Inspiration

'You again?' said the disapproving voice of the matron. 'You've barely been back for 24 hours.'

'Yep, me again,' said Y/N, heaving himself onto one of the hospital wing beds and gingerly releasing the grip he'd had on the front of his robes, revealing the cut along his chest. 'To be fair, it was on a mission for Dumbledore this time.'

Madam Pomfrey raised an eyebrow at Maria who grimaced.

'I don't make the rules Poppy, I'm just here to bring him to you. But yes, this is technically Dumbledore's doing.'

Madam Pomfrey sighed.

'I'd be concerned but I've already seen you back from worse. Just don't make a habit of it.'

'If it makes you feel any better, I did also tangle with a Troll tonight. I just came out of it better this time.'

'Excuse YOU?' said a voice from behind him.

Ginny, Harry, Hermione, and Ron had just come hurrying into the room.

'Nice to see you too Ginny, also you're a prick,' said Y/N, adding the final part towards Ron.

'What did I do?' he said indignantly.

'This,' said Y/N, gesturing at his chest. 'Well, not technically you, but I can only blame you so-'

'It will make more sense once he's stopped being an idiot and actually tells you what happened in the tomb,' said Maria.

'I never stop being an idiot,' said Y/N.

'Well, you'd better had,' snapped Madam Pomfrey, 'before you moving around like that makes me miss a spell.'

Y/N did as he was told, allowing Madam Pomfrey to steadily glance over each of his new injuries, muttering a mix of incantations and reprimands under her breath.

The other gathered people stayed silent. Hermione slipped onto the bed next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist, but did nothing to impede the matron, and after about fifteen minutes, she straightened up.

'Nothing permanent, your hair had no root damage done, and the wounds on your shoulder were already somewhat cauterised.' She passed a bottle to Hermione. 'Apply that to his chest wound first thing, the rest should look after themselves. I don't need to keep you in. Feel free to rest here for a while though. Maria can't exactly be seen by most of the student body. Even coming down here was risky.'

'I was hardly going to let him do it by himself. I'm not saying I don't trust him, but I don't trust him.' Said Hermione

'Rude,' said Y/N.

Madam Pomfrey moved off, and his gathered friends approached.

'So, mind telling me why I'm a prick?' asked Ron.

'It's funnier if I don't,' said Y/N.

'If you don't, I will,' said Maria.

'You're no fun' pouted Y/N, before recounting his trip to the tomb, Spectral Snow's appearance, the riddle, and his first trial.

'Can't believe I hit you,' said Ron once his story was over.

'It was impressive,' said Y/N, 'but you've always had that strategic edge. Should have known you'd suspect something. Well... the fake you? You know what I mean.'

'And how's Eternus?' asked Hermione.

'They're fine,' said Y/N, withdrawing the small phoenix from his pocket, it gave a small quiet cry in greeting. 'Will need to grow up again, but it is a phoenix after all, don't think there's any way to permanently get rid of them. And if there is, Harry's clone certainly wouldn't have known it.'

'It always seems to lead back to Snow though,' said Ginny thoughtfully. 'I didn't think he'd be done so easily after last time, but here he is again.'

'He's a ghost though, what can he do?' said Harry.

'I don't know, and it bothers me,' said Ginny.

'I'm with Ginny here,' said Y/N, 'and so is Mum. We don't know why he's there or what he's capable of, and I don't like it. But what the tomb's hiding is just too valuable. We can't let it slip by.'

'What do you think you'll use it for?' asked Ron.

'I'll think of that once I get there,' said Y/N evasively. 'A healing spell or potentially counter to the killing curse wouldn't hurt, but I'll have to clear these trials first.'

'Well from what you said of the ritual, looks like the roughest one is down. The second is just wits,' said Hermione.

'Yes, but the third is an unknown, anything could be waiting for me in there,' said Y/N.

'You'll manage it fine, I'm sure. If tonight was anything to be shown, even against those you weren't meant to beat, you came out mostly on top,' said Maria. 'I'll need to head off, but I'll catch up with you soon Y/N, rest. Don't make Poppy tell you off.'

'Yeah of course,' said Y/N, heaving himself to his feet and moving over to hug his mother. 'See you soon, mum.'

Madam Pomfrey moved over to one of the windows and opened it. With a final nod to the six of them present, Maria vanished, turning instead into a pillar of black smoke, which twirled once around Y/N before shooting out of the open window.

'Guessing the enchantments won't stop her?' Y/N asked as Madam Pomfrey closed the window.

'The Headmaster has allowed certain people to pass in and out of the castle as needed, yourself and Maria are two of them. Now go on, off to bed with all of you. It's your first day back, classes will not wait for your trials to be done.'

'Yep, going,' grunted Y/N, his chest aching slightly as he turned and left with the other four.

'You finally got your revenge then?' asked Hermione once they were ascending the marble stairs back towards the Common Room. 'Finally beat that troll.'

'Funnily enough, it wasn't that difficult once I knew what I was doing. Their stupidity makes them easy targets. You four were worse. When you all work as a cohesive team, you're scary.'

'Still can't believe I'm the one who hit you though,' said Ron.

'You noticed Ginny walk one way then gesture another,' said Y/N. 'You've always had the strategical mind. Hermione trusted in her word; you questioned it because it went against what made sense. Summed you both up quite well, to be honest.'

They finished the ascent up and separated. Ron and Harry headed off towards the boys dorms and Ginny did for the girls, but not before glancing back over her shoulder.

'I know we give you slack, but I'm glad you made it back okay.'

'I had to get back to all of you,' said Y/N. 'I'm not letting you do this fight alone.'

Ginny smiled.

'I feel reassured already.'

She moved off and Y/N and Hermione ascended to their dorm.

Y/N heaved his robes off, turning to inspect himself in the mirror.

The cut along his chest was relatively deep but seemed healed over thanks to Madam Pomfrey. There were also several smaller cuts and wounds across his chest, but these too seemed to be fading almost as he looked at them.

