Minerva woke up as the sun filtered in her bedroom window. She arched her back to stretch her back muscles but stilled rather quickly. Harry had snuck in her bed during the night sometime. He was spooning her and had his arms firmly around her. "Morning love," he whispered as he kissed her neck.
Her breathe hitched at the unexpected contact. "Harry," she warned.
He chuckled before defending himself. "It was just a kiss," he reassured her. "I have no plans to see you warring with yourself so I will gladly wait until I'm of age."
Tears sprung to her eyes at that admission. She tilted her head back to met his gaze. "In that case," she whispered. "Do it again!"
"With pleasure," he whispered as he tenderly kissed her neck. "I'm going to enjoy these moments with you. I have longed for this for years. Do you know how many nights I laid awake just watching you sleeping the first time around? We had to look over our shoulders at every turn but I would do it all over again if it was the only way I could have this with you."
"Harry," she whispered emotionally. Words failed her but she turned and buried her face in the crook of his neck. "I love you so much!"
Minerva frowned as she eyed the sympathic glances from the staff. Before she could ask, a Daily Prophet was pushed in her hands. She groaned when she saw the headline. Headmistress gives Boy Who Lives Special Treatment! She didn't bother reading it. "How bad?" she asked.
"Expect Howlers," Rolanda Hooch offered. "They painted you as a predator."
Before Minerva could say a word, she felt a magical outbust throughout the Great Hall. She glanced up to see an angry Harry Potter clutching a Daily Prophet. He stood up angrily and threw the paper down in disgust. She watched as Hermione gave him a piece of folded up parchment but remained silent. He offered a grin to her before turning towards the Head Table. "Professor Sprout," he called. "I shall take whatever punishment you seem fit once I return."
"Return from where?" she inquired.
"London," Harry answered before doing the impossible. He apparated from the Great Hall much to the bewilderment of everyone present. "How did he manage that?" Pomona asked Minerva.
"I'm unsure," she answered although she knew exactly how hw had managed it. Harry was handfasted to her and thus could tap into her abilities because of the soulbond. She wouldn't add to the Daily Prophet's speculations.
"What's in London," questioned Professor Vector.
"The Daily Prophet headquarters," Filius Flitwick commented with a smirk. "Mister Potter plans to remind them why you don't slander his betrothed."
Minerva allowed a small smile to grace her features. Harry would never allow others to harm her in any fashion. She did wonder what he planned.
It was the next morning at breakfast before Minerva heard news of Harry's actions. He had yet to return to Hogwarts but James had sent her an Owl stating Harry was with him. The morning Daily Prophet arrived and caused choas. Headmistress McGonagall article prompted DMLE investigation! Curiously she read the article. It appeared the editor had been bribed by a group of New Era sympathizers who wanted to see the end of Minerva's reign at Hogwarts. They disagreed with her Old Way beliefs and sought to discredit her. The editor was all too happy to talk to the DMLE when faced with an angry Harry Potter. Harry was scary when angered regardless his age.
"I have to give him credit," Filius said as he folded his Prophet and laid it on the table. "His quote will give others pause before they make such a slanderous statement about Minerva."
"A galleon says Hermione handed him a list of quotes to choose from before he left," Poppy offered.
Minerva snorted at that. "That's a fool's bet," she answered. "Hermione is Harry's rock. His conscience probably sounds like her."
Poppy snorted in amusement before nodding in agreement. "And her daring, mischievous voice is Harry's. They really do behave as siblings. Its amazing Charlie and Rose has accepted Hermione as they have."
"Euphemia's doing if I had to wager," Minerva answered. "The entire family treats her as one of theirs. Sirius, James and Remus treat her like a beloved niece."
"I know it," growled Poppy. "They take great pleasure in spoiling her. I had to turn a guest room into her personal library at home."
"Why not make her consolidate them?" Pomona Sprout inquired.
"Those books are worth a fortune," Minerva whispered. "Some of those books are signed first editions and others are so rare that there isn't another copy in Scotland. The boys love to outdo each other and find Hermione the most amazing books."
"Or England," Filius added. "She has allowed me to borrow some of the more rare Charms books but I had to promise to take her on as an apprecentice after she has sit her OWLs."
Minerva snorted at that. "Hermione certainly knows how to negotiate!"
"Look at the door," Hooch whispered to Minerva.
Minerva did so and smiled. Harry was standing at the door dressed in his most formal robes. His hair as messy as ever but his mere presence demanded respect. He confidently walked to the head table regally as his upbringing demanded. He offered Minerva a smirk and wink before pulling out a tiny wrapped package. He wandlesy enlarged it and floated it into her hands. "Open it," he encouraged her.
She looked at him inquisitively before doing as he requested. She unwrapped the box, opened it and peered inside. She stared at the parchment inside before picking up the brass skelton key inside. "You bought the Prophet?" she questioned in suprise.
"I bought you the Prophet," he corrected with a smirk. "Donavon and Grandfather are currently going through their books for you. Did you really expect me to allow such a slanderous article go without some action?"
A speechless Minerva watched as a cocky Harry Potter made his way to Gryffindor table and sit down next to Hermione. Pomona Sprout chuckled at the look on her friend's face. Harry Potter was one of the few able to make Minerva speechless and the lad knew it. She really hated to give him punishment but she wanted to avoid speculation of Harry getting special attention as the Daily Prophet had already suggested. "Mister Potter," she called out. "Leaving school grounds without permission is strictly prohibited. Please report to Professor Flitwick after dinner for detention for the next two weeks."
"Yes Professor," Harry replied respectfully.
"I really hate to punish him for taking care of his own," Sprout whispered to those nearby.
"Harry understands why you must," Minerva whispered back.
"I will make his detentions fun," Filius added quietly.
"Thank you Filius," Minerva said sincerely. She was grateful her friends understood her concerns without having to voice them.