Ryan was anxious, unlike most kids other than perhaps the first years, to start classes. Draco often joked, Ryan should hang out with Hermione, they seemed of like mind. But while Ryan loved to read, and he adored his classes, he was definitely no bookworm like her. He was anxious though not only to start, but about his classes, one in particular. He had already hated defense, and it wasn't because he wasn't that good, he would have taken transfiguration over it any day. And his Uncle's words, about the guest speaker, worried him more. He reminded himself, he knew about the man, and he would be on the defensive. He had proved at the end of last year, with the mirror, he was going to be a true Black. He needed to do the same, he had promise his grandmother before she died, he would continue to do the family name proud.

He was happy, he didn't have defense on Monday, but Tuesday came too soon. He knew few people dropped defense, it was a class everyone wanted to excel at, but he would in fifth year. He wanted to be a healer, and the class felt off to him, not just the teacher.

He was even more put off when Fred stopped him at lunch. "You have defense?"

Ryan nodded. "Do I look that worried?"

George shook his head. "We thought we better give you a heads up kiddo."

Ryan was feeling really sick in the stomach. "That doesn't sound good."

Fred agreed. "The new 'guest speaker' was there already."

George added. "Meant to introduce him as an intrical part of the year."

Ryan had told the twins about what his Uncle told him. "Already? I thought I'd have time."

Fred shook his head. "The guy is as bad as I thought. He is like an older version of the not so golden boy."

George sneered. "We can only hope. At least he seems totally incompetent."

Draco had come up. "You know Hector hopes to be him, surpass him, one day."

Fred snorted. "They have a lot in common, both famous for nothing, and full of their heads."

Ryan shook his head when he looked at the time. "I guess we better go."

Draco agreed. "I could see Quirell being the first professor to give detention in the first class."

It was not the first day of classes, but first day for this class, so most teachers wouldn't. The first week of school, which it was class wise, one usually had to do something horrible to get detention. The twins always pulled some pranks, during that week, because they had the room. Ryan knew Quirell had it out for him, because of the headmaster, and he had to make sure not to give him cause. The man had to be careful, if he gave detention without any reason at all, Orion would come after him. The man wasn't foolish enough not to recognize that.

As they walked, they spoke of Lockhart. The man was like Hector, he was famous, but it was a joke. Hector had saved them as a baby, but he was a joke in school, and few remembered him. Anyone with logic, knew Lockhart's books were full of hot air.

Ryan saw the two men both eying him when he came in. "I don't like this."

Draco directed him into a seat. "Just remember your grandsire, and don't let them bother you."

Blaise was with them and nodded. "He isn't worth it."

Hector sneered as he had come into the room. "The pathetic little rat, scared of a class. Your families must be so proud of you."

Ryan turned to look at him. "I could comment on yours, but your parents are just fame whores like you."

Draco whispered loudly. "Heard Lockhart came, because he believes Hector is his love child."

Hector went red in the face. "You will pay for that, mark my word."

Blaise shook his head as the lions stalked past them. "He has been vowing revenge for a year now."

Hermione actually piped in. "If he had a few more brain cells, I'd worry he may actually have a plan."

Blaise watched her go. "You know, the twins aren't the only descent lions. She hasn't fallen for his charm."

Draco laughed. "Should we be worried you fell for hers? Besides, don't forget Ryan's crush."

Ryan went red in the face like Blaise from the comment. "He is just a friend."

Blaise agreed. "At least Marcus hopes so. Might want to hex Oliver off a broom."

Draco whispered. "He might claim, it is for quidditch, but Oliver is competition elsewhere."

Ryan tried to ignore them, and as much as he hated, tried to focus on the teachers. He thought it was ridiculous, they thought that he had a crush on Oliver, or that Oliver may have one on him. And add Marcus to the mix, and he was sure they took one too many bumps to their heads. Oliver was a friend, through the twins, nothing else. And Marcus cared, because Ryan was to be his seeker, and he needed to keep him safe.

