Please, this story is ADOPTED. Three authors notes, and a summary of the story, please just stop please asking. Please.
Regulus was busy at the shop for the day. Though his little book shop was off the beaten path, well just around the corner from the main alley but on Knockturn, it still was busy. The school term started in a week, and though they didn't sell text books here, there was an increase in shoppers. Originally his shop only sold rare books, but he had expanded, into the muggle world. Such things wouldn't have been possible during the war, but even old blood families, had seen the profits in such things. Many of the kids were coming to see the newest release of the detective novels. He had used a source to find the books, but he had thought many times, of expanding that side.
He saw the time, and swore under his breath, as he realized they would soon be there. His husband and brother were meant to be here, they knew full well they would all be expected for the monthly interrogation. For now he needed to find his son.
He knew where to find him and headed up to his son's nook. He had to laugh when he found him. "Little imp."
Ryan looked up from behind a massive book. "Yes Daddy?"
Regulus shook his head. "That book looks like it could swallow you up. I thought you were reading the book from Uncle Lucius."
Ryan pointed at the book. "I finished it. And I wanted to read about dragons, and charms to use on them."
Regulus didn't miss his son's impish smile. "You remembered your grandparents were coming for a visit today didn't you?"
Ryan put on his best fake smile. "Of course father, you know how much I love Grandmother."
Regulus didn't buy it for a moment. "If you were talking about Nanny, I might believe you. But you better watch it about dragon charms."
Ryan pointed out. "Uncle Padfoot is the one who called her that."
Regulus smirked. "Just make sure the woman doesn't hear you say it."
Regulus had told his brother to make peace, but he hadn't been certain Sirius would. He had run away from home so many years before, and had no desire to be a part of their parents. But it seemed a love for his nephew, and his brother, had won out. Sirius would never be heir, but he was welcome back at dinners, well demanded back at them. He was even living at Grimmauld, since their parents moved back to the manor full time, because of their mother's health. Regulus and his husband had been offered it, since Ryan was Orion's heir, but turned it down. They had compromised, when they moved into a Prince townhouse just down from Lucius', and out of Spinner's End. He and Severus had married a month after they adopted Orion, who they now called Ryan except when the couple were around. Severus had become Lord Prince less than a year later. Severus and Regulus could have no children, too much damage, and Ryan had been such a welcome addition to their family. He could act like a true little pure blood when his grandparents were around, but there was a lot of his Uncle in there too.
Regulus knew he needed to find his husband and brother. It was those two who needed a reminder to be on their best behavior. For the sake of their heir, Severus had been somewhat welcome in the family. Orion mainly, he could see the man was doing his best, by his son and grandson.
Regulus usually didn't allow it. "Ryan I want you to go up to Papa's shop."
Ryan looked surprised. "Really? You never allow me to go alone."
Regulus looked at his five year old. "It is just around the corner. And you will go straight there Orion, do you hear me?"
Ryan knew when his daddy called him his full name, he was very serious. "Yes Daddy."
Regulus kissed him on the head. "Remind Papa and that Uncle of yours that they have to be here."
Ryan had the smile which gave him the nickname, little imp. "Perhaps the three of us get lost on the way back?"
Regulus ruffled his son's curls. "The three of you come back right away. Or you three will have a sleepover this weekend with Grandmother."
Ryan paled with the very thought. "Right back Daddy, I promise."
Regulus laughed as he watched his son scamper off. The very thought of staying with his grandmother for even a night was scary. He was very fond of his grandsire, and the feelings were returned, in full. Orion was proud of his five year old grandson; he was extremely intelligent and well behaved. Ryan was very small for his age, and his health was often questionable, but he had amazing magic. Old bloods were never aurors any ways, and he would do his family proud, as a lawyer or healer. But grandmother, it was like with her sons, nothing was good enough. Ryan was very close with Nanny, Severus' mother, who doted endlessly on her only grandchild. Eileen was fully aware of who Ryan was, and never cared, he was her son's child and that was all she cared about. The world thought her dead, like Regulus, as her life had been at risk. After Abraxas was poisoned, not dying of the pox as others believed, she faked her death. She was at Hogwarts, right under Albus' nose.
He was surprised when his brother and husband came into the shop a few seconds later. He didn't think his son would get to them that soon, and they usually would not come, unless they were dragged by their ears. Or Ryan worked his magic on them.
Regulus didn't see his son with them. "Where is Ryan? I sent him to bring you."
Severus shook his head. "We didn't see him."
Sirius saw his brother's concern. "I assume we just passed him. I am sure the clerk will send him right back. You don't have to worry."
Regulus shook his head. "If you ever marry Remus and have some kids, you may know the feeling."
Sirius shook his head. "We're just friends. And considering James, barely that sometimes."
