leave."

"Off with you then."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Hermione returned to their rooms and after hugging Harry, they ate and got changed into dress robes suitable for attending court. The robes prominently displaying the Potter crest. With that, they went to the Headmistress's office and floo'ed to the Ministry. Lavender Brown had chosen not to attend.

Ministry of Magic Holding cells

"Look, I've told you before Ron, I can't get you off this charge, the people involved are just too high profile. Just read the statement and look like you're sorry. I think I can get you off with just a fine." said Martin Vail, Ron's solicitor. Vail had supposedly taken the case Pro Bono, but it was suspicious given that he had previously represented Death Eaters and was not known for his philanthropy. Ron, however, was grateful as otherwise he would have been representing himself.

His treatment by his guards had been rough and had made him angry. 'Damn it, it was only some hand jobs and a few blowjobs, and I didn't even get anywhere with Granger.'

Alone in a cell, no-one had told him of Harry and Hermione's marriage, something that was going to come as a rude shock.

Once at the ministry, Harry and Hermione proceeded down to courtroom 10. Since they had given memories and sworn affidavits, they were not required to take the stand to give evidence for the prosecution and could be admitted to the visitor's gallery.

Soon they were seated in the courtroom and the trial began. Ron was bought in and the defendant's chair rose from the floor and he was put in it. Chains wrapped themselves around his torso, but left his arms free.

After the initial formalities were completed, Madam Bones, who was prosecuting this case personally, read out the charges and asked how Ron pleaded. Vail stood and said "My client pleads guilty, but wishes to make a statement before sentence is passed."

Amelia Bones'es jaw dropped before slamming shut. 'Damn it, Vail knows that he will likely get a lighter sentence by pleading guilty and if he shows remorse. I hope the sentence is enough to satisfy Harry or we are all in trouble.'

"Very well," said the judge, "we will hear from the defendant now."

Vail walked over to Ron and handed him a sheet or parchment. Leaning down, he whispered in Ron's ear, "sound contrite!" he ordered.

Ron nodded and started reading the page. "After the end of the war in which I helped defeat the Dark Lord, I was lauded by the public as a hero. I attended numerous parties where I was the centre of attention, sometimes with my then girlfriend, Hermione, but often without. Many women offered themselves to me and as a young pure-blood hero, I felt this was my due. However, having a girlfriend, I resisted these temptations and stayed true to my beau.

However, once I returned to Hogwarts, with the continued adulation of my fellow students, I felt that things should move further and faster with Hermione. Since she refused me in this, I spent time with a fellow pure-blood Lavender Brown. She was far more sympathetic to my plight and given our past history, I felt giving her a small push with a very mild potion was not unreasonable.

All this would have been unnecessary if Hermione has been more accommodating. This was the reason I obtained the potions for Hermione.

I now realise that what I did was wrong and I deeply and sincerely regret my actions. I apologise unreservedly to Lavender and to Hermione.

Lastly, I would point out that, despite what occurred, Lavender's virtue remains intact and thus her suitability as a bride remains unaffected. The same is also true of Miss Granger."

With that Ron sat down. Many of the pure-bloods in the Wizengamot were nodding at this.

'So, typical pure-blood tactics, ignore the fact he was trying to rape Hermione and appear contrite, blaming her for not psreading her legs. No permanent harm done, so no foul. Damn it, he's just going get just a slap on the wrist.' Madam Bones mentally snarled. She then thought about what Ron had said. 'Miss Granger, he doesn't know she's Lady Potter nor that they are soul-bonded. I wonder...'

Hermione meanwhile, was busy keeping Harry calm. 'It's OK Harry, he pled guilty, they will punish him. Remember, I love you and we are together now.' With that, Hermione pushed all her love across the bond and finally felt Harry relax although he was still clearly angry.

Madam Bones stood and began to speak. "Members of the Wizengamot, I would like to ask the victim who is in court if she has any thoughts on the subject." All eyes turned to Hermione who, being mentally reassured by Harry, stood up and inclined her head to Madam Bones briefly. "Thank you Madam Bones, the incident is in my past and I don't wish to discuss it further. I have faith in the decision of the Wizengamot and I trust that they will mete out a suitable punishment." With that, she sat down.

'Well done,' thought Madam Bones, 'As a soul bound true love, the old fools have to give a reasonable sentence. Now let's see if I can stir the pot.'

"Thank you Lady Potter and may I congratulate you on your marriage to Lord Potter." she said. Hermione smiled and thanked Madam Bones.

