Wallburga held on for one more day after she met with the family. She had left them all in shock, even Ryan, though he was not in for most. Not even her husband had known, that she knew who Ryan was, from the start. Orion never believed, she would ever accept him as a heir, if she had known he was blood adopted. He was a half blood from birth, even with the blood-adoption, he had that. But she had kept his secret, she had let him remain in the family, even though she had been hard. That, and her acceptance of Remus, had left them all stunned. The woman seemed to see, that on the edge of death, she could actually reveal her human side. In all the years he had been married to her, even Orion had rarely seen it. He would have laughed, when told he was to marry her, if someone would say love would come. How wrong he had been.
The morning following the meetings, Wallburga woke one last time, and spent one last time with her husband. She told him but two things, one for him, and one for his grandson. The words she shared for her husband, were for him and him alone, after all the years they had shared.
Orion looked gaunt on the day of her funeral a few days later. "Thirty five years of marriage."
Regulus put a hand on his father's arm. "I know it is hard father. You're always welcome in our home."
Severus saw his glance. "I believe we have buried the hatchet long before. My husband speaks true."
Orion nodded curtly. "I swore to her, I'd continue to watch over my grandson."
Ryan came to his side. "Grandsire. I'm sorry."
Orion kissed his head. "Seeing you here, brings me some small comfort."
Sirius came over to them. "Father, the others are waiting, for the memorial."
Orion turned to his elder son. "Where is he?"
Sirius knew who he spoke of. "He wasn't certain it was his place to be here. He didn't want to cause tension today."
Orion shook his head. "Your mother gave you her blessing to wed. I'll expect to see it happen before Christmas."
Sirius nodded. "It will likely. I should have proposed long ago, but thought to wait….."
Orion knew why his son stopped. "Send an elf, he should be here, for you. He is to be a part of this family, he should be in attendance."
Sirius sent an elf to retrieve Remus. He had tried to tell Remus to come, but the man he loved had said no. Remus didn't think he should come, even if the woman had given her blessing, to the funeral. Orion had enough to deal with, with the loss of his wife, without him there. Orion had only been slightly more welcoming to him, well as a son in law or perspective one. He had hired him for texts, and seen him work for his other son, but he was still a wolf. But Orion knew the day would come, even without his wife's blessing, and long ago dealt with it.
The family plot was the obvious place. Some wives were buried in their own, but Wallburga was born a black. Her father and her father in law were brothers, though separated by a number of years. Her father and mother were buried here as well.
Orion had no words. The last hours with his wife, he had said what he needed. After the ceremony, he just lay flowers down. "My Belle fleur."
The minister spoke. "Does anyone have anything to say?"
Ryan saw his grandsire's disguised pain, not as hidden as usual. "Someone has to speak."
Severus shook his head. "Your grandmother was not well loved."
Regulus saw his son was right. He looked at his brother. "You are the eldest."
Sirius shook his head. "She wished I wasn't."
Ryan took a flower. "Grandmother, I will do you proud. I will always remember last year, when ill, you still remembered mini golf for me."
Orion looked at his grandson and held him, even if such a short memory. "Thank you."
Sirius put down the flowers. "You gave me life. I know I often complained, but you gave me a good one. I am sorry I never truly thanked you."
Regulus put down some. "Sirius often complained I was favorite, and was, till I took the mark. I am grateful you called me son, even after that."
Orion watched as other family started saying things, and looked at his sons. "No matter what you may have thought of her, she did love you."
Sirius shocked them by answering. "I know we did nothing but disappoint her."
Orion actually laughed. "Maybe in your partners, but she was prouder of you, than the old witch would ever say in words."
He handed his son both, one was a copy, of her journal. Sirius may have always believed his brother was the favorite, and perhaps he was, but she loved both of her sons. Like her husband, she was a traditional old blood, and that was what she was raised to be. Orion had shown his human side, since their grandson had grown, but Wallburga hid it. She was disappointed, but only because Sirius left their family, and because her youngest took the mark. She had not learned till later, he had been tortured into it. The fact that Sirius thought his parents were dark, or had dark leanings, had been a blow to her. She was cold and formal, and very traditional, but dark neither she nor her husband were.
