A/N: Trigger warning, mentions of sexual assault.

Jacob arrived at the usual spot a couple of hours after leaving his brother. He, like the other council members had been summoned by Dumbledore. He greeted the others as he was the last to arrive and turned to his former Headmaster:

"I'm guessing this is about Sirius Black, Albus?" Jacob asked the elderly wizard. Albus nodded:

"Yes Jacob, and also your brothers... temper, for lack of a better word. The darkness that is rising in him."

Jacob glanced at Moody who looked back at his former protege concerned, asking:

"What exactly did he do now Albus?"

Moody was beginning to worry, like Albus, about the boy's seemingly sharp decline into darkness. The bodies were mounting up, Y/N was getting more vicious with each outburst, and Moody was having actual nightmares about the scene he discovered at Knockturn. He wasn't alone, eight members of the Ministry who witnessed and helped clean up the scene had gone on extended medical stress leave. Jacob, 311 and Firenze though were strongly of the opinion Y/N was fine.

"If this is about the idiot you sent to watch him" Jacob snarled.

"I sent Dedalus to watch over Y/N in case Sirius was after him and your brother threatened to kill him!" Albus snapped back.

"I'm sorry Albus. But my brother is on a date with Hermione and spots a guy he doesn't know tailing him all over London and he's supposed to what? Ignore it? He wasn't even in-con-fucking-spicuous either. He had a purple suit and bright purple top hat on for fucks sake" Jacob bellowed. He was starting to lose patience with the headmaster quickly.

"Fuck me!" Moody whispered to himself. "You sent that nitwit Dedalus to guard the Prophesied One?"

"I did, to protect him, and-"

Albus was cut off by Jacob yelling again.

"Y/N made him the moment they got off the bus. He was tailing Y/N. Worse he was tailing Hermione, he's very lucky Y/N didn't just go straight for the kill. You're complaining about Y/N becoming WHAT WE MADE HIM! On your fucking orders in case you've forgotten. The spells, the espionage, the camouflage, the concealment, the deception, the torture- all of it was from you and now you're worried about what Y/N is fucking becoming!!!"

Jacob was furious at Albus's hypocrisy. Everything he had been made to do to his tiny eight year old brother under Albus's orders. The hurt and the pain and the torture, all I. The pursuit of the greater good, and now Albus was having second thoughts!?! He tried to calm himself as he inhaled deeply and spoke through gritted teeth.

"Look... Dean is having a chat with him tonight. In the meantime if we do have someone watch over Y/N can it please be someone halfway fucking competent?"

"We nearly lost the last war Albus" 311 suddenly spoke up. "The only reason Riddle didn't win is because we got lucky with Harry Potter. Very lucky. It pains me to say this because they were my friends, but James, Thomas, even the Prewett brothers- they were like mice. Do you really want to fight another war by dropping more mice into the snake pit? Or do you want to let our own snake slither up beside them?"

He let the silence hang in the air for a minute before continuing.

"Besides I've had two of my best agents watching Y/N since we had word of the escape. There's been no sign of Sirius anywhere near him."

"Glad to know you've got people looking after him that he didn't see" Jacob chuckled.

311 looked at him, mask unmoving as he replied: "I never said they were people!"

Jacob looked at the enigmatic man blankly before shaking his head.

"If that's all Moody and I have to meet with Winchester. We've had 15 missing muggle children in Bristol in the past three days and he's been tracking a nasty looking den of Hags in the city. Dark creatures have been popping up left right and centre and we've lost five hunters in the last month. That, Sirius escaping, it's all got to be connected to Voldemort rising again somehow."

With that the members dispersed. Dumbledore hung back alone, contemplating the words of his fellow council members. Had he been misplaced in his caution towards the boy? Had he been misplaced in the boy's training? Although violent in his methods Y/N had truthfully done nothing but protect the weak and innocent. Albus had a lot to think about before the beginning of the school year.

—~—

Dean was worried. That was putting it mildly. It was never good when Jacob apparated into his office at Gringotts, but the news he brought was staggering. Their uncle had escaped Azkaban. It was going to hit the Prophet tomorrow. Rumour had it that he betrayed the Potters that fateful night. Rumour also had it he ordered the hit on their father and torture of their baby brother from his cell in Azkaban.

Jacob's intelligence from inside the Ministry suggested Black had broken out to finish what he started, to kill the Chosen and Prophesied Ones. To help Voldemort ascent to power once and for all.

