He wandered downstairs the following morning to find his mother sitting at the table, leant back in her chair, eyes closed and breathing heavily. At first, he thought she was asleep, but she opened her eyes to look at him as he began moving around the kitchen.

'Everything alright mum?' he asked as he began busying himself with cleaning up the washing from the previous night, Dumbledore and Remus had stayed for dinner.

'Not particularly, no,' said Minerva darkly and she flicked her wand. The Daily Prophet that had been folded up on the table in front of her unfolded and drifted slowly over to Y/N, hovering in front of him whilst his hands were still in the sink so he could read.

BLACK ESCAPED

Sirius Black, possibly the most infamous prisoner ever to be held in Azkaban escaped in the late hours of last night. It is not yet clear how Black escaped, there are no signs of destruction and the dementors seem none the wiser.

Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, is yet to give comment on this mysterious escape however sources tell us that he has informed the Muggle Prime Minister of Black's escape.

Black was imprisoned for his brutal murder of twelve muggles and one wizard with a single curse twelve years ago and is believed to be a whole-hearted supported of He Who Must not be Named.

Black's reason for the escape is still unclear but owing to his ties, the leading theory is that he is attempting to see himself back to You-Know-Who's side and believes, as some still do, that he can be saved and brought back.

If you encounter Black do not engage him, but instead contact the Department for Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, Black is dangerous and should not be approached under any circumstances.

'Oh brilliant,' said Y/N as the newspaper folded itself up and plopped down onto the counter next to him. 'Really need another one of Voldemort's lackeys running around. Last time one of them had free roam, the Chamber was opened.'

'And sadly, I know full well that Sirius Black is much stronger than Lucius Malfoy,' sighed Minerva as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. 'I must admit, I never expected joining Lord Voldemort out of him, but I do know he was one of the best in his year. A very capable wizard.'

'You taught him?' asked Y/N and Minerva nodded.

'He had a small friend group he stuck to. Troublemakers, much like the Weasleys, but they never showed any inclination of dark magic, Gryffindor's, all of them. It really was a shame.'

She looked so lost in reminiscing that Y/N wouldn't feel right trying to drag her out of it. So instead, he turned his attention back to the article.

'Black was imprisoned for his brutal murder of twelve muggles and one wizard with a single curse.'

The line made his stomach turn, he didn't know how someone could so willingly slaughter so many. Muggles as well, they must have just been in the area. Probably none the wiser as to what was going on. Their families just thinking they died in a gas accident or something.

'It's disgusting,' he muttered.

'It truly is,' said Minerva as she heaved herself to her feet. 'However, the most we can do is hope that the Ministry catch him soon. He couldn't exactly have gotten far, they figured out he was missing almost immediately from what Albus tells me.'

'Have they got Professor Dumbledore looking too?'

'In a manner of speaking,' said Minerva. 'He obviously can't abandon his post as Headmaster, but he's doing his best to help where he can.'

'Guessing they've got no idea how he got out?' Minerva shook her head.

'No one's broken out of Azkaban since the days of Voldemort being in power. Most lose their will to fight when faced by the Dementors. The Dementors can't see but they feel emotions, it means that invisibility cloaks, spells and the like don't work on them. It makes them the perfect guards for somewhere that horrible,' and she seemed to shudder.

Y/N remembered Hagrid's reaction to being sent there last year. Then his mind wandered onto what Remus had told him.

'If they feel emotions, maybe he disconnected his spells from his emotions? Remus Lupin told me that was possible.'

'It doesn't work that way, Y/N,' said Minerva as she waved her wand and the last of the washing up began doing itself, 'The Dementors just sense emotions. The only way to ensure they can't is to have no emotions. To feel nothing. Spells have nothing to do with it. They can simply feel the happiness, sadness, anger, and everything else in all of us. It's how they survive. They feed on happiness.'

Y/N's stomach clenched.

'Most within Azkaban go crazy inside of their own heads within a few weeks. All their happy memories and identity are drained away, and they are left only with the bad.'

'That's horrific,' said Y/N disgusted.

'It is, being sent to Azkaban is enough of a threat that many attempt to avoid it wherever possible. Some have even gone as far as to head to other countries and allow themselves to be caught out there so that they didn't have to deal with the Dementors.'

'Do other countries not have them?'

'Some countries, quite wisely in my opinion, do not trust them as much as the Ministry do. When Voldemort was at his peak, the Dementors listened to him and obeyed his word. That was the last straw for many places who believed they needed guards loyal to them. Voldemort may have stuck to Britain for his crimes, but the rest of the world is still aware of who and what he was.'

'Maybe that's how he got out? If he's loyal to Voldemort and so are the guards, maybe they let him go?' said Y/N.

'Dementors wouldn't let someone go without something in return, Y/N. They are selfish creatures, focusing only on how much happiness they can drain from a location. They only worked for Voldemort because he promised them plenty of prey in the wizards, witches, and muggles he tormented. Either a deal was struck for Black's release with a dead wizard, or he broke out. You can see why we're more inclined to believe the latter.'