There was a lunch which followed back in the manor. Ryan had never been to a funeral before, and he was sad his first, was for his grandmother. He was a bit surprised, when he saw his Nanny was there, among the other guests.
Nanny reminded him. "Those here know who I am. I have come to be here for you and my son in law."
Regulus turned to her. "My father is grateful you would come."
The woman smiled. "Your mother and I may never have got along, but she was a woman with qualities to be respected."
Sirius actually agreed. "If nothing else, her devotion to our family and name."
There was one thing, not even her children could deny, and it was that. Wallburga may have been cold, but she had spent most of her life, protecting her family. Orion may be the one to make people shake in their boots, and be the one who went to school and ministry, but his wife was the power behind him in many ways. Her sons were disinherited, for family honor, but she kept them close.
It was Severus who oddly raised a toast. "To my mother in law, Wallburga Lucretia Black, this world has lost a most formidable opponent."
The last few weeks of summer had been a bit somber. Lucius and Narcissa had taken Ryan with them, when they had taken their son to France for a week, before the start of school. Ryan had been with his dads at Black manor a lot, except when visiting with the twins, and needed a break. Orion was in public, his normal self; he was still going in to the Wizengamot every day. But at home, he was going through his wife's things and trying to make certain arrangements He had given Sirius a ring, which had belonged to Wallburga's parents, for him to propose to Remus. Now his wife had given the blessing, he had been more vocal, about his son finally walking down the aisle as well.
Ryan was in better spirits when they headed off for their second year of school. He had been determined last year, to get the top grades, and make her proud of him. His determination had gone up ten-fold, since she passed, as he took her last words to heart.
Ryan was happy when they arrived at the castle. "I can't believe we're no longer the youngest."
Draco pointed out. "You may still be one of the smallest."
Blaise quickly pointed out. "But Ryan is so much more useful for pranks this size."
Ryan had a glimmer in his eye. "Viktor taught me a few this summer."
Marcus had come up behind him. "I thought he was helping teach you to fly."
Draco smirked. "The whole world is not on the pitch."
Ryan pointed out when Marcus looked ready to argue. "You saw this summer, he did. But we had enough time for both."
Adrian had come over and shook his head. "He is going to be worse than Sebastian, mark my word."
Fred had come in behind them as they were not at their table yet. "He can't be any worse than Oliver, I can promise you that."
Ryan laughed when he heard that. "I don't know why you complain about him as much as you do. He seems pretty cool to me."
George smirked. "You're not the one he is boring with his hour long pep talks."
Marcus put an arm around his neck. "You better not be falling for no lion, especially not the quidditch captain."
Ryan blushed to his roots when he said that. "No, of course not. No."
The others all laughed, as Ryan headed into the hall, to get away from them. Ryan was only twelve, and perhaps a bit young to date, but he could crush. Draco could only imagine the family reaction, if Ryan dated a lion, probably the same as the house. Oliver did come from a pureblood family; his father was Lord Wood, which should help. But Draco thought it would be a while.
Ryan was still flush, when the others sat down at the table with him. His eyes spotted Oliver at Gryffindor, but he turned away, when he caught Oliver's attention. He had no idea, there was someone else watching him, and from much closer.
Draco elbowed him, as he had seen the look Ryan hadn't. "Better stop making moony eyes."
Ryan shook his head. "I'm not."
Blaise saw as Draco did. "You might make Oliver's competition jealous? You may have them dueling over you."
Ryan groaned and buried his head in his hands. "Help."
Pansy looked over from where she was with the girls. "What can you be bothered by already? Hector has not made an appearance."
Ryan turned to them. "Nothing…."
Blaise snorted and told them what they were thinking. "Maybe you can help."
