It was time to return to Hogwarts. Hermione and her parents had been popped to the Tonks, so they could floo to King's Cross with them. Everyone had their trunks. Even the Grangers were dressed in their wizarding robes so everyone obviously fit in. Hermione looked every inch the noble lady, as she had received a new wardrobe for an early birthday present from her guardian, Dowager Countess Longbottom. Her image as a lady was completed with the betrothal ring sparkling on her left hand, her wand holster visible on her right wrist, and a cute set of white dragon-hide boots, low heal…Harry insisted. It was a striking contrast, her all in white, Harry in black.
Harry was in battle robes and Dragon-hide military style boots. Lord Black said he had earned them this summer and had Harry's first set made. The robes were Hebridean Black, like his boots, and he cut a very fine…and noticeably dangerous figure in them, especially with the Heir ring slightly glowing blood red, next to his Potter betrothal ring on his left hand. The robes were monogramed with the Black Heir insignia on the left breast, and the Hogwarts insignia on the right with Hufflepuff accentuated. Technically, they qualified as a school uniform with this. Lord Black wished to make a statement that would not be missed.
Hermione had told Harry, seeing him in the robes made her all tingly…down there, then kissed him and walked away twitching her behind…He wasn't sure what to do about that, but ideas definitely came to mind.
The whole family floo'd together to Kings Cross. There were many families scurrying about, getting their children on the train, but when Harry and his entourage appeared…everything ground to a halt. Harry striding along in his Black battle robes with his bedecked white lady on his arm got everyone's attention. There were a lot of whispers, "There's Heir Black and Lady Hermione" while looking at them.
Harry murmured to Hermione, "Keep your head high. You are my lady and worthy of it!"
Hermione took a deep breath, looked at Harry with confidence and trust and kept her head high. It was the same as Gus had taught her, demand their respect, and you will get it.
Soon they were greeted by the Longbottoms, the Malfoys, and the Diggorys.
Cedric introduced his younger sister, Darla, a very cute girl with medium length brown hair similar to Cedric's who curtseyed saying "Pleased ever so much to meet you Heir Black and Lady Potter. Please call me Darla." Her eyes were lingering on Harry as he was a very imposing figure, and it looked like someone was developing a crush. Hermione noticed, and just smiled at Darla, while everybody introduced themselves and allowed Darla their first names.
Naturally Draco said, "So ready for combat brother? Thinking someone will challenge you for the fair Lady Hermione's hand?"
Harry replied with a dangerous glint, "Well, if they do, I want them to understand it won't be casual…or survivable. The Black, take the protection of their witches, rather personally."
"That we do, brother, that we do." said Draco with a smile, as he bowed to Hermione. Hermione just smiled at Draco's antics, as she curtseyed in response.
Harry forcing a lighter mood, "Congratulations on being made our Prefect, Cedric. I'm glad Madam Sprout is aware of your good qualities." Everyone else said "Hear, Hear!" Harry then after a pause finished with, "Even if the rest of us haven't figured them out." to Draco and Neville snickering.
Cedric, just bowed to everyone in thanks…ignoring Harry's jibe while Hermione gave Harry a slap on the arm. He did smile at Harry showing he knew it was a jest.
"Draco are you going to advance in any classes this year?" Hermione asked.
Draco frowned, "No, my father forbade it."
Hermione, looking contrite, "Ah" and looked away.
Draco just replied, "It's not your fault. Don't worry about it."
Cedric looked disappointed for a second, then brightened, "Well Master Snape usually picks apprentices after second year. Make sure to get that nod, and all will be well, since I know you want to be a potioner. These two getting the nod this year is…unprecedented."
Hermione looking abashed, "We sent him all the work for second year, he deemed it adequate to advance to third year. Dueling Master Flitwick also advanced us. Professor McGonagall refused us the chance." And Hermione frowned for a moment.
Cedric, "Well, I will see everyone later, I'm off to the Prefect car to learn my new duties!" Everyone bade him goodbye, as he turned to his sister.
Cedric gave a big hug to Darla, "Darla, I have to go, these are my friends and they will watch out for you." Darla looking unsure nodded.
Harry, seeing her insecurity, "We will see to Darla, Cedric!" Cedric waved his thanks and left.
Harry looked at Draco, and asked "Are you hanging with us, or off to the Slytherins?"
Draco sighed, "I'm off to the Slytherins, I'm afraid. Politics, brother." And Draco said his goodbyes to the other families. He bade his mother goodbye, kissing her, and went into the train.
As the older kids helped the younger ones with their trunks, Harry noticed Chastity talking with Darla. He caught her eye and nodded to which Chas smiled. As expected, Chastity pulled Darla into a car and shooed Harry and crew away. Harry smiled and took Hermione and Neville to another car.
After a short while, they were joined by Susan and Hanna, who after greetings, asked shyly to sit with Neville…much to Harry's amusement. Susan commented, "What's with the battle robes, Harry? I mean they look fantastic, but it looks like you are girded for war."
Harry grimaced, "My Lord Black had them made for me. He insisted that since I wear the ring, and now know how to fight, I show the world the next Black."
Susan looked confused, "Know how to fight? You are just a second year."
Harry sighed thinking of all the dueling he had done this summer, "Lord Black trained me this summer. I actually can hold my own at OWL level now."
