The four students arrived back at the hospital wing just as they disappeared from the middle of the room. Ron shot up in fear.

"You were over there? Now you're over here? But I saw you over there...."

"Don't be ridiculous Ronald. How could anyone be in two places at once?" Lavender said cheekily causing Hermione to giggle.

The four then returned to their beds. Y/N went to his and was shocked and saddened as Hermione went and sat with Lavender next to Ron.

He felt the urge, stronger than he ever had before, to break down. Instead he found the strength to keep his composure by staring at the ceiling.

"What are you doing?" Lavender whispered to Hermione.

"What he did... said... what do you even begin to say to that Lav... I-I don't know where to even begin..."

Tears fell down Hermione's cheeks as her best friend wrapped her arms around her tight and whispered: "I know. I know."

Harry laid on his assigned hospital bed, smiling up to the ceiling. He had a godfather. He had family...

Oh god. He attacked one of his best friends. The one who was always there for him, protecting him. Harry thought he was a traitor instantly. He didn't give Y/N the benefit of the doubt- he just instantly assumed Y/N had betrayed him. He had treated Y/N like crap for months.

The one who was there for him against Quirrell in first year. The one who was there for him in the Chamber of Secrets. The one who always protected him as soon as danger appeared.

He thought about it more. About all the times he had argued with Y/N. About all the times he had sided with Ron. About all the times Y/N had been right.

It suddenly clicked in Harry's mind. Ron told Harry what he wanted to hear. Y/N told Harry what he needed to hear.

What had Harry done?

His happiness quickly turned sour and then to tears. He had thrown away the one true friend he had.

The students were suddenly aware of a loud banging and yelling at the infirmary door. After a moment the door was opened and the Minister stormed in screaming. He was purple again.

"Black is gone. Black is gone. You've done this L/N. You did it didn't you? I'm going to ruin you... I'm going to-"

"WILL YOU SHUT YOUR FUCKING CUNT MOUTH YOU PISSWEAK COWARDLY MAGGOT!!!!" Y/N roared in rage. Everyone stopped dead and looked at him as a strong breeze gusted throughout the infirmary. Y/N composed himself and spoke again.

"I haven't left this hospital ward. What in Merlin's name are you talking about?"

"It's true Minister, I locked the door myself, just in case, to keep Harry and our students safe, and then I spoke to Poppy until you and Severus stormed passed us. You saw me unlock the door. The Archduke couldn't have anything to do with this." Albus smiled. He briefly turned to Y/N, winked, and then turned back to Fudge:

"But should it leak out that Sirius escaped Ministry custody, again, it would be devastating for a Ministry already under fire. I think it is safe to say that Sirius is a long way from here now. I must insist the Dementors leave as well. This is the third attack on students and I will not allow it to happen again!"

Albus had started cheerily but got more and more intense the longer he spoke.

"Fine. Fine. They will leave. We will keep tonight quiet. I am watching you-"

The Minister paled as he suddenly realised who he was talking to.

"-my uh... Lord."

He turned and left the hospital wing angrily. Dumbledore wished the students good night and then left as well. Only Snape remained. He looked at Y/N before turning to leave.

"Sev" Y/N said softly. The Potions Master stopped in his tracks, so Y/N poured his heart out.

"This doesn't change anything. I'm still gonna kick his arse for what he did to you. But he was innocent. That maggot Pettigrew betrayed them, had Lilly and James killed. Sirius is one more soldier in the fight against Voldemort. I know what scared you. I saw it in your eyes. Your need to listen to me right now Severus!

You will never lose me to him. Ever! You're my father. I'm your son. And nothing is going to change that. Nothing!" Y/N said as tears rolled down the cheeks of not only him but Severus as well.

The two embraced, hugging tightly. Lavender and Hermione watched and side hugged in tears, even Harry got choked up. Ron meanwhile looked bored.

After a few minutes Sev left and Hermione walked up to Y/N, standing next to him. She didn't say a word, she just slid her hand into his, interlocked their fingers, and squeezed.

—~—

After getting the all clear the four friends left Ron for the night and walked towards Gryffindor tower, until they got to the main staircase.

"I'm guessing you guys are going to your special place?" Lavender asked with a smile.

"Yeah we are" Hermione said as she gripped her boyfriend's hand.

"Have a good night guys. Sleep well" Harry said with a somewhat forced smile as they separated.

"I don't think there's gonna be a lot of sleep going on Harry" Lavender chuckled as they walked off together.

The couple walked towards the Room of Requirement in silence. Hand in hand. They arrived and Y/N opened the door for Hermione. A small bar, a four poster bed, an ensuite and a roaring fire. Like so many times before.

Y/N fixed himself a scotch on the rocks and got a butterbeer for Hermione as they sat on the bed.

"You know we have to talk about it Y/N" Hermione said with a heavy expression.

"I know" he sighed and continued:

"And I know you're angry at me, but please let me explain"

Y/N spoke with pleading eyes. Hermione nodded.

"Baby. They were going to give you the kiss. We were outmatched and outgunned, even with my Blade I couldn't get them all in time, so I made a split second decision. My life for yours.  I know you're angry at me, and I hope you don't hate me but l'd do it again in a heartbeat. If I have to die to keep you safe Hermione Jean Granger I will. Without hesitation. I love you, I'll always love you, and-"

His rant was cut off as Hermione slammed their lips together, passionately kissing her boyfriend. He was momentarily taken back in surprise before happily accepting the kiss and melting into it. It got more heated and passionate before the pair were forced to separate from the dizzying effects of the lack of oxygen.

They separated, still linked by a trail of saliva, as Y/N looked at his girlfriend stunned.

"That's not the reaction I expected" he chuckled. Hermione smiled before wrapping her arms around her boyfriend's neck.

"I want to give myself to you, Y/N. Completely."

Y/N was surprised. Genuinely surprised.

"Ah you sure baby? We don't have to rush anything, if it's because of-"

He was cut off by another tender, slow, passionate kiss. They fought for dominance with their tongues before Hermione pulled back to speak.

"I'm sure, Y/N. I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I want us to join as one."

Y/N nodded and smiled and leant in to kiss her again. As they passionately made out Hermione thought about everything that had led to this point.

Their friendship, their relationship, their love. Once when she was staying with Dean and Penny, before everything fell apart, she had asked Penny- "how do you know if a man truly loves you?"

Penny had chuckled, and smiled, and told her "A man who truly loves you will show you with his actions. Any boy can tell you anything or promise you the world to get in your pants, but when a man truly loves you, you will see it in his actions, his deeds, and when you see it there will be no mistaking it."

Hermione had never doubted Y/N, nor his love for her. He had done things to demonstrate his love over and over. But something was different tonight. Watching first hand, as he saw her in danger and offered up his life, his eternal soul, without even a moment's hesitation, just to protect her- she knew he loved her with every part of his being. He would give up everything for her. She wanted to give something to him.

She had never thought of any other boy the way she thought of Y/N. She wouldn't even consider doing these things with anyone else. But this was different. Before other... activities for the first time she had been nervous, anxious, excited. Here there was calm, there was no hint of nerves.

She wanted to give herself to him.