Y/N awoke the next morning to something soft rubbing against his face. His eyes fluttered open and he stared blearily up at the sea of brown above him as a voice said softly.
'Morning sleepyhead.'
'Morning,' he said, yawning and stretching as his eyes clarified and Hermione's face swam into focus, as did the hand she currently had placed against his face. 'What's got you up so early?'
'I had to pack up the stuff we bought yesterday, I thought I'd come and see if you were awake and you just looked so peaceful. I hope you don't mind.'
'Not at all. Could get used to waking up and seeing you,' he said softly and Hermione went pink. 'Come on,' he added, patting the empty bit of bed next to him. 'We've still got a while before we need to move.'
Hermione obliged and laydown next to him, wrapping her arms around him and placing her head against his chest. They both breathed a contented sigh and lay there for a while.
'I still can't believe it,' she said into the silence. 'Two years I've wanted to ask you that, and all the while I've been second-guessing what you could say whether it's just friendship or something else…'
'I thought that in our first year. The moment I saw you in Flourish and Blotts, my heart fluttered. I wasn't sure what it was, but I just assumed it was because I didn't speak to people often and you were cute. Then as we got to know each other…'
Hermione was nodding against his chest.
'I know what you mean. First person I'd properly spoken to, and when you said we were friends I felt all warm inside. Couldn't stop thinking about it. Finally had a friend who I was going to a new school with.'
'I didn't know what I was feeling at first, you were the first person I'd ever had a crush on so I didn't understand it. Mum sort of pushed it towards me and after Quirrell, I knew I had to take the time to think. Then it hit me.'
Hermione squeezed him and lifted her head up to look him in the eyes. Her smile reflected his own and her eyes gazed at him with a fondness he'd never seen before. She placed a kiss on his forehead then replaced her head on his chest.
'Thank you, Y/N. For everything you've done for me, I don't know what kind of a person I'd be if you weren't here.'
'You'd still be you, 'Mione. I just helped bring out that confidence in yourself a bit. And that's just 'cause I forced you to deal with my shenanigans,' said Y/N.
'Saying 'forced' implies that I don't love them.'
'You certainly pretend not too when it suits.'
'One of us has to be the responsible one.'
'Is this a fight? Are we having our first couples fight?' asked Y/N.
'If all our fights are like this, I think we're going to be okay,' smirked Hermione.
'I think we're going to be okay anyway. Now come on, we've got a train to catch.'
Hermione grumbled as Y/N went to move.
'I thought you were the responsible one?' asked Y/N, 'Or do you not want to go to Hogwarts this year?'
'Alright alright.'
The two of them clambered out of Y/N's bed and Hermione went back off to her room whilst Y/N got changed and packed up his remaining belongings. Then the two of them dragged their trunks downstairs to wait for Minerva. They were chatting excitedly about their upcoming classes when with a woosh she stepped out of the fireplace, dusting herself off.
'Got everything?' she asked the duo and they both nodded. 'Brilliant, come on then. Make sure you're holding everything tight.'
They stepped out into the back garden, Minerva grabbing each of their hands and turning on the spot.
A few moments later and they were stepping out of the alleyway a couple of streets over from King's Cross station and beginning the walk over.
'Weird of you to not make it back for the evening mum, everything all right?' asked Y/N as they walked.
'No,' said Minerva simply, she looked incredibly grave, 'But I will explain once we're on the platform, don't want people overhearing.'
Y/N and Hermione exchanged worried glances but neither pushed it until they'd arrived on Platform 9 ¾ , as per usual they were extremely early. The attendants had gotten used to them being there early at this point and didn't question it.
The two turned their attention onto Minerva who still held the same grave expression.
'What's going on, mum?'
'You remember I told you about the guards of Azkaban? The Dementors?'
'Yeah?'
'They will be keeping watch over the Castle for this year. The fear for Sirius Black is great within the Ministry-'
'But we've got Dumbledore,' said Y/N immediately, 'How could Sirius Black attack Hogwarts whilst Dumbledore's there? He wouldn't dare, would he?'
'That's the concern, Y/N. That yes, he would dare. The Ministry is insisting that the guards stand ready around the walls of the castle and they are also attempting to push for a search of the train. If the guards do conduct the search, I advise you both, make absolutely no move to enrage them.'
'They'll be safe as long as they're with me, Minerva,' said a quiet voice from behind her and the three of them looked around to see Remus Lupin stood there. He looked very tired with very dark circles under his eyes but smiled at them all warmly.
'Ah, Remus,' said Minerva, turning to shake his hand. 'Would you be willing to share a compartment with them? I'd feel much safer knowing that you were there to watch over them.'
'It would be my pleasure, assuming they don't mind,' he asked, turning his eyes onto the duo.
'No of course not,' said Y/N, also shaking his hand. 'Good to see you again, Remus.'
'You too, Y/N, but please do remember that it'll be Professor Lupin from now on.'
'Oh yeah of course, and this is Hermione Granger,' he added as he saw the look on her face at Remus introducing himself as Professor. ''Mione this is Remus Lupin. He's our new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I met him over the summer.'
Hermione threw him a quizzical look but stepped forward to shake Remus' hand.
'Pleasure to meet you!' she said brightly.
