Y/N woke and stretched. He looked through his bed curtains to his clock.

6:15am

Gizmo woke moments later and did his usual- rushing over Y/N, jumping, dancing and licking. Y/N held the Niffler out, tickled his belly and pulled him in for a tight hug. As soon as Y/N released the hug Gizmo broke out in his happy dance.

"Morning Gizmo. Missed you too. It was a long three hours" Y/N chuckled.

He dressed in shorts and a tank top, Na-Hath woke and squawked happily, causing Newt to wake and wave. Y/N picked Newt up and placed him on his shoulder, Na-Hath and Gizmo following him to the room of requirement.

He fed his kids their breakfast before pushing himself through a gruelling workout, showering and changing. He and the kids went down to breakfast. Y/N summoned Dobby and asked him to undertake a very important task with a Phoenix Bearer.

Y/N sat down and dished out his eggs. He finished them and pulled out the book for Curse Breaking and read for about ten minutes before he was nearly knocked off his seat.

"Baby! Baby! I missed you!" Hermione said excitedly as she nearly drowned him in kisses.

"I missed you too love" Y/N chuckled into the kisses.

"All I got was good morning" Lavender chuckled.

Hermione served herself oatmeal, Lavender cereal before Dobby reappeared holding a cardboard cup tray.

"Four takeaway cappuccinos as requested My Lord" he said with a smile.

Dobby nodded as Y/N levitated them off and the elf disappeared. One landed in front of Y/N, one in front of the two girls while the last one floated to the teacher's table, landing in front of a sitting Penny. She smiled deeply, looked at Y/N and mouthed "Thank you."

Y/N was hugged from the side again.

"Thank you baby... wait is this from...?"

"Your favourite order, from the coffee shop we always visit near your parents house. Thought we could do with some caffeine this morning".

Lavender thanked him as Hermione smiled brightly in realisation:

"Yes, my parents home, because our home is my home now. Thank you so much" Hermione said as it was followed by an audible mmm as she sipped on the delicious brew.

—~—

The morning classes passed without incident, Y/N again sitting in the back corner during Curse Breaking while Hermione was attentively paying attention, along with the rest of the class. Y/N spent most of the lesson staring out the window. Dean noticed and asked him "So Y/N, in your opinion what would be the hardest thing about breaking a generational curse?"

Y/N fired back without hesitating

"Locating and isolating the cause of the curse. It could date back generations or even centuries so all witnesses are long deceased."

Y/N hadn't turned from staring out the window to see his brother smile.

"Excellent answer Y/N. Ten points to Gryffindor!"

The other Gryffindors smiled. Hermione hugged Y/N proudly. His gaze didn't shift from the window.

Following this they had Herbology and the theory lesson for Bubotubers. Hermione tried her hardest to focus but caught Susan staring at Y/N several times, her blood pressure rising each occasion. She felt relieved towards the end of class when Y/N leant down, pecked her on the lips and whispered: "I've noticed it too. I'm ignoring it. Not with a thousand condoms!"

They didn't make it to morning tea as Hermione dragged Y/N off by the hand as soon as the lesson ended. They arrived disheveled to their first Charms class of the year, Lavender chuckling at the couple and whispering "pair of spider-monkeys!"

Y/N was momentarily excited before it was explained that a spider monkey was simply a normal type of over-amorous monkey, and not some magical hybrid he hadn't heard of before.

Professor Flitwick stood on his usual pile of books to address the class.

"Greetings Ravenclaws and Gryffindors. For this double lesson I will be introducing you to the shield charm, protego. Now understand straight from the outset that this will be a purely theoretical discussion, you will not learn this spell until you take your NEWT in Defence Against the Dark Arts. It is far too advanced for a fourth year class to attempt. Mostly."

The classes attention was drawn further to the teacher as he let the teasing statement hang.

"For this class I have asked Y/N to assist me as he has an outstandingly strong understanding and ability to conjure the five variations of Protego. These are Protego, Protego Duo, Protego Horribilis, Protego Totalum and Protego Maxima. Let us begin."

