Y/N awoke early the following morning and slid out of bed, he picked up his pile of clothes and moved over towards the mirror in their dormitory, examining himself. He'd gotten taller over the summer and seem to have some muscles forming around his legs and arms. Apparently, the activities of the last few years had kept him at least somewhat in shape.

He stared at the mirror for a few moments, lost in thought.

'Did my dad have these same E/C eyes? Everyone always told Harry that he had Lily's eyes. Or do I even have my mother's eyes? What about the hair and my face?'

His curiosity about his parents had been steadily mounting. He'd gone from knowing nothing bar he was hurled to safety and that his dad had died that evening, to having this dream of following Voldemort through the underbrush. And how was he following Voldemort? Hadn't he been thrown over the wall?

He'd seen the dream enough times now to know that the burst of flame he saw on the wall was the protective barrier around the school opening and his father throwing him through. But if that was true, how could he follow Voldemort? Is that why the dream kept ending? All he had after that point was sound.

But that didn't explain him knowing about the flash of green light…

And then there was his mother being close to the right hand of Voldemort. Had she been a Slytherin? What had his dad been? And where was she now…? Maybe coming after Harry with Sirius Black. Maybe trying to stop Sirius Black. He hoped it was the latter, he didn't want his blood-mother to be a Voldemort sympathiser.

He shook himself. He had new classes to start and someone else to worry about now. His answers about his parents would come, even if he had to go looking. He got dressed and scooped up his bag, which is filled to almost bursting point with his books and supplies for the day, and headed downstairs. He'd beaten Hermione awake so he settled himself into his favourite chair by the fire and continued his revision on the banishing charm.

Depluso had already proven to be a very useful trick. Once Y/N had seen it was essentially just a stronger version of Flipendo, he'd made it his personal mission to learn it whenever he had spare time. The time against Malfoy had been his first successful test.

'Wonder if it's 'cause I was angry…' muttered Y/N as he traced the spell movement in the air with his wand.

'What have you done whilst angry this time?' asked a familiar voice as Hermione squeezed herself into the chair next to him. She too had grown over the summer and now had to sit half on his lap to manage it.

'Yesterday,' he said, shifting to make sure she was more comfortable, 'with Malfoy at the doors-'

'I meant to ask! That was the banishing charm wasn't it?' Hermione asked, pointing at the page.

'It was, first time I've made it work. I've tried it before but that was the first time the spell actually happened. I wonder if it's 'cause I was angry, if this is what Remus was talking about by using my emotions.'

'It could be,' said Hermione, her eyes lighting up at once, 'you could always bring it up to him when you have your class?'

'I think I'll have to,' said Y/N thoughtfully. 'The anger was definitely there. Moment he elbowed past you, I felt my blood boiling.'

'Always ready to jump to my rescue,' said Hermione, batting her eyelashes at him and smirking.

'That's me,' said Y/N, puffing out his chest. ''Mione's hero!'

'Well, my hero has to go downstairs and eat breakfast or he's not going to be ready for having so many classes today,' said Hermione, standing up and grabbing Y/N's hand to pull him up with her.

'Hero will return to duty once breakfast is done,' said Y/N proudly and laughing, the two made their way downstairs hand in hand.

They took seats opposite Fred and George, who saw their linked hands and immediately both cracked wide smirks.

'Good morning love birds,' said George slyly with a wink to Y/N.

'So, what brings Hogwarts' top couple to the table with us single schmucks?' asked Fred.

'You say that like everyone knows already,' said Hermione coolly.

'They do,' said George. 'Everyone's known for years you two were going to get together.'

'It was just a question of when Y/N got the balls to do it,' said Fred.

'I'll have more balls than the pair of you in a minute if you don't shut it,' smirked Y/N.

'Ah! I told you,' said George, pointing to the Gryffindor badge on his chest. 'Prefects now. Can't tell us what to do.'

'If you're Prefects then why does that say Head Boy?' asked Y/N.

'Because Percy got rid of his Prefect one,' said Fred.

'He's going to be furious when he sees that his badge is gone,' said Hermione.

'That's why we replaced it,' said George.

As though on cue, Percy chose that moment to walk past the table with a curt nod to all of them in greeting, his badge emblazoned on his robes reading 'Bighead Boy'. The four of them fought hard to hide their smirks as they gave a chorus of 'Morning Percy' and he moved off down the table.

'But on a more serious note, congratulations,' said Fred, nodding to Y/N. 'Knew you'd ask her eventually, mate. After our conversation last year, we both knew for sure. Then once that snake was dead-'

'-there was nothing stopping you,' finished George. 'I just hope you did give it one from us.'

'I gave it one from every damn person that beasts life affected,' snarled Y/N and Hermione placed a hand on his shoulder.

'Once you'd killed something that can kill on a look, I imagine asking a girl out was easy,' said Fred.

'Actually, I asked her before killing the snake. I asked her before she even got petrified. We just agreed to wait till the Chamber had been dealt with.'

George groaned and reached into his pocket, slapping 5 sickles into Fred's outstretched hand.

'You had a bet on us?' asked Y/N incredulously.

'We set it after we spoke to you in the common room,' said Fred smugly as George went back to his breakfast. 'George bet you'd ask her out within the next year.'

'And what did you bet?' asked Hermione, raising her eyebrows.

'That'd he'd already done it,' said Fred matter-of-factly.

'Thought I'd won that easy…' muttered George.

'I mean you're technically both right,' said Y/N. 'I confessed to her last year, but we didn't get together till the summer.'

The twins looked at each other and then shrugged.

'Can't be bothered working out who actually wins,' said George. 'Just happy for you both.'

'Thanks,' said Hermione, looking unsure but pleased.

'Hermione,' said Fred, looking mock outraged, 'Do you really think we'd do something so serious as congratulate you and not be wholeheartedly genuine.'

'Yes.'

'Well you'd be right,' shrugged Fred.

Before long, McGonagall swept up the table towards them handing out timetables.

'Can I trust you to pass along Mr Weasley's and Mr Potter's?' she asked as she reached the four of them. They nodded and she handed them out.

'We're starting some new subjects today!' said Hermione happily. 'Oh and Y/N, I've got Muggle Studies first thing!'

Y/N flipped open his own timetable and read the opening column.

Monday

Divination – 9am

Arithmancy – 9am

E.C – 9am

'I assume that's what E.C means,' said Y/N as Ron and Harry entered the Great Hall. As they did, Y/N heard the shrill voice of Pansy Parkinson ring out over all the general chatter.

'Hey Potter! The dementors are coming, Potter! WoOoOoOoOoO.'

