Ryan hadn't looked at the book the day Moody gave it to him. He didn't want anyone to know, and if he missed the party, they'd worry. Besides he was excited about the party, his team had won, and he wanted to celebrate with them. But the book was somewhere in the back of his mind. He could admit the game was really exciting, and perhaps he might want to play. Draco and the twins kept pointing at Colin Hooper, and saying he needed to get on a broom, and wipe the smile off his face. Oliver was hoping, if he had full try outs next year, he could find a better seeker. He had been heard to mumble more than once; he wished Ryan was a lion, so he could be their seeker. Ryan didn't really understand, he had only really flown once, no matter how good of a dive he had pulled out of. But both captains seemed to agree on the topic.

The day after the game though, Ryan had headed up to the room of requirements. He needed a place where he could read and figure this out. He knew in the dorms, Draco would be asking, or in the library Nanny would. He knew Nanny would only want to help, but still.

Ryan was looking at the book when he found the spell. "I found it."

He was confused as he read through the spell a few times. "A compulsion spell?"

He understood, the spell was used to make people do things, and not just once. For instance, it could be used to make people eat too much food, so that they would get fat. It had been used for dangerous reasons in the past as well. He was just confused at what the spell could do. As far as he knew, Hector was the only one who knew about the mirror, he and Ron. He could see wanting to control Hector, but he had no idea what the mirror would do. Looking in the mirror couldn't help Hector be more controllable, or a better hero, for Albus.

Ryan's mind went to himself. But he kept thinking that no one could have known he had followed them. Or could they have? He needed to find out, but he knew he needed a hand. He knew he couldn't turn to his grandsire just yet. He needed someone like the twins.

He was headed for the Gryffindor tower, in hopes of running into them, when he bumped into another lion. "Oh sorry."

Oliver laughed a little when he steadied Ryan. "You know we have to stop meeting like this kiddo."

Ryan laughed a little too. "I'm usually not this clumsy."

Oliver agreed. "You just seem to be distracted both times."

Ryan couldn't deny it. "I was looking for the twins. I needed their help."

Oliver got his confirmation. "I should be worried. But unfortunately they are in detention."

Ryan groaned. "The day I need their help, is the day they actually get caught."

Oliver shrugged. "They got set up by their brother, they weren't even at fault. Can I be of help?"

Ryan shook his head. "I'll just wait for the twins."

Oliver stopped him. "You know I have helped them before. And no one would suspect me, like them."

Ryan knew he had a point. "It's not really a prank. I need to find something out."

Oliver moved him back towards the room of requirements where he knew Ryan came from. "Then perhaps I'll be better help."

Ryan agreed, and back in the room of requirements, he finally told Oliver what was going on. He ended with the book. "I found this."

Oliver looked at the spell. "I have only ever heard of this one. It is extremely powerful."

Ryan nodded. "It is why Moody was reluctant to let me have the book. Now I need to prove, they knew I'd follow them."

Oliver agreed. "But how are we going to do this?"

Ryan showed him an item. "Uncle Siri gave this to me. It records a voice, it is like a muggle item."

Oliver agreed with him, and they knew they were going to have to prove this. Ryan told him he would show him the mirror, when done. He swore he would turn to his grandsire, when they had proof, but not until then. He wanted to show his grandsire he found out about the mirror, the spell used on it, and why as well. He was sure his grandsire would be proud, even if he had Oliver by his side, to help him out.

Oliver thought they were going to need a hand, at least one other person, to pull this off. Ryan knew he was thinking the twins, but as they were talking, Ryan spotted Marcus' name on the map. Against some protest from Oliver, Marcus found himself dragged in on the conversation.

Marcus looked skeptically at Oliver when he heard the plan. "With him?"

Oliver smirked. "I was about to say the same thing about you."

Ryan cut in. "You worked together before. I need both of your help."

Oliver grunted. "I guess for a snake he isn't too bad."

Marcus shook his head. "I guess the same could be said for you."

Ryan shook his head. "Will you do it? I don't have time to explain it all over to the twins."

Oliver offered his hand to Marcus. "Not about to allow the twins to have all the fun."

Marcus grudgingly took his hand. "Not about to allow you lions to get all the credit."

Ryan smiled in relief. "I'm going to make friends out of you one of these days."

Marcus and Oliver both turned to him and said at the same time. "Don't count on it."

Ryan shook his head. "Maybe should set you up, already finishing each other's sentences."

Oliver shook his head. "Keep it up, and I will forget the twins will hex me, if I flush your head."

Marcus agreed. "I will tell our house I didn't see what happened."

Ryan laughed. "Okay I will leave off for now. I want your help."

For now he thought with a little smile. They were around the same age, and even if in different house, he thought they would be cute. He knew from Adrian, Marcus hadn't dated anyone seriously yet, and he thought they'd be cute. But he needed their help, and the time they were spending there, was time that they were wasting. He loved the twins, but he thought for this plan, he likely had the better two.

Ryan looked down at his map and pointed. "It doesn't look like we have too long to wait."

Oliver looked at them. "I'm still not sure about this."

Marcus smirked. "Just like a brave lion to back out."