Wallburga was happy, when her son came, especially as he seemed free of the wolf. Remus and Sirius flirted for years, and everyone thought they were fools; it was obvious they were right for each other. Even Wallburga did, why she was so upset, worried she'd have a wolf as a son in law. But since Halloween, James and Sirius had not been friends, the marauders no longer existed. And Remus caught between the two, had found it sometimes easier, just to keep back from it. Regulus hoped for his brother's sake, that it would work out.
Sirius groaned as he saw the couple coming. "I wish I was the one missing."
Ryan hurried into the alley, he had to be careful, it was very crowded. He didn't like all of the people, and didn't ever got out on his own. He spent his days with daddy at his shop, or sometimes Papa, watching him make potions. Papa owned an apothecary, but he didn't work in the front of the shop, he brewed in the back. Ryan was too young to help much, so he got bored sometimes, and had more fun with Daddy. He had his own little nook in the shop, where he could read, and few people ever saw him. He sometimes spent the day with Draco, his best friend and cousin, at the manor. But Draco was much bigger, well same age, but taller than him. Ryan had troubles breathing some times, the healer called it asthma or said it was similar to what muggles called asthma, but couldn't make it better. The healers had poked and prodded him for years, he hated needles, and finally daddy had said no more. He wished he could be bigger, or run faster so he could keep up with Draco, but hated healers.
Ryan made his way to his Papa's shop. He had been to the shop so many times, but never alone, and he had to be careful. He went into the shop, it was busy, so Papa usually would be out front. They didn't sell the school supplies often, but it was always busy, all year around.
Ryan didn't see him so he went to the clerk. "Hi Peter."
Peter smiled. "Looking for your Papa and Uncle?"
Ryan nodded. "My Dad sent me to find them."
Peter laughed. "You just missed them. I believe your Uncle was grumbling something about dragons."
Ryan giggled a little. "Grandmother. I better get back."
Peter waved him off. "You should come with your Papa soon. I haven't seen you in here in a while."
Ryan smiled and nodded. "Tomorrow. Papa said he has to do a healing potion and I can help."
Ryan slipped out of the shop, wishing they had been there. Daddy said they were to come, but perhaps they would have delayed it, said the shop was busy. He loved Grandsire a lot, even though he knew many people thought him scary, and perhaps he didn't smile very much. But he was always telling Ryan how smart he was, and when Ryan did well, he usually got a cool gift. But Grandmother wasn't very nice, and was scary. He loved Nanny, Nanny baked with him, and played with him. He didn't get to see nanny often, she was up at school, and couldn't visit all the time. He knew she hid who she was, like daddy, but not why for either of them.
He got to the shop and he noticed they were there. He decided not to go through the front door, and snuck through the back door, well a special one. It only opened and closed for him, and led to where his little nook was.
He was surprised when he found two red headed boys who liked twins. "Hey what are you doing in here?"
One turned to look at him. "We came for a look; we were at the book signing next door. Mum was waiting for hours."
The other nodded. "You'd think mum had never met them before. I swear the Potters come to our house every other week."
Ryan had heard his Papa grumble about them. "Papa thinks they are dunderheads and can't be bothered with them."
One laughed. "I wish our mum felt the same way. Fred, Fred Weasley, by the way. This is George."
Ryan smiled. "Orion Black, but everyone calls me Ryan."
Fred looked around. "Is there some way out of here? We need to get out."
Ryan shook his head. "The door I came in only works for me. You'll have to wait for my grandparents to leave, and I'll get you out."
George looked. "Someone is coming."
Ryan motioned to a cabinet. "In there. You can't be found, or you'll get us all in trouble."
Fred whispered as Ryan was closing the door. "Thanks kiddo."
Ryan closed the door, and turned, just in time when he saw his Uncle. His Uncle was not a problem, but his grandparents, or Papa would be. Papa was cool, but he would not like two kids off on their own, they looked not much older than him. He didn't have too many friends, well really only one in his cousin Draco; it was nice to meet some other kids. Draco and his friends tried to include him, but he couldn't run and keep up with them. He knew there was a chance he may not see them again, but he would help.
His Uncle looked at him. "Here you are imp. What are you up to? You know your grandparents won't leave until they see you."
Ryan put on his most innocent smile. "I was just going to the bathroom Uncle Paddy. "
Sirius shook his head. "You know that innocent look doesn't work on me, I'm the one who invented it."
Ryan giggled a little. "Grandmother says you are the one to blame for teaching me it."
Sirius scooped him up and tickled him. "And almost got me, an adult, a spanking. What happened to your normal polished manners?"
Ryan didn't let his Uncle off. "I believe it was you and Draco who pulled the prank Uncle Paddy."