How Dean was going to explain this to Y/N and keep him from going after Sirius himself he had no idea. How Dean could even look him in the eyes he had no idea. Dean had done everything possible to distance himself from Y/N. He couldn't understand how Y/N had gone so wrong, so evil. Their father was murdered. Dean swore to himself that day he would never kill. Now his baby brother had turned into the same kind of monster as the ones who broke in that night. He sighed and thought back to his current predicament.

He doubted Y/N would listen to him. Y/N seemed to be becoming more like Jacob by the day. Just as hot headed, just as stubborn, just as willing to go to any lengths to accomplish his goal.

Dean rubbed his eyes in exhaustion. Sometimes it seemed Y/N and Jacob were both one bad day away from becoming what they hated most.

He arrived home from work to find Y/N and Hermione sitting on the couch, both seemed to be engrossed in the same Alchemy book. Penny wasn't anywhere to be seen which meant she was probably in her potion lab.

He would have to tell her before he sprung it on the kids. At least she would agree with him. He spoke up to the couple, not making eye contact.

"Hey kids, Penny in the mad lab?"

He asked trying to be as jovial as he could. He was shocked at the cold tone of voice he got back:

"She's in her potions room. Dinner's already cooked."

Dean looked up and into Y/N's eyes. They seemed completely devoid of warmth. They were as cold as hard as his voice. Dean replied:

"Thanks Y/N, good to see you Hermione"

She looked up from her reading and smiled at Dean saying "You too Dean" before looking up in shock at the cold glare on Y/N's face. As Dean walked from the lounge to the hallway Hermione whispered: "what's wrong love?"

She heard Y/N in her mind.

It's not work that has him distant. He hates me because I'm the Punisher.

Hermione's eyes widened but she didn't make a sound, she simply placed the book they had been reading down and gripped Y/N tight.

—~—

Dean entered his wife's favourite room and kissed her on the neck from behind.

"Hello baby" she said cheerfully before turning around, her face dropped at the sight of his. She asked worriedly: "What's wrong?"

"Have you finished what you're doing? This is gonna be a long conversation" Dean asked.

Penny nodded. She had only been chopping ingredients. It could wait.

"Yes, but tell me what's wrong?"

Dean offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile:

"Jacob popped into my office today. He said uh... our uncle has escaped from Azkaban."

Penny's eyes widened in shock and then in fear as she stammered: "What? How? When?"

"His absence was noticed last night. The Ministry has been in disarray all night and day. The Prophet is releasing the news tomorrow. But there's more."

"Oh Merlin" Penny said, the panic in her voice evident.

"Jacob's intelligence suggests that he is after Y/N and Harry Potter. That he means to kill them."

Tears escaped from Penny's eyes at this revelation. She hugged onto Dean tightly. She wasn't able to speak, only cry and hold.

After ten minutes or so she managed to compose herself. Dean wiped her eyes and kissed her before muttering:

"Now, we have to tell Y/N, and convince him not to go after Sirius."

"Why would he?" Penny asked in shock.

"The Ministry believes that Sirius ordered the hit on Dad, and what happened to Y/N."

Penny covered her mouth with her hands in shock.

"We have to tell Y/N and convince him not to go after Sirius. If Y/N finds out and we aren't there..."

"He'll just go after him anyway" Penny finished Dean's thought causing him to nod.

They headed to the lounge once Penny was calm enough and called out to the kids.

"Guys can you come into the dining room?"

If only Dean knew what was to follow he may not have been so eager to have the conversation.

Y/N sat down with a blank expression, only smiling when Hermione sat her chair right next to him and cuddled into him.

"So I have to have a really difficult conversation with you Y/N, you too Hermione..."

Dean was trying to find the words when he was surprised at Y/N snickering.

"If it's about Sirius I already know Dean."

Dean and Penny's eyes went wide. Hermione looked at her boyfriend in shock.

"Wait your uncle, Sirius Black?" She asked puzzled.

"Yeah. He's escaped from Azkaban. Isn't that what you were gonna say Dean?"

Dean nodded before regaining his composure.

"How did you?"

"When 'Mione and I were out on our date today we had a shadow most of the day, so when I got the chance I confronted him. Managed to squeeze information out of him. Dumbledore sent him. I used the sigil to get Jacob to verify his story before I-"

"Before you what? Y/N? Before you what?" Dean asked in an aggravated tone.

Y/N narrowed his eyes at his elder brother. "Before I dealt with the situation, Dean, and I don't appreciate your tone."

"Well that's something else I wanted to talk to you about Y/N. This callous disregard for human life you've developed. This Punisher nonsense. It's... you need to stop. As your older brother I'm ordering you to!"

