Y/N and Hermione arrived at Kings Cross station, walking onto Platform 9 3/4 at twenty past ten. The only luggage they had was a cat carry cage- Crookshanks and Gizmo happily sitting inside, an illusion charm showing muggles a cat sleeping contently. Na-Hath was on Y/N's shoulder, Newt on his, both happily magically concealed.

Y/N released the charms as the lovers passed through the wall leading to the Hogwarts Express station. They looked around, it wasn't too busy yet.

"Lord L/N! Lady Granger!" Y/N heard a friendly and familiar voice calling out to them. He smiled.

"Lucius, how are you my friend?"

He shook Lucius's hand as Tanya and Hermione hugged.

"Excited Tiff?" Y/N asked.

The girl smiled and nodded but looked nervous.

"You'll be fine, remember to look for us if you need help" Y/N smiled, before seeing his brother and Penny out of the corner of his eye.

"Nina settling ok?" He asked Lucius who smiled.

"She is. Delightful girl, she's at home now, reading all about British Magical hist-"

"CUTIE PIE!!!!"

Penny rushed over smiling as she approached Y/N. She pulled him into a bone crunching hug. Y/N chuckled and hugged back.

"I missed you too Pens"

She released the hug and leant back, smiling up at Y/N and stroking his face before pulling Hermione into a tight hug.

"We'll leave you to it and get Tiff settled in the train. See you both soon" Lucius smiled.

"How have you both been? Dean's just placing our luggage in the staff compartment- oh look here he comes now" Penny smiled.

Y/N's face changed quickly from smiling to neutral. He picked up the cat cage from the trolley he had been pushing and said quickly:

"I'll find us a compartment love"

Before Hermione could answer he had turned and left, just as Dean arrived.

"Still doesn't want anything to do with me then?" Dean said sadly.

"Give him time honey. Once he sees how hard you're trying he will come round. L/N's are notoriously stubborn after all" Penny giggled.

"Isn't that the truth" Hermione added, giggling as well.

The Weasleys arrived with Harry and Lavender and smiled, walking up to the trio.

They greeted each other, Lavender and Hermione hugging as Molly pulled out two boxes from her giant handbag, giving one to Harry and one to Ron.

"Got these when I picked up your Hogwarts gear. Sorry I forgot to give them to you lovies!" Molly smiled before adding:

"You sure you didn't need me to pick up yours Lavender?"

Lavender smiled and glanced at Hermione.

"No, Y/N told me when Hermione got hers he would pay for me to get mine as well"

Hermione giggled.

"He told me we can take his black card when we go."

Penny and Molly smiled at the two girls excited giggles as Harry spoke up, looking at the clothes in his box confused:

"Uh... what are they Mrs. Weasley?"

"Dress Robes dear. I charged yours to your account and-"

"Ahhhh!" Ron screamed as he opened his box and saw a... hideous maroon frilly outfit.

"There is no way I'm wearing this!" Ron shrieked. "Why don't they look like Harry's?"

Molly had prepared for this. She had thought about buying all new dress robes, given the stipend Y/N was providing the family now, but she didn't want her children to know about it and given how expensive new dress robes were she had decided to buy second hand ones. The twins ones didn't look half bad. As for Ron's...

"Well, those are second hand dear" Molly smiled.

"I'm not wearing them. I'd rather be naked!" Ron huffed.

"Fine. Then go naked! And for Merlin's sake take a photo Harry I could do with a laugh!" Molly snapped. Ron had been in a right mood for most of the break, whining incessantly. To be frank Molly was appreciating the break that would come now the Express was leaving.

"Yeah fairly sure no one wants to see that!" Y/N said suddenly, approaching the group from behind.

"Y/N hello dear" Molly said smiling as she hugged him.

"Why do we need dress robes?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Oh, I guess you will find out tonight dear" Molly smiled.

Charlie and Bill approached, having dealt with an issue with the taxis that had apparently brought the Weasley Party to the station. They greeted Dean and Penny, being school friends before looking questioningly at Y/N who had his back to Dean.

