A/N: Severe violence trigger warning for this chapter. For any who wishes to avoid it there will be a summary at the bottom of the chapter.

Y/N and Hermione entered the Headmaster's office to see four men standing near the Headmaster's desk. Hermione broke out in a panic attack at the sight of the two men out of the four she recognised:

She heard Y/N in her head:

Get behind me and get ready for this to kick off.

Hermione nodded as she squeezed Y/N's hand before releasing it and standing behind him.

Y/N stood there and stared at Lucius Malfoy, his lip snarling up as Malfoy sneered:

"You would like nothing more than to finish the job you started, wouldn't you boy!"

Y/N smirked, quickly breaking through Lucius's occlumency shields to tell him:

I can take you anytime I want, bitch.

Y/N smirked further and looked towards Albus and asked calmly:

"Can I ask, Headmaster, why one of the school governors is being so antagonistic towards a student?"

The Minister snorted loudly:

"That's enough L/N! Nasty business this Albus. Young L/N assaulting three students so brutally. I'm told he is a repeat offender. You know what needs to happen, what we-"

The five men were shocked as Y/N interrupted, cutting off a surprised and angered Minister for Magic:

"Actually Cornelius, I only assaulted one student. Crabb and Flint attacked me first, I have multiple independent witnesses that can attest to this. And as for Goyle, he used the same disgusting language Malfoy did in Diagon Alley- or does the Ministry for Magic condone discrimination based on Muggle birth? I'm sure the Daily Prophet would certainly be keen to-"

It was Y/N's turn to be interrupted as the Minister reacted angrily to the possibility of bad press:

"Now see here boy, there's no need for that. Now, the governors of the school did wish to expel you, but given your.... uh... your Headmaster argued quite strongly for your ability to be rehabilitated, it was-"

"You mean you can't expel an heir of an Ancient and Sacred House. You don't have the authority, or the scrotum to do that, do you Fudgepacker?"

Y/N interrupted the Minister again, roaring and snarling. Hermione's eyes widened at Y/N's tone, he really didn't care who he was talking to.

"Wha... what did you dare call me?"

"I didn't stutter Fudgepacker. I'm assuming I've been summoned for my punishment? Is that why the keystone cops are here?" Y/N snapped. Albus held his hand up slightly from where he sat, pleading for calm as he spoke:

"Y/N, this is John Dawlish and Gawain Robards, they are-"

"Aurors, I know who they are" Y/N growled before chuckling: "Quite frankly I'm disappointed, sending these C grade benchwarmers after me. Anything less than Moody and Scrimgeour is honestly insulting."

Hermione saw Y/N's right hand twitching, ready for everything to kick off, she rubbed his back gently, extremely worried for his safety.

"That's enough L/N. On behalf of specially formed subcommittee 33742 of the Wizengamot, Y/N L/N you are sentenced to fourteen days in Azkaban, starting immediately"

The Minister spoke with a sense of arrogance as Malfoy smirked balefully.

"No!" Hermione cried out in distress. Y/N hadn't turned thirteen yet, and they were sending him to Azkaban? Everything she had read said it was hell on earth.

"When is this supposed sentence to be carried out?" Y/N asked, completely nonplussed.

"Immediately!" The Minister growled.

"No" Y/N replied bluntly.

"I beg your pardon?" Fudge asked confused.

"That is not acceptable. I received a prophecy that Ms Granger is in danger at Hogwarts this year. I am not leaving her alone, so I will not be going to Azkaban" Y/N spoke emotionless. The Minister appeared to grow even angrier:

"This isn't a negotiation boy! Aurors, seize him!"

Y/N's wand descended and he gripped it tightly. He spoke in a deep, low, menacing tone to the two approaching men:

"I have no quarrel with you Aurors, but if you don't stand down you may not see your homes again. Decide!"

Dawlish chuckled as he pulled his wand, and was promptly hit with a fireball in the face that had nonverbally emanated from Y/N's wand. He was then struck with a stunning spell that send him sliding along the office floor, unconscious.