Millie actually whispered to Ryan. "You know Pansy has a crush on Draco. Perhaps we can help each other out."
Ryan had a small glimmer in his eye when he heard that. "Now that sounds like a bit of fun."
Pansy shot Draco a look. "Should I be worried, my best friend and your cousin, have become chummy?"
Draco shot a look at the pair. "I wouldn't think so normally. But the twins and his cousin Viktor have rubbed off on him more."
Draco looked at Pansy, he had known her most of his life, if not all. Their mothers were best friends, they had been, since before they began school. Ivy Rosier-Parkinson and Narcissa were as close as Lucius and Severus, and Draco and Blaise, and like Draco and Blaise, since practically diapers. They had often thought their children should be married one day, but the days of arranged marriages, had passed. Pansy had grown prettier, she had once had a look of a pug, and she was nice enough. But Draco didn't think his mother would ever have her way. He had no idea it seems, that Pansy was seeing him differently, like their mothers did.
The sorting ceremony had begun, and though some of the older kids didn't watch, the second years did. It was their first chance to watch the ceremony, and not be a part of it this time. The snakes of course were happy to see their own new additions.
Ryan looked a bit relieved. "Maybe the house won't think of me as the little brother anymore."
Adrian laughed. "You may not be the youngest, but you know you're not getting rid of us."
Vince added. "I have been hired to have first watch as your bodyguard."
Ryan groaned. "Please tell me he is joking."
Adrian shook his head. "Heard Marcus. Greg takes over next week."
Draco quietly whispered. "You were supposed to keep in on the low down. You may get Ryan to rethink joining the team."
Marcus shrugged. "We both know he doesn't need it just as a seeker. Hector still has it out for him."
Adrian agreed and added. "And that lion seeker seems just as bad."
Hector had trouble making friends, even who he was. He may be famous, but mainly with old ladies, and small kids it seems now a days. His attitude, and all the points he lost for his house, had never helped out. Hector was likely hoping this year would be better, as there would be younger students, hopefully someone to boss around. Ron was the only one even his own age, who put up with him all the time. But the lion's annoying seeker was not much better, and he had a grudge against Ryan, it seems. He hated his team liked Ryan so much.
Draco saw the seeker, Colin, and Hector talking. "I have a bad feeling, we'll have to keep a closer eye on them."
Ryan was determined, this year would be better. He knew he was small, but he had proved with the twins, he could take part in all of their pranks. He didn't mind they liked to help, especially when it came to his practical magic, he needed it. Grandsire had promised to spend some time that summer, teaching him to use his powers, but grandmother's death had prevented it. He had sworn to Ryan, it was not cancelled, it was simply postponed for now. Ryan had of course understood, he knew how hard the summer was, on his grandsire. He didn't mind the help, he returned it by tutoring older kids in theory, so it was fair. But he didn't think he needed a bodyguard, or so he kept telling himself. He liked his older friends, both the twins and the two quidditch teams, but he wanted to be an equal friend with them. He kept telling himself he would prove it.
The first had been a Friday, so they hadn't had to go class yet. Ryan though was anxious, he was looking forward to his lessons with his Uncle Horace, picking up once again. He liked them before the man told Ryan he was his Uncle, and he liked them now, in spite of that.
Horace smiled when he came in. "Ryan, how was your summer?"
Ryan smiled. "Great Uncle Horace. I was surprised I haven't seen you all summer."
Horace motioned to an apron. "I saw you at your birthday."
Ryan was reminded the man accepted the invite. "I know, and I'm happy you came."
Horace shook his head. "You know how close I am to your Papa. And now I know you're my family….."
Ryan put on the apron. "I had a good time in Bulgaria. Uncle Borden showed me photos of her."
Horace knew. "I have a few, if you'd like to see them some time."
Ryan had known. "I'd like that. The stories of her were nice."
Horace put down the knife. "You know I haven't wanted to push. But if you'd like to know more, I am here."
