Ryan was anxious about Tuesday evening, so anxious he was actually sick to his stomach. It was the first time he would be having his tutoring. He had hoped there would be some way out of this, but so far there seemed to be none. He knew if he told his grandsire, that perhaps he could get Ryan out of it, but he was worried. He was in a panic that grandsire or his dads would remove him from the school. He knew deep down he should tell them, he was being foolish, but he couldn't. It was like with the mirror last year, when he had been trying to discover the mystery of the mirror, before he told his grandsire. There was some small part of him, that wanted to prove that he could do this, and not run for help.
He hadn't even found a way to tell his friends about the tutoring. He still had no idea how he was being forced to have the tutoring. There were countless other kids doing worse than him. Heck there were those failing the class, and they were not having the extra work.
After defense Quirell spoke up. "Mr. Black-Prince."
Ryan stopped. "Yes Professor?"
The man smiled. "I just wanted to remind you to meet Professor Lockhart tonight after dinner."
Ryan ignored the look from his cousin. "Of course sir."
The man motioned to the door. "I wouldn't want you to be late for your last class."
Draco looked at Ryan as they left the room. "What is he talking about?"
They were headed for potions. "It's nothing to worry about."
Blaise was not buying it. "Why would you be meeting Lockhart after dinner?"
Draco agreed. "It doesn't sound like nothing to me."
Ryan sighed. "I have to have tutoring with him twice a week."
It dawned on Draco. "That is why we always have a weekend practice now, and our other one is moved to tomorrow."
Blaise was confused. "Why? You may not be the best, but you aren't failing class."
Ryan shrugged. "The headmaster ordered it. He said he promised my family he'd make sure I do well."
Draco laughed. "Sure he did. What did your dads say?"
Blaise saw the look from Ryan. "You didn't tell them?"
Draco was worried about his cousin, especially when he realized Blaise was right. He had no idea why his cousin wouldn't tell them. He hadn't about the mirror, but this was totally different all together. Their house had banded together, as they were worried about the looks the man had given Ryan. Now he would be locked in private tutoring, and none of them would be around. What worried them more, that this was being forced on Ryan, and what intentions the headmaster may have as well. Draco thought it was foolish to not tell his family.
As they came into the potions classroom, Ryan shut up. He knew his Uncle Horace would know soon enough, but he didn't need him to worry. If he or Nanny, or Poppy, knew he was worried, they would be sure to go to Papa.
Horace watched them as they came in. "Are you okay boys?"
Ryan nodded. "Yes sir."
Draco piped up. "Ryan is being forced to take private tutoring with Lockhart."
Horace noticed his nephew shoot Draco a nasty look. "Should I be concerned?"
Ryan turned to his Uncle. "No Uncle Horace. Though I will have to move our potions lessons."
Horace didn't look convinced but nodded. "You know you're welcome any time."
Ryan was grateful. "I will miss spending as much time."
Horace stopped him before he sat down. "You will tell me if anything is wrong."
Ryan was reminded Horace was the only of his three family, known to the headmaster. Poppy was his Aunt in heart. "I will."
Draco looked at his cousin when he sat. "I don't like this. I think I should tell…"
Ryan cut him off. "You won't. I can handle this."
Draco sighed. "Fine. But if that man tries anything, you have to tell someone."
Ryan looked at his parchment as he wrote down the potion on the board. "I will."
Blaise and Draco shared a look over their friend. Both of them were worried, though Blaise was not as vocal about it as Draco was. They knew they would have to tell their other friends as well. They had no idea what they could do about it though. Ryan would have to do the tutoring, until his marks came up it seemed. They would work with him, as they always did, and ensure it went up again.
Draco looked at Blaise through dinner. He had sworn to his cousin, as long as nothing happened, he wouldn't tell the family. But that didn't mean he was about to keep his mouth shut either. He was happy Horace knew, and he hoped Poppy and Ryan's grandmother would soon know.
Ryan shot them a look as he had to leave after dinner. "You promised."
Draco sighed. "As long as you tell us if something happens, I won't write home."
Marcus sent a worried look when Ryan was gone. "About what?"
Draco shared a look with Blaise and then said. "Meet us in the room of requirements."
Marcus was confused. "Why not our common room?"
Adrian guessed as Draco disappeared. "Because he plans to involve some lions."
Though Marcus wasn't happy, as he could see Oliver, he went along. It wouldn't be the first time the houses worked together because of Ryan. Marcus was fine with the twins; they always had Ryan's back. But the Oliver kid was another matter in his mind. When they were all in the room of requirements, Draco filled them in on what they knew. And what they needed to do as well.
Marcus agreed. "We'll help. Both to double our tutoring efforts, and keep an eye on him."
Horace wasn't happy about this at all. He had promised Severus that he would keep an eye on Ryan. Neither Poppy nor Eileen had such full contact with the school. Neither woman ate many of their meals in the hall a lot, nor didn't they teach a class either. Horace definitely had an easier ear for things going on in the school. He didn't want to worry them, but he had his mind on the look from Ryan. He had a feeling there was more going on here, and it seemed he wasn't the only one. He didn't miss the looks and talk between Ryan and Draco.
