An: Merry Christmas. This Chapter, especially the last part, is my Christmas gift to you. Hope you guys are all having an amazing holiday.

December had arrived, and Ryan had been in tutoring for a month now. Though he looked pale every time he came back, he still insisted nothing was wrong. Whether it was the tutoring, or it was the extra time with his friends, his practical skills were improving. His marks had gone up, and Ryan had tried to use it to get out of tutoring, but to no success. For now the headmaster claimed that it may be a fluke, and needed to continue a bit. His friends had been looking for the perfect way to get him out of the lessons. They had managed a few pranks, which had got the tutoring ended sooner, but nothing to run the man off. Draco kept trying to convince his cousin to tell his family, but so far he had failed to do so. He just hoped they could get Ryan through until Christmas break. Marcus and Oliver seemed to have joined forces, united by their desire to protect him. They rallied the troops, both Gryffindor and Slytherin, and a few others like Susan. Ryan had no clue, just how many friends had his back.

The twins had finally won out; with their suggestion they use Hector. He had been trying to spy on the tutoring lessons, more than one time. The others had been reluctant, as they couldn't tell him, and he was loose cannon. He was a screw up, and was on the other side as well.

Fred looked at Marcus. "Do you think you can brew it?"

Marcus nodded. "I need the ingredients."

George smiled. "Leave that to us."

Adrian smirked. "Easier said than done. Horace will have those in private stocks."

Marcus added. "I'm not sure what you hope to gain from this."

Draco agreed. "Why would Hector take the potion?"

Fred explained. "We will make him believe that Lockhart is teaching Ryan to be an animagus."

Adrian grinned. "Merlin, he would be jealous. I heard rumors his father is one though."

George shrugged. "If he had reason to believe we had the potion and he could take Ryan's place….."

Draco finished for him. "He'd try to steal the potion and take Ryan's place."

Marcus pointed out. "But Hector couldn't steal something from a baby."

Fred shrugged. "We'll just have to make it easy for him, without him realizing it."

Adrian pointed out. "But why would we have the potion?"

Draco thought. "We could allow him to think we're using it against him."

George agreed. "He always claims we are setting him up. We could let him be right just once."

Hector was constantly trying to get them into trouble. He had helped them more than once, with getting Ryan out, just not at this level. He loved to try and plant pranks on them, to get them into trouble. They pulled enough pranks, his problem was, they were too smart to get caught. He though always made a mistake, and it ended up with Hector in another detention. They were hoping the little prat would continue.

The twins were not as confident as they seemed though. They hoped they would be able to get in and out of the private stores, but they had no idea, and they didn't really know what they were looking for. Marcus reminded them, the potion wouldn't be ready, until after Christmas.

Marcus went with Fred. "You might need some help."

Fred looked at him. "I think my brother and I work better."

Marcus shook his head. "And how do you plan on getting into Slytherin?"

Fred was confused. "Why would I have to get in there?"

Marcus smiled. "There is only two ways into the private lab, through his office or his rooms."

Adrian added. "Our common room has a door into his office. That is your best bet."

Fred shook his head. "And it isn't like I can ask Ryan to get me through."

Marcus smiled. "I guess you agree with me then."

George whispered to his twin. "Maybe Blaise can help. You know we don't want to give him a leg up on Oliver."

Adrian over heard. "Marcus is a prefect, and he knows the password to get into the office. Blaise doesn't."

Fred shrugged. "I guess Oliver will just have to fight his own battles. I guess you're in Marcus."

Marcus started down the hall with him. "I knew you would see it my way."

Fred shook his head, and in reality, he had no problem with Marcus helping. He was actually happy, as it would be easier to get in quick. He also knew, if both the twins were missing, and down in the dungeons, people would wonder. Usually the twins pulled their pranks as a pair. George would just have to make himself seen while his brother and Marcus were acting.

Marcus slipped Fred into the common room, and was happy to find they were alone. There was a door near the fire, and they used the password, after checking the map to ensure Horace wasn't in his office. Draco had found the map for them.

Fred looked at the door into the lab. "You don't know that one do you?"

Marcus shook his head. "No. But I have never known a lock you couldn't pick."

Fred grinned and knelt. "Magic locks are always a bit harder to break."

Marcus looked around. "Well you need to act as quick as possible. I'll set off wards, if I send my elf in there."