Quirell had finally started class, and went into the usual start of the year speech. Almost every class started with it, and usually on the first day, they never even cracked a text book. Potions was one of the rare exceptions, at least at their age.

Ryan was relieved when class ended, and not just because it was dinner. "Thank Merlin."

He wasn't so lucky as a voice called out. "Mr. Black-Prince, we'd like you to stay for a moment."

Draco sent a worried look at his cousin. "Greg will be outside."

Ryan turned to look at the men. "You wanted to speak to me?"

Lockhart was the one who had spoken. "I don't know if you're aware, but I have been acquainted with your Grandsire for years."

Ryan knew. "I didn't sir. But he knows a lot of people."

Lockhart had a fake smile on. "I will be keeping a keen eye on you. I am interested to see what his grandson is like."

Ryan felt uncomfortable, especially with Quirell there as well. "I should be going sir. Dinner is soon."

The man waved him off, but both repeated it. Draco looked worried, when with Greg in tow, he joined his table. Ryan knew the mention of his grandsire couldn't be good. The man had written mainly defense texts, if his books could be called that. They weren't normally used as texts, but he had wanted to, a few years ago. He had actually had a small contract for writing some charms books. Orion though had bought the small publishing house, and had not re-signed him for a contract. Ryan knew, and he knew who had been given the contract.

Ryan was a bit pale. "Moony took over writing charms, and runes, for the company. The man knows that."


Ryan was anxious and a bit worried. Lockhart was only making an appearance in their class that one time that week, but he would be back. The man had made it known, publically to Ryan, he had an interest. Quirell had never been straight out, he had always just been hard on Ryan, and his work with Hector was known. Ryan didn't contact his dads or grandsire, he knew they would worry, and may act. He didn't want to leave school, and was worried, they may consider sending him away. He was reminded, when he had got his Hogwarts letter, he also had got one from Beauxbautons. He thought nothing of it, but he had learned later, it was not very common. You were usually accepted to the school in your own country, though you could transfer to another school, sometimes. His dads must have looked into the chance for him to go there. He was worried they'd consider it now, or Durmstang. Beauxbautons was more his style, not only mixed kids, but more into book studies and such. But Durmstang was in Bulgaria, with his cousin there, and his Uncle close. He didn't want to leave the UK.

The weekend brought some new concerns for him. It was his first practice as a member of the team, and not just as team manager. It wasn't a real practice, but try outs, as they needed to fill one spot. Two chasers had graduated, and they only had one reserve, Draco.

Marcus looked at Ryan. "Where is your broom?"

Ryan looked up. "I have to try out?"

Adrian laughed. "Do you think we have lost our minds?"

Marcus agreed. "The reserves automatically are up graded, you know that. But we thought you'd join practice."

Ryan shook his head. "I thought since you were just doing try outs, I'd remain down here."

Adrian shook his head. "If you're not going to play this year, you need to tell us sooner than later."

Marcus cut in. "Of course he is. He knows we need him as a seeker."

Ryan agreed. "I'm going to play, nervous and sick, but will play."

Marcus summoned Ryan's broom for him. "Then come and fly."

Ryan pointed at his book. "I am still team manager. I was going to help."

Adrian shook his head. "He is already after your job."

Marcus snorted. "I have two years left kiddo. But you may give Adrian a run for it."

Ryan shook his head. "Adrian can have it. Do you mind the help?"

Marcus assured him he didn't. He was happy Ryan would be seeker, but Ryan did really have an eye and mind for moves. He seemed to have learned a lot from watching last year. And from what Marcus heard, he had picked up some new ones, from his cousin that summer. Of course everyone knew who his cousin was, there was no one who was a quidditch fan, who didn't. On the continent, you could play pro when still in school, you only had to be sixteen. There had only been one player in history that young, and Viktor was already being scouted, for teams.

Ryan liked being team manager, even if he was playing. He was liking playing more, but he was always one for his mind, first. He may have become a manager first because of his fear to play, but he really enjoyed it. He may like it as much, or more, than playing he thought.

Ryan was in the stands with Marcus as they watched try outs. "You really don't mind?"