'Voldemort's not dead though,' said Y/N, 'Dumbledore says so and I know you believe it too.'

'Yes, however, he is currently not even a whole person. The last sign anyone saw of him was the back of Quirrell's head. That is hardly enough to barter with a Dementor.'

Minerva moved off upstairs and Y/N sat himself down at the table. He couldn't get the thoughts of what the Dementors are out of his mind. What would a creature like that even look like? A creature that lived purely on happy memories…

That evening, Ves came soaring back in through his open window with a letter wrapped around her leg. He unwrapped it and read.

'Dear Y/N

Thank you so much for your present! I absolutely love it, I've already spent far too long watching it fly around my room. The broom you got me in first year keeps chasing it. I got things off Ron and Hermione too, Errol arrived from Egypt and looked like death, he's still here and resting and Hedwig brought something from Hermione. It was quite a surprise. I also got some form of a book off Hagrid, but it tried to bite me. Not sure what that's about. He says I'll need it.

Guessing you've heard about the plan to meet on the last week before term? If not, well, that's the plan, Diagon Alley. Last week before term.

As much as I've appreciated your letters, I am going to ask you to hold off for a week though. My Uncle's sister is coming to stay for a week, and he's said if there's no funny business he'll sign my permission form for Hogsmeade so I don't want to risk it.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your week and hopefully I'll speak to you after it. If not, I'll see you at Diagon Alley.

Harry.'

'There you go,' said Y/N, looking at the owl. 'Can't write to Harry anymore either. Your work for the summer is done. I'm hardly going to make you fly to Egypt.'

Ves gave an indignant hoot and fluttered down into her cage where she tucked her head under her wing. Y/N folded up Harry's letter and tucked it away with the others and clambered into bed.

The next week went by without incident. He regularly pinched his mums copy of the Daily Prophet once she was done with it and every time the headline was the same. Sirius Black was still at large. There was never anything new. A couple showed that Fudge had finally commented, but his comment only raised more questions and gave no answers. Y/N could tell that he probably had the whole ministry out looking for Black.

Finally, as it came around, it became time to coax Vesper back out of her cage to ask how Harry had managed with his week. He'd just managed to psyche himself into doing so, when a snowy white owl soared in through his window and landed on his desk, hooting at him.

'Hiya Hedwig!' he beamed as he stepped forward and undid the note around her leg. 'You okay to stick around in case I need to respond to it?' Hedwig hooted again in affirmation and he threw her a couple of Ves' owl treats, Ves was still fast asleep so didn't react. He opened Harry's letter and read.

'Dear Y/N

It didn't go well. Marge was a pain all week, insulting me, treating me like dirt. I did my best to dodge around her and it was going well until her last day. She said some, things, about my parents and I lost my temper a bit. She blew up like a balloon and I just ran for it. Managed to hail something called the Knight Bus which dropped me off at Diagon Alley. I was going to write to you to see if you or your mum could help but the bus arrived before I could.

I ran into Fudge here, he told me not to worry about the magic and that I could hardly help it. There would be no punishment. He's also asked me to remain here until the summers over and not go back out into the Muggle world. It's a bit weird but I'm not going to disobey it.

Have you heard all this stuff about Sirius Black? The conductor on the Knight Bus was telling me a lot about it and Fudge seems stumped. Completely at a loss for what to do.

I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron like I said before as Fudge requested so if you ever want to drop by then feel free (and bring your homework).

Hoping to either hear from or see you soon,

Harry.'

'Well that's going to make things a lot more entertaining,' smiled Y/N as he glanced at the window. It was only about midday. 'You can head back if you want Hedwig. I can deliver my response myself. It'll be quicker and I don't think you want to travel through floo powder-' he paused, thinking '-y'know. I'm not even sure if animals can.' Hedwig hooted in a very noncommittal way, but spread her wings and soared back off out of the window.

Y/N closed his textbook, tucked a couple of them away in his bag and knocked on his mother's door. It swung open by itself and he stepped inside.

McGonagall's study was a very simple room that almost perfectly mirrored her office at Hogwarts. She was sat at the desk in the centre of the room with a stack of exam papers next to her. She raised her eyes to smile at him as he entered.

'Yes Y/N?'

'Harry's at the Leaky Cauldron. Says he's staying there for the rest of the summer. Are you alright with me going and visiting him?'

'Just don't get yourself into too much trouble,' smiled Minerva as she turned her head downwards again, 'And do pick up some more Floo Powder would you if you're intending to make regular visits, also some for yourself. I'd rather you didn't keep burning through my own supply. I do need to keep getting back to Hogwarts.'

'Will do mum!' called Y/N, who was already halfway back out of her office as his stomach rose with excitement. He leapt down the steps to the fireplace, pulled the pouch off the mantle and threw a handful of the green ashes in, calling 'The Leaky Cauldron!' and stepping inside.

The familiar feeling of being spun enveloped him and a moment later, his feet hit stone hard as he staggered out of the fireplace.

'Y/N!' called Tom the bartender as Y/N stumbled over towards him. 'What can I get you, my boy?'