A shocked Robarts fired stunning spell
after stunning spell at Y/N, desperate to take this unnaturally powerful boy down. Y/N though pulled Hermione fully behind himself, shielding her with his body and his protego as he blocked the spells with ease.

Malfoy and the Minister watched in stunned disbelief as Y/N quickly got the upper hand, Robarts struck with three spells in quick succession and left in an unconscious heap. Fudge stared at Y/N in terror as his wand was pointed at Fudge's face. What was this monster?

"I will not be leaving Hogwarts, Cornelius, and you will have to kill me to take me. But you better send the entire auror force cos I won't die without a fight!"

Y/N glared as the Minister stood with his mouth open in fear before a sinister chuckling could be heard:

"Now now, Mr L/N, Minister, we are all civilised men here. There is definitely another option on the table"

Lucius spoke coolly with a sadistic cruel smirk on his face. Y/N's eyes diverted to Lucius, his stare was unwavering, matching his resolve, as he finally said:

"Well? Go on?"

After an awkward silence. Lucius chuckled and said simply:

"Antiquis Itineribus"

"Absolutely not" Dumbledore snapped, speaking up for the first time. Hermione placed her hands on Y/N's hips from behind as she pondered Lucius's meaning- the 'old ways'?"

"As a member of the highest of... noble families..."

Y/N noticed the distain in Lucius's voice at the word noble: "... you may chose to take Nobolis Doloris, Noble sufferering... the g-"

"Corporal punishment?" Y/N asked. Hermione gasped and panicked, squeezing Y/N from behind. His eyes darted back and forth as he quickly considered his options.

He had suffered before. A lot. How bad could this be? It would fulfill calls for his punishment despite the righteousness of his actions, but it would avoid further conflict and he would remain at Hogwarts to protect Hermione.

"I accept" Y/N stated, sheathing his wand. Hermione gasped, squeezing Y/N from behind as she began to sob. Y/N turned and the pair embraced. He kissed Hermione on the top of her head and whispered:

"It's fine 'Mione, I've had worse. I'll be fine and I can stay here and keep you safe."

Y/N turned back around and glared, asking:

"So what will my punishment be?"

Lucius was sporting a full sadistic grin now:

"For a case as serious as this, 20 lashes with a whip should suffice."

Y/N addressed the Headmaster:

"Dumbledore, can you organise for Ms. Granger to be accompanied to and from classes, while I recover in the infirmary?"

Tears were already falling from Hermione's eyes as she looked passed Y/N's arm towards the Headmaster. She saw a pain on the elderly Professor's face that implied he was defeated. He sighed and nodded:

"Yes Mr. L/N. That can be arranged."

"Fine. I accept. When?" Y/N asked fearlessly.

"Tonight of course. And if you can't make it through your punishment a cell will be waiting for you at Azkaban. Seems fair" Lucius grinned evilly.

"Fine. May we be excused?" Y/N asked as the two Aurors began to regain consciousness.

"You may" Albus nodded, dismissing the two second years.

They exited the office and no sooner had the door closed than Hermione collapsed into Y/N's arms, bursting into tears. She whimpered:

"You can't Y/N. You can't!"

Y/N smiled sadly as he rubbed Hermione's back and whispered into her ear:

"It's fine 'Mione I'll be ok. I'm a tough boy. How bout we spend the rest of the day together? Just you and me, whatever you want to do."

Y/N wiped Hermione's eyes and offered a sad smile. She returned it tearfully as she asked:

"Can we go to the Great Hall for lunch and then spend the afternoon at the Black Lake? I don't feel like reading today."

Y/N smiled and leant down, stroking Hermione's cheek while kissing her on the forehead.

"Of course we can love. Of course we can. It sounds amazing sweetheart".

As they hugged Hermione began to sob again, and Y/N held her even tighter:

"It's ok... shh... it's ok. I chose this. It's better than being away from you for two weeks."

