The next few days passed peacefully. Y/N received a summons on Wednesday, again from Griphook, and again leaving a very exasperated Transfiguration Professor clueless as to what was going on.

Thursday classes were straightforward but as they sat at dinner Hermione could see signs of nervousness from Y/N. This didn't happen often.

"Hey, you thinking about Charlie?" She asked discreetly, not wanting to draw her friends' attention to the fact Y/N was nervous.

She knew her man inside and out. She knew that he could display signs of what he considered weakness- such as nervousness- in front of her, and that was hard enough. She knew he couldn't in front of their friends, let alone anyone else.

"Yeah, gonna be a hard one tonight. I'm gonna talk about... everything" Y/N answered in an emotionless tone.

"Oh are you sure baby? I mean don't get me wrong I'm proud of you and glad that you are, but are you ready?"

"As I'm ever gonna be love" Y/N answered, putting on a brave smile that Hermione saw straight through.

"Do you want me to come?"

"I do but, I don't. You had to sit and hear everything at Newts- I don't want to put you through it again baby."

"You ok Y/N?" Lav asked concerned, both she and Harry picking up on the tone of the couple's conversation.

Y/N looked at her and Harry who was sitting across from them. Ron was further down the table, noisily having fun with Seamus and Dean, no one else was in their immediate area but still Y/N non verbally cast a silencing charm:

"Alright, I'm gonna tell you two because I trust you both without question, but we've gotta keep it between us, ok?"

"Yeah/Of course" Harry and Lavender answered. Y/N sighed and braced himself.

"So Newt had a suspicion about my condition, he'd been around similar things before. It turns out it wasn't just being tortured that did it to me."

The two friends grew extremely concerned faces as Hermione interlocked her fingers with Y/N's to show him she was there for him.

"It's a whole ritual. Full moon, a parent..." Y/N's voice caught in his throat but he pushed through "...has to be murdered, as part of the ritual, has to die protecting their child. Then the child is crucio'd... for six hours straight."

Their eyes shot wide open- Lavender reached out and grabbed Y/N's other hand.

"Six hours... my god" she said as she fought the urge to cry.

Y/N smiled supportively:

"You haven't heard the worst of it. Four people take part in it for an hour and a half each."

"But I thought-"

"Yeah it was those three but the last part of the ritual. It's gotta be a parent who does the last hour and a half of torture."

Lavender released his hand as she covered her mouth with hers in complete shock. Harry struggled to comprehend what Y/N was saying.

"Yeah. My mother tortured me for an hour and a half as part of the ritual to turn me into a monster."

"Y/N I'm-" Lavender started buy was promptly cut off:

"No it's ok. I'm just letting you know in case I ever seem off, probably just thinking about things too much".

"Your own mother?" Harry said still unable to grasp what he was being told.

"Yeah. Best I can guess it was the Knights behind it, and she was part of it obviously, but other than that I don't know much else. Anyway I better get going, I'll see you in the common room baby- afterwards?"

Hermione smiled and nodded, kissing her boyfriend as he got up and left.

"My god" Lavender said as she placed a hand on Hermione's.

"Yeah. My poor guy" Hermione said softly.

—~—

Bobby and Sam were stood in Bobby's library, a half empty bottle of scotch and two full glasses sitting between them.

"So what's the latest Bobby? How's the seal saving operation going?" Sam asked with a concerned face.

Bobby wore a look that mirrored Sam's and handed him a piece of paper.

"Here's the news and it ain't good."

Sam studied the paper which had a number of news headlines from Muggle news papers on it.

"Key West sees ten species go extinct?"

"Yep. Plus, Iceland, 15-man fishing crew all stricken blind, cause unknown. Paris, teacher goes postal, locks the door kills exactly 66 kids. All this in a single day?"

Sam looked at Bobby and sighed. Bobby continued:

"I looked em up. There's no doubt about it. They're all seals. Breaking, fast."

"How many are left?" Sam asked.

"Who knows? Can't be many" Bobby said shrugging his shoulders and taking a large drink of scotch.

"So what do we know? We know from Anna only the first, the 65th and 66th seals are set in stone. The 65th is Voldemort's return and obviously the first one has happened. Is there any point losing good men and women if it all comes down to the 66th seal anyway? How do we even know what that's going to be?" Sam asked.