'Doesn't she know how much of a prat she sounds?' asked Y/N as the two sank in alongside the twins.

'New third-year schedules,' said George as he passed them to Harry and Ron. 'What's up Harry?'

'Malfoy,' growled Ron. The four of them looked around to just in time to see Malfoy pretending to faint to raucous laughter from the Slytherins. Y/N's eyes flicked towards the staff table where they connected immediately with Professor Snape's, who was looking at him as though daring him to cast a spell at Malfoy.

'Guess she doesn't care about sounding like one when Malfoy's acting like one,' said Hermione bitterly as she returned to her food.

'Little git,' said George. 'Wasn't so cocky last night when the Dementors were down our end of the train. Came running into our compartment, didn't he Fred?'

'Nearly wet himself,' said Fred, his voice dripping with contempt.

'Was wondering why I saw him in there with you,' said Y/N. 'Thought maybe he'd almost been caught in the corridor and panicked or something.'

'Ah yeah, forgot we saw you patrolling the corridor,' said Fred.

'Professor Lupin asked me to. Told me to hand out chocolate to anyone else who'd passed out.'

'No one else did pass out though, did they?' said Harry bitterly.

'Forget it Harry,' said George bracingly. 'Dad had to go out to Azkaban one day, came back all weak and shaking. Says it was the worst place he's ever been. They suck the happiness out of a place. Most of the prisoners go mad.'

'And we'll see how happy Malfoy is after our first Quidditch match,' said Fred, looking at Y/N. 'Gryffindor Versus Slytherin remember?'

'Dunno why you're looking at me. I'm only reserve remember?' said Y/N.

'Yeah, but you've got the experience of facing Slytherin on their Nimbuses,' said George. 'You'd be surprised how much Wood cares about small advantages.'

'I really don't think I would,' said Y/N. 'I have met him.'

'Y/N?' said Ron slowly.

'What can I do for you, Mr Weasley?' said Y/N, turning towards him to see him holding his timetable.

'I think they've messed up your timetable. They've got you down for about 10 subjects a day.'

'I'll manage,' said Y/N, leaning over to pull his timetable out of Ron's hands. 'It's what McGonagall wanted to speak to about last night, got ways around it.'

'But you've got two classes and whatever E.C is for 9 this morning? How can you be in three places at once?'

'E.C I assume is Extra Class, cause it's when 'Mione has Muggle Studies, I think it's my class with Lupin.'

'But what about helping me?' asked Ron.

'Ron, I told you, I've got it all sorted. You leave worrying about that up to me and just listen when I try to teach you, yeah?'

Ron still looked unsure, but he didn't push it. A moment later and Hagrid walked into the Great Hall swinging a dead polecat from his hand.

'All righ?' he said eagerly as he went past them on his way towards the staff table. 'Yer in my firs' ever lesson! Right after lunch. Bin up since five gettin' everythin' ready. Wan' ter make it good for yer'. Me, a teacher…'

He beamed at them and moved off towards the staff table.

'Wonder what he's getting ready,' said Ron, looking nervous.

'Dunno, but I'm excited,' said Y/N brightly. 'If Hagrid's going all out then it must be something incredible.'

The Great Hall was beginning to empty out as people began to move off towards lessons.

'We'd better go,' said Ron as he checked his timetable. 'Divination's at the top of North Tower. It'll take us ages to get there.'

'Is it bad that I'm excited to use the time-turner?' whispered Hermione as they moved off and Y/N shook his head.

'Nah I am too, let's get Divination out the way then we can do Arithmancy together. I'll do Lupin's last,' he muttered back.

Hermione nodded excitedly and intertwined her hand with his as they followed Harry and Ron out of the Great Hall.

The trip to North Tower took an incredibly long time, this was made even worse by the fact that none of them had been up this way before. Seven staircases later and they emerged on a landing with a painting containing only a bare stretch of land.

'I think it's this way,' panted Hermione, as she peered down the passageway to the right.

'Nah, can't be,' said Ron as he clutched a stitch in his side, 'That's South, you can see a bit of the lake outside the window.'

At that exact moment, a fat grey pony plodded onto the painting and began gazing on the grass, paying them no mind. The man who followed however, spotted them at once. He was a short rotund knight in a suit of armour, and he had grass stains on his knees where his horse had probably just kicked him off.

'Aha!' he yelled as he saw them, 'What villains are these, that trespass upon my private lands?'

'Villains who are looking for North Tower,' said Y/N flatly. He wasn't prepared to deal with this man for longer than he had to. 'Don't suppose you know where to go?'

'A quest!' yelled the knight, apparently his previous trepidation now gone. 'Come! Follow me dear friends, and we shall find our goal or else shall perish bravely in the charge!'

'We went from villains to friends really quickly' said Y/N as he knight sprinted out of his painting. They followed him up the corridor and they reached a tall spiralling staircase. They began running up it after him, Hermione in the lead, Y/N behind her followed by Harry then Ron. They were about a third of the way up when Hermione began to slow, clutching her side and breathing heavily.

'Up we go!' called Y/N as he swept Hermione's legs out from under her and caught her, catching her bridal style, and beginning to run up the steps.

'Y/N! What-?' she said in shock before she smiled happily and rested her head against his chest.

Y/N wasn't quite sure how he'd managed it, but he eventually reached the top of the stairs, gasping for breath as he placed Hermione back down. They could hear the murmur of voices above them indicating that they'd made it to the classroom.

'You okay?' she asked 'You really didn't have to-'

'We made it didn't we?' said Y/N as he straightened up. 'Besides, you're not heavy, it was the stairs more than anything.'

'Well I appreciate it,' beamed Hermione as Harry and Ron caught up.

'Bloody hell Y/N,' said Ron as he reached the top of the stairs. 'How did you move that quick and still carry Hermione?'

'Magic,' said Y/N simply as the knight arrived in one of the nearby portraits of rather sinister looking monks.

'Farewell, my comrades-in-arms! If ever you have need of noble heart and steely sinew, call upon Sir Cadogan.'

'Yeah we'll call you,' said Ron. 'If we ever need someone mental,' he added once Sir Cadogan had left.

They climbed up the final staircase and arrived in a long corridor where the rest of the class were gathered, talking amongst themselves.

'Hey guys!' said Neville brightly, turning to face them. 'Was wondering if you'd get here on time.'

'Only just,' said Y/N, grabbing her hand and checking Hermione's watch. 'We cut it pretty close.'

''Sibyll Trelawney. Divination Teacher',' said Harry, and Y/N followed his gaze to a circular trapdoor with a bronze plaque that was placed in the ceiling. 'How're we supposed to get up there?'

