Following Y/N's revelations he had gone upstairs to lay down for an hour, emotionally exhausted.

Hermione went with him to pack her bags and was shocked that Y/N fell asleep so quickly- he was always so full of energy, so full of life. It broke her heart to see him so deflated.

She quickly finished packing and went downstairs, sitting with her mum to have a cup of tea.

"Is he ok?" Monica asked sadly.

"He's asleep, Mum. He never sleeps during the day. And he always tells me everything. How bad must it have been in there for him to keep it to himself?"

Monica rushed over and squeezed her daughter tight, whispering reassurances to her, trying to help her daughter remain strong.

—~—

Y/N woke slowly and looked up, smiling at Hermione who was leaning over him.

"Hey babe. Sorry I fell asleep. Is it time to go?" Y/N asked as he stretched.

Hermione nodded as she leaned down and kissed her boyfriend. It was slow and passionate, Y/N gently pulling her down further towards him to deepen the kiss. He smiled into it as he leant up, shifting their positions and taking the dominant role. He leant down onto Hermione, licking her lips. He was allowed entry and quickly pushed his tongue into her mouth, locked in a battle with hers. They moaned in pleasure at the loving embrace, and Y/N felt his body reacting. So did Hermione.

They finally parted breathless and looked into each other's eyes.

"Well that was a hell of a good way to wake up" Y/N smiled.

Hermione blushed and giggled, replying: "It was."

"We better stop though, your parents could walk in any time and..."

Y/N's voice trailed off for a moment, Hermione's eyes flicked downwards, just for the briefest of split seconds, before she looked back up into her boyfriend's eyes. She giggled:

"Yeah wouldn't want that would we. But we will be in a room alone tonight love, no danger of anyone walking in."

She stroked Y/N's face and pecked his lips, Y/N smiling as he pondered her words.

—~—

Y/N had loaded all of Hermione's Hogwarts gear into his Moke pouch and they were with Wendell and Monica in the living room saying goodbye.

"So Talbott and Badeea haven't had any sightings of Sirius, but they are gonna stay for the next week just in case. They will release the wards once the Hogwarts Express has left London. He won't be looking here then."

The Grangers nodded in understanding before hugging their daughter and 'son-in-law' goodbye, giving them their best wishes. Y/N thanked them profusely for their hospitality and non-judgement. Their acceptance of him meant more than words could express.

Hermione grabbed Y/N's arm gently and with a nod and a small pop they were gone.

Moments later the couple appeared in the back alley of the Leaky Cauldron. Y/N seemed apprehensive to go in.

"Ready love?" Hermione asked him.

"Just getting myself prepared. I'm not expecting a warm welcome from most people, babe"

"It'll be fine. They don't know you, only what they think they know. Besides..." she rubbed his cheek and smiled up at him lovingly: "...you're a lion-"

"-And lions don't concern themselves with the bleating of sheep. Thanks babe" Y/N chuckled, leaning down and kissing Hermione before the two locked hands and walked into the pub.

Hermione smiled to herself. Y/N's entire persona changed as they walked in the door. His previous doubts, concerns, they had all but instantly disappeared as he stood taller and smirked his customary cocky smirk.

So the reason for her smile? Hermione knew she was the only one trusted enough to see Y/N's vulnerability. To see his sensitivity. She loved that Y/N trusted her implicitly. The feeling was more than reciprocated.

The front bar of the pub was semi-busy, about ten people inside, but instantly you could hear a pin drop at Y/N's presence.

He smirked and walked in proudly, head high and shoulders broad, holding Hermione's hand, looking every bit the son of a noble family that he was. He walked up to the small, slightly hunched man behind the counter and greeted him with a smile and a handshake.

"Tom, how are you" Y/N asked loudly and happily, all trace of his prior anxiety gone.

"Y/- Y/- Mr L/N. Hello. What can I do for you?" the barkeep stammered nervously.

"Ms Granger and I have a room booked with a double and en-suite, in the name of Brown. We wish to check in. We're booked for the week."

"Oh...y-y-yes I have that here. Didn't know it was for you, sir." Tom spoke nervously.

Y/N's eyes narrowed. One thing he had mastered early was human psychology. Jacob had given him quite the education. While Y/N's own mind was a mystery to himself, he was quite good at reading a room. The implicit threat of violence was often enough to keep people either onside, or exactly where you wanted them.

"Do you have a problem with me staying in your fine establishment, Tom?" Y/N asked, his voice deepening coldly to match the cold darkness of his eyes. It had the desired effect as a bead of sweat dropped down Tom's temple and he made a squeaking sound before stammering again:

"N-N-N-No sir, just it wasn't booked in your name is all."

Y/N spoke coolly, his expression not changing:

"Hard to book a room when you're incarcerated, Tom."

The small man gulped. Hermione cleared her throat and nudged Y/N in the side gently. He chuckled and placed a pile of Galleons on the counter. Tom's eyes lit up.

"I trust you like the colour of my money? I wish to pay for both Brown rooms for the week now, and keep the change."

Tom looked like a different man now. It was amazing what a little cheddar cheese could do to a publican. And it was always a good idea to keep a publican onside.

"Of course sir, here is your key. Room 12 and the other room is across the hall, room 11. If there's anything you need don't hesitate to ask, sir."

Y/N nodded and he and Hermione began to walk off before Y/N stopped and turned:

"Oh, there is one more thing, Tom. Which room is Harry staying in?"

A look of fear flashed across the face of the barkeep:

"Mr.Potter? Uh, Harry who, sir?"

Y/N sighed loudly. Tom was clearly not the sharpest tool in the tool shed.

"He's one of our closest friends, Tom. Look when you see him tell him Mr. L/N and Ms. Granger are here in room 12. Watch how quick he comes to see us and you'll realise I'm not threat to him. Despite what that fat buffoon of a Minister says. Thank you Tom we will let you know if we need anything."

Y/N flicked another galleon to Tom who smiled and caught it as Y/N and Hermione walked off to their room. They arrived at the door and Y/N unlocked it, but, to Hermione's surprise, stopped her from entering. She looked at her boyfriend puzzled before giggle shrieking as he picked her up bridal style and carried her over the threshold.

"What are you doing you silly sausage?" Hermione giggled as Y/N smirked:

"Our first room, that's both of ours, alone" Y/N chuckled before Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

Y/N held the kiss as he lowered her down onto the bed, leaning in and deepening the romantic expression. Hermione melted under his presence.

He leant down further, his tongue fighting hers for dominance before they were disturbed by someone clearing their throat.

Lavender stood at the doorway with a huge grin on her face.

"Hope I wasn't interrupting?"