Hermione looked stunned at the man in front of her.

"He-Hello sir. It's lovely to meet you to-"

"Please my dear, call me Gellert. It is delightful to make your acquaintance. My dear grandson has told me so much about you" Gellert smiled charmingly, happily, as they shook hands before he pulled Y/N into a tight hug.

"I have missed you greatly grandson. Tell me how are you? I sense a weight on your shoulders. Allow your grandfather to help you lift it".

The three sat and talked, Hermione and Gellert getting to know each other and Y/N updating Gellert on the state of affairs in Britain.

"It's a state of undeclared war" Gellert said sadly. "A battle in the shadows where one side thinks nothing of wholesale slaughter to get closer to their aims".

Y/N nodded. Gellert looked down before placing a hand on Y/N's shoulder.

"You are a better man than me Grandson. You mourn your losses. It's what will make you a great leader. When I was leading my forces in the war I thought nothing of their deaths, as long as it served the greater good".

Y/N wasn't sure how to answer that statement. Gellert smiled before looking over to his future granddaughter-in-law.

"I sense there is something you wish to ask, Hermione?"

Hermione smiled, slightly looking down, before finally asking.

"I've read a lot about the war, about what you were said to be, to have done, Gellert. I'm just having a hard time reconciling that person with you, my boyfriends loving, supportive grandfather".

Gellert smiled.

"I'm a different man than I was. 50 years of reflection will do that. I make no excuses for who I was and what I did, but that is not who I am now. All I want now is to be a grandfather to my grandchildren, and if the fates allow a great grandfather... one day".

He chuckled at Hermione's blush.

"That reminds me grandson, Nippy's child is old enough now as promised".

Gellert got up and walked out of the drawing room before returning with a Dimorphodon on his arm.

"As promised, your grandfather's contribution to your project" Gellert smiled as the winged reptile flew over to Y/N's arm.

"Hmm. Your mother is Nippy, so you will be Gnasher" Y/N said with a smile.

Hermione looked at Y/N and cocked her head.

"Why does that sound familiar?"

Y/N smirked at his girlfriend.

"Beano. Gnipper and Gnasher were Dennis the Menace's dogs".

Hermione's jaw dropped at her boyfriend.

"How do you know about Beano?"

Y/N chuckled then smiled.

"When I first started staying with Penny and Dean, Penny would buy them every week and insist on me reading them. She wanted so bad for me to have some semblance of a normal childhood".

The three smiled before Gellert spoke up.

"Alas you are not normal grandson. You are destined for greatness. True greatness. The road to which is hard and paved with pain".

Y/N sighed and nodded before speaking again after patting Gnasher.

"Go now Gnasher, enjoy your new home and be at peace with the other creatures"

Y/N opened a portal to the Dark Creatures enclosure and Gnasher flew through. Y/N held it open and looked towards his grandfather.

"Grandad... all you have to do is step through. I can apparate you straight to the manor then to our home. You could live with us and-"

Gellert smiled, holding up a hand to stop his grandson's pleading.

"Thank you for the kind offer my dear sweet grandchild. But when Albus and I met and we discussed him allowing you to visit me here, I promised I wouldn't try and escape. I've lied to Albus before and I just can't do it again. Thank you for your generosity Y/N, but I just can't".

Y/N sighed and nodded, closing the portal. He was disappointed but understood. He knew his grandfather still loved Albus, and he was sure Albus still loved his grandfather.

The trio had an enjoyable evening chatting, Hermione and Gellert getting to know each other. Gellert smiled the whole time.

They spent the night before it was time to leave the next morning. Gellert smiled as Hermione approached him.

"It was wonderful to meet you my sweet girl. You are far too delightful for my grandson"

Y/N chuckled at his grandfather as the two hugged. Gellert whispered to Hermione:

"Y/N will suffer great loss this year Hermione. He will need you"

Hermione stepped back from the hug and looked in Gellert's eyes, nodding.

Y/N stepped forward next and embraced his grandfather tightly.

"The wolves are already inside the gates Y/N. There are enemies everywhere. Be careful".

It was Y/N's turn to nod.

The couple smiled and held hands, saying one last goodbye before apparating.

Ten minutes after their departure Gellert was stood staring out the large window to the grandiose view of the mountains in front of him. He felt a presence behind him and smiled.

"You summoned me grandfather?"

Gellert turned with a smile that was tinged with sadness.