Sirius couldn't deny it. He had been allowed back into the family, but he was still a marauder, and always would be. If his mother was not grumbling about the wolf, which slowed down a bit as he didn't see Moony much, it was about his influence. She seemed to think his nephew and Draco would be well behaved little angels if it wasn't for him. While he encouraged them, he could admit, it was not all his doing.
He put his nephew down. "Well whatever you were up to, it is time to face the dragon."
Severus and his husband shared a look with each other. They had no idea where their son was, but they weren't worried. Ryan may only be five, and most parents would not allow him out, but they trusted him. Everyone knew him on the street, and no one could take him, without notice. They were reminded of his secret door, which allowed him in and out of the shop, if he had to. Their house was also connected, through a spell though, since it was down the alley some. The secret entrance Regulus reminded his brother of it with a look, and Sirius disappeared.
Orion was looking, for his grandson; surely they knew he would want to see him. His wife's birthday was in less than a week, but when they came to town, they always came to see their sons. Orion was always at one of the shops with his dads, unless he was at Malfoy manor.
Orion looked at his son. "Well where is he?"
Regulus turned to his father. "Ryan is…."
Wallburga snapped. "Orion, the boy has a fine name, you will not corrupt it. We know he is not at Malfoy manor, now where is he?"
Ryan appeared with his Uncle. "Here Grandmother. I apologize that I have kept you waiting. I returned to the house to get Grandsire's book."
Orion looked at the book. "You have finished it already? It took myself a week, and I was in school."
Ryan slipped into high elf. "I enjoyed it grandsire. Do you have the second in the series?"
Orion smiled, and responded in elf as well. "You have been practicing I see. And I would be pleased to lend you the second."
Ryan beamed with his compliment. "I have been practicing, and my French as well."
Orion handed him a gift. "You will do our family proud. Your father and Uncle couldn't even master English well, when they were teens."
Ryan turned to his grandmother and slipped into French for her. "Thank you Grandmother."
The woman smirked. "Keep your thanks to your grandsire, I do not approve of this spoiling."
Orion turned to her. "He has studied hard, and will do our name proud." And to Ryan. "Open, so I know you approve."
Ryan was expected to, whether it was dress robes or a book, but grandsire never disappointed. He'd likely have got something even if he hadn't impressed so well, but not like this. His grandsire believed everyone should speak three languages, and Latin didn't count, that was for spells. He knew elfish was a favorite of grandsire, and though he was only five, he had been studying for a year now. He was amazed when he found a beautiful star chart, he had shown a real interest in stars, which grandsire knew. He was a normal kid, his room did have toys like any five year old, but it was also filled with books and such. Grandsire's gifts were always something to encourage him to study.
Ryan turned to the man. "Thank you grandsire."
Orion smiled a tad. "I will expect you to show me what you learned, when you come to your grandmother's birthday."
Wallburga turned to her son. "You will see to a haircut for your son and husband before."
Regulus cut his husband off, as they were about to leave. "Yes mother."
Sirius let out a breath when they were gone. "Thank Merlin that's over."
Severus kissed his husband and son. "I need to head back up to my shop. Ryan would you like to come?"
Ryan shook his head. "No Papa, I'll come tomorrow though, for those potions."
Regulus watched his son scurry off. "I have no doubt he will soon be pouring over that star chart."
Sirius watched him go. "I wonder."
Ryan would look at it, but he had other things on his mind, well two people. He went back to the cabinet, and he let the twins out, and went to sneak them out of the shop. His dad had opened again, and he was in his office, and he thought Uncle Paddy had left with Papa. But they were almost out the door, when Uncle Paddy appeared in the doorway.
Sirius eyed them. "I knew you were up to something."
Fred spoke up. "We snuck into the shop, and he was just trying to help us out."
George agreed. "We were without mum at the book shop. He didn't do anything, just trying to help us."
Sirius laughed. "I have no doubt. I will take you back to Molly, as I assume you are Weasleys, from that red hair."
Fred nodded. "We are. But she'll be very angry if she knows where we are."
Sirius sighed. "I will tell her I found you, but not where."
George turned and waved to Ryan. "Maybe we'll see you soon. Thanks kiddo."
Ryan watched them go, and hoped they'd not get into too much trouble, and he'd see them soon. Sirius took them to the shop, which was not much further than Severus', and could see Molly hadn't seen them missing. He had tried to avoid the shop, as Lily was having a book signing, but he kept away from her. Molly and Lily were friends, but the woman still had come, to support her. It was a joint book, with Lockhart, and Molly was hoping for his signature as she loved the man. Sirius saved the boys from being grounded, by swearing he found them just outside.
Molly laughed a little when she heard about Ryan. "Your nephew? If he is anything like you, he must be a real little scamp like these two."