'Not too bad all things considered,' he said, turning slightly to see the wound on his shoulder.

'You definitely looked worse when we first walked in,' said Hermione before she appeared behind him, snaking her arms around his waist and laying her face against his back. 'Madam Pomfrey does amazing work.'

'Not looking forward to the day we leave and I'm actually fighting out there,' said Y/N. 'No healer on call out there.'

'No, but you have Eternus at least.'

'True, you did good work today by the way,' said Y/N, scooping the bird out of the pocket of his now hung-up robes and dropping them on the small tray under their perch. 'Get some rest. I'll be needing you back and healthy for our next trip.'

The couple crawled into bed, Hermione draping herself to avoid the majority of his injuries before sighing and pulling herself into him.

'I'm glad you came back, the bed always feels so empty without you. I wasn't looking forward to potentially needing to sleep in it alone.'

'I dare say you'll survive-'

'No, no I won't,' said Hermione flatly.

'Bit dramatic.'

'Ah yes, because I'm the dramatic one in our relationship.'

'Well, I'm glad we both agree.'

'You realise I'm lying next to your injury, right?'

'I am well aware.'

'You're lucky I find your cocky attitude endearing,' giggled Hermione. 'Now get some sleep love, back to classes tomorrow.'

'Kind of wish I'd taken Runes further, hopefully the tomb doesn't get any more complicated. Night love.'

'Night Y/N.'

For the rest of the week's Potions lessons, Harry continued to follow his potions book's instructions wherever they deviated from the original. Y/N copied a few of the steps he spotted out the corner of his eye here and there, but Hermione adamantly refused. Whilst she wasn't stating how it must be cursed anymore, she still wasn't happy with being beaten with what she thought were cheats.

However, Harry's sudden exceptional skill at potion-making caught the eye of Slughorn, with the result that by their fourth lesson he was raving about Harry's abilities, saying that he had rarely taught anyone so talented.

Y/N had spoken to Hermione separately and the two of them had agreed that Harry's talent at beating them would only last for the one year. The potion book only covered sixth year, Y/N could personally guarantee that Harry was simply following the instructions, not remembering them, and when the time for NEWTs came around, Harry would feel the consequences of his little lie.

Harry had also told them of the name that was scribbled in the margins of the book, marking it as the property of "The Half-Blood Prince". Who this was, Y/N had no idea, but he didn't really like the sound of someone calling themselves a prince unironically unless they literally were one. Seemed a bit vain.

Apparently however, the "Prince" was not just a talented potion-maker, they had also invented their own spells and scribbled them across the book too.

He was telling them about some of these on Saturday evening, Ron listening eagerly, Y/N somewhat curiously, and Hermione pointedly ignoring them.

'It's five to eight, I'd better go, I'll be late for Dumbledore,' said Harry suddenly, glancing at his watch.

'Ooooh!' gasped Hermione, zoning in and looking up at once. 'Good luck! We'll wait up, we want to hear what he teaches you!'

'Hope it goes okay,' said Ron, and the three of them watched Harry leave through the portrait hole.

'So what is he going to be teaching Harry?' asked Ron innocently, turning to Y/N.

'We'll find out once he's back, won't we?'

'You do know though?' asked Ron.

'Maybe. Let's just wait and see.'

The hours ticked by, the three of them working quietly. Y/N on his work for Hagrid, Hermione on Transfiguration work, and Ron trying to read Hermione's essay upside down, she kept readjusting herself on Y/N's lap to hide from him.

Then, once everyone else had cleared off, the portrait hole swung up and Harry returned.

'Well?' asked Ron eagerly, the moment they saw who it was.

'Let him sit down first mate, come on,' said Y/N.

Harry sat, took a deep breath and then recounted his trip.

From his arrival in Dumbledore's study, to Dumbledore taking him into the pensieve. The trip down memory lane of a Ministry wizard who was investigating a case of out of school magic on some muggles with a family called the Gaunts. Marvolo, the father. Morfin, the son and guilty party. And Merope, the daughter and a seemingly innocent bystander.

Then, the appearance of a muggle, a muggle called Tom Riddle, and Merope's apparent infatuation with the boy, constant conversations in Parseltongue, and then the confession that Merope had done more than just watch the boy from afar, having tried to speak to him, followed by Marvolo's outrage.

The Ministry wizard, Ogden, had attempted to intervene as Marvolo assaulted his daughter and in retaliation, the Gaunts had attacked him, Ogden had been forced to bring reinforcements. And they took Marvolo and Morfin in by force, arresting them both.

But the names were what mattered. Marvolo Gaunt was Voldemort's grandfather. Tom Riddle, his name, shared with his father. And Merope.

'So, we know who his mother is now...' said Y/N slowly.

Then, Harry told them of his final conversation with Dumbledore. Dumbledore's idea that Merope used a love potion to force Tom Riddle to fall in love with her. Then the idea that one day she just stopped giving it to him, either believing he loved her deep down or simply wishing to let him go. And Tom Riddle left.

Marvolo returned to the cottage in between this and was unable to fend for himself. Having always been catered to and fresh out of Azkaban, he died before Morfin was released.

And then, finally, a ring Marvolo Gaunt had been wearing, showing his heritage to Salazar Slytherin, was not only now in Dumbledore's office, but was broken and cracked.

Y/N knew at once what this ring was. One of the destroyed Horcruxes, but as was now becoming painfully common, he kept that to himself.

'Well... that's not what I expected,' said Ron once he'd finished. 'I thought, spells or charms or something-'

'It is important though,' said Hermione. 'Knowing his heritage and past could give us an edge. I don't know how yet, but I imagine Dumbledore does. It must be important, or he wouldn't be showing Harry.'

'I guess so, suppose we'll have to see,' said Harry, stifling a yawn. 'Anyway, I've been talking for a while and need to sleep. Night all.'

