Ryan was anxious and scared about his tutoring the next morning. He had told grandsire, and grandsire had promised to get him out of this. But grandsire couldn't have known, when he had left, Ryan's tutoring was to be moved up. He knew he could attempt to get word home to his dads, and have one of them come to school, or Uncle Luc. But he knew they would be upset with him, that he hadn't told them before. He had survived so many tutoring sessions with the man before, he was sure he could survive one more. Grandsire would come on Monday, and Ryan would have none after that, he simply needed to get through one Saturday with the man. He told himself it couldn't be too bad.

But he had a horrible time sleeping that night. He woke up several times with a bad dream, sweating badly, and feeling sick to his stomach. He had never felt like this before, and he knew he would never get back to sleep. He thought Nanny, but he'd never get up there, with curfew.

He slipped through the door into Uncle Horace's office and he called Uncle Horace's elf. "Nobo."

Nobo came. "Master Orion, very early."

Ryan nodded. "I need into Uncle Horace's rooms. It's after curfew, I can't go into the halls."

Nobo nod. "Master tell me to let you in if need."

Ryan was relieved when the door opened for him. "Thank you Nobo."

Nobo tell him password. "Master Ryan come through with this."

Ryan was anxious as he was in the sitting room. He almost left. "I shouldn't….."

His Uncle's voice came from the door. "Ryan, is something wrong?"

Ryan turned to look at his Uncle. "I didn't mean to wake you up. I'm sorry."

Horace stopped him. "You know I don't mind. Nobo bring some tea for us please."

The little elf bowed. "Yes master."

Ryan was anxious. "I should go back to bed."

Horace used his wand to close the door. "I will get your Nanny, if you won't talk to me."

Ryan shook his head. "I don't want to wake her up too."

Horace smiled. "Then I guess you will be staying for a talk."

Ryan didn't like being cornered, but he sat down. He could have broken down the shield, but he knew he needed to talk to someone. He had felt better, when he had spoken to grandsire, a few days ago. He knew it should be his dads, he should have contacted them, but he hadn't. He knew they would find out, and he just hoped they wouldn't be too upset, knowing he had gone to someone at least. He knew how much they loved him, and only got upset, because they were worried. They reminded him, he was their only child, and they could never replace him. No child could ever be replaced, but they couldn't have more kids either. They only had Ryan, because Daddy had him with his mother, he and Papa couldn't. Neither of them could carry, just like Uncle Sirius and Moony. He knew how much they loved him, and hated he worried them so much.

Horace watched his nephew, and knew what had to be bothering him. He had told Orion about the tutoring lessons Ryan was having. He felt bad, not having told Severus, about what was going on. He had told Ryan he wouldn't though, so he compromised, by telling Orion instead.

Horace finally pushed. "I heard you have tutoring tomorrow."

Ryan nodded. "All day."

Horace pressed. "Is that why you look so pale?"

Ryan looked at his hands. "I know you told grandsire."

Horace sighed. "I promised I wouldn't tell your dads. Though I am starting to think I should."

Ryan was jittery. "I could handle it."

Horace didn't buy it. "You wouldn't be in here at four in the morning, if you could Ryan. And you told your grandsire."

Ryan looked up. "He promised to get me out of them. But he won't be back till Monday."

Horace moved to the hearth of the fireplace to be closer. "Ryan, your Nanny and I are here, and trying to keep you safe."

Ryan nodded. "I know. I just didn't want to get sent away."

Horace shook his head. "Why would you think that?"

Ryan told him about the acceptances and added. "And you said Uncle Borden wouldn't take me away, if he knew I was safe here."

Horace had worried that might come back. "He won't sue for custody over this Ryan. But you need to help us keep you safe."

Ryan was worried. "I'm sorry."

Horace took his hand. "I'm not mad. I'm just upset you didn't trust us enough."

Ryan looked up. "I don't want to go. I can't go. His looks….."

Horace was boiling over. "You will not go back in that room."

Horace wasn't sure how, but he was not about to allow Ryan to go into that room. He had sworn to Severus, even before they used Penny to be Ryan's mother, that he'd keep the boy safe. He failed with Penny, he wouldn't fail with another child, especially not Severus' child. He knew Ryan didn't want to involve anyone else, and at this hour of the morning, but he needed help. He placed a floo call to Poppy.

Poppy was used to being woken up, it was one of the down sides of being a nurse there. She wasn't upset, especially when she heard who it was about. Though Albus knew Poppy and Severus were civil, he didn't know Ryan called the woman Aunty, and how close they were.

Poppy assured him. "Send Ryan to me in the morning. I will make sure he is sent to bed for the weekend."

Ryan looked pale. "I don't have to stay in the infirmary?"

Poppy sighed. "You may. But after hours, you can go through to Nanny's instead."

Horace reminded him. "It's better than going to tutoring isn't it?"

Ryan nodded. "Yes." And looking at the woman. "Thank you Aunt Poppy."

Poppy smiled a little. "You know I'm always here to help."

Horace motioned to his guest room. "Go to sleep Ryan."

Ryan hugged the man. "I'm sorry for not telling you."