'And you,' he said warmly. 'I imagine you need to get off, Minerva,' he added looking at her and she nodded. She pulled Y/N into a hug and then even did the same with Hermione. Hermione went slightly pink when she did, but returned the gesture.
'Stay safe. Both of you,' she said to them as they stepped away, 'I'd rather not find out anything bad happened.'
'Of course we will, mum, see you at Hogwarts.' And with that, Minerva turned and began to make her way back towards the barrier between the muggle and wizarding world.
'Come on then,' said Remus, waving his wand and causing all of their luggage to hover in the air. 'Let's find a compartment.'
The three of them moved off towards the far end of the train. Remus pointed his wand at one of the nearby compartments and the luggage floated slowly through the open doors and began to tuck itself away on the shelves. The three of them stepped in after it, Remus and Hermione taking the window seats and Y/N sitting on Hermione's right.
'Must say, I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here this early,' said Remus once they'd settled in. 'Quite thought I'd be the first one.'
'I'm always here this early just so that mum can get to the castle and do what she needs to without worrying about me. Giving her the extra hour or so just makes it easier on her for preparation. And I've always had 'Mione with me to keep me company so.'
'May I be nosy and inquire as to whether you two are…?' Remus said slowly, looking between them. 'I guessed as much,' he added as they excitedly nodded in response. 'Affection and love are wonderful things you two, treasure them.'
There was so much meaning in those words that both Y/N and Hermione were a little taken aback, they looked between each other confused as Remus waved his wand and a blanket materialised out of thin air.
'You will have to excuse my rudeness,' he said as he threw it over himself, 'But I had a rather long night and would like to be alert for the start of term feast. Do feel free to wake me if anything calls for it.'
'Of course Professor,' said Y/N and Remus smiled at him before closing his eyes.
Hermione immediately turned her eyes onto Y/N.
'You know him?'
'Yeah, did I forget to tell you? Dumbledore came by to discuss my accidental magic whilst you were petrified. Said he wanted to offer me extra classes to deal with the issue. I'll be doing them whilst you're in Muggle Studies and it'll be Professor Lupin who's teaching me.'
Hermione's eyes grew wide in amazement.
'Extra lessons! That's incredible! You have to share with me about what you learn, it could be so incredible to find out how accidental magic works.'
'From what Remus and Dumbledore said, it's to do with our emotions running wild. Basically, I was so angry, upset and afraid once you got petrified that my emotions became spells instead and just sort of… burst out of me.'
He looked around at her as he finished and saw she had tears swimming in her eyes.
'What? What's happened?' he span around to look behind him but nothing was there, he turned back to see her wiping her eyes.
'No no, it's just. I didn't realise it affected you so badly. I mean obviously I had some idea but-'
'Harry and Ron told me I was a completely different person. Apparently I became a different side of me the entire time,' said Y/N softly. 'I was just so focused on killing the snake I forgot about everything, even my birthday.'
'Oh!' cried Hermione, leaping to her feet, and reaching up to the luggage rack, she rummaged around for a few moments before pulling out a small wrapped up package. 'I almost forgot again,' she said as she handed it over to him, 'Happy Belated Birthday.'
He opened it up and found another ring that looked as though it could clip onto the Gyroscope necklace she'd given him in their first year. This one too was engraved with runes.
'What does this one say?' he asked her as he fastened it into place.
''And to the one who I treasure as more than just my best friend'.' said Hermione gazing at him, 'I was intending to use it to ask you out.'
'I guess I beat you to that one?' he smirked. 'Wait, I confessed on Valentine's day. My birthdays not till May. How long did you have this?'
'Since the original back in first year,' said Hermione. 'I was hoping to get you to realise before your birthday, but I figured it would be good to have a backup plan if not. So, I spent second year trying to get you to realise, especially once I'd heard you in the carriage. And then if you hadn't by your birthday, I was going to give you that and hope it got the message across.'
'Wow,' breathed Y/N as he looked down at the necklace. The two pieces slid past each other perfectly and if they span in the right light, they made a very beautiful pattern across the wall. The two of them sat there and watched it for a while before Y/N tucked it back away down the front of his shirt, leant in and kissed Hermione's cheek, making her giggle.
'Thank you 'Mione. You're the best,' he said as he pulled her into a hug.
'Just sorry it's so late,' she said. 'I kept remembering but then decided to do it later, and then I was just so excited to be with you again that I kept forgetting.'
'I think I can let you off,' said Y/N.
'Oh, how generous,' said Hermione sarcastically, but she still smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.
They spent the next hour or so enjoying each other's company and watching the platform steadily fill up with parents and students. Eventually, the compartment door slid open, and a red-haired face popped inside.
'Hi!' called Ginny excitedly. 'Do you mind if I-?'
'Of course not!' said Y/N before she could finish and got up to help her carry her luggage inside.
'Thanks Y/N,' she said breathlessly as the two of them heaved her trunk into the luggage rack.
'Back in a minute,' she said before dashing off. A moment later and Ron and Harry appeared in the compartment door.
'Ah, was wondering where you were,' said Ron as he and Harry heaved their trunks inside and began tucking them away. 'Just gonna go say bye to mum,' he added as the two of them turned and headed back out onto the platform.