With a wave, he left, Ron following not long after.

'So how long have you known that Dumbledore was going to be showing Harry stuff like that?' asked Hermione.

'Since about a week into the summer holidays,' said Y/N, 'but as you said, it must be important in some way. Or why else would he be doing it? To be honest, I'm just grateful for more ammo to insult Tommy boy with, I was running out of material.'

Hermione scoffed.

'Come on, we've got that Arithmancy essay to do tomorrow, we need to get some sleep.'

As the next week passed, Y/N did his best to push all nagging thoughts about the spectral Dominator lurking back in the ancient tomb.

He was already getting enough work between all of his classes that extra stress right now wasn't exactly welcomed. And with Eternus needing to regrow, he could hardly just make a day trip out of it.

Dumbledore summoned Y/N to his office the Monday after Harry's lesson and Y/N told Dumbledore everything that had happened, and he shared much of the same sentiment.

The risks were high, but the chance of actually being able to find and use the Auctor were too great. They couldn't afford to leave it.

With all of this floating somewhere in his subconscious, Y/N redoubled his efforts of classes, easily breezing through the non-verbal requirement on spells for Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts. The first two easily awarded both him and Hermione 10 points each, the latter politely ignored them.

Hagrid had been off during Y/N's future Care of Magical Creatures lessons, but having only Y/N seemed to put him in his stride after a while. He was able to dedicate his teaching entirely to Y/N, giving him hands on experience with the Diricrawl, teaching him how to feed and care for it. And after the third lesson he even asked when the trio would be joining Y/N in visiting him, and that they 'Bes' hadn' be feelin' too bad'.

All in all, it was a relief when the weekend hit and Harry told Y/N and Ron that he would be running Quidditch try-outs on the Saturday.

The quartet made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast that morning, sank onto the benches and tried to focus on their food.

'We'll need to go and see Hagrid after Quidditch try-outs,' said Harry. 'Explain it to him ourselves, but I think they're going to take all morning. Look at how many people have applied!'

He pushed the list across the table towards Y/N.

'Joys of being the Chosen One mate, probably doesn't help that they know I've been on the team too.'

'What do you mean?'

'Oh, come on, Harry,' said Hermione, suddenly impatient. 'It's not Quidditch that's popular, it's you! Both of you! You've never been more interesting, and frankly, you've never been more fanciable Harry.'

'Why me and not Y/N?' said Harry indignantly.

'Because I've been in a public, committed relationship for over three years now,' said Y/N.

'Everyone knows you've been telling the truth now, don't they? The whole Wizarding world has had to admit that you were right about Voldemort being back and that you've both really fought him twice in the last two years and escaped both times. And now they're calling you 'the Chosen One' and 'The Rising Phoenix' well, come on, can't you see why people are fascinated by you?'

Harry looked around quickly, his cheeks going slightly red.

'So much for the fame bothering him,' muttered Y/N.

'And you've been through all that persecution from the Ministry when they were trying to make out you were both unstable and liars. You can still see the marks on the back of your hand Harry, where that evil woman made you write with your own blood, but you stuck to your story anyway. And Y/N now has the tale of leaping from the Astronomy Tower to save his family. Plus being named as defeating Potley in the paper last year.'

'The simple fact is mate; people want to see us. There are some who will absolutely be there for Quidditch. But most, just want to see and talk to us. You probably more so.'

'You don't think they'll try and go for you either way?' asked Ron.

'I'll be watching in the stands to make sure they don't,' said Hermione darkly. 'So unless they want me to make Marietta look like a simple prank, they'd better leave him alone.'

'She's scary when she's like that...' said Ron weakly.

'She's hot when she's like that.'

The post owls arrived, swooping down through rain-flecked windows, scattering everyone with droplets of water. Most people were receiving more post than usual; anxious parents were keen to hear from their children and to reassure them, in turn, that all was well at home.

Harry and Ron both received their new copies of Advanced Potion-Making, in which Harry promptly replaced the covers on his new book with the old one from his "Prince" copy, and vice versa, stating that he would simply give the new book to Slughorn, so he could keep his revised version.

Hermione grimaced slightly but said nothing. Whilst still slightly jealous of the attention Harry was getting in Potions, she was trying her best to let it all slide.

It was made easier however, as a tawny owl landed in front of her, carrying that mornings Daily Prophet.

'Anyone we know dead?' asked Ron in a determinedly casual voice as Hermione unfurled the paper and scanned the front page, Y/N reading over her shoulder; he posed the same question every time Hermione opened her paper.

'No, but there have been more Dementor attacks,' said Hermione. 'And an arrest.'

'That's not an arrest, that's a scapegoat,' said Y/N.

'Who?' asked Harry.

'Stan Shunpike,' said Hermione.

'What?' said Harry, startled.

Hermione read the article.

Stanley Shunpike, conductor on the popular Wizarding conveyance the Knight Bus, has been arrested on suspicion of Death Eater activity.

Mr. Shunpike, 21, was taken into custody late last night after a raid on his Clapham home.

'Stan Shunpike, a Death Eater?' said Harry. 'No way!'

'I have to agree,' said Y/N. 'We met him on the Knight Bus last year didn't we? He didn't seem bad.'

'He might have been put under the Imperius Curse,' said Ron reasonably. 'You never can tell.'

'It doesn't look like it,' said Hermione, who was still reading. 'It says here he was arrested after he was overheard talking about the Death Eaters' secret plans in a pub.' She looked up with a troubled expression on her face. 'If he was under the Imperius Curse, he'd hardly stand around gossiping about their plans, would he?'

'It sounds like he was trying to make out he knew more than he did,' said Ron. 'Isn't he the one who claimed he was going to become Minister of Magic when he was trying to chat up those veela?'

'Yeah, that's him,' said Harry. 'I dunno what they're playing at, taking Stan seriously.'

