Poppy had been preparing to leave the school. Usually she didn't leave this soon into the school year, but she had promised Irma. Her and Irma had been friends since they were young girls, and she was the one who helped the woman get her job. She was one of the few people who knew Eileen was alive, and when the woman faked her death, helped arrange the job. She and Eileen had practically been sisters, neither had any of their own, and they had always leaned on each other. Poppy had tried to get her to leave her husband before the drunk killed himself. The school knew, when Severus taught here, they were close but not why. He had called the woman Aunt Poppy when he was little, and still called her family. She wanted to go to London as well, to check on Severus, and his son as well. Being able to give Eileen a cover was part of it.
She was waiting for the woman when the door opened. She turned around expecting to find her, but found Albus, and had to hide a grimace. She wasn't happy to see him, he didn't come often, and when he did it was to meddle.
Albus smiled. "I heard a rumor you were leaving school."
Poppy turned to him. "I don't recall when I had to check in with you. I am on call if needed."
Albus looked around. "On the first weekend you have no patients. But I was surprised."
Poppy shrugged. "I got an invitation to go to the new wizard and witch spa that opened in Kent."
Before he could speak Irma came into the room. "Are you ready to go Poppy?"
Albus was surprised to see her. "You're leaving as well?"
Irma nodded. "Poppy got two passes for a weekend at the spa. Few witches would turn down such a chance."
Poppy picked up her bag. "Did you need something Albus before we go?"
Albus nodded. "I was wondering if you had heard from Severus. I know you are friends, you and Filius with him."
Poppy smirked. "He is busy as you can guess."
Albus didn't back off. "I thought perhaps he would have contacted you about his son."
Poppy shook her head. "He hasn't, but if he wishes me to see his son, I will."
Albus pushed a bit. "I am concerned after what happened. I was interested to know how Rodger was doing."
Poppy went to leave. "If you're going to pretend to care, get the name right, it's Ryan, short for Orion, after his grandsire."
The two women left, and Albus was stewing in his own anger. James and his son had been sentenced to community service in the hospital. Orion had made sure the newspapers were there, for their first day, when cleaning bed pans. Hector would be home in a few days, but he still had all the hours, and the publicity was bad. Hector's fame was not as big as they had thought it would continue to be. If he was going to salvage this, he had to get the community service changed, and the Blacks were key to all of this.
Poppy and Irma headed for the hospital. Lucius, who knew about Eileen and had helped after losing his father, had helped arrange it. They took the floo into the healer's private office, and were able to come in unnoticed, after visiting hours.
Ryan's entire face lit up when he saw Irma in the door. "Nanny."
Eileen went across the room. "Oh prince, I have been so worried. I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner."
Ryan accepted a hug. "I know you came as soon as you could Nanny."
She sat on the bed. "I see you got my book. I promise I'll come for a longer visit when you're home."
Ryan's eyes went to the container she held. "Snicker doodles?"
Eileen smiled. "What else would I make? I know how much both my boys love them."
Severus smiled at his mum and turned to Poppy. "Thank you for coming and making it possible."
Poppy smiled. "You know I wanted to see Ryan too. Albus was faking a concern for your son, well a child named Rodger, actually."
Severus smirked. "The man never learns. You'd think he could get simple facts straight."
Poppy watched the two. "Your mother has been so worried. You and Ryan mean the world to her."
Severus knew. "I wish she would leave the school. I worry about her."
Poppy stopped him. "She loves you, but the job means a lot to her. It is the first time she has had a life of her own."
Eileen had been the only daughter of an old blood family. A lot was expected of her, and when she fell for a muggle, she was kicked out. Poppy had been one of her few friends from this world she remained in contact with. She gave up career, family, and friends for Tobias. He had soon turned abusive, soon after their son was born. For the first time, she had a job and a life, outside of her son. As much as she loved her son, and she adored her grandson, the school meant a lot. She knew who Ryan was, as did Poppy, but it meant nothing to her.
Severus knew the woman was right and changed topics. "Ryan will be happy you came too, when he notices you."
Poppy laughed. "I can't compete with Nanny."
Ryan proved him right when a huge smile spread across his face. "Hi Aunty Poppy."
Poppy went over and put down a stuffed monkey. "Glad to see you are doing better. I know you hate hospitals."
Ryan nodded a bit. "I only like you and Papa. Grandsire's healer, the one with the big needles, keeps trying to sneak in."
Severus laughed when he saw his mother's look. "He is under orders from Orion to look after Ryan. Your grandson is not making it easy."
Ryan pouted a little. "He wants to stick me."
Shaking his head, Severus assured his son the man didn't. He had run a lot of tests on Ryan, and though needles weren't usually used in their world, he had done some muggle inspired tests too. Ryan was always well behaved, but the man was giving him bad dreams, and the only time he could come near Ryan, was when he was asleep. Severus hoped they could take their son home soon, he wasn't getting much rest here.