'Pumpkin juice and a scrawny git,' said Y/N, sitting down. 'Harry Potter,' he added at Tom's perplexed look. 'Have you seen him?'

'Ahhh yes,' said Tom with his toothy smile. 'Don't believe I have seen Master Potter this morning. Per chance he is still in his room, allow me to go and check for you.'

Tom passed Y/N his drink, took the payment, then stepped out from behind the bar and moved off upstairs towards the bedroom. A few moments later and he returned, beaming.

'Master Potter was indeed in his room, he is getting ready now and seems quite excited to see you.'

'Glad to hear it,' said Y/N happily as Tom moved back behind the bar. 'Appreciate your help, Tom.'

The bartender waved a hand to say it was nothing and moved off to serve some of his other patrons. A couple of minutes later and a familiar face with messy black hair and glasses appeared at the top of the stairs.

'Afternoon mate!' called Y/N as Harry approached him. 'Fancy seeing you here.'

'Guessing you got my letter then?' said Harry beaming as he sat down next to him.

'Yep, sent Hedwig back without a response 'cause I thought just showing up would work fine. I haven't exactly been doing anything all summer.'

'I thought you'd have homework to do like the rest of us,' said Harry, 'That's why I told you to bring it.'

'You told me to bring it 'cause you know I'd have finished it by now, don't lie to me Potter.'

'Have you got it with you then?' smirked Harry.

'Not all of it,' said Y/N with a sigh as he pulled his Potions book out. 'Just the ones I know you'll hate, the others you can do yourself. I'll help but you aren't just copying.'

'Glad you're the one who's still in this country,' said Harry as he took the potions book and began to read the folded-up essay inside of it.

They stayed in the Leaky Cauldron for another hour or so before Harry folded up both his and Y/N's essay and the two made their way out onto the cobbled streets of Diagon Alley.

They wandered through the shop fronts looking at all the different things on display. Harry was fascinated by The Firebolt, the latest and fastest broom that would apparently even be flown by the Irish Quidditch team. Y/N, whilst interested, was able to draw himself away. Quidditch had only recently become an interest for him, and he wasn't yet at the point of comparing percentage speed and handling increases from one broom to the next.

They also found themselves in Flourish and Blotts to pick up their schoolbooks for the following year, where they were immediately greeted by the very dishevelled looking manager.

'Hogwarts?' he said, 'Come to get your new books?'

The two boys nodded, and he swept past them towards a rather large iron cage in one of the window displays. Inside were several books that looked as though they had rather sharp teeth, in fact two of the books had seized a third with said teeth and looked to be attempting to tear it apart.

'We only need one of those!' called Harry, looking at the book list in his hand. 'I've already got one.'

'Impedimenta!' said Y/N, pointing his wand at one of the books in the cage and watching as it came abruptly to a halt, hovering slightly. The manager shoved his hand in and drew out the frozen book before any of the others could close the gap, and snapped the cage shut.

'Thanks,' he said breathlessly, passing the book over to Y/N who immediately said 'Ferula,' causing bandages to spring up around the book, sealing it shut. 'Never thought to use the impediment jinx. Should make it easier. What else do you boys need?'

Harry moved off with the manager whilst Y/N stepped around looking for his own supply. He knew the shop well enough by now that he knew where most of the books were, he picked up Ancient Runes Made Easy and Numerology and Grammatica before re-joining Harry and the manager to pick up their copies of Unfogging The Future. The manager was currently halfway up a step ladder attempting to pass a book to Harry who wasn't listening. He was staring at the cover of one of the other books as though lost in thought.

'Two of those please,' said Y/N as he grabbed Harry's shoulder, making him jump. 'I'm starting it too.'

They collected the final few books they needed, paid, and made their way out of Flourish And Blotts. Harry seemed a million miles away, so taking advantage of this, Y/N lead him over to a quiet place and sat them both down. Harry's eyes finally refocused and he turned to look at Y/N.

'You okay?' Harry asked him.

'Yeah, are you?' asked Y/N. 'You've been staring off into space since the manager tried to give you 'Unfogging the Future'.'

'Yeah,' said Harry slowly. 'It's just, the night I got onto the Knight Bus, I saw a giant great black dog across the road from me. It made me jump so bad I tripped over my trunk, that was when I accidentally called the bus. By the time I got the chance to look again, it was gone.'

'Did you see it again in Flourish and Blotts?' asked Y/N.

'Kind of. 'Death Omens: What to Do When You Know the Worst Is Coming', was one of the books on the shelf and the illustration on the front looked a lot like the dog.'

'A dogs a dog, Harry,' said Y/N bracingly. 'You saw a dog whilst out and about and it made you jump, you falling over and the Knight Bus appearing probably just scared it off. Lots of dogs are big and black. Doesn't mean they're all Death Omens.'

Harry nodded, but he still didn't look convinced.

'Look mate,' said Y/N, 'We've already taken down all sorts together, Merlin help us if a dog is going to be the end of us now. Especially one that just vanished when a bus appeared. It's back in Little Whinging, we're out here. You're still alive, you're still fine.'