Marcus laughed. "You have to know we were kidding. I'm happy for the help. I have big shoes to fill after Sebastian"

Ryan smiled a little. "I think you will be even better."

A voice came from behind. "I'd think you were trying to seduce your way onto the team, if that wasn't such a joke."

They turned to see Hector, but Ron added. "Fang might be convinced to date him. I assume even snakes have higher standards."

Marcus cut in. "Found a bribe yet that will get Oliver to choose you for the team?"

Hector was furious. "I need no bribe. I will be on the team, and whip your pathetic team's ass this year."

Ryan was reminded the lions were having full try outs, hoping to get rid of Colin. "Good luck with that."

Hector turned to him. "Yeah, because you think you have seduced our captain like yours?"

Ron agreed. "Minerva will step in, if he isn't fair with his choice."

Marcus shook his head. "Oliver is a lot of things, but a fool, he isn't."

Fred who appeared had agreed. "We might as well forfeit the season, with you as a seeker."

Hector glared at him. "We'll see who is laughing at the end."

George looked at Ryan as the snakes were coming down from try outs. "Staying to watch?"

Ryan shook his head. "Not worried about competition watching try outs?"

Fred laughed. "Oliver might hex others. But he has invited you to practice in the past."

Marcus motioned Ryan to come. "That was before Ryan was actually on the team."

George whispered to his twin as the two left. "I think Marcus is scared to leave Ryan with his competition."

Fred agreed. "Though I think he may have younger competition in his own house."

The twins smiled, when they thought of their little friend. He was totally oblivious, but he had two, if not three, guys looking at him. Two were totally obvious, to everyone but Ryan, the third they weren't certain about. Ryan would never be ready to date for a few years, and those involved would have graduated by then, but there was always a way, if there was a will. The twins thought there would definitely be a will.

The lions had come down to the field, as they had the afternoon try outs. They didn't have an opening usually, but they were hoping for a new seeker. The only way to have try outs for one position, that was already filled, was full try outs. But the other plays were all safe.

Collin grumbled when he came out. "This is a farce. We all know I earned my spot."

Oliver smirked. "Considering there was only one other try out last year, it wasn't saying much."

Hector glared. "You know you just refused to pick me due to the fact I was a first year."

Fred looked at the few others trying out. "I pray there is some descent seeker in there. To put up with either of these, for another year…."

George winced. "I'd even settle for one of the first years."

Oliver's smile returned when he hit the stands and found Ryan had returned. "I thought you disappeared with Marcus."

Ryan shrugged. "We announced our new players. The twins said you'd not mind company."

Oliver made a comment, about it hopefully intimidating Ryan, seeing the new seeker. Ryan didn't notice, he was too oblivious about those interested in him, but it was of course an excuse. Technically anyone could come and watch, it was out in the open, but usually you stayed away unless it was your team. Ryan had broken the barrier many times last year, between houses, and it seemed this year he would as well.

Oliver was at least happy at the end of practice. "Not much better, but Seamus has more skill than the other two. And Creevey as a reserve."


Hector was in a foul mood, to say the least. He couldn't believe, if he was not going to be chosen, he expected the older Collin to be. But the fact his own housemate Seamus, who often made fun of him, had been chosen, was a blow. And to make it worse, Collin Creevey, had been chosen as reserve. First year reserves were common enough, but the kid was a joke, he was always snapping pictures of people. He swore the kid had come down, out of a mistake, he surely had come only to get a photo of him. The kid must idolize him, he was the hero worshiper type.

Hector was returning to his private tutoring with Quirell as well. He had been mad at first, but he had to be the best, and this would help as well. He had to show up all those old bloods, prove that being a half blood meant nothing, he was more powerful than they were.

Hector looked at Ron on Sunday. "There has to be a way."

Ron shook his head. "Seamus is not about to back out of the team."

Hector sneered. "The kid doesn't know what is good for him."

Ron smirked. "You insulted his little girlfriend."

Hector laughed. "Which one, the porker or the book worm? Oh wait, one of them claims to be a male."