The next hour and a half was spent dissecting the charms, Y/N casting them where possible before he spoke up close to the end of the lesson.

"Forgive me Professor but may I correct something you said?"

The class was stunned. Flitwick appeared to be surprised before he replied:

"Go on, Mr L/N."

"There are actually six variations of Protego, not five" Y/N smiled.

"What's the sixth one?" Adam asked as Y/N winked at his girlfriend, causing Hermione and Lavender to glance at each other concerned.

"I don't think it is the place to discuss that Mr L/N" the diminutive teacher chastised Y/N.

"Forgive me Professor. I thought as a Ravenclaw you would value intellectual honesty above all else, and wish to impart accurate knowledge on your students but if-"

"There is no need for that Y/N. Very well. There is a sixth form of Protego. It is a very dark spell, and takes a spell designed to protect in a completely different direction. It is Protego... Protego..."

"Protego Diabolica" Y/N finished the stuttering professor's sentence. Some students gasped. Hermione closed her eyes. The majority looked at Y/N blankly.

"Would you like me to explain the spell Professor? It's not like anyone here could ever replicate it."

The professor nodded hesitantly and Y/N began to teach happily:

"Protego Diabolica is a shield of blue flames. They are more powerful and complex than any known spell in existence. Even the killing curse cannot penetrate it once cast. Not only does this protect the caster from all forms of danger. It also protects from people disloyal or opposed to the one wielding it- whether the caster knows they are traitorous or not. Any such individual will perish in a blaze of fire and ash. Likewise, anyone loyal to the wielder will be able to pass through safely."

Y/N let his words sink in before continuing.

"Few know of the spell, those who do aren't aware of the truth behind it or its origins. The accepted truth is that it was created by Gellert Grindelwald in the Global Wizarding War. This is not the case. It was created by a noble of the Sacred House of Grindelwald centuries ago, and passed genetically from father to one child, each generation."

"How do you know about it?" Yuffie asked. Y/N chuckled.

"The world is just something that happens around you isn't it Yuffie?"

The ditzy girl smiled and nodded, not realising she had just been insulted.

Y/N thrust his left hand open, a ball of blue flames erupting before it morphed into a Phoenix and perched on his shoulder.

"This spell is part of my Grandfather's memetic legacy, passed on to me through my... mother... Neither of my brothers can cast it, only the true male Heir of of the Ancient and Noble House of Grindelwald each generation can do so."

The Phoenix faded out as the flames were released before the lunch bell suddenly rang out, causing most of the class to jump.

"Remember to note the Protego spell in case it appears on your OWLs next year. Th-Thank you for the assistance Y/N" Flitwick stammered.

Y/N returned to where he had been seated, packing his belongings before looking at his stunned girlfriend. He smiled and asked:

"Lunch baby?"

—~—

Y/N sat happily eating his lunch, oblivious to what was happening around him. His friends looked at him stunned. His girlfriend looked at him stunned. The majority of the hall whispered, looking over at him. He looked up from his plate, drank some water, wiped his mouth and chuckled at his friends, asking:

"What?"

"Y/N why would you? You just demonstrated... Diabolica... to a class at Hogwarts. Hogwarts! Everyone will know..." Lavender trailed off.

Y/N smiled and answered:

"Precisely!"

He was met with further blank stares.

"Have you ever known me do something without having a plan Lavender?"

She closed her gaping mouth and shook her head.

"Whispers have spread far and wide, the truth of what happened at the World Cup. Word spreading of the Archduke demonstrating blue flames in class will spread further. It will all lead to further undermining confidence in the Ministry and the lies they are pedalling" Y/N said calmly and continued:

"Besides- That got out of hospital this morning!" Y/N said pointing to a student at the Hufflepuff table.

Justin gasped and looked down.

"Hopefully he will get the message. I promised I wouldn't hurt him for what he did... hopefully this will wise him up to trying again!"

As he finished speaking an owl flew into the Great Hall, dropped a letter to Y/N and sat at the table. Hermione smiled and gave it a piece of steak as Y/N opened the letter, smiling as he read it.

