Y/N woke up ready for another week. He was fairly happy with his first (part) week at Hogwarts- even the fight on Saturday didn't dampen his spirits. It was just the incident with the twins, but he had to bury that shit. No one was going to care, a man needs to be stoic!

The lessons of Jacob rattled around in his mind as he rubbed his eyes and looked down to see Smoky on his bare chest, fast asleep. He gently moved her, the Kneazle half waking as he kissed her on the head and whispered:

"I'll put your food down. Keep sleeping Smoky, love you girl"

The kitten meowed half asleep as if to answer, causing Y/N to chuckle as he got his tank top on and headed down to the common room.

He smiled as he got to the staircase, seeing Hermione waiting for him with a big smile. They went to their usual spot and she set herself up on the desk while he worked out.

Y/N thought he noticed Hermione looking at him a few times out the corner of his eye but when he turned round she was face deep in a book. Must be his imagination. He finished and was his usual sweaty self so he went into the shower to shower and freshen up. The pair went down to breakfast and as they were eating an owl arrived for Y/N, dropping a letter to him. He recognised the handwriting. It was from Newt. Crap.

"Who's that from Y/N?" Hermione asked happily as she ate her oatmeal.

Double crap.

Y/N knew he had to distract Hermione but how? He answered with his best poker face:

"Newt"

"Oh cool" Hermione smiled.

"Yeah" Y/N answered before taking a mouthful of eggs, buying him time as he looked around. Beatrice was at the Hufflepuff table. Perfect. He instantly employed his legilimency:

Bea no time to explain. Can you please distract Hermione? Take her for a talk or something?

Beatrice looked over at Y/N and subtly nodded. She was used to legilimency with her brother in law. Y/N prayed to Merlin in relief.

Y/N continued to chew as he opened the letter:

Dear Y/N,

It was very pleasant to hear you wished to converse with me. We have both missed you greatly since your last stay with us. How can we help you? Hope your studies are proving fruitful. I hear you are going to be helping on the Creature Reserve. Well done my boy you will make a fine Magizoologist. I look forward to hearing from you,

All the best

Newt.

PS Tina sends her love and wants you to come and stay a night in your Christmas break.

Y/N smiled as he finished reading, Hermione smiling widely and saying:

"Oh you were right. He's so nice".

"Yes he is" Y/N smiled at Hermione as he saw Beatrice approach in his peripheral vision.

"Morning guys. Hey Hermione can I borrow you real quick? Just need a chat"

Hermione smiled in surprise and nodded:

"Oh ok then!"

The two girls walked off and Y/N knew he needed to be quick. He wrote a reply as quick as he could, attacking it to the owl who after a pat and a piece of bacon flew off.

-~-

Beatrice smiled as she and Hermione walked off. She knew if the kid had used legilimency he must be up to something. Bea had wanted to talk to Hermione anyway, so it worked out well.

As the two walked over to a private corner of the Great Hall Beatrice noticed Y/N writing furiously and chuckled. She turned to Hermione:

"So I can't help but notice you and Y/N are really close"

"Yeah...why?" Hermione asked with a look like she was attempting to read Beatrice's mind. Beatrice found it equal parts adorable and hilarious as she replied:

"Relax kid I just think you two would make a sweet couple."

"Really?" Hermione asked with a big smile before her cheeks started to tint.

"Yeah and it's pretty obvious you are into him" Bea chuckled. Hermione quickly grew redder as she stuttered:

"I-It is?"

"Yeah" Beatrice smirked:

"Bugger. But what if he doesn't like me back?" Hermione asked concerned.

"Trust me he does" Beatrice answered with a chuckle.

"How can you know?"

"Because I've know him since he was like six years old. Trust me. He has flirted, like proper flirted with grown women for years. All full of swagger and confidence. When I made a joke about you being his girlfriend he blushed. That's not him. Like at all. Must be a reason for it" Beatrice smirked.

Hermione's face lit up and Beatrice found it absolutely adorable.

