After much more discussion, the three teens decided it was too late and they were far too tired to go on. Neville had explained that Soul Bonds, while not unheard of, were incredibly rare in the Wizarding world. When it came to souls, the magic associated was considered either the darkest available or the lightest of the light. In the case of soul bonds, there was nothing lighter.

Then the line about more bonds, which appeared in both Harry and Hermione's letter, confused them further. At least until Neville clarified that while Marriage with more than one with or wizard involved was looked down upon in general with the ministry, soul bonds superseded all wizard made laws.

Basically, if Harry had 100 soul bonds, he would have 100 marriages.

This statement proved to be too much. Neville lost himself laughing at the looks on Harry and Hermione's faces before saying his adieus.

Harry and Hermione just sat in silence for a bit longer.

At least it appeared to be silence amongst anyone else who was watching them

Harry?

Yes Hermione?

I'm scared.

Harry paused to look at the witch he held in his arms as she clung desperately to him.

Why is that, love?

Harry felt Hermione's smile before he saw it when he called her love.

Well, married? At 14? And what about my parents? And school? There aren't any…rules or anything we need to worry about?

Are you regretting it dear?

Harry felt his own apprehension and insecurities sneaking forth. He was concerned about Hermione slipping and getting stuck in something she did not want. She was too brilliant to be getting dragged down by the likes of him. Maybe Ron…

His thoughts cut off with a smack on his arm.

Now stop that. Harry, Ron and I are only friends because of you. I don't really have a lot of friends. And now I am suddenly married to one of them through some obscure magic which will apparently bind us for life? A life spent with my best friend? There is nothing to regret there.

At this point, the 14 year-old witch who just that morning had been concerned about her looks stared deeply into her fri-husbands eyes before pulling him back in for a kiss. A kiss which seemed to ignite something in her and she found herself moaning.

It was apparently the wrong thing to do as Harry pulled back and spoke out loud.

"Are you alright?!"

Now Hermione let out a groan. She had just been starting to enjoy that. Of course Harry overheard her thoughts and began to grin.

"So you liked that, huh?" She smiled right back at him and smacked his arm.

"You prat. I'm going to get some sleep. Give me a goodnight kiss." With a radiant smile, she stood and stretched. The sight, though not truly erotic, took Harry's breath away. And Hermione felt his emotions through their bond. She gasped at the power of how she affected him. Her gasp galvanized him to action as the new tri-wizard tournament competitor jumped to his feet to take Hermione into his arms and planted a kiss squarely on her lips.

Neither saw their red-headed friend sitting on the stairs watching them. As he saw them pull apart, Ron quickly and quietly made his way up the stairs, throwing himself angrily into his bed, muttering.

Harry joined a few minutes later. Harry noticed Ron still awake.

"So How was the day Ron?"

"Fine."

Harry frowned at Ron's tone. He knew the two got into a fight earlier, and he remembered Ron's reaction to his getting into the tournament, but he had hoped now that things would be different. Apparently he was wrong.

"So what happened tonight, Ron?" This seemed to be too much for Ron. The young boy sat up and glared at Harry.

"You mean besides you stealing the glory of getting into the tournament without telling your best friend how and then going on to steal his girl somehow?"

The venom in Ron's voice shook Harry. He was not sure how to react. He did catch on to one thing though, and that one thing cause Harry to have to fight a righteous rage building in his chest.

"Your Girl, Ronald?"

Harry watched Ron start to wither under his glare, but Ron was not done just yet.

"Aha, so you don't deny getting yourself into this tournament?"

Letting out a sigh, Harry fought back.

"Ron, I have already said I did not do it. Just like I was not Slytherin's heir. If you choose not to believe me, even though we have claimed to be best mates for over three years now, that is your decision."

Letting that fall onto Ron's ears, Harry rolled over and drew up the covers. As he did, he heard Hermione's voice in his head.

You alright love?

Fine. Just dealing with Ron the Prat.

Ah.

You already knew it was coming, didn't you?

There was no accusation in his voice, just tired resignation. He had seen how Ron treated Hermione. While had had future memories of the two getting together, their past seemed to suggest they would not work.