"Speaking of-"

He handed the letter to Hermione, quickly wrote a reply and attached it to the owl who after more steak flew away. Hermione read the piece of paper that was handed to her.

To the Archduke of Magical Great Britain,

My dear Y/N,

I must admit myself surprised when I received Susan's owl, but trust you would not ask me to contact you if it was not of great importance. I am free Friday at 6 and can meet you at the Three Broomsticks. I assume you will be able to meet me given this is an important matter. Please reply to confirm if this suits.

Yours,

Amelia Bones
Head
Department of Magical Law Enforcement

Another piece falls into place!

Y/N spoke directly to Hermione who smiled as he pocketed the letter in his pouch.

—~—

Transfiguration was spent learning Colovaria- the hair change colour spell, and Hermione was surprised to see Y/N paying attention intently. She was further surprised to hear he did not know the spell.

"I was trained to kill Voldemort babe. Not things like changing hair colour. Still interesting to learn though."

To her amusement he had still mastered it by the end of the class, turning Malfoy's hair hot pink. Hermione meanwhile turned Y/N's dark blue.

"Reckon I should keep it love?" Y/N chuckled.

—~—

The next day passed quickly, the group sitting at lunch with Ron being extremely excited- they had double Defence Against the Dark Arts after lunch.

As the boys were so excited they turned up to DADA before the bell had even rang. The only two missing were Y/N and Hermione, who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

"Sorry we were in the-"

"Library!" Ron chuckled, cutting off Hermione. "Where else would you two be?"

"You'd be surprised" Lavender giggled as the class door opened and they walked in.

Lavender, Harry and Ron sat in the three seats right at the front- pulling out their copies of The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection. Y/N and Hermione smirked at each other and took a seat about halfway down. Hermione muttered to herself as the other students entered:

"Great another class with the Puffs."

Y/N wrapped his arm around his girlfriend and pulled her close.

"You have nothing to be worried or insecure about baby. Nothing."

Hermione smiled and nodded as she pulled Y/N into a kiss. Soon they heard Moody's distinctive clunking footsteps coming down the corridor, and he entered the room, looking as strange and frightening as ever. The students could see his clawed metal foot protruding from under his robes as he passed.

"Y/N, good to see you again" He nodded as he passed.

"Moody" Y/N nodded back.

"You can put those away" He growled, stomping over to his desk and sitting down. "Those books, you won't need them!"

The three returned their books to their bags. Ron looked on excitedly. Moody took out a register, shook his long mane of grizzled grey and blonde hair out of his twisted and scarred face and started calling out names.

He paused when he got to Granger, Hermione- his magical eye focusing on her longer than the others. She felt slightly uncomfortable.

"Good to see you again Hermione. I trust Y/N is taking care of you?"

"Uh... he is, perfectly, of course sir?" She answered slightly confused.

"Good! Scorch the planet if anything happened to her wouldn't you L/N!"

Y/N looked at his friend puzzled. This was bizarre even for Mad-Eye. But he was one of the few Y/N trusted. He assumed there was a reason behind whatever Moody was trying to get made public record.

"None would be left alive Professor. But I assure you Hermione is protected. At all times!"

Moody grinned before continuing.

"That was bizarre baby" Hermione whispered, squeezing further into Y/N who pulled her tighter and held her closer.

There must be a reason for it. Maybe a threat I haven't heard of, Moody wants it out there not to fuck with me?

Hermione nodded and wrapped her arms around Y/N's abdomen. Moody finished taking the roll and looked around.

"Right then. I've had a letter from Professor Lupin about this class. Seems you've had a pretty thorough grounding in tackling Dark Creatures- Boggarts, Red Caps, Hinkypunks, Grindylows, Kappas and Werewolves. Child's play compared to what L/N faces on a regular basis but still... adequate!"

Y/N felt a number of gazes fall on him.

"But you're behind- very behind- on dealing with curses. So I'm here to bring you up to scratch on what Wizards can do to each other. I've got one year to teach you how to deal with Dark-"

"What, aren't you staying?" Ron blurted out.