Eileen smiled. "Well you need to get better, so next time I visit, you and I can bake some cookies together."
Though they had wanted him to stay longer, Severus and his husband had convinced the hospital to release their son. He would have Severus there, and Poppy would come, if she was needed. But he was starting to heal, and the lack of sleep, was doing him no good. He refused sleeping potions, and the few he took, had little effect on him. The hospital had still been reluctant, but Orion had pulled some strings, to get him out. He also stopped sending his healer, though the man kept up on reports, of how Ryan was doing.
Ryan was happy to be going home only a week after he woke up. Draco had gone away, and his dads and Uncle Sirius were his only company. He was worried grandsire was angry at him, he hadn't come to visit, the entire time.
Regulus helped his son into a magical wheelchair. "You'll be home soon. And you'll be able to have more company."
Severus agreed. "You know a certain grandmother is already planning a visit."
Ryan pouted. "Nanny right?"
Regulus had a coy smile. "Your grandmother has volunteered to baby-sit so I can return to work. She thought you'd be excited."
Ryan knew he spoke of Wallburga. "She didn't, daddy she didn't, please tell me she didn't."
Severus laughed. "Do you think the old bat would actually volunteer to baby-sit?"
Regulus kissed his son on the head. "Remus is watching the store for me. And hopefully next week, you'll be back in the shop with me."
Ryan smiled a little. "I'd like that Daddy."
Severus looked at the door. "I would have thought your grandsire would be here by now. We may have to make a break for it."
Ryan looked up at him. "Grandsire is coming?"
Regulus nodded. "He is the one who helped us get you released a few days early."
Ryan was surprised. "I thought he was angry at me."
Regulus knelt. "Why would you think that?"
Ryan looked down at his lap, and wouldn't answer. They knew the answer, the little doubts that came up in their son, from time to time. He knew he was small, and he wasn't quick or healthy like Draco, or strong. He had magic, it saved him and the twins, but not normal magic. He often worried his grandsire would rather have Draco as heir, Draco was stronger and more like a true Black. Now he was in the hospital, and even more useless than usual, and Grandsire had not come to see him even once.
Severus shared a look with his husband. They knew it was hard for Ryan to understand, but it was just the way the old man was. He was positively affectionate with Ryan, compared to what he had been with his own sons, as kids. He loved his grandson dearly.
Regulus squeezed his hand gently. "Your grandsire has been here every day. You were asleep though."
Ryan nodded his head a bit. "He is busy."
Regulus kissed his head. "Never doubt that old man loves you Ryan. He is very proud of you, of how smart you are, how clever you are."
Orion had appeared in the door. "The papers are filed, you are free to leave."
Ryan looked up at the man. "Thank you Grandsire."
Orion surprised them all when he handed Ryan a stuffed giraffe. "I will come check on you soon. I expect to see you taking healer's orders."
Ryan nodded as he held the stuffed animal. "Yes Grandsire, I promise."
The healer appeared in the door but his news wasn't good. "I received word Albus was on his way up."
Severus grit his teeth. "That man never learns."
Orion motioned them to go. "Take Orion home, I will deal with him."
Albus appeared as they were about to head down the hall. "You're still here. I was hoping for a chance to check on the boy."
Orion got between them. "One step further, and I will have you arrested. I believe you were served with the papers."
Ryan whispered as his Papa wheeled him off. "Oh oh, Grandsire is using his no-no voice. He only uses that when he is really mad."
Regulus agreed with his son. "I think we should be grateful it is not directed at us."
Ryan had not had the voice directed at him, but he had heard it more than once. Grandsire was a scary man when he got angry. His daddy told him grandsire scared many people, he liked to be in control, and didn't like when people stepped in. Orion had told him once, that he would grow into a real little Black, and one day people would quake when they saw him too. He was not sure, he didn't know if he could be scary like that.
They got him home to his own room, and they could see Ryan's relief when he looked around. His room looked like a library, but also had tons of toys. Orion had given Ryan gifts before, but a stuffed animal was a shock, his gifts were usually for teaching.
Regulus agreed when his son said that. "I happen to think you're turning the old man soft. One of these days he might even manage a smile."
Severus heard the doorbell and smiled. "Speaking of smiles, I think two sources just arrived."
Fred appeared in the doorway with George right behind him. "Hey kiddo, so glad you're home safe. Cool house."
George agreed. "Percy would love this room. He is as book obsessed as you."
Arthur turned to the dads. "I'll be back for the boys at dinner time."
When they were alone Fred looked at Ryan. "You have to tell us how you did that bubble thing. It was so cool."
George assured him when he saw Ryan look worried again. "You saved us remember? We won't tell anyone."
Ryan trusted them. "I don't know how, I just do it, when I feel in danger."
He had done it a few times before, the last time, when he had tried to climb a tree. He had been sick of being left behind, when Draco and his friends played, and wanted to climb a tree with them. He had fallen, and would likely have broken a leg, but for the spell. The twins thought it cool, their accidental magic had been boring so far, well except Fred blowing up a chicken. Regulus checked in on the boys every so often, but other than bringing them lunch, left them in peace. He was happy to see his son smiling so much.