Unfortunately, Hermione heard that thought.

Ron and I? Together?

Uhhh…

Harry James Potter….

Hermione, I think we need to talk…

Yes.

About a lot of things.

We do.

Harry could hear the anger simmering and was looking for a new angle. Then he realized he had it.

How about tomorrow, after breakfast, I introduce you to a new room that none of the staff or students at Hogwarts knows about?

Harry felt her considering his request and just hoped, desperately, that she would agree. Finally, after a few minutes, he felt her relent.

Fine, but I want a full explanation.

Yes Hermione.

And Harry?

Yes?

I love you.

I love you too Hermione. More than I could ever say.

Harry had already felt her dozing off as he finished his statement. He moved his hand and felt the curtains close around him as well as the wards go up.

Indeed, something strange was going on, but this new wandless and soundless casting stuff was cool at least.

VXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVXVX

The next morning, Harry found Ron's bunk abandoned.

The worst was seeing the other bunks abandoned.

The only person still around was Neville, who just offered a sad smile.

"You know I believe you."

Harry smiled in return, extending his hand to the shy Gryffindor.

"Thanks Neville. I appreciate that more than you'll ever know."

As the two made their way downstairs, joined shortly by Hermione, there were stares and even glares abounding. Harry almost felt himself wilting, but the support of Hermione beside him and Neville, whom he had seen rise to become a hero of the war, on his other side gave Harry the strength to keep going. The three settled in and though no one else seemed brave enough to join them, began to enjoy a nutritious meal provided by the Hogwarts House Elves.

Everything went well until Harry heard a dreaded voice from behind him.

"Well if it isn't the little cheater himself. Thanks for that, by the way, I needed something besides scarhead."

While others began to tense, waiting for Harry to explode, the young man in question just kept eating. Considering what Harry knew about future Draco and what his life had become, Harry could not care less what that piece of filth said to or about him. If he commented on Neville or Hermione though…

"And now associating not only with a mudblood, but a squib as well? Pity Potter, how far you have fal-"

Draco collapsed as several things happened at once. Hermione and Neville were both turning red with embarrassment at being referred to as such, but trying to be strong like Harry and ignore him. Harry suddenly disregarded that approach. Though no one noticed, Harry wandlessly sent an engorgio spell sent at Draco's chest followed by a boil hex to his crotch and a slug gagging hex to his face. No one noticed these last two as the blond ponce suddenly sprouted tits. Then, as the gasps rose from the room, Harry silently and calmly rose to his feet. Everyone was watching for his wand, but no one could find it. Harry turned to face the now cowering Draco. He leaned in close to whisper just to the top-heavy boy.

"Draco, I don't really care what is said about me. You may be right or wrong, but it won't change anything, so get over yourself." Harry paused and Draco seemed to let out the breath he had been holding. Harry waited until all of the tension in the young Malfoy seemed to have faded before continuing. "If you ever refer to or talk about my friends in a manner as you seem to feel you are allowed to so freely throw around again, and I will finish this job permanently." Here, Harry indicated Draco's new breasts for emphasis. As Harry turned to sit, a voice called to him from the Head table.

"100 points from Gryffindor!" Snape's screech made Harry smile. He turned to face the greasy haired one.

"No." The room fell into a shocked silence once more. Even Snape seemed to struggle for words.

"Excuse me?" Harry grinned, but it was a grin which would have made Death Eaters run in fear. Snape himself was feeling that way right at that moment.

"I said No. But then with so much grease used to care for your hair, we can't be sure some does not plug your ears, so I shall repeat it. No." This time Professor McGongall spoke from her side.

"Mr. Potter! As your Head of House-"

"You will prove I am the guilty party before deducting points from myself. I have been unwillingly named a champion, a fact which every headmaster, every champion, including Hogwarts true Champion, Mr. Diggory, and even Mr. Snape can attest to based on my wizards oath." a gasp from the room, "On top of that, Mr. Malfoy is allowed to wander here to spread his lies and cruel words, even though anyone who has ever sat in a class knows Draco is far closer to a squib level than Neville, while you professors do nothing. I may come to regret this, but you cannot punish me as a part of this school unless you prove it, according to the ruling of my legal guardian. In addition, I claim a blood feud between the Snape Line and Potter due to inhumane treatment of a holder of a life debt!"

