Y/N and Hermione headed to their special place. The emotional turmoil of the death of the small Peruvian Deathdrop and the lingering effects of the Cruciatus Curse were still weighing heavily on him. Hermione gave him a worried glance as they approached the door for the Room of Requirement.

"You ok baby?" Hermione asked tenderly. Y/N nodded in reply.

"I'm fine love, I'm alright."

They entered to find an outdoor area and a large field, bright blue skies above. Hermione smiled, Y/N looked puzzled.

"This is... unusual?" He said as he closed the door behind them.

"No I don't think it is. Open a portal to your dorm love" Hermione smiled.

Y/N smiled picking up on her meaning. He opened a portal and whistled- Na-Hath flew through with Newt on his shoulders as Gizmo ran through. Y/N smiled as his babies rushed to him, sitting on the outdoor setting chair and hugging them as tight as he could without hurting them.

"I'm going to find Crookshanks quickly, you open a portal to our garden. You need time with all our babies" Hermione smiled. She exited the room as Y/N opened another portal, this time to their garden at home- Hati and Buckbeak happily bounding through hearing their father's voice. He released the portal as they charged.

He was struck firmly, a hippogriff head rubbing against him on one side, a giant wolf licking him on the other. He squeezed both their large heads next to his.

"I missed you guys too. I missed you so damn much!"

A tear started to form in the corner of Y/N's eye, as he found himself fighting them back. Hati whimpered.

"No Daddy's ok. Just happy to see my big boys is all!" Y/N smiled, hugging them both tighter.

"Hey I've got an idea. Bucky, Na-Hath, we haven't flown together for a while have we?"

—~—

Hermione quickly arrived back to her dorm and picked up a happy meowing Crookshanks before heading back and out the common room. Lavender merely chuckling.

"Hi 'Mione, bye 'Mione!"

She shook her head and smiled. She knew what tunnel vision her best friend had when she was on a tear.

Hermione walked briskly, nearly knocking over someone she barrelled into.

"Oh I'm so sorry... OH PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL, Headmaster I am so sorry I-"

"It's quite alright Miss Granger" the Headmaster smiled as he helped Minerva steady herself. "You seem to be in quite a rush?"

"I want to get back to Y/N. He's at our..." She leant forward to whisper to the pair causing them both to chuckle "... special place... and I don't want to leave him alone after what happened in DADA."

She smiled and nodded and went to take off down the hall before her Head of House called out, stopping her.

"Miss Granger- What happened in DADA?"

Hermione looked at the pair.

"Oh... well um..."

"Perhaps we should walk and talk?" The Headmaster smiled as the three walked towards the seventh floor corridor.

—~—

"He WHAT?" Minerva shrieked in horror as they got close to the hidden door.

"He tortured one of my students. MY students?!? He has no place in a school Albus this is-"

"Unfortunate Professor McGonagall I agree. I will discuss it with Alastor, but I did instruct him to hide nothing from our students. We are all well aware of how... I'm trying to think of the right word to describe Y/N, Miss Granger" The Headmaster chuckled.

"Stupid. Stubborn. Foolhardy. Brave. Courageous... self sacrificing... loyal" Hermione whimpered getting sadder with each word. Minerva gently rubbed her shoulder.

"All of those things and more. Let's see him shall we?" Albus smiled.

Hermione wiped her tears away and nodded, letting Crookshanks down as she opened the door to the Room of Requirement.

"Hey baby I'm back, look who I found!"

She called out but saw that Gimzo and Newt were doing their happy dances as Crookshanks ran up to them, Hati was howl/barking up at the 'sky'. Hermione and Albus looked up and smiled, seeing a dragon flying in circles with a Hippogriff and a Phoenix. Minerva meanwhile grew terrified, gasping:

"Dr-dragon!!!"

She quickly pulled Hermione behind herself as she pointed her wand and the dragon landed in front of them. It lowered its head towards her, cocking it as if puzzled. Minerva stood in complete shock before the Headmaster chuckled.

"That's enough fun I think Y/N"

Minerva's eyes grew to dinner plates as the dragon transformed into her student.

"Just needed to spread my wings. Professors how are you both?" Y/N nodded and then smiled as Crookshanks jumped up into his arms.

