Summer had finally arrived, and with it, the end of their first year. Ryan loved school, he finished top of his class, even above book worm Hermione. But as much as he loved school, Ryan was happy to be headed home, for the summer. The twins were coming for a few weeks, and they had every intention, of getting him to fly more. He had that past term, even after their team won the cup, with their third game. The twins knew he would be competition, but he was friends first, he always would be. They may have more help, as Ryan would also be seeing his cousin, believed one, that summer. He had accepted an invitation to Bulgaria. Draco had been before, but he wasn't going this time, it was for Ryan.

Though Regulus was the obvious choice, Severus was the one to accompany his son. Regulus wished he could, but a combination of work and family, kept him from going. Ryan was okay with it, as long as Papa came with him, he wasn't at all ready to go alone.

Ryan looked at the massive hunting manor. "Wow."

Severus smiled when he saw his son's reaction. "A few of our family manors are as big, but I agree, pretty imposing."

Ryan looked around as they headed in. "My…. Really grew up here?"

Borden answered from the door. "Until she was nine. We have other homes, but this is our main home."

Severus offered the man his hand. "Thank you for inviting us. My husband apologizes for being unable to come."

Ryan looked at the man. "Thank you."

Borden smiled. "I was happy you decided to come. It will be nice to know you a bit better."

Nadia had appeared in a door. "Your rooms are ready, but tea is about to come."

Viktor looked at Ryan. "I heard from Draco, you have been flying."

Ryan was a bit quiet in his answer. "Yes."

Viktor put an arm around him. "I promised him, I'd take you up, while here."

Ryan shook his head. "You are fifteen, and already being sought by professional teams."

Viktor laughed. "I helped teach Draco, I am sure I can work with you."

It seems Ryan's cousins, his real and his pretend, were joining forces. Draco in all technicality shared no more relation, but Ryan was blood adopted, so they were genetically and legally family. Viktor knew the truth about Ryan, well where it came to his Aunt he never knew, but he was always good about this. He had been at Christmas, and was happy now, to spend a week with the kid.

Ryan looked around the room. He was reminded the woman, his mother he reminded himself, had only lived here until she was nine. She had moved to the UK, and lived with Uncle Horace, after that. But even if he didn't want a mum, he couldn't help but think of her, and here.

He saw a photo and picked it up. "Was this her?"

Borden had come to his side. "It was."

Ryan touched the picture. "I don't look anything like her."

Borden shook his head. "No, other than the dark hair. I think she'd have been very proud of you."

Ryan looked up. "Uncle Horace said that, but…."

Borden stopped him. "My sister was a good woman. She fell in with the wrong people, but even then, she wasn't bad."

Ryan nodded. "Uncle Horace said that. He regrets not helping her more. It's nice to see her."

Borden put the picture down. "I'd have thought Horace would have photos of her still."

Ryan switched topics and picked up another photo. "Are these my grandparents?"

Borden knew not to push it. He knew Horace did in fact have photos. "My parents, so yes. I have something for you from my father in fact."

Ryan was amazed when his Uncle handed him a beautiful potions book. "This is beautiful. Salazar Slytherin?"

Severus was surprised, when he saw the book, and knew the history. It was extremely rare, only three copies were said to be made. One had been claimed, and was now in the school library, since the defeat of Voldemort. And a second one was lost, thought to be destroyed, but no one knew. The third, seemed to have been here. Borden's father had been quite the potions master in his day.

Ryan wasn't sure he should accept. "I can't accept such a precious book."

His Uncle refused to take it back. "Your grandfather treasured the book. He'd have liked to know it was in good hands."

Ryan touched it. "But maybe you or Viktor should…."

Viktor laughed. "I hate potions, torture for me, kiddo."

Borden smiled. "I'm not much better. I once considered giving it to Horace, he'd likely just give it to you, as he has no children."

Ryan held it to him. "I'll take the best care. And I'll let him use it too."

Borden smiled. "My father would be very proud. From what Horace says, we have another Krum potions whizz on our hands."

The book was long in their family, but Borden knew his father would approve. He'd not only approve of the gift, but of the fact they were protecting Ryan, as they were. He'd want the book to be used, and with Ryan, it was sure to be. Ryan was considering being a professor or likely healer, but he would likely also do his potions mastery. He was truly gifted, and Horace's letters, often mentioned it.

Borden said to Severus as the boys were away. "Horace really thinks of you as a son. The way he speaks of Ryan, it's like he is a grandson."


Time in Bulgaria had been good for Ryan. He had hit the air with his cousin, and he could admit he was feeling a bit better. He was worried though, when he came back home. His dad had promised to come, for the last few days of the top, if he could. Ryan knew, though his dad never wanted to worry him, it was his grandmother. He knew she was sick, and was likely not to live long, but hadn't been told it all. Severus had been sworn to secrecy, by his husband, to keep it from their son. They knew he was worried enough about the trip, without this as well.