Ryan got between the two of them. "Come on you guys, I need your help please."

They both turned to look at him, and they agreed. They weren't sure about working together, even if they had helped, when they had caught Hector for stealing. But they had never worked directly together like this, the twins had played the mediators, between the two sides. But it seemed to prove true, what when it came to Ryan, the two houses could work together.

Ryan thought to himself. 'The twins are going to be a bit jealous when they hear they weren't involved.'


Hector and Ron had no idea what was going on, but that really was nothing new. They were both stewing, from the months' worth of detention they received, once again. The headmaster was the one who showed them the mirror, and had Hector do it, but he was promised his revenge. The detentions were bad enough, but the fact they were with Filch was even worse. They had spent the last two days cleaning bathrooms, with tooth brushes, and Friday evening as well. They had to listen to all of their housemates, talk about the quidditch game, that they had missed. Even if their house had lost, they should have been at the game, this was a load of crap.

They were headed back for their dorms, stewing about the end of another horrible weekend. Hector couldn't believe that this was his life, he was the hero, and he should have been living like that. But he kept telling himself, that in time he would show all these fools, here at school.

Ron pointed. "Look there is Oliver and Katie. I wonder if those two are dating."

Hector sneered. "Not likely. Heard that Oliver is some homo, why he likes a broom so much."

Ron shook his head. "And you?"

Hector shared some of his mother's muggle leanings. "Like I'd ever."

Ron shook his head. "Better watch it. You sound more muggle born than Dean."

Hector leveled his wand at Ron. "If you ever utter such shit again, I swear you'll be hoping Hagrid will hang out with you."

Ron put up his hands. "Okay, I was just kidding."

Hector put his wand away. "You better be. I may not be pureblood, and I am proud of it, but the Potter family is old and prestigious."

Ron snickered under his breath. "In their own minds."

Hector turned to look at him. "Did you say something?"

Ron shrugged. "Was just wondering what we're going to do, to get back at the others."

Hector wasn't sure but shrugged. "I have been too tired to plot anything just yet."

Just as they were growing close to Oliver they heard him say. "You have to see this mirror."

Ron looked over at Hector. "He couldn't know about it, could he?"

Hector shrugged. "You know the little rat is friends with the twins. Your brothers have a big mouth."

They knew Ryan had followed them, it had been a setup of course. Hector didn't really understand, why the headmaster wanted the kid to see the mirror. It was cool, and it was something which Hector would have loved to keep a secret, from all but Ron. He knew it was a mirage, but he liked looking at the mirror, as it showed him who he knew he would be. The headmaster had told him he could look, but he needed to repeat a spell every time, before he looked. He had no idea what the spell was though, but he and Ron used it.

He and Ron knew they needed to find out what the two were talking about. They were bored, and needed something to do, and this was it. They didn't like Ryan knew about the mirror, but the thought Oliver or anyone else knew, made their blood boil.

Katie looked at Oliver. "I'm the girl here, I'm supposed to be the one into mirrors."

Hector laughed under his breath. "See she agrees with me."

Oliver shook his head. "No, that Black kid, I heard him telling Marcus."

Katie shook her head. "If it is so cool, why would he be blabbing it to everyone."

Oliver shrugged. "You know he is so small, he likely wanted to show off."

Katie agreed. "He is a sweet kid, but he likely sometimes feels like the older kids pity him."

Ron sneered. "He has to know they do. He can't be dumb enough to think they actually like him."

Oliver motioned Katie to follow. "I have no idea where it is, but Marcus and Ryan are headed for it."

Katie smirked. "Maybe it was code, for some kind of rendezvous."

Hector could barely contain his laughter. "Oh Merlin, I can just picture that."

Oliver shook his head. "Not unless it is some four way. The twins hinted about it."

Hector pulled Ron along as the two went. "We so have to see this."

He was pissed about what had happened, that he had to share about the mirror, but this was perfect for him. He had to find a way to set the little dweeb up and soon. He had a magic camera his dad gave him for Christmas, and he thought perhaps he could get some good photos, for it all. And he also needed to find out, who knew about the mirror, as Albus should know about it as well.

They sure enough walked into the room, and found Marcus and Ryan close together, looking at the mirror. Hector managed to snap a photo, as Oliver and Katie were whispering. They were just talking, but the photo had Ryan and Marcus close, could embarrass Marcus sure enough.

Ryan saw Oliver and Katie. "What are you two doing in here?"

Oliver shrugged. "We heard the twins mention this, and you."

Ryan looked upset. "I discovered this mirror, I am the only student who has even seen it. They had big mouths."

Marcus shook his head. "I knew you shouldn't tell lions, they can't be trusted."

Hector found himself jumping out. "You lying snake. You know that you weren't the one to find the mirror."

Ryan turned to look at him. "What would you know about it? Sneaking around, and following us."

Hector glared at him. "You know I saw it first. You followed me here. You are just trying to take credit."

Marcus shook his head. "You only wish."

Hector stomped his foot. "The headmaster showed me the mirror. He got me to make sure you followed me. And you know it full well."

Ryan shook his head. "And now we all do."