Y/N chuckled looking away before turning back to his brother.

"You're fucking ordering me are you? And that's what you think I've got is it Dean? A callous disregard for human life?"

Penny and Hermione looked at each other and both put their hands on their men's arms. They could tell where this was going fast.

"Yes, Y/N. It is. And we are worried about you. All of us".

"And what exactly are you worried about Dean?"

The brothers glared at each other. Penny tried to get the conversation back on track.

"Look what matters is your uncle. You have to promise to us, all three of us, that no matter what your hear you won't go looking for him."

Hermione looked at Penny a little shocked. Why would Y/N go looking for him. Unless he needed to be Punished? She was drawn from her thoughts by Y/N:

"Can't make that promise Penny. I get the distinct feeling you guys aren't telling me the whole story. I can't promise something without knowing all the facts."

"Speaking of..." Hermione spoke up. "Why didn't you tell me today. About us being followed or your uncle or anything?"

She looked at him. The same look she would often give him. I'm not mad, just help me understand.

He understood her meaning straight away. It's what made them such a great couple. They understood and complemented each other perfectly, like yin and yang. Y/N smiled:

"It was our first date babe. I didn't want to ruin it. Besides the guy was an idiot. I caught scent of him as soon as we got on the bus this morning. He had a bright purple coat and top hat. I gave him the benefit of the doubt but when he was still behind us after the palace, I took my opportunity when you went to the bathroom."

Hermione got it. He didn't want to scare or upset her on their special day. Yet again he took the pressure and stress so she could be happy. She wished he would share the burden but she loved that he wanted to protect her from it. She kissed him.

"Next time tell me ok?"

He smiled and answered sweetly: "Yes ma'am."

"So..." he turned back to his brother. "Why would I chase after him? There must be a reason. What aren't you telling me?"

Penny spoke up. She was trying her hardest to keep the peace as both brothers were getting riled up.

"The Ministry think Sirius ordered the killing of your dad, and-"

"My torture" Y/N's eyes darkened as he spoke.

Penny nodded. Hermione squeezed his arm tight.

"If that's true, then I'll find him. And I'll kill him."

Dean exploded:

"Oh, enough already. He's a fucking maniac! What are you exactly?"

As Dean yelled at his brother, Y/N curled his lip in anger.

"I'm more of a fucking man than you, Dean"

"You think so do you?" Dean snapped.

"I fucking know so Boy Scout".

"Oh being a killer makes you so tough doesn't it? It takes more strength to walk away then it does to take a life."

Y/N scoffed at the sheer stupidity of his elder brother.

"Yeah you keep thinking that Dean. I think that this world needs men that are willing to make the hard call. At least my methods keep people safe."

"You tell that to the widows and orphans you've left behind."

"Fine. You tell it to Ben then, Dean."

The room went silent. Penny's mouth dropped. She couldn't believe what he said.

Ben had been their friend. He was murdered by their former Professor Patricia Rakepick in sixth year after she had betrayed them in the vault Jacob was trapped in the year prior. Dean had the chance to end it in the vault but he let her go.

"What the fuck did you say to me you little arsehole?" Dean said with a look of hatred.

"Pointing out that actions have consequences Dean. Exactly the same as you did to me. If you killed her when you had the chance Ben would still be alive."

"That's not fair, Y/N" Penny sobbed.

"But he can paint me as some crazy arsehole unloading on anyone who looks at him sideways. That's what you think isn't it Dean".

"Yeah, Y/N I'm starting to. You think you're anything else?"

Y/N snapped back:

"I think the people I killed needing killing, that's what I think"

"You left men hanging from meat hooks!!!" Dean snapped.

"Got off easy in my opinion"

"You shot up a hospital!"

"Nobody got hurt who didn't deserve it!"

"You run around Knockturn like its your bloody shooting gallery and-"

Dean was interrupted as Y/N roared:

"YEAH? AND WHAT DO YOU DO? Hero of Hogwarts my arse?" Y/N sneered dismissively as he continued:

"You stun the bad guys and hand them over to the Ministry and everyone calls you a hero huh? And then a month, a week, a day later they're back on the streets doing the same motherfucking thing!"

"So you just put em in the morgue huh?" Dean roared.

"You're fucking god damn right I do!" Y/N replied coldly. Hermione and Penny were both breathing heavily, scared, watching the two brothers scream at each other. Penny quickly and subtly cast a silencing charm around the room. The last thing they needed were the muggle neighbours hearing this. Dean continued:

"You ever doubt yourself, Y/N?"