"Arthur not here?" Dean asked.

"No there was an issue at Alastair Moody's house last night so Arthur and Amos went to go make sure everything was ok" Molly said.

"Mad-Eye?" Ron asked puzzled. He had wondered where his Dad had suddenly run off to.

"Mad-Eye?" Harry asked.

"Is he ok?" Y/N asked concerned.

"Yes dear, heard a commotion in his dust bins that's all. But his muggle neighbours did call the police" Molly smiled.

"Death Eaters in the rubbish bins. I'd heard he had gone a bit loony!" Ron chuckled.

"Oi. I've fought beside him for years! Show a bit of fucking respect!" Y/N snapped before grabbing hold of Lavender's trolley.

"I'll get these onboard Lav, I've found us a compartment. See you all on the train" Y/N said as he walked off.

"Is he ok dear? He seems a bit... more on edge than usual!" Molly said to Hermione with a concerned look as they watched him walk off.

"He's just had a hard time since the World Cup" Hermione said sadly.

"He was incredible. When he showed us the memory of what he did it was just-" Charlie started before he was interrupted.

"What memory? What did he do?" Penny asked concerned.

"Well you know how the Daily Prophet said aurors took down twelve Death Eaters...?" Bill asked. Penny and Dean nodded.

"Well they didn't. Y/N did" He finished.

Both Dean and Penny went wide eyed.

"And he's just struggled since. He had a hard summer with the battles with the Orcs. Lost a lot of men under his command. I think it just triggered a lot for him that he tries to keep buried. He may put on a tough facade but he feels things, he truly does" Hermione said sadly.

Dean and Penny went quiet.

"Anyway. I'd say goodbye but I might see you again shortly" Charlie smiled as he hugged Ginny.

"What are you talking about?" Fred asked.

"Can't say, don't tell Percy I mentioned it. It's classified information, until such time as the Ministry sees fit to release it!" Charlie chuckled.

Hermione looked puzzled. Lavender whispered to her.

"Percy has been unbearable"

Hermione nodded in understanding.

"I'm jealous of you two" Bill chuckled to Dean and Penny "getting to go back to Hogwarts. This year of all years. Might try and get some time off to come watch some of it."

"Some of what?" George asked. Bill shrugged.

"Dress robes. Charlie coming! Bill wanting to see it! What's it? What's going on?" Ron asked before looking at Hermione who was smiling.

"You know don't you? You and Y/N know."

"Don't know what you mean Ronald?" Hermione giggled as she linked arms with Lavender.

"Let's go see Y/N, I don't like the thought of him being alone" Hermione added, Lavender agreed.

They said goodbye to Molly, Charlie and Bill and boarded the train just in time to hear Y/N yelling.

"Yeah go on run. Talk shit about Albus again ferret and I'll throw you right off the bloody train!"

Hermione just caught sight of Draco and his two nitwits running through to the next carriage.

"Baby what's wrong?" She asked rushing up to Y/N concerned. His pupils were dilated, his heart racing, his fists clenched. She recognised he was in fight mode.

"Just Draco talking shit about Dumbledore. I wasn't in the mood to listen to his grating voice. Especially after Ron... I've had my issues with Mad-Eye but he's a bloody warrior and deserves respect!" Y/N vented, still looking off where Draco had ran to.

"I know. I know. Come on, in the compartment let's just have a seat" Hermione said gently with a smile as she unclenched his fists with her hands and interlocked their fingers. Y/N looked down to her and she leant up, gently pecking his lips. His body responded, calming, as the three of them walked into the compartment, Lavender shaking her head and chuckling at how easily Hermione could soothe the savage beast.

—~—

The train had been going for about half an hour when the trolley witch passed.

"Anything from the trolley dears?"

"Lav?" Y/N asked. She was sitting across from him and Hermione, next to Ron who was next to Harry. She shook her head and thanked Y/N, saying she was fine.

"Usual babe?" Y/N asked Hermione who was sat next to the window directly across from Lavender.