In the defendant's chair, Ron saw red. "WHAT! YOU MARRIED THAT MUDBLOOD BITCH, I-." Whatever Ron was about to continue with was unheard as Madam Bones cast a silencing charm on him.

"Members of the Wizengamot, I feel whatever I was about to add is superfluous after that display of the defendant's true character. I apologise to Lady Potter for you having to hear such words and to you Lord Potter for the disgusting characterisation of your Soul-Bonded wife."

Harry stood and bowed to Madam Bones. "No apologies are necessary, Madam Bones. The fault is not yours, but the sentiments are appreciated anyway." With that, Harry bowed again and sat. This display of rigid pureblood courtesy from Harry impressed the conservative members of the Wizengamot as well as reminding them that, despite being muggleiborn, Hermione was Lady Potter and Soul-Bonded.

At the defence table, Vail just shook his head, nothing was going to keep the idiot out of Azkaban now.

With that, they all left while the Wizengamot conferred. Barely 30 minutes later, they were brought back in.

Ron was made to stand as the judge read the sentence. "Having regard to the seriousness of the charges, we took into consideration your age, your previous unblemished record and status as a hero of the recent blood war. However, we also took into account your obvious lack of remorse and your attack on the esteemed Lady Potter. As such, you are hereby sentenced to 5 years in the minimum security wing of Azkaban prison."

"What!" raged Ron. "It was only a bit of fun."

With that, Harry stood. "My Lord, can I ask that a Mind Healer meet with him to show him why what he did was wrong. As angry as I am, for the sake of our former friendship, I will bear the cost of this."

The judge nodded. "A noble gesture Lord Potter, I am not sure I could be as noble in the same postition. It will be done. Court adjourned."

Hermione hugged Harry. "That was a good thing you did."

"The stupid idiot doesn't even understand what he did wrong. The fame went to his head."

"I know, but it was still a good thing you did. Forget about him for now, we are together, that's what matters." Hermione felt Harry's love wrap around her as they walked out of the courtroom arm in arm.

At this point, they were approached by a beautiful and elegantly dressed woman in her early forties. "Lord Potter, may I have a moment of your's and Lady Potter's time?"

"Who do I have the honor of addressing?"

"Lucrezia Zabini."

Hermione immediately stiffened, 'be careful Harry.' 'Don't worry,' he replied, 'I won't accept any drinks from her.' Lady Zabini had married seven times and all her husbands had died in mysterious circumstances, leaving her very wealthy.

Harry kissed her hand. "Charmed" he replied.

"Shall we make use of one of the conference rooms?" asked Harry.

"Certainly," she replied.

With that, they entered an unused room and closed the door. Since they were used to discuss cases, runes ensured no listening charms would work as well as preventing sound from escaping.

"Dowager Lady Zabini," said Harry. "We both know this is not a social chat. What can I do for you?"

"Ah, a true Gryffindor, charging in, direct and to the point." She smiled at him. "I do appreciate a man who doesn't feel it necessary to waste my time." At this point Hermione bristled. "Don't worry Lady Potter, I have no designs on your husband. Firstly, you are soul-bonded and there would be no point. Secondly, he is far too healthy for my tastes." Comcluded Lady Zabini with a wicked smile and laughter in her eyes.

Slightly taken aback by this, Hermione none the less settled down and simply nodded in reply.

Lady Zabini's mien turned serious. "Now, since you are positively Goblin-like in valuing our time, I shall be blunt. What do I have to do to keep my son alive?"

Harry looked at Hermione who nodded.

"My Lady, your approach is not unexpected and my wife and I have discussed this. I understand you also have a 10 year old son?"

"Yes, Jacque."

"Very well. Blaise will step down as head of House Zabini in favour of his brother. You will act as regent until Jacque is of age. Blaise will spend one year in prison, so he is out of the way while we complete Hogwarts. Now, I wish to protect myself and my wife from the possibility of revenge. Therefore, House Zabini will swear magical fealty to House Potter. "

Lady Zabini looked shocked, "Fealty! You can't be serious."

Harry leaned forward and looked coldly at the woman in front of him. "Madam, your son could have killed my wife, I am very serious." Harry glanced back at Hermione. "I doubt that Hermione would let me ask for the death penalty, but nothing would stop me asking for life without parole in the maximum security wing of Azkaban." Harry finished grimly.

Harry's face then softened. "Dowager Lady Zabini, I will not be dictatorial towards your House, and I will make sure that your businesses prosper through agreements with mine. I will, however, make sure Hermione is safe."

