Happy New Years. This story will continue in the new year, when the review continue. Happy Holidays.

Ryan was so happy when his Uncle and Moony were finally married. He was happy that Moony was his Uncle for real. He missed them though at Christmas, even if they had celebrated early with the couple. He knew Moony had no family, his mother had died when he was in school, and his dad shortly after he finished. He thought it was sad, he thought of all of his family he had, even if his mother was dead. His Papa had just smiled when he had said that. Papa reminded him Moony was a Black now, not just in name, but in family as well. Moony had also always counted his family as friends. He was married to his best friend, but he and Severus, and in the past years Regulus, were extremely close. He was as happy to have Ryan as a nephew, as Ryan was to have him as family too.

There was a big party at the manor for New Years. The last few years it had been held at Malfoy Manor, as Wallburga had been too old to host. Though the Malfoys were an old blood family, the Blacks were more powerful, and were the traditional ones to host. Orion insisted this year.

Ryan was amazed. "This is so cool."

Fred appeared. "You have these parties every year. We have been to it a couple of times."

Draco shook his head. "We always had a kid's event, to keep us from under the feet of the adults."

Ryan added. "And only since Uncle Luc and Aunt Cissy began hosting."

George looked around. "I guess this is far cooler than the movies or pool party."

Fred agreed. "Still can't believe we're not the only lions on the guest list."

Draco shook his head. "Still not sure how Oliver weaseled his way on the list."

George nudged him. "Do you think there will be a fight to see who kisses him at midnight?"

Fred agreed with his twin. "You know the old myth says, who you kiss at midnight, you spend the year with."

Draco smirked. "Only if Oliver has a death wish. Marcus knows better than to try it, with the entire Black family in the next room."

George had to give him that. "Much safer to do it at school, where only you and his Uncle are."

Fred looked over at Ryan. "He is going to have a hell of a time trying to date."

Draco couldn't argue. "They will have to walk through fire with my family."

Ryan had come over. "Should I be worried what you three are up to?"

Fred put him in a headlock. "No. You know we only pull pranks with you."

George saw that Ryan looked ready to protest. "Well usually. Sometimes you force our hand."

Ryan knew they were right. The twins and Draco didn't have much in common, other than quidditch, and him. They got to know each other because of him, and though he knew they would get along without him, they'd not have been friends. Draco was a true Slytherin, and the twins were Gryffindors, there were no question about that. Ryan was the one who suited both houses, and easily made friends with either house. He was the one who could have both houses up in arms to support him as well.

The ballroom was for the adults, and all the Slytherins coming, their parents were there. But one of the big sitting rooms had been turned into a party for the kids. There was a live band, food and fun for them as well. His grandsire had planned it all for them,

Ryan was looking for his grandsire when he came in with a man and Marcus. His Grandsire smiled. "There you are Orion."

Ryan smiled. "Hello Grandsire, thank you for doing this all."

He smiled. "I am happy you enjoyed it. I don't believe you have met Lord Flint, though you are with his eldest son."

Ryan shook his head. "No sir, but I have heard a lot about you from your son."

The man smiled. "My son, and your grandsire, both speak highly of you. And I have seen you fly, in your last game."

Marcus went a tad red when his dad mentioned it. "Maybe we should get to the party."

Orion looked at Thatcher Flint as the boys left. "They make a fine pair. I assume your son is….."

Thatcher nodded curtly. "I know you are not blind, or oblivious. You see the way my son looks at him."

Orion handed him a drink. "I would not be opposed to such a match."

Thatcher accepted the wine. "Not at all. But as my wife reminds me, the time of arranged marriages are over."

Orion laughed. "My son would say the same. No hurt in giving them a slight nudge in the right direction though."

Lady Flint had come over. "Should I be worried what the two of you men are up to over here?"

Her husband kissed her. "Not at all, Orion was just wishing us a fine new year."

The woman shook her head, and gave her husband a look, that told him she didn't believe him a minute. Like most couples of old blood their age, theirs had been an arranged marriage. Like Lucius and Narcissa, there was love, and not just after they were married. Some old blood families actually arranged them, based on their feelings of their children. Nicola Flint knew her husband all too well. She was well aware, that if the marriage laws were not over turned, he would be quite pleased to arrange a marriage for their heir. They had two other sons, but both had chosen to attend Durmstang, and their daughter was only ten. She was considering Beauxbautons.