"I've had another vision Jacob. We need to talk"

—~—

Y/N and Hermione arrived at their next destination. Hermione looked around stunned as she placed Crookshanks down, he happily walked next to the couple. Na-Hath who had been perched on Y/N's shoulder flew off to stretch his wings.

Hermione took in the foreign looking attire, the medieval looking buildings and was about to speak when the couple were noticed.

"Lord L/N!" "Lord L/N!"

Men, women and children in the street bowed deeply as the couple walked along a long road, heading towards a large palatial complex.

"Where are we baby?" Hermione asked, smiling at the bowing people. Y/N smiled.

"Hermione, my love, this is Sparta"

—~—

The couple entered the large throne room as a voice called out:

"Presenting Lord Y/N L/N, the Orc Slayer of Sparta, and his Grand Consort, Lady Hermione Granger"

Hermione was amazed as the entire court, including who she assumed was the King and Queen, stood before bowing deeply at their presence.

The couple continued forward passed bowed heads, until they reached the throne.

"Welcome Orc Slayer, it is our pleasure to see you in Sacred Sparta again" the king smiled.

Y/N bowed before replying.

"My King and Queen, I thank you for seeing us on such short notice"

"You are always welcome in Sacred Sparta, dear Y/N" the Queen smiled brightly, causing Y/N to bow again.

"What was the purpose of your visit today Orc Slayer?" The King asked with a smile.

"Simply to introduce my beautiful Grand Consort to your highnesses. King Themistocles, Queen Gorgo, allow me to introduce my beautiful Grand Consort, Lady Hermione Granger. Lady Granger this is Themistocles, King of Sparta and his Queen Lady Gorgo".

Hermione bowed with a smile.

"Do you plan on staying long Slayer?" The king asked.

"Just overnight my King. It was merely a passing visit to introduce my Lady"

"You will of course stay in the castle then. But may I suggest a trip to Plataea? There is something there I would very much like you both to see" Themistocles smiled.

—~—

Y/N and Hermione were sat in their carriage with a Spartan soldier as Y/N was growing more impatient.

"It's been an hour, how much longer? I could have apparated us there and been back by now" he mumbled.

"Baby, lets just enjoy the coach ride hey? We never get to do things like this" Hermione giggled.

"Yeah, ok. Sorry love. Not good at sitting still, be better if he wasn't here" Y/N said motioning to the Spartan across from them.

"Well I missed you too" Astinos chuckled, causing Y/N to grin.

"Is he always this impatient my Lady?" Astinos asked a giggling Hermione.

"No, he's usually much worse" Hermione giggled.

—~—

The horse drawn coach arrived and pulled up to a stop.

"This is where we were stationed love. Plataea. This was Astinos and my battleground. This is where we lost brothers" Y/N added sadly.

Hermione rubbed Y/N's arm as Astinos spoke up.

"Each of of them received a beautiful death Y/N. It was the greatest honour they could receive. I pray to the fates that I receive one one day"

Y/N nodded at his friend as he opened the door and stood, holding a hand after exiting to help Hermione down. They turned to look around and Y/N's mouth dropped. So did Hermione's. Astinos smiled.

"Our king has been busy".

Two statues, each a hundred foot and made of bronze stood, wands in hand, glaring towards the east. One was a perfect likeness of Y/N. The other was recognisably Leonidas.

"What in the name of my ancestors?" Y/N whispered.

There were lines of people around the base of the statues- Astinos pointed to them.

"Spartan men, women and children come daily to give thanks. The Orc Slayer, scourge of the pale Orc, ender of the incursions. Come my friend".

—~—

Y/N had been understandably blown away. The couple spent the night in Sparta, a royal banquet being held in their honour. They returned to Britain the following day.

They visited the Romany, feasting with the people and Hermione being introduced.  Y/N and King Vano formed a formal alliance between the Archduke and the Romany Nation.

They then visited the Goblin Castle. They entered the throne room holding hands as Y/N spoke directly to Hermione.

Follow my lead.

Hermione nodded.

"Archduke, it pleases me greatly to see you again" King Farnor smiled showing his pointed teeth. "As well as your good self Lady Granger, may I say you are far too beautiful for this blood stained warrior"

Y/N smiled and nodded, Hermione doing the same.

"I thank you for seeing us good king. May I say my Queen you are far more ravishing than I remember" Y/N smiled and bowed.

The Queen chuckled.

"Always the charmer young Lord. Each time I remind you flattery will get you nowhere"

"Yet neither do you ask me to stop fair Queen" Y/N smiled.

The King and Queen stood down from their thrones and approached the pair, the King extending his hand for Y/N to shake.