Moody smiled and Ron looked deeply relieved at it after having interrupted him.

"You'll be Arthur Weasley's son eh? Your father got me out of a very tight corner a few days ago... yeah I'm staying one year. Special favour to Dumbledore... one year... and then back to my quiet retirement!"

He laughed harshly before continuing.

"So- straight into it. Curses. They come in many strengths and forms. Now according to the Ministry of Magic I'm supposed to teach you counter curses and leave it at that. I'm not supposed to show you what dark curses look like until sixth year. You're not supposed to be able to deal with it until then. Well Dumbledore and I say different. He's been learning the darkest of curses since he was eight!"

Moody pointed directly at Y/N who looked back at him with no discernible emotion. Most of the class gasped. Moody continued.

"Dumbledore has a higher opinion of your nerves than that. He says you can cope, and I say the sooner you know what you're up against the better! Don't you agree L/N? As an expert on the Dark Arts that is."

Y/N's eyes narrowed at Mad-Eye, trying to figure out his game. He replied simply:

"I do... Alastor."

"Exactly! How are you supposed to defend yourself against something you've never seen? A wizard who's about to put an illegal curse on you isn't going to tell you what he's about to do! He's not going to do it nice and polite to your face. You need to be prepared. You need to be alert and watchful. You need to put that away Miss Wallace!"

Yuffie was currently showing Parvati her completed Divination star chart under the desk. She shoved it back into her bag in embarrassment.

"So... you need to be quiet here as an expert on this Y/N... does anyone know which curses are most heavily punished by wizarding law? Miss Granger perhaps?"

Y/N's eyes narrowed. The leer on Moody's face as he stared at Hermione- was this another test Y/N hadn't been told about? The need to stay calm and collected under cover possibly? Y/N's attention was pulled back to the moment as Hermione answered:

"The Unforgivables, sir."

"And they are so called?"

"Because their use is unforgivable sir. Using them against another person-"

"Gets you a one way ticket to Azkaban. Correct Miss Granger. Can anyone give me one of them?"

Several hands raised tentatively, including Ron and Hermiones. Moody pointed at Ron, although his magical eye was still fixed on Yuffie.

"Er... my dad told me about one... is it called the imperius curse or something?" Ron answered unsure. Y/N chuckled to himself. Hermione nudged him.

Sorry love. I've got five high ranking Ministry officials under the Imperius curse as we speak.

Hermione rubbed her temples and chuckled, whispering:

"Just don't tell me babe."

"Ah yes- your father would know that one. Gave the Ministry a lot of trouble a few years back, the Imperius Curse!" Moody replied as Y/N suddenly burst out laughing. Everyone turned to look at him. He wiped tears from his eyes as he said:

"Sorry, private joke, had to be there."

Moody chuckled and walked to his desk.

"Just for that you can assist with a little demonstration Y/N. After all you are well well versed in the application of these three spells!"

He smirked at Y/N menacingly as he pulled a black spider out of his desk which was under a cloche in his top drawer.

Engorgio

The spider grew to about a foot long.

Y/N heard a small panicked voice.

What... what is happening?

"Oh no!" Y/N said suddenly. "Moody that's a Magical Creature it's-"

"Yes" Mad-Eye nodded happily. "Peruvian Deathdrop. One bite is lethal in seconds."

Moody smirked at Y/N.

"Cast the Imperius Curse please Y/N."

"What?" Hermione shrieked.

"Quiet girl" Moody barked, his expression changing as Y/N shot to his feet, wand instantly in his hand.

"You watch your fucking tone when you talk to Lady Granger."

You could hear a pin drop in the classroom at the tense stand-off before Moody chuckled:

"My apologies Lady Granger. Y/N if you would?"

I must control you. I will keep you safe. I will not hurt you!

Y/N whispered before pointed his wand at the spider.

Imperio

The spider suddenly flew up in the air before landing on the desk in front of Harry. It reared up on its two back legs menacingly, causing Ron to squeal, before it appeared to do a tap dance routine. It leapt from table to table, the whole class except Hermione and Y/N laughing before Moody growled.