'Should we go?' asked Hermione.
'I feel like it'd be weird, just a hello goodbye. We said our goodbyes yesterday anyway,' said Y/N, so they sat and waited.
Around five minutes later and Ginny returned, and dropped down onto the seat next to Y/N.
'The others will be on their way shortly,' she said brightly. 'I think dad wanted to speak to Harry about something.'
Whilst Ron appeared not long after, taking the vacant seat next to Remus, Harry did not. And it wasn't until the train had already begun leaving the platform that he opened the compartment door and he slid inside.
'Cutting it close, mate,' said Y/N.
'Yeah,' said Harry, a little breathlessly as he sat down next to Ron, 'Mr Weasley wanted to tell me-' but he stopped and threw a look at Ginny. All of them got the message.
'Go away Ginny,' said Ron.
'Oi!' said Y/N at once. 'That's no way to talk to your sister!' He turned to her. 'Gin, mind giving us a few minutes so Harry can tell us whatever's top secret?'
'Of course not, Y/N,' said Ginny, glaring at Ron. 'I'll go wander the train a bit and be back in fifteen,' she got up from her seat and stalked out.
'Not hard to show some decency, Ron,' said Y/N. 'So, what's up Harry?'
Harry opened his mouth once again to speak, but then threw a look sideways at the asleep Professor Lupin.
'He's fast asleep,' said Y/N. 'Said he had a long night last night.'
'Who is he?' asked Ron, looking at Remus' rather dishevelled robes.
'Professor Remus Lupin,' said Y/N. 'New teacher.'
'Wonder what he teaches,' said Ron.
'Well that's obvious isn't it?' snapped Hermione. She too seemed cross at Ron for his previous treatment of Ginny, 'Defence Against the Dark Arts, it's the only vacant position, isn't it?'
'Well, I hope he's up to it,' said Ron. 'Looks like one good hex could finish him off, doesn't he? What were you going to tell us?' he added this last part to Harry quickly after seeing the glare on Y/N's face.
Harry told them all about an argument he'd overheard the previous evening between Mr and Mrs Weasley about how Sirius Black had broken out to try and kill Harry. That apparently in his last days before escaping he'd been muttering 'He's at Hogwarts…' in his sleep.
Then about the conversation Mr Weasley had just had with Harry on the platform and him making Harry swear that he wouldn't go looking for Black.
'Explains why they've got the Azkaban guards watching every entrance into Hogwarts now then,' said Y/N darkly once Harry had finished, 'Black's trying to get into the castle.'
Ron looked as though he'd just been hit over the head and Hermione had clapped her hands over her mouth, she lowered them slowly before speaking.
'Sirius Black escaped to come after you? Harry, you'll need to be really really careful. You can't go looking for trouble.'
'I never do go looking for trouble,' said Harry darkly. 'Trouble usually finds us.'
'Hate to say it but if our Hogwarts track record shows anything…' Y/N didn't need to finish his sentence.
'How thick would Harry have to be to go looking for him though?' asked Ron. 'Why would dad make you promise that?'
'Probably thinks I want another grand adventure like the basilisk,' said Harry. 'Quite frankly, I'd just like to go longer than a year without something trying to murder me.'
'And yet I'm the one who ends up in the Hospital Wing,' said Y/N.
'Not my fault you keep getting injured,' said Harry.
'Actually, I think with both Quirrell and Riddle being after you, I can comfortably blame, Quirrell, the troll and the basilisk on you,' said Y/N, counting them off on his fingers.
'Y/N, how can you be so calm about this?' hissed Hermione.
'I'm not,' said Y/N, 'Sirius Black is probably one of the most dangerous wizards alive and he's after one of my best mates. I'm far from calm. But stressing ourselves out about it now isn't going to help anyone. The Dementors are guarding every inch of the grounds and Dumbledore is there. Black's got a lot to get through before he can even think about attacking Harry.'
Ron and Harry's faces seemed to relax a little at this, but Hermione still looked worried.
''Mione, nothing we say or do in this train is going to stop the fact that Black is after Harry. It would take him literally walking in through the door of the compartment for that. There's nothing we can do right now.'
'Yeah, I guess you're right,' said Hermione, and she allowed her head to fall sideways onto Y/N's shoulder again.
The silence was broken a moment later however by a loud whistling noise that seemed to be coming from Harry's trunk. Ron pinpointed it first, he got up and opened the trunk, pulling from inside a small spinning top that was glowing very brightly and spinning in the palm of Ron's hand.
'Is that a Sneakoscope?' asked Hermione, craning her head to try and get a better look of the device.
'Yeah, mind you, it's a very cheap one,' said Ron, 'It went haywire when I was tying it to Errol to send to Harry.'
'Were you doing anything untrustworthy at the time?' asked Hermione, raising her eyebrows.
'No! Well, I wasn't supposed to be using Errol. You know he's not up to long journeys, but how else was I meant to get Harry's present to him?'
'Stick it back in the trunk, or it'll wake him up,' said Harry, nodding towards Remus. Ron shoved the scope back into Harry's trunk, but Y/N's eyes were still locked on the point where it had disappeared, his mind racing.
'You alright?' whispered Hermione.