Oliver had arrived. His parents were with him. They were shocked to be invited, even if they were old bloods. Though the Weasleys had old blood, the Woods had a title and wealth. But they were not the usual sort to be invited.

Oliver smiled when he came into the party, and saw Ryan. "I'm glad I was invited."

Ryan smiled a little coyly. "We thought the twins would need some company."

Fred nudged him in the ribs. "No fair tricking our captain so cruelly."

George whispered to Oliver. "Maybe you should introduce Ryan to your parents. He has already met Lord Flint."

Oliver went red. "I have no idea why."

Draco shook his head. "Merlin, thankfully we have a few years to go."

The others agreed with him. Ryan was in total denial, and the other two didn't seem ready to admit, they were attracted to him. They could get jealous, possessive and protective of him, but were still fools who couldn't admit it. Ryan was too young still, hopefully they could convince the fools, by the time he was ready. They noticed the two, followed Ryan closely, during the party. Nothing too obvious, like love sick puppies, but they seemed to keep anyone else away. Ryan had no problem having a partner to dance with.

Ryan got a peck on the cheek from both at the same time, at midnight. He thought nothing of it. "Happy New Year's."


The holidays had been good, but the time was quickly approaching, for him to return back to school. The weeks had been good, being away from Lockhart and all of his looks. He had no idea what his cousin, or their friends, had planned. If the plan worked, hopefully the little boy wonder would take Ryan's place, and that may help. They had no idea what was going on, Ryan wouldn't tell them, what happened in lessons. But they saw the looks, and knew something was wrong, and had to find out. With Hermione's help, they were sure the potion would soon be stolen. They had tried to brew it, but had got caught, and weren't alone. They prayed it would actually help them out.

Ryan knew he needed to speak to someone about this. He was terrified, he was scared if his dads knew, they would make him leave school. He considered both his Uncle, and Tonks. But in the end, he knew who he had to go to, though he knew it was the biggest risk.

He knocked on the office door. He waited patiently for the voice. "Who's there?"

Ryan took a deep breath. "It's me Grandsire."

Orion's voice called. "Come in Orion. There is no need to knock."

Ryan walked in nervously. "I didn't want to interrupt you, if you were busy grandsire."

Orion looked up from the book on his desk. "You are never an interruption."

Ryan approached the desk. "Dad told me, when he was a kid, you weren't to be interrupted in here."

Orion sighed. "I made my mistakes with your father and Uncle. You should never fear to come in here Orion."

Ryan sunk down into a chair. "Okay grandsire."

Orion watched him. "Is there something I can do for you?"

Ryan suddenly couldn't find the words, so he said. "Thank you for the party."

Orion knew it was something else but didn't push for now. "I am pleased you enjoyed. I saw you with the Flint heir often."

Ryan nodded. "Marcus is a good friend for me, Grandsire."

Orion nodded. "And a Mr. Wood, I noticed as well. His family is known to me slightly."

Ryan blushed. "Oliver has been a good friend. He has helped with quidditch."

Orion switched back. "Marcus is a fine young man. His Grandsire and I were close. Good breeding."

Ryan felt slightly uncomfortable, talking to his grandsire about either of them. He had no idea why. It wasn't the first time; his grandsire often spoke to him about his friends, even before he went to school. Orion wanted to make sure his grandson was making friends with the right sort. He didn't mind if they weren't Slytherins, just they came from good families, and were a good influence. He had approved of the twins; their family was respectable, even if not rich or powerful. He didn't mind, he loved his grandsire, and liked he was concerned for him.

Orion knew Ryan came for other reasons, but he didn't miss an opportunity. His grandson was of course far too young to date. But it was never too early to ensure his eyes went the right way. It mattered not they were both heirs, multiple children would take care of that, very simply.

Orion finally asked. "I have a feeling you came in here for other reasons."

Ryan sighed. "Grandsire, you have heard of the extra teacher at school?"

His grandsire nodded. "Of course. No teacher enters that school without the governors knowing."

Ryan took a deep breath. "I have been having private tutoring with him."

Orion stopped. "Why would you be having that? You are not by far the worst student. I would have paid for a better tutor if you chose."