Regulus watched his son pout a bit when they left. "They'll come back soon."
Ryan had spent nearly a month recovering from the accident. He had returned to work with daddy ten days after he left the hospital though. Daddy had moved his chair down, out of the nook, and closer to the office. Ryan had missed being at the shop, and didn't mind the move, in case he needed his dad. Remus was now off, hunting for muggle books, and that side of the business was thriving. Ryan had got a chance to meet the man, who had yet to learn who Ryan was, but he had been told about Regulus. Ryan liked his Uncle was dating, and he liked the man, Remus loved books nearly as much as he did. He was not sure how his Uncle fell in love with a book worm though.
Lucius came in the first few days of December. He had assured his nephew, he had to come for a meeting anyways, and not to feel guilty if he decided not to come. His Uncle, his dads and everyone wanted him to go, but didn't want him to feel pressured, but he went.
A few days into their trip they were off to their first trip to Disney land. Lucius smiled. "I know you boys are anxious."
Draco nodded. "All the rides, and we promised Uncle Siri, some Morkie Moose ears."
Ryan shook his head. "I think Uncle Siri said it was actually Mickey Mouse."
Draco smirked. "Why would anyone want Mouse ears? Moose ones are cooler."
Lucius looked at his wife. "He's your cousin."
Narcissa laughed when she heard that. "I still think Kreacher must have dropped him on his head as a baby."
Ryan looked at his Aunt. "Papa said he would never trust Kreacher with a baby. That is why Uncle Siri has him, not us."
Lucius ruffled his nephew's curls. "But your dads like you, your grandmother on the other hand….."
Draco smiled a little. "She is scary, but not as scary as Old Abe, when you wake him up."
Narcissa had to smile at her husband's expression. "Your grandfather was even scarier to wake up, when he was alive."
Lucius shook his head. "If he heard you call him Old Abe, he would have tanned your bum so hard, you'd not sit for a week."
Ryan giggled. "Uncle Siri told us that one. But he said it is like calling Grandsire, Grandpa or Ryan like me."
Orion and Abraxas were both cut from the same fabric. Orion had softened a bit in old age, well where his grandson was concerned, it seemed. He had come to see Ryan a few times, after the hospital incident. He would never be overly warm, even in private, but he loved Ryan a lot. He left no doubt, he would kill anyone, who tried to hurt his grandson. Abraxas had never mellowed in old age, before he died, though even he could be put to shame by Orion. Orion took no prisoners when he was in public. And neither were fond of nicknames, though the once or twice he had heard his grandson's, he had not protested. Wallburga was another story all together.
The boys were excited to go. They had so far swam with dolphins, been to the beach and Sea World, and Hollywood. They had another ten days, and the couple were sure it wouldn't be their last trip to Disney Land. Draco was happy, the other three months, had been lots of adult things.
When they got there Narcissa was surprised when the boys wanted to shop first. "I just got groans when we were in New York."
Draco put his hands on his hips. "Mother that was boring, that was for shoes."
Lucius had to agree with his son. "And purses."
Ryan hadn't been there. "Glad I missed that part."
Narcissa gently swatted all three males with her. "And you were so good about not showing it."
Lucius kissed his wife and laughed at her tone. "What did you expect?"
Narcissa led them into the store. "Well I guess I shouldn't complain, you want to do some shopping."
Ryan pointed at the ears. "There they are."
Draco noticed. "We can have his name put on it."
The boys got a pair for themselves too, and Lucius ended up with a pirate hat and Narcissa with Minnie ears. The boys both had a bag of souvenirs, Ryan had some for the twins, when they left the shop. Draco had heard about the twins, and thought they sounded cool. He was happy his cousin had someone to hang out with, when he had been away on his trip. He wasn't jealous, he had other friends too.
Lucius brought out a map when he sent the bags back to their hotel. "So what ride should we go on first?"
Draco and Ryan both pointed at the pirates ride. "That one."
Lucius folded up the map. "I should have known."
Narcissa watched as they got to the ride, and her husband used as spell. "Helping them get to the front of the line?"
Lucius reminded her restrictions were less here. "I believe you used the spell enough, when shopping."
Narcissa couldn't deny it, no witch in her right mind, would wait in a line up when she didn't have to. For the most part, she watched as the boys and Lucius went on rides, but she went on a few. As long as it was not too scary, or had water, she would go with them. They got some photos along the way, as they had all trip, and had dinner before going to watch the fireworks.
Ryan shook his head when his Aunt was worried he looked pale. "I'm okay Aunty, just a bit tired I promise."
An: So we will jump to age 11 next chapter. Please show your support with reviews. Input on PLOT is welcome, the story has stuck close to the original as it was so popular as it was, and nobody has spoken of any interest in changes.
So Review please.
