Regulus and his husband shared a look with his father. Nicholas confirmed he knew, in all but words, where Harry was. They knew the man wasn't a fool, and he knew they had adopted Ryan. They doubted he would put their son at risk; he seemed genuine what he spoke of. Orion knew a lot about the man, and he knew he was honest. He had heard rumors, that he had once been close to the Blacks, and he knew he was his dad's godfather as well. Orion had sworn he would do all he could to protect his grandson, first to his son and son in law, and later to his wife. Wallburga would come back from beyond the veil, and haunt him for the rest of his life, if he didn't protect Ryan.

Nicholas watched them. He had done his research, and while not sure if correct, he had it confirmed. The family had done an amazing job covering their tracks, and he knew even Albus was fooled, but he knew where Harry was.

Nicholas took out his wand. "I swear an oath on my magic, to protect the child once known as Harry Potter, from all risks, on my very life."

Severus found his voice. "Neither Sirius nor I could leave him there."

Nicholas turned to look at him. "I would have been surprised."

Regulus continued. "As we assume you have guessed, Severus and I have raised him as our own."

Nicholas looked at Orion. "You have known?"

Orion nodded. "Both my wife and I did, though the boys didn't know that at first. He is our grandson, my heir."

Nicholas smiled. "An elemental, it seems fate."

Regulus looked at him. "You sent your phoenix to the school?"

Nicholas turned. "It will be a one time occurrence. I won't take such a risk with a Black."

Severus let out a breath. "Ryan is unaware he is adopted."

Regulus added. "And we'd do anything to keep it that way."

Nicholas nodded. "Then I should perhaps know more. Who is the mother of the boy? I know he is considered a pureblood."

Orion motioned him to sit. "I'll have some food brought."

Severus helped his husband into a seat. "Penelope Krum. She was at school with us."

Nicholas took up his chair. "Horace Slughorn, your old tutor if I remember correctly, his niece."

Severus confirmed it. He assured the man, Albus was unaware he and Horace remained close, or even in contact over the years. Albus of course had no idea, that Horace paid for Severus to take his exams. Even without knowing, Albus had run two DNA tests; they learned he had done a second one back in fourth year, from two different healers. Both had confirmed, and Albus was sure there was no tampering, Penelope Krum was his mother. Poppy had known it may happen, and had kept extra blood adopted samples on hand, just in case it occurred. Horace and Severus still kept their distance publically. When Horace was seen with Ryan it was alone, or with Regulus, when it was public.

Nicholas had been confused, when he thought it the child. He never believed either Orion or Wallburga would have a half-blood heir. He was blood adopted, which was enough for Orion, but Wallburga he knew was different. The three men filled in the blanks for him.

Nicholas leaned back in his chair. "I'd offer aid in training him, but that would put him at greater risk."

Orion agreed. "We are already taking every precaution, to allow me."

Regulus added. "The centaurs are training as well."

Severus asked. "Ryan has suffered headaches."

Nicholas was not surprised. "I was worried about that."

Orion paled. "It's him?"

Nicholas sighed. "He will be looking for ways to unveil Harry to him, even blood adopted."

Regulus pointed out. "He is blood adopted. There is no way to remove it, or reveal the original birth."

Severus agreed. "He couldn't have tracked our son."

Nicholas corrected them. "Not his identity. But a general location, and that he is alive, if he used his mother."

Regulus smirked. "And of course Lily the spineless, would agree."

Severus couldn't disagree. "The UK? What good is that?"

Nicholas pointed out. "If he is an elemental, he'd have the magic for Hogwarts."

Orion finished for him. "And he can look at the kids in the school."

Regulus pointed out. "Not all kids go there. If his parents were trying to protect him, they may have chosen to keep him home."

Nicholas agreed. "But he will be trying to test, see if there are elementals at the school."