Fred was working at it. "We had thought about an elf. But we don't have one at our use."

Marcus pointed out. "I would have thought Draco or Blaise would have leant you one."

Fred knew he had been caught. "Well we knew about the wards, or thought of them."

Marcus watched as he sprung the lock. "Of course."

The two of them headed into the room. Fred had never been big on snakes, like the rest of his house, until Ryan. Ryan had been their one exception at first. Even with Draco, they wouldn't exactly say they were good friends, though they were friends. They hung out with Draco, for Ryan, as he cared about them all. But when it came to protecting Ryan, there was a truce, and perhaps more between the two houses. The twins still thought Ryan would be much better with Oliver than Marcus. But they could see he was a good guy, for a snake, and for Ryan.

It wasn't Marcus who answered when Fred asked where to look. A voice came from the other door. "I would start in the cupboard over there."


Ryan was headed for his tutoring session. The man hadn't tried anything on him, but he was always so close, and the way he talked scared Ryan. Ryan could admit it was helping; he had been doing much better in his practical side. It wasn't because the man was such a good tutor, but because Ryan was doing all he could, to get out of the tutoring. He was doing better in all of his practical classes in fact. The problem was that the headmaster seemed to think that it was just proof Ryan should continue. He would improve in all of his classes, and soon be top, not just because of extra credit. He had been top student over all, but because of his theory classes, and his extra credit, which balanced him out.

Hector had been watching him for weeks. He had tried to get into the tutoring all of the time. He knew there had to be something to this, there had to be some special part of this training. He had no idea why Ryan was getting all of this special training, and not him, it didn't make any sense.

Hector had to hide in an alcove as he saw the others. "Damn."

Fred was grinning like a cat. "I can't believe the potion is almost done."

George nodded. "This is going to be the best prank ever."

Hector listened. "What are those two up to now?"

Fred showed his brother something in a book. "Are you sure we made this right?"

George shrugged. "Draco seems sure he brewed it. Though I don't know about trusting him."

Hector smirked. "It seems their partnership with the snakes isn't so strong after all."

Fred assured him. "Draco thinks the potion is to help his cousin. You know he'd do anything for Ryan."

George agreed. "Well in a way, it is to help Ryan. You know he has wanted to get revenge on Hector."

Hector ground his teeth. "He wants to get revenge on me? For what?"

Fred put the book away. "I just wish the Polyjuice didn't take a month to brew."

Hector was shocked. "A Polyjuice? What the hell would they need one for?"

George agreed. "We just need to get a hair from Hector. We can kill two birds with one stone."

Fred whispered. "Ryan will have to remember it is one of us in disguise though. We are going to be target practice after all."

Hector grimaced. "Just like them to pin something on me."

George said. "Ryan said they are mixing dueling lessons, with the start of animagus lessons."

Hector stamped his foot. "I knew it. Damn him, the brat gets everything."

George went to pull his brother away. "You know Ryan is always wanting a way out of practice early, should help."

Hector watched the twins go, but he was stewing in his own juices. He couldn't believe this. His own tutoring was little more than practicing what they were doing in class. The headmaster promised it would be more, when he got a better handle on the spells they were doing. He hadn't been allowed to do dueling yet, and animagus was something he was told he'd have to wait on. He wondered if the headmaster had any idea. He had told Hector the man was in school just to keep an eye on Ryan. He was supposed to gain Ryan's trust, to use him against his family. Hector had to get his hands on the potion, he needed to use it. There was no way Ryan should get such training, when he wasn't.

Hector told himself he would follow the twins, and he would find out where the potion was being brewed. He'd have to wait to take it, until after it was done though, as he could admit he sucked at potions. Like his dad said, potions were ridiculous, only weaklings needed to brew them.

He followed as best as he could. "Draco is brewing it? I wouldn't think the kid had the skills."

Fred went to go into the room of requirements. "We should check on them before we go rescue Ryan from class."

Hector was confused. "Them?"

George grinned. "I guess we're not late."

Hermione had appeared in the hall. "What are you two doing?"

Hector shook his head. "It can't be her."

Fred nodded towards the door. "About to go in."

Hermione shook her head. "We're not supposed to be drawing attention."

Hector couldn't believe it. "They wouldn't turn to her. She is a goody two shoes. Why would she help?"