"Ok thanks. I just have to.. um"

Hermione wasn't sure what to do or say now. Beatrice smiled again:

"Look don't rush it. You guys are what nearly 12?"

Hermione nodded

"Just enjoy it for what it is for now, and then see how it goes in a year or so. But just don't stress about it ok. Trust me. That kid likes you. A lot"

"Ok" Hermione smiled and looked ecstatic "Thanks Beatrice".

Beatrice nodded and pulled Hermione into a hug she wasn't expecting:

"Just call me Bea, all my friends do; and get used to the hugs. I'm a Hufflepuff after all"

"Will do. Thanks Bea."

Hermione replied as they let go of the hug. Beatrice saw Y/N send the owl in her peripheral vision. She saw him look over and heard:

Thanks you're a lifesaver

You're welcome Beatrice thought back and Y/N nodded.

-~-

Hermione walked back to her spot and Y/N smiled at her asking: "Hey all good?"

Hermione fought back a blush as she answered:

"Yeah she just said she wanted to be friends and gave me a hug".

"Oh that's nice. Bea's really great. She's like a cool big sister" Y/N smiled.

"That's nice. How did you go with your letter?"

Y/N chuckled.

"Yeah good. Just wanted some advice on the Creatures in the Reserve. Who better to ask than the man who literally wrote the book right?"

Hermione nodded and smiled:

"Very true. Good thinking."

-~-

Y/N was walking towards his first Care of Magical Creatures class. He was completely excited to see Magical Creatures again. He always felt drawn to them, whenever he would stay with Newt and Tina he loved going down to the basement Reserve. The creatures seemed as drawn to him as he was to them. Even the most dangerous creatures in Newt's Reserve, like the Zouwu and Nundu, turned to putty in his hands. Tina and Newt would always smile and say he was a natural.

Y/N was standing in the clearing that was the Magical Creatures classroom awaiting Professor Kettleburn when he noticed all the third years looking at him, whispering.

He was distracted from this by a Hufflepuff who walked over, extending his hand.

He was a couple of inches taller than Y/N and handsome, in that pretty boy kind of way. He smiled as he introduced himself:

"Hi Y/N L/N right? I'm Cedric Diggory"

Y/N shook his hand and returned the smile:

"Dean's told me about you. Said you were a great kid"

Cedric slightly blushed and replied:

"That's nice of him. He's a good friend. He and Penny took me under their wing when I first got here. Helped me out a lot. I would offer the same to you but I hear you don't need it".

Y/N chuckled.

"Yeah, you could say that".

"Well I'll just offer friendship then."

"That sounds great thanks Ced."

Cedric smiled at the acceptance and the nickname. He replied:

"No worries, but if I could ask, what are you doing in this class?"

Before Y/N could answer a man who looked to possess a friendly amount of crazy came into view. To go with the crazy was a metal hand and a wooden leg.

Interesting Y/N thought to himself.

"Hello class. I am Professor Kettleburn, welcome to Care for Magical Creatures, the most exciting class at Hogwarts. Today we will be studying Bowtruckles. Any questions?"

A particularly snooty looking Slytherin girl raised her hand. "Yes Ms...?"

"Parkinson. Maisy Parkinson" she answered with a tone of superiority before looking directly at Y/N and pointing:

"Why is he here?"

She glared at Y/N. Y/N looked back and narrowed his eyes at her, menacingly. Parkinsons. Pureblood supremacist scum just like Malfoys.

Maisy seemed to forget supremacy momentarily as she averted her eyes from the intense glare of Y/N as Professor Kettleburn answered:

"Ah Yes. Bit out of the ordinary having a first year in here but then again Mr Y/N L/N himself is far from ordinary"

Y/N looked towards the Professor with a furrowed brow:

"I'm standing right here dude"

Most of the class and the teacher chuckled before he continued.

"Mr L/N will be in our practical classes gaining experience as he is also volunteering in the Magical Creature Reserve."