'Y/N has the right of it I reckon,' said Hermione, frowning. 'They want to look as though they're doing something. People are terrified, you know-the Patil twins' parents want them to go home? And Eloise Midgen has already been withdrawn. Her father picked her up last night.'

'What!' said Ron, goggling at Hermione. 'But Hogwarts is safer than their homes, bound to be! We've got Aurors, and all those extra protective spells, and we've got Y/N and Dumbledore!'

'Wait... you put me up there?' said Y/N, his cheeks reddening slightly.

'Well, yeah? You're one of the best duellists in the school,' said Ron.

Y/N was stuck for words. That was one of the nicest things Ron had said to him, and it was unprompted...

'I don't think we've got Dumbledore all the time though,' said Hermione very quietly, glancing toward the staff table over the top of the Prophet. 'Haven't you noticed? His seat's been emptier than it has full this week.'

Harry and Ron looked up at the staff table. Even now, the headmaster's chair was indeed empty. Y/N kept his eyes down, pretending he was still lost in the compliment.

'I think he's left the school to do something with the Order,' continued Hermione in a low voice. 'I mean... it's all looking serious, isn't it?'

None of them answered, but Y/N knew that they were all thinking the same thing.

There had been a horrible incident the day before when Hannah Abbott had been taken out of Herbology to be told her mother had been found dead. They had not seen Hannah since.

The four of them finished eating and with a wave to Hagrid and a mouthed "we'll see you later", they made their way out and down towards the Quidditch pitch. Around halfway, a soft crunching behind them announced a new arrival as Ginny appeared at Y/N's arm.

'Morning!' she said brightly. 'Saw you guys leaving and didn't want to be late.'

'Chaser yeah?' asked Harry, glancing back at his list.

'Well, I can't take Seeker again, can I?'

As they reached the changing rooms, Hermione snuck around to the other side of Ginny and whispered something to her, Ginny nodded conspiratorially.

'What was-' asked Y/N.

'Nothing!' trilled Hermione, pulling him down into a rather forceful kiss. 'See you soon, love!' and she moved off towards the stands.

'She told me to curse anyone who takes interest in you,' said Ginny, 'usual fare.'

Y/N changed into his robes and moved out onto the pitch.

He'd seen the list, the sheer amount of people stood here shouldn't surprise him. And yet there was still something about seeing most of Gryffindor house on the pitch that caught him off guard.

Whilst an over-exaggeration, the turn-out here was significantly higher than it had been the year before. Y/N secretly prayed that it meant better players.

As Y/N lined up with the chasers, one of the keepers stepped out of the line towards Harry. A large blonde boy with wiry hair.

'We met on the train, in old Sluggy's compartment,' he said confidently, shaking Harry's hand. 'Cormac McLaggen, Keeper.'

'You didn't try out last year, did you?' asked Harry.

'I was in the hospital wing when they held the trials,' said McLaggen, with something of a swagger. 'Ate a pound of doxy eggs for a bet.'

'Dickhead,' muttered Y/N.

'Right,' said Harry. 'Well... if you wait over there...' and he pointed to where the Keepers were currently gathering.

Y/N watched a flicker of annoyance cross McLaggen's face. He was no doubt expecting to have gotten some preferential treatment thanks to their mutual acquaintance.

Harry decided to start with a basic test, asking all applicants for the team to divide into groups of ten and fly once around the pitch.

Y/N felt that this was a good decision: The first ten was made up of first years and it could not have been plainer that they had hardly ever flown before.

Only one boy managed to remain airborne for more than a few seconds, and he was so surprised he promptly crashed into one of the goal posts.

The second group was comprised of ten of the silliest girls Y/N had ever seen, who, when Harry blew his whistle, merely fell about giggling and clutching one another, and when Harry told them to leave the pitch, they did so quite cheerfully and went to sit in the stands to heckle everyone else.

The third group had a pileup halfway around the pitch. Most of the fourth group had come without broomsticks. The fifth group were Hufflepuffs.

'If there's anyone else here who's not from Gryffindor,' roared Harry, who was evidently starting to get seriously annoyed, 'leave now, please!'

There was a pause, and then a couple of little Ravenclaws went sprinting off the pitch, snorting with laughter. Y/N tripped one as they ran.

After two hours, many complaints, and several tantrums, one involving a crashed Comet Two Sixty and several broken teeth, the three Chasers had been selected: Katie Bell, returning after an absolutely spectacular trial. Y/N, who had demonstrated excellent skill at weaving, feinting and otherwise being a nuisance to his opponents. And Ginny, who had easily outflown all the competition and scored seventeen goals to boot.

They also filled Y/N's old reserve spot with a new find, a girl called Demelza Robins who was particularly adept at dodging bludgers. Having Y/N on hand to take over in years past had come in clutch, and this was almost a way for them to set up for when Katie inevitably departed the following year.

Harry seemed happy with who he'd chosen, both for the Beaters and the Chasers, though the arguments following the end of the Chasers had been monumental and even more so now for the Beaters. So much so that Y/N had to intervene, shouting down many of those who continued attempting to argue, even blasting one off of their feet.

Their chosen Beaters were Jimmy Peakes, a third year boy who had landed a particularly nasty bludger onto the back of Harry's head. And Ritchie Coote who had quite impressive aim given his build.

Y/N was just glad not to see the return of Sloper and Kirke. They moved off to join Katie, Demelza and Ginny in the stands, whilst Y/N stayed down alongside Harry. He was fully expecting arguments from the Keeper decision as well, and whilst he didn't think Harry would need him. He'd rather be here.

The Keeper tryouts were simple, either Harry or Y/N would enchant a ball to launch itself towards the hoops, and the keepers would have to catch it.

Most of the applicants barely managed two.

When Cormac McLaggen flew up, he managed to save all five of the shots propelled at him. And came down to the ground looking as though he'd already won the cup.

Last to go, was Ron.