'Yeah, you're right,' said Harry with a deep breath. 'No point getting caught up on it.'

'It'll only make it worse if you do, mate,' said Y/N. 'Don't spend your time looking for death, it comes looking for us enough as is.'

They spent many of the next few days doing much the same. Harry and Y/N sitting together outside Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour as he brought them free Ice Creams and chatted their ears off about anything they could.

It was as they were ticking into the last week before term that Harry and Y/N realised that they'd never actually agreed a day with Ron and Hermione. They'd just kind of said they'd show up. This problem sorted itself however, at least for Y/N it did.

It was precisely a week left until September 1st when Y/N was awoken early by a soft knock at his door. Confused once again for who could possibly be knocking on his door. He clambered out of bed and moved over to his door, opening it-

-only to be tackled almost onto the ground by a wave of bushy brown hair as Hermione threw her arms around him. It took Y/N a second to realise, but once he did, he lifted her into the air with the force of his hug, laughing heartily as he saw her.

'Hello!' he cried as she pulled away and beamed up at him. She was distinctly more tanned than the last time he'd seen her as it melded perfectly with her brown eyes and hair, both of which had never looked more beautiful.

'Morning!' she said happily as she pressed her head against his chest. 'You're getting lazy on me, you're normally up and running by now.'

'You're normally around for me to want to get up for,' laughed Y/N as he pried her off him and closed his door. 'How did you get here anyway?'

'I told you! I bought some Floo Powder, we got back late last night so I got mum and dad to drop me off at the Leaky Cauldron this morning. I was going to get a room there for the last bit of term.'

'Well not anymore you aren't,' said Y/N. 'You should know we're happy to have you for a week. And we won't charge you for it. Yet.'

Hermione beamed again and then began nervously toying with her hair.

'So… um… before anything else happens. I just wanted to say, I missed you a lot whilst I was away. Like an awful lot. And it's kind of helped me realise more than ever that… well… you know…' he'd never seen her so embarrassed before. She seemed incredibly uncomfortable as she rocked back and forth on her feet whilst avoiding his gaze. 'Feel free to step in any time here…' she added after a few moments.

'But it's so much more fun to watch you try,' smirked Y/N, earning him a death glare. 'Fine, fine,' he said immediately, 'I'll do it. Hermione, would you like to be my girlfriend?'

In answer, she threw herself at him again, wrapping her arms tight around his waist and squeezing. He returned the gesture, feeling light as a feather. She dragged him sideways onto his bed where the two collapsed holding each other. They lay like that for a while before Hermione finally spoke.

'I knew that you were probably going to say yes, but I was still panicking so much. I was so worried you'd changed your mind or something.'

'Same here,' said Y/N, 'What if you found some French hunk to run away with and didn't even come back to Hogwarts?'

'Please, no one holds a candle to you. Not for me,' she said, and she squeezed him again. 'I feel so stupidly happy right now.'

'That makes two of us,' said Y/N. 'I've wanted to ask you that for so long. And now that I have, I feel like I could just float away.'

'We just got together, I'd rather you didn't just fly away from me,' said Hermione, pretending to pout.

'Not that easy to get rid of, 'Mione, and that's before you started dating me. You're stuck with me now.'

'Good.'

'Anyway, enough mushy stuff, we have plenty of time for that. How was your holiday?'

Hermione's face cracked into an even wider smile as she sat up and crossed her legs, facing him. Y/N did the same and listened animatedly as she told him all about her trip away.

He was having so much fun now that Hermione was back, he almost forgot to tell Harry that he wouldn't be dropping by that day. In fact, the only reason he did tell him was because he and Hermione went back to the Leaky Cauldron to grab Hermione's stuff.

'Y/N!' Harry yelled, jogging over to him as Y/N stepped out of the fireplace. 'Was wondering where you'd gotten to-'

But he was cut off as Hermione stepped out behind Y/N and his face immediately cracked into a massive smirk.

'Care to finish your sentence, Harry?' asked Y/N innocently as Hermione dusted herself off and looked around at the mention of his name.

'Harry!' she yelled and pulled him into a quick friendly hug, 'How are you?'

'Quite alright Hermione, and how are you?' he asked as the three made their way towards the bar.

'Never better,' she beamed at him. 'Have you had a good summer?'

'All things considered it could have been worse,' he said, and he proceeded to tell her about his run in with his Uncle's sister, and his accidental inflation of her. By the end, Hermione looked horrified.

'But you could have gotten in so much trouble!'

'I know,' said Harry. 'I thought I was going to get expelled or sent to Azkaban, but Fudge just said it can happen to the best of us when we lose control of our emotions.' Y/N definitely watched Harry's eyes flick in his direction. 'What brings you here anyway?'

'We got back from France last night,' said Hermione. 'My parents dropped me off so I could come and surprise Y/N. I was going to stay here, but Y/N offered me the spare room at his place, we were just coming to move my stuff.'

