Albus Dumbledore stood in his office, looking out of the window over the Black Lake and the Forbidden Forest. It was the early evening and it had been a very long day.

Albus had apparated to France earlier in the day and spoken to Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle. They both agreed- the Stone was to be destroyed. It was far too dangerous to allow it to exist with Voldemort chasing it. The couple had been quite concerned that Y/N had been hurt, tortured, in its defence. They passed on their best to the boy. Nicholas has given Albus something. Something of tremendous value. Undoubtedly more valuable than all of the vaults of Gringotts combined.

It was to be given to Y/N after their passing. It contained the sum of their knowledge, of their near 700 years of Magical research.

Albus had suspected Quirrell all year, that he was working for some dark force or faction and trying to get the Stone- but never did he imagine that Voldemort had been so close, under his very nose all year.

It was beyond fortunate that Y/N had been so persistent to go down there. Once again Y/N had demonstrated that so rare a trait- to chose to do what was right, not what was easy.

Severus had warned Albus that the boy was going, but Albus in his hubris thought it would at best be a distraction allowing another teacher to foil Quirrell's plans. He never imagined that Quirinus would torture a student.

The developments from the Chamber were indeed troubling. Firstly, that Voldemort was definitely alive in some form. Secondly, that he was aware of the true nature of Y/N, perhaps more so then Dumbledore himself, and thirdly the boy's nature itself.

He had taken multiple cruciatis curses with little more than an annoyance, even the Dark Lord's curse had done little more than anger Y/N.

He had indeed become Harry's protector, which was undoubtedly positive, however his reaction to Harry's plight was all the more troubling.

Blue fire.

Blue fire that destroyed his enemy but left his ally unharmed. Surely not. It couldn't be. Albus hadn't seen the power for 50 years, but it couldn't be related.

The L/N boys were all incredibly strong wizards in their own rights, but both Dean and Jacob paled in comparison to the strength and ability the youngest brother was displaying.

And what of the taunting about the boy's lineage. It was well known that his maternal grandmother, Warburga Black, had an obsession with Gellert Grindelwald, but surely not. He had been detained at that time. She couldn't have, with him, could she?

Albus was pulled from his thoughts by Jacob appearing in his office floo.

"Albus" Jacob smiled, greeting and embracing his former Headmaster. Albus smiled back, sadly.

"So it's true then? My brother faced off against Voldemort?" Jacob asked concerned.

"It is Jacob. He was being hosted by a former professor of ours, Quirrell, in the form of a parasite".

"I assume Quirrell is in Azkaban now? Or at least Ministry custody?"

Albus smiled, again sadly.

"No. He was... despatched... by your brother"

"Y/N killed him?" Jacob asked surprised.
The Headmaster nodded.

"Please tell me he used his spare wand. The last thing we need is Fudge getting wind of a L/N underage wizard using an unforgivable. It would raise far too many questions".

Albus held his hands up to placate Jacob.

"No Jacob. Against all odds it appears to have been a form of Protego Diabolica".

Jacob looked beyond stunned.

"Pardon?"

"You heard correctly" Albus replied with firm sincerity.

"I've never taught him... how would he even know it?"

"You misunderstand Jacob. He didn't use the spell per se. He had been tortured, brutally, and magically bound. Quirrell and Voldemort turned their attention to Harry Potter and in desperation the protector unleashed it to protect him. He is still unconscious from exhausting his magic in doing so".

"My brother, after all his training, took Harry fucking Potter down to a dangerous situation like that?"

Jacob was furious. He stormed towards the Headmaster's office door.

"Jacob- where are you going? Jacob!"

The eldest L/N stopped and turned.

"I'm going down to the infirmary to tear shreds off the boy. How could he be so fucking stupid?"

Albus was momentarily stunned, a tinge of guilt running through his mind. How many times had Y/N suffered from his brother's wroth. He was quickly snapped from his thoughts as he roared:

"Jacob L/N! I told you the boy is unconscious! Do you not think storming through a busy Hogwarts and screaming at Y/N in his hospital bed would raise even more questions?"

Jacob stopped and scowled, storming back to Albus's desk, scribbling on a piece of parchment and handing it to Albus in an envelope.

"I want him to read this the second he wakes up"

Albus sighed and nodded. He knew Jacob cared for the boy deep down. He knew what they had to turn Y/N into but....

He sighed again.