'Good luck!' called a voice from the stands, and they looked around to see Lavender Brown, on her feet, cheering for Ron. The slight tinge of green in his face faded slightly.

One, two, three, four, five successful saves later. And Harry was faced with a dilemma.

'Reshoot until they miss?' he asked quietly.

'We want Ron in don't we?' breathed Y/N and Harry nodded.

'One more each, best save wins, and let me do both.'

Harry nodded and repeated his instructions to the players. Cormac retook his position.

He'd tried it with a spell, surely it would work with a Quaffle?

Y/N shot the ball towards Cormac's right goal. Cormac sped in front of it, arms outstretched and Y/N flicked his wand the tiniest amount.

The Quaffle twisted in mid-air, drifting just slightly above Cormac's outstretched arm, and shot straight through his hoop.

Y/N kept things normal for Ron and for the sixth in a row. He saved.

With a satisfied nod, Harry drew a very obvious tick on his clipboard and the two of them turned in time to see Cormac an inch away from Y/N's face.

'That wasn't fair-' he began.

'I'm going to give you ten seconds to back off before I make you, Cormac,' said Y/N, the air growing noticeably colder.

'You gave him an easy one,' Cormac spat, a vein pulsing in his temple.

'I gave him the same one I gave everyone else. Now move.'

Cormac took a step closer. Y/N raised his hand, placing his palm flat against Cormac's chest.

Y/N's arm flexed as though something had just blasted from the end of it, and with a rush of wind Cormac was blasted backwards. He flew about twelve feet away where he collided hard with the grassy floor of the pitch, slowly pulling himself back to his feet.

'I'm not someone who can be intimidated, Cormac. Ron saved six, you saved five, that simple. It's not my fault that you missed.'

Cormac's vein was visible even from this distance now, he glared daggers at Y/N for a solid minute. Y/N did not lower his hand, still expecting the boy to charge at him. But then, with a huff, he turned and stumped off of the pitch.

Y/N turned back to see mixed expressions on his teammates. Ginny, Ron, Harry, and Katie all looked delighted. Demelza, Peakes, and Coote wore varying looks of amazement.

'Sorry about that. Cleaning up the stragglers.'

'Rather you than me mate,' said Harry. 'Well done. You all flew really well.'

There was a crunching of grass behind them, and Y/N turned, expecting to see Cormac charging at him. But it was Hermione, hurrying across the pitch towards them instead.

'Congratulations!' she squealed looking around her gathered friends. 'You all made it!'

'There will be talk,' said Y/N, turning back to Harry. 'Me, Ron, and Ginny? People will think you're just playing your friends.'

'Let them,' said Harry. 'We'll prove you're all my best when we win our first match. Training next Thursday, you too Demelza, I want you to get used to everyone, even if you aren't playing yet.'

'What was that all about with that other Keeper?' asked Hermione as Coote, Peakes, Demelza and Katie all took their leave.

'He didn't think I'd been fair, though I gave Ron an easier shot than I did him.'

'And did you?' asked Hermione.

'I mean... no... I just didn't move the one I shot at Ron.'

'What does that mean?' asked Ron.

Y/N pointed his wand at the quaffle and it lifted into the air. It soared straight towards him and as it was about to connect, drifted right hard, curving in a large circle around him, then shot back to where it had began.

'A useful trick that I picked up from Remus. The ability to twist and turn spells whilst they're in the air.'

'Every time...' muttered Ginny. 'Every time it feels like you're done, you just pull something else out.'

'When did you even see Lupin?' asked Harry. 'He didn't drop by the Burrow.'

'He wanted to practice against me,' said Y/N. 'I think after watching me duel at the Ministry he knew I was good, wanted to see what he could learn from me, and teach me some tricks as well.'

'And who did win?' asked Ron.

'It was more of a draw really-' began Y/N.

'No, it wasn't, you disarmed him. I know, I called it. It was close. But Y/N won,' said Hermione.

'You're even better than Lupin?' asked Harry, sounding slightly amazed.

'ANYWAY' said Y/N pointedly fighting the blush that was trying to rise into his face. 'You made it!' he added excitedly to Ginny.

'I know!' she squealed, 'We finally get to play together!'

They stayed and spoke to Ginny for another few minutes before they took their departure, Ginny leaving the group to head back and meet Dean whilst the quartet headed off towards Hagrid's hut.

The great grey hippogriff, Buckbeak, was tethered in front of Hagrid's cabin. He clicked his razor-sharp beak at their approach and turned his huge head toward them.

Y/N hurried forward at once, bowing low, and almost as though expecting it, Buckbeak lowered his head in acknowledgement.

Harry too, bowed, and then made his way forward. Y/N heard his whispering to the hippogriff.

'How are you?' Harry asked him in a low voice, moving forward to stroke the feathery head. 'Missing him? But you're okay here with Hagrid, aren't you?'

Y/N did not interrupt, and simply acted as though he had not heard.

A few moments later, and Hagrid came striding around the corner of his cabin wearing a large flowery apron and carrying a sack of potatoes. His enormous boarhound, Fang, was at his heels; Fang gave a booming bark and bounded forward.

'Was wondering when yeh lot would show up! come in, come in,' boomed Hagrid, moving forward and throwing open his door. Y/N felt Hermione let out a held breath next to him.

'Still thought he was going to be mad?' and she nodded weakly.

The four of them stepped inside and sat down around the wooden table in the middle. Hagrid pottered around making tea and dropped the kettle, some mugs, and a plate of his rock cakes onto the table in front of them, before taking a seat himself, and beginning to peel the potatoes he'd brought.

'So... so how are you Hagrid?' asked Hermione timidly.

'Yeah, doin' alright. An' how are all o' yeh gettin' along, studying goin' okay?'

At his words and the warmth within his voice, the other three seemed to relax a little. Though it was short lived. A moment later, all three whipped around, Hermione giving a small scream.

