Y/N and Hermione headed to the great hall and arrived to see only a couple of students at each house table. They sat together before dishing up their favourite breakfasts. Hermione had a bowl of oatmeal and Y/N heaped about 15 eggs on his plate.

"Seriously?" Hermione giggled as he started eating.

"What?" Y/N asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't what me" she giggled again. "Why do you eat so many eggs?"

"Well I'm hungry, I have to refuel my body"

"Yes, but why not have say 5 less eggs and maybe a side of bacon?"

Hermione raised an eyebrow and smirked as she talked. Y/N couldn't help but think it was adorable. He smirked his cocky smirk as he replied:

"Well bacon is delicious, but it's filled with fats and oils. Not really good for you. These are poached, full of protein and have hardly any fat. So you just enjoy your gruel and leave me to these amazing eggs ok Granger".

Hermione narrowed her eyes at Y/N, causing him to smirk more. They were pulled from their stare off by a voice in front of them:

"You two are adorable you know that!"

They both turned to see Beatrice standing there grinning at them. She giggled before speaking again:

"I said you'd be a heartthrob at Hogwarts Y/N, but I didn't expect you to have a girlfriend already"

She smirked again before seeing them both blush. Beatrice's eyes widened in shock. Y/N was blushing? Holy shit, little Mr Confidence must like her.

"Heard you put on a good show yesterday in Charms Y/N, just wanted to say well done".

The colour subsided from his cheeks slightly as he looked at Beatrice shocked.

"You heard about that?"

"Yeah" she chuckled. "Welcome to Hogwarts Y/N, nothing travels faster here than gossip"

Y/N's eyebrows furrowed:

"People are gossiping about me"

Beatrice rolled her eyes and chuckled again:

"You know for someone so smart you really are clueless"

"Yep" Hermione agreed with a grin as she looked down at her oatmeal with a smirk.

Y/N turned his head to Hermione in mock hurt and muttered:

"Hey"

Both the girls giggled before Beatrice asked with a smile:

"Any word from Dean yet?"

"Not yet. Hopefully any day now. I'll let you know as soon as I hear" Y/N answered happily.

"No worries thanks for that. See you later you two"

Beatrice smiled and turned, walking over to the Hufflepuff table.

Hermione looked up to notice a number of girls at the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables whispering to each other and looking at Y/N. He was happily eating his eggs, completely unaware of the attention. She subconsciously scooted closer to him.

"Everything ok with Dean?" Hermione asked, their previous teasing match forgotten.

Y/N smiled.

"I hope so. A couple of days before we caught the Express here Dean and I went over to Bea's house"

"Oh"

Hermione felt a tinge of jealousy, even though she had no reason to and didn't know why. She internally scolded herself.

"Yeah, Dean asked her parents for their blessing to propose to Penny"

"Oh that's so sweet" Hermione squealed. "They said yes?"

"Yeah. Julie, Bea and Penny's Mum, was crying really happy and John had a huge smile on his face, so safe to say he was happy too."

Hermione awed before asking:

"Any idea how he will propose?"

Y/N chuckled.

"Nope, no clue. Hopefully he'll do it soon".

Hermione smiled.

"That's so sweet"

Hermione did something she wasn't usually prone to. She daydreamed momentarily, one day in the future, someone proposing to her. She was snapped out of it as Y/N spoke:

"Well we better get to potions. Penny said Snape was a sweetheart, but Dean said he's a pain in the arse so either way best to be early".

Hermione glanced over to see even more girls staring at Y/N. She forced a polite smile and nodded in agreement, adding:

"Yeah let's go".

As the two walked out of the Great Hall they passed Harry and Ron.

"Better eat quick lads, double potions in 15" Y/N said with equal measures of sincerity and intensity.

The two nodded and rushed into the hall. Y/N and Hermione continued to walk towards the dungeons as Hermione said:

"We have half an hour until class starts Y/N"

Y/N chuckled:

"Yeah but they need a kick up the arse after yesterday"

"True" Hermione giggled as they continued to walk happily to class.

-~-

Harry and Ron surprisingly made it to the potions room on time. The Gryffindor were in with the Slytherins- Ron, Harry, Hermione, Y/N and then Neville were all sat in a row. Y/N looked at Neville and asked:

"Nev did you forget your tie?"

Neville looked down and whimpered, causing Y/N to look up and slightly shake his head.