He had done it, with both Sirius and Regulus, many years ago. Albus had to know, Poppy would already be suspicious, and not be tricked again. She had caught on the last time, and threatened to go to Orion, if he tried that again. But there were other ways that he could use. There were even potions, which could be added to food even. It was likely he added it to two different age ranges. The fact was Ryan was so small, that it would have been possible with spells, to trick the age on the books as well. Ryan could be thought to be at least a year younger.

Nicholas had done his research. "There are antidotes to be used."

Orion took the list from him. "Horace will be able to handle this."

Severus mentioned the tea. "Magorian gave it to Ryan."

Nicholas raised an eyebrow. "I believed Ryan didn't know."

Regulus shrugged. "Our son knows to be careful around the man."

Severus added. "And Magorian just said for the headaches."

Orion reminded the man. "Albus has always had it out for our family."

Nicholas smirked. "All old bloods, though he does have a special hatred for you and Lucius."

Lucius' father had been just as active as Orion before his death. The way he had died, had been the reason Eileen had gone into hiding. Abraxas had taught his son everything he was, and Lucius was a watered down version of his father in fact. Albus hated all old bloods, and their born powers, but especially those who flaunted the power. Of course Lucius and the Blacks were at the top of the list.

Nicholas went to leave. "Any aid you require, I have sworn is yours. I have a great deal to make up for, ever training the man to be what he is."


Ryan had spent a few days with his Uncle. The dizzy spells and headaches had been bad at first. He hadn't known why, but he knew they were somehow linked to his earth powers. Firenze had confirmed it, but gone into little detail, because the others were out there. The tea started to help though, and after a few days, he didn't suffer from them. He had trouble, and he knew he would never have hid the pain, without the tea. On one or two occasions his professors had noticed he was pale, but had not worried about him. Marcus and Oliver were the only ones who knew he had a dizzy spell, not even Draco or Blaise knew, and they usually knew everything. And he knew Oliver and Marcus could be trusted with it.

Ryan hadn't had his usual class with Firenze early in the week. He had actually joined Sinistra for the class, so it wasn't questioned. Ryan was a bit worried, and perhaps upset, it had easily become his favorite. He loved the stars, but he was also learning about healing, like with Poppy.

Ryan was happy when his Thursday class was kept. "Finally."

Draco turned to him. "Do you want me to come down?"

Ryan shook his head. "No. Marcus is walking me."

Blaise grinned when he heard that. "Alone?"

Ryan turned to look at him. "Do you doubt his ability to get me there in one piece?"

Draco snorted. "No, it just seems he usually can't get you alone."

Blaise smiled. "Oliver probably feels the same. Marcus is joining a lot."

Ryan shrugged. "I don't think they mind. I think they'll be friends yet."

Draco whispered to Blaise. "If they both survive this."

Blaise agreed. "I'd worry if I was one of their families, they may be missing their heir."

Draco shook his head. "Oliver better be careful, last I looked, his family has none to spare."

Ryan watched them. "Oliver is an only child. I don't know what is so interesting about that."

Before either could answer Marcus appeared. "Are you ready to go?"

Ryan nodded. "I am."

Marcus led him out. "I thought on Saturday you may come out for dinner with me."

Ryan reminded him. "I'm not a senior, I have to be back by 6, it would have to be early."

Marcus shrugged. "You can if you have permission from your parents."

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Should I even ask?"

Marcus shook his head. "Not yet. But I doubt they'll say no."

Ryan didn't deny it. "They may insist on a chaperone."

Marcus smirked. "As long as it isn't a red head or a certain coach."

Ryan shrugged. "Oh Oliver and I have plans for an early dinner on Friday."

Marcus simmered, as he walked Ryan down to his class. He had no idea, how the damned lion always seemed to beat him to things. He thought for sure he had the leg up this time. He knew Ryan's dads would give Oliver permission, if he asked to take Ryan out, past curfew. Any student could leave campus, if accompanied by their family. A sixth year could leave on weekends, including Friday afternoons, before 6pm. But they could remain until an hour before dorm curfew, if they had specific permission from their guardian. Not even the headmaster could stop them, unless he had a specific reason, like detention. Marcus didn't think the Blacks would be opposed to him.

