Y/N apparated to his dorm. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon so it was no surprise it was empty. He stripped completely before wrapping a towel around his waist and walking to the boy's bathroom.

He stayed under the hot water for about 20 minutes, trying his best to let the water wash away the last few days. Trying not to blame himself for his Bearers. Trying to push everything out that had been rolling around his head.

He got out and dried quickly, going to the shelf where he kept his toiletries. He brushed his teeth, slicked his wet hair back and shaved the stubble on his throat. He dabbed aftershave and looked in the mirror as he smiled. Appearances were everything.

He walked back to the dorm with the towel round his waist, he needed another to dry off properly and get dressed.

He rubbed his eyes as he walked in the dorm- He needed sleep, before he opened his towel to drop it.

"Wow" he heard a feminine voice behind him exclaim and his mouth dropped in shock.

"Susan? What the hell are you doing in here?"

He quickly wrapped the towel around himself before turning, he was furious.

Susan Bones looked at him with a gaze between astonishment and hunger from where she sat on Neville's bed. Her eyes went wide as she looked at his muscles, wet and defined. His scars, his tattoo on his chest, his six pack and the v leading to his-

"Susan? What the Hell are you doing in here?" Y/N asked again, even angrier.

"Neville and I came up to work on our Herbology assignment. He said it was ok" she said as she smiled, her cheeks bright pink.

"Well it's not!" Y/N scowled at Neville who gulped. "If you would excuse me"

Susan got up, took in Y/N again, before she left smiling. Neville apologised profusely before shooting out as well.

Y/N slammed the door and magically locked it yelling "Fuck!" as he did.

Mother is not going to be happy. Na-Hath whispered to Y/N.

"Tell me about it buddy" Y/N replied.

He dressed in shorts and a shirt before checking the note on Na-Hath's leg.

Library 💖💖💖

Y/N smiled before sighing.

"She is gonna flip".

He held his arm out and Na-Hath flew over before he apparated.

—~—

Hermione was sitting in the library with Lavender and Harry. Ron had decided not to finish his work when an offer to go to the Black Lake came up from Dean and Seamus.

Hermione got slightly giddier the closer it got to 1pm. She had only been away from Y/N for three hours but it felt like three weeks. Lavender smiled at Hermione's faraway expression.

"Three guesses what... or who, you're thinking about" Lavender chuckled.

Hermione smiled from the empty space she was staring into.

"Sorry Lav, I just hope what Sam had planned helped him. He was so distant the last week. Not like him at all."

Not long after Na-Hath flew into the library, bringing a note for her. She lovingly patted the Phoenix, before writing a note back and the Phoenix squawked and flew off.

The next twenty minutes were hard for her to focus on anything but her building anticipation, that was until someone who made her skin crawl walked into the library.

Susan walked into the library with Neville, smirking as she saw Hermione. Hermione's hand instinctively went to her wand before Lavender reached across and squeezed her it.

"Hey, whoa. She's just a dumb bitch. Ignore her" Lavender said with a chuckle.

Hermione looked at her best friend and sighed, nodding. Susan rushed over to the other Hufflepuff girls who were set up on the other side of the study area. They sat there whispering, giggling and glancing over as Hermione tried to ignore them.

It was another ten minutes before she saw him appear in the library with Na-Hath on his arm. She smiled as she stood to greet him. He rushed over and she was taken back as he pulled her into a passionate kiss, entering her mouth with his tongue. Hermione moaned into the kiss. They parted breathless and Hermione gasped "baby" as Y/N pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her from the ground as he lovingly held her in his tight embrace.

"You ok?" She asked him quietly as she was gently lowered to the ground.

"Long hunt. Hard hunt. Just needed to feel you again".

They stood, still in the embrace, as Y/N held Hermione tight, leaning down as his face pressed into her neck, inhaling her scent.
Hermione held him back, gently rubbing his back. She didn't know what had happened but it obviously affected Y/N. After nearly a minute they sat as Y/N threw up a silencing charm.

"Everything ok mate?" Harry asked as he and Lavender look at Y/N with concern.

"Spent the last four days in a muggle nuthouse, hunting a Wraith. It was a Legendary Creature from the First Age, but it was a monster. It poisoned Sam and I, literally sent us insane. It was a close call" Y/N explained.