'Forgetting about me are you, Y/N?' said Harry, looking outraged. 'Going to leave me so you could hang out with Hermione?'

'If I'm being completely honest Harry yes, but-' he added quickly as Harry drew his wand, '-now that you've courteously reminded me, there's no reason we can't all wander Diagon Alley together once me and Hermione have taken her stuff back.'

'Watch yourself, Y/N,' said Harry with a smirk. 'You may have been friends with Hermione first, but that doesn't mean I still won't hex you.'

'I haven't seen her all summer and I've been hanging out with you all week!' said Y/N indignantly. 'Give me a break here. 'Mione, back me up,' he said, turning to face her, but Hermione had apparently chosen that precise second to become very interested in her fingernails and did not move to help him.

Luckily however, Harry's threat was nothing more than that and together the three of them hauled Hermione's luggage over to the fireplace. Hermione and Y/N took it through and up to the spare bedroom and headed back down to the fireplace to meet up with Harry once again. Before they left however, Hermione seized Y/N's hand as he was about to step into the flames and pulled him into a hug.

'You okay?' he asked as he hugged her back and she nodded.

'Yeah, I'm just really glad that I get to do this as much as I want to now,' she said, beaming up at him. Y/N felt his face go red.

'You could have before'

'Kind of,' she said, 'I could hug you yes, but if I did it too much we'd have just drawn attention to ourselves. Now I can do it whenever I want and we're dating so it's okay.'

'See how long it takes Harry and Ron to notice, shall we?'

'Harry already knows,' said Hermione. 'He asked me whilst we were moving the luggage, said he guessed it the moment we left the fire together. Apparently, we had these 'stupid great smiles on our faces,' he's promised not to tell Ron though and we can just leave him in the dark.'

'He's the one I was most looking forward to messing with anyway,' smirked Y/N and he seized Hermione's hand, pulling her into the Emerald Green flames.

They spent a lovely day with Harry. Hermione told him all about her trip to France, Y/N had heard it all that morning, but it didn't mean that he wasn't staring at her while she spoke. She was cute when she was passionate about something.

Finally, as the evening rolled around, they made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron for one last drink before Y/N and Hermione returned to his house.

'Well,' said Harry, raising his glass, 'A toast to the two of you for finally actually doing something about it.'

'Yeah, sure mate,' said Y/N as the three clinked their drinks together and drank, 'And when you've got a crush on someone, I'll be sure to show you the same courtesy.'

'Reckon we've still got a while before that one yet,' smirked Harry.

'Course we do mate, let's see what happens shall we?'

The trio said their goodbyes and Y/N and Hermione stepped back into the fireplace and returned to his house, where they were greeted by Minerva McGonagall. She smiled as Y/N stepped out of the fireplace and her smile grew even wider when she saw who followed him.

'Hermione, a pleasure to see you again,' said Minerva.

'You too, Professor!' said Hermione happily. 'Oh, sorry, Minerva.'

'Not a concern. Well that answers my question as to who the luggage belongs to. Didn't think to check with me before inviting her, Y/N?'

Y/N's face went pink. 'Sorry mum… I just thought… y'know… after last year-' but he stopped and glared as his mum started laughing.

'Of course I don't mind. She didn't exactly just floo powder into our house without me knowing. Come on, I've just finished dinner.'

The three of them ate happily then Y/N and Hermione retired to Y/N's room to spend the rest of the evening together. Hermione immediately moved to sit on the chair at Y/N's desk, but Y/N grabbed her and pulled her over to sit next to him on the bed, she beamed.

'Y'know,' she said thoughtfully, looking at Vesper's cage. 'I would quite like an owl. I've seen how useful Vesper is for you, and it'd be nice to not need to get the school ones all the time.'

'They're super useful if you don't get the stubborn ones,' said Y/N, throwing a pointed glare at Ves who ignored him.

'Don't be mean to her! She's had a busy summer, haven't you Ves?' cooed Hermione, earning her an approving hoot from the owl.

'Not sure which one of you is going to be the death of me first,' said Y/N.

'Anyway-' said Hermione pointedly, '-think you'll drop by Diagon Alley with me to pick one up before we go back?'

'Of course! I told Harry to write to me once Ron gets there anyway. We can do it when we go to see them.'

'You're the best,' she cried, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing him tight.

Apparently, Ron did not wish to turn up at Diagon Alley. Hermione and Y/N spent the next few days just generally spending time together. It had taken no later than breakfast the day after she had arrived for Minerva to pick up on the difference in their behaviour and even less time to guess the reason.

'It's about time,' she said once they'd come clean. 'Been trying to steer you both towards this for years.'

'Both?' asked Y/N.

'I could tell Hermione liked you fairly early on, or at least trusted you. That's why I spoke to you at Christmas. Then after she heard your conversation with Mr Longbottom last year, she came to me for advice. I advised her to make it so that you couldn't ignore it.'

'That's why you got braver,' he said, turning to face Hermione, 'like holding my arm or flirting so often.'

'It worked, didn't it?' shrugged Hermione.

'I feel like I got left out of some sort of plan to bully me these last few days,' said Y/N.

