Ryan and Draco felt a bit odd as they headed for quidditch practice. After six years it was second nature, Draco had been reserve and Ryan manager in first year, but they were now captains. They had two players to replace, Adrian and their keeper, and it was their choice now. Ryan had always had a say in it, or at least opinion as manager, but this was very different. They were reminded, between Ryan's managerial side and Draco's broad experience on the field; they'd make a good choice. They both planned to keep the winning streak going, and knew they would have hard work, replacing their keeper. Adrian had been a fabulous chaser, but chasers played as a trio, and Draco was an extremely strong one. He and Terrance worked well, and it would likely take little, to introduce a new third.
Ryan and Draco weren't alone during try outs. They didn't notice at first, but both Oliver and Marcus, joined them. They didn't sit right up with the pair, and waited until Ryan and Draco announced their choice, to head their way.
Draco noticed them first as the team went to change. "It seems they are both anxious."
Ryan pointed out. "Oliver is the teacher here, and this is Marcus' old team."
Draco shook his head. "I think it has more to do with your little date."
Ryan was confused. "I am going into town with them both."
Draco smirked. "And who suggested it be a three way outing?"
Ryan shrugged. "They both asked me. I thought it could be fun."
Draco snickered under his breath. "I am starting to think he may not be so oblivious."
Oliver spoke first as they came. "Good choice."
Draco turned to him. "I'd have thought you'd hope we'd pick another."
Oliver shrugged. "I'm no longer a lion. I am teacher and ref for all houses."
Marcus grudgingly admitted. "I have to agree."
Ryan smiled. "Are you guys ready for town?"
Oliver turned to him. "I am. Do the twins know I'm coming?"
Marcus eyed him. "The twins?"
Ryan nodded. "Did I forget to mention, we're visiting them?"
Draco whispered to Marcus. "Heads up, the twins are bound and determined to play match maker for Oliver and Ryan."
Marcus looked at the kid. "Great."
Oliver was aware the twins were wanting him to date Ryan. He had accused them of being crazy years ago, thinking he was into Ryan, at eleven. But he knew how much they meant to Ryan, and their opinion meant to him as well. The only person's opinion that likely meant as much was his grandsire, but Oliver knew he had little chance there. He would have to settle for the twins, and hopefully maybe the dads. He was reminded, Sirius and his husband were lions in their heart to this day, and had a lot of influence on him as well.
As they headed into town, Marcus and Oliver competed for his attention. From time to time, Draco's words were in Ryan's head, but he shook them off. They were going into town as friends; they wouldn't both be into him, if at all.
Oliver looked at him. "The twins first, or lunch?"
Marcus said. "I'd think lunch. We don't need any tag alongs, well more than the one we already have."
Oliver grit his teeth. "Last I looked, you were the one who butted in."
Ryan cut in. "I agree, lunch first, I'm famished."
Oliver turned his attention to Ryan. "The Three Broomsticks?"
Ryan nodded. "It'll be nice, not so crowded. I have only been, when the whole school can go."
Marcus opened the door for him. "Next year, we could go a bit further."
Oliver pulled out a chair for Ryan, not to be beat this time. "There is a great club in London to show you, next year."
Madam Rosemerta came over with menus. "An interesting trio. What can I get you boys?"
Ryan smiled as they dug into their food later. "I'm glad you guys thought of this."
Marcus folded his napkin. "It was perhaps a bit different then I thought. But it's nice to have company on my first weekend back."
Oliver added. "A friendly face always makes it easier."
Ryan sipped his butter beer. "You know the two of you should go to a club one night or something. Not too many young teachers on staff."
Marcus hid a snicker. "I think we have different tastes."
Oliver shot him a look. "Unfortunately it seems we have the same."
Ryan enjoyed his lunch, though from time to time, he noticed the tension. He knew the two of them had never been friends when in school. They got along, and had worked together though, for Ryan. They had pulled pranks together, and protected him, when they had to. But he thought they had things in common, quidditch being the main one of course. And there were no other younger staff on campus.
Fred and George were a bit surprised to see them. They had known Ryan was coming to town to see them, but not that he was being accompanied. And most certainly not about whom he was being escorted by. Neither shocked them, simply the fact they were all together.
Fred looked at Ryan. "Glad you came. Wasn't expecting the company."
Ryan looked at them and back. "Hope you don't mind. They both wanted to come."
George shook his head. "Not at all, though it does seem crowded."
Ryan didn't think so. "I am trying to convince these two, they could hang out. They could hit the dating scene together."
Fred whispered to his twin. "I think they already are."
George snorted. "Merlin, I thought dating Adrian, would help open his eyes."
Marcus looked around. "Interesting shop."
Oliver went to Fred. "Anything to get rid of him?"
Fred snorted. "Nothing not obvious, that Ryan wouldn't guess."
Ryan may be oblivious about the guys, but he'd see a prank a mile away. The twins spoke to Ryan, and did their best, to direct him towards their old captain. Marcus was a good guy, they had done pranks with him, but Oliver was their definite choice. And even the Blacks couldn't protest, his blood and title were as old and pure, as Marcus' was, both were heirs. His pockets were just slightly lighter, and he was not a Slytherin sort.