Susan looked surprised and impressed, "Wow, that is impressive."
Hanna gushed, "Not as impressive as their bonding ceremony. I mean WOW."
Hermione just looked at her with a question in her eyes. Hanna then pulled out the newspaper from that morning. On the front page, even above the fold was the headline. HEIR POTTER BONDS HIS WITCH - LENGENDARY SOULMATES? There taking up the entire space above the fold was the picture of them bonding showing the bond go full body and golden, together as they kissed. Hermione realized she was on the front of the newspaper…complete bare! Then she saw Harry's dick was visible, and she got angry about all these witches looking at her Harry's dick!
Susan just watched her face with a smirk. She knew exactly what was going through Hermione's mind as she first went white in embarrassment, then red with anger. Hermione immediately put down the paper and pulled out her writing desk. She then dashed off a letter, actually four different letters. She then called elves to deliver them as she wanted them delivered NOW! She didn't tell anyone that one of the letters was to the daily prophet 'requesting' a dozen color copies of the photos, and all originals from the photographer. The other three were to Gus, Andy, and Juliet to make sure they knew (and got copies) of the article. The rest of the article went on about the bonding and there was another picture showing the ring ceremony. It was beautiful.
Harry after she had finished putting away her desk, and most importantly, calmed down somewhat, asked "Mine, are you OK?"
Hermione with some heat, "It's bad enough that I am bare in front of all England, but to also have your dick on display for any witch to ogle, is just the limit!"
Harry not having a clue what to say, just held her hand and patted it, while Susan snickered…her reading was correct.
Neville, seeing the picture, "Wow, at least you are in battle robes. Anyone who wants to have a go at you, can see just looking, it will be a very poor idea."
Suddenly there was a loud bang from the hallway. Harry jumped forward. He made sure all the ladies were out from behind him, before he opened the door. He instantly swept the hall for threats. He saw Ron Weasley crumpled up against the wall, and Draco, 2 meters away looking furious, with his wand in hand.
Cedric was showing up the same time Harry opened the door. Cedric demanded, "What happened here?"
Draco, sneering while he looked in Ron's direction, "Mr. Weasley made an off-color and inappropriate, comment about the Lady Hermione while holding up the Daily Prophet. I was incensed, and demanded an apology for such unseemly behavior. He refused and raised his wand. I responded."
Harry face going completely cold, asked dangerously, "And what did he say about my lady?"
Draco realizing this could be very bad, said angrily, "I will not repeat it!"
Harry, even more dangerously, asked "Did anyone else hear what he said?"
Everyone else shook their heads no, more than a little scared. Harry looked very dangerous right now. Glaring at Ron, who was trying to get up, "Will you repeat what you said about my lady? Or are you too cowardly to say to my face, what you would say behind my back?"
Ron just yelled, embarrassed he had been put down so easily, "It did not involve you! I was talking to this slimy snake!"
Harry replied with some disgust, "This slimy snake, as you put it, is my brother, and more honorable than you will ever be."
Cedric cut in, desperately trying to keep this situation from turning into a blood bath, "All right. I don't know how to deal with something this serious, but be assured, this will be reported to Headmistress McGonagall and Master Snape. Go your separate ways…NOW!" Cedric picked up Ron, and the newspaper slapping it into his stomach, before pushing him down the hall.
At this point Ron looked at his wand. It was cracked and bent with tufts of unicorn hair visible. "My wand!" Everyone just looked at him and shook their heads. At this point the twins came running up.
Cedric yelled, "Get him out of here!" pointing at Ron. Seeing how angry Cedric was, and the look on Harry's face in those robes, Fred and George just grabbed Ron and ran the other direction.
Harry watched them leave with a very dangerous look in his eyes. Fortunately, the eyes were still green and not black. Hermione, came up to him and gently pulled his face down to look at her. She then kissed him very seriously, "It doesn't matter what anyone thinks. All I care about is you. You are mine and I am yours, always and forever."
Harry looking in her eyes, "Always and forever, Mine." He put his arm around Hermione and went back into his car.
Cedric just took a breath and let it out forcefully, before he shook his head, "This is sooo above my pay grade." he complained.
Neville smiled at him, "Better you than me, Cedric."
Cedric just frowned and went back down the hall, the opposite way from the Weasleys.
Fortunately, nothing else bothered Harry and Hermione on the train ride.
On reaching Hogsmeade, they caught a carriage with Neville, Susan, and Hanna. It was a tight fit but Hermine just sat on Harry's lap, successfully keeping him distracted. At the castle, they entered the great Hall. Harry strode over to the Hufflepuff table with Hermione on his arm. Most of the professors were looking closely, at Harry in his battle robes. Harry nodded his head, making eye contact with Sprout, Flitwick, and Snape showing deference. He studiously ignored McGonagall and Dumbledore. Harry politely sat Hermione down and joined her.
The sorting was interesting in Cedric's sister joined Chastity in Slytherin. Harry and his friends were obvious in their cheering for the two of them, and their friendly teasing of Cedric. Draco nodded his appreciation, and the warning to the snakes for what it was. There was a blond lost waif, straight out of Les Misérables, who went into Ravenclaw. And yet another Weasley, a girl who went to Gryffindor. He wondered if he would be forced to kill her with her brothers.