an: Please review. The story may not be new to you, but it is to me, as is the site. The sudden disappearance of reviews except for plagiarism comments, is jarring.

Severus came into his husband's shop, looking for their son. He usually avoided shopping on a day like today, so close to the start of the school term, but his son had insisted. It was his grandmother's sixty fifth birthday coming up, and the little seven year old decided he needed a gift, for the woman. Severus had no idea why, the woman was a thorn in all their sides, and his son was no more fond of her than he was. But he didn't argue, and since his husband was busy, he was taking him. He really only agreed, as he heard Orion and Wallburga may be paying a visit, and it was away to escape another visit with them. They had stopped warning their sons before they suddenly appeared. And the topic would be tense, as Lucius and Narcissa had offered to take Ryan with them, when they were in the US for four months. Severus and his husband had said no, they thought it was too long, and Ryan was scared to go. If he had a health problem, he would have to go to a doctor, and he hated doctors.

Severus went up to his son's little nook, it was usually the sure fire way to find him. But he was surprised to find his son's chair empty in the corner. Ryan was getting a bit bigger, and could help Severus with more, so he spent half his time with his Papa now.

He found his husband. "Have you seen our little imp?"

Regulus kissed him. "He went through to the house for a moment. He seems oddly excited."

Severus smirked. "What is he up to?"

Regulus shrugged. "No idea. His cousin and Uncle aren't around though."

Severus shook his head. "They must be rubbing off on him, or something. Especially now Sirius is around so much more."

Regulus agreed. "I think we need to get my brother dating again."

Severus smirked. "He is still love sick over the wolf. He won't admit it."

Ryan appeared next to his daddy. "The wolf?"

Regulus looked down at his son. "Your Uncle's friend Remus."

Ryan smiled a little. "I have heard of him before. Why have I not met him Dad?"

Severus answered for his husband. "Remus has been a bit busy lately. He hasn't seen much of your uncle in the past few years."

Ryan looked sad. "I wouldn't like if Draco and I didn't see each other. Maybe they need a play date."

Regulus laughed when he heard his son. "I doubt that is the kind of date your Uncle wants."

Severus changed topics. "Are you sure you want to go shopping?"

Ryan nodded. "It's grandmother's birthday, and I need a gift. I want a book for her."

Severus looked around. "Am I missing something?"

Ryan shook his head. "There isn't the right one for Grandmother. Besides I like seeing Mr. Flourish."

Sighing, Severus led his son from the shop, not overly excited by this. His son did shop at Flourish and Blotts, for the rare kids' books he read, he did like them from time to time, or for his cousin. His dad didn't really specialize in those books. He felt bad for his brother in law a bit. The past two years the distance had grown a bit. Remus had lost another job, and James had got him a contract with a text publisher, and had helped to find him a flat which would accept him. Remus cared deeply about Sirius, but being caught in the middle, was just eating away at him.

Severus groaned when they came into the shop. He had forgotten, the Potters were having a new book signing, happened almost every year. This time it was Hector's first book, a kids' book based on the life of the hero. It was of course to be a best seller.

Severus looked at his son. "We have a few more days to pick a gift."

Ryan shook his head. "You have that big order. Plus you have to pick up a book."

Severus sighed and couldn't deny it. "Just hurry up imp, I'd like to avoid the crowds."

Ryan nodded. "Okay Papa."

Frank came over. "Severus, I was going to send your order to your shop. I didn't think you'd come in during this."

Severus turned to the owner. "I was hoping not to. But my son wanted to pick a book for his grandmother."

The man laughed and handed him his bag. "One of my best customers, even with his dad owning a book store."

A voice came from behind. "Well isn't it Snivellus, come to get a copy of my son's book?"

Severus turned to see James. "I am shopping with my own. Some of us have egos that fit in buildings."

James smirked. "I heard some poor man married you, and allowed you to raise his child. He must really be desperate."

Severus kept his temper in check. "I once said the same thing about your wife."

He had once been friends with Lily, before the mudblood comment he made, back in fifth year. They had still been friends of sorts, why he was godfather to Harry, and he thought she could have done so much better. But seeing how the woman had changed, he didn't think so any more, they seemed to be fit perfectly for each other. He thought of his precious son, and keeping him as far away from this man, as possible.

He went to leave. "I need to find my son and head back to work."

James snorted. "Your pathetic little shop? Is your son going to take over for you?"

Severus turned. "At least I don't live off of mummy and daddy, or got fired as an auror. And I'd be proud if my son took over one day."