'You're quick enough to pass it out, Y/N,' smirked Minerva, 'Best be ready to get it back.'

It wasn't until the last day of the summer holidays that something actually happened. Y/N and Hermione had been intending to go to Diagon Alley anyway as Hermione had wanted to pick up her school supplies and owl before heading off to Hogwarts. However, whilst the two of them were downstairs, a snowy owl came soaring in from upstairs and landed on the table between them.

'Morning Hedwig,' said Y/N, taking the letter off her leg and stroking her. 'Want some breakfast?'

She hooted appreciatively and shoved her face into the pile of bacon whilst Y/N slid open the letter and read it aloud.

'Dear Y/N and Hermione

Wasn't fully sure what was going on with Ron. Hadn't seen him yet but I found Mrs Weasley and Ginny in the Leaky Cauldron this morning, apparently Ron had gone wandering the alley looking for us. I'm going to grab him then come back to the Leaky Cauldron to wait for you guys.

Harry'

'Cheers Hedwig,' said Y/N. 'We'll go meet them now.'

Hedwig hooted and soared back off upstairs.

'Why does she always come in and out from upstairs?' asked Hermione, watching the owl fly off.

'The bedroom windows are the only one's we're allowed to open,' said Y/N, folding up the letter and stowing it in his pocket. 'None of the downstairs ones even can. Tougher for someone to break in that way. A lot more difficult to go undetected when trying to climb in through an upstairs window into a bedroom.'

'Your mum really takes security seriously, doesn't she?'

'Has to. All you need is one mistake and it's game over.'

'Explains why I couldn't open the one in my room,' said Hermione.

'Ah, yeah, I'll get her to lift that enchantment, no one's lived in there for that long we didn't think about it.'

The two gathered their things and once more stepped into the swirling Emerald Green flames, arriving within the Leaky Cauldron. Y/N had barely had time to look around before he saw a flash of scarlet, and something hit him hard around the waist.

'Hiya Gin!' he called, hugging her back before she pulled away and hugged Hermione.

'Hi Y/N! Hi Hermione! How are you?'

'Brilliant Ginny, and how are you?' asked Hermione. Ginny opened her mouth to respond, but Y/N never heard it as two of the other Weasleys pushed past her and wrapped themselves around Y/N's waist.

'Oh Y/N! It's been too long my darling! How the weeks have dragged,' called George.

'We were lost without you, our dearest Y/N. Now that you are back, we fear we can never let go,' said Fred.

'You're gonna have to learn to or I'll jinx you both off me,' smirked Y/N as the twins straightened up. Ginny was scowling at their mockery.

'Ah ah ah. We're your prefect now. Can't be saying that to us!' said George, puffing himself up.

'You're joking,' said Y/N and Hermione together.

'Yes, they are,' said Ginny.

'No we're not! Prefect's that thing that happens when you hit 5th year. The rest of the family did it, so we clearly managed it too,' said Fred.

'When you hit 5th year, and get chosen by your head of house,' said Hermione.

'Tomato, tomato,' said George, wheeling Y/N over to join Mrs Weasley, Percy, Ron, and Harry who were all sitting at a nearby table. Ron and Harry looking on with smirks whilst Mrs Weasley and Percy looked disapproving 'We hit 5th year, that makes us prefects. We're your senior now.'

'You were always my senior,' said Y/N as George pushed him into his seat, followed by Hermione being pushed into the seat next to him by Fred.

'Are you calling us old?' asked Fred.

'So what if I am?' asked Y/N.

'Well I never, didn't anyone tell you to respect your elders!'

'That's enough boys,' said Mrs Weasley, smiling at Y/N and Hermione. 'Pleasure to see you both again.'

'And you, Mrs Weasley,' said Hermione brightly.

'I guess you too, Ronald,' smirked Y/N, causing Ron to glare at him before his face cracked into a smile. 'You got everything?'

'Not yet, was too busy looking for you lot. We only just got back,' said Ron.

'Hedwig moves fast,' said Y/N, looking at Harry. 'We came the moment we got her letter.'

'Yeah well. Mrs Weasley insisted I have breakfast before I went running after Ron,' muttered Harry.

'Well, 'Mione still needs to get all of her bits and she's got a good few classes to take so we'll want to get started. Think you two can manage fine alone?' asked Y/N as he got to his feet, pulling Hermione up with him.

'Yeah of course,' said Ron brightly. 'Need to get my new wand anyway, meet back here once we're done?'

'Sounds good. You coming, Ginny?' asked Y/N and Ginny's face lit up, she nodded and hurried after the duo. The moment they arrived in the alley, Y/N turned to her.

'Hey Gin, got something to tell you, but you can't tell Ron. Got it?' He saw a mischievous glint in her eye to rival the twins as she nodded. 'Me and Hermione are together.'

Ginny squealed so loudly, several people nearby turned to look at them, but she didn't seem to care as she pulled them both into a hug.

'Thank goodness! I knew you two would be brilliant for each other from the moment I met you. How long has this been a thing?'