A horrible squelching noise had wrung out from behind them, as sitting against the far wall was a large barrel that was filled with Giant Grubs.

'How's he been eating?' asked Y/N.

'Alrigh' i think, 's hard ter tell yeh know? He's-'

And without warning, Hagrid burst into tears.

'Hagrid!' cried Hermione, leaping up, hurrying around the table the long way to avoid the barrel of maggots, and putting an arm around his shaking shoulders. 'What is it?'

'It's him,' gulped Hagrid, his beetle-black eyes streaming as he mopped his face with his apron. 'It's Aragog. I think he's dyin'. He got ill over the summer an' he's not gettin' better. I don' know what I'll do if he- if he- We've bin tergether so long.'

Hermione raised her eyes towards Y/N and he nodded solemnly.

'Hagrid asked me during our first Care lesson if I knew anything that might help. I think he's just getting old...'

'Is there nothing we can do?' asked Hermione, half to Hagrid and half to Y/N.

'I don' think there is, Hermione,' choked Hagrid, attempting to stem the flood of his tears. 'See, the rest o' the tribe. Aragog's family, they're gettin' a bit funny now he's ill, bit restive.'

'Yeah, I think we saw a bit of that side of them back in our second year,' said Ron in an undertone. Y/N's mind briefly flashed back to blasting a couple of the Acromantula out of the way when escaping their lair.

'I don' reckon it'd be safe fer anyone but me ter go near the colony at the mo',' Hagrid finished, blowing his nose hard on his apron and looking up. 'But thanks fer offerin', Hermione. It means a lot.'

After a few more minutes, Hagrid managed to recover himself somewhat, and the five of them had a lovely afternoon chatting about all sorts of stuff, by the end of which, Hermione seemed to have gotten past her potential fear that Hagrid was still harbouring a grudge over the other three not taking his lesson.

As the afternoon drifted into dusk, Hagrid saw them out and waved them away. The four of them weaved steadily up the grounds.

They were just hurrying back up the stairs to head towards the Great Hall for the evening meal when their path was blocked by Professor Slughorn.

'Harry, Harry, just the man I was hoping to see!' he boomed genially, twiddling the ends of his walrus mustache and puffing out his enormous belly. 'I was hoping to catch you before dinner! What do you say to a spot of supper tonight in my rooms instead? We're having a little party, just a few rising stars, I've got McLaggen coming and Zabini, the charming Melinda Bobbin, I don't know whether you know her? Her family owns a large chain of apothecaries, and, of course, I hope very much that Miss Granger and Mr L/N will favour me by coming too.'

Slughorn made Hermione and Y/N a little bow as he finished speaking.

It was as though Ron was not present; Slughorn did not so much as look at him.

'I can't come, Professor,' said Harry at once. 'I've got a detention with Professor Snape.'

'Oh dear!' said Slughorn, his face falling comically. 'Dear, dear, I was counting on you, Harry! Well, now, I'll just have to have a word with Severus and explain the situation. I'm sure I'll be able to persuade him to postpone your detention. Yes, I'll see you all later!'

He bustled away out of the Hall.

'He's got no chance of persuading Snape,' said Harry the moment Slughorn was out of earshot. 'This detention's already been postponed once; Snape did it for Dumbledore, but he won't do it for anyone else.'

'What do you reckon?' asked Y/N, watching the Potion's master retreat. 'I can't avoid him forever, and now, neither can you.'

Hermione sighed.

'Yes, I suppose we should. Though don't go blasting McLaggen across Slughorn's room, he may not approve of you after that.'

'I won't start anything if he doesn't,' shrugged Y/N, 'and besides, Slughorn likes people who can cast spells, he got Ginny in on that apparently.'

Ron seemed oddly distant and moody as the four of them ate. And once they'd finished eating, they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. The Common Room was very crowded as most people had finished dinner by now, but they managed to find a free table and sat down.

Ron folded his arms and frowned at the ceiling. Hermione reached out for a copy of the Evening Prophet, which somebody had left abandoned on a chair, as Y/N lifted a book into the air with his hand, drifting it side to side like a metronome.

'Anything new?' said Harry.

'Not really.' Hermione had opened the newspaper and was scanning the inside pages. 'Oh, look, your dad's in here, Ron- he's all right!' she added quickly, for Ron had looked around in alarm. 'It just says he's been to visit the Malfoys' house. "This second search of the Death Eater's residence does not seem to have yielded any results. Arthur Weasley of the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects said that his team had been acting upon a confidential tip-off."'

'Yeah, mine!' said Harry. 'I told him at King's Cross about Malfoy and that thing he was trying to get Borgin to fix! Well, if it's not at their house, he must have brought whatever it is to Hogwarts with him-'

'Ah, so that's what you wanted to speak to Mr Weasley for,' said Y/N.

'But how can he have done, Harry?' said Hermione, putting down the newspaper with a surprised look. 'We were all searched when we arrived, weren't we?'

'Were you?' said Harry, taken aback. 'I wasn't!'

'Oh no, of course, you weren't, I forgot you were late. Well, Filch ran over all of us with Secrecy Sensors when we got into the entrance hall. Any Dark object would have been found,' said Hermione.

'I know for a fact Crabbe had a shrunken head confiscated. So, Malfoy can't have brought in anything dangerous!' said Y/N.

Y/N watched as Harry, seemingly waiting to come up with a new counter-point, observed Ginny playing with Arnold the Pygmy Puff for a while, but there was something different in Harry's face. It shifted as he glanced back over though.

'Someone's sent it to him by owl, then,' he said. 'His mother or someone.'

'All the owls are being checked too,' said Hermione. 'Filch told us so when he was jabbing those Secrecy Sensors everywhere he could reach.'

'Didn't you say the thing was really bulky as well? That he'd look weird carrying it up the street?' asked Y/N. 'That can't exactly just be delivered.'

Seemingly unable to come up with a new argument, Harry looked hopefully at Ron, who was sitting with his arms folded, staring over at Lavender Brown.