Just as he finished his sentence, the trapdoor opened and a silvery ladder dropped right at Harry's feet.

'Nice,' said Y/N, impressed. 'Think you've already got a gift for this, mate.'

'Shut up,' said Harry as he began climbing the ladder. Ron followed him.

'Ladies first,' Y/N said with a slight bow.

'Such a gentleman,' smirked Hermione as she clambered up and Y/N followed. The room seemed more like someone's house than a classroom. The room was covered in chintz armchairs and small poufs around circular tables. The windows were closed, curtains drawn and instead the room was lit by candles covered in scarves.

The quartet took armchairs together around one of the table, looking around for the teacher. They didn't have to wait long however as a voice sounded from just out of site.

'Welcome, how nice to see you in the physical world at last.' And the speaker stepped into the candlelight.

She was very thin, with glasses that magnified her eyes, and she wore countless beads, chains, and bracelets. She seemed a million miles away and yet present at the same time. It was a bit unnerving.

'Welcome, to Divination,' she said as she sank into a winged armchair by the fire. 'My name is Professor Trelawney. You may not have seen me before. I find that descending too often into the hustle and bustle of the main school clouds my Inner Eye.'

'Oh my good lord,' breathed Y/N.

'You alright?' whispered Hermione.

'Yeah, mum warned me about her. But I wasn't expecting this,' he muttered back, looking towards Professor Trelawney who readjusted herself and continued.

'So, you have chosen to study Divination, the most difficult of magical arts. I must warn you at the outset that if you do not have the Sight, there is very little I will be able to teach you. Books can only take you so far in this field.'

Ron and Harry looked around smirking at Y/N and Hermione. Hermione looked flabbergasted whilst Y/N scoffed and shook his head.

'Many Witches and Wizards, talented though they might be in the area of loud bang and sudden disappearings, are yet unable to penetrate the veiled mysteries of the future,' Professor Trelawney's eyes raked all their faces and came to rest on Y/N.

'You, boy,' she said curtly to him 'you share a face of scepticism similar to that of my dear colleague. I assume you have some relation to Minerva McGonagall?'

'If you're a seer, aren't you meant to know that?' said Y/N hotly. He wasn't sure what exactly it was about Professor Trelawney, but something just didn't sit right with him. This entire thing just felt like a pointless show of drama.

'One does not like to parade that one is all knowing. However, should you need it I can provide a demonstration of my abilities. I can already feel something…' she said airily as her eyes combed the students before landing on Neville 'Is your grandmother well?'

Neville almost toppled off his pouf once she'd addressed him, he looked around wildly before looking back and muttering 'I think so.'

'I wouldn't be so sure if I were you, dear,' she said as he eyes continued around the classroom-

-before they suddenly jumped back to Y/N.

'My dear,' she said slowly, 'My work is already done.'

'What?' asked Y/N confused.

'There is no point in me continuing to show my ability. You already do not believe that I possess it.'

'Did it take you being a seer to figure that one out too?' said Y/N, getting to his feet. 'My mother warned me about you long before I even came to this school. To be honest, I don't even know why I took Divination,' He slung his bag back over his shoulder.

'I'll catch you later,' he whispered to the three of them before moving over to the trapdoor and clambered out of it, down into the corridor. The moment he was off the ladder, it clinked up into position behind him and he let out a deep sigh.

'What was that?' he thought as he began making his way down from North Tower. He'd never been like that with… well… anyone before. Something about her just really creeped him out. It just felt wrong, as though she was pushing into places she shouldn't be.

He propped himself up against the wall at the bottom of the staircase and opened his copy of Numerology and Grammatica. he spent a while reading it before he felt a burning against his chest and a dull pulse in his head. He withdrew his journal and read.

'This is honestly a load of nonsense. She's just said she's seen some form of Grim in Harry's tea leaves and it's an omen of death. Looks nothing like it. Wish I'd followed you. Where are you? We need to head to Arithmancy together.'

He read her response with a kind of fierce pleasure. It felt good knowing that the old bat wasn't doing very well in her first lesson. Even if it was only in Hermione's books. He quickly pulled out his quill and wrote back.

'Good, hope she scares the entire class away and no one wants to take the lesson. Under the staircase I carried you up. Duck in here when you get to the bottom.'

He wrapped up the notebook tight and stowed it away in his robes before going back to his textbook. Around half an hour later and he heard the footfalls of the students above him. He chanced a look out and watched Ron and Harry move past, Harry looking grave. A moment later and a beaming bushy haired girl appeared in his vision and threw her arms around him.

'I missed you,' she said as she looked into his eyes, her arms still around the back of his neck.

'Missed you too,' he laughed. 'How'd it go?'

'Awful,' she said simply as she withdrew her time turner. 'If we give it a minute and then one turn, we should miss ourselves going up the stairs, I'll tell you about it on the way to Arithmancy.'

'Sounds like a plan,' he beamed as he kissed her forehead, she giggled and threw the chain of the time-turner around his neck. They waited in the quiet just gazing at each other for a few minutes. She was very pretty this close, she was pretty anyway, but even more so this close.

'You have the most wonderful eyes,' she said dreamily.

'Says you,' said Y/N, blushing slightly. 'Yours match your hair perfectly. They blend wonderfully with your beautiful face.'

Hermione's face flushed red and she giggled.

'Come on, or we'll be late.'

'You're holding the hourglass.'

'Right,' said Hermione and she span it once. Y/N felt like he was soaring backwards, he half expected his back to hit the solid wall, but it never did, the world around them dissolved into a blur of colour as Y/N and Hermione looked around wildly, noises assaulted their ears then just as quickly vanished and finally the world solidified.

'That was… certainly something,' said Y/N, looking around.

'Yes it was-' but Hermione stopped as they heard several sets of footsteps climbing the stairs.

'Is that us?' whispered Y/N.

'I think it is,' said Hermione.

'Up we go!' came Y/N's own voice, followed by a squeal that was definitely from Hermione and one of the sets of footfalls vanished.

'That was you scooping me up,' said Hermione blushing lightly.

'This is weird,' said Y/N. 'What would have happened if we'd checked under the stairs?'

'We'd have hidden somewhere else,' she said, indicating the two of them standing there. 'You remember McGonagall's first rule. We can't be seen. Come on, or Professor Vector will miss us,' Hermione held out her hand and Y/N seized it, together the two of them began their way down from North Tower.

'What was that all about by the way? You both seemed so cold to each other immediately.'