Lavender and Harry both looked at Y/N wide eyed, Hermione sympathetically.

"I think it would be easier to show you and-"

Y/N paused, looking at Lavender and Harry as if considering something.

"I'm going to share the hunt with you both. I trust you both. Harry we've... we've come a long way from last year. I think it's about time for you to see what it's really like out there. What it's like to face these things. What's coming when Lord Fuck-Knuckles returns."

Before anyone could reply Y/N had mentally shared his memories of the hunt with the three of them. He watched the reactions on his friends' faces as they processed his memories, his thoughts, his emotions. He heard a quiet:

"Bitch" from next to him.

"She's a nymphomaniac love its not her fault. Nothing happened" Y/N whispered as he kissed Hermione on the cheek, knowing who she was referring to.

He saw their eyes grow worried, then scared. They then looked at him shocked.

"It was hard to watch.... remember... whatever it was... just the memory. How did you push through Y/N?" Harry asked as he sat there stunned.

"You push through Harry. That's what strength is. You just push through" Y/N replied.

Hermione squeezed his thigh tight as she spoke softly.

"That's the first time you've shared with me... the pressure you're under baby. The burden you feel. Did you mean what you said to the imaginary doctor?"

Y/N swivelled to face Hermione. He lifted her chin with his finger to look him in the eyes.

"Every word my love. Everything is for you. I'm sorry I've been so distant. It's just been... a lot".

Hermione nodded and leant up, kissing him sweetly. The friends stared at Y/N awestruck before he spoke again.

"There is one more thing love. Just before, when I returned... Susan was-"

Y/N stopped as he saw fury rising in Hermione's eyes. He swore in his head.

"Go on" Hermione said calmly. Frighteningly calmly in fact. Y/N realised this must be what it's like when a lowlife realises they are looking at the Punisher.

"I'm not sure what happened. When I got to the dorm and stripped it was empty. I got back in after the shower in my towel and she was working on something with Neville and-"

He stopped as Hermione shot up in fury and stormed over to the Hufflepuffs.

"Bones what the hell do you think you're doing?" Hermione yelled, shocking everyone.

Susan turned to Hermione and was shocked, stammering back-

"I'm talking with my friends and-"

"Don't give me that rubbish. Flirting with MY boyfriend, touching MY boyfriend and now manipulating Neville into taking you to MY boyfriend's dorm!"

Susan suddenly looked very guilty. The Hufflepuff did not have a good poker face.

"Nev-Neville asked me and-"

"Oh bullshit. Neville is sweet and kind and shy and suddenly he's inviting girls from other houses into his dorm?"

Hermione raised her finger.

"You stay the hell away from MY boyfriend! He's got enough on his plate without some crazy bitch sniffing around him!"

Y/N came up and gently placed a hand on Hermione's arm.

"Baby. It's ok. I think she gets it. But it's the library love and-"

Hermione looked around. The whole library had stopped stunned and was staring. Madam Pince stood shocked- eyes and mouth wide open. Hermione looked back and narrowed her eyes at Susan.

"Come on love, let's go sit down and get some work done" Y/N said calmly, affectionately.

Hermione looked at her lover and smiled, nodding, they turned to leave when Susan muttered to Hannah Abbott.

"Looks like he's already got a crazy bitch"

Hermione shot round, wand drawn, pointed straight at Susan's face.

"Whoa" Y/N said quickly lowering her arm, putting himself between the two- not to protect Susan but to protect Hermione from doing something she would regret. He turned to Susan, his eyes darkening.

"You dare talk about my girlfriend that way. My Grand Consort. My Hermione... you are very lucky I respect your Aunty so much. Do not push it again!"

His voice was calm, yet the tone still sent a shiver up many spines present in the library.

He turned back to a furious Hermione and smiled.

Let's go for a walk to the Black Lake baby. Just us.

Hermione smiled and nodded- Y/N waved his hand and her gear had packed itself into her bag which shrunk into his pouch.

The pair walked out hand in hand after saying goodbye to Lavender and Harry, and passed Beatrice and Cedric who were walking in. Bea took one look at Hermione and asked:

"What's wrong?"