'Yeah,' he muttered back. 'Just, why was it spinning? It clearly works, what's setting it off?' his train of thought was cut off however as the door slid open and Ginny poked her head in.
'Am I safe to return to my seat now?' she asked, still glaring at her brother.
'We could always get it checked in Hogsmeade,' said Ron, completely ignoring Ginny as she stepped inside and sat back down next to Y/N. 'They sell that sort of thing in Dervish and Banges, magical instruments and stuff. Fred and George told me.'
'Do you know much about Hogsmeade?' asked Hermione keenly, looking between Ron and Y/N. 'I've read it's the only entirely non-muggle settlement in Britain-'
'It is!' said Y/N just as excitedly, 'It's also got the Shrieking Shack which is said to be the most haunted place in Britain.'
'Yeah it does,' said Ron in an off-hand way, 'but I just want to get inside Honeydukes.'
'Of course you do,' said Y/N, rolling his eyes and making Ginny giggle.
'What's that?' asked Hermione.
'It's this sweetshop…' said Ron, speaking as though he was thousands of miles away, 'where they've got everything.' He began listing off random sweets with odd effects, but Hermione shook her head and turned instead to address everyone else.
'But Hogsmeade's a very interesting place, isn't it? In 'Sites of Historical Sorcery',it says the inn was the headquarters for the 1612 goblin rebellion,' she gasped. 'We could go on a date there, Y/N! Our first date!'
Y/N threw a quick glance at Ron, but he apparently hadn't heard a word of it. He breathed a sigh.
'Careful,' he muttered, nodding in the red-heads direction.
'Sorry,' she mouthed, 'But we could,' she added louder, looking excited again.
'Of course we can,' he said brightly. 'I know a good few places from what mum's told me. I could show you around.'
'Wont it be nice to get out of school for a bit too?' she asked, looking around at all of them. Ginny pouted a little
''spect it will,' said Harry, looking downtrodden. 'You'll have to tell me when you've found out.'
'What do you mean?' asked Ron as he was snapped out of his sweet-focused haze.
'I can't go, the Dursleys didn't sign my permission form, didn't take kindly to me inflating my aunt and Fudge wouldn't either.'
Ron looked horrified.
'You're not allowed to come? No way! Y/N, you can get McGonagall to give him permission, right?'
'You realise she's my mother and not the other way around, right Ron?' said Y/N. 'I can't make her do anything.'
'We could ask Fred and George? They know every secret passage out of the castle.'
'Ron,' said Hermione pointedly. 'I don't think Harry should be sneaking out anywhere, especially not whilst Dementors are on the lookout for criminals.'
'But if we're with him-' began Ron.
'Ah yes, because we'll stop any criminals or Dementors who try to get in our way,' said Y/N sarcastically.
Ginny was looking quizzically between them but did not question it.
'Don't let that thing out-!' called Ron and Y/N looked around in time to watch Crookshanks hop out of his basket onto the floor of the compartment. He stretched, then hopped up onto Ron's knees, Ron immediately shoved him off. 'Get off me!'
'Ron, don't!' said Hermione angrily.
'It's just a cat mate,' said Y/N, scooping up Crookshanks and placing him on his lap.
Ron opened his mouth to respond, but Remus began stirring at that moment. They all froze to watch, but he simply turned his head slightly and slept on.
The rest of the train ride went by fairly uneventfully. Y/N and Hermione began helping Ginny with some revision for her second year whilst Harry and Ron spoke in hushed whispers about ways to get Harry out of the castle.
At around one o'clock, the plump witch who wheeled the food cart arrived outside the compartment door.
'Think we should wake him up?' asked Ron, nodding at Remus. 'Looks like he could do with some food.'
'Think he could do with rest more,' said Y/N. 'Should have seen him when he was awake.'
'I'll be at the front of the train anyway if he wants anything,' said the witch brightly as Harry bought his sweets.
'Usual?' he asked Hermione who nodded happily. 'What do you want?' Y/N asked Ginny as he got to his feet.
'Nothing,' muttered Ginny.
'Either you tell me what you want or I do what I did last year.'
Ginny opened her mouth to argue then muttered, 'Pasties please.'
'Guess I'd best treat you too Ronald, don't take the mick.'
Once the sweets had all been handed out, they settled into their seats to see through the rest of the trip. Y/N and Hermione began quizzing each other on the upcoming subjects they'd be taking whilst Ginny joined Ron for a game of wizard chess, which proved difficult on the moving train. Around mid-afternoon, the compartment door slid open and a familiar drawling voice rang into the compartment.
'Well look who it is. Potty and the Weasel.'
Crabbe and Goyle gave harsh laughs.
'Forgetting about me, Malfoy?' said Y/N without taking his eyes off the book he and Hermione were reading together. 'Or do I need to burn your legs again for you to remember me?'
'I heard your father finally got his hands on some gold this summer, Weasley,' said Malfoy, ignoring Y/N. 'Did your mother die of shock?'
Both Ron and Y/N shot straight up out of their seats, they stood shoulder to shoulder arms raised with wands pointing at the trio in the door. Crookshanks landed clumsily on the floor and the hissing caused Remus to start in his sleep.
'Who's that?' Malfoy asked at once, seeing the figure behind them.