"Crooky, how are you beautiful boy?"

The fat orange part-Kneazle meowed happily as Y/N stroked.

"You're an animagus?" Minerva asked stunned. "and you're a dragon? Have you registered?"

"Hungarian Horntail. Big and nasty just like me" Y/N chuckled before smirk-glaring at Hermione who scoffed at the 'nasty' comment. "And of course I haven't registered. Why give Fudge more ammunition to use against me?"

Minerva nodded in realisation before speaking.

"How are you Y/N?" She asked as the four sat at the outdoor setting.

"Fine Professor, just angry. The girl didn't need to die. I could've found a Knight if he wanted to-"

"I will stop you there Y/N" Albus cut in quickly, sounding slightly panicked. "I will talk to Alastor about his methods, we just wanted to check you were ok. I understand you willingly submitted yourself to the curse."

"I wanted to protect her... he killed her anyway" Y/N looked away saddened as he patted the menagerie that was on his lap and around him.

—~—

After the Professors left, Y/N and Hermione enjoyed some time alone with their babies before it came time to leave. Y/N returned their babies home and to his dorm. He transfigured his robes into a blue suit and a Gryffindor red tie and kissed Hermione goodbye.

"Wait what about dinner love- will you be back in time?" Hermione asked realising he was leaving right at dinner time.

"I'll pick up something at the Leaky Cauldron, have to see Tom anyway" Y/N chuckled.

"Of course you do. I don't want to know" Hermione giggled as they kissed goodbye.

Y/N apparated to Diagon Alley and smiled at the view in front of him.

He loved Diagon Alley. He always found it strangely beautiful- the haphazard way the various businesses were laid out, accented by the crooked nature of the Gringotts building. He entered the Foyer of Gringotts and smiled as he was rushed with a tight hug.

"My Lord My Lord how are you?"

Y/N smiled and returned the hug.

"I am good Nina. Long day but good. How are you? How are you adjusting to life in Britain?"

"It is vonderful my Lord. The Foxes are very kind people. I haff settled in very vell."

Y/N smiled.

"That's amazing to hear Nina. Are you ready to meet your new-Uh - fellow employees?"

Nina giggled at Y/N's awkwardness as they started to enter the bank. Despite it being past closing time Y/N walked through without being stopped and was greeted with bows by both Goblins and Wizard security alike. They arrived at an office door and knocked, entering when told to do so. The Goblin and House Elf inside stood and bowed deeply at Y/N's presence.

"My friends I tell you that isn't necessary. Allow me to introduce the young lady who will be working with you. Marruk, Terrence, this is Nina Dobrev, Nina this is Marruk and Terrence."

The meeting progressed well. Y/N wanted to start Nina at two days a week but she insisted on five, she would start 9:00am Monday morning learning all the different business interests that came under the L/N umbrella before eventually visiting each business with Terrence.

Y/N thanked his staff as he and Nina left following the successful meeting.

"I do have something for you as my assistant, Nina" Y/N said as they reached the Floo entrance/exit.

He reached into his pocket and handed her a sheet of paper.

"Dobby"

The small House Elf appeared, bowing.

"My Lord"

"Dobby this is Ms Nina Dobrev, she will be my Personal Assistant for the time being while she learns the L/N business interests, could you please assist her in organising this..."

Y/N chuckled.

"... event? All the names and locations are listed."

The elf smiled and nodded.

"Of course my Lord!"

"Uhm excuse me My-Uh- Y/N. Is there some mistake? My name is listed as well?" Nina asked puzzled.

"No mistake Nina. You're invited as well. It will be a great chance for you to socialise and meet some British people" Y/N smiled.

After they parted and the security guard let Y/N out Gringott's front door he walked down Diagon happily, well aware of the shadow he picked up. He entered the Leaky Cauldron and sat at the bar. Tom approached him smiling.

"My Lord, how good to see you again. Well I trust?" Tom smiled as he poured Y/N a firewhiskey and a beer.

"I am Tom. What's good tonight?"

"Chef has been cooking a lamb casserole the last few hours, hot and delicious!"

Y/N smiled. "I'll have that and my usual please Tom."