"Now the formalities are out the way, it is good to see you Y/N. How have you been?" He asked motioning the couple to an annex room. The couple followed as the four sat around a small table.

"I am good my king. The road remains perilous, and I lose many I love, but my Grand Consort keeps me on the path" Y/N smiled, locking his hand briefly with Hermione.

"Yours was never to be an easy path to walk Prophesied One. What can the Goblin Nation do for you?" Farnor asked.

"I come to ask you a favour good king"

"Go on" Farnor asked, puzzled.

"I have recently discovered this person has been skimming money from Gringotts accounts. An investigation from your end will close the loophole they used".

Y/N spoke with sincerity as he slipped a piece of paper to the king, who read the name and slipped it back.

"I thank you for bringing this to our attention, but I fail to see the favour".

"I will cover the amount of money they have pilfered, but I ask their punishment be left to me. I've had a vision, and I will need to... have them at my mercy in the near future".

Farnor looked at his Queen before looking back to Y/N.

"You will cover all the amount that has been pilfered from my bank, plus 10% for interest. And you give me your word they will be punished".

"I do and gratefully accept your generous offer my king".

The King nodded and held out his hand, sealing the deal.

"If they cross the Goblins again I will take matters into my own hands" the King sneered.

"If they are stupid enough to they deserve it good king" Y/N chuckled.

—~—

Following a busy few days Y/N and Hermione apparated home. They caught up with their babies, who had been sent back prior to the visit to the Goblins, and sat at their outdoor setting.

"Spend the night at home before turning back in the morning love?" Y/N asked.

Hermione smiled and nodded.

"Are you sure you don't mind if-"

"Of course not darling" Hermione smiled as she cut Y/N off. "He's your brother of course I don't mind".

Y/N nodded and unsheathed his wand, tapping it on the sigil on his left forearm. It only took a few moments before Jacob appeared in front of the couple worried.

"Y/N is every- whoa"

He cut himself off as he looked at the house in front of him.

"Hey Jacob. Welcome to Hermione and my home. Sorry to bother you, just wondering if you wanted to join us for dinner?"

—~—

Y/N and Jacob were stood at the outdoor barbecue, cooking, while Hermione set the outdoor table.

"I still can't believe you made this Y/N. I mean look at it, you built a bloody house. It's incredible".

"Thanks Jacob" Y/N smiled. He towered over his eldest brother now but still looked up to him. His praise, whenever received, filled Y/N with a joy he couldn't explain.

"I'm so proud of you Y/N. The house, the Lordship, the Phoenix Bearers, Hermione. How you've just come into your own as a man. Dad would be so proud of you. I'm so proud of you".

Y/N felt himself breaking and didn't want to show it.

"Mind getting me a beer while I flip these steaks Jacob?" Y/N asked. Jacob smiled and nodded.

He entered the house and walked to the kitchen, getting two beers out of the fridge as Hermione was finishing a salad.

"Having a good time out there?" Hermione asked smiling. Jacob nodded.

"Just seeing the pair of you, in a happy home like this. I'm so happy for the both of you Hermione. You're the best thing that ever happened to my brother. Don't ever let him forget it" Jacob chuckled.

"Oh don't worry I won't" Hermione giggled as she took the last salad out.

The three of them sat in the early evening sun, having a happy family dinner, not a care in the world. It was a welcome and well deserved reprieve.

—~—

Y/N and Hermione apparated back to Hogwarts after time turning. They went to the library first where Hermione was greatly relieved her apology was accepted by Madam Pince, on the condition 'it never happen again'.

The couple went to dinner where there had been lots of whispers and glances but Hermione did her best to ignore them. She felt much better the following morning when Susan had received a howler in front of the entire hall.

"How dare! How Dare you insult the Grand Consort like that. I AM ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTED AND OUTRAGED. The Ministry is in a precarious enough situation at the moment and for the niece of the Head of Magical Law Enforcement to insult the Grand Consort of the Archduke. I cannot believe you would be so rude and foolish Susan. I have never been so disappointed in you. Stay away from the pair of them and you better apologise. TODAY!"

The Holwer ripped itself to pieces and Susan ran from the hall in tears.

—~—

Following that day's classes Harry and Ronald had sat down in the common room to do their divination homework with Lavender.

They had made a number of predictions, each more ghastly than the last, and were certain the crazy Professor would like them.

It was while the three were sitting there that Crookshanks wandered over and stared inscrutably at the trio, rather like Hermione would if she knew they weren't doing their homework properly.