The door opened but Hermione stopped. "I'm still not quite sure about this."

Fred shared a look with his twin and then back. "You know Hector is up to something. The only person he talks to is Ron."

Hector smirked. "Of course they lie to her. Almost feel sorry for her. Almost."

George whispered when Hermione slipped into the room. "I feel kind of bad, but she'd not help likely if she knew."

Fred agreed. "She likes Ryan well enough, but she sticks to the rules."

Hector knew Hermione would be his in. He would tell her the truth, and get her to get her hands on the potion, after Christmas. She might not like him, but he was sure she would do the right thing. She was in his house, and she wouldn't want them to lose points, because of other kids. The twins didn't seem to care, about their house losing points, as long as they got back at him. He might have to suck up to her, but it would be worth it in the end. It wasn't like he would actually have to really make friends with her in the end.

As soon as Hector was gone, the twins slipped out of the room. They had known he was there, and prayed that their little plan had worked. Hermione knew the truth, all of it. It had been a bit hard to convince her, but in the end, even she had a grudge against Hector.

Fred headed towards the defense class. "We promised the snakes we had them for the day."

George agreed. "Do you think it's safe leaving those two alone together?"

Fred laughed. "Worried Draco will hex her for being a know it all?"

George shrugged. "That, or she may bore him to death as they study."

Fred shrugged. "Hector has to believe that we are actually brewing the potion."

George didn't argue with him on that. "I just hope this plan still works."

Fred was more confident. "I would rather not have to trust Draco's skill."

They had been interrupted, and their potion plans had to change. They hoped the plan would still work as well for them. Fred thought it would work better, the person who caught them may have changed their plans slightly, but had offered some help. As they headed to set Peeves off, and hopefully get Ryan out of his lesson, they reminded themselves it was a week till break. Ryan would just need to get through a few more sessions.

Ryan appeared with a small smile, confirming they were successful. "Nice trick."


Ryan was so happy to get away from school. He usually was, but it was more than normal. He loved going home, to be with his family, for the holidays. But the problems with the headmaster, which always made him happy for a break, were only a small part. The issues with Lockhart were just too much for him. He knew he had to consider telling his family, the sooner the better, about it all. But this Christmas had a much more special part as well. They were celebrating Christmas two days early, as on Christmas eve his Uncle and Moony were getting married finally. The two wanted to wed before the holiday, for their honeymoon, and the family agreed to celebrate early. Ryan was so excited, he had wanted the two to marry for a long time, and couldn't wait. He was happy for Moony to officially be his Uncle.

Orion was not only supportive, but he was hosting the wedding for them. He may have become more obsessed with his work, and cooler in public, but with his sons he had remained warm. His wife had told Sirius to wed, and he would be there for it.

Regulus smiled at his brother as he helped him dress. "I can't believe the day has come."

Sirius looked a bit nervous. "I know."

Ryan was bouncing. "I'm so happy that you and Uncle Moony are getting married."

Sirius kissed his nephew. "I'm happy you and your daddy are by my side."

Regulus reminded him. "You were at mine, actually both of you."

Orion had come into the room. "At least one of my sons has included me."

Sirius looked at his father. "I am grateful you would host it father. And that you're here."

Regulus reminded him. "You were little more open to my marriage, than mother was."

Orion looked at Ryan and back. "I have made my mistakes I'll agree. I believe both my son in laws know they are welcome."

Regulus nodded. "Severus has not doubted it for a long time."

Ryan grinned. "I got to be at the wedding and Grandsire didn't?"

Sirius reminded his nephew. "You might not want to rub it in. You haven't got your main gift from him yet, or he could cut you off."

Regulus ruffled his son's curls. "Your Papa and I could not have wed without our little prince."

Orion kissed his grandson. "You are my heir, even if your Uncle manages to have kids, no matter what."

Sirius reminded his father. "I can't carry, too many years as an auror, nor can Remus as a wolf."

Ryan was a little sad he would be the only grandchild. He was reminded that he had cousins, in Draco and Tonks. His Uncles were not upset, they knew for a long time, and were fine with it. He just thought his Uncles would be good parents. Orion meant it, Ryan was his heir, and nothing would change. His sons were both alive, but Ryan remained his heir. If Sirius had a child, the child would have been a true Black technically, but it mattered nothing to Orion. Ryan was his grandson, and his heir, even if blood adopted. Ryan's elemental magic was a sign that it was true. The fact that his adopted grandson was his only family who inherited his magic, made it seem a sign he was his true heir.