Tom brought out a bowl of casserole, and placed it in front of Y/N, slipping him an envelope which was discreetly placed into Y/N's suit breast pocket.

"What I love about this place is the service Tom. Have a large tip on the Archduke."

He magicked a pile of Galleons from his pocket into Tom's hand, who smiled wildly.

"Thank you sir!"

Y/N sat, ate and drank happily, the occasional person coming up to thank him for this or that, whether it was hearing about what had happened at the World Cup, or him sticking it to the Ministry. Y/N smiled as Tom brought him a shot of firewhiskey.

"A shot on the house. I should like to shake your hand my Lord" Tom smiled.

Y/N smirked and shook his hand but was pulled in tight. Tom whispered:

"Man in the corner followed you in. He's been watching you the whole time you've been here."

Y/N backed out nodding.

"I know, but good watching."

Ask me if I'm going to apparate

Tom's eyes widened in acknowledgement and as Y/N threw back the whiskey he asked

"Are you apparating today My Lord?"

Y/N swallowed his drink and smiled.

"No, I feel like stretching my legs. Thanks Tom, see you soon."

Y/N nodded and winked at the barkeep before turning and walking out the pub. He slowly and nonchalantly walked down the street. It was quiet, mostly abandoned as the shops were closed or closing. Y/N whistler to himself as he turned down an alleyway.

—~—

The man followed the young Lord down Diagon. Lilith had placed a huge bounty on him. Time to collect. The young Lord turned down a dark alleyway and the man smiled to himself, pulling his wand. He turned quickly with his wand drawn.

Nothing. The Archduke seemed to have disappeared. As he wandered down further into the alley he was struck from behind, his arms and legs stiffening as he fell forward, nose breaking against the hard gravel path.

He heard a sinister chuckle and footsteps approach him.

"Well, well, well what do we have here?"

He heard a voice. He knew that voice. He was fucked. He felt his wand pulled from his hand.

"12 inches, rigid, Walnut and a... unicorn core. That's interesting. Forgive me, I keep the wands from all of my... heh victims. Well those that survive in one piece. My battles are usually a lot harder. But you're just some pathetic Knight underling trying to make a reputation for yourself aren't you?"

The teenager circled the man's bound body as he spoke.

"This wand will make a fine trophy for my collection. I've acquired quite a few so far you understand. Don't worry I'll think of you when I glance at the collection on my wall, all the foolish Knights and Death Eaters who thought they could be the person to kill the Prophesied One. But apart from that... I'm afraid no one will remember your name."

The Knight felt himself pulled up and levitated, the ground beneath him changing from gravel and pavement to thickets and dirt. He landed with a thud as he felt the curse removed and looked up- only to be met with nightmares. Creatures he had never seen in person, wished never to have to. They surrounded him as he looked up in fear. He was stunned as the boy walked passed each one unaffected- they seemed affectionate towards him.

"You know, if you were some nobody. Some idiot who just wanted to make some coin I could have forgiven that and let you go! But I've been searching your memories as we chatted, well as I chatted!"

The young lord stopped and stared at him menacingly.

"But that old Muggleborn couple. You killed them in their own home. Made them beg, plead with you and you killed them anyway... for that. Well for that you've gotta pay. So...."

The young lord stepped back, smiling sadistically.

"Looks like meats back on the menu for you children tonight!"

The Knight was pounced on. He screamed as he was torn to shreds.

—~—

Y/N smirked as he spoke.

"Grimm, get in there before he bleeds out. Sheets, ensure nothing remains. Have a good night my children!"

He apparated.

—~—

Y/N appeared in the DADA classroom. It was deserted. He climbed the stairs to Moody's living quarters and saw it was empty. He searched quickly before finding what he wanted.

He opened the box to find a dozen Peruvian Deathdrops inside. He held his hand out.

Come with me. I'm taking you to safety!

The small spiders clambered up his hand to his arm and sat there. He heard a lot of confused and scared voices so spoke to them all at once.

I am a whisperer. I speak to and protect Magical Creatures. I'm taking you to your new home.

He opened a portal to the Dark Beasts enclosure and quickly stepped through before it closed. He knelt down and held his hand to the ground, the small magical beasts climbing off and clambering to the nearest thicket of trees.