Ryan looked up. "I know. It just feels odd, she isn't my mum. I mean she gave birth to me, but…."
Horace finished for him. "You never knew her, and you have your Papa? You know I understand."
Ryan started cutting some of the slugs. "I know you loved her. And I just don't want you to think I think bad of her."
Horace shook his head, and assured his nephew, he didn't. Ryan didn't know, of course Penny was not his mother, at all. But even if she had been, Horace would never have pushed her on Ryan. Ryan had a Papa who adored him, and who he adored, and of course his beloved daddy. Ryan should never have had to be told about a mother, if Albus had not meddled, in his life. But they would make the best of it.
As Ryan worked, Horace could admit he was a bit selfish, happy about it. Ryan had already been spending time with him, but a bit more. Severus was the closest family he had left, but the Krums, and Ryan was like a grandson to him. He enjoyed having the company.
Ryan showed him when they were having tea later. "Uncle Borden gave this to me."
Horace wasn't surprised. "I knew my father in law had it in his collection, and my brother in law was quite the master."
Ryan tried to hand him the book. "Perhaps you should have it."
Horace shook his head. "It should remain in the family and has. Your Uncle gave it to you. Besides I'd have given it to you."
Ryan kept the book. "Uncle Borden said the same thing. I promised I'd let you borrow."
Horace returned the smile. "I am sure I will take you up on the offer."
Ryan put the book in his bag. "I am anxious to start classes on Monday. Most of them."
Horace knew his main concern. "You are worried about defense."
Ryan noted it was not a question. "I don't do any better in transfiguration, but I don't like Quirell. Or, well I don't think he likes me."
Horace couldn't deny it. "He is a lackey for the headmaster. You need to be careful around him."
Ryan nodded. "I know. He gives Hector private lessons."
Horace had never wished the old curse, of the teacher of defense, had not ended. Quirell had been with the school for a few years now, and though he had become worse with Hector, he was a bit of a butt kisser. His techniques, and his loyalties, were always questionable too. He may not be Ryan's actual Uncle, but he loved him because of Severus, and he would do what he could to keep him safe.
Horace had some news. "There will be a guest speaker this year in the class."
Ryan was confused. "We have had one once or twice before."
Horace shrugged. "The man has claimed he is busy working on a new text. Gilderoy Lockhart will be teaching once a week."
Ryan had noticed some of their texts were by the man. "He is a fraud, his books are jokes."
Horace didn't disagree. "But you need to be as careful around the man, as you are with Quirell."
Ryan sighed. "I wish defense wasn't a mandatory class."
Horace shook his head. "Until you are done fifth year, unfortunately, you will have to just get around him."
Ryan smirked a little. "Perhaps we can find a reason for Grandsire to fire him. I thin Uncle Siri would make a perfect replacement."
Horace laughed. "It wouldn't have anything to do with the fact your Uncle is going to teach you to be an animagus?"
Ryan did a bad job of denying it. "But he would still be a better teacher."
Horace stopped him. "Ryan did you notice the first book of his, which is on the list."
Ryan went a bit pale, as he had of course looked over all the books, and read many. He had been uncertain why the Lockhart books were on the list, they were more like fictional novels, than text books. Anyone who had studied the races he spoke of, new his stories weren't true, that he hadn't done what he spoke of. He had a lot in common with Quirell in that respect. The first book though had been about wolves, and had made Ryan angry, as it spoke of wolves like animals. He thought of Remus, who he hoped would be his Uncle soon, and it made his blood boil.
Horace said as Ryan was leaving. "Lockhart might seem a joke, but he is extremely close minded. You need to watch how you react around him."
AN: I had a question earlier, if it hasn't been cleared up, Collin 'the seeker' is of course not Colin Creevey, who would start this year. It is a common enough name, and there were not too many known older lions, not on the team, to choose from.
And yes Gilderoy and Quirell will be together for some havoc.
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