Ryan was happy later when they both walked him back to the dungeons. "I had fun. I hope we can do this again."
Albus wasn't certain where to even start. He tried looking into social services, but while he found some trace, he came up against brick walls. He had found the child was adopted, but it seemed abroad, and no records. He thought there had to be some kind of reason for this. The chances were, the child was adopted in their world, why he couldn't be found. If he had been in the muggle world, but shown signs of magic, there was a chance for that. It just made him more determined, to find out if it was the boy, who had been the target.
He had spent his time, in the years since the war, trying to sort it out. Hector may have been saved by his mother, Albus didn't know for sure, but there had to be some reason he was a target. Neville was the pureblood, he was the obvious choice, Albus nearly wrote off Hector.
Albus located the healer who saw the twins after the attack. "I need to speak with you."
The man looked up. "How can I help you Albus?"
Albus took a seat. "I wished to speak to you about that night."
The man didn't have to ask. "We have been over this so many times."
Albus shook his head. "I wish to speak about the other boy."
The healer was surprised. "Why?"
Albus sighed. "I was wondering about any possible magic he had."
The healer shrugged. "Why don't you test him? He is at school I'd think, unless he went abroad."
Albus stopped. "Why would you think that?"
The man was confused. "He had magic, you could see that already. If Hector is in school, the boy would be."
Albus was reminded Severus always said he had. "You ran a test?"
The man smirked. "Of course. You had me test them both."
Albus shook his head. "For their health. And Hector, to see how he was affected by the spell."
The man shrugged. "Since both babies were hit by the curse, I thought you'd want to know."
Albus went white. "Both? What do you mean both?"
The healer handed him a folder. "Surely you were told, both babies were marked."
Albus looked down. "A burn, like backlash, his mother told me."
The healer agreed. "Yes a burn, but not backlash. Both babies were touched by the curse, there is no doubt."
Albus put down the folder. "Then why were you sure it was Hector?"
The man reminded him. "I wasn't, you were. The boy had magic, but he was weak."
The healer was honest, he had believed that Hector was the boy who lived. He was the one with the more visible scar. He had been told, about the prophecy, when the twins came to him. It seemed the scar on Hector, was what the prophecy spoke of, of Voldemort marking his equal. He had seen both boys had magic, though it radiated off Harry, because it was such an odd magic. He had not told Albus of the burn, as he was sure he was right, at least with the knowledge he had. But now there were doubts, both in Albus, and in the man.
Albus left the hospital, feeling more confused than he had been when he came. He had hoped the man would tell him, that there was no chance that Harry was the hero, and this would be over. He had built his power around the BWL, and if Hector wasn't it, he needed to find him now.
Albus apparated to Wales and looked at the ruins. "What am I missing?"
A voice came from behind him. "You wished to see me?"
Albus turned to see Fletcher. "I need a man of your talents."
Fletcher walked over to him. "I assume, if I get caught, you'll bail me out."
Albus smirked. "Don't I always."
Fletcher couldn't deny it. "What do you have for me this time?"
Albus handed him some files. "I need you to find someone."
Fletcher read the file. "That twin no one knows about? I thought he was dead."
Albus agreed. "As far as anyone but you needs to know, he is."
Fletcher put them in his bag. "If you expect me to go to France, I'll need some funds."
Albus handed him a pouch. "I don't know if the boy is there, but it's a start."
Fletcher pocketed the pouch. "Are the Potters wanting the boy back?"
Albus ground his teeth. "They aren't to know we are looking."
Fletcher shrugged. "As long as the money continues, you know my lips are sealed."
Albus did. "And that is exactly why I continue to use you."
Fletcher had been in and out of trouble since he got out of school. He had been in trouble during school as well. Few understood why he was in the order, but he was kept around, as he had his uses. Albus knew he was a thief, but he was able to get things, few others could. And he had no qualms about bending or breaking the laws, when they money was right. And he knew how to keep his tongue.
He was surprised to find James waiting when he got back. "Did I forget a meeting?"
James shook his head. "Molly mentioned you went to see my wife."
Albus nodded. "I wished to mend some fences."
James didn't buy it. "You didn't mention him did you?"
Albus shook his head. "You told me you wished to let it rest."
James wasn't sure to believe him. "I will not have my wife hurt."
Albus tried to assure him. "I can understand wanting to protect Hector and Lily."
James stood to leave. "You can't possibly believe that Hector is not the hero?"
Albus asked. "What would you do, if he wasn't?"
James stopped in the door, and for a moment he nearly turned, but he left. Albus truly had to wonder how the couple would react. Neither had shown much affection for Harry, since birth. They had known about the prophecy before the twins were born, and had believed Hector to be the hero, and took steps to ensure that. He was so sickly, and not the hero, they put no energy into him. They had given him up, to focus on their son who was the hero, and seemingly never looked back. They hadn't even told Hector he was a twin, to protect him, they said. But if he turned out not to be the hero, Albus wondered if they'd tell him, to claim the hero back.