'Can you think of any way Malfoy-?'

'Oh, drop it, Harry,' said Ron.

'Listen, it's not my fault Slughorn invited us to his stupid party, none of us want to go, you know!' said Harry, firing up.

'Well, as I'm not invited to any parties,' said Ron, getting to his feet again, 'I think I'll go to bed.'

He stomped off toward the door to the boys' dormitories, leaving the three of them staring after him.

'Harry?' said the new Reserve Chaser, Demelza Robins, appearing suddenly at his shoulder. 'I've got a message for you.'

'From Professor Slughorn?' asked Harry, sitting up hopefully.

'No, from Professor Snape,' said Demelza. 'He says you're to come to his office at half past eight tonight to do your detention, er, no matter how many party invitations you've received. And he wanted you to know you'll be sorting out rotten flobber-worms from good ones to use in Potions and he says there's no need to bring protective gloves.'

'Right,' said Harry grimly. 'Thanks a lot, Demelza.'

The couple turned and smiled sadly at each other as the Reserve chaser made her departure.

'Cheer up mate,' said Y/N. 'At least we don't have that toad with us this year as well, rather this than cutting your hand open again.'

'I guess. Don't suppose either of you have finished that Charms essay?'

And so, at 8 o clock that evening, the three of them left the Common Room, Harry drifting off towards the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom as Hermione and Y/N took the long dungeon corridor down towards Slughorn's office.

The sound of distant chatter trailed up towards them, as did a warmth that was normally alien to these dingy and drafty corridors. They turned a corner and were met with the large figure of Horace Slughorn, beaming at them from outside his office door.

'Ah, here they are! My most anticipated guests! Please do come in, sit sit, I have so much to speak to you both about!'

'Thank you for the invite, Professor,' said Y/N as they approached. 'I appreciate it!'

'Nonsense my boy,' boomed Slughorn. 'After missing you on the train, I just had to speak to you! We all know what the Prophet's been saying after all, and both you and Miss Granger have already displayed phenomenal academic excellence, it will be a delight to get to know you both!'

Slughorn stepped aside and allowed the couple to enter.

The room wasn't particularly busy. Much as Slughorn had stated prior, Cormac McLaggen, Blaise Zabini and a girl who must be Melinda Bobins were here already but so was Ginny, who visibly brightened when the two of them entered and beamed as Y/N took the seat on her right, Hermione then sitting between him and Melinda.

Melinda greeted them all quite politely and with a small shy smile. Blaise and Cormac both looked as though they wanted nothing better than to curse Y/N. And quite frankly, he wanted them to try.

'Well now!' said Slughorn, closing his office door and bustling over, taking the only remaining empty seat at the table. 'I believe that is everyone. Please do help yourselves!' he said, gesturing to the mountain of food that the table was practically collapsing under.

'Right now, let's get introductions out of the way. Some of you know each other of course from our last meeting but this is Melinda Bobbins!' he indicated the girl next to Hermione with quite short light blue hair and a soft smile.

'This is Hermione Granger. An expert academic and a dab hand in most of her classes, from what I hear, joint top of their year!' and Slughorn indicated Hermione.

'And of course.' He began, with the air of someone introducing their star attraction. 'Y/N L/N! The second half of the academic duo. The man who has already done so much. The "Rising Phoenix".' Y/N simply nodded. Slughorn's brand of over-the-top introductions or mannerisms had been endearing in the past, but now that it was directed at Y/N, he felt a bit awkward.

'Right, tuck in!' said Slughorn happily. 'And Melinda, why don't you start us off!'

All in all, it wasn't a bad evening. Blaise, Cormac, and Ginny weren't really asked many questions, which seemed to suit the latter perfectly.

Melinda told that about her family, who did indeed run a long and very successful chain of apothecaries up and down the country. She herself had already learnt many business practices from them and intended to take over the franchise when she left Hogwarts. She was currently in her fourth year.

Next up was Hermione. She clarified once more that she was simply muggleborn but driven to learn every aspect of magic that she could. She touched briefly on learning a lot of her lessons and work alongside Y/N. The two of them studied late into the night on many occasions and mentioned her parent's professions as dentists, later clarifying what this meant to a much-amused Professor Slughorn.

'And now,' said Professor Slughorn, turning to Y/N. 'Where to start with you, my boy? Lost family history, wand, and spell work to stop even the deadliest of foes. The Ministry, the graveyard, and all sorts of other stories! Why, you've done more than I think even I have and you're only sixteen!'

'Thank you, Professor,' said Y/N, a bit meekly. As proud of his achievements as he was, it still felt weird when a complete stranger seemed to know about most of them. He wasn't used to the limelight yet.

'So my dear boy, tell me about all that you know!'

'Well,' began Y/N. 'my father is dead. D/N L/N. He was killed by Voldemort-'

Slughorn let out a little yelp, Melinda squeaked and Cormac choked slightly on his food. Blaise glared at Y/N.

'Sorry!' said Y/N quickly.

'I mean... I must say that I somewhat expected it,' said Slughorn. 'After I found out Harry uses the name too, but even so...'

'Well, anyway. My mother apparently worked for him way back when. But she left with my dad six years before I was born. Whilst they were on the run, she became pregnant with me, about a year later they were chasing my dad and he delivered me to Dumbledore before they could catch him. They killed him just outside in the grounds. Since then, it's been my pleasure to undermine him at every chance I can get. For both of my parents.'

Slughorn seemed to be appraising Y/N slightly, and Y/N suddenly realised why. Slughorn didn't like associating with Death Eaters. That was of course why Malfoy wasn't here. Perhaps he was trying to decide if he felt having Y/N in his "Slug Club" was worth ignoring his history.

After a few moments, he perked up, and evidently deciding to at least keep trying, he prompted.

'So, we've all seen your article about what happened back when You-Know-Who returned, but I was wondering if you could give us your rendition first-hand?'