'Only about a week,' said Hermione as Ginny pulled away. 'But we don't want Ron knowing, want to see if he can figure it out himself.'

'Hey Gin, when's your birthday?' asked Y/N.

'August 11th, why?'

'Brilliant,' said Y/N. 'A bit late but at least I can get you something. Come on, you need some new robes.'

Ginny went to protest, but Y/N and Hermione each hooked an arm around her and marched her off to Madam Malkin's.

Y/N paid for Ginny's robes and Hermione bought her the books she needed for her second year, brand new, as belated birthday presents. Ginny was beside herself, thanking them every few steps whilst staring at the bundle in her bag.

'No friend of mine is going to school with second-hand stuff if I can help it,' said Y/N and she beamed at him. 'You got everything?' he asked turning to face Hermione.

'Think so. Just need to go pick up the owl now.'

'I'm going to head back to the Leaky Cauldron if that's okay?' asked Ginny as she heaved her bags up a little. 'Starting to get tired.'

'Of course. See you later, Gin,' and with a wave she left. Y/N and Hermione made their way over towards the Magical Menagerie. They were about to enter when Y/N heard someone call his name and he span around.

Ron and Harry pushed their way through the bustling crowd towards them.

'Oh, hey guys!' called Y/N. 'Just getting Hermione an owl.'

'An owl?' asked Harry as the two caught up to them and Hermione nodded.

'I really want one. Y/N's got Vesper, you've got Hedwig and Ron's got Errol-'

'I haven't got Errol,' said Ron. 'Most I've got is Scabbers, and even he isn't looking too great these days,' he added, pulling the rat from his pocket. Scabbers looked much skinnier than usual, and he had a couple of bald patches in his fur.

'They may have something for him in there too,' said Harry, pointing at the sign of the shop. Ron shrugged and the four of them turned and made their way inside.

The shop was cramped and very noisy. Cages lined every single wall full of different creatures that called, cawed, hissed along with all sorts of other noises. Large orange snails, a rabbit that kept turning itself into a top hat, cats gazing down at them, and ravens that cawed eerily.

Ron approached the counter and Harry followed him as Y/N and Hermione slid over towards the owls.

'See anything that catches your eye?' asked Y/N as she gazed up at the stacked cages.

'I don't really know…' said Hermione thoughtfully. 'I was hoping one of them would jump out at me. But-'

'-OUCH!'

The two of them span around to look over by the counter as Ron clutched at his hair. Then suddenly, his hair seemed to leap off his head and land on the counter. A split-second later and Y/N realised it was a ginger cat.

'NO, CROOKSHANKS, NO!' yelled the witch as something streaked off the counter and sprinted out the door.

'Scabbers!' yelled Ron as he went chasing after his rat, Harry following very closely.

Y/N turned his eyes onto Hermione and saw her staring at the cat with her eyes gleaming.

'You love him, don't you?' asked Y/N and Hermione slowly nodded her head. 'You know Ves is as much yours as she is mine, especially now. If you want a cat, then get him.'

Hermione bit her lip in thought, then nodded excitedly and walked forward.

'Hi there-'

'-Sorry dearies, one moment,' said the witch behind the counter as she wrestled with the cat, 'Crookshanks get-!'

'Actually, it's about him. I'd like to buy him.'

Even Crookshanks froze. Both the woman and the cat turned their eyes onto Hermione.

'Wait, actually?' asked the witch.

'Um… yes?' asked Hermione, looking unsure.

'Sorry, don't get me wrong, he's for sale,' said the witch quickly, 'But he's been here for a very long time bless him. No one wants him.'

Y/N could kind of see why. The cat had an extremely squished face and was very bow-legged. Its hair was also much thicker and bristlier than a normal cat. Though, he thought it was oddly endearing.

'Excuse me?' asked Y/N, 'But do you know this cat's heritage?'

'Afraid not,' said the lady. 'He simply got sold to me one day. I thought he was handsome and people would snap him up straight away, but apparently not.'

'Well I think he's gorgeous,' cooed Hermione as the lady behind the counter passed her Crookshanks. The cat immediately curled up in her arms and began purring contentedly. She looked at Y/N with a level of excitement he'd rarely seen in her.

'Think that means she'll take him,' said Y/N smiling, 'And we'll take that too if it's what the ginger boy was buying,' said Y/N, pointing at the bottle on the counter. 'He's our friend.'

'That's on me,' the witch said, pushing the Rat Tonic towards him. 'I should have been keeping a better eye on Crookshanks. Pass it along with my apologies.'

Y/N nodded and pocketed the tonic whilst Hermione paid for Crookshanks. The lady told her all about preferred food and wrapped up Crookshanks' cage then, with a wave, they took their leave, almost walking straight into Ron and Harry.

'You bought that monster?' asked Ron with his mouth wide open, staring at Crookshanks.

'He's gorgeous, isn't he?' said Hermione happily.

'Only thing we can call a monster around here is that face you're pulling, Ron,' said Y/N as he pushed the Rat Tonic into his hand. 'Store lady said it's free of charge owing to the incident.'