'New teacher,' said Harry, who was now stood behind Ron and Y/N. 'What were you saying, Malfoy?'
'Come on,' muttered Malfoy and the three of them left, he wasn't about to start trouble in front of a teacher.
'Coward,' said Y/N as Ron sank back down onto the seat, rubbing his knuckles.
'Not going to take any crap from Malfoy this year,' said Ron, 'I mean it, if he makes one more jab about my family-'
'I'll be right there with you mate,' said Y/N, sinking back down onto the seat between Ginny and Hermione. 'Purity of blood filth.'
The two looked at each other with a sort of fierce understanding.
'Be careful,' whispered Hermione, nodding towards Remus.
'Hey Y/N, think you can teach me a few of those spells you keep using? Like you did with Flipendo?' asked Ron. 'I'd like to have a few tricks up my sleeve.'
'Going to give you a tentative yes on that one, mate,' said Y/N, 'Assuming I can handle my workload, of course I can. But McGonagall's warned us this year may get a bit intense,' he said, indicating himself and Hermione.
'If I have to help you with your homework to get taught some fancy tricks then so be it,' said Ron harshly.
Y/N opened his mouth to take the mick but couldn't bring himself to do it. Ron had such a fierce determination on his face that Y/N didn't want to wipe it off with petty jabs. So instead, he leant back in towards Hermione and the two let their heads fall together to continue reading 'Numerology and Grammatica'.
As the sky got steadily darker outside, the five of them changed into their Hogwarts robes, rain began pouring down heavily and the lanterns along the train flickered into life.
'We must be nearly there,' said Ron, trying to get a good look out of the window. No sooner had he said it, the train began to slow.
'Great. I'm starving, I want to get to the feast,' he added.
'We can't be there yet,' said Hermione as she glanced at her watch.
'So why're we stopping?' asked Ron.
'They're searching the train,' said Y/N.
'Who are?' but Hermione shushed Ron as Y/N got to his feet and drew his wand.
The train came to a stop with a jolt, several loud noises could be heard from other compartments then, all of a sudden, all of the lamps went out.
'Lumos,' said Y/N and his wand tip ignited. 'Remus,' he added, looking over his shoulder at Hermione who nodded and immediately began attempting to wake him.
The compartment door slid open and a very scared looking Neville appeared.
'Y/N! Do you know what's-?'
'Get in here Neville,' said Y/N, pulling the boy inside and pushing him into a vacant seat before sliding the door closed again.
'There's something moving out there,' said Ron, still looking at the window, 'people are coming aboard.'
'Remus!' called Y/N and Remus jumped slightly as his eyes opened and he turned to look at Y/N. 'They're searching the train!'
The sleepiness left Lupin's face at once, he jumped to his feet.
'Extinguish your wand,' he said, and Y/N did so. The compartment was plunged into darkness, but a moment later a whooshing sound echoed around them as Remus' hand ignited, he seemed to be holding fire directly in his palm.
'Stay where you are,' he said and he moved towards the door, but as he did, it slid open.
Standing in the doorway was a tall figure in a very long black cloak and hood that completely covered its face. A greyish, dead looking hand protruded from underneath the cloak, but a moment later and it vanished back into the folds.
A cold swept through the compartment as though they'd all just been dipped into ice, their breath appearing before them. Suddenly, a thud rang through the compartment, and they all looked around to see Harry had collapsed and slid out of his chair.
'Harry!' called Y/N.
Remus glanced over his shoulder and then stepped forward towards the Dementor.
'None of us is hiding Sirius Black under our cloaks, go!' he demanded of the Dementor, but it did not move, it's head turned towards Y/N. He heard it draw a horrible great rattling breath and an image began to swim into view of Hermione, lying frozen and rigid in a Hospital Wing bed.
Remus waved his wand and a silvery quadruped soared out of the tip straight at the Dementor, it took a few steps backwards then soared away from the door. Y/N shook his head and the vision of Hermione petrified cleared, he waited for another moment until the lanterns flickered back on and with a soft hissing the train began to move once again.
Y/N dropped to his knees next to Harry, and Ron did the same.
''Mione, you still got that chocolate on you?' Y/N asked
'Course I do, why-?' she began but she fell silent as Y/N just held out his hand, she snapped a piece off and passed it to him.
'Rennervate,' he said, pointing his wand at Harry. Harry's eyes fluttered then opened blearily and he looked around at them very confused. 'Come on mate,' and he and Ron heaved Harry into his seat where Y/N handed him the chocolate he'd just received from Hermione and sat back down.
Remus gave him an approving nod as Ron spoke.
'You okay?' he asked Harry.
'Yeah,' said Harry as his eyes flicked towards the door. 'What happened? Where's that thing? Who screamed?'
'No one screamed,' said Ron, looking worried.
Harry looked around at all of them and Y/N saw a hint of pleading in his eyes, as though asking someone to tell him they had screamed.
'But I heard screaming-' he began, but he was interrupted as Remus snapped a large bar of chocolate of his own apart, handing out to everyone else.
'Eat it,' he said nodding to all of them, 'it'll help.'
Y/N nodded encouragingly at the others and all of them bar Harry ate. And he ate his own. He felt the now familiar feeling of the illness washing from his body and the rising warmth he felt when his own sense overwhelmed him.