Horace hugged him, and assured his nephew he understood. He watched Ryan sleep, and was grateful the boy had finally come to him. He was livid, that the headmaster would do this. He knew the man had forced Severus and Lucius to spy, he had shown he would sink low, but that was in war time so people excused it. But when it came to Ryan, it seemed the man would sink even lower, and he didn't even know who he was.

Horace thought aloud. "He can never know the truth. Ryan's enough of a target, without the man knowing he is Harry."

Ryan had been sent up to the hospital wing in the morning. His friends had been worried, when they woke up, and found Ryan was missing. They started searching, until he had come back, from Professor Slughorn's rooms. They all knew, that the man was his Uncle, and he spent a lot of time with him. Ryan was looking green, and was warm, when they touched him. Marcus and Draco both insisted on taking him to Poppy. They both thought that it was good timing, to get him out of his tutoring lessons, grateful for it. Draco knew the potion plan worked, Hector had stolen the potion, but the potion could work later. This sickness would get him out of tutoring for one day.

They were surprised when Slughorn hadn't sent Ryan up there in the first place. He surely must have noticed how sick his nephew was. Ryan admitted, on the way up, he had promised his Uncle he would go. They weren't surprised though, he still put up a fight, about going.

Poppy was surprised when they came in. "What is wrong with you Ryan?"

Ryan was going to be sick. "I'm going to puke."

Marcus held a bucket, it wasn't the first time. "He has done it all the way up."

Draco made his cousin sit. "He was refusing to come, even though he told his Uncle he would."

Poppy shook her head. "Ryan Black, you know you'll just get sicker if you don't come."

Ryan groaned as he lay back. "I know."

Poppy shook her head and stuck a magic thermometer in his mouth. She looked. "You have a fever."

Draco sat on the edge of the bed. "Is he going to be okay? He wasn't sick last night."

Marcus agreed. "I have never seen him like this. Except nerves about a game."

Poppy nodded. "It is likely a twenty four hour bug. I am going to keep Ryan until his fever goes down."

Ryan protested. "I don't want to stay here."

Poppy looked at him. "You may be able to go to your dorms after lunch. But only if you take your potions, and get some rest."

Draco looked at his cousin. "We'll come back at lunch for you. To check at least."

Marcus stayed to watch Ryan take the potion. "You need to get better, for quidditch."

For the second time that morning, Ryan took a potion. He hadn't understood why, but his Uncle Horace had insisted on a potion. He had told Ryan he couldn't just fake being ill, he had to actually be it, to convince Albus. The man would be sure to come and check, when Ryan was not at his tutoring, which was to begin soon. And Poppy had more than agreed with him. Ryan was happy to get out of tutoring, but he definitely didn't like throwing up, or being in here. He prayed he could go home, or to Nanny, later on.

Sure enough Albus arrived not long after Draco and Marcus disappeared. He wasn't happy, as he had been told Ryan hadn't shown up for lessons. He was sure the boy was faking illness, to get out of tutoring, and would call him on it.

Poppy saw him. "What can I do for you?"

Albus stopped. "I am told Orion didn't show up for his lessons. One of his housemates told me he was here."

Poppy nodded. "He came up before breakfast."

Albus sneered. "I never knew you to allow kids to fake being sick, to get out of class."

Poppy said. "Last I recall, tutoring was not a class."

The man wasn't pleased. "It is just as important. I told the boy he couldn't miss them. He is not to hide up here."

Poppy shook her head. "He isn't hiding. The boy has a fever of a hundred and two."

Albus looked skeptical until he saw the report she handed him. "A twenty four hour bug? Pretty convenient."

Poppy looked at him. "If you'd like to tell Lord Black, why you forced his seriously ill grandson out of bed for tutoring…"

Albus slammed down the report. "Of course he is to get better. You will inform me, when he is better."

Poppy smiled. "Of course."

Albus went to leave. "I have to go into London for the day. I better find Gilderoy and let him know."

Poppy watched the man go, and turned back to the bed. She didn't even think the man would try to sink to that level. Yes, she could admit it looked a bit convenient, Ryan got ill so quick. Horace had told her, Ryan had gone to his grandsire, and Orion would be coming to school. They just needed to get Ryan out of tutoring for the weekend, until his grandsire could come back, and end them for good.

Ryan's fever was allowed to be abated a bit. Though she knew he loved his nanny, he would be happier back in his dorms. When Marcus and Draco came back, Ryan was awake, and though feverish, he wasn't throwing up any more.

Marcus looked at him. "Can he come to the dorms?"

Ryan looked at his Aunt. "Please, I'll stay in bed, I promise."

Draco agreed. "He will, if we have to stick him in the bed."

Poppy laughed a little. "I'll trust your house to keep him in bed. And Horace is close if he needs it."

Ryan was relieved. "I want my own bed."

Poppy had a robe summoned. "I will come check on you tomorrow. No classes, until you are doing better."

Marcus put an arm around him. "Come on, we'll get you back to bed."

Ryan was barely able to stand. "I am starting to wish I was in Gryffindor."

Poppy ignored the looks from the other two. "I will allow you to use the floo."

