Everything was quiet for the next week- classes, training, library time spent alone with Hermione. Both were being noticed for their studiousness by their professors- they had been pulled aside on Monday afternoon by Professor McGonagall who told them both she was immensely proud of them and they were a credit to Gryffindor House. Y/N had smiled, Hermione had turned beetroot red and looked like she was going to cry.

Flying class had become slightly different. During lunch on Wednesday Madam Hooch had pulled Y/N aside and given him a one-on-one run through assessment- following this, where she had given Y/N 20 house points, he had become her assistant in both first year classes, with the Gryffindors and Slytherins on Wednesday afternoon and with the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff class on Tuesday afternoon. His notoriety continued to grow.

Couple this with the secret trainings Wood had organised for Harry and Y/N and Y/N was extremely busy.

He had still found time though to read through his birthday present from Rowan. He had been astounded. He'd known his family was important, that they were all powerful wizards and witches, that they were aristocrats, nobility, but he had never given it much thought other than accepting it as a fact and moving on. It's not like he had enjoyed a privileged upbringing.

However, Rowan's text had opened his eyes to the truth behind his family. The L/N's were often throughout history the voice of the voiceless; defenders of the downtrodden; the last bastions of light and freedom when all of Magical Britain was covered in darkness.

His father Thomas L/N had been the 57th Archduke of Magical Great Britain. He had been a powerful man- Ealdorman of the Wizengamot and a brave and respected Auror.

He had however broken tradition. In times of conflict the Archduke served as Hand of the King, signalling the unity of all Magical Britain- Pure Blood through to Muggleborn- against a common foe. However, when King Alfred had refused to publicly stand against Voldemort and his blood purity cause, Thomas had publicly ended the near thousand year alliance of House L/N and House Wessex. He had declared in an address at the Wizengamot that if you didn't stand for freedom and equality you stood against it.

The Royal Family had drastically lost both power and prestige in the ensuing decade following the Dark Lord's fall.

Y/N felt a swell of pride in his chest, not only in the deeds of his mighty ancestors, but in the actions and convictions of his father. Freedom was the inherent right of all. Jacob's lessons rang true in Y/N's mind. That a man must never cower to fear or pressure. That he must stand firm in the face of evil. That it was better to die a hero than live as a coward. Y/N thought back to all he had gone through. To his family. To those who had helped him during his training. The centaurs, the giants, the goblins, the House-Elves, the Romany, certain werewolves. Those Pure-Blooded society deemed lesser. They had as much right to live free and happy as he did, in spite of the draconian methods the Ministry of Magic employed. A single thought solidified itself in Y/N's mind-

Freedom was the right of all sentient beings.

When of age Y/N would use the power and prestige of his bloodline to make sure they got it.

Days ran into each other until the following Thursday. While Y/N was training Hermione in their special place, Draco had managed to get to Harry and Ron in the Great Hall.

-~-

"You're serious, you accepted?" Y/N snapped.

"Of course he did he's not chicken" Ron snorted. He quickly backed down at the glare he received from Y/N, who snapped again:

"Ron shut up! I'm talking to Harry. I'll deal with you in a minute".

Y/N's words were particularly venomous. Hermione rubbed her best friend's arm in an attempt to calm him. There had been growing tension between her best friend and the redhead for a couple of weeks. Ron had a massively inflated sense of his own importance. Y/N found him to be rude and ignorant- two things he couldn't stand.

Y/N could be particularly rude to people, especially Slytherins, Hermione had countered with a giggle in one of their conversations about the redhead. She had tried to ease tensions through her comparison. Y/N though had laughed and skilfully argued that it was different because he could back it up. Ron meanwhile was... well Ron.

"So tell me again what happened" Y/N said to Harry in an ice cold tone.

Harry looked at his friend quite intimidated before finally speaking:

"Draco challenged me to a dual. Ron accepted and said he would be my second. Draco said to meet in the trophy room at midnight."

Y/N looked down in frustration and loudly counted to ten.

"Second?" Hermione asked in confusion.