"There's more Jacob. Voldemort mocked him about his...your... lineage. I need you to take a trip to Nurmengard and speak to Grindelwald. There is a chance...however small.. that he may be your Grandfather".

Jacob's eyes widened as he tried to absorb this revelation. Albus continued.

"If this does prove to be the case I think we need to tread very carefully with this information around Y/N. His relationship with Ms.Granger has not been easy, and he has already shown signs of a... darker nature. We can't afford for him to become more isolated. The prophecy was clear. If he goes dark he could be worse than anything Tom or Gellert could have possibly imagined".

Jacob nodded.

"I'll leave at once Albus. I trust the way in will be cleared for me?"

"Yes. Report back to me as soon as you can. I'll wait here and talk to your brother when he wakes. There will be many questions. None of which I have answers for".

-~-

It was nearing lunchtime the next day. Albus Dumbledore was waiting in the hospital wing for his young student to wake up. He had been here for an hour when the boy started to stir.

He observed the boy wake only to search for something. He seemingly ignored the mountains of sweets and cards that were surrounding him.

"Looking for something Y/N?"

The boy looked at Dumbledore with a saddened look on his face.

"This is the first time I've woken up alone in the hospital wing Headmaster. Usually... but I guess that's our relationship now."

"If you are referring to Ms. Granger I can assure you she was quite conflicted whether to stay or not. I am however relieved to be the only one here now you're awake".

The boy sighed and nodded.

"I know you must have many questions Y/N, but for the time being I must ask you to trust me."

"Of course I trust you Albus. You're one of the few people I do trust."

The headmaster was caught off guard by the boy using his first name but pushed it aside as Y/N continued:

"What happened with Quirrell? Is Harry ok?"

"Harry is fine. Professor Quirrell was killed by... an explosion of magical power that emanated from your body. You stopped him from getting the stone. You should be proud"

"Magical power?" Y/N asked confused.

"Answers will come in time. But for now there are none. The Stone has been destroyed, Nicholas and Perenelle asked me to let you know how proud they were of you. They both think highly of you. Harry informed us of your brave, brave actions in the chamber. And since Ron Weasley was particularly excited by the daring nature of your adventure...."

He pointed to the mounds of cards and sweets.

"The whole school knows. You will have to put up with quite a few admirers for the next week and a half".

Y/N got up out of bed, and although weak on his feet, he managed to stand.

"Leaving already Y/N?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. I want to see my friends" Y/N answered as he pulled some trousers on.

"Very well. I'll have these brought up to your dorm. I'd be careful with the one from young Ms.Bell. I'm fairly certain it contains a love potion" Dumbledore chuckled as he spoke.

Before Y/N turned to leave Albus called out to him.

"Y/N, Jacob left this for you. He said it was most important you read it as soon as possible".

Y/N took it and opened it excitedly. Jacob would have to be happy with what he had done. Vanquished the bad guy. Protected Harry. He began to read. His face dropped.

Y/N,

I am so fucking disappointed in you. How could you be so fucking stupid? Taking Harry Potter into a situation like that!

How many times have I told you. You're expendable. He's not! You can take the pain and bounce back. He can't!

You are in for a world of hurt when you get back from Hogwarts. Not only are you learning a mountain of new magic you are going to be reviewing everything from day one as well. I can't risk you being this stupid and fucking up this badly again.

You have embarrassed me, but more importantly you've embarrassed yourself, I am so disappointed. See you in two weeks

Jacob

-~-

Y/N walked the corridors of the castle heading to the Great Hall. Each step was an effort, but Y/N was used to pushing through pain.

Y/N passed a few students. They looked at him like he was a ghost. He ignored their stares.

He arrived at the Great Hall, his feet getting weaker with each step. He just made it to the end of the Gryffindor table and collapsed down on the seat with a thud. He sat by himself as many in the crowded hall stared at him.

He didn't care. He was exhausted. He needed food, to recharge, and then to sleep.

"Barley, can I have spaghetti bolognese and a bowl full of mixed nuts please"

Within moments a large bowl of spaghetti and a smaller bowl of shelled mixed nuts appeared in front of Y/N. He thanked Barley as he tipped the nuts on, mixed them through and began to eat.

He didn't look up as four people rushed over to him, one with bushy brown hair moving to hug him before she stopped herself.