Ryan shook his head. "The headmaster forced me to. He wouldn't let me out of them."

Orion sat back. "The man forgets his place."

Ryan watched him. "You knew?"

Orion laughed. "You don't think I wouldn't learn? I knew you would come to me, if something happened."

It dawned on Ryan. "Uncle Horace, or Nanny."

Orion nodded. "Both in fact. Your Uncle Horace first."

Ryan was anxious. "I thought I could handle it on my own. I was worried if I told you."

Orion shook his head. "Why? You know you have nothing to prove. It is not like the mirror Orion."

Ryan looked down. "I was worried I'd be sent to Durmstang or Beauxbautons."

Orion made him look up. "We wouldn't allow Albus to run you off."

Ryan had his doubts. "I got accepted to Beauxbautons and Durmstang. I'd not have been, if Daddy and Papa hadn't considered."

Orion knew they had, but of course he wouldn't tell Ryan why. He had been one of the reasons they had decided against it. He had revealed he knew who Ryan was, and reminded them, Albus couldn't scare them. He understood, especially when Ryan reminded him, about his cousin. Orion had understood, when they had used Penelope Krum as a mother, the plan was the best. But he could see why it may lead Ryan to think there was a chance he could still be sent away. Orion didn't like his grandson being at risk, but he'd not let him be driven off.

Orion stood. "With a few exceptions, all Black have gone to Hogwarts, and you will not be the exception."

Ryan let out a small sigh. "Thank you grandsire."

The man turned. "Something else is going on. It isn't just the tutoring."

Ryan was pale. "I…."

Orion took him by the arms. "You wouldn't have come to me, if something wasn't scaring you more, than being made to leave."

Ryan couldn't look at him. "He looks at me. He touches me."

Orion was furious. "Touches you? That man molests you?"

Ryan shook his head. "No. He just makes me take off my robe. He is always close, holding my arm…. He talks about you and Moony."

Orion grit his teeth. "Albus' perfect pawn, a man with a grudge against this family, but not one anyone would suspect."

Ryan nodded. "I got my marks way up, and Albus won't let me quit. I don't want to go back."

Orion kissed him on the head. "You won't. I promise you Ryan, you will not have to return to that tutoring, ever."

He couldn't have the man removed from school. If he went to the governors, he could try, but Ryan didn't need this aired. The man was not actually on staff, and he couldn't be fired, Albus had been smart about that. But if the man, or his boss, thought that they could hurt Ryan, they had another things coming. He had sworn long ago, the man would regret the day he was born, if he ever tried to hurt Ryan.

He kissed Ryan on the head. "I swore to your grandmother before she died, I'd keep you safe. I will kill that man, before he ever touches you."


Ryan had no idea, but his grandsire promised to get him out of tutoring. He was out of town, he had to go on business, two days before Ryan left for school. Ryan wouldn't be back to classes for a few days after they went back, as they went back on a Friday, for some reason. Classes would not begin until Monday, but the students headed back early, to settle in. There should be no tutoring until the following week, as it was always Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, it had been all semester. His grandsire would ensure there would be

He knew his friends were worried, but he hadn't told them. He hadn't wanted for them to know, as they were already worried about him. His grandsire promised to come quietly, and have the tutoring cancelled, without his friends knowing he was involved.

Draco looked at Fred when Ryan had gone to the bathroom. "The potion."

Fred nodded. "We are to pick up the potion tonight."

Draco reminded them. "He shouldn't have tutoring for another few days."

George stopped. "But we need Hector, the bumbling fool, to have a few days to work out how to get it from us."

Draco smirked. "We're practically handing it to him."

Fred reminded him. "But he can't know that. He has to think he out smarted us."

George added. "And then he has to come up with a plan, to take Ryan's place."

Draco groaned. "Now how are we going to work that out. We can't hand him the plan on a platter."

Fred shrugged. "We may have to help him out a little. Hopefully Ryan will forgive us, if he ever finds out."

Draco tried to look serious. "I'll just blame it on you. You know I have been trying to get rid of you two for some time."

George snorted. "Thought we would blame Marcus. You know it's why we're allowing him to help."

Draco actually could have believed them. "You may make him look like a hero."

Fred snorted. "Thought about that, that is why we also made sure to include Oliver."

Draco groaned. "Maybe I should just keep this with Marcus and the others."