'Trelawney and mum don't get along. Never have, mum thinks she's a fraud and Trelawney doesn't like that. To be honest, mum told me a lot about her growing up and most of it wasn't good. And then I just got this… horrible feeling.'

'Like your sense?'

'No. Nothing like that, nothing bad, just an eery feeling. I don't like her, she puts me on edge. I think that coupled with a dislike I didn't realise I had just sort of built up.'

'Well apparently, she saw some great shaggy black dog in Harry's cup and it meant he was going to die so I can't say I'm expecting much from her. Seems a little woolly.'

'Please tell me you're joking about the dog,' said Y/N with a groan.

'No? Why?'

Y/N opened his mouth, then paused.

'Just don't tell Harry I told you.' And Hermione nodded. 'Apparently, he saw a dog on his way to the Leaky Cauldron, then when we were buying our Divination books, he saw a book with a massive black dog on the front calling it an omen of death. Now he's seen it again in his cup. Was a pain trying to convince him the first two were a coincidence.'

'I mean, they must be surely?' said Hermione, looking confused. 'He could have seen that dog anywhere, he wouldn't have even questioned the book if he hadn't seen it beforehand.'

'That's what I thought. But he seemed so sure there was something to it, that's probably why he looked like death when I saw him leaving the classroom. Thinks some dogs after him.'

Hermione shook her head as they arrived alongside the students waiting to go in for Arithmancy. 'Absolutely ridiculous, might have to follow your lead if she continues with this rubbish. Even had the gall to tell me that she perceives 'very little aura around me', that I have 'very little receptivity to the resonances of the future'.'

'Go back and tell her I'm going to storm out of her first class, see what she says then,' smirked Y/N as Professor Vector appeared at the doorway to usher them all inside. She wore deep red robes with a matching pointed hat and had a very stern face. The duo swept inside and took seats together right at the front of the class.

Y/N was excited to be sitting his first real class and Hermione apparently felt much the same as she was bobbing slightly in her seat.

The lesson was extremely interesting. Arithmancy was the study of the properties of numbers, and Professor Vector even told them that more advanced versions would allow prediction of the future using these numbers. And guaranteed, after Y/N's questioning, that it was not as wishy washy as Divination had turned out to be. Hermione was giddy the entire time and was excitedly asking both Y/N and Professor Vector for help with her calculator.

They spent the lesson using the calculator to figure out each other's 'Character, Social, and Heart numbers' as Professor Vector called them, which apparently helped reflect someone's personality and get an idea as to how they saw the world. They were surprisingly accurate.

'That was so incredible!' said Hermione excitedly as they stepped out of the classroom. 'Far better than that tea leaf nonsense!'

'Glad to hear you enjoyed it,' said a voice from behind them and they both turned to see Professor Vector stood there. 'It's been a long time since I've seen two people be so passionate about my subject.'

'We just had a very shoddy Divination class followed by this, so I think it's safe to say we both much prefer your way of doing things.'

'It's just so much more logical!' cried Hermione. 'No silly guesswork or misshapen leaves, solid numbers that can only give one answer.'

'I don't pretend to know the curriculums of all my other fellow staff members. However, I do know that people who have taken both Arithmancy and Divination in the past normally find a favourite, and even more choose neither. I am happy to know that I at least have two dedicated workers who see things my way,' and with a smile Professor Vector moved off.

'One more' said Hermione happily checking to make sure the corridor was clear before throwing the chain around both their necks again.

'I could get used to this,' said Y/N with his face only a few inches from Hermione's.

'Good,' she smirked, 'Because you're going to have to.'

'Don't think I need to worry about that,' smiled Y/N as she span the turner.

'Right, we've got about 5 minutes before students start arriving I reckon,' she said as the world reformed around them, 'so we should go quick,' and she grabbed Y/N's hand, dragging him off up the corridor. They made their way down from the 7th floor to the 3rd where Y/N extricated his hand from Hermione's. 'What's up?' she asked as he did so.

'This is my stop,' he said with a thumb over his shoulder. 'I didn't take Muggle Studies, did I?'

'Oh right!' she said, 'Your additional class. Let me know how it goes! I'll miss you…'

'You'll see me in five minutes,' smirked Y/N, but he leant in and kissed her forehead. 'I'll miss you too, and I'll tell you all about it. Now go.'

Hermione nodded and moved off as Y/N turned and his way up the corridor towards the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom. He knocked on the door and it swung open.

Y/N stepped inside and looked around. The classroom was much the same except for the large wardrobe that stood at the back of the room. Professor Lupin was stood by it, smiling over at Y/N.

'Good morning, Y/N,' he said brightly. 'I hope you've been enjoying your first day back, unless I am the first one you've come to see?'

'No Professor,' said Y/N as he moved forward. 'I've already been to Arithmancy and Divination.'

'And what did you think?' asked Lupin politely

'Arithmancy is fascinating stuff, truly. Divination is…. well, let's just say I won't be going back.'

Remus gave a genuine laugh.

'Minerva will be most pleased. She was worried that you'd take to the subject and she'd have to pretend to not hate it in your presence.'

'Like mother like son,' shrugged Y/N.

'And how is the time turner? I must admit, I've always been curious about what one must feel like.'

'It feels like you're being rewound,' said Y/N. 'It's like you're being pulled backwards and you just see a barrage of colour. Then suddenly, you're back.'

'Truly fascinating stuff,' said Remus with a mildly impressed look on his face. 'However, that is not the reason you are here. Do you remember the homework I set you before coming to school, Y/N?'

'I do, Professor.'

'And?'

'Well…' said Y/N slowly, 'The Dementors made it easier, but I've got it.'

'Do you mind if I enquire?'

'Well, last year. The basilisk petrified Hermione and… it's that,' he finished somewhat lamely.

'The basilisk disrupted a lot of lives last year and nearly ruined a couple. It's a good thing it was stopped,' said Remus as he moved towards the wardrobe, which Y/N now realised was rattling slightly. 'Remember the feeling it gave you, Y/N.'

'Sir…' said Y/N slowly, 'Why is that wardrobe shaking?'

'That is a matter for later Y/N, should it be needed. For now-' Professor Lupin took off his coat and threw it over the back of the chair and began rolling up his sleeves, '-that banishing charm you used on Mr Goyle. Where did you learn it?'

'Standard book of spells,' said Y/N. 'Was doing some early revision.'

'I see, we won't start there then. I'd like a spell you're comfortable with. Which spell would you say you're most used to?'

'Probably Flipendo,' replied Y/N.