'What was that thing?' Harry asked.
'A Dementor,' said Remus, 'One of the Dementors of Azkaban,' he handed a large piece of chocolate to Y/N, before he crumpled up the empty wrapper and stowed it in his pocket. 'I need to go see the driver, excuse me. Y/N do me a favour, won't you?'
'Of course Remus,' said Y/N, getting to his feet. He felt Hermione squeeze his hand and he turned to see her face stricken with fear. He leant down and kissed the top of her head. 'I'll be fine, I promise,' he added as he released her hand and stepped out into the corridor with Remus.
'How did you know about the chocolate?' Remus asked.
'I have an ability, a magical sense as such. When it gets overwhelming, I need chocolate to refocus my sense. I remember Dumbledore saying that it was mostly for Dementors so I thought-'
'That's very wise of you Y/N, I'm impressed,' said Remus with an approving nod. 'Proves you're the right person for this job. Do a sweep of the train, make sure no other students have collapsed. If they have, give them some of that,' he nodded to the large piece of chocolate he had given Y/N.
Y/N nodded and swept up the train after Remus who was heading towards the driver's cabin. Most students looked pale and terrified as they watched Y/N sweep past in the corridor but none seemed to have anyone passed out. He quickly turned around and swept back towards the compartment with his friends in. As he entered, he saw Hermione sat next to Ginny with an arm around her shoulders. Ginny was shaking.
'You okay?' he asked Hermione as he re-entered.
'Yeah, are you?' she asked, looking concerned. 'I watched you start swaying when that thing turned towards you, I thought you were going to collapse as well.'
'I'm fine,' he said with a pointed look at Ginny before kneeling down in front of her. 'Hey Gin.'
Ginny didn't raise her head so instead he wrapped his arms around her, she stayed huddled up for a few moments before she unravelled herself and hugged him back, he could feel as she began to sob into his shoulder.
'It was horrible,' said Neville, shivering in the corner.
'Felt like I'd never be happy again,' said Ron darkly, staring straight ahead of him.
'Did none of you faint?' asked Harry, looking around at them all.
'No, but I recognised it,' said Y/N, his arms still around Ginny, 'it hits the same way my sense does. That's why I recommended the chocolate.'
'You feel like that every time I pull out the cloak?' asked Harry. 'No wonder you never get under it. Sorry mate, I didn't know.'
'Neither did I,' said Y/N. 'Now I'm beginning to realise exactly how much it sucks. Luckily, the sense doesn't come with the impending feeling of dread. Just a headache and the nausea.'
Remus returned to the compartment and smiled at Harry.
'I'm sure Y/N hasn't attempted to poison you, Harry,' he said bracingly, and Harry took a bite out of the chocolate. He watched as the colour flooded back to Harry's face and he breathed a deep breath.
'You too, Gin,' said Y/N, seeing her piece still held in her hand and handing her a bit off the larger once he'd received from Remus. 'Eat up, or I'll make you.'
Ginny took the chocolate and ate it, slowly her sobs subsided but she didn't let go of Y/N.
'Sorry,' he mouthed at Hermione and she shook her head at him whilst running a hand along Ginny's back.
'Are you alright Harry?' asked Remus as he stepped inside and retook his seat.
'Fine,' muttered Harry, but Y/N could tell he hated what had just happened.
After another minute or two Ginny released Y/N. He got to his feet and then sat back down between her and Hermione, he pulled Hermione into a large hug which she returned, and he felt her body relax into him.
'I was so worried the moment I saw you swaying,' she breathed into his ear. 'It felt safer with you here, but the idea it could take down you and Harry without trying-' he heard her voice catch and he squeezed her tight.
'It didn't. Remus handled it. And now I know what to expect,' he whispered back.
The two of them broke apart, but Hermione left her head on Y/N's shoulder whilst Y/N spoke to Ginny about anything he could to try and take her mind off it.
Soon the train slowed and came to a stop once more, they all left the train and stepped down onto the platform at Hogsmeade station.
'Firs' years this way!' called a loud voice and their group turned to see Hagrid beckoning the first-year students towards him. 'All righ', you lot?' he called over the heads of the gathered students, they waved to him but couldn't get closer to talk, so instead they turned their attentions towards the horseless carriages.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Y/N and Ginny climbed inside of one and as Ginny closed the door, the carriage began moving off up the road towards Hogwarts.
Y/N drew his wand as they approached the large wrought iron gates of Hogwarts as he had seen two Dementors flanking it on either side, he saw Harry withdraw a little into his seat and close his eyes until they had passed. He wondered what Harry had seen to have it affect him so badly. He knew now, why Lupin had set him an early homework assignment.
Hermione was gazing wistfully out of the carriage window at the many towers of Hogwarts, her hand wrapped in Y/N's. His eyes were sweeping the grounds relentlessly trying to spot anything out of place.
Finally, the carriages came to a halt and they all filed out, Y/N went just before Harry and as Harry stepped out, they all heard a familiar drawling voice once more.
'You fainted Potter? Is Longbottom telling the truth, you actually fainted?'
Malfoy elbowed his way past Hermione to block Harry's path at the stairs.