Rest well my children. Rest well.

He again apparated, this time to the Great Hall entrance. He looked in but dinner was long over. He checked his watch.

"7:00pm... Library" he smiled as he turned to walk. He passed through the corridors heading towards his girlfriend. There were a few students in the halls, most were probably out enjoying the early Autumnal evening before the temperature changed. As he approached the library entrance he passed Professors Sprout and Vector who smiled.

"Well don't you look handsome! Plans tonight Y/N?" Sprout smiled while Vector chuckled.

Y/N looked down and realised he was still in his suit.

"Uh. Business meeting in Gringotts, just got back. Archduke matters, you know?" Y/N smiled nervously as the two women chuckled.

"That's between you and Dumbledore. If he clears it who are we to argue? You look good though Y/N, suits you. Spitting image of your father"

Sprout realised what she had said too late as a look of sadness passed the young Lord's face.

"Sorry Y/N, I just meant, you look like an upstanding young man!" She added quickly.

Y/N nodded.

"Thank you Professor Sprout, you didn't happen to see my lovely girlfriend in the library did you?"

"We did, she is in with Miss Brown and that lovely young man from Ravenclaw, Mr Davies" Sprout smiled.

"Younger or older?" Y/N asked, his eyebrow raising.

"Younger. Why?" Vector asked puzzled.

"Younger is a good guy. I think he fancies Lav. The older one is a complete di-"

"Yes thank you Mr L/N. Lord L/N. Y/N! Have a pleasant evening" Sprout said suddenly, cutting off Y/N as Vector chuckled and was dragged off, waving goodbye to one of her favourite students.

Y/N smirked waving back before entering the library. He walked up silently behind Hermione, covering her eyes.

"Baby!" She exclaimed, pushing back and standing, turning and hugging him tight before kissing him.

"How'd you know it was me?" Y/N asked chuckling into the kiss before they sat.

Lavender and Adam were sat across the table from them.

"Who would really have enough balls to come and put their hands on Hermione except for you numbnuts?" Lavender chuckled.

"Yeah fair call. What are we working on?"

"Adam and I are working on our Divination charts together!" Lavender smiled, blushing and sending Y/N a look that said 'please don't'. Y/N chuckled and held out his hand.

"Good to see you again Adz"

The Ravenclaw smiled and shook back.

"You too Y/N. Looking pretty spruce there mate."

"He does look ravishing doesn't he?" Hermione giggled before Lavender kicked her under the table.

"Focus" She chastised, laughing as she did. "Hermione is working on her Herbology report! At least she was until you distracted her!"

Y/N chuckled holding his hands up.

"Fair enough. I have to go to the restricted section anyway."

"Oh baby you only just got here. Do you have to?" Hermione whined.

"I just keep getting further and further behind in Ghoul Studies" Y/N answered.

"Wait the only way you could is if- did you add another creature tonight? I thought you were going to Gringotts?" Hermione asked puzzled.

"I did...." he turned to Adam and Lav "...business meeting, went swimmingly..." before turning back to Hermione "... but when I got back I may or may not have liberated some Peruvian Deathdrops to the Dark Creature Reserve."

Lavender's eyes opened wide. Hermione looked at Y/N with an expression that was hard to read before she leant in and kissed him.

"You did the right thing. But can you work on something else? Please?"

He got a full dose of puppy eyes and folded like a cheap suit.

"I guess I still need to finish my Magical Creatures report" Y/N said smiling as Lavender chuckled.

"Right round her little finger."

—~—

Friday's classes passed without incident. The friends walked into History of Magic first lesson where Rowan greeted them happily.

"Welcome back fourth years. Last year we focused mainly on British Magical history. This year we will focus on the broader European history. Let us begin with the fallout of the British Magical Civil War on Europe..."

Some of the class groaned. Hermione noted like crazy. Y/N sat intrigued, hearing about how his ancestors influenced not only countries but an entire continent.

They had Curse Breaking after History, the last lesson on Generational Curses before they headed to their next topic, locating ancient curses. Hermione raised her hand.