"Think that's funny do ya? Like me to do it to you?"

The laughter stopped instantly. The spider suddenly hopped to the desk of Justin and Ernie. In a flash it had hopped onto Justin's face- standing there as Justin whimpered.

"Y/N has total control of the creature. He could make it jump out of the window, drown itself, even bite Finchley's face. Hope you haven't done anything to piss Y/N off lately?" Moody sneered.

The spider lingered, Justin nearly crying, before Hermione gently placed a hand on Y/N's shoulder. He relented- the spider levitating back over to Moody's desk as Y/N released the curse.

"Scores of witches and wizards claimed they were only doing the Dark Lord's will under the imperious curse. But here's the rub... how do you separate the liars? The Imperius Curse can be fought, and I'll be teaching you how, but it takes real strength of character, and not everyone's got it. Better avoid being hit with it if you can. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"

He finished with a yell. Everyone jumped. Everyone but Y/N. He had spent years having that screamed at him unexpectedly.

"Anyone else know one? Another illegal curse?"

Hermione's hand raised and surprisingly so did Neville's. The only class that Neville usually volunteered information in was Herbology, which was easily his best subject. Neville seemed surprised at his own daring.

Moody pointed at Hermione before his magical eye shifted to the inside of his head.

"You're the Longbottom boy aren't you?" Moody said with somewhat of an usual grin on his face.

Neville nodded.

"Go on then" Moody said calmly.

"The Cruciatus Curse" Neville said, barely louder than a whisper.

"That's right! That's right. Y/N if you would?"

The class waited, fearful before Y/N responded:

"No!"

Everyone looked shocked at Y/N, including the teacher.

"Pardon?" Moody asked in genuine surprise.

"No. I'm not torturing the poor creature just to demonstrate a curse. Neither are you!" Y/N snapped.

"I told you to cast it! Now cast it!" Moody sneered. Y/N considered his options. This was a Magical Creature. He heard it's fear. He'd promised to keep it safe. He worked through a dozen plans in his head until only one remained.

"Alright" Y/N said standing and walking up to the front of the class.

Hermione looked at him shocked. She'd never known her boyfriend cave to pressure. Her shock would soon turn to horror. Y/N stood about three feet from the Professor and faced him, saying coolly:

"You wanna be a big man and torture someone? Torture me."

The collective mouths of the class dropped. Moody grinned.

"Baby No" Hermione said pleading, begging him no to go through with it.

"It's fine baby! Come on Alastor. Do it! I can take it" Y/N snapped.

Moody chuckled.

"That would be illegal son!"

"Didn't know you were yellow Moody. Thought you wanted a demonstration! Alright then you all witness..."

Y/N pointed to the class of shocked students.

"...the Archduke willingly submits to this as an educational display. There will be no recourse against Alastor Moody! COME ON!"

He finished by bellowing. Moody smiled sadistically again.

"Very well. Take note you won't get the full effect. Why is that again Y/N?" Moody chuckled.

"Because I was tortured so bad as a child I developed the ability to push through it. It still hurts like fuck, but I can push through the pain without turning into a drooling, urinating, screaming mess. Come on then! Give me your fucking worst!" Y/N bellowed again.

Hermione watched in horror as Moody lifted his wand.

Crucio

Y/N's lip curled. His eyes closed as his head turned.

"Tell the class how it feels L/N! Crucioooo"

"It feels... it feels...."

Y/N's head turned further as his hands clenched.

"Like I'm being stabbed with a thousand knives. Inside, outside, everywhere."

"And the longer it goes the worse it feels! Crucio!"

Y/N was now gritting his teeth. his eyes squeezing shut as the class watched in horror.

"It feels like I'm being torn to pieces..."

"CRUCIO!!!!"

Y/N stumbled back a step as he grunted in pain.

"STOP IT! STOP IT!" Hermione screamed.

Moody emerged from what looked like a trance as Y/N breathed in relief and held tightly onto the desk at his side. Lavender stood quickly as Hermione rushed over, both of them panicking and fussing over him.