"Ask Lav. I just saved the life of one of your fourth years. Next time I won't" Y/N spoke to his sister in law. He appeared calm but the Hufflepuff couple could tell he was seething.

—~—

Y/N and Hermione were walking alone the shore of the Black Lake. They were hand in hand as they walked slowly, enjoying the crisp air and sunshine.

"You ok baby?" Y/N asked sweetly.

"Yes, thank you love. Just she... I'm sorry if I embarrassed you" Hermione replied, anger still in her voice.

Y/N stopped and gripped her waist.

"Embarrassed me? Are you kidding? Seeing you get all hostile... fighting over me... I'm not gonna lie... it was hot" Y/N smirked, causing Hermione to giggle as they kissed.

They approached a large rock and sat down, looking at the water. Y/N wrapped his arm around Hermione as her head leant on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry babe" Y/N said, looking at the murky water.

"What for love?" Hermione asked puzzled.

"I'm sorry I've been distant. I'm sorry I've been worrying you. I'm just... I'm sorry to have put stress on you love. Do you forgive me?"

Hermione smiled and cupped his cheek.

"There's nothing to forgive. Do you forgive me for going crazy in the library. Madam Pince will probably ban me for life" She added suddenly saddened.

"I don't think so love. Pincy loves you. We'll apologise to her later on, but... I had a thought"

"What's that love?" Hermione asked.

Y/N smiled.

"What do you say to us disappearing for a while baby? Just the two of us. Go home tonight. Visit some of my friends and allies over the next few days. Just the two of us get away? How does that sound? We'll then "reappear" back here at dinner?"

Hermione looked at Y/N... and smiled.

"That sounds amazing baby. Just the two of us. Do you think it would help you?"

"I think so baby. I've just been... running... from one fight to the next you know. Haven't had time to catch my breath. I really feel like I need to just... stop. With you. Away from everything and just process. Does that make sense?"

Hermione smiled tenderly as she stroked her lover's face. He carried so much tension in that face, which had just intensified over the last week. Hopefully this would help to break it.

"It does darling. So where do we start?"

"Let's go see Albus. Let him know and then let's go home. See our people and then rest with our babies for a little while."

Hermione nodded and the couple kissed before apparating.

—~—

Albus was at his desk working when he smiled, feeling a presence in front of him he did not have to look up to identify.

"Y/N, Ms Granger. How are you both?"

"Albus, Headmaster" came the replies.

Albus chuckled. None but Y/N could appear in his office so silently or effortlessly.

"Please take a seat. Tell me how was Ghoul Studies? I need to see Sam but I fear he has left already."

Y/N chuckled causing Albus to look up from his paperwork.

"You could say that. We are currently being detained in a muggle asylum for..."

Y/N looked up in thought.

"Hang on I've got this.... paranoid schizophrenia, narcissistic personality disorder and religious delusions. That was it. We'll be there until late Wednesday evening. Sam's crashing at Bobby's after 11pm if you need him."

Albus stared at Y/N before nodding.

"That was an impressive diagnosis. What did you have to concoct for that Y/N?"

Y/N chuckled.

"The truth. Hunting. Turns out to be a Wraith. It was.... a difficult hunt Albus. Just wanted to let you know Hermione and I are disappearing for a while. We need some time alone with everything. Go see some friends. Process..."

"Grieve?" The Headmaster asked kindly.

Y/N nodded.

"It will be discreet but we just have to take some time. We will timeturn back this afternoon".

Albus nodded.

"Also there was an incident in the library. Just in case Madam Pince was upset. I'm sure it will be ok but-"

"What did you do?" Albus chuckled.

"Actually it was me Headmaster. Susan Bones has been... making advances towards Y/N and I got a bit.... upset. I'm terribly embarrassed about it" Hermione said regretfully.

The Headmaster was shocked but chuckled.

"I'm sure all is fine Ms Granger. Both of you enjoy yourselves and I'll see you later this afternoon".

The couple smiled, Y/N communicating Na-Hath to get Crookshanks to go to his dorm, where he opened a portal for their four babies to come through. Y/N and Hermione held hands and disappeared from the Headmaster's office with their children.