"Crooky stop, you're making me feel guilty" Lavender said partially whiny, earning a meow from the cat.

It was at this point the couple entered the common room, hand in hand, Hermione with a big smile on her face.

Hermione held a parchment in her free hand, and Y/N a box whose contents rattled in his free one. Their other two hands being, of course, interlocked.

"Hello" Hermione smiled brightly. "I've just finished".

"So have I" Ron said triumphantly, throwing down his quill.

Y/N and Hermione sat across from the trio in their usual seats as Y/N pulled Ron's parchment over.

"Not going to have a good month are you?"     Y/N chuckled as Hermione stroked Crookshanks lovingly, the cat having settled in her lap.

"Ah well, at least I'm forewarned" Ron yawned.

"You seem to be drowning twice" Hermione giggled, also looking over the parchment.

"Oh am I?" Ron asked. "Better change one of them to getting trampled by Hippogriffs".

"It almost seems unfair that I'm nose to the grindstone with Firenze and you lot are goofing off with Trelawney" Y/N chuckled.

Lavender looked down guiltily while Harry changed the subject.

"What do you have there?" He asked the couple, Hermione's face lighting up. She lifted the lid to show about fifty badges of all different colours. The all contained the same letters: S.P.E.W.

"Spew?" Harry asked puzzled.

"Not spew" Hermione said impatiently. "S.P.E.W. The Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare"

"Never heard of it" Ron chuckled.

"Well of course you haven't. I've only just started it" Hermione answered matter of factly.

"So proud" Y/N chuckled, kissing Hermione on the cheek, sending her pink again.

"So how many members have you got?" Lavender asked.

"Five. If you three join" Hermione smiled.

"When... you three join" Y/N added, not as pleasantly.

Ron and Harry gulped. This was one of those Y/N 'requests' that was a request in name only.

"I was going to call it Stop the Outrageous Abuse of Our Fellow Magical Creatures and Campaign for a Change in their Legal Status... But Y/N pointed out it wouldn't fit" Hermione giggled.

Lavender smiled.

"Good call big guy".

Hermione brandished the piece of parchment at them.

"I've been researching it thoroughly at the library. Elf enslavement goes back centuries. I can't believe no one's done anything about it. I mean your family has always opposed it baby but-"

"We've had other fights on our hands, like your rights" Y/N said sadly to Hermione who smiled at him.

"Can't wait to burn it all to the ground" Y/N muttered darkly, the three friends exchanging slightly worried glances.

"Hermione. Open your ears... They. Like. It. They like being enslaved!" Ron huffed.

Before Hermione could reply Y/N smashed his hand on the table.

"Because they've been brainwashed for centuries Weasley. Every free elf I employ is grateful of their freedom, except Winky. Even she is coming around with counselling"

"Our short term aims-" Hermione started, trying to get the conversation back on track "-are to raise awareness of House Elf abuses and living conditions. Our medium term goals are to secure fair wages and working conditions. Our long term goals include changing the laws regarding their enslavement"

"And how do we do this?" Harry asked.

"Sleep with the Archduke?" Lavender asked giggling.

Hermione's mouth dropped. Y/N's eyes widened not expecting that. Ron and Harry looked down blushing.

"Sorry couldn't resist" Lavender chuckled. "Go on Hermione".

"Right. Um we start by recruiting members. I thought two sickles to join. That buys a badge. And the proceeds can fund our leaflet campaign. Y/N has volunteered to be in charge of memberships-"

Y/N smirked. "I can be very persuasive"

"Ron you're treasurer, Y/N will hand the money off to you. Harry you're secretary so you might want to note all this down. Lav I thought you could be vice-President?"

Lavender nodded and smiled at her best friend, Ron gulped, too scared to argue with the look Y/N was giving him while Harry heard Y/N in his head.

I'll note today Harry, and set you up with a quick quotes quill for our next meeting.

Harry nodded as Dobby appeared in the room.

"Letter for Mr. Potter. I'm afraid I can't deliver the reply. Padfoot has left the manor"

Y/N looked concerned to his chief of staff who nodded and disappeared. Harry opened the letter and was about to read aloud before Y/N stopped him, throwing up a silencing charm.

"Go on Harry"

Harry-
I'm flying north immediately. This news about your scar is the latest in a series of strange rumours that have reached me here. I'm sure it's connected to the battles Y/N has been facing. If it hurts again go straight to Dumbledore. Y/N told me he's got Mad-Eye out of retirement, which means he's reading the signs. Albus and Y/N are the only two you can rely on.