"I tried to find the book you recommended, Ancient Curses, but someone had already taken it from the library. Is the reading prerequisite for next weeks classes?"

Dean smiled at his future sister in law.

"It is highly recommended Hermione but-"

"You got another copy of the list Dean- Uh. Professor?" Y/N asked coldly without raising his hand.

"Yes I do Y/N" Dean answered sadly, getting it from his desk and handing it to his younger brother.

"Dobby" Y/N called out suddenly, the elf appearing in the classroom.

"Can you purchase five copies of each book on this list and drop them into me as soon as possible?"

The elf nodded, took the list and disappeared.

"Thank you Dobby" Y/N smiled.

"I think he had gone already" Ron chuckled.

"Trust me he heard" Y/N chuckled back. He wrote a small note and magically levitated it to the desk next to his. It laid down in front of Lavender and Adam. They looked down and read it.

I would've bought you a copy Adam but shit I forgot. I guess you and Lav will have to read hers together!

He glanced across to see them both blushing and chuckled to himself, Hermione oblivious as she took copious amounts of notes.

—~—

At morning tea the group of friends were sitting happily in the loud Great Hall before the room suddenly went silent.

Clunk

Clunk

Clunk

Mad-Eye stood behind Ron and Harry, glaring at Y/N. He looked furious. Y/N looked up from his plate with a smirk.

"Something I can help you with Mad-Eye?"

The former Auror glared down at Y/N with his one normal eye.

"You took my spiders! Someone broke in and took em! I know it was you!" He snarled.

Y/N placed his cutlery down and stood, glaring down at the Professor as he snarled:

"You do. Do ya? Well why don't you prove it!"

They stared at each other for what seemed like minutes, the hall holding its collective breath before Moody chuckled.

"You'll keep boy. You'll keep!"

He turned and walked off.

Clunk

Clunk

Clunk

Y/N didn't sit until he had exited the hall. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. Harry asked panicked.

"Why did he think you took his spiders Y/N?"

Y/N chuckled.

"Probably because I did."

Ron and Harry stared at Y/N shocked as he happily returned to his morning tea.

After morning tea they had charms, which was spent taking notes on Protego shields before Y/N and Hermione headed to their first Ancient Runes class of the year. The teacher, Professor Babbling, greeted the class excitedly.

"Greeting students, last year in your first year of Ancient runes we studied the Elder Futhark of Scandinavia as you are aware. This year we will focus on the Younger Germanic and Anglo-Saxon Futhark. Let us begin..."

After an intense hour Y/N and Hermione headed to what would have been an enjoyable lunch, were it not for the constant whining of Ron and Harry.

"Why do we have to finish the week with double Potions? It's so unfair!" Ron whined as he shovelled mash potato in his mouth.

And he wonders why Lav prefers Adam! Y/N sent to Hermione causing her to giggle.

"If it makes you feel any better Weasley my week doesn't end. I've got Divination tomorrow and Ghoul Studies Sunday" Y/N chuckled. It didn't end the whinging though.

The group headed down and entered the class- they were in with the Slytherins again. Y/N shook Snape's hand upon entering while Penny pulled him into a hug. He took his seat next to Hermione as Penny stood at the front of the class, Severus skulking behind her glaring at Ron and Harry.

"Welcome to Fourth year Potions students. This year we will focus firstly on antidotes, but one of the most important aspects of being a Potions-Master is recall, being able to brew a potion when needed when you might not be able to have the textbook on hand. So for your first lesson you will be brewing a Shrinking Solution, from memory, that you learnt last year. You will split into pairs- good luck!"

Y/N looked across to see Neville's worried face.

"Hey baby are you good with Lav?" Y/N asked. Hermione smiled and nodded while Lavender looked greatly relieved. Y/N got up from their work station and walked over to the where Neville sat panicked across from Dean and Seamus.

"Hey Nev, want to pair up?"

Nev smiled widely and nodded, Y/N smiling back and motioning with his head. "Let's get our ingredients."

As they sat back at their workstation, Y/N quickly grabbing what was needed, he set the Cauldron up and sent a quick message to Neville.

I'll guide you through it mate. Just follow my lead.