He watched the headmaster during dinner, and had to wonder what he was up to. He only knew of one other student who was tutoring now, other than Ryan with him. It was Hector, and the headmaster was involved, but with Hector that wasn't a surprise at all.
Albus seemed to see his look. "Can I help you?"
Horace took a chance. "I heard something interesting this afternoon."
Albus turned back to his food. "I didn't know you were one for gossip."
Horace wasn't. "I heard my nephew will be taking private tutoring."
Albus inclined his head a bit. "Indeed. I thought it would help improve his grades."
Horace pressed. "I know of others doing much worse. And the man is not even a professor."
Albus turned. "He is a guest professor. Ryan should be honored, that the man would take such an interest in him."
Horace didn't see it that way. "And exactly why did he take an interest in him?"
Albus had a fake smile. "He heard a lot about Ryan. Quirell wished to tutor him, but is too busy, and spoke to Gilderoy about it."
Horace smirked. "Quirell has no interest in anything but your little golden boy."
Albus put down his napkin. "He has worked wonders with Hector. I believe the same could be done with Ryan."
Horace pointed out. "His fathers didn't mention it to me. They are of course aware?"
Albus shrugged. "I assume their son would have told them."
Horace wasn't backing off. "You ordered a student into mandatory tutoring without consulting the parents?"
Albus shook his head. "You make it sound like punishment. I am sure they will be grateful, that their son gets the extra help."
Horace smirked as the man walked off. "You know well they won't be."
Horace .had been bothered before, but none of this was sitting right for him. He knew Draco and Ryan's other friends would help keep an eye on him. What worried him; it seemed Ryan hadn't even told his friends, until he had to. He was reminded of the mirror, and when Ryan had been trying to find out about it, when he was alone. He needed to keep a close eye on the situation.
Hector was simmering over at his table. He still hadn't sorted out why the little brat was getting this private tutoring. He was furious, if anyone deserved to have the special tutor, it was him. He should have had the celebrity, not the little snake.
Hector slammed his hand down on the table. "This is a farce."
Ron tried to calm him. "You hated tutoring anyways."
Hector glared at him. "That was until I realized how much I was learning."
Ron pointed out. "Well you still have your tutoring lessons."
Hector sneered. "You are a fool, you don't get it, I want Lockhart."
Ron didn't. "I don't get it; one is as good as the other. I find Lockhart a bit odd."
Hector stood. "He isn't odd, he is eccentric, he is a celebrity after all."
Ron grumbled. "Don't remind me. I swear mother has a huge crush on him."
Hector headed for the doors. "I am a celebrity too. He should be tutoring me."
Ron shrugged. "Perhaps he didn't want to be out shone by you."
Hector turned to him. "He isn't getting any publicity here. Besides, he knows influential friends, will sell him more books."
Gilderoy was a lot like him, or so he had been told. The man knew how to work the press, and get all of the attention. Hector hoped he was as good at it, as the man was, when he was older. They had done a book signing together when he was younger. There was so much more the man could teach him, than simply about defense, and he should be. There just had to be something wrong about all of this. And he'd find out.
As they were leaving, Hector told Ron he planned to spy on the little tutoring. Maybe he could find a way of sabotaging them. He was sure if the man realized Ryan was a goof, and wouldn't help his career, he'd tutor Hector.
Hermione had overheard some and looked around. "I need to find the twins."
Lee Jordan had come out. "Why would a bookworm want the twins?"
Hermione looked at him. "I heard something about Ryan, they may want to know."
Lee stopped. "I can pass along the message."
Hermione was a bit reluctant but she knew he was close to the twins. "I guess. I have to get to the library anyways."
Lee knew that was nothing new. "The twins are off with Draco. I am to meet them soon."
Hermione drew him into an alcove. "I heard Hector and their prat brother talking."
She hadn't heard a lot, and she didn't know about the tutoring. She didn't have defense with the snakes that year. Lee didn't know either; he just knew something was up about Ryan. He listened, and he knew the twins would be happy to know. They could trust Hermione they knew. She wasn't exactly friends with Ryan, but she was a good person, and never a fan of Hector. He found the twins and filled them in.
Fred shared a look with George and Draco. "I never thought I'd say this, but Hector may come in handy for something."
Ryan was a bit nervous and sick to his stomach as he headed to the classroom. He hated being around the man, ever since the start. He had done all he could until now, to avoid being alone with him. Lockhart had made no attempt to make Ryan feel comfortable around him. The man had reminded Ryan of his link to Ryan's family. Ryan had played dumb, but was aware that Moony had got a text contract that had once belonged to Lockhart. The man had written his wolf text soon after that, and could be seen as a response. Moony was not only about to be his Uncle, but his grandsire was the owner of the publishing house. Orion was the one who didn't re-sign the contract, and had hired Moony instead. He had done so, after Moony had been fired, after the trial when Ryan was almost killed. The man made it clear that it wasn't forgotten.