"Not even for a second"

"Really? You never stop to think for one second 'shit, I just killed a human being'..."

"That's being pretty generous" Y/N muttered as Dean continued:

"... a human being who did a lot of stupid shit, maybe even evil, but had one small piece of goodness in them, maybe just a scrap Y/N but something, and then you come along and that one tiny flicker of light gets snuffed out forever!"

Y/N sat across from Dean, the rage and hatred roaring up from the pit of his stomach. He tried to remain as calm as possible so as not to scare Hermione and Penny. He spoke through gritted teeth:

"I think you're wrong!"

"Which part?" Dean asked with a snarl.

"All of it. I think there's no good in the filth I put down that's what I think."

"And how do you know?"

"I just know. Look around at our Magical society, Dean. It stinks, it's a sewer and it stinks like shit and I can't get the stench out of my nose! I think that this world needs men who are willing to make the hard call-"

"Oh that's bullshit Y/-"

The argument continued as the brothers yelled over each other:

"... we're the same Dean only I do the one thing you can't. You hit 'em and they get back up. I hit 'em and they stay down. It's permanent. I make sure they can't get back on the street again. I take pride in that!"

"Let me ask you this, Y/N. What about hope?"

"Oh fuck" Y/N snorted and scoffed incredulously. "You wanna talk about Father Christmas? Fairy tales? You wanna talk about Babbitty Rabbitty?"

"I live in the real world too Y/N. And I've seen it-"

"What have you seen?" Y/N snapped.

"Redemption, Y/N. It's real and it's poss-"

"Ohhh for fucks sake!" Y/N snapped at his, in his opinion, delusional brother.

"And what gives you the right to be judge, jury and executioner, Y/N? The people you murdered deserve another chance!"

"So what I should have left them alone? Huh, give them a second chance? To what? Kill again? Rape again?"

"No, Y/N, to try again. And if you can't get that there's something broken in you that you can't fix!"

Dean paused, trying to compose himself but Y/N continued:

"I looked in their minds before I ended them Dean. That rapist in Knockturn, Rosier. 15 women. He raped 15 women under the Imperio curse. Youngest was the same age as Beatrice. Took her right out of Diagon. That deserves another chance? Your fucking Japanese mate... you know what? Here...!"

Y/N instantly burst through Dean's Occlumency shields. Before Dean could work out what had happened his mind was flooded, overloaded. He turned from the table and vomited on the floor.

Hundreds of images, memories appeared in his mind. Every one of the Punisher's victims. Every one of their crimes- their murders, their tortures, their rapes. Dean was forced to witness all of them. He looked up at his baby brother, who was standing and looking down at Dean with hatred in his eyes.

"If you can't see that those pieces of fucking shit were beyond saving, beyond redemption, then there's something broken in you, Dean. You're weak. You're pathetic.... and I'm ashamed to call you my brother!"

Dean looked at Y/N, shocked at the ferocity and cruelty of his words. Penny had broken down as the two had yelled at each other and she asked through sniffling and snorting tears.

"What about you Y/N? What happens when someone decides you deserve to die?"

Y/N looked at Penny with compassion and answered in a gentle tone:

"Well I'll tell you this Penny, they better not miss."

She instantly heard Y/N in her mind:

I will protect you Penny. Even if he can't.

Before she could answer Y/N's attention was drawn to Hermione, who gently tugged his arm. She looked up at him with those big beautiful brown eyes. They were pleading with him, without the need for words.

"Please don't go looking for your uncle baby. Please? For me and for Penny."

Y/N looked at her, before looking at Penny and sighing:

"Fine. I promise I won't go looking for him. But if he comes for me. I'll end it!"

"Fine" is all Dean could mutter.

The four sat there in silence for a while before Hermione spoke up.

"Do you want us to leave Dean, go to my parents?"

Dean hesitated.

"No. But I've blamed myself every day for Ben's death, Y/N. For you to throw it in my face..."

"I wasn't throwing anything in your face Dean. I was pointing out that actions have consequences. That Rosier prick was looking for another victim when I ended him. What if he ran across 'Mione. What if he ran across Penny? Because of me at least one woman was saved from that. I'm sorry you can't see that."

"And I'm sorry you can't see that you've changed Y/N, and not for the better" Dean replied bitterly. Y/N snapped:

"I've had enough of this, you wanna go out somewhere to eat babe? Get some fresh air?"

Hermione nodded and answered: "It might be for the best."

The pair got up and got their coats before leaving the apartment.