Ron answered excitedly, speaking about matters of life and death in an annoying childlike way that infuriated Y/N even more. He had no idea about the gravity of the topics he was discussing:

"A second is-"

Y/N cut him off sharply while death glaring the red headed fool.

"The concept of a second dates from a more noble time, when during a conflict a champion from each of the two opposing sides would face each other to the death to end said conflict, rather than have wholesale slaughter. Essentially, a second stands in for a dueller if they are killed. These days it's mostly ceremonial in nature, most duels take place in masterbatory competitions. Tournaments that account to little more than dick measuring contests, that have nothing in common with real world duels against evil witches or wizards"

Harry gulped: "Killed?"

"Dick measuring contests?" Ron asked in a tone of confusion.

Poor Hermione put her head down to hide an obvious blush of embarrassment.

"Dick measuring contests Ron. Duelling contests count for very little. I mean the whole idea of organised duelling for any reason other than defence is nothing but a pathetic contest of showing off. It gives you no preparation for the real world when you face dark wizards or witches. Bowing. Counting to three. It's ridiculous." Y/N again snapped.

"Oh and I suppose you know all about that don't you". Ron sneered.

"Yes! I do!" Y/N bellowed. Ron and Harry jumped at his sudden change in volume. Y/N pointed his index finger at Ron who seemed to shrink back from his intimidating presence.

"See unlike you, Weasley, I've been in action on the front line. Gone on missions with Jacob and Moody to take down evil wizards and witches. When it's kill or be killed! And trust me they do not bow and count before firing the killing curse at you!"

The whole packed Common Room had now gone silent as everyone heard what Y/N had yelled. Hermione hugged onto his side. She knew he had been in dangerous spots before but hearing him talk about it casually like it was a random Tuesday made her upset. She just wanted him to be safe.

"Now Harry" Y/N turned to him. "You get there, you and Draco go through the masterbation of bowing and counting. What then... hmmm?"

"Um...." Harry tried to answer but was speechless.

"Do you know any offensive spells?"

No answer.

"Can you cast a protego shield?"

"No"

"So your plan was to stand there and what? Think happy thoughts?"

Harry sighed.

"No I didn't have a plan. I didn't accept..."

"No this idiot did for you" Y/N glared at Ron again. He turned back to Harry.

"Luckily for you Malfoy won't be there."

"What are you talking about?" Ron snapped again. Y/N clenched his fist. Hermione saw it and grabbed his hand quickly, both of her small dainty hands failing to wrap up his much larger one.

Hermione knew Y/N's patience was almost at its limit and it wouldn't be good for Ron if he snapped.

Y/N looked at the redhead with a death glare before continuing:

"My brother duelled a particularly nasty bitch named Merula Snyde in his first year. She challenged him in a courtyard. She wanted everyone to see her victorious."

He turned from the boys to Hermione, his tone and gaze instantly softening:

"She got her arse handed to her by the way". Y/N winked at Hermione as he finished and she frustrated herself by blushing again. Y/N turned back to tweedledee and tweedledum:

"Malfoy is the same type of arrogant. If he's gonna take you down Harry he wants everyone to see it. Midnight, in the middle of the castle. He's setting you up Harry!"

"Whatever, you think you're so smart but you don't know anything".

Ron screamed at Y/N and grabbed Harry, storming off and dragging the bespectacled boy with him towards their dorm.

"Fuck you too idiot" Y/N yelled back. Hermione grabbed onto him quickly to prevent him getting up.

Y/N snarled as his eyes narrowed, hundreds of thoughts of destroying the arrogant fool flying into his mind's eye. All the ways he could make Ron suffer for his hubris and boorishness. His eyes darted around the room to two of his godbrothers, who had been sat in the corner:

"Fred, George over here now!"

Y/N called out to the twins, who ran straight over, sitting across from Y/N and Hermione. Y/N spoke with firmness and authority, Hermione looking down as she felt the giddy thrill of butterflies in her stomach again.

"Remind me why I respect your family!"