"Yes please darling!" Hermione smiled.

"Two Cauldron cakes, two pumpkin pasties and two chocolate frogs please" Y/N asked, paying for them. He walked back as Harry and Ron approached the trolley. He handed the treats to Hermione who placed them in her handbag, with the exception of a chocolate frog. It leapt up as she opened the packet, Y/N grabbing it in midair and handing it back to Hermione.

"Thanks dear" She smiled, taking a bite before holding it up to Y/N.

"I'm ok love" he smiled.

"Don't make me do the train! Chugga chugga chugga..." Hermione giggled moving the frog towards Y/N. He rolled his eyes and took a bite, smiling at his girlfriend.

"You two are sickeningly sweet" Lavender chuckled.

Out of the corner of his eye Y/N saw Harry standing at the trolley, Cho Chang coming up with her friends, them all giggling and walking off before Harry returned to his seat, smiling to himself.

"Back in a sec love" Y/N said to Hermione, pecking her lips as he exited the compartment and closed the door. He returned a few minutes later and winked at Harry.

You're in mate. She thinks you're cute.

Harry looked at him wide eyed and blushed.

—~—

Another hour passed. Lavender and Hermione were having a good natter. So were Ron and Harry. Y/N had pulled a book from his pouch and was reading.

Lavender looked at it briefly before doing a double take.

"Y/N what book is that?"

" The Necronomicon" he answered, still reading.

"Necro- What?" Lavender asked puzzled. It caught the attention of Harry and Ron as well. Hermione's face appeared saddened.

"The Book of the Laws of the Dead" Y/N answered again, sounding disinterested in conversation.

"What is it covered in?" Harry asked. The book appeared... peculiar.

"Human skin" Y/N answered, still without looking up but turning a page.

Ron reached out to touch it before he was magically thrust back into his seat.

"Don't touch Ron. It's cursed. It corrupts mortals" Y/N answered, finally looking up to make fierce eye contact with the redhead.

"Then why are you?" Ron asked in confusion.

Y/N sighed loudly cutting Ron off before speaking:

"My Occlumency and Aspidakinesis shields are strong enough to resist the curses' dark nature. And before you ask it's important I read it. Personal reasons."

"Where on earth did you get it Y/N?" Lavender asked genuinely concerned for her friend.

"From The King of Hell, and it's in Sumerian" Hermione answered, rubbing Y/N's arm.

"You can read Sumerian?" Ron asked.

"When I'm not disturbed by annoying questions" Y/N answered, turning another page, not looking up.

—~—

After another hour Y/N got to the end of the book and sighed, closing it and placing it in his pouch.

"No luck baby?" Hermione asked sadly. She hated him being involved in such darkness. She understood, but she hated it.

"Well I have all the knowledge to be a necromancer now. I know how to use splanchnomancy for divination...."

He saw the confused looks he was getting from the others and explained calmly:

"Using the entrails of a dying man."

They all reacted with understandable revulsion.

"And I can create and control Inferi, not to mention something called either the 'Evil Dead', or deadites, it's a little hard to be sure of the translation. But nothing for what I needed. I wonder..." Y/N finished by scratching his beard and looking up out the window.

"....Crowley?"

The others looked puzzled until a man appeared in the compartment.

"Well hello Moose. I can't track you but I can come when you summon me" the man said happily. He smiled looked at Hermione, who had slightly backed behind Y/N's arm.

"Is this your lovely lady? We haven't had the pleasure but-"

Crowley had gone to reach out and shake Hermione's hand. He stopped suddenly as Y/N's Blade unsheathed, stopping millimeters from his throat.

"You don't look at her, you don't touch her. You don't fucking talk to her. You deal with me and me alone. Understood demon?" Y/N snarled, his face darkening as the lights in the compartment dimmed.

"Just being polite Moose. Touchy. What can I do for you?"

"I had no luck in the Necronomicon. Got anything else for me?"

"Perhaps.... how dark do you want to go?" Crowley chuckled.