Ron shook his head. "Which one? I may be confused on that."

Hector agreed with him. "The bitch does seem to think she has the balls of a man."

A voice came from behind. "More than you do."

Hector turned around to see Draco, with Ryan and Blaise, behind him a bit. "Just like snakes, to be eaves dropping."

Draco went to move past. "Just like lions to have idiotic conversations out in the open for all to hear."

Hector called after him. "You better watch out. You never know when I'll be around."

Blaise was laughing. "The only time you could sneak up on a person, was with your cloak. And even then, you were a clumsy oaf."

Ryan added. "And we all know, that cloak can never enter the school again."

Hector glared as he called after them. "I don't need any cloak."

Hector watched them go, and he knew he needed to find out. He had told his dad, he was sure the little brat had something. He had asked, if there was a chance Ryan had a cloak as well, though they were uncommon. Though his dad said the Blacks had contacts for such things, there was no way Sirius would not have stolen it, if they did. His dad had mentioned a map, that Sirius and Remus had used, to try and pull pranks on him. The map had been destroyed, Sirius had been a fool, and it had been caught by Filch years ago. Hector had thought it sounded perfect, and wanted his dad to make one, but his dad admitted Remus had made it.

Ryan and his friends were headed for the library. Ryan was a bit surprised, he had got an owl from his Uncle, that morning. It wasn't that uncommon his Uncle wrote, but Uncle Siri said he was coming to school that day. Ryan was a bit worried.

Draco assured him. "You know Uncle Siri, it will be good."

Ryan tried to tell himself his cousin was right. "But it is only a week into school."

Blaise pointed out. "But your dads, and grandfather, are not involved."

Draco added. "You know one of them would have come first."

Ryan was given something else to be nervous of. "What is he doing here?"

Draco saw Lockhart in the library. "I thought he was only here when they had classes."

Lockhart came over their way. "Hello boys. I am excited to teach your class this week. Have you read the book?"

Ryan bit his lip to keep his anger in control. "Unfortunately."

Lockhart turned to look at him. "You have a close relationship with a bitten I am told. Perhaps we'll have a chance to chat on it soon."

Ryan had so many responses to say, but held it in check. "I am sure you will be busy, only here once a week."

The man smiled. "Oh don't worry, I plan to make time for certain students."

Draco clapped him on the back when he was gone. "Don't let the man bother you."

Blaise sneered. "Does that man realize he sounds like some pervert?"

Ryan knew Blaise made sense, but it wasn't what he worried about. It was the second time, the man had mentioned his history, with Ryan's family. Ryan was aware, the book had in fact been written, after the man lost the charms contract. He hated to think that it was related. He just wanted to focus on his studies, and not let the man bother him. He had a hard time though, and by the time they left to meet his Uncle, he had got the least done of them all. His friends were worried, as he was usually the one, far ahead.

Ryan was happy when he saw his Uncle. "I was surprised you were coming."

Sirius hugged him. "I had good news, I wanted to share in person."

Draco was the one who noticed he didn't come alone. "Moony, I didn't know you were coming."

Remus smiled. "Your Uncle insisted, besides it has been a while."

Ryan looked at his Uncle. "You did it didn't you?"

Sirius nodded. "I proposed to Remus. At Christmas, you will have an Uncle Moony, as you have pestered me for."

Remus showed the ring in confirmation. "I guess I should thank you, it took your Uncle long enough."

Ryan hugged them both, and said to Remus. "I have told him that for years."

Sirius groaned, and asked for a reminder, why he had come to tell him in person. He was kidding, he loved his nephew, and knew he was right. He had planned to propose much sooner, but because of his mother, he had held off. He knew she'd pass, and part of him thought it would be easier, just to wait till she did. He'd have without her blessing, but having it, he could admit meant a lot to him. He knew Ryan would be the only grandchild, Remus couldn't carry and he likely couldn't from years as an auror, but they loved being Uncles.

Ryan was relieved with the good news after the last week. "At least something to look forward to, and keep my mind off Lockhart."

Please continue to support with reviews.