"Pardon?" The twins asked in unison.

"Remind me again..." Y/N reached out and covered Hermione's ears "...because I'm one cunt hair away from beating your brother to oblivion"

Y/N uncovered Hermione's ears as she looked at him puzzled. Fred and George though looked at him intimidated. They'd been in the hall when Professor Sprout discovered the five Slytherins. Seen the distorted limbs of Higgins, his bloodied face. As much as they loved their little godbrother they were equally scared of him- especially with the look currently on his face.

Fred and George spoke about how close Y/N was to them, to Bill and Charlie; how Molly and Arthur considered Y/N their own son; how Ginny absolutely adored Y/N and called him her 'favourite big brother'.

It worked, Y/N calming down and smiling to the twins:

"Thanks guys. I think I can hold for a bit longer."

The pair smiled in relief before heading up to bed. Hermione, who had been leaning on Y/N's shoulder the whole time, looked up as she released they were the last two Gryffindors remaining in the common room. She spoke to her best friend with a chuckle:

"We have to wait for those idiots don't we?"

Y/N sighed: "Yep".

-~-

Just before midnight Harry and Ron come down 'quietly' from the boys dormitories.

"So you're going then?" Hermione asked condescendingly.

"What are you doing? Go back to bed now" Ron spat disrespectfully. His demeanour changed instantly. He gulped in fear as a wand was pointed directly between his eyes, digging hard into the bridge of his nose. Y/N spat coldly and with venomous intentions:

"You ever talk to Hermione like that again and there won't be enough of you left to identify the body! You understand me?"

Harry stood frozen in fear as Ron gulped. Y/N's face looked so angered, so contorted in rage Harry thought the devil himself would be afraid. He noticed Hermione gently placed her hand on Y/N's forearm, Y/N's eyes darting down to meet hers.

An unspoken communication seemed to occur through their eye contact as Y/N looked back at Ron and lowered his wand. Harry thought to himself the power this girl holds before saying gently:

"We're going"

Y/N sighed as he placed his wand away:

"Come on then"

Harry looked at his larger friend confused and asked:

"Wait, why are you two coming?"

"I'm coming to say I told you so when Malfoy isn't there" Y/N with a tone of frustration, adding:

"Hermione is coming to make sure I don't leave you dumbarses behind".

-~-

The four students made their way to the trophy room. Harry pulled his wand, expecting to see Draco doing the same and was shocked to see Mrs. Norris sitting there.

"Where are they my pretty?"

The group heard Filch's sneering filthy voice as Y/N grabbed Harry from behind, pulling him out of view as he spoke to his three companions instantly through legilimency:

Move! Now!

The four tucked tail and bolted down the corridor arriving at the staircase that led to Gryffindor tower. Halfway up the staircase swung, Ron fell to his feet, Harry gripped to the bannister for dear life.

Y/N planted his feet, one strong hand gripping the bannister, the other arm wrapped tightly around Hermione's waist, pulling her into his body as she narrowly avoided tumbling backwards.

"Hey" Hermione said sheepishly as she looked up into Y/N's bright green eyes.

"Hey" Y/N replied, staring back into her chocolate brown orbs.

"Thanks" Hermione added, a bright red blush spreading on her cheeks. Y/N opened his mouth to reply but was quickly cut off by Ron shrieking: "what's going on?"

Hermione's adoring gaze turned to one of annoyance as she huffed and rolled her eyes:

"The staircases move remember! Do you ever pay attention Ronald?"

The staircase finally stopped at a darkly lit floor.

"Let's go!" Y/N exclaimed, holding Hermione by the hand as they ran forward, Harry and Ron right with them.

They reach a darkened corridor, lined with torches that magically light as they were approached.

"Just keep running" Y/N called out, conscious not to run too fast or to pull too hard on Hermione's arm.

Ron reached the door first and yelled, obviously in fear but in a tone of voice Y/N found to be pathetic:

"It's locked"

They heard Mrs Norris howl behind them as Y/N cast a temporary shielding ward, obstructing them from view as Hermione snapped at Ron and Harry:

"Oh move over!"