"I don't even know anymore Sam. Where the hell are your angels pals anyway?" Bobby asked after finishing his glass.

"No idea. They've been MIA since the whole Anna episode, since..."

"Since that idjit Uriel threatened Hermione and Y/N put out a terminate on sight against any angel?" Bobby asked chuckling.

"Yeah" Sam replied sadly. He respected Y/N's wishes and enjoyed teaching him on Sundays but he missed his partner in the field. The two of them had grown extraordinarily close very quickly. Facing death together every other Tuesday will do that to you.

"I still can't believe them. Putting an Angel Blade in the arm of Archon and then threatening his anchor. It's like giving a pyromaniac the keys to a petrol station and a box of matches and telling them to have fun."

Sam chuckled:

"Bit of a strained metaphor Bobby but yeah, I get you."

"Actually I wanted to talk to you. About the kid" Bobby said with slight unease.

"What about him?" Sam asked instantly getting defensive.

"I'm just wondering..."

"What?" Sam asked as Bobby nervously played with his hat.

"With the apocalypse being nigh and all... is now really the right time to be having our star player playing 12th man?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I don't like this any more then you do, but...Y/N can kill demons. He can kill anything. He's got a shot at stopping Armageddon."

"Bobby- he's worried about losing control to the archon. So what, we sacrifice his life? His soul? Trade one devil for another one? For the greater good- is that what you're saying "Albus?" Times are bad so let's use Y/N as a nuclear warhead?"

Bobby sighed, holding his hands up in appeasement at the raging hunter:

"Look I know you hate me for suggesting it. Hell I hate me for suggesting it. I know you love that kid like he's your own boy. I like him a hell of a lot. All I'm saying is maybe he's at Hogwarts now, instead of on the battlefield 'cause we love him too much."

Sam narrowed his eyes and then sighed, looking downwards.

"I don't know Bobby. Anything else?"

"Yeah. You heard about this underground meeting that's gaining traction?"

"No... What underground meeting?"

"It's been spreading in the underworld like hot cakes. A new Lord is rising. Anyone who is half-blood or muggleborn, anyone who lives in the dark but doesn't hurt the innocent is invited to attend. Sound like someone we know?"

"You can't be serious Bobby. You think Y/N is this Dark Lord?" Sam chuckled.

"It concerns me" Bobby said sincerely.

"You got anyone going?" Sam asked out of curiosity.

"I'm not sure. Have a date and a time- 21st December 9:00pm. No one knows the  location. Or at least those who do aren't speaking."

"We'll keep an eye on it but like Y/N said at the meeting where it all went down, every call he's made has been the right one. I wouldn't stress about it Bobby. If it is him he knows what he's doing. I trust him."

—~—

The meeting with Charlie was difficult. Y/N told her everything- Anna, What he had to do, how it made him feel, Uriel, his mother, the ritual- all of it.

Charlie struggled to maintain her professional composure. She went from shocked to looking sick to crying a few tears hearing Y/N's revelations.

Y/N gave her five minutes, gave her a box of tissues that had been on the desk and patted her on the back.

"I'm supposed to do this for you" she chuckled through her tears.

After Charlie had composed herself she gave Y/N some solid advice. Don't bottle it in. Figure who you trust, who you really trust and confide in them. No man is an island.

Y/N then surprised her by offering for her to discuss what he had told her, anonymously, if it was too much for her.

Y/N's concern, at a time when he was struggling truly astounded Charlie and she rose and hugged him tight. He returned the hug and whispered to her.

"You're one of the few I do trust, Char."

She broke again just as Professor McGonagall entered and was shocked at what she saw, asking with grave concern:

"Is everything ok?"

"Yeah we're just finishing up, Professor.. Thanks. I'll see you next week Char" Y/N smiled and kissed his therapist on the head, adding: "Thanks for listening."

Y/N smiled and left the office, Minerva giving another hug to a still teary Charlie.

"Is everything ok Charlie?"

"Yes, Minny. He's just a remarkable young man"

—~—

Saturday morning, 9:40am and the couple arrived at the Headmasters office, preparing for what was to come.

"This might not be pleasant love, but I'm right next to you no matter what" Hermione smiled as she squeezed Y/N's hand and placed a kiss on his lips.