—~—

The couple and their magical menagerie arrived in their living room and both smiled at each other.

"It's nice to be home" Y/N grinned at Hermione. She giggled back.

"It is. Cuppa?"

Y/N nodded and opened the patio doors, letting the cool afternoon breeze flow into the house. He walked out towards the outdoor setting only to hear squawks and howls of excitement. Hati and Buckbeak had caught sight of him.

"Hey guys" he called out as they bounced over.

"Hey.... hey.... ea-"

It was no use. He was on the floor. One side of his face covered in direwolf saliva, the other nudged by a hippogriff beak.

It took a while to calm the pair, Hermione smiling as she exited with a tray of tea and once having placed it down, stroking both her giant babies lovingly.

"Mummy and Daddy missed you both as well" she smiled, Y/N still trying to magically clean wolf slobber off himself.

They sat for a while, enjoying the tea, enjoying the sunshine and enjoying the time with their kids. Y/N eventually spoke up.

"We're going on to sleep here tonight guys, but Mummy and I need to go to the big house for a while. Can you play here for a little bit?"

The creatures were happy to oblige and Y/N and Hermione walked from their cottage to the manor, hand in hand, enjoying the sunshine. Hermione looked over at the cows and sheep in the fields.

"Ohh aren't they adorable" she smiled.

"Don't get too attached love. It takes a lot to feed an army".

Hermione smacked Y/N's arm as he chuckled. They entered the manor and were noticed immediately- the Bearers dropping to a knee. The couple passed through, catching up with numerous people before Y/N ran into Jodie. She bowed before hugging him.

"How you holding up Y/N? I know you've been blaming yourself".

Y/N looked at her with a questioning gaze and she chuckled.

"I know you My Lord. We all do. It's why we all love you so much".

"Thanks Jodie" Y/N smiled. "I keep a brave face for my Bearers. A leader has to be strong. Tell me how's little Lilly? How's Evie?"

Jodie smiled.

"It's been a rough week, but come with me".

She led him along the medical hall and they stopped at the Potions lab and looked in the door. A big smile crossed Y/N's face. Evie and Lilly were hunched together, huddled over a Cauldron.

"Ok so three drops of boom boom berry juice. One two good job Lilly. Now we stir it again slowly until it..."

"turns green" Lilly answered happily.

"Excellent. Now we just let it stew for thirty minutes and you just made your first Wiggenweld potion Lilly. Great job" Evie gushed. The two hugged and Jodie whispered into Y/N's ear.

"She had a sleep over with Evie last night. I get the feeling she won't be staying with me for long. They're both hurting and are helping each other grieve."

Y/N smiled.

"That's adorable. I shouldn't disturb them. Tell them that-"

"Uncle Y/N!"

Lilly had caught sight of Y/N in the doorway and bolted over, hugging into him tightly. She barely made it up to his waist. He bent over and picked her up, hugging her tightly as she buried her tiny face into his neck. Y/N couldn't help but break out in a huge smile.

"Hi Lilly. I missed you too sweety. I wanted to see if you and Evie were ok"

"We're having lots of fun, Evie has taught me lots about potions and magic and Jodie and everyone have been so nice" Lilly smiled.

Y/N squeezed again before placing her down.

"Is Aunty Mione here?"

Y/N went to answer but caught himself.

"Uncle? Aunty?"

"Jodie said you would prefer it to Lord and Lady".

Y/N raised an eyebrow to a chuckling Jodie.

"Well she's right. If you like it you can call us that sweety. Whatever you like".

The pair smiled at each other as Jodie spoke.

"C'mon kiddo, I'll take you to find Aunty 'Mione, let Uncle Y/N and Evie catch up".

Lilly smiled as the two walked off and Y/N turned to Evie awkwardly. He was worried she would hate him.

"Hi Evie how are you-"

He was silenced with a bone crushing hug he returned, a comfortable silence falling over the room, with the exception of a quietly bubbling Cauldron.

—~—

Y/N was sitting at his outdoor setting with Hermione smiling. Lilly and Hermione had discussed 'the babies' and Lilly had come over to meet them. She was currently playing them all, giggling and laughing as Gizmo was running in circles.