Following potions, in which Y/N and Neville  and Hermione and Lavender were the only students to receive outstanding, the couple headed to the library to write their lab report. At 5 they headed for dinner, Y/N eating quickly before saying to Hermione.

"I've got to get changed. I'll pop in to say goodbye before I leave."

Hermione nodded as they kissed goodbye and Y/N apparated to his dorm. A quick shower and change- Y/N dressed in slacks and a smart button up shirt as he returned to the Great Hall to kiss Hermione goodbye.

"Could be a couple of hours babe. Wish me luck."

Hermione pulled Y/N into another kiss before smirking

"Go get em Tiger!"

Y/N apparated to the front of the Three Broomsticks and walked to the counter. The publican smiled at him brightly.

"My Lord. Wonderful to see you here but you're a day early."

Y/N smiled.

"I am Madam Rosmerta. I've booked the room for myself and Lady Granger tomorrow but I have a business meeting tonight. May I trouble you for a firewhiskey and a butterbeer?"

He placed several galleons on the counter.

"And anything for Madam Bones when she arrives please."

"Of course!" Rosmerta smiled widely at the shiny gold coins that far outweighed the price of the drinks. "I'll bring your change over when she has-"

"No need. Keep it. A tip for the exemplary service and surroundings you always provide"

Rosmerta smiled widely.

"Thank you. And thank you for your patronage tomorrow. That elf is one hell of a negotiator!"

Y/N laughed.

"He said the same of you. I wonder if there is one more thing you could do for me?"

He placed a large pile of galleons on the counter and whispered into Rosmerta's ear. She smiled and nodded.

—~—

Y/N had been sat for about five minutes when Amelia arrived. He smiled and stood as she walked over, sitting after she had.

"My Lord. It is good to see you again" Amelia smiled. She liked the young Lord. She had been stunned but definitely impressed with his bravery upon their first meeting, where he practically begged her to allow him to be sent to Azkaban, all to protect his now Lady. This impression was further strengthened at the time of his inaugural speech. She had been shocked by his revelations, more so by his actions. Indeed her life had become much harder since the no-confidence clause was triggered, but she respected his bravery and strength of conviction all the same. More to the point she liked him. She had a good sense of people, it was imperative in her career from Auror to Head Auror and finally her current role. She may not agree with all of his policies but she respected them.

Y/N smiled.

"It is good to see you too Amelia. I thank you for meeting me"

Rosmerta brought her wine over and she thanked her before Y/N threw up a silencing charm.

"I take it that it is a matter of great importance?" She asked sipping.

"It is. I ask only that you hear me out completely. There will be a lot to take in. A lot to accept. It's imperative that you do!"

Amelia nodded, somewhat apprehensively as Y/N began.

"You know, I trust, of my Maternal Grandfather, his true identity?"

Amelia nodded again.

"I must confess finding it somewhat ironic. The heir of Gellert Grindelwald being a stalwart defender of Muggleborns and half breed peoples."

"Quite" Y/N answered. "I inherited more than his dashing charisma. I inherited his gifts as well. I am a seer, and I have had a vision of you. Of your fate. It is shocking. Are you ready to learn the truth?"

Amelia looked at him puzzled but nodded.

"Lower your occlumency shields Amelia. I will share it with you, but brace yourself."

She did so and images rushed in her mind. She saw herself in her home. Tortured, assaulted and finally killed by Voldemort himself. She gasped as her eyes filled with tears.

"I am sorry to have had to show you that, but it is necessary. There is more. A prophecy was made, within the Department of Mysteries on the day of my birth. The prophecy of the Prophesied One. Have you heard of this Prophecy?"

Amelia wiped her eyes and shook her head.

"No, but I remember hearing of this Prophesied One. Wasn't he mentioned in The Predictions of Tycho Dodonus?"

"He was" Y/N chuckled "Both in the 'tourist' edition and the Secret edition that is less widely distributed. But I digress- the Prophecy from the day of my birth, may I share it with you?"

Amelia nodded.

"The protector of the chosen one arises
He will be marked through torture and pain.
Youngest of three and the sacrifice of the father
He will be stronger than even the Dark Lord
And will kill him when the chosen one cannot.
But he maybe even darker!
Only a single choice can decide his path.
Power for love or power for ambition
He alone can decide!"