Fred tossed a wrapper at his head. "You know you couldn't pull it off without us."

Draco denied it, but deep down he knew it was true. He and the twins made a good team, when it came to keeping Ryan safe. Ryan and the twins made a better team, as Ryan was much smaller, and he agreed with them quicker. But Draco came in handy for some things as well. When Ryan came back, he gave them all odd looks, as he once again had a feeling, they were up to something. He just had no idea what. He just found some comfort in knowing, if it was a prank, it wouldn't be on him. It was one thing those three could agree on.

When they got to school, they headed for the great hall, for dinner. It wasn't like the opening feast, it wasn't a feast, just a normal dinner. Not all students came back on the train, most did though, and there were of course some who stayed for Christmas.

Ryan was heading for the hall when Albus stopped him. "Ryan I need to speak with you about tomorrow."

Ryan looked at his friends. "I'll meet you in there."

Blaise led Draco off. "We'll see you soon."

Ryan looked at the headmaster. "What is this about?"

Albus smiled. "Professor Lockhart asked me to tell you to meet him tomorrow. You'll have a full day, since you missed two weeks."

Ryan was pale as a ghost. "I never have training on the weekend. I thought it would be Tuesday…."

Albus shook his head. "You don't have quidditch practice, and Professor Lockhart is taking time, just for you."

Ryan was nauseous. "I had plenty of practice at home."

The headmaster waved him off. "You can show him. I told you before Christmas, you need to continue."

Ryan felt sick, but tried to remind himself it was only one more. "Fine."

The headmaster pointed at the hall. "He will meet you in class, after breakfast. I hope to hear of this progress you made."

Ryan headed for the hall. He thought. 'Not that you would ever care about it.'

Draco looked at him when they came in. " What was that all about?"

Ryan reluctantly told them about the tutoring. "I can't get out of it."

Draco shared a look with the twins, and after dinner, they met him. They needed to set this plan into action, quicker than they had thought. The twins had plans to pick up the potion that evening anyways. They would just have to make sure, that they acted quickly, and Hector got his hands on it. They hoped it would work for tomorrow, but if not, then Tuesday. They were sure Ryan could handle one more tutoring session.

Fred slipped down to the dungeons to meet with Horace. He had caught them and Marcus, when they broke into his office, for the potion ingredients. They had been scared he'd give them detention, but he had offered his help.

He handed Fred the potion. "If you are over your heads, you will come."

Fred took the potion. "We will. I am still surprised, a teacher would help."

Horace shrugged. "Just say I am an Uncle first, and a teacher second when it comes to Ryan."

Fred headed for the stairs. He needed to meet Hermione in the library. He slipped the potion into her bag without talking. "Ooops."

Hermione watched as he dropped a book. "I know you get nervous around studying, but never took you for a klutz."

Fred smirked at her. "We're not all in love with books."

Hermione picked up her bag. "Maybe you should spend more time in here and you'd do better."

Hector watched her go and whispered to Ron. 'We need to follow her. I am sure she is meeting Draco for that potion."

Ron went to follow. "I still don't get what we will do with it."

Hector glared. "If they don't have the potion, they can't pin it on us."

In reality, he needed to get his hands on the potion. He planned on tricking Ryan, locking him in somewhere, and taking Ryan's place for tutoring. He needed to find out what was so special about all of this tutoring. He sure enough watched, as the two of them went into the room, and he and Ron waited and waited. He needed to find out where the potion was going, and get his hands on it.

They watched as Hermione came out. "I'll take it."

Draco shook his head. "It will be safer in Slytherin."

She shook her head. "The twins have the hair. Besides they have a book we can keep it in."

Draco handed the bottle to her. "You three better keep a good hand on it."

Hermione slipped it in her pocket. "You know those fools have no idea about it."

Ron was happy, as he whispered to Hector, he knew where the book was and the secret of it. They headed for their own tower, and when Hector was keeping an eye on the twins in the common room, Ron snuck up. They had seen Hermione pass something off to Fred, and he had gone up to his rooms quickly, and come back down. It took Ron a bit, and he had to hide when Lee came in, but he found the book and the potion.

Hector was thrilled when Ron gave it to him. "Now to find a way to lock Ryan up somewhere. I need to find out what's so special about this."