'Brilliant, same principle, weaker version. Now-' Professor Lupin's form shimmered as a barrier placed itself between him and Y/N, '-cast'

'At you? But-?'

'No buts Y/N, Cast or I will be forced to cast first.'

Y/N hesitated for a fraction of a second before raising his wand.

'Flipendo!'

The spell ricocheted off of the barrier between them and crashed into a nearby wall.

'Again,' said Remus without moving.

Y/N cast again and the same result, a third time and the spell still reflected.

'Very well. I know now that it can hold. Now I'm very sorry for what I'm about to do Y/N, but it will help in the long run I promise. Confundo!'

Y/N staggered and his mind lost focus, he didn't know where he was or what he was doing. Why was his wand drawn? He wasn't fighting, no he'd just started school, hadn't he?

He looked around and saw a man on the other side of the room, he was wearing quite dishevelled robes and next to him, lying on the floor of the classroom-

-his stomach lurched, not again. They'd beaten it. How could Hermione have been petrified again? The snake was dead! His eyes locked onto the man, it must have been him. He raised his wand.

'Depulso!' yelled Y/N

The spell ricocheted around the classroom almost hitting him, he ducked out the way as it whizzed past. But the man hadn't flinched, hadn't even raised his wand. He did now though, pointing it straight at Hermione.

'NO!' bellowed Y/N, raising his wand again. 'Depulso!' the spell soared further across the room this time but once again bounced off, Y/N barely moved this time as it soared back past him. Simply tilted his head to the side as it flew past

'You won't hurt her!' he yelled, looking at the wand in the stranger's hand. 'I won't let you!'

'You aren't strong enough to stop me!' yelled the man, raising his wand and pointing it at Hermione 'Confringo!' the stone statue exploded, pieces of it went flying everywhere and Y/N watched as what was left of Hermione was scattered across the floor.

'YOU BASTARD!' he bellowed 'DEPULSO!' the spell soared straight across the room, breaking straight through whatever was stopping him and hitting the stranger full in the chest. The man was sent spiralling backwards and Y/N stepped forward. But as he did, the chunks of stone began to gather and rebuild, and suddenly there lay Hermione before him again, petrified, and frozen.

'Riddikulus!' said the man and the statue of Hermione changed now becoming a silvery orb floating in the air, the man flicked his wand again and the orb drifted into the wardrobe.

'What-?' asked Y/N, turning towards the man and coming face to face with his wand.

'Finite,' said Lupin and everything came rushing back in a wave, where he was, who he was, where Hermione was.

'What- what did you do?'

'I'm sorry, Y/N. That was a horrible thing for me to do. But I had to know what you were capable of for myself, or else these lessons would have been for nothing. I know now, so I will give you your explanation.'

Y/N looked around flabbergasted. He was at a complete loss, but Remus pushed a chair towards him and sat down facing him.

'The creature in that wardrobe Y/N is a Boggart. Do you know what a Boggart is?'

'I do…' said Y/N tentatively, 'But my memories a bit messed up at the moment.'

'Then I'll start from the beginning anyway,' said Remus warmly. 'A Boggart is a shapeshifter, they live in dark places like this wardrobe and no one knows what they really look like. I was intending to use this one for your class on Thursday. They take the form of whatever they think frightens us most. In your case, Miss Grangers petrification.'

'So that's why I saw Hermione… and that's why it reformed after it was destroyed.'

'Yes,' said Remus. 'I regret what I had to do, but just seeing her like that wasn't enough. I had to push you to the absolute breaking point. I knew exploding the statue would get you there. However, I also knew if you were fully competent, you'd know it wasn't the real Hermione and might still hold back.'

'So you used the Confundus charm on me,' finished Y/N. 'Confused me as to where I was then put that in front of me-'

'-so that I got your true emotional response. No thoughts, just actions. And I must admit, it was quite impressive. If my own shield charm wasn't so strong, you might have broken something. I wasn't expecting that.'

Y/N took a deep breath, staring at the cupboard. It had all felt so real. For a moment there, he really thought he'd lost her.

'I am sorry,' said Remus, Y/N turned to look at him and he could see the sorrow in the man's eyes. 'I just needed to know. If you don't wish to continue, then I understand.'

'No,' said Y/N, 'all that's shown me is that I can defend her, and I don't want it to happen when it's too late. It might have been harsh, but it worked. And that's why I'm here.'

'Then if you're feeling up to it, we shall continue. Do you think you can remember that feeling?'

'I can remember most of it,' said Y/N, breathing deeply as he got to his feet.

'Good, use it,' said Remus as he too stood, and the barrier formed between them. 'Whenever you're ready.'

Y/N didn't pierce the barrier again for the rest of the lesson, but Remus did not seem perturbed by this. In fact, he seemed quite joyous when he finally told Y/N to stop casting and allowed the barrier between them to drop.

'Brilliant work, Y/N,' he said happily as he gestured for Y/N to sit again.

'But I didn't do anything,' said Y/N as he took his seat. 'They just kept bouncing, I hit myself more than you.'

'And the more that happened, the stronger your spells got,' said Remus. 'Your frustration at knowing you could but being unable to was driving you. Each time you cast, it was with more desperation, more passion. You were determined to break the barrier. You had your objective.'

'So I just need an objective?'

'Think about it this way, Y/N. When you broke my barrier, it was through a rage, whether it was to save Hermione or harm me, it was a rage. You had a purpose. To get to the other side of the barrier. Every other time you cast your spell, it was simply to cast it. However, you broke the barrier when determined to get to the other side.'

'So, I need to have a purpose to a spell? I can't just randomly cast it.'

'Exactly,' beamed Remus, 'and don't forget. You used the Banishing Charm to break my shield, which is a spell that is completely new to you. I believe if you had used the Knockback Jinx, you would have broken it faster.'

'But I thought the Knockback Jinx was just a weaker version of the Banishing Charm?' asked Y/N.

'It is, to an advanced wizard. To a wizard who has used one for years and has only cast the other once in his life, it can make a world of difference,' said Remus.

'So, I should try Flipendo in the future?' asked Y/N.

'Yes and no. If you can think long enough to do it, yes, but don't let it become a crutch. Mix up the spells you cast at me, try to catch me off guard. Do anything you can to shatter the barrier between us.'

'I'll do my best,' said Y/N.

'I know you will, Y/N. Once we've got the purpose of a spell down, we can start placing emotion behind it and then you should really begin to excel.'

'Thank you Professor,' said Y/N, getting to his feet.

'I promise, no Boggart next time.'

Y/N gave Professor Lupin a nod before moving out of the classroom, he'd barely taken two steps before a whirl of brown hair came sprinting up the corridor towards him.