'Depulso,' said Y/N, pointing his wand at Goyle who was knocked backwards into Malfoy, sending them both down onto the floor.
'Is there a problem?' said a voice right behind Y/N, he turned to face Remus who was gazing down at him with a look of pretend innocence.
'Not at all Professor,' said Y/N. 'Malfoy here just tripped and fell over, didn't you Malfoy?'
'You'll pay for that, L/N,' he spat as he got to his feet and the three of them stalked off inside.
'Don't let me catch you doing that again Y/N, please,' said Remus as he gestured them up into the castle.
They stepped inside and were about to make their way towards the Great Hall when a voice rang out towards them, 'Potter, Granger, Y/N, I wish to see you.'
The three of them looked around and saw Professor McGonagall bustling towards them.
'See you later,' Y/N whispered to Ron and Ginny, they extricated themselves from the crowd and moved over towards the Transfiguration teacher.
'There's no need to look so worried, Potter,' she said to Harry. 'I just want a word in my office.'
They followed her along the corridors and into her office, she motioned for them all to sit down then sat down behind her desk and said, 'Professor Lupin sent word that you were taken ill on the train, Potter.'
Harry opened his mouth to respond, but there was a soft knock at the door and Madam Pomfrey came bustling in. Y/N immediately watched Harry go red.
'I'm fine,' he said at once, 'I don't need anything-'
'Oh, it's you, is it?' said Madam Pomfrey who had at first been moving towards Y/N. 'Surprised it's not Mr L/N doing something dangerous again.'
'It was a Dementor, Poppy,' said McGonagall, ignoring Y/N's outraged look.
The two exchanged a dark look and Madam Pomfrey tutted disapprovingly.
'Setting Dementors around a school, honestly, he won't be the last one who collapses. Yes, he's all clammy. Terrible things they are, and the effect they have on people who are already delicate-'
'I'm not delicate!' said Harry angrily.
'Of course you're not,' said Madam Pomfrey who was clearly only half listening.
'What does he need?' asked McGonagall. 'Bed rest? Maybe a night in the Hospital Wing?'
'I'm fine!' yelled Harry, leaping to his feet. McGonagall shot Y/N a look and he shook his head slightly.
'Well, he should have some chocolate at the very least,' said Madam Pomfrey, trying to look into Harry's eyes.
'I've already had some,' said Harry. 'Y/N and Professor Lupin dished some out on the train, gave it to all of us.'
'Did they now?' said Madam Pomfrey, looking approvingly at Y/N. 'Glad to see we've got a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher who knows his remedies, and good on you for knowing that too, Y/N.'
'Are you sure you feel all right, Potter?' asked McGonagall.
'Yes,' said Harry pointedly.
'Very well, kindly wait outside whilst I have a quick word with Miss Granger and Y/N, then we can go down to the feast together.'
Harry and Madam Pomfrey stepped out and McGonagall turned to them.
'How on earth did you know about the chocolate, Y/N?'
'You and Dumbledore told me,' said Y/N. 'Before I even started, when we were talking about my sense, you said that chocolate was for Dementors.'
'I'm impressed you remembered that, even I'd forgotten,' said McGonagall as she got to her feet.
'I didn't remember as such, it just popped into my head the moment he collapsed. Moment of inspiration, you know?'
'Well, be that as it may, it's still good that you remembered,' she said before turning back to them. 'Now, as I'm no doubt sure Y/N has told you Miss Granger, we had to take special precautions to ensure that you could both take all the subjects you've selected. So, I need you to promise as I got Y/N to that what I'm about to tell you will not leave this room unless it is to another member of the staff.'
'Of course, Professor,' said Hermione looking excited.
'Good,' and Professor McGonagall withdrew what looked like a small hourglass embedded in the middle of a necklace which seemed to be on hinges, as though it could be twisted, it had a very long chain around it.
'This is a time turner,' she continued as she passed it to Hermione. 'We could only get one so I'm afraid you will need to share, but all you need do is place it around your necks and spin it. Each spin is equivalent to one hour. You will have multiple lessons at the same time. All you need do is spin it back an hour or two after a lesson has finished and proceed to your next one.'
Hermione's eyes were wide with amazement and Y/N was stumped for words.
'This is incredible…' he breathed as he looked at it.
'It is. However, I have several warnings for you. Number one and the most important one, you cannot be seen. No one must know that you have this device. We don't know what it could do if someone started seeing multiples of you, it would raise all sorts of questions. Number two, do not go back further than five hours. Any further and you risk putting yourselves and time itself in dangerous risk. And Number three, this is not a toy, it is to be used only to attend your lessons. Is that clear?'
Both Y/N and Hermione nodded and Professor McGonagall sighed.
'Good. Now Y/N, as you are well aware, when Miss Granger's timetable says Muggle Studies, you are to go and see Professor Lupin. He is already aware of your time turner as are the other members of staff.'
'Of course Professor.'
'Let us head down to the feast then,' she said, gesturing towards the door.
They picked up Harry outside of the office and made their way down towards the Great Hall, walking almost straight into tiny little Professor Flitwick who was leaving with a large stool and something ragged in his hand. Y/N felt his head pulse and winced slightly.