Harry's final words rang through the room as all eyes stood in shock. Professor McGongall looked like she was trying to reclaim some semblance of control and turned slowly toward the Headmaster.

"The ruling of his legal guardian?" At Harry's nod, the Headmaster offered his own words.

"Indeed. Based on the Ministry's own rules, only a legal adult can compete in this tournament. As two ministry representative as well as myself, as Mr. Potter's current guardian, agreed that Mr. Potter had to compete, even against his will, he is recognized as an emancipated minor." Dumbledore was a tad annoyed at the blood feud piece, but that was Severus' own doing due to his inability to see beyond.

These words began to shock the room. Instantly there was a great deal of swearing and screaming and shouting. Several dark families looked sick. The few in the know were aware that between the Black and Potter families, nearly every economic power in the wizarding world owed them debts which could bankrupt them. Not only were the initial debts massive, but over the past decade most had failed to pay them appropriately and with no lord in place to enforce the debts, there was no way for Gringotts to collect. The interest built on most alone would ruin over half of them.

It was Harry's voice which calmed the room.

"Professor Snape, I am calling that debt due! From this day forth, as long as you teach a course at Hogwarts School of Whichcraft and Wizardry, you must treat each and every student fairly. Not merely the same, but fairly and to the best of your ability on the honor not only of your magic, but your claim to be a potions master. Prove it to us sir!"

With that Harry sat. Dumbledore from his throne at the front smiled. Harry had just found a loophole. Albus had always let Severus get away with his cruelty because it kept him in the good graces of the dark families as a spy. Now, with Harry's declaration, Professor Snape would have to be a good professor for once. Albus just hoped the young man could manage that.

As the room broke into a noisy chaos once more, Harry let Hermione slip from the room. She was going up to the Gryffindor tower and would meet him in the Common Room shortly. Harry wanted to chat with Neville a bit more and since it was a Saturday, there was no reason to rush off. Hermione was just going to get some parchment, a quill, and ink to take notes.

Therefore, it was just thirty more minutes before Neville said his goodbyes as he headed for the greenhouses. Harry moved to make his way up the stairwell when he was dragged into an open classroom. Harry's memories left him twitchy and in an instant, is wand was out and focused on the new threat.

It took a moment for his min to register exactly whom this threat was. When he did, Harry felt his heart race, though he truly had no idea why.

Stepping from the Shadows of the classroom to stand before him was none other than his recently betrothed, Daphne Greengrass.

"Mr. Potter, I need to speak with you."

Harry could feel through his connection Hermione getting Antsy that he had not returned just yet. He turned back to Daphne, trying to focus on the young witch.

"Yes, can we set up some time to talk later?" Daphne seemed confused. Then she put her Ice Queen face back on.

"Mr. Potter, it is a Saturday and what I need to speak with you about is of the utmost importance. It has a large impact on my family, myself, as well as you." There was a slight break in her shield. Instantly Harry knew what she wanted to discuss.

"You want to talk about the marriage contract."

"How did you- right, emancipated minor." The look of shock faded nearly as fast as it appeared. "I just want the chance to get to know my betrothed before we actually must marry."

Harry looked at the blond witch. While he knew he should tell her the contract was gone and she was free, there was something about her. It might have been in the eyes or perhaps more so in the way she stood, but she needed him.

And some part of him said he needed her.

"Ms. Greengrass, I am running late for a meeting. There are several things which I believe we must make you aware of. Would you care to join me for this meeting as my plan is to relate all of this?"

Daphne smile, briefly, at him and took his hand. As he took off, she simply followed hoping none of the Slytherins saw him holding her hand. It wasn't that it made her feel uncomfortable. She rather enjoyed the feel of his hand around hers. It was more what they would do when she returned to the dungeon.

As they arrived at the portrait of the fat lady, Daphne's brain reengaged.

"We?"