Y/N suddenly picked Hermione up bridal style. Hermione involuntarily giggle shrieked, looking up into Y/N's eyes as he carried her. He smiled and said to her reassuringly:

"Five minutes and it's all over".

-~-

Ron, Lavender and Harry were already sat down in the Great Hall when Y/N and Hermione arrived. Hermione sobbed in Lavender's arms as Y/N told them all what happened. They were in complete disbelief:

"How could they, how could Dumbledore?" Lavender stammered as she supported her best friend.

"It was my choice Lav. The Wizengamot wanted to send me to Azkaban for a fortnight for assault and battery. As a noble I have the option of corporal punishment. It keeps me here, protecting Hermione" Y/N replied stoically.

Harry and Ron were both sat, looking like they were going to be sick. Harry looked at his best friend attempting to hold back tears as he asked:

"Aren't you scared Y/N?"

Y/N gave his cocky smirk, the one that always made his friends feel better, no matter the circumstances, as he leant across and patted Harry on the shoulder before replying:

"No. I've been tortured before. Will be again. It's better than the alternative".

Hermione sighed loudly and angrily. She tried to hide it for his sake but in her mind she was beside herself.

Just once. Just once it would be nice if Y/N gave a damn about himself.

-~-

Maisy came up to the friends as they were finishing their lunch with the twins. After checking on how Hermione was after Goyle's sickening racial abuse, she gave them an update.

Snape had summoned all Slytherins to their common room just before lunch and tore strips off them.

He told them that Flint had a shattered elbow joint and was being treated in the infirmary but that both Crabb and Goyle had been transported to St. Mungos.

Goyle had severe skull and facial injuries and had a suspected hematoma. Crabb had suspected brain damage. Both were in induced comas.

Snape had erupted, telling Slytherin house that there was no room in Hogwarts for such outdated and prejudicial views. That all three boys would receive significant detentions if they were fit to return to school and that quite frankly to have called Hermione Granger that word, especially in front of Y/N L/N, well their stupidity led them to deserve whatever had been thrown at them.

-~-

Y/N and Hermione finished their lunch and walked down to the Black Lake, hand in hand. It was quiet, contented and still. It was nice.

Y/N sat on the ground on a nice patch of grass, his back against a boulder, as Hermione sat backwards on his lap, resting her back against his chest. His arms came around her front and the pair sat happily in silence.

-~-

Hermione couldn't get comfy and kept moving. She couldn't settle. She was currently sat sideways on Y/N's lap, almost in a bridal position.

Hermione was worried about tonight, but didn't want to show it. She smiled as she looked up into Y/N's eyes.

His brilliant green iris's were always so emotive- when she had seen them earlier that day, when he had so violently protected her honour, they had been red with rage, almost alight with fire. Now they were so full of love as he looked into her eyes. She could see in them softness, tenderness and care as she thought about the intimacy of the position they were sat in.

Never in a million years would she ever consider being so intimate, so close, with anyone else, but Y/N did something inside her she didn't understand. She had never felt so adored, so protected, so loved and so exalted in her life as she did with him.

As they sat here and looked into each other's eyes it was exceedingly calming for Hermione. She smiled as it felt like they were together. But they weren't, and Y/N had only just broken up with Katie, but if she asked him? But was it too soon? And-

"You are really deep in thought aren't you?" Y/N chuckled as Hermione looked at Y/N in shock, stammering:

"How did you know?"

Y/N smiled and brushed her cheek gently with the back of his hand:

"Your eyes 'Mione. When you're miles away they sort of glaze over, but when you're deep in thought they go back and forth quickly".

Hermione couldn't help but blush and giggle as she asked:

"Just how much time have you spent looking at my eyes mister?"

Y/N chuckled:

"C'mon, you can't blame me can you? You have the most beautiful eyes in the world. They are so brown and chocolatey. I could get lost staring into them."