And so, Y/N talked, for around 30-45 minutes he told them all the stories of what he'd been doing, only missing out chunks from the Ministry. Melinda was a great audience, gasping and ahhhing whenever certain things happened. Ginny and Hermione too, smiled, nodded and added comments whenever felt fitting. Cormac ended looking impressed, in spite of himself. Blaise purposefully looked away and Slughorn positively delighted.

'And after all of that! Here you sit in front of me, in your sixth year no less! Still two more years of magical education to go, and already you've toppled dangerous foes and trained half of your year! I can see now why everyone is so fascinated by you, my boy! Great things in your future I'm telling you.' And he waggled a finger knowingly at Y/N. 'So I ask only one more thing of you my boy, a demonstration of what you can do. A note as to why you are hailed as the next successor to Dumbledore himself?'

Y/N thought for a few moments.

'Have you ever heard of the Patronus charm professor?'

'Why of course I have my boy, and a very advanced piece of magic it is! I assume you are capable of one.'

'Yes...' said Y/N slowly. 'But I have been since third year, this is something a bit different.'

Y/N raised his hand, palm outstretched and thought, his mind focused on his Valentine's date with Hermione the previous year.

Expecto Patronum

From his hand burst the phoenix and Otter hybrid.

It soared around the room, earning another soft "ahhh" from Melinda and smirks from Hermione and Ginny, before vanishing.

'My boy...' said Slughorn after a few moments. 'Non-verbal, wandless, Patronus charm?'

'Y/N has been doing wandless magic since his fourth year!' said Ginny proudly. 'Technically even longer though those weren't on purpose.'

'And he mastered non-verbal during last year,' said Hermione. 'Alongside using magic without the use of common spells or enchantments.'

Y/N was still feeling odd about this. During Melinda's talks he had whispered to both the girls about his plans to impress Slughorn. Harry and Y/N were two peas in a pod to the man. Two chances to get the greatest and most famous wizards of this age. If Y/N could impress Slughorn, perhaps that would net Harry some bonus points once it came time to extract information out of him.

But still, he felt very vain doing all of this.

'So that's how you did that earlier!' said Cormac suddenly 'On the pitch!'

'Oh?' asked Slughorn

Y/N felt his chest tighten, had Cormac seen him twist the Quaffle?

'I... I got a bit mad after I lost the keeper try-out and got into Y/N's face. He knocked me off my feet without even drawing his wand. I didn't know how.'

Y/N's chest relaxed.

Slughorn continued to sing Y/N's praises for a few more minutes before finally glancing at the clock.

'Oh my! I've had you much longer than I expected. Melinda, do pass on my love to your mother, won't you? Let her know that I still have that basket of chocolate frog cards whenever she wants it. Blaise, I wish to speak to you of your uncle next time. I must know what he's been getting up to, run along now!'

'And you, my boy.' Slughorn added as Y/N went to leave with Hermione. 'Don't think I didn't see you miss out on some of those details on the Ministry. I will be asking you more on that next time.'

The three of them left.

'Well, that was dull,' said Ginny. 'The only interesting part was hearing your stories again. No offence Hermione.'

'None taken.' Said Hermione. 'Looking after muggle teeth isn't exactly a glamourous job in the muggle world, never mind the wizarding one.'

'I appreciate you two bigging me up like that though. Felt weird...'

'I noticed you didn't seem particularly comfortable with it,' said Hermione. 'You were fine showing off to the D.A.'

'Yeah, but I was teaching them,' said Y/N. 'Had to prove I was good enough to be their teacher. With Slughorn, he's technically my teacher, and I didn't exactly know many of the others in there.'

'Melinda seemed alright,' said Ginny. 'The other two are idiots though.'

'Well, hopefully, I've laid the groundwork as best as I can for Harry. Slughorn knows he was with me for most of that stuff now. And he is "The Chosen One" after all.'

'Not much else you can do,' said Hermione. 'Did you see the way he looked at you after you mentioned Maria?'

Y/N nodded.

'Slughorn doesn't like Death Eaters. But I suppose he figured her leaving before I was born and my own track record of kicking Lord Voldemort and his followers down has earned me the benefit of the doubt. "Dumbledore's Protégé" is hardly the title given to Voldemort's next top lieutenant. Especially after he killed my dad.'

As he finished this sentence, they got to the top of the stairs leading into the Entrance Hall. Ginny and Hermione turned towards the marble staircase, but Y/N stopped, staring at the great oak front doors.

'You alright, love?'

'Yeah... I'm going to go visit dad. I'll be up soon.'

Hermione wandered up behind him and wrapped her arms around him, squeezing him tightly and nodding before heading up with Ginny. Y/N stepped out onto the grounds.

The wind was cold courtesy of it still being the middle of September, but Y/N was in no rush. He strolled slowly across the grounds, heading towards the point they'd marked a few years prior.

He hadn't really had the chance to visit last year. With everything else going on, it hadn't really crossed his mind. But as he stopped at the point where the marking lay, he felt immediately more grateful for having done it.

He knelt down in front of the stone slab, where the engraving still sat and took a deep breath.

'Hey dad... I know you can't really hear this. Or at least I don't think you can. But... I just wanted to say, thank you. Everything I have now... is because of you. Hermione, Ginny, Harry, Ron, mum, both of them. They're all here and in my life because of the sacrifice you made. The risks that you took. And I hope... that wherever you are. You're proud of what I'm doing. Because I'm doing my best to make sure that you are.'

He waved his hand and a batch of flowers appeared, drifting gently down to settle on top of the grave.

'Promise I'll come visit more this year. I owe you that much.'

Y/N just sat there for a while, feeling the wind, thinking back on all that he had done. All that he now bore because of that. Horcruxes, Harry's secret, the Auctor. All of it just looming over him.

And with a newfound strength, he stood half an hour later and made his way back into the castle.