Y/N woke and stretched happily, in his home, in his bed, next to his love. He quietly got up and dressed and walked down to his gym. After a solid workout he returned to their bedroom, had a shower and dressed and went down to their kitchen. As it was Sunday he magicked up bacon and eggs and levitated them upstairs with tea and coffee. He cast Orchideous, summoning a bouquet of roses and entered the bedroom.

Hermione woke to the delicious smell and smiled.

"Baby you didn't have to..."

"I know love. I wanted to. I love spoiling you!"

Hermione smiled as she kissed Y/N before they enjoyed their first breakfast in their home together.

—~—

Following breakfast the couple headed to the manor. Y/N had hugged Vinda, kissed her on the forehead and thanked her. Hermione blushed, Vinda chuckled. The Bearers present were confused as she turned and left smiling.

Y/N took Hermione to the infirmary as she wanted to catch up with Charlie and Chiara. She met Millie, Charlie's partner, as well and she adored Hermione and took an instant shine to her.

Y/N spent the morning chatting with Sirius and Remus. It was awkward. Sirius told Y/N how proud he was of him, how he had been loyal to the Order and good friends with his father. How he loathed his sister, Y/N's mother. How it was well known within the family about her paternity but that his demented parents saw it as an honour.

He said how much he wanted a relationship with Y/N, to be an uncle to him. Y/N said he wanted that too, but that Severus was his godfather, that Y/N cared for him deeply and that Sirius would have to accept it. He also told Remus about his confrontation with Severus and Y/N was apologetic for what had been done. That both were welcome in the manor as long as they wanted to stay.

The next few days were spent in the manor- Hermione greeting and speaking with a number of Bearers before setting herself up in the library.

The L/N library had been established and built on for over a thousand years. There were so many books, scrolls and tomes Hermione had never heard of. She lost herself in paradise.

Y/N meanwhile took to training. He took each Bearer to the same mental construct he took the acolytes at Christmas time, putting them through a severe obstacle course that got harder and harder. They did well. Y/N was in his element- training, teaching. His followers felt inspired and worked harder. He felt vindicated, galvanised, exhilarated. The Bearers were coming together as a single impenetrable unit, an elite fighting force.

Fudge and the Ministry, Lilith and the Knights, Voldemort and the Death Eaters- none of them would know what hit them.

—~—

Tuesday morning Y/N apparated to his uncles. It was good to see him. He had organised for Patroclus to spend the day at the cabin with himself and Hermione. The Phoenix Bearers would keep out of sight.

—~—

Y/N and Patroclus were duelling as Hermione sat and smiled in their small closed off garden. Y/N had organised for his younger cousin to visit for the day so of course they had to duel.

Y/N was definitely... definitely taking it very easy on Patroclus. 

Patroclus tried hitting Y/N with a spell which Y/N easily cut down- Patroclus was quickly on the back foot as a spell flew an inch from his cheek. He knew that was deliberate to show him spell control but as he flinched from it and  stood again Y/N was directly in front of him, wand pointed straight at his face.

"Never hesitate" Y/N smirked as he easily dodged Patroclus's stupify and was instantly behind him, slapping him on the bum with a slapping charm sending Patroclus forward. His younger cousin turned frustrated and Y/N chuckled.

"Baby stop teasing him!" Hermione called out from the deck chair she was sitting in.

Y/N had grown her a beautiful garden to relax in and she was enjoying the early summer sun in a sleeveless dress and wide brimmed hat. She lovingly stroked Crookshanks and Gizmo on her lap as Newt played on top of her hat with a woodlouse Y/N had given him. The small bowtruckle was throwing it in the air and catching it at the present time.

Na-Hath was perched on the back of the chair next to Hermione and Hati and Buckbeak were laying on the lawn. Hermione took in the scene and smiled.

The house Y/N had built for them, for her. They would be 15 soon but they were already living together, completely in love, completely happy. Y/N had to go away for a while in a week, so Hermione was going to return to her parents, but for the moment she was happy, in her home, with the man she loved. His Phoenix Bearers were in the mansion they could see from their front yard training- constantly training. Y/N would put them through their paces, much harder than he was Patroclus. He could be brutal with his followers, but it wasn't in a malicious way.

After he had defeated 30 of them at once in the great hall the previous night he had smiled at them as he helped them to their feet.

"Never forget. We are training for a war and I don't want to lose a single one of you. The more you sweat and bleed here, the less you will need in battle."

They had all smiled and bowed as Y/N and Hermione retired to their cottage for the night, it still amazed her how much love and respect they had for her boyfriend. Not to mention her. She was still getting used to being called 'Lady Granger' or 'my Lady'.

She was pulled from her thoughts as the cousins started duelling again. Most witches and wizards duelled from a stationary position, simply firing spells. That was not Y/N's style. He would move with a speed, grace and power that belied his size. As long as Hermione had known him he was always big for his age, but he was massive now. He stood 6'5" and if she had to guess he was about 270lbs and it was all muscle. He had the body of a man and his face had matured to match the full trimmed beard he kept. It was really hard to believe he wasn't 15 yet- but again with all the time travel of the last 12 months they were both probably well passed 15 now.