Ryan returned to the UK, to the news that she was in and out, and her days were drawing near. The healers were wrong though, and she would see her grandson's birthday, though likely not much longer. The party was at Malfoy manor, as grandmother couldn't attend either way.

The twins were at the manor. Their few weeks stay had been moved to Malfoy manor instead. Fred clapped Ryan on the back. "Happy birthday."

George agreed. "How is your grandmother? I know she is the reason the party if here, and we're staying here."

Ryan sighed. "She doesn't have long."

Draco shook his head. "If you are so depressed staying here, you could always go home to Ron."

Fred shook his head. "Oh no, we earned these two weeks away. We were just meant to be brought to Black manor today, for two weeks."

George put an arm around Ryan. "You look like you were told your Nanny was dying. You have never been close to her."

Ryan shook his head. "She is still my grandmother. I love her, and I know how much grandsire loves her too.."

Severus had come out. "You know your grandsire would have you enjoy today."

Ryan turned to him. "I know. I just know he will be hurt when she dies, and he is alone."

Orion had appeared. "I won't be alone, I have my sons, and my grandson."

Ryan turned to the man. "I wasn't sure you were….."

Orion kissed him. "Your grandmother insisted. And I couldn't miss today."

Severus shared a look with the man, but Orion wasn't lying, about his wife. From time to time, she almost seemed human, though it was rare. Orion admitted just over a year ago, he knew the truth of his grandson, a truth he believed his wife would die never knowing. Orion wished today wasn't clouded, as he knew his grandson cared about his grandmother, no matter how she was. The twins knew some of the secrets, like they had been told who Irma Pince was, though only recent. The family believed the twins could be trusted that much.

They took Ryan out into the back gardens. The Malfoys were happy to have the party for Ryan that year, they had often in the past. Sirius and Remus appeared as well, Sirius had been seen visiting his mother, on the rare occasion.

Ryan smiled a little when he saw the party waiting for him. "I should have known."

Draco shrugged. "We have a pitch anyways, and many members of the lions and snakes are here for the party."

Sirius came over. "And it is the perfect time to test out your gift."

Ryan opened the package and was stunned. "Uncle Siri, this is the 2001, it's even better than Draco's."

Sirius kissed him. "You need a good broom. I am told you finally accepted the seeker position."

Draco answered for him. "We will both be starters this year. It will be so cool to actually play."

Fred smirked. "Good to have you on the field for some target practice."

Draco pointed out. "I thought you kept competition to the playing field?"

George pointed at Ryan. "That is for Ryan, he's our friend, you're just along for the ride."

Ryan laughed a bit at the joke. "You never know, I may allow them to use you once in a while."

Draco shook his head. "Keep that up little cousin, and I will pay off our own beaters."

Adrian had come up. "No chance. You know the team likes Ryan better."

Ryan shook his head. "No. They just see the need to protect me more."

Draco laughed. "Maybe a bit of both. You will have bodyguards this year, if Marcus has his say in it."

Vince spoke up as Marcus was grumbling. "He already asked."

It was no secret, Marcus would be the new captain, as the old one retired. He knew Ryan would be key, as seeker, to their win this year. He also knew, that though the end of the year had been quieter, Hector was still after Ryan. Marcus lived and breathed the game, and he would do anything to see they win, and make sure their seeker was safe.

Ryan hit the air with his team, and though still a bit shaky, he was doing much better. He even showed off a few moves from his cousin. The entire quidditch team for Slytherin and Gryffindor, except Gryffindor's seeker, were there. As well as a number of other friends.

Sirius smiled when Ryan landed for lunch. "Glad I insisted on the new broom?"

Ryan couldn't deny it. "I don't need the speed, but the stability is so much better."

Draco pointed out. "When you grow more confident, you will want the speed as well."

Ryan knew he may be right on that. "You could have mine, and mine yours, you need the speed more."

Lucius shook his head. "I upgraded your cousin's broom, a trade in deal, as his birthday gift this year."

Draco nodded, and Sirius planned to do it for Ryan, when the new Firebolt came out. Sirius may not be the Black heir, but he had a fortune from his Uncle, the brother of Wallburga and the dad of Narcissa and Andromeda. He never spent the money for himself, other than buying the home for Remus, but he did enjoy spoiling his nephew. He wasn't the only one, as Ryan opened gifts, after lunch, before the party moved to the pool.

Orion shook his head when his son thanked him for coming. "It gives me some peace, to see the next generation, and such hope there."