The class gasped. The Hogwarts Magical Creature Reserve was quite well known by the students at Hogwarts as well as the larger wizarding world. It had been set up in the early 1980s after the end of the war by Albus Dumbledore and Newt Scamander. It had a twofold purpose. One, it served as a magical zoo of sorts, a reserve for the preservation of Magical species. Two it allowed a number of Magical Creatures to be accessed easily for the Care of Magical Creatures class. No students had been allowed there since Dean, Barnaby Lee and Liz Tuttle graduated, Barnaby becoming its custodian after graduation.

Kettleburn continued:

"Quite unusual I know, but when a first year comes to Hogwarts with a personal letter of recommendation from Newt Scamander himself, who are we mere mortals to argue?"

The whole class gasped even more.

"Seriously?" Cedric whispered.

"Yep" Y/N smirked back. Cedric rolled his eyes and chuckled:

"Just like your brother".

-~-

It had been a pretty quiet few days for Y/N. The Care for Magical Creatures class had been extremely enjoyable. Y/N had bonded really well with the bowtruckles, most of them flocked to him and wouldn't leave him alone, much to the delight of Professor Kettleburn.

Thursday went quietly, Y/N and Hermione has spent most of their day outside of class in the library. They had a wonderful time studying together.

Y/N woke up Friday morning and stretched, Smoky once again asleep on his chest. He scratched behind the cats ear as she meowed sleepily.

"Did my screaming keep you awake Smoky?"

The Kneazle meowed again.

"I'm sorry girl. Every night it's the same thing. My mum. She's chasing me round the house, I can't get away no matter what".

A tear rolled down Y/N's cheek as the Kneazle continued to stare.

"She always gets me. She always hurts me... I don't know why my mum hated me so much Smoky. All I ever wanted was for her to love me"

The Kneazle kitten stared at him, eventually meowing as he wiped away more tears.

"Men don't cry Smoky. Men swallow up the pain and push it deep inside. Use it to push themselves forward. Like Jacob always taught me"

Y/N sat up and released the silencing charm around his bed, for the first time noticing three presents at the foot of it.

"Oh shit Smoky, it's my birthday. I completely forgot"

The cat meowed again as Y/N looked at the three wrapped gifts on his bed. The first was a small box, marked from Dean. Y/N opened it and it was a necklace with a pendant of the L/N family crest. It was a dragon with the Latin words Fortitudinem et Iustitiam.

"Strength and Righteousness" Y/N smiled to himself as he clipped it round his neck. He read the note Dean attached and teared up again:

Hey little bro,

Congratulations. 12. Seems like only yesterday I got to go to Mungoes and hold you as a newborn baby. Look at you now. I am so proud of you Y/N.

This necklace with our crest belonged to Dad. I know he would want you to have it. He loved you so much Y/N and I know he would be so proud of the man you are becoming.

Have a great day. Hope Hermione spoils you haha.

All the best
Your loving big brother

Dean

Y/N smiled, feeling overwhelmed as he placed the note away in his Hogwarts satchel.

The next present was marked from Penny. Y/N opened it and it had something called a walkerman? There was a note Y/N read with a smile.

Hey Cutie Pie,

Happy 12th birthday. Can't believe you are 12 already. This is a Walkman. I've enchanted it so it plays all your favourite Muggle songs. You just have to press the play button and say the name of the song. You put the little buds in your ears to listen. But don't play it too loud ok! Miss you so much and I can't wait to see you at Christmas.

Love, Penny.

PS No more fights please.

PPS Say hi to Hermione for me. Hope she is doing well.

Y/N smiled. It was so sweet of Penny to do that. He hooked the Walkman onto the waistband of his shorts and looked at the third present. It wasn't labelled so it got him intrigued who could have sent it and got it into his room.