"Can it get much darker than necromancy?" Y/N asked.

"You'd be surprised Moose. Hmm give me a moment."

The Demon disappeared momentarily before reappearing with a stack of books.

"Ok so we have umbrakinesis, hematomancy, oneiromancy, osteomancy and animancy. That's a good start" Crowley chuckled as book after book floated into Y/N's hands and from his hands to his pouch.

"Finally... we have this little beauty!"

He chuckled as Ron shrieked, flames appearing in his hand, a book materialising in them.

"Whoa" Harry said impressed.

"This young Padawan is the Darkhold. There are curses in here not even Voldemort knows."

"Padawan?" Y/N asked confused.

"It's from the latest script we just gave... look focus" the demon chuckled. He handed the book to Y/N, who twisted his head instantly, fighting off the overwhelming darkness that tried to engulf him as he held the grimoire.

"Whoa. That's some bad mojo" Y/N muttered.

"They say there is a counterpart. The Book of Vishanti. It's been missing for centuries. Rumours have it a very old family have it in their vault at Gringotts. Well in a hidden vault within their vault."

Crowley winked at Y/N before continuing.

"The Darkhold is the same deal as the Necronomicon Y/N. Don't let anyone touch it, lest they be tainted" Crowley chuckled again.

"But it's ok for my boyfriend to be tainted?" Hermione asked as she scowled at the King of Hell.

Crowley opened his mouth before looking to Y/N.

"You may answer her. This once" Y/N answered the demon's unspoken question.

"Well kitten-"

An Angel Blade unsheathed. Crowley cleared his throat.

"Well Lady Granger-"

An Angel Blade resheathed.

"-one, I've hitched my horse to Moose's wagon. I want him as prepared as possible. Two, do I need to remind you what the wink wink inside him did to my predecessor? He's already tainted."

Hermione grew a look of outrage. She opened her mouth to speak before Y/N chuckled. She looked at him shocked.

"Touché. You knew there was nothing about my... predicament... in the Necronomicon didn't you?"

Crowley chuckled and tapped his nose.

"I'll keep looking and contact Singer if I find anything. You read those and you'll know more than your rivals from Durmstrang."

Crowley chuckled once more before glancing at Harry and stopped, instead smirking.

"Well aren't you interesting?" He asked before disappearing.

"That was intense" Lavender shuddered.

"What's Durmstrang?" Ron asked.

That's what he took from that? Y/N said to Hermione telepathically. She giggled.

"Durmstrang is another magical school Ronald" Hermione answered. "And it's got a horrible reputation. According to An Appraisal of Magical Education in Europe, it puts a lot of emphasis on the Dark Arts. Not their defence. Learning them!"

"Like Y/N?" Harry asked before looking down panicked at the glare he received from Hermione. She answered, her voice raising in anger.

"He learns them because he has to Harry. In case you've forgotten he's your protector. He protects all of us! He doesn't learn them for the fun of it unlike Durmstrang students!"

Hermione's fists had clenched, her long nails digging into her skin. Y/N gently opening them and placing one of his much larger hands between them on her lap.

"It's ok baby. Thank you for defending me. "Harry didn't mean anything by it though, did you Harry?"

Lavender noticed Y/N spoke much calmer now that the books were in his pouch. Perhaps it was due to that, perhaps it was due to the fact he was talking to Hermione. She couldn't be certain but took note. Harry quickly shook his head and Hermione seemed to calm down at Y/N's deep soothing voice.

"Oh I think I've heard of it" Ron suddenly popped up. "But where is it? Which country?"

"Well nobody knows, do they?" said Hermione, raising her eyebrows. She saw Y/N smirk out the corner of her eye.

"Er- why not?" Asked Harry.

"There's traditionally been a lot of rivalry between all the magic schools. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons like to conceal their whereabouts so nobody can steal their secrets" Hermione replied matter-of-factly.

Lavender nodded in agreement.