Hector watched, as not only Ryan and Marcus, but Oliver and Katie left together. Katie looked a bit confused, but the three boys shared a look with each other. Hector had no idea what was happening, but he didn't really care He was not about to allow the brat to tell people he had found the mirror. He knew that Hector had shown him it, and Hector would make sure, that others knew that as well.

Hector shook Ron off when he was worried. "What would they possibly do?"


Ryan had listened to the magic recording twice over, to make sure that he had all that he needed. He had found out what the spell was, and he realized it had been a setup, from the start. They had known he had followed, and the spell was used, to make sure Ryan would keep coming back, though he wasn't sure for what purpose. He didn't know what looking into the mirror over and over again, would do for him. But he had enough, he knew he could go to Grandsire, and he would be able to help. He had enough, he knew Grandsire would be proud, even if he had some help along the way. Grandsire used help when he needed, he just knew who to use,

Orion was not surprised when he received an owl from school, from his grandson, asking for him to come. He had just been unsure of when it would come. He knew the questions meant something, it wasn't pure curiosity from his grandson, it usually never was.

Ryan was waiting for him. "Grandsire, you came."

Orion smiled. "You knew I would come Orion."

Ryan took him to a room, an abandoned classroom. "You know when I asked about the spell?"

Orion nodded. "I do."

Ryan showed him an odd mirror. "This is what I was asking about. Hector led me to it."

Orion lifted an eyebrow. "And why would the young man do that?"

Ryan smiled. "The headmaster cast a spell on it, a compulsion spell. I am not sure really what he wanted."

Orion heard what Ryan saw. "He likely hoped you would grow sick from wasting away in front of the mirror."

Ryan was a bit confused. "Someone would have noticed."

Orion nodded. "Likely hopes we'd remove you, or your Uncle. Borden said he would consider, if you were in danger here."

Ryan shook when he heard that. "I'm not. You won't let me be hurt, or my dads."

Orion kissed him on the head. "No, I won't."

Ryan showed him the book and the tape. "This is all I found grandsire. I hope it's enough."

Orion smiled, and assured his grandson, that he had done a good job. He was very proud, and he understood why Ryan hadn't told him, till now. He had always said, and meant it, he knew Ryan would prove he was a true Black one day. His wife had no idea, that their grandson was blood adopted, she would never accept him. It was times like this, that confirmed for Orion, he had been all the more right to support it. His family needed new blood, and courage, and in this brilliant young boy, they had both. The Potters had no idea what they had given up.

Orion took Ryan over to the mirror, and side by side, they watched as the mirror rippled. He had seen it, when they first came in, Ryan had made it ripple alone. He knew Ryan was a true earth bound like him. He placed both their hands on the mirror, and the ripple caused it to shatter.

Ryan looked a bit worried. "I tried not to break it."

Orion shook his head. "The magic needed to be removed from here."

Albus appeared in the doorway moments later. "What are you doing in the school? And destroying….."

Orion turned on him. "Yes, destroying what? What would you like to tell us about this mirror?"

Albus stared at him. "I don't answer to you."

Orion laughed. "Oh we both know you do. Especially when you have a mirror with a compulsion charm, within the school."

Albus tried not to sputter. "You have no proof I have any link to it."

Ryan turned on the recording and played what Hector said. "I think we do."

Orion also did a spell on the mirror. "And your magic is all over the mirror."

Albus smirked. "You have no proof it meant any harm. And now it is destroyed, proof of nothing."

Orion stepped closer. "Your little party trick is destroyed. And I assure you, I have my eye closer on this school."

Albus looked at Ryan. "It seems I underestimated how young you would use spies."

Ryan was upset but he tried to remain calm like his grandsire. "I am no spy."

Orion went to lead his grandson out. "I don't need spies. I can promise you, you keep trying this, your days are numbered old man."

Orion left his grandson at the front entrance. He told Ryan how extremely proud he was, of how he had handled it all. And that he was an earth elemental, he promised he would work with Ryan more, that summer. He wasn't sure if it was from the blood adoption, or if it was from before, but he knew Ryan was truly his heir. His son in law had said, Ryan had shown an odd magical trace, when he was born.

Draco appeared when he was gone. "You have to come into the hall. You have to see this."

Ryan hid a small smile as he went. "What is it?"

Blaise had a huge grin. "I have no idea how the twins did it."

Fred shook his head. "We would love to take credit for it, but we had no hand in this."

Hector came through the hall in a foul mood. He looked at Ron. "I don't get what all the snickers are about."

Ron shrugged. "I don't know either."

George called to him. "You know Hector, you look good in your mother's high heels."

Hector went into the hall, but soon appeared back. Where the school banners had once been, were photos of Hector, from when he was little. The camera Hector had was new, but the photo spell was old, and linked to his mother's. Marcus got his hand on it, when Hector was stomping off, and used a little old reset spell on it. Hector had sent for the photos to be developed, to embarrass Ryan and Marcus, though it wouldn't have. Marcus had the photos sent to him instead, and he and Ryan had worked on this, but with a spell from Sirius, to cover tracks.

Ryan had a little grin when he saw the photos, and shared a smile with Marcus. "Hector will learn not to mess with Blacks."

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