"And for that I am eternally grateful my love, but to clarify this won't be pleasant" Y/N chuckled.

The door opened and they entered, an anxious looking Headmaster waiting by the Floo place.

"Are you sure you don't wish to confide in me, Y/N? I understand we've had our difficulties but Goblins can be very manipulative. You need to be careful when dealing with them."

Y/N was gobsmacked. The hypocrisy of Dumbledore's words slapped him across the face with all the charm and subtlety of a dead fish. He decided to not address it, focusing on the larger matters at hand. He did however send a quick message to his girlfriend.

Can you believe this shit?

Hermione simply squeezed his hand in support.

"It's fine Albus, but I'm sure you'll know what this has been about soon enough. You go first, baby" Y/N smiled, promptly following his lover through the Floo network.

They arrived at the bank and were welcomed in to Marruk's office. They were the first to arrive at the meeting.

"Have a seat my Lord, my Lady" the goblin smiled, extended an invitation to them. Y/N returned it as the pair shook hands.

"Thanks for the summons, Marruk. I've no doubt Dumbledore would have interfered without it."

"Yes both he and the Minister have been petitioning the King daily. Both are nervous about the Prophesied One forming an alliance with the Goblin race."

Y/N grew a sinister smile which mirrored the Goblin's.

"As well they should, Marruk."

This 'heartwarming' interaction was cut short by a knock at the door. The goblin sneered at Y/N.

"Let me do the talking, Y/N. It's what you are paying me for."

Y/N nodded and quickly kissed Hermione as the goblin went to the door.

"Mr. and Mrs L/N come in and have a seat thank you for coming" Marruk smiled, extending a hand to some seats on the other side to Y/N and Hermione.

Dean levitated several boxes in the room as he and Penny sat, Dean looking at his younger brother puzzled. He asked:

"Y/N, Hermione What is going on here?"

"Y/N it's... I've missed you" Penny said with tears threatening to break through.

"I've missed you too Pens" Y/N smiled at the blonde but with a strained face.

"What the hell is going on?" Dean asked again, this time more forcefully.

"Those are the possessions claimed by the bank?" Marruk asked, ignoring Dean's demands. "All of them?"

"Yes" Dean snapped.

"I return them to your custody, Mr. L/N" the Goblin said with a bow. Y/N shrunk and levitated the boxes into his Moke pouch.

"That's what this was about?" Dean snapped again.

"This was a side matter for my client, Mr. L/N. As for the primary reason for our meeting that will be addressed when the other Mr. L/N gets here."

"Client?" Dean asked before he looked at Y/N with almost a look of disgust. He continued angrily:

"After everything we've done for you, you get the lawyers on us you little shit?"

Y/N's face immediately tightened, his lip snarling in anger as he did his best not to respond. The goblin however did respond:

"Do not use that language in this office Mr. L/N, not speak to my client in that manner. You are an employee of this organisation and I would remind you to act like one!"

It was at this time there was another knock at the door.

"Enter" the goblin called out, still frustrated at Dean's outburst.

Jacob entered the office and looked at his two angry brothers and their worried partners.

"Did I miss something?" He chuckled.

"No we are ready to get started now you are here. I invited you here at the behest of my client Mr. Y/N L/N."

Jacob looked stunned and Dean even further infuriated.

"After recent events my client felt the current situation was untenable. I therefore present you, Jacob L/N with a contract of emancipation for Mr. Y/N L/N from your guardianship. All it requires is your signature."

Dean was about to explode. Penny had already started crying, Jacob was surprisingly calm as he looked over at his young ward and asked:

"Is this what you want, Y/N?"

Y/N sighed.

"It's not that I don't appreciate everything Jacob, but it's just not tenable anymore. Too much water under the bridge."

No one could have predicted what happened next.

Jacob smiled.

"I am so proud of you, Y/N. I knew one day you would supersede me and my training. I never imagined it would happen so quickly. This moment is what all my training has been for. You've surpassed me, you've surpassed Dean. Hell you've surpassed Moody. There's nothing else for me to teach you. My mission is complete."

Jacob gave Y/N something he hadn't before. A look of pride. He walked over to Marruk's desk and happily signed the paper in front of both his shocked brothers.

"You can't be serious Jacob? He's a kid!" Dean almost yelled.