James shook his head. "I quit being an auror, best decision I ever made."

Severus scanned the room for his son. "Tell yourself that James. You may convince someone some day."

James was interested to see this boy, wondering what Severus' child was like, he had never heard of him. He wanted to see what this child was. But before Severus could find his son, there was a horrible sound of crashing, and screams all around the room. When the dust settled, they realized there were book cases lying on the floor, heavy huge ones which should never fall.

Severus was stopped dead when someone shouted. "Help. There are three children under there."


Ryan knew they had to be there. He had only seen them last year for a few moments, when they had come through Papa's shop, with their brothers. He was reminded, they said they always came to the book signings, to support Lily. He wanted to see the twins. He only had one friend, and Draco was leaving in a week, to go away for four months. His Aunt and Uncle invited him to go, but he didn't want to go, he'd miss his dads and he was scared about his health. He wanted to see the twins, even if only for a few minutes.

He was looking around, and he saw the rest of the family, so he knew they were there. He avoided Hector, he had seen his photos, in the papers. There was a red head with him, and he assumed he was a Weasley, he looked a bit like the twins.

He spotted the twins off to one side and smiled. 'There they are.'

Fred was showing his brother some trick. "This is so cool."

George agreed. "Yeah, we better not let Ron see it."

Ryan whispered. "See what?"

Fred turned to see him. "Hey kiddo, what are you doing here?"

George agreed. "Didn't sneak here did you? You know our mother will kill us if we are a bad influence on you."

Ryan shook his head. "I tricked Papa to bring me. Told him I needed a gift for grandmother."

Fred laughed. "Oh Merlin, can't allow you near mum, or she will think we seriously corrupted you."

George agreed. "She will be worried your family will come after us."

Ryan giggled a bit. "Grandmother you may be right, but Grandsire might smile. What are you doing?"

Fred showed him the game. "Our big brother Bill gave it to us."

Ryan was soon pouring over the game with them. He had found a book already, and had known where it was, so he could get it right away. He knew Papa would be distracted for a bit, and as long as he remained in sight range, Papa would not get upset. His Papa had made that rule, as he proved he could be trusted, when they went into shops. He didn't want Papa to change the rule on him.

The three of them were so busy talking, that they didn't notice that they weren't alone. Hector was bored, this was about him, but his mother was the one who was answering all of the questions. He and Ron were bored, and looking for some entertainment.

Hector sneered. "What are you dweebs up to?"

Fred smirked. "Are you sure you are not talking about yourselves?"

Ron sneered at his brothers. "You guys are just jealous because you're not cool enough to hang out with us."

Ryan laughed a little at that. "I can see what you mean about him."

Hector turned to look at him. "Look at this pathetic little gnat you are with. You look framiliar, one of my fans?"

Ryan smirked at him. "Fan? What would I be a fan of yours for?"

Hector went red in the face. "Don't pretend you don't know who I am."

George shrugged. "He isn't a little old lady or child. And I doubt his grandmother reads the tabloids."

Hector was reaching in his pocket. "I will show you."

Fred went to lead Ryan away. "Probably going to try and force an autograph off on us."

They were shocked when the kid pulled a wand out of his pocket. He was only seven like Ryan, though he looked older, as Ryan was so small. They were sure he must have snuck it, likely from his dad, or maybe his dad allowed him to play with it. Molly never spoke ill of the couple, she idolized them, like some pathetic celebrities, as bad as Lockhart. But Arthur had been heard to make comments about their character.

Fred shook his head. "Ooh, you picked your dad's pocket. We're so proud."

Hector laughed. "The wand is mine. Father bought it for me in Germany. He thinks it is ridiculous I have to wait till I am eleven to have one."

George looked at him appalled. "I'd ask who in their right mind would give you a wand, but you just answered my question."

Ron was not letting it go. "You know he has let me try it. You are jealous, because you have to wait two more years."

Hector looked at Ryan. "I'll make your day, and show you one of the spells my father has been teaching us."

Ryan didn't look impressed. "I should be finding my Papa."

Hector didn't take it kindly, and he aimed his wand, at the row of bookshelves behind them. Before any of the boys could react, a spell rebounded off the shelves, and they started to rumble. Fred and George realized they were about to topple, and not able to get out of the way, they pulled Ryan down under them, George covering his head as best as he could.

Hector watched as the three disappeared under the shelves and looked at Ron and whispered. "Not a word to anyone."