'I was hoping I'd catch you!' yelled Hermione, beaming as she leapt at him and pulled him into a hug. 'How did it-?' but she stopped dead at the look on his face as he gazed down at her. 'Y/N?'

Y/N pulled her into a hug so tight she froze, not sure what to do. She returned the gesture a moment later, though still unsure.

'I will protect you 'Mione. I promise, and this time, nothing will stop me.'

'I know that Y/N,' she said quietly into his chest, 'but are you okay? What happened?'

'I'll explain later. For now, just hug me?'

'Of course,' she said as she squeezed him. 'For as long as you need.'

'Not too long, mum will murder me if we miss her first class.'

'Remember, we just had Divination,' smiled Hermione as she took his hand and began pulling him up the corridor.

Five minutes later and they swept quietly into the back of the Transfiguration classroom, plonking themselves down before anyone else had the chance to arrive.

'How did you get here so fast?' Harry asked Hermione as he and Ron moved past to take their seats at the next table along.

'I went on ahead to see if I could find Y/N,' said Hermione brightly. 'Wanted to check up on him after Divination.'

'You alright mate?' Harry asked him.

'Yeah, are you?' asked Y/N, trying to keep the image of the shattered Hermione out of his mind. 'Trelawney looks like she messed you up good.'

Harry went to open his mouth but at that moment, Minerva swept into the room and began their lesson on animagi, which were wizards who could turn into animals at will. Y/N already knew a decent amount about them given that his mother was one. So, his eyes wandered the class instead and he noticed all of them were throwing furtive glances at either him or Harry.

'Really, what's gotten into you all today?' asked Professor McGonagall as she transformed back out of her animagi form, which she had just attempted to demonstrate to them. He saw she looked slightly put out and felt a pang in his stomach. He knew how much she loved his reaction at her transformation.

Hermione raised her hand from next to Y/N.

'Please Professor, we've just had our first Divination class, and we were reading the tea leaves and-'

'Ah, of course,' said Professor McGonagall sharply. 'There is no need to say anymore Miss Granger. Tell me, which of you will be dying this year?'

Y/N turned to stare at her, as did the rest of the class.

'Me,' said Harry.

'I see,' said Professor McGonagall as her eyes landed on Harry. 'Well then you should know Potter, that Sibyll Trelawney has predicted the death of one student a year since she arrived at this school. None of them have died yet. Seeing death omens is her favourite way of greeting a new class. If it were not for the fact that I never speak ill of my colleagues-'

Professor McGonagall broke off and took a deep breath, before turning towards Lavender and Parvati.

'What was that, Miss Patil?' she asked sharply.

Parvati went slightly pink but said, 'It's just, we know you don't like her Professor and that she doesn't really like you either, she got a bit snappy with Y/N after he introduced himself.'

McGonagall's eyes span onto Y/N and he nodded.

'I remembered what you told me about it being a weaker brand of magic in your opinion, so I went in sceptical and then I pretty much only got retorts and slights from her, so I just left.'

'Yes,' said Professor McGonagall darkly. 'Divination is one of the most imprecise branches of magic. I shall not conceal from you that I have very little patience with it. True seers are very rare, and Professor Trelawney-' she stopped herself once again and took another deep breath before turning to Harry.

'You look in excellent health to me Potter, so you will excuse me if I do not let you off homework today. I assure you that if you die, you need not hand it in.'

Both Y/N and Hermione burst out laughing and Y/N watched Harry's face lighten. Ron still looked worried however.

'Y/N, a word if you please' called Professor McGonagall once the bell had sounded for lunch and the students began to file out. 'Yes Miss Granger you may come too,' she added with a slight smile as Hermione looked up hopefully.

Y/N moved to the front of the classroom with Hermione and once the class had cleared Minerva spoke.

'So, you have dropped Divination Y/N?'

'I have. I just got a bad feeling from her and that entire room. Didn't like any of it.'

'Whilst I can't say I'm disappointed, I do wish you just simply hadn't taken it. We wouldn't have needed to get you permission for the time turner if you hadn't of. As long as you only took three of the extra-curricular subjects, we could have managed.'

'Ah,' said Y/N, somewhat embarrassed. 'Sorry.'

'No need to apologise, Y/N. I'm just glad to know that I don't have to pretend that I have patience for Divination with my son. I must admit, I'm glad that you have decided to drop the subject.'

'Arithmancy has much more depth and logic to it,' said Y/N, 'far better than simple guesswork with leftover tea.'

'Professor Vector has one of the hardest subjects in this castle to teach and I believe she does it wonderfully,' said McGonagall. 'She won't steer you wrong, either of you. What of you Hermione?'

'Whilst I didn't walk out of Divination, I do agree with Y/N,' she said. 'It all feels like guesswork. And no one else could even see the Grim in Harry's cup, it was only her. Whereas Arithmancy got everything it checked for spot on.'

'Well then perhaps both may not be in your future either,' smirked Minerva, 'But anyway, head on down to lunch the pair of you. I simply wished to check in with you, Y/N. I was worried you may come to my desk singing Divination's praises.'

'If I ever sing the praises of Divination then you know I've been replaced,' smirked Y/N as he and Hermione took their leave. They headed down to lunch where they found a cheerier Harry and a very pale faced Ron. They sank into the seats opposite them and Hermione began pouring out stew for them.

'Cheer up Ron,' she said as she pushed a bowl towards him. 'You heard what Professor McGonagall said.'

'Harry,' Ron said in a low and very serious voice, 'You haven't seen a great black dog anywhere, have you?'

'Yeah I have,' said Harry. 'I saw one the night I left the Dursleys.'

Ron let his fork fall to the table and Y/N facepalmed.

'Bit dramatic Ronald,' he said crossly.

'It was probably a stray,' said Hermione calmly.

'That's what Y/N said,' said Harry.

'That's because I'm probably right mate,' said Y/N. 'If 'Mione's telling you that then-'

'If he's seen a Grim that's… that's bad' said Ron with panic in his voice 'My uncle Bilius saw one and he died twenty-four hours later.'

'I can guarantee you that Harry did not die twenty-four hours later,' said Y/N. 'I was with him, I'd have seen it.'

Ron threw him a glare.

'It's clearly just coincidence, Ron,' said Hermione exasperatedly. 'Harry has seen this so called 'Grim' and he's not dead yet because he's got more sense than that. He knows full well that it was most likely just a dog.'

Hermione pulled out her Arithmancy book and propped it up between her and Y/N so the two could read together. Ron mouthed wordlessly at them.