"Come off it..." Ron started to laugh "...Durmstrang's got to be about the same size as Hogwarts. How are you going to hide a ruddy great castle?"

Y/N squeezed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger. Lavender rolled her eyes. Na-Hath squawked and Y/N chuckled.

"Yeah he's an idiot Na-Hath."

"Hogwarts is hidden!" Hermione said in genuine surprise. "Everyone knows that... well everyone who's read Hogwarts: A History, anyway."

"Just you two then" Ron chuckled.

"Three" Lavender scowled at the red head.

"How do you hide a castle?" Harry asked in genuine surprise.

"Oh for fu- are you two serious?" Y/N asked grumpily. The two boys nodded and gulped.

"Do you remember last year I went to Azkaban?"

They nodded.

"Do you remember what Hermione said I did to her house?"

"Uh...." Ron tried to think back.

"Oh for goodness.... wards and illusions! Y/N made it look like there was another house there with a completely different family. It's the same with Hogwarts. Any Muggles who approached it would see a sign saying danger. If they ignored the sign they would suddenly feel the urge to rush home, same as the World Cup final stadium!" Hermione ranted, incredibly frustrated.

"You can do that Y/N?" Harry asked stunned.

"No. I could do that twelve months ago. You'd be surprised what I can do now" Y/N chuckled at his friends stunned faces.

"And for the record- Durmstrang is located near the Nordkapp in Northern Norway. It's run by the Ministries of a dozen nations."

"How do you know?" Lavender asked stunned.

"Firstly, my grandfather. He was expelled from there for... uh... reasons."

Y/N chuckled. No one pushed for further explanation.

"And the second babe?" Hermione asked puzzled.

"Didn't I tell you love?" Y/N asked surprised. Hermione shook her head.

"Lyuben offered me a position at Durmstrang this year."

"What?" Hermione exploded. "Magical schools aren't allowed to poach students from each other!"

"No Love, he offered me a position as Professor of Magical Combat."

The friends were stunned. Hermione was stunned.

"Sorry love thought I had told you?" Y/N quizzed.

Hermione shook her head. Only her boyfriend could overlook being offered a position as a Professor a month before he turned 15 as a 'small detail'.

The next several hours were spent with various guests coming in. Rumours that no Quidditch captains had been named were discussed. All were in agreement that something was going on. Cedric and Bea came to the compartment on Prefect duty, Ced asked for a quiet word with Y/N. They exited the compartment and  Y/N cast a silencing charm.

"You know what's going on don't you Y/N?"

Y/N smirked at his close friend.

"I may know a little something something."

"Dad told me Y/N. Said it's only going to be 17 years and older that can enter. But you're legally an adult. Are you entering?"

"Come on Ced. Don't ruin the surprise" Y/N chuckled.

"Bea is dead against me putting my name in. But dad expects me to. I don't want to let him down, but I don't want to argue with Bea either. Do you think you could have a word with her?"

"You seriously expect me to deliberately piss off a Haywood woman Ced? Do you think I'm nuts?" Y/N asked shocked.

"No it's not that mate, it's just she respects you so much and-"

Cedric stopped his stammering as he saw Y/N smirking.

"I'll have a chat to her mate. Wait for the official announcement then I'll have a word."

Massive relief passed over Cedric's face as he thanked Y/N profusely. They dropped the silencing charm and reentered the compartment.

"Everything ok babe?" Bea asked as she pecked Cedric on the lips.

"Yeah just bro talk baby" Cedric smiled.

The weather turned worse the closer they got to Hogsmeade. Hermione and Lavender went off to change together, the two boys doing the same. Y/N shrugged his shoulders and just transfigured his clothes into robes. The girls returned, Y/N's eyes lighting up seeing Hermione in her robes again as he pulled her into a kiss.

"Really?" She giggled.

"Sorry. You're just so damn kissable baby!"    Y/N chuckled. They started to pull into the pitch-darkness of Hogsmeade station, thunder rumbling overheaed. Y/N opened the cage for Gizmo and Crookshanks and called out:

"Dobby!"