I'll be in touch soon. My best to Ron, Lavender and Hermione. Tell my nephew not to be angry at me. Keep your eyes open Harry. Stay close to Y/N.
Sirius.

"Coming back here?" Hermione asked, looking at Y/N worried.

"Fuck Sirius" Y/N said, rubbing his forehead. "Keep me posted Harry. If Padfoot wants to go off grid he's a hard man to track".

—~—

The next month passed surprisingly quietly. No hunts came up on Sam's radar. No signs from the Knights. Y/N was checking in daily but the Burrow remained clear, as did the boundaries imposed around the Grangers.

Y/N and Hermione continued with their noses to the grindstone which was just as well- all the fourth years had noticed a definite increase in the amount of work they were required to do. Professor McGonagall explained why, when the class gave a particularly loud groan at the amount of Transfiguration homework she had set. Well all except Y/N and Hermione anyway.

"You are now entering a most important phase of your magical education!" She told them, her eyes glinting dangerously behind her squared spectacles.

"Your Ordinary Wizarding Levels are drawing closer-"

"We don't take O.W.L.s 'til fifth year!" Dean Thomas yelled indignantly.

"Maybe not Thomas, but believe me, you need all the preparation you can get! Mr L/N and Miss Granger remain the only people in your year level who have managed to turn a hedgehog into a satisfactory pincushion. I might remind you that your pincushion, Thomas, still curls up in fright if anyone approaches it with a pin!"

Hermione, who had turned rather pink again, slapped Y/N's arm as he bellowed in laughter at the thought.

Harry and Ron were deeply amused (Lavender embarrassed) when Professor Trelawney told them that they had received top marks for their homework in Divinations. She read out large portions of their predictions, commending them for their unflinching acceptance of the horrors in store for them- but they were all less amused when she asked them to do the same for the following month. They were running out of catastrophes.

Meanwhile Rowan had them writing weekly essays for History of Magic, each week focusing on a different century of European events.

Snape and Penny were forcing them to research antidotes. Well Penny had suggested it happily, Snape had hinted he would be poisoning one of them before Christmas to ensure their antidote worked.

Professor Flitwick asked the class to read three extra books in preparation for summoning charms. As Y/N and Hermione both knew the Accio spell and had read the books he gave them a different list to read.

Even Hagrid added to their workload. The Blast-Ended Skrewts were growing at a remarkable pace since Y/N discovered what they liked to eat. Hagrid was delighted.

Y/N hadn't been at Magical Creatures for a couple of weeks, until he returned from the forest one lesson, calling out.

"Got him Hagrid. He's in the Reserve".

"Well done Y/N. Was he happy to see you?" Hagrid bellowed out as Y/N raced over to be swamped by Skrewts.

"Greeted me like an old friend Hagrid".

Hagrid smiled and turned to the rest of the class, suggesting as part of their project that they come down to his hut alternative evenings to observe and feed the Skrewts.

"I will not" said Draco flatly. "I see enough of these foul things during lessons thanks".

He grew a look of fear looking at Y/N and was relieved that he appeared not to hear, being too busy playing with dozens of Skrewts that were rushing him.

Hagrid though chuckled.

"Yeh'll do wha' yer told" he growled "or I'll be takin' a leaf outta Professor Moody's book... I hear yeh make a good ferret Malfoy".

The Gryffindors roared with laughter. Draco flushed with anger but remained silent, Lavender patting Hermione on the shoulder and pointing to Y/N shaking her head.

Y/N appeared to be being crowd surfed by a couple of dozen Skrewts.

After lesson they walked back towards the Main Hall for morning tea. They saw a sign high up on the door that Y/N read out to them.

TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT
The delegations from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving at 6 o'clock on Friday 30th of October. Dinner will be postponed for an hour and students will return their belongings to their dormitories and assemble at 5:45 in front of the castle, in their robes, to greet our guests before the Welcoming Feast.

"Eight days. That's only eight days" Hermione said, sounding frantic as Y/N pulled her into a hug, looked into her eyes and the two apparated.

The three friends looked at each other before heading into the main hall where the pair were sitting. Y/N had his arms around her, rubbing Hermione's back. Lavender sat on the other side of her and cuddled her from the other side.

"You ok 'Mione?" Lav asked tenderly.

Hermione sat up, wiped her eyes and nodded.

"Yes, just... I'm fine thanks Lav".

Y/N glanced at Lavender. She could see the guilt in his eyes.