Ryan thought for a moment, his friends may not be too crazy. Maybe the guys were not just asking him out as a friend for dinner. He hadn't thought about it with Oliver, but the talk of chaperones and permission, stuck with him now.

As they talked and walked Ryan muttered. "I wish Adrian was here."

Marcus heard. "Should I feel jealous?"

Ryan looked up flushed. "What?"

Marcus pointed out. "I get you away from the lion, and you're thinking about my former chaser."

Ryan shrugged. "We did date for a year."

Marcus knew but also knew it was very platonic. "Decided it would be easier?"

Ryan shook his head. "No, he's always just been good for advice."

Marcus hid his relief. "I guess I'd prefer him, over the twins."

Firenze appeared before Ryan responded. "Right on time Ryan."

Ryan turned to Firenze. "I was anxious, I missed class the other night."

Marcus spoke. "I'll be able to pick you up in a few hours."

Ryan was shocked when in the woods he found another centaur. He bowed. "Greetings of the moon and stars."

Magorian smiled. "I have been anxious to meet with you young one. My son speaks so highly of you."

Ryan had been excited, when he had been told by Firenze, he'd get to meet the centaur lord. Firenze was his eldest son and heir, Bane and Ronan younger. Firenze was the only son without a wife and kids, there were female centaurs, they just remained with the kids in the village. But his first lesson with the lord centaur had been delayed, even before his headaches. He knew what an honor it was.

Magorian spoke to him, about some healing herbs and magic for most of the evening. Some part of Ryan wondered if he wanted to speak of something else, but the centaur lord promised to teach him. Ryan knew from Firenze, his father was not only leader, but their best healer.

Magorian was impressed. "You show a natural aptitude."

Ryan flushed. "Herbology, plus potions with Papa and Uncle Horace, and healing with Aunt Poppy."

Magorian noticed how Ryan flinched when he used the last one. "No worries young one, your secrets are safe among us."

Ryan was relieved. "I know. Grandsire told me I could always trust you."

Magorian went to lead him back to the edge. "Your family does you well. They will keep you safe."

Ryan smiled a little. "I know."

Magorian saw Marcus on the edge. "Your friends as well."

Ryan nodded. "He is scared of my family at least."

Magorian made a sound almost a laugh. "Neither the men who follow your path, are guided by your family."

Ryan had his words in his head, and talk about dinners, in his head as he joined Marcus. He would have once thought Magorian was wrong. He believed in his first years, it was not only because he was in their house, that the older kids kept him safe. The lions he knew it was in spite of his family, and because of the twins, they did. But the Blacks were power, and many old bloods would respect that. But his opinions had changed.

Ryan thanked Marcus when they got back to his dorms. "I look forward to dinner."


Albus had been looking and looking for any sign. Adoption wasn't common in their world, and no one ever spoke of them. And if the baby had been adopted from a muggle orphanage, especially by an old blood family, no one would speak of it. They would want to protect their name and honor, and not have anyone think their heir was a half-blood or muggle born. He had checked, double checked, and triple checked all he had found. The baby had been registered with muggle social services, he had been found in Surrey, and had been turned in. He had no idea how the child had ended up back in the UK, as his research showed him in France. He had Fletcher still down there, trying to show how he was there. He was looking into Beauxbautons as well. The spell told him his essence was in the UK, but if his adoptive family was French, he may have been sent away to school. And he looked to fifth years as well, age could be faked well enough. There had to be some way to find this child.

He had added the potions to the food of all of the kids. The elves had been hard to convince, they belonged to the school, and not to him. He had made sure it was added to all of the food, so the elves wouldn't be suspicious, of what it was about.

James came into his office. "We were hoping for some news."

Lily was at her husband's side. "It's been over a week."

Albus motioned them in. "Quite anxious I see."