Ryan found Lockhart alone in the classroom when he got up there. The man wasn't in his robes, and he looked to be comfortable behind the desk, reading a book. He really wished he could turn and leave, and make some excuse about being ill. But he knew he'd eventually have to come.
Lockhart finally noticed him in the door. "There you are my boy. Come in."
Ryan took a nervous step into the classroom. "Yes sir."
The man used his wand to close the door. "I'm happy you have seen the benefit of this training."
Ryan tried to stay polite as best as he could. "I wasn't given a choice sir."
The man shook his head. "Sometimes children don't know what is best. I am sure you will soon."
Ryan's hair was up on the back of his neck. "I guess I will find out sir."
The man moved towards him. "I have wished to speak to you a few times."
Ryan took a small step back. "You have spoken to me in class sir."
The man shook his head. "No, a nice private chat like this. But you always seem to disappear."
Ryan wished he could now. "I am busy sir. I have quidditch, and I was doing tutoring with my Uncle."
The man smiled. "Of course, Professor Slughorn. I hear you are soon to have another Uncle."
Ryan didn't like where this was going. "Yes. Uncle Sirius is to be married at Christmas."
Lockhart broke the act a bit to smirk for a moment. "The text writing wolf. I hear he works with your father as well."
Ryan nodded. "They are partners in the muggle section."
The man closed the door with a wand. "I never thought to see a muggle section." And after a pause. "You can take off your robe."
Ryan looked at him apprehensively. "My robes."
The man nodded. "You should be as comfortable as possible."
Ryan tried to protest. He definitely was not going to be more comfortable without his robes on. It wasn't like the man wanted him to strip, he had a full outfit on under his robes, but he still felt nervous. He had no idea why he would be expected to take off his school robe for it. He was supposed to be getting tutoring for things they were doing in class. He had never heard of students not wearing robes in class, they were needed. Well maybe dueling, but they had no club, and only seniors did it right now.
Lockhart was not taking no for an answer, and was watching him. He was not one to hear excuses; he saw no reason Ryan would refuse to do so. Ryan felt like continuing, but he knew it would just prolong the lesson. He wanted out of this room as soon as he could.
The man started showing him the spell they were working on class. "This should be simple enough."
Ryan was at least relieved at this. "I guess sir."
The man watched him. "It seems nerves get the best of you."
Ryan didn't think the man could help with that. "I did it a bit in my common room."
Lockhart came up close next to him. "Well you can't get graded in the common room."
Ryan's back was up. "I know that."
Lockhart allowed that to roll of his back. "Well hopefully we can work on this. Perhaps you can take your tests alone with me."
Ryan was confused as he tried the spell again. "Alone with you? You aren't even the professor."
Lockhart moved to touch him. "I am helping with the class. If you are less nervous without an audience, it can be arranged."
Ryan backed away from him. "I need to learn how to do it in front of others."
The man stepped closer again. "With time. I just thought it may help boost your confidence."
Ryan was shaking. "I don't want any special treatment sir."
Lockhart put a hand on his arm and he rubbed Ryan's arm for a moment. "Oh, but I have already taken an interest in you."
Ryan jerked back from him. "I need to go sir. I will be late for curfew if I don't."
The man nearly stopped him but instead called. "I will be seeing you very soon."
Ryan slipped into his robes, and grabbed his bag and wand. He didn't know why, but he felt even sicker than he had before this. He wasn't sure why, but the man touching him, was making his skin prickle all over. He hated being in the room with the man. He knew the man hadn't done anything wrong, but there was something. It was no longer just about the fact that the headmaster was forcing this on him. There were the looks before, but being alone with the man, and him touching was too much. He needed to keep the man at bay.
He wasn't surprised when he found people waiting for him. The only thing which surprised him was his cousin wasn't among them. He had known Draco wouldn't keep his tongue about this. He just hoped his cousin kept his word, about not telling his dads.
Marcus looked at him. "Hey Ryan, you look pale."
Ryan knew he was. "I'm fine. What are you doing here?"
Marcus shrugged. "Draco mentioned it. I thought you could use some company."
Adrian nodded. "You know we don't let you walk alone."
Ryan tried to laugh a little. "I usually have one of my bodyguards."
Marcus didn't buy the laughter but he didn't push. "The guys are studying with Blaise and Draco."
Adrian added. "We offered to come. I am sure they will be happy to have you join."
Ryan was reminded they planned to study. "Thanks."
Adrian clapped him on the back. "Marcus hopes you don't mind his company over the other two."
Ryan tried to get into the humor, or even focus on his confusion over them thinking Marcus was interested. He wanted to think of anything else than the tutoring. He just wanted to remove all thoughts of the tutoring with the man, and not think about what he was going to have to do more. When they got back to the common room, Draco and the others wanted him to join then, and he did.
He said when he saw his cousin's look, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. "It was fine. He worked on that spell, nothing else."
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