Ryan was relieved, though he had to throw up, as soon as he got back. He didn't think he could have handled a walk all the way through the school. He was finally settled in bed, and though he was happy to be out of tutoring, he wished there had been an easier way. Draco smiled at Marcus, and said he looked happy, that Oliver couldn't be around to compete for nurse.

Marcus shook his head. "I am simply relieved we don't have to worry about the tutoring."

Hector had the potion, but he was pissed off. He had the perfect plan, and it turned out Ryan was ill. He was sure the kid must simply be faking. The headmaster had told Gilderoy, he too thought the boy was faking, but he couldn't prove it. Gilderoy was still at school, and the headmaster had told him, if Ryan was fine on Sunday he would have to have the tutoring. Hector needed to get this tutoring though, he needed to see what was going on, and soon. Ron reminded him the potion would last, but the twins would catch on, and come after them.

Hector had heard that Ryan had left the infirmary. It was said he had been released, to rest in his own bed, but Hector was going to use it. He had got his hand on a strand of hair for the potion. He would convince Gilderoy that he was feeling better.

Ron watched as he turned. "Are you sure about this?"

Hector nodded. "This is too good to turn down."

Ron shook his head. "I don't get why you are going this far."

Hector slid the Slytherin tie around his neck. "I won't allow this little brat to take my place."

Ron stared at his best friend. "Merlin it is crazy to see you like that."

Hector looked in the mirror. "He is really such a short little dweeb."

Ron looked at him. "I didn't think the potion would last long enough."

Hector grinned. "Dad taught me how you could prolong it."

Ron went to leave. "We can't be seen together."

Hector agreed. "I will see you after this."

Ron shrugged. "I don't get what this will gain you. You won't learn enough in one lesson."

Hector grinned. "I will use it, to get my dad to force them to let me have the training too."

Ron headed for the door. "I do hope it works out."

Hector nodded. "Thanks."

Ron wasn't always the smartest person, but he was as loyal as they came. Hector always knew, no matter what, he could count on his friend. His dad had always told him, that it was a friendship he shouldn't throw away. Being famous, there were people who would want to be his friend, just for his fame and a favor of some kind. He would need to have people around him, like Ron, who he knew he could always believe.

Hector headed for the classroom. He had chosen the bathroom next to it, so that there was little to no chance he would run into a snake. They would likely all know Ryan was in bed. He could see the man's surprise when he came in.

Gilderoy looked him up and down. "I was told you were ill."

Hector did his best to sound like Ryan. "It wasn't as bad as Poppy made it out."

Gilderoy motioned for him to take off his robe. "I didn't think you were anxious for tutoring."

Hector thought quickly. "My Grandsire is upset about my marks. I need to get them up."

Gilderoy moved closer to him. "It's good to see you have come to see sense."

Hector felt the skin on the back of his neck prickle up a bit. "What will we work on today?"

Gilderoy smiled. "Anxious I see. I heard your Uncle and the book writer got married at Christmas."

Hector had no idea why the man cared, but he played along. "Yes, I was there."

The man ran his hand up along Hector's back. "Are your Uncle or dads aware of your tutoring yet? It seems your grandsire is."

Hector drew back from him, but the man seemed to be putting him in a stance. "No."

Hector had no idea why the man would care so much. He had been brought in to tutor, and had no way of knowing, the connection between the two. He realized they were doing dueling, and not animagus lessons, which he was a bit disappointed. He knew though that he would have had to know his form. He hadn't taken a potion yet, which tells a person if they can, and what their form would be. He was sure he would have a form, not everyone could, but he surely would have one. His father had promised him there was no doubt.

Hector liked the dueling, but he was exhausted quickly. The man seemed to eye him oddly, and he worried he had caught on somehow. Gilderoy handed him a bottle of water, and he was starting to feel a bit light leaded.

He went to stand but his legs barely held. "I don't feel so well."

The man reached out for him. "Perhaps you should have been in bed after all."

Hector had no idea what was happening. "I need to get back to my to…dorm room."

Gilderoy started leading him over. "You can take a nap on the couch in Quirell's office."

Hector was feeling really hazy. "Something is wrong."

Gilderoy was too close for comfort. "You're just sick. You will feel better after a nap."

Hector tried to draw back. "I am not sick. I am…."

Gilderoy whispered. "It's better you're sick. It will explain your lack of memories better."

Hector tried to pull away from him. "What? What do you mean?"

Gilderoy pushed him on the couch. "You know what I am talking about Orion. A little spell I favor will take care of any pesky memories."

Hector watched as the man disrobed. "No, I…."

The man forced him down on the couch. "Be a good boy, and it will be easier on both."

Hector realized he had been drugged. He wondered if Ryan knew, if the man had tried something on him, before. He had never known the kid to refuse to do extra work before now. He tried to get up from the couch, but his mind was in a haze, and he could barely move his lethargic arms. His eyes were hazy, but he could have sworn the man was half naked, when he sunk down next to Hector. Hector pulled his hand back, with the last energy he had, as the man tried to put Hector's hand in place. Hector was slipping away fast though.

The door to the office suddenly slammed open and in his haze he could hear a voice. "Get your hands off of him."

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