'I think Divination seems like a load of guesswork,' she added.

'Agreed,' said Y/N. 'What prediction has the woman actually made? Neville's grandmother might be ill, that's it.'

'She made a few more once you'd left,' said Harry.

'Like what, Ron was going to get taller?' and Hermione snickered.

'There was no joke about the Grim in that cup!' snapped Ron.

'You didn't seem quite so confident when you were telling Harry it was a sheep,' said Hermione, causing Y/N to snort with laughter.

'You two are just mad that you're bad at something for a change. Professor Trelawney said neither of you had the right aura.'

Y/N went to move but Hermione beat him to it, she snapped the book shut, slamming it against the table before shoving it back into her bag.

'If being good at Divination means I need to pretend to see death omens in leaves and listen to her insult Y/N and Professor McGonagall, I don't think I'll be studying it much longer. That lesson was absolute rubbish compared to our Arithmancy class! Come on Y/N.'

She got up and began storming off, Y/N got to his feet looking at the pair of them.

'You know as well as I do that it's a load of bull, Ron,' he said simply before following after her.

'UGH!' she yelled in frustration as they reached the Entrance Hall. 'Always got to bring up me being the best in everything!'

'Because he knows it gets to you,' said Y/N, wrapping her in a hug. 'He was trying to piss you off, 'Mione. For some reason, he wants us to say that Harry is definitely going to die because he's seeing this dog just because his uncle did. To be fair, we never actually asked what his uncle did die of. Could have been completely unrelated.'

'Doesn't matter anyway,' said Hermione as she squeezed him. 'At least I've got you with me. Just a shame you won't be there in Divination.'

'You'll survive an hour without me,' said Y/N.

'Two!' she said miserably. 'Still need to do Muggle Studies and your extra class. Speaking of-' she said, her eyes twinkling.

'Fine, I think we've got time till Lunch is over.' They stepped through the corridors and moved into an empty Classroom. Hermione plopped herself down on a chair facing him and stared at him wide eyed as Y/N began to tell her about what Lupin had done. Her face fell quickly and when he got to the part of Remus destroying the statue, she clapped her hands over her mouth.

'So that's why- when we were in the corridor- oh Y/N,' she pulled him into a hug, which he returned.

'It hurt. It hurt seeing that…' he said, 'But it gave me the strength, the next spell I fired broke his defensive spell and hit him.'

'That seems like a really dangerous way to do it though,' said Hermione breathlessly as she pulled away and looked into his eyes. 'You both could have been hurt.'

'It worked though,' said Y/N. 'I don't hate him for it, I certainly don't like that he did it, but it worked. I can't really question it. And it helped show me exactly what I need to do and how I need to feel for this all to work.'

'It sounds intense,' said Hermione, her voice full of wonder. 'And there I was in Muggle Studies learning about toasters.'

'I told you last year,' smirked Y/N. 'You're already a muggle, you're going to know everything they teach you.'

'Give it time!' said Hermione defensively. 'Professor Burbage is lovely, and she's as fascinated with muggles as Mr Weasley is. She thinks we should all be united and get rid of blood bonds.'

'And how many Slytherin students does she have?' asked Y/N.

'None, obviously,' said Hermione. 'They wouldn't stand hearing that. Purity of blood nonsense.'

'Damn right its nonsense. Best witch in our year is sitting in front of me as a Muggleborn,' said Y/N with a sort of fierce pride in his voice which made Hermione go pink.

'Come on,' she said, beaming at him. 'We need to get down to Hagrid's.'

The two took the slow walk down out of the castle and down towards Hagrid's hut with Hermione wrapped around Y/N's arm as he finished telling her about the rest of his class with Lupin.

'Oh for Merlin's sake,' said Y/N as the black specs that were the other students waiting for the class solidified and he saw the back of the pale faced, blonde haired Slytherin boy.

'Just try to ignore them,' said Hermione gently as she rested her head on his arm.

'It'll be easier if he keeps his mouth shut,' snarled Y/N as they walked up alongside Harry and Ron. They both gave greeting to Harry but ignored Ron who returned the gesture.

'C'mon, now, get a move on!' called Hagrid as the remainder of the class approached. He was standing just outside the front door of his hut and looked excited. 'Got a real treat for yeh today! Great lesson comin' up! Everyone here? Right, follow me!'

Hagrid turned and began leading them in the general direction of the forest. He felt Hermione cling slightly harder to his arm and he smiled down at her in what he hoped was a reassuring way. However, Hagrid did not take them into the forest, instead they wandered the outskirts and soon arrived at an odd sort of paddock. It was empty.

'Everyone gather 'round the fence here!' Hagrid called. 'That's it, make sure yeh can see. Now, firs' thing yeh'll want ter do is open yer books-'

'How?' came the drawling voice of Draco Malfoy. Y/N's first reaction was to jinx him, but he realised that it was actually a decent question. How did they open their books?

'Eh?' said Hagrid.

'How do we open our books?' repeated Malfoy as he pulled out his own which had been roped shut. Many others withdrew their books, people using a mixture of belts, clips and shoved into bags. Hermione's had also been sealed in tightly wrapped bandages by Y/N the moment she had bought it.

'Hasn' anyone bin able ter open their books?' asked Hagrid, looking slightly put out as he looked around at the class who all shook their heads.

'Yeh've got ter stroke em. Look!'

He took Hermione's copy and ripped the bandages off them. The book tried to bite him, but Hagrid ran a forefinger down the book's spine, it shivered and then fell open. Laying still in his hand.

'To be fair, they don't exactly say anywhere to stroke them,' said Y/N as he looked at his own book.

'Oh, how silly we've all been,' sneered Malfoy. 'We should have stroked them.'

'Shut up Malfoy,' said Harry.

Crabbe and Goyle both stepped forward, cracking their knuckles. Both Ron and Y/N stepped forward too, drawing their wands.

'No!' hissed Hermione. 'Not in Hagrid's first lesson.'

Y/N froze then conceded and stepped back. A moment later and Ron followed.

'Righ' then,' said Hagrid, looking slightly put out. 'So yeh've got yer books an' now yeh need the Magical Creatures. I'll go an' get 'em,' and he moved off.

'God, this place is going to the dogs,' said Malfoy loudly. 'That oaf teaching classes, my father'll have a fit when I tell him-'

'Shame there's nothing he can do about it after he almost got the school shut down and got kicked off the board of directors, isn't it?' snarled Y/N.

'Watch your mouth L/N,' spat Malfoy.

'Why should I? My mothers still employed by the school.'