Amelia sat and absorbed his words.

"I am the youngest of three sons. My father sacrificed himself to try and save me as a baby. He was killed as part a ritual conducted on me. You heard at the time I was brutally tortured. The truth was far, far worse than that. I was made an Archon Amelia!"

Her eyes widened. She had thought archons as fantasy.

"I was marked through torture and pain. I was a hatstall at my sorting. I was offered Slytherin or Gryffindor. Power for ambition or power for love. I chose love. Love for my dear sweet Lady Granger. I am the Prophesied One Amelia. I am the one who will kill Voldemort!"

Amelia's head was spinning. She desperately tried to process these revelations as Y/N smiled.

"He will return Amelia. Soon. It is fortold by God himself!"

More memories flew into her head. Rookwood's murder, the seals, Lilith, the Apocalypse. Lucifer. Y/N continued.

"Voldemort fancies himself a god, but he is merely a pawn in a larger game. Very few people know what I have told you. But there is yet more. I must show you something. Take my hand and learn the truth!"

Amelia held out her hand and felt herself apparate.  She opened her eyes and looked around stunned. She was in a large hall, a beautiful large portrait at each end. At least a hundred people were in the room, all bowed on one knee. She looked stunned at the sea of bodies surrounding them. Y/N released her hand as she wandered among them.

"Chaira Lobosca? Evie Frye? Your missing posters... you were... these are the disappeared? And-"

He eyes widened in fear as she pulled her wand.

"Jackson Selwyn? Sirius Black?"

She prepared to fire stunning spells before Y/N was in front of her, the tip of her wand in his chest, his arms raised to signify he was no threat.

"Move Y/N!"

Y/N smiled, pushing her wand further into his chest as he stepped forward.

"There is more for you to see Amelia. I need you to trust me once more and lower your shields"

Amelia hesitated before nodding. Suddenly she saw Jackson arrive home to find his wife dead, Marvolo Malfoy's hands still around her throat. She saw Peter Pettigrew fire a spell killing 12 muggles before shifting into a rat and escaping, Sirius arrested in shock.

She looked forward stunned.

"Innocent... you're both innocent!"

"They are Amelia. And as for the disappeared, they are my Phoenix Bearers. An army formed in secret to combat Voldemort, the Death Eaters and the Knights of Merlin! They came to me. Pledged their loyalty and were accepted into a new family. Come, there is much for you to see."

Y/N walked her through the manor, Amelia was stunned. There were warriors training, but there was also children playing, elderly being cared for, families.

"This is incredible Y/N. You did all this?"

"With the help of others. My loyal team of free elves, my initial Bearers. Our numbers continue to swell Amelia. The downtrodden, the abandoned... useless eaters I believe Cornelius referred to them. Many would have fled to Voldemort's service out of fear. Now they stand against him. I have already secured the loyalty of the Spartan and Bulgarian Ministries. I am due to meet with MACUSA in November. We will win this war, I assure you!"

Amelia stopped as they watched some Bearers train in a courtyard.

"Cornelius was right wasn't he? The Punisher, the Dark Lord, the secret meeting. It was all you!"

Y/N smiled and chuckled.

"Ironically one of the first times he was right. But I assure you every one of the Punisher's victims was a Death Eater or a Knight, despite the public facade they employed."

They reached the great hall again and Amelia turned to Y/N.

"This is all incredible Y/N... but why show it to me? You know who I am! What I'm compelled to do. What now?"

"It's up to you what happens now Amelia. You can have these people put in Azkaban for life. Make Fudge's wet dreams come true and give him reason to execute me for treason. But I don't think you will do that."

Y/N stepped closer to her as she stood there thinking. Her head was spinning. Down was up, up was down- her whole worldview had been shattered and the cold hard truth of reality slapped her in the face.

"Why is that?" She asked, looking up at the young Lord.

"Because I blew open doors for you that were already partway open. You're an intelligent, powerful woman. Strong, resilient but blindly idealistic. You wanted to believe in the lies of the Ministry, in the ideals it is supposed to uphold. But you knew deep in your heart something was very wrong" Y/N said solemnly.