He quickly cast some defensive, reflective and protective spells on himself and the present and used a very light diffindo to slice open the wrapping paper. As soon as the paper was removed Y/N smiled and instantly forgot the paranoia as he picked up the book inside the wrapping. He smiled deeply. On the cover was the same crest and phrase as his new necklace. He looked at the title:

The L/N's: A history of one of Magic's greatest families.

The author was none other than Professor Rowan Khanna. Y/N smiled as he opened the cover and found a handwritten note.

Y/N,

Happy 12th birthday. It troubled me when you said you knew little of your families history. You are descended from great men and women who did incredible things. Whenever there was a catastrophe there was a L/N there to stare into the abyss and push darkness back. Much will be asked of you as you age. It is the memetic legacy of your family. I give you this first copy of the first edition of my first book not to show you the pressure of being a L/N, but to offer you inspiration. I see greatness in you Y/N. Learn where you've come from so your ancestors can guide you towards your destiny.

Forever question
All my best
Rowan (your extremely proud surrogate brother)

PS Please no more swearing in HoM class.

Y/N felt quite emotional after reading Rowan's note and placed the book in his satchel, picking up his robes for the day and walking out towards the common room.

As soon as Y/N got to the top of the staircase he heard:

"Morning Y/N. Happy birthday."

He smiled as he walked down the stairs and was pulled into a tight hug. He chuckled:

"Thank you for remembering"

Hermione looked at Y/N with a sweet smile and replied:

"Of course I remembered"

Y/N was genuinely touched and felt himself blush which elicited a cute giggle from the bushy haired girl. She handed Y/N a nicely wrapped present.

As he took it she said quietly:

"It's not much but-"

She was cut off by an incredibly grateful Y/N saying:

"Thank you so much Hermione"

Y/N opened it and smiled. It was a beautifully embossed notebook with his name and family crest on the front. There was a note on the inside cover.

Happy birthday Y/N. I hope you have a wonderful day. You have made me so happy in such a short time. Thank you for being my best friend. Love Hermione

"I know it's not a lot but-"

Hermione was interrupted and made an eek as she was picked up and spun before being pulled into a warm, gentle but firm embrace.

"It's amazing Hermione, thank you so much."

Hermione had been reduced to a stammering, blushing mess:

"Th-th- thats o-ok Y/N ahem. Gl-glad you li-like it."

Y/N smiled sincerely:

"I love it I really do."

Hermione breathed slowly and deeply to compose herself and explained: "it's enchanted so you can move notes to other pages if you want to compare notes later on".

Y/N looked up wide eyed and happy:

"That's amazing. You're incredible Hermione. Thank you again so much"

He placed it in his satchel and the two headed to the Room of Requirement.

-~-

They arrived and Hermione set herself up at the desk as normal. Y/N was about to start his routine but had an idea and rushed back to the desk:

"Hermione can I try something? Just this once, call it a birthday favour?"

Hermione had a slight blush creep on her face as she replied: "Um... depends."

Y/N chuckled:

"I'm not going to work out naked or anything Hermione"

He regretted his words as soon as they left his lips. Hermione's eyes widened, her cheeks flushed ruby red as she looked down instantly. Well done idiot.

"Sorry bad joke, blame being around men and camping grounds too long" Y/N said apologetically.

"It's ok" Hermione replied shyly.

Y/N turned and placed his Walkman and the headphone on the desk. Hermione looked at it curiously

"A Walkman?" She asked puzzled. Y/N smiled.

"Yeah Penny got it for me for my birthday. She enchanted it to play my favourite songs. I love muggle music"

"Really?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"Yeah Penny is Muggleborn as well so she has taught me a lot about muggle culture".

Hermione smiled sweetly as she looked into Y/N's eyes:

"That's really good. Most wizards aren't as accepting of muggle culture".

"I'm not most wizards 'Mione" Y/N winked, causing her to blush again. She cleared her throat:

"So, who's you're favourite musicians?"

"I love rock music. Acca Dacca, Cold Chisel, Kiss, Queen. Don't mind some Led Zeppelin either"

Hermione was extremely shocked judging by her wide open mouth:

"Wow. Was not expecting that?"