Ron wasn't listening to him, however.

'Hermione, that thing nearly scalped me!' he said.

'He didn't mean to, did you Crookshanks?' asked Hermione as she scratched the cat's head.

'And what about Scabbers?' asked Ron, pointing to a lump on his chest that seemed to be shaking. 'He needs rest and relaxation! How's he going to get it with that thing around?'

'Different dormitories, Ron,' said Y/N, now forcefully pushing the Rat Tonic at him. 'Hermione sleeps in the girls and we sleep in the boys. Crookshanks will be nowhere near Scabbers.'

Ron didn't look convinced, but Y/N turned and began leading them all off towards the Leaky Cauldron carrying Hermione's bags. He wasn't quite sure how she'd roped him into carrying these, but he knew he couldn't say no now.

They arrived back to be greeted by Mr Weasley who had now re-joined his family and seemed to be reading the Daily Prophet.

'Ah Harry!' he called as they walked in, 'Pleasure to see you again. And you of course, Hermione, and you too, Y/N.'

'Hi Mr Weasley,' they said brightly as they all sat down around the table. Hermione leant sideways and placed her head on Y/N's shoulder, whilst Crookshanks continued purring in her arms as Mr Weasley put down his paper. Once again, emblazoned across the front page, was an article about Sirius Black.

'They still haven't caught him yet then?' asked Harry.

'No,' said Mr Weasley, looking grave. 'They've pulled us all off our regular jobs to find him, but no luck yet.'

'Would we get a reward if we caught him?' asked Ron. 'It'd be good to get some extra money-'

'Don't be ridiculous, Ron,' said Mr Weasley. 'Black's hardly going to be caught by a thirteen-year-old wizard.'

'You heard what he did right Ron? The whole street thing?' asked Y/N.

'Yeah, but we've faced worse before,' said Ron, puffing out his chest.

'I dunno, Black has killed more than the basilisk did,' said Y/N as Mrs Weasley came into the pub from the alley, followed by Percy who had his Head Boy badge gleaming on his chest.

'Do join us for dinner, won't you?' asked Mr Weasley, turning to face them all.

'I'm staying here anyway,' said Harry with a shrug.

'I'll need to check with mum, but I don't see why she wouldn't be okay with it,' said Y/N. 'We should probably take Hermione's stuff back actually. Back in a few,' he called to the Weasleys and him and Hermione made their way over to the fire.

'Now… I don't know how floo powder works with animals. I assume because you're holding him it'll be okay. But just be careful to not drop him,' said Y/N. 'Might even be worth putting him in his cage for this.'

Once Crookshanks was securely sealed away, the two stepped into the fireplace and re-emerged at Y/N's home, where Minerva was sitting at the table.

'Hi mum!' he called as he stepped out of the fireplace.

'Afternoon Y/N, Hermione,' she added as Hermione came stepping out too, 'Got everything you need.'

'We think so-' began Y/N, but he was cut off as Hermione stepped passed him holding up the cage.

'Isn't he just the cutest thing!' she said soppily as Minerva glanced at the cage.

'He does have a very unique look,' said Minerva.

'That reminds me,' said Hermione, turning to Y/N. 'Why did you ask about his heritage?'

'Because I think he's half-Kneazle,' said Y/N. 'You see the fur? How it looks more like a tiger's than a cats, he's also slightly larger than usual.'

'Very well spotted, Y/N,' said Minerva, smiling at him. 'The new Care of Magical Creatures teacher is going to love you.'

'New one?' asked Y/N, turning to look at her. 'What happened to Professor Kettleburn?'

'Well, you remember how I told you he'd only retire if Dumbledore forced him?' Y/N nodded. 'Dumbledore forced him,' Minerva added simply. 'The replacement has already been hired. It'll be announced at the start of term feast.'

'Doesn't bother me so long as they know what they're doing,' said Y/N brightly. 'I've wanted to do this class since before we even started,' he added to Hermione, 'Magical Creatures is the one I've been looking forward to most.'

'Well now I'm excited for it too!' she said happily.

Together, they fought their way up the stairs with all of Hermione's shopping then went back down.

'The Weasleys have invited us for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron, you don't mind, do you?' asked Y/N as they got back downstairs.

'Not at all, in fact that works out nicely,' said Minerva as she stood up from the table. 'I've been asked for at Hogwarts to prepare for the arrival of you all tomorrow. If you come back once you're done, I will take you both to Kings Cross tomorrow.'

And with goodbye waves, Y/N and Hermione returned to the Leaky Cauldron and enjoyed a lovely evening meal alongside the Weasleys. Once they had finished, the two made their way back home and upstairs to their respective bedrooms. Y/N clambered into bed and lay there for a while, staring up at the ceiling. He was just enjoying lying there and thinking about what this year had to bring. Extra lessons, the tutoring from Lupin, new Quidditch season, and no doubt all sorts of other danger he would have to overcome.

But he knew, that whilst the girl in the next room was still stood by his side, he would be able to take on anything. Even Sirius Black.