The boys did and Hermione quickly cast:

Alohomora

The door clicked open and the students ran in. Y/N planting his ear against the door.

"Alohomora?" Ron asked incredulously.

"Unlocking charm. Standard Book of Spells chapter 7" Hermione said in an annoyed tone, rolling her eyes again.

"He's gone, didn't think we could get passed the locked door" Y/N stated.

"With good reason" Harry whispered.

Y/N turned to see a giant three headed dog. As it lifted its heads Y/N instantly jumped in front of Harry and Hermione, shielding them with his body.

The heads started to growl as Y/N whispered:

"Guys back out very slow-"

Before he could finish Ron screamed a high pitch screech and bolted out of the room.

Harry and Hermione slowly backed away. As Y/N stood with his arms out protecting them, Hermione looked at the dog and then at Y/N. The pair were looking at each other. Her eyes widened in realisation as she whispered to Harry:

"They are having a conversation"

Harry looked at Hermione stunned and whispered back: "What?"

"Just... let's wait outside the door for Y/N" Hermione said as she gently placed a hand against Y/N's back, his arms lowering as she then quietly opened the door.

"Ok" Harry replied in a whisper, following her out and quietly closing the door behind him. Ron was nowhere to be seen.

-~-

Y/N looked up at the magnificent three headed behemoth sized dog in front of him.

The dog stared into Y/N's eyes, sensing in the boy... something... something that made it want to... protect him. Very few times in the Legendary Creature's thousands of years had they experienced that. The boy must be the one the beast was told about.

Y/N felt the same pull he felt towards any magical creature. He thought back to his experience with Welshy and thought 'what the hell':

Can you hear me?

He heard back quickly.

I can young one.

Y/N instinctively knew it was from the middle head.

It is an honour to meet you mighty Cerberus. I apologise for disturbing you. We did not enter this room intentionally.

You can speak to me manchild. You are the one I was foretold about.

Fore-told? I do not understand great one.

My master, prior to the one known as Hagrid, told me I would meet a special child. A child I would be able to speak with. You are that child Y/N.

You know my name?

I do. I was told much about you. You have a grand destiny, but it is not yet time for you to be made aware of it.

Oh. Ok? What is your name, or names, mighty one?

I have had many names young one. Hagrid has named me Fluffy. You may call me the same if you wish. I am the Mightiest of all Cerberuses. I stood guard at the entrance to the Underworld since the height of the First Age.

Y/N's eyes widened.

The und- as in the actual underworld?

The Cerberus's three heads laughed.

The gateway to the subterreanean world, banishment place of the orcs. A foul type of creature, broken and mutilated. A cursed form of life. In the First Age mighty Achilles led the world's greatest warrior wizards and witches and defeated the Orc hordes, driving them into the underworld. I was placed at it's entrance by my master, I guarded it steadfast for almost five thousand years.

How did you end up here at Hogwarts?

Last year my master told me I had a new calling, a new purpose. Here, where I would meet you. My master sold me to Hagrid, all as it was foretold to be.

Y/N tried to absorb all the earth shattering revelations he was being told by this giant beast, which was strange enough in itself, before a detail peaked his interest.

Wait, your master? You don't mean the same master that placed you at the underworld's door do you?

I do. Until Hagrid he was my sole master. I served him faithfully.

But... he would be thousands of years old? How is that possible? Who was he?

My master was most curious in the world
of men. I do not know his name, or what he looked like. Only that he always wore a mask that would change.

That is bizarre. He could speak to you as I do?

No. In all my years you are the first to speak to me like this child. Approach me, so I may recognise your scent.

Y/N did so, holding up the back of his hand. The middle head sniffed deeply before rubbing his giant head against it, Y/N happily patting the much larger beast.

May I introduce you to my friends Fluffy, mighty Guardian of the Underworld?

You may.

Y/N stood back and nodded, before going to the door and opening it.

Hermione instantly ran into a tight hug with Y/N, while Harry smiled a smile of relief.