"Not this again" Y/N snapped in frustration. Before anyone could reply Marruk spoke loudly:

"Actually now that Griphook and I have been signatories to this contract Y/N is now legally an adult in the Wizarding World."

"Griphook" Y/N smiled, leaning over and shaking the hand of the Goblin who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere and following the handshake disappeared just as quickly.

"I need to talk to you about the family title,       Y/N" Jacob said before Marruk interrupted him:

"That brings us onto our second point. The Lordship of the Ancient and Sacred House of L/N."

"Why do we need to discuss that? Jacob's the Lord of the House!" Dean yelled aggressively.

"Dean. Our family doesn't work like others. When there's more than one son that is eligible to be the Lord of the House the true heir can only be decided through direct combat, once the youngest is of age. It's why I hadn't formally claimed the title yet" Jacob said calmly.

"WHAT?!?" Dean erupted. "Why wasn't I told?"

"I'm telling you now. I was going to when Y/N turned 17, but it doesn't matter now." Jacob concluded pointing to Marruk who held a small cushion with a ring on it.

"Y/N bested us both in direct combat, he is legally an adult. Go ahead, Y/N" Jacob smiled at his youngest brother.

Y/N picked up the ring and placed it on his right ring finger. It glowed brightly as it morphed into the gold signet ring with the family crest on top. Hermione and Jacob smiled at Y/N. Penny was stunned. Dean was furious.

"The Nation of Goblins recognises Y/N L/N as Lord of the Ancient and Sacred House of L/N, Archduke of Magical Great Britain. Long may he reign" Marruk spoke formally and bowed proudly at his young client.

"I always knew you had it in you, Y/N" Jacob beamed proudly. He looked at Dean's furious face.

"Right well I'm done here. I'll leave you to it- if you need anything Y/N..." Jacob tapped the sigil on his forearm "...you know where I am."

He smiled again at Y/N and Hermione and exited the office.

"This is fucking absurd. He's a boy and you're encouraging this little play along pretend I'm Lord, Marruk" Dean snapped. Before anyone could reply Marruk roared, his sharpened teeth on full display:

"HOW DARE YOU INSULT YOUR LORD! I am just about ready to advise our King to terminate your employment-"

"No Marruk. It's fine" Y/N spoke and held his hand out to silence the goblin. Marruk immediately stopped speaking in deference.

"Dean I understand this is difficult for you to accept but it is what it is. I defeated you, I defeated Jacob and I claimed my birthright. You need to accept that". Y/N spoke calmly.

"You stole what was rightfully Jacob's Y/N. After everything we've done for you. I can't... I've never been so disappointed in you. Until you come to your senses... you should forget where we live" Dean snapped.

Hermione gasped. Penny gasped. Y/N was internally crushed but remained stoic.

"If that's what you want Dean" Y/N said sadly. "Do you agree with him Penny?"

Y/N said looking at the woman who was like a sister and mother to him rolled into one.

"Of course she does she's my damn wife!" Dean snapped again.

Tears streamed down her face. She looked at Y/N, then at her husband. She was torn in two. She at last spoke up.

"It will always be your home but... I'm sorry, Y/N. I have to support my husband." She spoke with difficulty as tears flowed down her cheeks. Dean meanwhile was the definition of rage.

"You have to support your husband. I get it Penny. If it was reversed Hermione would do the same. I'm not mad Penny just... hurt. I always thought you would be the one person I could count on. I was wrong."

Penny gasped as she realised what had happened. Y/N talked to his new accounts manager:

"Marruk, nothing has changed. Do you have those writs for me?"

The goblin nodded and placed a pile of papers on the desk. Y/N signed them quickly. Marruk kept things short and straightforward which made for easy reading.

"Owl me the list when you can and when those have been finalised. I'll be in touch" Y/N said emotionlessly, trying to hold back the flood of emotions inside him.

The goblin bowed.

"Thank you my Lord. We have to announce your Lordship, but we will do so tomorrow, give you 24 hours to get accustomed your new responsibilities."

"Thank you, Marruk. Let's go, Lady Granger" Y/N smiled at Hermione who smiled back and took his hand. They walked passed a still furious Dean and an inconsolable Penny and once they had exited the office they apparated away.

Penny collapsed to the floor in tears as she watched her little boy walk out of her life.