Back to the duelling though- Y/N used his wand almost as a sword, as an extension of himself. It was quite a sight to behold. He was teaching his younger cousin the same.

Y/N liked to be close to his opponents, and he was currently being charged by Patroclus.

Patroclus was on the offensive, casting spells with each thrust and charge. Y/N blocked them with ease.

Patroclus's wand clashed with Y/N's in front of Y/N's face as the young boy grinned at his elder cousin and mentor.

"Nervous?"

In an instant Y/N had him spun around with a wand directed at his throat and a huge smile on Y/N's face.

"Petrified" Y/N chuckled as he threw Patroclus down for the youth to charge him again. Patroclus noticed Y/N was now duelling with his left hand.

"I thought you told me never to change my wand hand?"

They clashed again as Patroclus fell to his knees and Y/N disarmed him.

"Yes. But when you know how to use it you won't be taking my orders" Y/N smirked and sheathed his wand. He held out his hand and raised his cousin to his feet.

"Well done cousin. Well done. You are far more advanced than any other in your year level. I'd say you're the third best dueller at the school behind myself and Hermione."

As he finished they arrived at the outdoor setting Hermione was sitting at, Y/N leaning down and giving her a loving kiss as Newt galloped onto his head.

He quickly stroked Crookshanks and the sleeping Gizmo before sitting next to her and stroking the Phoenix who was now perched on his shoulder.

Patroclus smiled at his words and sat across from his cousin and the girl he also considered his family as Dobby appeared in front of them, wearing one of his suits.

"Master L/N. My Lord. Professor Dumbledore and and Ludo Bagman are requesting permission to visit you. Should I send them away?"

"No Dobby. Tell the Bearers and Padfoot to remain in the manor. Bring them here in five minutes but directly to the garden. Do not allow them to convince you to go anywhere else. If they argue tell them this is Lord Y/N's land and his word is final."

He winked at his girlfriend as he finished and she giggled at him. She loved it when he got all commanding.

"Very well my Lord" the house elf smiled before disappearing.

"Bucky" Y/N called out to the Hippogriff who was happily laying in the sun on the lawn next to them with Hati. Buckbeak looked up at him.

"I've got some visitors coming who can't see you, quickly fly and hide behind the mansion. I'll send Na-Hath when it's safe to return."

The hippogriff squawked at his father and rose to the air quickly, descending behind the great mansion. Hati howled and Y/N smiled at his boy.

"I know he's your best friend Hati. He'll be back soon."

Two minutes later Dobby appeared with Dumbledore and a large man who just looked loud.

"Y/N good to see you again" the Headmaster smiled.

"Albus" Y/N said as he rose to his feet to shake his hand. "Bagman" Y/N said shaking the hand of the loud man.

"Y/N, or rather my Lord, great to see you again."

"Albus you know my loved ones here. Bagman this is my girlfriend and Grand Consort Lady Hermione Granger and my cousin Patroclus  L/N."

Patroclus nodded meekly before Y/N spoke to him.

"Come here cousin."

Patroclus approached Y/N who quickly had his left hand behind his back and a wand pointed at him.

"You are a L/N. Patroclus, a cousin of the Archduke! Never let any man intimidate you. Shake his hand and look him in the eye."

Patroclus did as Y/N released his grip.

"Good job cousin. Remember."

"We are lions" the younger boy grinned at his elder cousin.

"That's right. Have a seat."

The five of them sat as Y/N summoned one of his estates many house elves.

"Cadbey"

"Yes Lord L/N" the house elf answered sweetly as she appeared.

"Could you please bring light refreshments for my guests, Cadbey?" Y/N smiled.

"Of course my Lord."

"Thank you Cadbey."

The elf smiled and vanished.

"You're very polite to your house elves." Bagman remarked.

"If you want to see the character of a man Ludo look at how he treats those society considers beneath him. Besides they are my employees not my servants. I don't practice slavery."

Cadbey appeared with a tray of tea and cake and they levitated to the five people at the table before she smiled and bowed at her Lord and disappeared again.

"Thank you Cadbey. Now why would the Headmaster of Hogwarts and the Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports come to the Ancient and Sacred House of L/N three days after school has broken up?" Y/N asked as he glared at the pair. Both shifted uncomfortably under the intensity of his gaze.

"We are here to ask you to accept the position of Seeker in the England National Quidditch team at the coming World Cup Y/N" Bagman responded quickly.

Patroclus was excited. Hermione was surprised. Y/N was unmoved, asking only:

"Why?"

"Your skills are legend. You're the World Record holder. We think you could be the best shot England has" Ludo smiled widely.

"Why are you here then?" Y/N asked turning to Dumbledore. Albus chuckled. You just couldn't get anything passed this boy.