The classroom door suddenly swung open violently, Snape walking in with his cloak swishing around. Y/N leant into Hermione and whispered:

"Loves a dramatic entrance doesn't he"

Hermione kicked him under the table as Snape began to speak:

"There will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such I do not expect many of you to enjoy the subtle science and exact art that is potion making. However, for the select few who possess the predisposition..."

Snape looked directly at Y/N- a small smirk crossed his scowling lips momentarily before he continued.

That was weird Y/N said telepathically to Hermione who subtly nodded.

"...I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame, brew glory and even put a stopper in death. Then again maybe some of you have come to Hogwarts in possession of abilities so formidable that you feel confident enough to...not...pay....attention"

Snape was glaring at Harry who was writing on his parchment. It was Harry's turn to receive a Hermione kick under the table, this got his attention as Snape glared at him.

"Mr. Potter... our latest celebrity. Tell me what would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood"

Harry shook his head and Hermione's hand shot up. She was ignored.

"You don't know? Well let's try again. Where would you look Mr. Potter If I asked you to find me a bezoar?"

Harry again shook his head and Y/N gently grabbed Hermione's hand before she could raise it. She looked at him puzzled before he again spoke to her through legilimency:

He's trying to embarrass Harry. He won't ask you and may insult you. Please let me handle it.

Hermione looked at Y/N and nodded as Snape began again.

"And what is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

"I don't know sir" Harry answered quietly.

"Clearly Potter, fame isn't everything".

Y/N spoke loudly and clearly.

"With all due respect Professor, what does trying to humiliate Harry accomplish? He found out he was a wizard a month ago and all the questions you asked were from third year potions. Even if Harry had read the textbook cover to cover he couldn't have answered your questions".

Snape narrowed his eyes at Y/N. The class became so quiet it would've been possible to hear a pin drop.

"L/N... our latest prodigy. I must say you look remarkably like your father. I hope you can live up to his legacy. I've been told to assess your abilities so please answer the questions I posed to Mr Potter"

Hermione looked between the two puzzled. When Snape was addressing Harry she could hear the venom in his voice. When he spoke to Y/N it disappeared- she could almost hear a warmth in it. Y/N answered quickly:

"Certainly sir. Asphodel and Wormwood make a sleeping potion known as the Draught of the living dead. A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat that can cure most poisons and monkshood and wolfsbane are from the same plant which is known as aconite".

Snape smirked.

"5 points from Gryffindor for Mr Potters lack of attention".

Draco led the Slytherin students in chuckling. It didn't last.

"Ten points to Gryffindor for being so well prepared L/N"

All the students, Gryffindor and Slytherin, looked at each other shocked.

"During this lesson I expect you to brew a Cure for Boils, a Wiggenweld potion, a Sleeping Draught and a herbicide potion... without the use of your textbook. Think you can manage it?"

Hermione looked at Y/N with concern as Y/N chuckled at the Professor.

"Certainly Professor. I've been tutored by a very special former student of yours, so I believe I'm up to the task."

Snape chuckled.

"Ahh yes. Ms. Haywood was certainly a once in a generation potions prodigy. How she ended up with a wretch like your brother is beyond me".

The class gasped in unison. Hermione quickly squeezed Y/N's hand hoping he didn't respond. No one expected what happened next. Y/N laughed loudly:

"Ah that's funny Professor. I've told them both the same thing numerous times. Am I permitted to begin now?"

Snape nodded as Y/N got up and quickly got to work, heading over to one of the brewing stations and quickly setting up four cauldrons. He set to work as the other students noted down a long and dry lecture from Snape.

-~-

Just before the long double class ended Snape walked over and examined Y/N's four cauldrons. He looked in each before looking at Y/N, who looked quite exhausted.

"Four flawless potions Y/N. Well done. Please stay back after class"

Y/N nodded as he continued to clean his station. The lunch bell rang and Hermione packed up her belongings before walking over to Y/N.

"I can't believe you brewed all four of those potions Y/N. That was incredible"

"Thanks 'Mione. I'm buggered now though. I've just gotta stay back to speak to Professor Snape for a minute"

Hermione nodded and gently rubbed Y/N's forearm before heading out of the class, closing the door behind her.

"You wished to speak to me sir?" Y/N asked as Snape motioned Y/N to sit in front of his desk.