Hermione felt herself blush more as a giant smile broke across her face. She looked down shyly as Y/N stopped brushing her cheek and lifted her face with a finger under her chin. They looked deep into each other's eyes, they moved closer, time started to slow down as...

"Hey guys"

Oh bloody hell!

Y/N looked up quickly to see three first year Ravenclaws in front of them. Hermione wore a bright red hue on her cheeks as Y/N spoke in a tone of frustration:

"Hey Patroclus, Luna, Rolf. How are you guys?"

"Uh did we disturb something?" Patroclus asked awkwardly.

"N-No" Hermione stammered.

"Yes" Y/N answered at the same time frustratedly.

"I think we interrupted their first kiss" Luna answered haphazardly in her trademark faraway tone.

The two boys blushed like a virgin bride on her wedding night, Hermione doing likewise before burying her face into Y/N's chest in embarrassment.

Y/N chuckled as he answered:

"You're remarkably insightful Luna. It's no wonder you were placed in Ravenclaw. Actually while you're here I need a couple of favours."

Patroclus nodded his head excitedly:

"Yeah of course big cousin of course, anything."

Luna smiled looking at her friend. He always gushed talking about his elder cousin. Y/N was Patroclus's hero. Luna found it adorable.

Y/N smiled as he rubbed Hermione's back:

"I need you three to not come down to dinner in the great hall tonight. I need you to stay in the Ravenclaw common room ok? Have your food brought there."

The three Ravenclaws looked at Y/N puzzled.

"How would we do that Y/N?" Patroclus asked puzzled.

Y/N smiled saying only:

"Barley"

Hermione heard a pop, followed by an adorable chipmunk sounding voice, but she was still too embarrassed to look up from Y/N's chest.

"Hello Mr Y/N sir. Barley is happy to see you!"

"Hello Barley, it's wonderful to see you too. Did you have a nice summer?" Y/N asked warmly.

"I did Mr Y/N I had a lot of fun"

"I'm so glad to hear it Barley. Barley this is my cousin Patroclus L/N, Luna Lovegood and Rolf Scamander. Guys this is Barley, she works at Hogwarts."

The three first years smiled and shook her hand, causing the small house elf to nearly cry. Y/N thought about introducing Hermione, but she hadn't emerged from Y/N's chest and he didn't want to push her.

"Barley, these three are going to eat in their common room tonight. Can you please go to them when summoned?"

"Yes Mr. Y/N sir" The small elf replied before smiling and disappearing.

"Uh why are we eating dinner in the common room Y/N?" Patroclus asked concerned.

"Did you hear about the fight this morning guys?" Y/N asked. They nodded, Rolf replying:

"One of the Slytherin girls in our charms class told us it was unprovoked."

Y/N chuckled but before he could answer Hermione had shot up from his chest, almost screeching:

"It was NOT unprovoked! Goyle called me a MUDBLOOD! Y/N was only defending me and then himself when Crabb and Flint attacked him and now they are going to whip him for it!"

She burst into tears as her rant ended, burying her face into Y/N's neck. Y/N's face grew a pained expression as he looked down sadly, stroking her hair and kissing her on the side of the head.

The three first years looked at Y/N with equal measures of shock and horror as Patroclus finally managed to spit out:

"They're... they're gonna whip you?"

Y/N sighed and nodded.

"There's... there's reasons I can't leave Hogwarts right now Cuz, reasons I can't get into. I was sentenced by a Ministry subcommittee to a fortnight in Azkaban, but because of... our families standing, I was offered corporal punishment which I accepted."

"Then why do we need to eat in our common room? I want to be there to support you and-"

Patroclus's empassioned plea was cut off my his elder cousin.

"Pat... you think I want you seeing something like that? Besides there's another reason. I need you to watch someone for me."

Patroclus was about to ask who when Y/N said with a smile:

"Newt"

The three first years smiled, Rolf and Luna especially as the tiny Bowtruckle emerged from Y/N's Quidditch hood.

"Newt, this is my cousin Patroclus and his friends Luna and Rolf. They're going to look after you tonight, ok?"