"Here to ask you as well Y/N. I believe much good would come from your fame spreading at this World Cup. Many would wish to ally themselves with you."

"I have no need for allies Albus, I have plenty as it is" Y/N replied calmly.

This caught the Headmaster off guard. He knew of the Phoenix Bearers hidden here at the manor- but did Y/N have more allies he wasn't aware of? He was drawn from his thoughts by Ludo speaking to Patroclus.

"So you're learning to duel from the great Y/N L/N himself? Kings would kill for the honour. His deeds are already becoming legend."

Y/N smirked at the loudmouth. Flattery wouldn't get him anywhere. The man continued though:

"You know, Y/N, Bulgaria is the favourite to win this World Cup. They have a rising young Seeker known as Victor Krum."

"Is this Krum as good as they say he is Mr. Bagman?" Patroclus asked keenly.

Ludo got a glint in his eye. "Better than all the Bulgarians." He looked directly at Y/N.

"Some say better than all the English too."

Y/N chuckled as he took a sip of tea. He could see Bagman's ploy a mile away. He had a great bullshit detector.

"I have no need or desire to play in this World Cup and plenty of matters of my own to deal with. Being a Lord has many responsibilities. Now if you would excuse me we get precious little family time and you're intruding on what we do have."

It was a polite but not quite subtle warning to get out.

Bagman smiled. "It saddens me to hear Y/N, but Patroclus- you look like a strapping lad perhaps you could try out for the t-"

In an instant Y/N's wand was out and pointed at Ludo's face. Y/N smiled.

"Play your tricks on me Ludo, but not my cousin."

Ludo laughed. "You have your strength, I have my tricks. We play with the toys Merlin grants us."

"Dobby" Y/N called out.

"Yes sir?"

"Our guests are ready to leave."

"Perhaps I could bother you for two more minutes? Alone?" The Headmaster asked.

Y/N narrowed his eyes. "Dobby"

With that Ludo and Dobby were gone.

"Patroclus go to the library and continue your reading." Y/N said without taking his eyes off Dumbledore.

"But..."

"Now cousin" Y/N said more firmly, turning to face his younger cousin directly.

"Yes sir" The younger cousin said as he stood and moped into the house.

Dumbledore looked towards Hermione.

"Definitely not Albus. Surely you've learned by now we are a partnership. Equals. Anything you say to me you say to Hermione also."

Dumbledore nodded before casting a silencing charm.

"I wish to ask you something else Y/N. This coming year at Hogwarts sees the return of the Tri-Wizard tournament. I wish very much for you to participate as the Hogwarts representative."

"Isn't it extremely dangerous?" Hermione asked.

"Safety precautions are being employed Ms. Grang-"

"Lady Granger!" Y/N interjected firmly.

"Pardon?"

"While you are on my property you will address her as Lady Granger. At least until the day she becomes Lady L/N."

Hermione smiled and blushed.

"Forgive me Lady Granger."

She could do little but nod to her Headmaster before he continued.

"The Ministry wants it restricted to those over 17. However, as you are legally an adult you are able to enter the competition without issue. You will be chosen when you do. The cup looks for the most powerful entrant and that is surely you."

"Why would I want to take part in this tournament Albus? What's in it for me?"

"Eternal Glory!" The Headmaster smiled with a booming voice. Y/N however was not impressed.

"Look at the cabin behind me Albus. I built this over the last six months with my own hands and minimal magic. Do you know why?"

He shook his head.

"It's a family home" Y/N said as he took Hermione's hand.

"Our family home. My glory will come to me, through my deeds, but I do not need to seek it, nor am I motivated by it. My only desire is to live in peace and eventually start a family..."

He squeezed Hermione's hand.

"... with the love of my life."

Hermione beamed as she smiled at her boyfriend. That was all she wanted as well. God she loved this guy.

This complicated things. The boy had matured significantly. Albus considered his next words carefully.

"I truly need you in the competition Y/N. What would it take to have you enter?"

Y/N looked at Hermione and smiled at her.

"Hermione and I are here, living practically as man and wife. We do not wish to give that up. Plus sneaking to the Room of Requirement every night has become irksome after three years. You want me in your little pissing contest? We need our own living quarters at Hogwarts, in the Gryffindor area. That we share together. That's my price."

"Y/N I...."

"Sorry Albus. No money, no honey."

"Fine. I can work something so that you get it as a champions perk. Once you're selected in the tournament. We will cross the other years when we come to it."

Y/N smirked "then I accept."

They shook hands. Y/N called Dobby who escorted Dumbledore magically back to his previous location.

"Baby... the Tri Wizard is dangerous."

"I know but we are together baby. In our own room every night."

Hermione smiled.

"You would've entered anyway wouldn't you love."

Y/N chuckled.

"Yep"

"For Eternal Glory?"

"No darling. To draw more Bearers, once the world bears witness to my greatness."

He chuckled again as Hermione slapped his arm.

"Prat. But I'm glad you're my prat" she smiled as she sat on his lap and they kissed passionately.