He looked at a picture of Hector. "How anxious will they be to find your twin, if you turn out not to be the hero?"
Hector was busy with his classes. For the first time since his first year, he didn't have private tutoring. He thought it odd, since his father and the headmaster were on him, to better than ever. His tutor was of course fired, well he had officially been chosen to retire early, was the word. But he knew the man would have been fired, if he didn't agree to leave, and have lost his pension. Quirell was not the best, and he had learned as much as he could from the man he thought, but it was still confusing.
On Monday he headed for his first defense lesson of the New Year. He wasn't sure what to make of their new teacher. He remembered the man, who had been in his life, until he was eight. He knew the man, who he once called Uncle, had chosen the Blacks over him.
Hector waited until class ended and went to the desk. "Professor."
Remus looked up. "Hector? Can I help you?"
Hector was nervous. "I wanted to talk."
Remus motioned him to come into his office. "Is there something you need?"
Hector sat. "Professor Quirell was tutoring me."
Remus nodded. "I was told."
Hector looked down. "My father expects all of these things of me. You know being who I am."
Remus put down a book. "He always expected a lot."
Hector looked up. "I need help."
Remus sat on the edge of his desk. "My door is always open."
Hector was reluctant. "He'd be angry, if he knew."
Remus sighed. "It's up to you. But I am willing to help you."
Hector nodded. "Thank you."
Remus stopped him before he left. "We can start after dinner if you'd like."
Hector was at the door. "Yes."
Remus watched as the boy left the room, and wondered about his husband. Neither Sirius or Remus had any contact with them, in eight years. Well good, other than when Ryan and Hector were involved, in an incident. Remus had once cared a great deal about the boy, he was Hector's godfather actually. But due to the book store, Remus had been told, he was not welcome around Hector. He had often worried about him. He didn't regret his choice, he loved his husband and Ryan, his life. Besides, he couldn't have lived with himself, if he had backed James then. But there were times, no matter how Hector had acted, he felt sorry for him. He knew a lot of it had to do with being raised by James.
His husband was home when he came to their apartments. Sirius hadn't minded moving to school, it meant being closer to his nephew. Orion had been the one to suggest Remus teach for two years. It had a lot to do with keeping an eye on his grandson, to keep him safe.
Sirius kissed him but noticed his mood. "What's wrong?"
Remus sighed and explained, ending with. "I couldn't say no."
Sirius surprised him. "I'm happy you are."
Remus was taken back. "Hoping I may spy on him? Or use him against James?"
Sirius looked hurt. "You think I'd use a child?"
Remus regretted his words. "No. But I know how much you love Ryan."
Sirius agreed. "We both loved Hector too. Though because of James, we often forget."
Remus corrected him. "Over look, but never forget. He has been a victim in this."
Sirius smirked. "Not much of a victim. He is as arrogant as James. And all he has done to Ryan."
Remus conceded that. "He has grown up a lot. He helped Ryan with the Lockhart issue in second year."
Sirius pointed out. "And went back to his usual self for the next three years."
Remus pushed. "It took a lot for him to ask for help."
Sirius saw that. "James never would have."
Remus took out a book. "Maybe with someone to talk to, he may grow a bit."
Sirius kissed him. "If anyone could help make him less arrogant and more human, it's you."
Remus sighed. "I wish I had your confidence. Didn't do well with his dad."
Sirius stopped him. "James changed a lot after school. You grounded us all in school."
James had always been proud and a bit arrogant, but it changed after school. It started as an auror, and then the order, and then with the prophecy. He had been a spoiled only child, and it had always been there, but his friends kept him grounded. Hector had being a hero, and a spoiled only child, acting against him. But there were times his human side showed, and though competitive with Ryan, he had pulled fewer pranks on him. He was still cocky, and full of himself, but in a different way. Remus found some reassurance, in the boy came to him for help.
Sirius had to leave, as his father had asked him to come to London for a meeting. He found not only his father, but his brother and brother in law, waiting at Grimmauld. His father was using the house again, with Sirius at school, making it more convenient
Sirius was confused. "I hadn't known this was a family meeting."
Orion didn't have time. "We need to speak about Ryan."
Severus spoke up. "Your father received word, Fletcher is in France."
Regulus added. "And we all know who he works for."
Sirius was worried. "France? That is where….."
Orion cut him off. "Albus has started to poke again."
Regulus reminded his father. "He has no reason to think it Ryan. He did the DNA test in first year."
Severus held his husband. "Why would he look again?"
Sirius thought aloud. "He is worried Hector can't live up to the hero image."
He told them, about Hector coming to his husband for tutoring. They were surprised, knowing how arrogant the boy often was, and it being Remus. James would have had a heart attack, if he knew his son was turning to a marauder, for help. They knew Hector wasn't doing well in school, and it wasn't helping his image, as the people already doubted his hero abilities.
Regulus voiced all their thoughts. "What does he hope to gain? He can't possibly think Ryan was the hero, can he?"
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