James pulled out a chair for his wife. "We have discussed it."

Lily sunk down. "We're not sure yet we'll tell him. But we'd like to speak to his family at least."

Albus suspected it would go further. "Unfortunately the potion seems to have had no results."

Lily shook her head. "Is there something else we can try?"

James agreed with his wife. "There must be."

Albus watched them. "Perhaps we should slow it down. You haven't told Hector yet."

Lily was white. "No. I am not quite certain how to tell him."

James held her hand. "I'm sure he'll understand."

Lily shook her head. "The whole we lied to him about having a twin? Or that he isn't who he thinks he is?"

Albus tried to reassure her. "He is still your son and heir. You can make him understand."

Lily pointed out. "We have reminded him he is the hero, every day of his life. Now we're going to tell him he isn't."

Albus sighed. "Only if you decide to find the other, and reveal him."

Albus had no idea if he could get his hands on the boy. He had every intention of the couple claiming him, though he had to manipulate them into believing that it was their choice alone. They needed to find the boy. If they never did, then the world would be allowed to believe Hector was the hero, as they never had to doubt that. But if they found Harry, then Hector would have to be prepared, as he would be on the out. He just had no control, no great power, and he was a laugh to most people. He thought the boy might be relieved to slip into the shadows.

James seemed to blindly trust the man, but Lily had more and more doubts every time she spoke to Albus. For a moment she wondered, what would happen to either of her sons, if this came out. For a moment she had a sickening feeling, she may be ruining two lives, through this.

James looked at his wife. "You look a million miles away."

Lily shook out of her thoughts. "I was thinking about him."

James put a hand on hers. "We both have. It will be amazing to see him again."

Albus smirked a bit inside. "Have you thought at all about how you'd approach him?"

James shrugged. "We thought he was with Lily's sister. We were trying to protect him."

Lily muttered under her breath. "Do we really think he'll buy that?"

James' head snapped to look at her. "Why wouldn't he?"

Lily pointed out. "Our lack of care for him, didn't go unnoticed."

Albus tried to reassure her. "Most of the world didn't know about him. We'll just emphasize it was done to keep him safe."

Lily shook her head. "And his godfathers? How many times did Severus and the marauders accuse us of neglect?"

James sneered. "High and mighty of them. They never bothered to look for him."

Albus reminded him. "I put a spell on the house after I left him. They'd never have found him."

Lily held a blanket in her hands. "They will tell him, if they get the chance."

James didn't worry. "We'll just make sure he doesn't trust them. Look at how we turned Hector against them."

Lily could admit she regretted it. She thought of Remus, the one marauder who had been her friend, longer than he had been James'. Well as long, though she and Remus had been closer, back in the first years. She knew how much the man cared about Hector. But after the book store, James would never have allowed the man near his son, no matter her own thoughts.

Albus walked them towards the door. "You should consider how to tell your son."

Lily glared at him. "Which one?"

James gave her a warning look. "Lils."

Lily snapped at her husband. "It's a fair question James. I am sick of these games."

Albus spoke up. "Both, I guess. I have some other ideas to try."

James shook his head. "We won't tell Hector until we know."

Lily rung her hands. "I still don't know how."

James tried to hold her hand. "He'll understand, about not being the hero. And the importance of his twin."

Lily shook her head. "Will he? We have spoiled him, praised him. This will hurt him."

Albus tried. "You just have to make him understand, it was all done for the better good."

Lily snapped. "The better good be damned. This is our son, OUR sons, you are talking about."

This man seemed to think he knew what was best for everyone, and she often thought he had, in the past. But she had started to doubt he would. He did what was best for him, and her son, both of her sons, seemed to have been pawns for him. She knew she wasn't innocent, but her blood was starting to boil, and she knew she had to act. Even if her husband wouldn't, she had to try and take some kind of stand here.

A surprise visitor appeared in the door, well a surprise to all but Albus. "What are you talking about? What?"

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