'Oh,' said Hermione softly as she pressed a chunk of chocolate into his hand. 'We've missed the sorting.'
They made their way over to the Gryffindor table where Ron and Ginny sat across from each other, Harry sat in the seat Ron had saved for him whilst Y/N and Hermione sank into the two Ginny had for them.
'What was all that about?' Ron muttered to Harry, Harry went to explain but Dumbledore got to his feet at that same moment.
'Welcome!' he called as the many lights in the room reflected gloriously off his sparkling robes, 'to another year, at Hogwarts! I have a few things to say to you all, and as one of them is very serious. I think it best to get it out of the way before you become indulged in our excellent feast. As you will all be aware, after their search of the Hogwarts Express, our school is currently playing host to the Dementors of Azkaban, who are here on Ministry of Magic business.'
Y/N watched Dumbledore almost wince slightly, a sign that most plainly said Dumbledore did not approve of this little arrangement.
'They are stationed at every entrance to the grounds. And whilst they are with us, I must make it plain that nobody is to leave school without permission. Dementors are not to be fooled by tricks, disguises or even invisibility cloaks. It is not in the nature of a Dementor to understand pleading or excuses. Therefore, I must warn everyone of you to give them no reason to harm you.'
Y/N glanced across at Harry and Ron who were looking at each other in horror. Apparently, the Invisibility Cloak had been one of their plans for getting Harry into Hogsmeade.
'On a happier note,' Dumbledore continued, 'I am pleased to welcome two new teachers to our ranks this year. First, Professor Lupin, who has kindly consented to fill the post of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.'
The Great Hall rang with mostly unenthusiastic applause, all except for those who had been in the carriage with Remus who were all clapping hard, and Y/N even gave a whistle of appreciation for the man.
Y/N saw Professor Snape glancing down the table at Remus with a horrible expression on his face, almost murderous.
'As to our second new appointment,' continued Dumbledore, 'I am sorry to tell you that Professor Kettleburn, our Care of Magical Creatures teacher, retired at the end of last year in order to enjoy some more time with his remaining limbs,' his eyes flashed. 'However, I am delighted to say that his place will be filled by none other than Rubeus Hagrid, who has agreed to take on this teaching job in addition to his gamekeeping duties.'
Y/N's eyes fell on Hagrid as he got to his feet, matching the Gryffindor's thunderous applause. They were clapping so loudly and for so long it almost rivalled Hagrid's return at the end of last year. After a moment, Ginny and Hermione were on their feet either side of him. Hagrid was wiping his eyes on the tablecloth and looked over at them. Y/N gave him a double thumbs up and Hagrid beamed.
'Well, I think that's everything of importance,' said Dumbledore, 'Let the feast, begin!'
As always, it was an incredible feast, the Great Hall echoed with excited conversation, but the quintet were anxious for it to end, they wanted to speak to Hagrid. They knew how much being a teacher would mean to him, especially of a subject he was so passionate about.
At long last, when the last parts of their meals faded away, Dumbledore got to his feet and announced that it was time for all of them to go to bed. They pushed through the crowd towards Hagrid, Ginny following close behind them.
'Congratulations Hagrid!' called Hermione the moment they were in earshot.
'All down ter you lot!' he beamed as he wiped his face. 'Can' believe it, great man Dumbledore, came straight down to me hut after he told Kettleburn to retire. It's what I've always wanted.'
'Hope you know I'm going to be your best student, Hagrid,' said Y/N brightly. 'I've wanted to do this class since before I even started.'
'Then I'll make sure yer first one's a goodun,' said Hagrid thickly and then buried his face in his napkin once again, Ginny hugged him around the waist, Ron and Harry clapped him on the back and then Professor McGonagall appeared to shoo them all off back to their common room.
'What's the password?' Y/N subtly whispered to her as she pushed them all out of the Great Hall.
'Fortuna Major,' she whispered back, smiling slightly before returning to the staff table.
They climbed the steps up towards Gryffindor tower, arriving outside of the Fat Lady's portrait. Y/N gave the password and they all slipped inside.
'Night Gin!' he called with a wave as Ginny moved off towards the girls' dormitories.
'Night Y/N, Night Hermione!' she called back as she wandered off.
'Didn't even say night to me or Harry,' said Ron indignantly, 'I'm her brother!'
'Maybe if you acted like it, she would,' said Y/N with a shrug before turning to Hermione and pulling her into a hug. 'Night 'Mione,' he added as he kissed the top of her head.
'Night Y/N,' she said standing on tiptoes to kiss his cheek. 'Night you two,' she added as she moved off towards the girls' dormitories.
'You two just can't keep your hands off each other today, can you?' said Ron as they climbed the stairs towards the boys' dormitories. 'Her head was almost never off you.'
'Weird that, isn't it?' smirked Y/N as he clambered onto his bed. 'Guess it's just cause we're such good friends.'
'I dunno,' said Ron, suspiciously eyeing Y/N, 'Seems like there's something more there. You seem friendlier than usual.'
'No idea what you're talking about Ron. I don't stand a chance with Hermione anyway,' said Y/N conversationally. 'Like she'd ever want to date someone like me,' and leaving Ron looking more confused than when they'd began, Y/N drew the curtains around his bed.