A week after the party, the twins remained at the manor, when Ryan and Draco headed to Black manor. All of the family was summoned, but those like the Tonks and even the Malfoys, were only in the room a few moments. Wallburga had summoned the family, to see them, before she died. No one, but Orion, had warm feelings for her, but they all came as asked.

Ryan was left with his dads, his Uncle Sirius, and to utter shock, Remus. The man had been confused, when he had been summoned to the manor, and had to wonder what was up. The woman couldn't hope to drive her son from Remus, as her last wish, Sirius wouldn't honor it.

She looked at Remus. "I assume you aren't so bad. You are a full blood, even if from a lower family, and the wolf part."

Remus ground his teeth. "My mother was a Greengrass."

The woman looked at her son. "Marry the wolf."

Sirius looked at his mother like she had two heads. "Excuse me?"

The woman smirked. "You heard me. You told me countless times, you would be with him, whatever I said. Marry the damned wolf."

Sirius thought this was a joke. "Is this some form of reverse psychology? You hope I will dump him to spite you."

She showed him forms. She had done the same with Andromeda and Tonks, who she left some money to. "Read this."

Sirius stared at it and up at her. "This….."

She shook her head. "Marry the wolf, and my dowry money, and the house I brought with it, are yours."

Sirius gulped. "I never thought you'd ever support this."

The woman shook her head. "If you are so insistent on being with the wolf, I will make peace with it."

Sirius shocked himself, when he kissed the woman on the head. "Thank you mother."

He left the room, Remus with him, he had said his peace with her before. His father threatened him for the first time, but he had come back at least once a week, for the past few months. He had not been expecting this, never in a life time, did he think she would approve of this union. Andromeda and Tonks had been surprised, by the money, even if welcome at dinners. Ryan was the family heir, nothing would change that, but there was other family there as well. Sirius had planned to propose to Remus, but he had thought deep down, to wait till the old lady died.

It seemed, the surprises of the day, were not about to end with that. The woman turned her attention to the remaining three, well past her husband, who had been in the room for all of this. He had not left her side much in the last two months.

She motioned Ryan over. "You have come I see."

Ryan stepped forward. "I have grandmother. I couldn't let you…."

She waved him off. "You don't have to pretend to be sad I am dying. I know I terrify you."

Ryan stopped her. "You aren't as nice as Nanny. But you are my grandmother. And Grandsire will miss you so much."

Wallburga sighed. "You are the Black heir. I have done my best to instill the meaning of that in to you."

Ryan nodded. "Yes Grandmother."

She went on. "You have done it proud so far. You must continue to do so, unlike your father, and your Uncle."

Ryan had a little spirit. "I will marry who I like, even if a half blood."

The woman made a sound almost like a laugh. "You will, you have too much of your father, and dare I say grandsire, in you."

Ryan smiled a little. The grandsire part, we the biggest compliment the woman could give. "I will make you proud."

She nodded and handed him a package. "I will have to trust your grandsire to ensure that."

Ryan was sent off from the room. He was relieved to leave, he had been uncomfortable, though happy for his Uncle. He was truthful, he'd miss the old woman, and wish she was alive for grandsire's sake. But it was nothing like if he lost his beloved Nanny. Nanny was younger, and in much better health, Wallburga really not that old for a witch. His Uncle and Remus were waiting for him.

Wallburga looked at her last son and his husband. "You disappointed me, first in taking the mark, and later in your husband."

Regulus gritted his teeth. "I will apologize again for the first. You will have to die, with never hearing the second."

Wallburga stopped him. "You have made up for the mark. And I guess your husband has not disgraced us too much. Or corrupted Orion."

Severus shook his head. "Corrupt my son?"

Regulus cut his husband off. "He will continue to do the family proud."

Wallburga's real shock of the day stunned even her husband. "I know he will. He has proven himself worthy of the name you granted him."

Regulus was a bit confused. "Orion…his mother…."

Wallburga laughed. "His mother named him Harry." And seeing their shock. "Do you think me a fool boy?"

Severus found his voice. "You knew?"

She shook her head. "You think only Orion knew? Oh I knew that boy was adopted. Why do you think I was so hard on him?"

Regulus shook his head. "You were on us."

Wallburga ignored that. "If he was going to have our name, he better damn well prove he was worthy of it. And he has."

She had known, longer than her husband, who the boy was. She had known, her son was too faithful for his own good, the story had to be lies. She thought originally, the child may have been a product of rape, or he had it with Severus. Like her husband, she had grudgingly accepted it, but she made sure the boy never forgot family honor. If he was going to carry the Black name, he better do it with honor, unlike his Uncle.

She looked at her husband. "He is truly your heir. Protect that boy at all costs; our family's future lays with him."

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