Y/N felt a pang in his chest. It was like something had been carved out of him, anger and bitterness flooding in to replace it.

"Y/N you're awake. I was so worried. We all were" Hermione said happily.

"It's great to see you up" Lavender smiled.

Y/N finished his mouthful of spaghetti and looked up, bypassing Lavender's comment to look at Hermione.

"I looked for you when I woke up". He looked back down and took another mouthful.

Hermione was shocked by the bluntness of his tone. There was none of Y/N's usual warmth present. It added to the guilt she was feeling.

"I-I didn't know what to do Y/N, since we're... I just wasn't sure. I'm sorry"

Y/N sighed.

"It's fine 'Mione, forget about it".

The four sat down, across from Y/N. He noticed the order they sat in. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Lavender. Were Ron and Hermione sitting closer together than normal? Y/N scowled to himself, taking another mouthful.

"Since when do you eat pasta?" Lavender asked shocked.

"And what's that in it?" Ron cackled.

"Spaghetti with mixed nuts. Whatever happened in that chamber wiped me out completely. Spaghetti for carbs, nuts for oils, fats and protein".

Y/N finished speaking and went back to eating.

"That's an unusual combination" Lavender said, trying to hide her slight disgust.

"Bite, chew, swallow, repeat" Y/N replied.

He remained looking down at his bowl, the four friends looked at each other. Something was very wrong. Harry had wanted to say something in private, but he reconsidered that this might be the right time:

"Y/N... Thank you. You saved my life in there, you were tortured for me, to protect me. When Quirrell was going to hurt me you protected me. Thank you so much"

The table went quiet. The whole hall seemed to quiet down. Finally Y/N spoke coldly:

"Is that what you told Dumbledore?"

The four were shocked at his tone.

"I... I told Dumbledore you protected me Y/N. That you killed Quirrell with blue flames. Why? What did he say?"

"He didn't say anything Harry. What do you mean blue flames?" Y/N replied puzzled.

"What do you remember Y/N?" Harry asked concerned.

"I remember the torture. Voldemort's Cruciatis was the worst pain I ever remember feeling in my life..."

Hermione's heart broke.

"... far worse than Jacob's. I remember them going over to you, I was fighting as hard as I could to get out of the bonds, even though every movement felt like barbed wire tearing through my flesh. Then nothing. I have no idea what happened after that".

The others looked at Y/N shocked, horrified at what he was subjected to. Harry spoke quietly:

"When he approached me you went crazy. Your voice changed, and then this blue fire came out of you".

This got Y/N's attention. He looked up at Harry with a puzzled expression.

"Blue fire?"

Harry nodded, Hermione looked at Y/N concerned:

"Do you have any idea what it is Y/N?"

Y/N shook his head.

"No, no clue. Sounds strange though"

"You should have seen the Headmaster when I told him. He looked like he'd seen a ghost" Harry added.

"Like that one?" Ron laughed as he pointed to the Fat Friar who happily floated passed.

"This isn't the time for jokes Ronald" Hermione said firmly. The red head looked down and blushed, Y/N looked between the two of them. His face grew cold as he pushed his bowl away, muttering:

"Lost my fucking appetite"

He looked back at Harry with an intense, intimidating glare, asking:

"So that's what took out Quirrell?"

Harry nodded, slightly intimidated by his friend. Y/N added:

"Can I?" and tapped his temple. Harry gulped and nodded.

Y/N's eyes rolled back in his head and Harry felt the familiar pressure.

Y/N saw Quirrell turn to ash, Harry remain unharmed and himself fall unconscious before his eyes returned to normal. He muttered: "strange"

Y/N looked out from his thoughts to notice how many people in the Great Hall were staring at him. As he looked up their heads shot down, almost in unison. He looked back at Ron who had panic written all over his face.

"Dumbledore did say you had told a few people Ron."

Y/N looked at the redhead angered as Ron chuckled nervously and slowly slid down in his seat. Y/N continued, more firmly:

"Have to ask though. What did you tell them?"

Ron immediately squeaked out:

"Only the truth. That Quirrell was evil. That he'd tried to kill you and Harry all year. And that you fought him and Voldemort and...killed...him. I did say you saved Harry's life."

Ron looked down and muttered: "Sorry".

Before Y/N could respond Wood had approached, with a big smile on his face:

"Y/N! You're here! You're awake! You good for tomorrow?"