The elf appeared in a new suit, bowing to Y/N and Hermione and shaking Harry's hand.

"My Lord. My Lady. Harry Potter. It is good to see you again. What can I do my Lord?"

"Can you please take Crookshanks and Na-Hath to my dorm? Keeps them out the rain, the House Elves will know where it is."

"Of course my Lord" Dobby smiled as he placed a hand on the orange cat and the Phoenix and they all disappeared.

"Ok Newt into my robes. You too Gizmo. It's wet and wild out there" Y/N said with the tone of a gentle father, the small two creatures scurrying in.

"Baby- there are House Elves at Hogwarts? Are they free?" Hermione asked shocked.

"For the most part love" Y/N replied as they made sure the last of their belongings were away. "All those who wish to be are. Some don't wish to be. It's too ingrained in their psyche. But they are treated well, with respect, and all, free or not, are paid for their service. I'll give Albus that, he does ensure they are looked after."

"Doesn't it bother you baby?" Hermione asked, shocked that her boyfriend was so... accepting that there were slaves at Hogwarts.

"Of course it does. But one fight at a time you know. Confront the law makers for the elves that are abused and then worry about the ones who simply want to be of service. Trust me if they were abused I'd burn the kitchen down."

Hermione nodded, understanding his point before she added.

"There should be an organisation, something to bring awareness to the plight of House Elves."

Hermione spoke with resolve. Y/N smiled and winked.

"You know love, I happen to know a smart, charming, tall, handsome philanthropist billionaire who would happily give financial support to such an organisation."

Hermione smiled before giggling and whispering in Y/N's ear:

"I'd love to have a one on one with such a man."

"I'm sure that can be arranged" Y/N smirked as he pecked her lips.

The train doors opened and they all stepped out. The rain was now coming down so thick and fast it was like buckets of ice water was being dumped on their heads. Y/N held his wand up and a translucent semi circle like shield formed over his head, expanding six foot in either direction. He held Hermione close to his torso, hand around her shoulders as she shivered.

"Thanks baby"

"No worries love. Lavender, guys, keep close."

They walked among the crowd with some space around them, other students avoiding the rain that was being deflected off Y/N's Magical umbrella. They saw a large silhouette at the end of the platform.

"Hey Hagrid!" Y/N bellowed over the rain "I've got to have a meeting with you, Bee, Liz and Albus about the Reserve. It's been a busy summer!"

"'All righ' Y/N. I'll see yeh at the feast if we don' drown!" Hagrid chuckled in reply before greeting Hermione, Lav, Ron and Harry.

"Oohhh I wouldn't fancy crossing the lake in this weather love" Hermione said as they approached the Thestral carriages.

"Poor buggers. Pulling carriages in this weather" Y/N said sadly as he looked at the beautiful equines.

The five got in, Susan Bones getting in behind them, being separated from her friends.

She sat next to Harry, Ron on the other side, and she was directly across from Y/N. Hermione was of course next to him with Lavender on the other side.

"Good summer?" She asked no one in particular, glancing at Y/N and blushing, avoiding the glare of Hermione.

"Busy" Y/N chuckled before leaning forward.

"I wonder if you could do me a favour Susan?"

She sat upright, stepping on Harry's foot as she did.

"Yeah of course anything. I mean sure, yeah, happy to- what do you need Y/N?" She stammered out. Y/N felt Hermione's nails dig into his thigh where her hands were resting. He swore he heard her teeth grinding.

"I need to meet with your Aunt, discreetly, about an urgent matter. Could you ask her to owl me please?"

Susan blushed and nodded. Y/N thanked her and sat back, returning his arm around Hermione's shoulders.

Sorry love it's important for what's coming. I just needed to ask.

He felt his head pulled toward her as she pulled him into a kiss. He closed his eyes and happily accepted, unaware Hermione's right eye opened, looking directly at Susan who turned to look out the window.

The long procession of carriages rumbled and splashed their way up the long track towards Hogwarts Castle.