"I'm alright. I'm alright" He reassured them. He'd been tortured by Moody before, during his training. This time felt different- particularly nasty. Despite being able to withstand it it was still draining, exhausting, painful.

Hermione helped Y/N back to his seat, guiding him as he shuffled, walking gingerly. Harry looked concerned at his friend before looking over and noticing Neville. He was gripping the desk tight, his knuckles white and his eyes wide and horrified as he hyperventilated.

Y/N sat with Hermione who was close to tears, rubbing her boyfriend's back as she whispered to him.

"Yes well. That was a mild demonstration of what the Cruciatus curse is. A man of less constitution than Y/N would have been on the ground squealing almost immediately time. Y/N is a tough son of a bitch that much is true. Pain..." He said softly before he continued.

"You don't need thumbscrews or knives to torture someone if you can perform the Cruciatus curse. That one was very popular once too. Right the last one? Miss Granger perhaps?"

Hermione glared up at the teacher.

"Avada Kedavra!"

"Yes- the last and worst. I'll take this one L/N. You rest up."

Moody turned to the spider.

"Moody no!" Y/N called and stretched but it was too late.

Avada Kedavra

A green flash sped across the classroom, striking the spider as it instantly dropped dead. The class was silent before Moody spoke.

"Not nice. Not pleasant and there's no counter-curse. It can be blocked with debris if you're quick enough but if it connects... only one person is known to have survived it... and he's sitting in this room!"

The class all turned to Harry, with the exception of Hermione who continued to tend to Y/N. Y/N meanwhile looked down crestfallen, heartbroken, enraged.

"Avada Kedavra's a curse that needs a powerful bit of magic behind it- with the exception of Y/N you could all get your wands out now and point them at me and I doubt I'd get as much as a bloody nose. But that doesn't matter. I'm not here to teach you how to do it!" Moody grumbled before continuing.

"Now if there's no counter curse why am I showing you? Because you've got to know. You've got to appreciate what the worst is. You don't want to find yourself in a situation where you are facing it. CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"

The whole class (almost) jumped again. Moody walked over to Y/N and Hermione.

"You alright son?" He asked tenderly.

Y/N slowly looked up, still occasionally twitching- a by product of severe torture by the Cruciatis curse- and ignored his friend's question. He stared into his Professor's eyes with a coldness that ran down the former auror's spine as he answered with near hatred:

"If you ever do that to a Magical Creature again, I'll rip your fucking throat out."

The class gasped. Just for a moment fear passed across Moody's face before he composed himself and chuckled:

"Always were a tough little bastard weren't you?"

The teacher chuckled again before walking back to the front of the class:

"Now those three curses- killing, torture and Imperius- that's what you're up against. That's what I've got to teach you to fight. You need preparing. You need arming. But most of all you need to practice constant, never-ceasing vigilance. Get out your quills... copy this down!"

They spent the rest of the lesson taking notes on each of the Unforgivable curses. Hermione gripped Y/N's thigh tightly under the table the entire time. No one spoke until the bell rang.

"Dismissed, except for you Longbottom. I want to have a chat!"

The class walked out, mostly in whispers staring at Y/N.

"Are you ok love?" Hermione asked gently. Y/N hadn't spoken since he threat against the teacher. He looked down sadly:

"She was so scared. It was pointless. She didn't need to die."

Hermione's heart broke at the mournful heartbreak of her boyfriend. She had learnt after first year, after the Leviathan, the depth of love Y/N had for magical creatures. All magical creatures. She knew it had felt as raw to him as if he had just lost a child."

"Come on baby let's go rest" Hermione pleaded.

"I've got to go to Gringotts at five love, meeting with Nina and Marruk. I need to get ready and-"

He was silenced with a kiss. He melted into it before Hermione pulled back and gave him a full dose of chocolate puppy dog eyes. It was his kryptonite.

"Please?" She asked with her eyes staring into his. Y/N sighed and nodded as they walked off hand in hand towards their special place.

"Has him wrapped right round her little finger" Lavender chuckled to Harry and Ron who nodded in agreement.