Newt walked on to Y/N's free hand.

"You know what Daddy has to do. You know why I don't want you to see it, don't you Newt?"

The Bowtruckle nodded before rushing forward, squeezing his father's face tightly. Luna wiped a tear from her eye.

"I love you too mate. Say goodbye to Mummy and we will see you tomorrow morning."

Hermione leant up, still sobbing, and had a nice little cuddle with her baby Bowtruckle before Rolf gently took him and some wood lice.

"Just bring him to the infirmary in the morning guys, and thank you. Hermione and I need some alone time now. This has... this has been really tough for her."

The three students and one Bowtruckle left not long after and after a little bit more sobbing Hermione looked up from Y/N's shoulder:

"That was really sweet Y/N, looking after those three, and Newt"

Y/N smiled but replied quietly:

"I don't want you there either 'Mione."

"What?" She gasped in shock.

"I don't want you to see it. It's gonna hurt and there's gonna be blood. I don't want you to-"

Y/N was cut off by an outraged Hermione:

"You can forget that right now! If you think for one moment I'm leaving you alone while they... while they..."

Hermione broke down again while Y/N held her tight. Not much else was said until it was time for dinner.

The two arrived to a crowded and whispering Great Hall. They sat down with their friends. Hermione picked at some lasagna she had placed on her plate but noticed Y/N wasn't eating.

"You should have something, to keep your strength up, Y/N."

Y/N looked at Hermione with a sad smile as he replied:

"I'd rather have an empty stomach for what's coming. Intense physical pain it... I'd just rather have an empty stomach."

Nothing much was said for rest of the hour. Y/N gently took Hermione's hand and gently squeezed it after interlocking their fingers in one last attempt to comfort her.

-~-

At 6:00pm Lucius Malfoy walked in the Great Hall to the surprise of many whispering and puzzled students. He stood at the front of the assembled hall with an arrogant smirk as Y/N began to loosen his Quidditch robes. He whispered to Hermione:

"Hermione. I'm grateful that you are here but don't watch ok. Just please don't watch. It's enough that you're here".

Lucius looked out and smiled, summoning two stands with ropes hanging off them. He held his wand to his throat and spoke with a sonorous charm:

"Earlier today at Hogwarts an assault took place. A terrible, unprovoked assault by an unhinged student with a history of violence. Given this history a specialist subcommittee was formed to decide on the punishment to be meted out. It was-"

Y/N stood, pulling his remaining robes off as he yelled, the whole hall turning to look at him:

"Enough shit talking Malfuck! Let's just get this over with!"

The hall broke into a sea of whispers as Y/N stood topless, leant down and kissed Hermione on the cheek. He whispered in her ear:

"Don't watch"

Before walking up to where Malfoy had summoned the stocks. He stood, his back to the hall, staring at his worried professors as he added:

"Kiss the deepest part of my lilly white arse!"

Lucius chuckled as he tightened the restraints to the point they were digging into Y/N's wrist and snapped:

"Charming, do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"

He was taken back as Y/N spat in his face. He was about to raise his hand but smirked instead.

"For a grievous and cowardly attack Y/N L/N, your sentence was 14 days in Azkaban, as decided by Special Subcommittee 33742, members Lucius Malfoy, Corbin Yaxley, Gerald Rosier and Lillith."

It seemed strange to Y/N this bitch only had one name, but he had more pressing matters on his mind as Madam Pomfrey extremely worriedly placed a wooden tube into his mouth.

"Bite down on this Y/N. It will stop you biting through your tongue."

He nodded as Lucius continued to waffle on:

"You have waived your right, as a noble, to imprisonment, instead opting for corporal punishment. You have been sentenced to twenty lashes. Mr Filch?"

Y/N heard the doors open behind him. The panicked whispers of a thousand students as his teachers looked at him terrified. Filch was walking into the hall with a long whip.

Hermione began to cry as Lavender hugged her.