"Did you ever have any pets Lilly?" Y/N asked.

"No but I always wanted a kitty" Lilly answered smiling before looking back to pat Crookshanks. Y/N looked to Hermione and smirked before apparating.

He appeared back five minutes later with a small box that was wrapped, he placed it gently on the table.

"Hey Lilly, could you please come here for a moment?" Y/N asked smiling as Hermione smiled with a look of intrigue.

Lilly did and smiled at the present.

"Is that... is that for me?" She asked barely able to hide her excitement.

Y/N and Hermione both smiled.

"It is. A present from both of us, but you need to open the box very very carefully ok" Y/N smiled.

Lilly nodded and did so, painfully slowly removing the bow and the wrapping. She opened the box as her face lit up in joy.

"Meow" a small blue kitten with a white stripe and grey spots meowed at the girl happily as Lilly picked her up.

Mama

Yes she is your mama Y/N whispered back to the kitten as he smiled at the young girl.

"Is it a boy or a girl? What's his name? Is he really for me? He's the most beautiful kitty I've ever seen, apart from you Crookshanks"

Lilly spoke a mile a minute. Y/N chuckled.

"She's a girl kitten. She's a Kneazle, a magical breed of cat. Crookshanks is half Kneazle and you are beautiful are you mate" Y/N chuckled, stroking Crookshanks who had jumped on Hermione's lap and meowed in agreement.

"She doesn't have a name yet, it's up to you. But remember the most important thing about pets Lilly, they are our companions, not our property. We don't own the animals, we take care of them, they provide us friendship".

Lilly smiled widely as she hugged and petted the kitten.

"I'll name you Daisy"

The couple smiled as Y/N spoke.

"She likes it"

"What do I do about food and toys and-"

"Everything you need is already at the manor. Cadbey is going to help you look after her, the same way she's been helping you ok sweety" Y/N smiled.

Lilly nodded and thanked the pair profusely before taking the kitten to play with the other 'babies'. Hermione cuddled into Y/N as he wrapped an arm round her.

"You're so good with her. I mean you're wonderful with Magical Creatures, and our babies, but to see you with a little girl... so paternal..."

Hermione smiled as she felt her cheeks warm.

"When I first saw you with her I forgot about everything, the battle, the worry, just seeing you holding her. Her cuddling into you, it just felt so...."

Hermione trailed off as she searched for the right word.

"Lady Granger... are you getting clucky?" Y/N teased gently causing Hermione to giggle as she took his hand she was holding and placed it on her abdomen.

"I mean obviously not for quite a while, but when we do, and I grow a little person, in here, that we made together... I just can't wait is all I'm saying".

Y/N smiled and kissed his love, hand still on her abdomen.

"Can't wait either baby. Although if you listen to Pam it might not be a long long time. Bloody woman was still chastising me in heaven"

The pair laughed together as they kissed before turning back to watch Lilly and the menagerie play.

—~—

They had had dinner in the great hall with the Phoenix Bearers before retiring to their home. Y/N had slept well for the first time in more than a week- in his bed, in his home, next to his love, before they woke the next morning.

Following a workout, a shower and breakfast. Hermione was picking out her clothes when she called out.

"Are we returning to Hogwarts today love?"

"Actually I thought we could go on a mini holiday babe? Introduce you to some old friends, spend some time, just us, before we timeturn back?"

"That sounds incredible baby. I'd love that" Hermione smiled.

Once they were dressed they said goodbye to the Bearers, to Lilly, to Sirius and Lupin and the House Elves and finally to Hati and Buckbeak.

Hermione held Crookshanks in her arms, Gizmo hid on Y/N's torso, Newt on one shoulder and Na-Hath on the other. As they held hands Y/N smiled.

"Close your eyes baby. Keep them closed after we've apparated until I tell you. I've got a little surprise for you".

Hermione smiled and nodded, leaning up to peck Y/N on the lips before closing her eyes. She felt herself apparate and then stood, eyes closed.

"Can I open them love?" She giggled.

"You can.... now"

Hermione's eyes blinked open before they widened at the smiling face looking back at her.

"Hello Hermione. It's an honour to finally meet you".