Regulus was at the shop, wondering how his husband and son had such good timing. He sometimes thought one or both of them was psychic. This had been one of the unannounced visits from their parents. They had once been common, when Ryan was a baby and toddler, when the couple still lived in London. They were definitely more rare since those days, and they were meant to have come in a few more days.

Of course he had nown the subject. His parents had made it clear before, they thought Lucius' idea was good, for their grandson. And Wallburga seemed bent on convincing them to let Ryan go with them on the trip.

Wallburga was frustrated. "This is a good opportunity for your son."

Regulus nodded. "It is."

Orion added. "Think about all the amazing learning experiences for him."

Regulus sighed. "It is four months."

Wallburga wasn't backing down. "You baby the boy. Four months is nothing. He will be away for school soon."

Regulus pointed out. "In four years, and we will be close, if he needs us."

Wallburga turned to her husband. "Say something."

Orion looked at his son. "You know how much your son loves his Aunt and Uncle. They will take the best care possible."

Regulus agreed. "I know. But Orion doesn't like other healers, and he is not ready for the trip. We have made the choice, as a family."

Wallburga ground her teeth. "This is the apothecary's idea."

Orion turned to his wife. "Our son and his husband know what is the best for their son."

Orion and Severus had come to terms over the past few years. He may not approve the man was a half blood, but he was a good man, who was a good husband and father. Severus was a good influence on his grandson, he encouraged him to learn, and had taught him to be a true old blood. Severus may be a half blood, but he knew the traditions, and was Lord Prince. Severus had grown to respect him in his own way. Orion knew, he had his say in the way his grandson was raised, but in the end he left it up to the dads. Wallburga was another story all together.

Their talk was interrupted when there was a commotion in the street. Regulus had no idea why, but he was suddenly filled with dread, at the sound. Before he could head to the door, the door opened, and Severus' store clerk had come in.

The man looked at them. "Is Severus here or not?"

Regulus shook his head. "He took our son to the book store, they have yet to return."

Peter went pale when he heard that. "I was worried about that."

Orion snapped. "What are you speaking about boy?"

Peter turned. "There was an accident at the book store, the aurors and healers were brought in."

Regulus' heart was pounding through his chest. "We need to find out, now."

Wallburga grumbled. "Just like that apothecary to put our grandson in danger."

Regulus snapped. "My husband took our son to buy you a birthday gift, though heaven knows why, you ungrateful old bat."

Orion led the way and looked at the aurors blocking the way into the shop. "What is going on in there?"

The man turned to him. "I'm sorry sir but…."

Orion snapped. "I am Lord Black, and if you want a job, you will tell me what is going on and now."

The man snapped to attention. "Three children were caught when book cases were knocked over. They are trying to save their lives."

Regulus felt his heart racing through his chest. "We have to go in."

The man stopped them. "I am under orders from Moody, not to allow anyone else into the scene."

Sirius had appeared in the door. "And now you have orders to allow them to pass."

Regulus looked at his brother, and any doubt his son was involved, slipped away. His brother was ghastly white, and he knew his brother was never like this, on the job. Sirius had a big heart, but he had been an auror for a long time, and the job didn't shake him like this. Not even when kids were involved, unless they were kids he knew, and only after he went home. Regulus knew it was his son in there.

Moody and Severus were in the shop. Severus had got the store cleared, and was doing his best, but he wanted to run over and clear the shelves from his son. He had no idea who Ryan was with, but there were three people alive.

His husband came to his side. "Our son, where is our son?"

Severus didn't want his son to look. "The aurors are working with the healers."

Regulus was shaking. "He's under there? Our son is under that? How did this happen?"

Severus did his best to calm him. "He's alive Reg, he's alive."

Regulus wanted to slap him. "My son is alive? My son is alive? My son is crushed under shelves, and all you will say, is my son is alive?"

Sirius took his brother into his arms. "He will be okay Reg, he will."

Orion looked to Moody. "What happened here?"

Alastair shook his head. "We're not sure yet. But there was only two witnesses."

Severus nodded over to where Hector stood with his mother. "And he seems to have forgotten anything."

Sirius knew his brother in law, he was in horrible shape, when he went like this. His husband needed him, but it was Severus' coping measure, when dealing with something horrific. He was like Sirius, when dealing with an emergency, he went clinical. He had been a spy, and a medic, and it came out in times like this. Regulus may once have been a spy, but when it came to his son, it didn't help.

One of the healers shouted as the shelves were moved. "We need to get this one to the hospital immediately. He might not make it."