Lady Zabini looked into his face and saw sincerity and grim determination. She nodded, realising she had no choice, as Blaise would not last long among the dementors in the maximum security wing. "Very well Lord Potter, you drive a hard bargain, but I can understand why."

"Very well, Lady Zabini. I understand Blaise is still in St Mungos?"

"Yes he is," she replied.

"Then we shall meet there on Saturday to complete the oaths. I will contact Madam Bones and let her know."

With that, they all departed the room and Lady Zabini left the ministry. As they headed for the DMLE to talk to Madam Bones, Hermione said. "Harry, I'm proud of you and happy. Proud you stood up to her without losing your temper. I'm happy because of the care and love you show me."

After speaking with Madam Bones about the agreement with Lady Zabini, they swore out a complaint against the Assistant Editor of the Daily Prophet.

Harry and Hermione floo'ed to the Leaky Cauldron and nodding to Tom, they walked through to Diagon Alley for an ice cream at Fortescue's before they returned to Hogwarts.

They had not gone far when they saw a large crowd outside the Daily Prophet. The crowd was standing there jeering at someone who was speaking on a podium. As they approached, they heard the man talking. " As assistant editor, it is my job to maintain the standards of the paper that people expect in Mr Cuffe's unfortunate absence. I-" He was cut off as an overripe tomato hit his robes. Shocked, he could only gape at the red stain as the remnants slid down his front."

Harry smiled coldly and whispered in Hermione's ear. She smiled and nodded. Harry then walked to the front of the crowd and looked at the man on the stage. "I think the people have made it clear what they expect."

The extremely tall man looked at harry and hissed. "You! This is all your fault you jumped up little half-blood. I'll-"

At this point a red-robed Auror interrupted, "Nigel Incubator-Jones?"

"Yes?" said the man crossly.

"I am arresting you for the defamation of Lord and Lady Potter."

The man's mouth opened and closed like a fish as he was led towards an apparition point to the cheers of the crowd.

Harry jumped up onto the podium and looked over the crowd. Casting a sonorus, he cleared his throat. With that the crowd quieted down and turned back to the podium. Voices whispered excitedly to each other as they realised who was standing in front of them.

"For those who don't know me, I'm Harry Potter." At that entirely unneccessary introduction, a cheer went up from the crowd. Harry waited a few seconds for the applause to end and continued. "I would like to thank you all for coming here today to support Hermione and me." Again the crowd cheered, it got louder when Harry waved for Hermione to join him.

Harry put his arm around Hermione and said. "Two days in a row, the Prophet has printed things about us that simply aren't true. This is not to mention things in the past as well. The people responsible will face trial for what they have done. To stop it from happening again, we need to hit them where the owners of the paper will really feel it, in their vaults. I think Molly Weasley had the right idea yesterday. If you look to the side, you will see tables where my wife has created parchment with a form to cancel your subscription to the Prophet. Please cancel it until they clean up their act. Take extra copies of the form for your friends. Thank you!"

There was a huge roar as the crowd moved to the tables and grabbed the forms and used the self inking quills that were provided to fill them out. Once filled in, they went to the reception desk of the newspaper and dropped them off.

Smiling at the people who stopped to wish them well and thanking them, they made their exit and headed to Gringotts.

Entering the bank, they asked for Bloodfist and were soon shown in to see him.

Harry and Hermione bowed and Harry said. "Bloodfist, may you gold overflow your vaults and your enemies' blood overflow the drains."

Bloodfist smiled, "thank you Harry and may your remaining enemies tremble at your name as their gold fills your vaults. What can I do for you?"

"How much stock of the Daily Prophet do I currently own?" asked Harry with a smirk.

"About 20%, why?"

"Well, I suspect that by tomorrow the other owners won't be able to give their stock away. So, once the price drops, buy everything you can through a third party. I want 100% ownership if I can get it."

Hermione looked at Harry in surprise. "I could sense you wanted to punish them, but why do you want to buy it?"

"I'm sure that eventually we will be able to make sure they only print the truth. But I don't want to wait, I need to own it to make sure they do it now. I don't care if they publish stuff about us, provided it's the truth and can be verified."

Hermione smiled, "The pure-bloods are going to hate that!"

A/N The song lyrics are from Truly, Madly Deeply by Savage Garden. This was also a slight nod to Alan Rickman who appeared in the unrelated movie with the same name. Finally the trial is done! Next chapter will have Blaise's reaction to the news among other things.

Oh, in case anyone wonders, Nigel Incubator-Jones is one of the contestants in Monty Python's Upper-Class twit of the Year and was played by John Cleese.

As usual, I would ask that you please review.