"Really, what were you expecting?" Y/N asked with a chuckle.

"I'm not sure really" Hermione giggled and Y/N chuckled again at her cuteness before looking at the Walkman.

"Penny sent her best to you as well and hopes you are doing well. Alright lets see if this works."

Y/N pressed play and said "Rock and Roll train AC/DC". We hear it through the headphones.

Sonorous

It plays loudly through the room.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"Is it ok to listen to it like this just for this morning Hermione?" Y/N asked hopefully. Hermione smiled.

"Of course. It's sweet that you like this music and it's your birthday."

"Thanks 'Mione" Y/N smiled and headed over to work out.

The rest of the day passed like any other but Y/N loved spending it with Hermione.

-~-

Friday Y/N was excited. Very excited. After quickly scoffing down his lunch he stood, Hermione grabbing his arm:

"You're off?"

Y/N smiled and nodded. Hermione looked at her best friend concerned:

"Be careful, for me, please?"

Y/N smiled at her and answered: "I will be. Besides I don't think B would start me on anything dangerous."

-~-

Y/N stood with his eyes and mouth wide open:

"A dragon? Seriously B!?!"

Y/N was excited beyond belief. An actual Dragon.

Barnaby smiled:

"Yeah she's just a Welsh Green but they are still a handful so stay near me and do as I say".

Y/N nodded excitedly as the two entered the Forest enclosure. The female dragon lifted her head lazily and looked at Barnaby before turning to Y/N. He stood there in awe of her as something bizarre happened. Y/N thought to himself.

You're the most beautiful creature I've ever seen.

He heard a voice back.

Thank you young wizard. You look like a boy who used to visit me here. Strange that I can talk to you like this.

Y/N's eyes widened. He looked at Barnaby who was filling her feed tray with cuts of... meat and seemed to have no idea what was happening. Y/N thought again:

That was my brother Dean. Could he talk to you too?

No, but he was very nice. I like your respect. You seem nice to.

Y/N smiled, still completely baffled as to what was going on.

Could I maybe..pat you, Madam Dragon.

The dragon chuckled as a small flame popped out of her nose.

You may

Y/N happily approached the dragon as Barnaby looked over completely panicked and chastised Y/N:

"Y/N what hell are you doing?"

Y/N was oblivious to Barnaby's concern as he reached the dragon and reached out with his hand. The dragon happily nuzzled her head against it as Y/N 'thought-messaged' her again:

You are magnificent. What do I call you?

The humans call me Welshy. You may too if you wish.

"Thank you Weshy" Y/N said as he continued to pat the Dragon. Barnaby stood there dumbfounded with a smirk on his face:

"Huh, you're a natural. Just like Dean-O. Should've expected it"

The pair spend the next hour fixing the enclosure before it was time to leave the Reserve.

"Alright Y/N you did excellent today bro. Well done, I'm proud of you. Same time next week?"

"Definitely. Thanks B, thanks a lot." Y/N replied happily. He rushed to the Gryffindor common room where he had agreed to meet Hermione. Ron and Harry were there as well. As he burst through the common room portrait door Harry laughed:

"You look like you've had fun"

Y/N had a huge smile on his face.

"Well?" Hermione asked nervously. "What did you do?"

"Met a Dragon" Y/N whisper-shouted in excitement.

"What?!!!" Hermione shrieked in disbelief. Harry and Ron's mouths dropped open as Y/N continued.

"Yeah, she was amazing. She was so beautiful, so magnificent. I cant even begin to describe her"

The boys were amazed but Hermione still seemed bothered as Y/N added:

"And get this. I could talk to her."

"What?" The three gasped in unison.

"Yeah. Not sure if it's through legilimency or what" Y/N replied. Hermione looked at him with a furrowed brow:

"No I've been researching legilimency. Everything I've read specifically states it is only between two people. Whatever this is, it's something else."