'Ooooooh!' squealed Lavender Brown as she pointed towards the opposite end of the paddock. They all turned their eyes to see Hagrid leading a dozen of creatures with bodies of horses but front end and wings of eagles, elongated beaks, and very sharp eyes.

'Hippogriffs,' breathed Y/N excitedly. 'I read about them in the book Hagrid gave me last year. They're really proud and very smart,' he whispered to Hermione, who looked at the creatures in awe.

'Hippogriffs!' yelled Hagrid, confirming Y/N's guess. 'Beau'iful aren' they?'

'They're gorgeous,' said Y/N, stepping forward a little.

'Y/N, be careful,' said Hermione worriedly as he did so, but he squeezed her hand reassuringly.

'Yer know much abou' 'em, Y/N?' Hagrid asked him, beaming.

'They're really proud. And they understand humans, so you don't want to insult them or they'll get angry. And they have very sharp talons and beaks. You need to show them respect.'

'Brillian' Y/N!' beamed Hagrid. '5 points ter Gryffindor. Well, much like Y/N said, yeh always wait fer the Hippogriff ter make the firs' move. It's polite, see? Yeh walk toward him, and yeh bow, an' yeh wait. If he bows back, yeh're allowed ter touch him. If he doesn' bow, then get away from him shapish. You want ter go firs' Y/N?' he asked and Y/N nodded.

He vaulted the paddock fence and walked slowly and deliberately towards the creatures, he heard mutters and whispering behind him, but he ignored them.

'Right then, let's see how yeh get on with Buckbeak,' said Hagrid as he untethered one of the Hippogriffs and walked it forward slightly, slipping off its collar. The Hippogriff's great yellow eyes scanned the assembled students and came to rest on Y/N.

Y/N immediately bowed low, holding the Hippogriffs gaze. The Hippogriff watched him for a few moments before its front legs bent and it lowered its head.

'Well done Y/N!' said Hagrid happily. 'Right, yeh can touch him!'

Y/N hurried forward and ran a hand along Buckbeak's beak and mane of feathers happily as the creature closed its eyes and leant into his hand. He heard the class begin cheering behind him.

'Righ' then. I reckon he might let yeh ride him!'

'Really?' asked Y/N, unable to keep the wonder from his voice. But Hagrid didn't give him the answer. Instead, Buckbeak turned his great yellow eye onto him and gave a small nod.

Y/N stepped onto a nearby rock and heaved himself onto the Hippogriff's back. He'd seen sketches of how to correctly hold one. He gently wrapped his arms around the beast's neck and tucked his knees in under the wing joints.

'Brilliant Y/N!' cried Hagrid. 'Go on then,' he added as he smacked the back of Buckbeak.

The two wings spread out from the Hippogriff, each almost twelve-foot long and with a screech, the Hippogriff soared upwards. Y/N felt the wind whip through his hair and immediately felt the wind stinging his eyes, but he also felt the laughter rising from his stomach and couldn't help but let it out as Buckbeak soared higher and higher, his classmates within the treeline becoming nothing more than specs.

Buckbeak glanced around as if to check that Y/N was okay and, once it realised he was, it gave another screech and took off now doing a large circle around the grounds. Y/N whooped in joy as it did so and stared down in wonder at the ground below him. This is exactly what he'd wanted it to be.

However, it wasn't to last. The Hippogriff went into a spectacular dive back down towards the paddock and landed with a heavy thud.

'Brilliant work Y/N!' yelled Hagrid as he slid off, shivering with excitement 'Okay, who else wants a go?'

Apparently emboldened, not only by Y/N's success but by his sheer joy and excitement, the rest of the class moved forward. Hagrid untied the rest of the Hippogriffs and began dishing them out to groups as Harry, Ron and Hermione walked up to him.

'You looked like you were having the time of your life,' said Harry as they came into earshot.

'Mate, I've been waiting to do something like this for years,' he said, turning towards the large creatures. 'This is what I've been waiting for.'

'You were incredible,' said Hermione happily. 'Buckbeak listened to you perfectly.'

'It's about respect, mutual respect,' he said, pointing towards Neville who was now struggling with his Hippogriff, which was refusing to bow to him. 'Neville's terrified so the Hippogriff doesn't see him as an equal. Until Neville calms down, it won't bow.'

As he was explaining, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle had taken over with Buckbeak nearby. Buckbeak bowed to Malfoy and now was allowing him to pet his beak, but Malfoy looked bored.

'This is very easy,' he drawled loud enough for the quartet to hear him. 'I mean, obviously it must be if L/N could do it. I bet you aren't dangerous at all, are you?' he said to Buckbeak. 'Are you, you great ugly brute?'

Buckbeak reared with a loud outcry and Malfoy was sent flat onto his back with a high-pitched scream. Hagrid sprinted over and began wrestling with Buckbeak as Malfoy writhed around on the ground, blood blossoming over his robes.

'I bloody warned you,' yelled Y/N as he pointed his wand at the paddock fence and it swung open. Hagrid bent down and picked up the still writhing Malfoy and ran off towards the castle with him.

The class began to make their way after Hagrid, but Y/N turned back towards the Hippogriffs.

'Come on,' he said to Hermione, grabbing her hand. 'You never got to try.'

'Should we-?' she began but Y/N nodded excitedly and wandered slowly over towards Buckbeak. The beast still seemed agitated but turned its eyes on Y/N and Hermione as they approached.

'Bow,' he said gently to her and both of them bowed low. Buckbeak watched them for longer than before but then he too bowed low. The two of them stepped forward and began patting Buckbeak's beak.

'Sorry about him,' Y/N said gently to the Hippogriff. 'He's that way with all of us. Nice of you to teach him a lesson though.'

The Hippogriff gave a small almost chirp as it pushed its head against Y/N's hand.

'D'you think he'll be alright?' asked Hermione nervously as she looked down at Buckbeak's talons.

'Course he will,' said Y/N. 'Madam Pomfrey can fix anything, worst he'll have is a bruised pride. He deserves it to be honest.'

'That was a horrible thing to have happen during Hagrid's first lesson,' said Hermione sadly. 'It was going really well too.'

'It was,' said Y/N, turning to face the Hippogriffs. 'They really are amazing, it was such a wonderful first lesson, but it's a shame that he had to ruin it. And I'm worried about what his dad may do.'

Hermione nodded solemnly then wrapped herself around Y/N's arm and placed her head on his shoulder.

'See you later Buckbeak,' said Y/N, giving the Hippogriff one last pat. It gave an almost solemn cry as the two of them exited the paddock and began the walk back up towards the Castle.