Y/N chuckled.

"Come on in guys, there's someone I want you to meet".

The two nervously followed Y/N into the room, looking up at the giant three headed beast in front of them.

"Guys this is Fluffy, mightiest of all Cerberuses, Guardian of the Underworld. As a sign of respect bow your heads"

Both Hermione and Harry did so.

Tell them I thank them for the honour.

"Mighty Fluffy thanks you for the honour you have shown him" Y/N smiled, before hearing the creature again.

Your mate may pat me as well. But only her.

Y/N spoke happily and quickly, not realising what he had said until it was too late:

"He says my mate ah-um- I mean Hermione can pat him but only her. Sorry Harry"

Y/N's face grew red as he guided Hermione forward and she raised the back of her hand. Fluffy took her scent and then she giggled as the middle head rubbed against her hand, happily accepting the pats she offered. Y/N smiled and joined in the strokefest.

Your mate's scent tells me she will be an honourable and loving partner, she will bare you many offspring.

Y/N grew even redder as he stammered a reply.

"Oh-uh-um- thank you"

"For what?" Hermione asked with a happy smile.

"Uh, Fluffy just said that he can tell from your scent you are a good person. That I chose my friends well".

Hermione giggled at Y/N's blush before the three of them said their goodbyes and left, Y/N promising to visit again soon.

As the three walked out and relocked the door Hermione almost bowled Y/N over, jumping into a giant hug.

"Y/N that was incredible... just incredible. Is that how you spoke to the dragon as well?"

"I think so. Both said that I was the only person they were able to speak with. I'm not sure what's going on, only that Fluffy said I was special".

"Whatever the reason, I'll help you figure it out, but let's get back to our dorms for now." Hermione said with a large smile.

Y/N returned it before adding:

"Let's just keep what happened between the three of us ok? Until we can figure it out".

Harry and Hermione nodded as they began to walk. As the three were walking through the quiet and darkened school Harry suddenly turned to Y/N and asked:

"Y/N what did it mean by-"

Harry stopped mid sentence as he heard Y/N's panicked reply in his head:

Harry if you're going to ask about the 'Hermione being my mate' comment, it slipped out. Please don't bud.

Harry nodded to himself and smiled, muttering "Never mind."

Hermione meanwhile was walking along on cloud nine, not listening to the two boys. All she could think was: Oh my god Fluffy called me Y/N's mate and he didn't argue it.

Her butterflies had returned in full force.

The three finally arrived back at the common room and Ron was sitting on a couch, waiting for them.

"Where the hell have you been?" He whispered shouted.

"Could ask you the same question chicken shit" Y/N snapped back.

Hermione and Harry stood back watching as the two boys glared at each other. Y/N's face hardened, his lip curling before Hermione gently rubbed his arm again, getting his attention.

Ron turned to Harry and snapped:

"Why would they keep something like that in a school?"

Hermione turned from smiling at Y/N and snapped at Ron:

"You don't use your eyes do you. He was standing on a trap door!"

"I was a bit preoccupied with its heads. There were three of them" Ron replied with a quivering voice.

"Ugggh" she exclaimed in frustration. A thought crossed her mind-

Maybe I should let Y/N....

She quickly banished the thought before speaking again:

"I'm going to bed before you two have another brilliant idea to get us killed or worse.... Expelled".

She turned to walk up the stairs, stopping only to look at Y/N. She came back down and hugged him tight, whispering:

"We will talk tomorrow Y/N but until then don't do anything. For me. Please?"

Y/N nodded and replied to Hermione.

"You have my word"

They released the hug and she smiled at her best friend before turning and walking up the stairs to the girls dorms. Y/N watched as she disappeared out of view. He then heard:

"She needs to sort out her pri-" Ron was quickly interrupted.

"Not another word Ron or I'll snap your neck like a chicken bone. And as for you Harry..."

Y/N turned to the face the raven haired boy:

"Maybe you need to think about who has your best interests at heart and who doesn't".

Y/N turned and walked up the stairs to his bed.