"Well given what you've shown me I have to do what you say or I'll die won't I?"

"No Amelia!" Y/N said lifting her hand and opening it. He pulled something from his pocket and placed it in her open palm before closing her hand and releasing it. She looked down and asked in confusion.

"A golden snitch?"

"Modified, by a brilliant man. You simply press the button on top to record a message and once done hold it and say my name. The Snitch will fly to me and I will apparate to its source. If you want to insert a message press the button on the bottom and it will open. But for the vision- just say my name and release, I will come to you instantly. I will not let you die! Regardless of the choice you make here today!"

Amelia looked at Y/N relieved but puzzled.

"Choice? What do you want from me?"

Y/N smiled.

"Join me Amelia. Join the Phoenix Bearers. Swear fealty to me and take my mark. We are on the right side of history. Join us. We will win Amelia. The old prejudiced and discriminatory ways will die and the Ministry will be reformed in our image. Of equality. Of freedom. Join us Amelia. Make our fight your fight!"

Amelia looked down. She thought about everything she had been shown. All the lies she had forced herself to believe. She let go of her fear.

"I do. I swear fealty to you Lord L/N. I will join the Phoenix Bearers!"

The room broke out in celebratory cheers. Y/N smiled as he held his hand to the side- a blue ball of flame emanating from it and turning to into a Phoenix that raised and glided towards Amelia, passing through her. She felt a tingle in her chest. Y/N smiled.

"Your loyalty has been proven. You have taken my mark. Welcome to your new family Amelia. You won't want to check it now, for obvious reasons, but... Y/N unbuttoned and removed his shirt. Amelia was first shocked by the giant scar across his chest before she noticed the pale blue Phoenix on his pectoral, a skull in one claw and a dead snake in the other.

"Our mark. Voldemort never took his own mark. He saw it as a sign of dominance over his followers, my mark is a sign of unity between us all. Your lord is with you, leading you. Fighting for you, until all are one!"

"Til all are one!" The Bearers repeated in unison.

"Til all are one!" Amelia smiled. "What do I do now?"

"Go back to work. Back to your life. Watch for Fudge's machinations, I will apparate to your house when you need to report to me, all you have to do is summon me with the snitch. Jackson..."

Jackson walked up with a small pouch and handed it to Y/N with a bow. Y/N thanked him before handing it to Amelia.

"A dozen snitches, to be used when you need to contact me. You as a Bearer are free to apparate in and out of the manor. I thank you for your bravery, your name will
be written in glory when we live in true equality."

Amelia smiled before replying.

"I wonder what my colleagues would think of me if they knew?" Amelia said with a slightly saddened gaze.

"Listen to me" Y/N said as he approached closer, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"The disapproval of cowards is praise to the brave. Never forget that. Generations will thank you for your bravery!"

Amelia smiled and nodded and apparated.

"It's been a long week Jackson. I need to rest" Y/N chuckled to his second in command who nodded.

—~—

Y/N apparated to the front of the library and entered. 7:45pm, two hours and fifteen minutes until closing.

He smiled seeing Hermione sitting at a desk reading with Lavender and Adam on the other side, huddled up together reading a book.

Y/N kissed Hermione as he got to the table, her face lighting up.

"Looking hot again!" Lavender giggled, teasing Y/N. "Another business meeting?" Adam asked as he and Y/N shook hands.

"No, meeting with a top politician" Y/N said happily.

"Go well?" Hermione asked.

Y/N pecked her lips at the same time as he said

I've got the Head of Magical Law Enforcement in my back pocket. Amelia Bones is a Phoenix Bearer!

Hermione's eyes widened.

"You're joking?"

"Nope" Y/N chuckled.

"Did I miss something?" Adam asked puzzled.

"Oh he's a legilimens. They have whole conversations where they go from talking to thinking to talking... you get used to it!" Lavender giggled again.

Y/N looked at the big pile of books on the desk.

"So Dobby dropped these off?" He asked smiling.

"Yeah. Thank you again Y/N!" Lavender smiled.

"Yes thank you so much baby!" Hermione smiled returning to her book.

"No worries" Y/N smiled as he reached across for his copy of Ancient Curse Location Theory and started reading.