"You may begin Mr Filch."

Y/N looked forward, straight into McGonagall's eyes as the whip cracked loudly

Crack

He recoiled and groaned in pain as he felt his back tear open. The hall gasped. Hermione trembled.

Crack

Another line appeared on his back.

Crack

Crack

Crack

Y/N's left leg slightly buckled but the ropes were attached so hard he remained upright. Hermione was crying harder than she thought possible. Apart from the sound of crying and some students vomiting, the Great Hall was silent. Even the Slytherins who had been laughing at the start were sat speechless and horrified.

Crack

Crack

Crack

Y/N groaned louder as more of his back opened up, his blood now seeping all over the hall's floor.

Crack

Crack

Crack

Y/N's blood was flowing quickly now. His legs appeared to have given out as the stocks groaned at having to support his weight. Filch began focusing his strikes on Y/N's lower back.

Crack

Crack

Crack

Crack.

Y/N's head was down as he leant limp. Hermione was praying he had passed out and wouldn't have to feel anymore. Her heart dropped though when Lucius held a hand to Filch to stop. He walked up, leant down and smirked as he looked into Y/N's face.

Hermione was shocked as he stood back, grinned, and slapped Y/N hard across the face.

Dumbledore stood and roared:

"How dare you strike my student!"

Lucius smirked.

"You misunderstand Albus, if L/N is passed out he can't take the rest of his sentence and he will have to be off to Azkaban. He was so afraid of that."

More whispers were heard around the hall. Hermione had had enough. She was on her feet and roared at Lucius Malfoy, to everyone's surprise.

"No you foul dishonest little cockroach! Y/N wasn't afraid. Y/N has never been afraid. He just wouldn't leave Hogwarts so he could protect me. You were the one afraid today in the Headmaster's office when Y/N took out those Aurors!"

More shocked whispers were heard around the hall. Y/N took down Aurors? Why would he need to protect Hermione?

Hermione broke down again as she was wrapped up by Lavender. Her outburst though spurred Y/N on. His legs, which had been hanging limp pushed against the ground. He spat the mouthguard out and laughed loudly:

"Fuck you, you blonde haired bitch. I ain't going anywhere. Is that the best you've got Filch? I've been hit harder by women".

Filch went to strike again but Pomfrey yelled at him to stop. She shoved the mouthguard back in Y/N's mouth.

"Don't want to bite your tongue off Y/N. You're nearly through this my boy. You're nearly through."

Y/N's blood had now ran down and was dripping towards where the shocked and scared student body was sitting.

Drip

Drip

Drip

Filch raised the whip again.

Crack

Crack

Crack

Crack

Crack.

"It's done. It's done!" McGonagall yelled out through a tear stained face. Snape and Rowan rushed Y/N as he collapsed, only supported by the ropes of his stock. They each took a shoulder of Y/N's, ignoring the blood that flowed onto them as McGonagall magically released his bonds. Pomfrey rushed over and began to heal him, casting Episkey as Dumbledore magicked a stretcher Snape and Rowan lowered Y/N onto.

Y/N passed in and out of consciousness. All he could feel was pain. He heard Snape's deep monotone voice say to him:

"I've got you son. I've got you"

The stretcher levitated Y/N out of the hall towards the infirmary.

-~-

Hermione had arrived at the hospital wing, accompanied by Professor McGonagall, Ron, Harry and Lavender; not long after Y/N had left. He was out cold when they arrived, much to Hermione's relief. She couldn't believe this had happened. That this was allowed to
Happen. The pair was permitted to stay while Madam Pomfrey healed Y/N which fortunately didn't take long.

They were allowed into his cubicle and he was still passed out on his stomach. Most of his back was healed apart from three prominent scar lines along his back.

"Too deep to get rid of" is all Madam Pomfrey said in response. Hermione leant down and kissed Y/N gently on his cheek. Neither of the boys said anything, but Lavender and McGonagall smiled sadly. The three other students were dismissed to the common room after a while but Hermione was permitted to spend a little longer with her professor. Y/N eventually began to stir. Hermione stroked his face as he slowly woke.