The group moved down into the gardens, where a warming spell had been used. It looked like a winter wonderland, the trees filled with fairy lights and icicles in Gryffindor colors. The fountain was flowing in their colors, the rest was simple. It was noted, it was in Wallburga's garden.

Lucius was honored to marry them. He smiled when Remus came. "We are gathered here to unite you in marriage. Do you both wish this?"

They both smiled. "We do."

Lucius turned to Sirius. "Do you Sirius Orion Black take Remus as your husband and bond, united in body and soul, till divided by death?"

Sirius beamed. "I do."

He turned to Remus. "And do you Remus John Lupin, take Sirius as your husband and bond, united in body and soul, till divided by death?"

Remus smiled. "I do."

Severus handed a ring to Sirius. "Take this ring and claim Remus as your husband, while I stand witness."

Sirius slid the ring on Remus. "With this ring, I take you as my husband and bond."

Regulus handed a ring to Remus. "Take this ring and claim my brother as your husband, while I stand witness."

Remus slid the ring on. "With this ring I claim you as my husband and bond."

Lucius did the honors. "By the powers that be, I pronounce you husbands. You may seal the union with a kiss."

Sirius drew Remus into his arms, to a round of about times. To the smile of all, one of those came from Orion, though only those close could hear. He had been the one to insist on traditional vows, and not written vows. The wedding had been a compromise, the boys hadn't been planning on so traditional, but Orion insisted. The reception promised to have a bit more of them in it. It was Sirius though who had chosen the gardens, and the fact it was his mother's favorite, was the reason. For all their problems, her protection of his godson and nephew, and her final blessing, meant a lot to him. As he signed the wedding contracts, a part of him could wish she had been there for it. Regulus shared a look with his husband. Part of him wished they could have had this, but not even his dad was accepting, when they wed two months after adopting Ryan. They only had some close friends and a bit of family with them. But Ryan had been there, the most important thing to them.

The wedding moved into the ballroom. As the family would have a second Christmas when they were gone, it was still decorated. There were over a dozen trees lining the walls, and boughs were winding up the pillars. But the usual decorations were replaced with picture bulbs, showing the couple, and other ornaments reflecting their past. The roof was strung with fairy lights done in their colors, and there was a wolf and dog made from fairy lights in midair. Little bonsai trees filled with their favorite goodies, acted as center pieces, neither wanted flowers. The dinner was six courses, but had everything from pizza to French fries, and all of their favorites. The wedding cake looked like the willow at school.

Sirius kissed his husband as he led him onto the dance floor. "I hope this is all you dreamed of."

Remus returned the kiss. "You know I am just happy we are finally married."

Sirius agreed. "Part of me still wishes we eloped. There is still too much of my family in this."

Remus shook his head. "I don't buy it. You'd never have been happy, if your brother and Ryan weren't here."

Sirius couldn't deny it. "They will always be a part of me. I love you but…."

Remus laughed. "I have always known it. And it is one of the things I love so much about you."

Sirius held his husband to him. "Ryan is so happy to have you as an Uncle finally."

Remus looked over at the boy who was with Draco. "I have loved him since he was born."

Sirius knew. "You and my brother in law, and me."

Remus shook his head. "No longer just us."

Narcissa cut in when the song ended. "Time to dance with someone else."

Sirius groaned. "Neither of us has a mother for our husband to dance with."

Andromeda took Remus. "But you have plenty of family."

The Blacks were there, even the twins had come, and some of their colleagues and friends. It definitely was small, though larger than Sirius may have liked. Tonks had even brought Moody, though he had been invited on his own, as friend and boss. Sirius was reminded, he had told Remus years ago, the truth about Ryan. Remus had always loved Harry, and he had been so relieved, to know Ryan was safe and loved here. He was happy to have Ryan as his nephew for real now. The reception was amazing, and with the Weird sisters playing, and a great show of fireworks and more, there were some of the marauders in there. The two men left for their honeymoon, happier than they had ever felt before.

Ryan grinned when he watched them go. "I'm so happy for Uncle Siri. Moony and him deserve to be happy."

2nd An: If you want to update in the New year 2012, stop boycotting the review button.