"I did Y/N. That was very impressive potioneering. I can see you paid attention when Penny tutored you".

"I did sir" Y/N smiled, think of his... Penny.

"May I ask Y/N. What do you know about me?" Snape asked, a sincere look on his face. "I'm aware of your... situation with your eldest brother"

Y/N was slightly taken back in surprise at the seemingly warm tone Snape was using.

"On the record or off Sir?" Y/N asked.

Snape smiled.

"First one, then the other"

Y/N nodded and continued.

"You were a Death Eater who changed sides towards the end of the war. You've been the Potions Master at Hogwarts ever since"

"And off the record?"

"You joined the Order of the Phoenix. You fought bravely to overthrow Voldemort. Jacob said you were one of the bravest men he's ever met".

Snape seemed taken back momentarily before asking:

"And of the relationship I had with your father?"

Y/N's eyes opened wide.

"I wasn't aware of any sir. I mean I had assumed you knew each other, both being in the order".

Snape smiled warmly, surprising Y/N.

"Your father was not only one of the bravest men I've ever known, he was also an exceedingly kind man. We fought together in the Order. Grew close. He was one of the closest friends I've ever had in my life Y/N. It was a privilege to call him my friend. I miss him everyday".

Y/N had a huge smile on his face as Snape continued:

"I wish to offer you one on one tutoring sessions Y/N. With me, in the class, 10:00am on Saturday mornings. When it is just the two of us you may call me Severus. There is more I will disclose when the time is right. Do you accept?"

Y/N smiled and nodded.

"I do. Thank you si- Severus"

Snape nodded.

"These must remain secret Y/N. You may tell Miss Granger, quietly. The Headmaster has mentioned the two of you are quite close. If anyone else asks you have been given indefinite detentions for talking back in class. Tell me, do you have a copy of Advanced Potion-Making?"

"No sir" Y/N answered as Severus got up and walked to a cupboard, opening it and removing a well-loved copy of the book.

"Here, borrow this. You will find corrections in it for most of the potions in there. I suggest you note them down when you get your own copy"

Y/N smiled and nodded placing the scruffy book in his bag as he stood.

"Thank you Severus"

Snape nodded, closing the door after Y/N exited. He was surprised to see Hermione, Harry and Ron waiting for him.

Hermione rushed over hugging Y/N and asking if everything was ok. She quickly heard Y/N's voice in her head:

I'll explain everything later when we're alone.

She nodded as Harry spoke:

"Thanks Y/N. That was really good of you"

"No worries Harry. I told you on the train. I got your back"

Harry smiled appreciatively as the four headed towards the Great Hall for lunch.

"I still can't believe you brewed all four of those potions Y/N" Hermione smiled.

"Thanks 'Mione. Like I said though I'm buggered. Have lunch then head for bed I reckon" Y/N chuckled.

Hermione slightly reddened as she replied:

"Do you think we could go, you know, I could study while you rest?"

Y/N smiled.

"Sure, sounds great. As long as my snoring isn't too loud".

"Where? Can we come too?" Ron suddenly interrupted.

Hermione briefly appeared to panic before Y/N quickly replied:

"The library Ronald. Good place for a nap".

Ron muttered a quick 'bloody hell' and 'never mind' and Y/N winked at Hermione, chuckling when she blushed again.

-~-

The group were sat down having lunch when suddenly hundreds of owls appeared in the Great Hall. Both Harry and Y/N received mail.

Harry read his quickly, almost yelling in excitement:

"Hagrid wants the four of us to visit him during our frees this afternoon".

Y/N sighed. He was looking forward to some sleep.

"Fine" he muttered under his breath as Hermione rubbed her hand on his back sympathetically.

Y/N then opened his letter, going wide eyed and breaking out in a huge smile. He showed the letter to Hermione who smiled at the brief note as Y/N yelled out across the hall:

"Hey Bea!"

Beatrice looked up from the Hufflepuff table as Y/N yelled again:

"She said yes!"

Beatrice smiled, giving Y/N a thumbs up as he quickly scribbled a reply, congratulating the pair and saying how happy Y/N and Hermione were for the couple.

"What's all that about?" Ron asked, as if it was his business somehow.

"Dean asked Penny to marry him. She said yes" Y/N replied happily. Hermione giggled seeing Y/N's joy.

The four continued to eat their lunch before they headed out towards Hagrid's Hut.