"No Wood. I'm not" Y/N replied coldly.

Oliver wore an expression that suggested he had just evacuated his trousers. Y/N continued with the same cold tone:

"I'm just fucking with you Wood"

Oliver sighed in relief as Hermione tapped Y/N on the hand, chastising him silently, before resting her hand on his. Y/N looked at Hermione slightly puzzled. He turned his hand as if to hold hers before suddenly pulling back and saying remorsefully:

"Sorry. I forgot I'm not allowed to do that anymore"

Hermione looked at Y/N shocked:

"No Y/N, I didn't say..."

She was cut off by Y/N looking at his Quidditch captain:

"Yeah I'm good for tomorrow Wood. But not for training today. I've eaten and I need to sleep. That's it for the day".

Oliver smiled ecstatically:

"No no that's good. Fine. Good man. C'mon Harry, we've got practice now."

Wood was practically wetting his pants with excitement as he yelled out:

"Angelina, Katie, Fred, George- C'mon lets go to training. We've still got a seeker!"

Wood skipped out the door. The rest of the team passed Y/N and his friends as Harry got up to leave.

Angelina smiled and waved. Fred and George congratulated Y/N on not being dead. Katie stopped behind Hermione and Ron.

"Hey Y/N could we...could we talk later..at some point... alone?"

Katie asked with a gentle tone and pleading eyes. Y/N momentarily glanced down to Hermione and Ron before replying:

"Yeah, no worries Katie. I'll catch up with you later".

Her face lit up in excitement and joy:

"Awesome. I look forward to it".

She walked off smiling following the rest of the team. The moment she was out of earshot Lavender roared at Y/N:

"What the hell are you doing?"

Y/N looked at Lavender angrily:

"What are you talking about Lav? Why are you shouting at me?"

Lavender's eyes widened in shock at Y/N's, in her eyes, stupidity:

"She's interested in you?"

"And?..."

Lavender gestured to Hermione who sat there quietly, looking down not speaking.

"Hermione wants to be distant, Lav. Hermione wants some distance between us, are you yelling at Hermione every time she flirts with someone else?"

Lavender's eyes shot open wide. Hermione looked up puzzled. Who had she been flirting with?

Y/N pushed himself to his feet weakly as a crumpled bit of paper fell from his pocket.

"Where are you going Y/N?" Hermione asked with an upset tone.

"Somewhere I won't be yelled at for apparently breaking rules I didn't know I was bound to. I'm going to sleep" Y/N replied, glaring first at Lavender then at Ron. He turned and stormed out the Great Hall as fast as he could.

Hermione tried her hardest not to cry. She was failing. Lavender looked at her sympathetically as she rubbed Hermione's arm and whispered:

"I'm sorry Hermione. I just didn't..I don't know".

"It's ok Lavender. I told him I wanted distance. I broke his heart. I can't expect him to just mope the rest of his life".

She broke down in tears again as Ron got up and walked around the other side of the table.

"Why though Hermione? Help me understand. You like him. He likes you. I just don't get it" Lavender asked with genuine confusion. Hermione shrugged as she wiped her eyes.

"I don't know. Lav. I really don't. I know what I said, that seeing him like he was, in hospital, hurts too much. But now seeing him maybe with someone else, it hurts even more. I don't even know what he meant about flirting"

She broke down crying again. Beatrice came over from the Hufflepuff table and wrapped Hermione in a hug.

"Boy trouble?" She asked. Hermione nodded into her chest. Before she could reply Ron said loudly:

"I think this was Y/N's. It fell out of his pocket".

As he read the note the colour drained from his face. Lavender reached out and snatched it, the three girls reading it and all three feeling the same fear at the abusive words and threats in Y/N's note.

Beatrice tried to compose herself as she said:

"Why don't the three of us go for a walk and sit around the black lake. Have some girl time? I just have to go to the Owlery and send a quick note to Penny"

Hermione nodded through sniffles and Lav agreed. The three girls got up to leave as Cedric came up to them, asking:

"Everything ok?"

Beatrice nodded as she put on a smile.

"Yeah just need some girl time Ceddy-Bear".

Cedric blushed at the nickname, nodded and walked away quickly.

Lavender and Hermione couldn't help but giggle, Hermione asking: "Ceddy Bear?"

"Shut up" Beatrice laughed, before turning serious.

"Don't tell Y/N".