"Hey you" she smiled at Y/N.

"Hey" Y/N said gingerly as he tried to move but struggled to. Hermione was on her feet in a moment, rushing Y/N concerned as she gasped:

"Hey no Y/N! Madam Pomfrey said you can't move at least until tomorrow."

Y/N groaned as he replied:

"Damn it. You have no idea 'Mione"

"How much it hurt? I know I-"

"No. How uncomfortable it is to lay on your stomach" Y/N chuckled. Hermione glared at Y/N momentarily but couldn't help it in the end and giggled:

"Please Y/N. No jokes, not now."

Hermione looked down as tears threatened to fall out again. Y/N sighed and tried to reach out to her:

"Hey hey hey. I'm sorry Mione ok? Please don't cry. I hate seeing you cry."

"Well I hate seeing you hurt, so we're even" Hermione replied with a smile, even as her eyes watered.

"Are you ok?" Y/N asked concerned. Hermione was exasperated. Did Y/N just ask her that? This bloody boy.

"You do not get to ask me that Y/N! Not now. You need to worry about you for once."

"Hey I'm fine. Really, don't look at me like that Granger. Just answer one question..."

Hermione look at him puzzled as he chuckled.

"...did I take it like a champ? Cos I'd hate to have to stay in here forever in shame after blubbering like a little girl."

Hermione rolled her eyes. This boy. This bloody boy.

"Yes you took it like a champ. And for the record even if you were crying and 'blubbering' it still would have been one of the bravest things I've ever seen!"

Y/N chuckled.

"Yeah ok see your mouth is saying brave but your eyes are saying dumb."

Hermione giggled again. She couldn't help it, but stopped and turned serious as she asked:

"Why did you do it Y/N? Why, for me? I'm not-"

She was cut off quickly.

"Don't you dare say you're not worth it Hermione. Don't you dare. Not ever. I would walk through hell itself to keep you safe Hermione Granger. Without hesitation!"

"Why?" Hermione asked as tears threatened to erupt again. This was the most she had ever cried in a day.

-~-

McGonagall and Pomfrey had been observing the sweetness of the couple. Minnie turned to Pomfrey:

"Five galleons says they're a couple before the end of the year."

"Ten says they're a couple before the end of the night" Poppy chuckled. Minerva nodded but quickly headed into the cubicle to protect her bet when she heard:

"You have to ask Hermione? Because I lo-"

"There you are Ms. Granger, Mr. L/N. How are you feeling?" Minerva asked guiltily, cutting Y/N off.

Hermione gasped- Y/N was about to say it. What was it with people and timing around here.

"Been better Professor McGonagall" Y/N chuckled. McGonagall sighed:

"I can only apologise L/N. What happened was-"

"Necessary. I couldn't risk leaving Hermione for two weeks so I took the shorter option. Don't worry about it. It's that joke of a Minister's fault anyway. Him and the rest of his crooked Ministry anyway."

"Yes. Quite. Well I'm here to escort you to the common room Ms Granger"

Hermione looked horrified:

"No I-"

"Yes Hermione please. I know you're safe there. And if I know you're safe then I can rest easier here. Please" Y/N asked in almost a beg. Hermione sighed, nodded and leant down, gently kissing him on the cheek.

"Try and rest Y/N. I'll be here after breakfast in the morning."

Y/N grimaced/smiled.

"Don't wander Hermione. Make sure to wait for the Professor. Please."

She nodded her head.

"I promise."

A/N: Y/N is sentenced to Azkaban for a fortnight for his assault. As a member of the Ancient and Sacred House of L/N he is offered an alternative to his Sentence by Lucius Malfoy on behalf of the Board of Governors- 20 lashes in a 'traditional' punishment. He happily accepts and it is brutal. Y/N is taken to the hospital wing and some tender moments with Y/N and Hermione.