Remus and Lily had both continued to look for Hector. Remus thought for a moment he should leave it to her but went on. He knew Hector must be more shaken than Ryan thought, from what he had heard. His heart was aching for his godson and he wanted to make sure he was okay. Remus had spoken to him with tutoring, and not simply about the class. He hadn't opened up a lot, but he had shown a very different side of him. All Remus could hope was Hector survived this, and came out stronger on the other end. Or so he truly hoped.
Hector had fled through the school not sure where to go. He knew if he got caught he'd have detention and be sent right back to the headmaster. He headed out onto the grounds though just needing to clear his head. He was surprised when he found himself in front of Hagrid's.
He had no idea why he came. "This is stupid."
Fang had started barking at him.
Hagrid appeared in the door. "Hector, what are you doing out this late?"
Hector looked at the man. "Nothing. I should be going."
Hagrid motioned him in. "You look like you could use some tea."
Hector shook his head. "It's past curfew."
Hagrid took him by the arm. "I will escort you back later, so you're not in trouble."
Hector looked at the hut. "Mum….my parents told me about tea with you."
Hagrid smiled. "I had hoped to know their son."
Hector sunk down in a chair. "I know the Black kid and his friends come."
Hagrid shrugged. "Ryan does. But I am always happy for company."
Hector pet the big dog. "I guess."
Hagrid put some tea down. "Would you like to talk about it?"
Hector looked away. "There is nothing to talk about."
Hagrid handed him tea. "Would you like a cookie?"
Hector was grateful he didn't push. "No thank you."
Hector sipped the tea as he looked out the window. He had heard stories from his dad about having tea with the man when younger. It was another one of those things he had once resented Ryan for. Ryan was the one who got to come down here and have tea with Hagrid. He had seen all of the things he expected to do and have in school, and see Ryan have them instead. Maybe there was a reason for it beyond his attitude. Maybe the universe knew he wasn't the hero and was simply keeping him in place. He shook away the thought, he knew Ryan was right.
Hagrid watched the boy and had to wonder what had brought him there. He had tried to speak to Hector before, as he had been close to both his parents in school. But the boy had shown no interest in even being civil with him until now.
There was a knock and Hector worried. "I have to go."
Hagrid motioned him to sit. "I'll let them know you were here with me."
Remus was in the door. "Is Hector with you?"
Hagrid nodded. "He is, you must have been psychic."
Remus came in and looked at Hector. "I was worried about you."
Hector stood. "Your nephew told you?"
Remus nodded. "That he ran into you. And I spoke to your mother as well."
Hector's face fell. "Oh."
Remus motioned. "Why don't you come in with me? I am sure you could use someone to talk to."
Hector turned to Hagrid and handed him his cup. "Thank you."
Hagrid took it. "You are welcome to come back any time."
Remus led Hector towards school. "I swore my door was always open."
Hector looked at him. "Ryan told me you talk about me."
Remus stopped him. "I do. If I haven't made it clear, I care about you a lot."
Hector looked at his feet. "Did she tell you?"
Remus held him. "I care nothing about who you may have been."
Hector was shaking. "You're the only one."
Remus saw Lily coming but he said. "There are others. Your mother loves you so much."
He had his problems with Lily but he knew she did. It was one of the things he could not hold against her all of this time. He did think she could have stood up to her husband and the headmaster more though. Hector needed support, and even if Remus was there, he would need more. Remus hoped Ron would prove true for Hector's sake. He could see how much the boy relied on him.
Lily came up behind her son. "Hector?"
Hector was fighting his tears. "Mum."
Lily knelt in front of him. "Hector, please know how much I love you."
Hector was fighting. "You lied to me."
Lily shook her head. "I didn't know until recently, you were not the BWL."
Hector shook his head. "About my twin."
Lily couldn't deny it. "I thought it was for the best."
Hector shook his head. "Best for who? You and dad maybe."
Lily was pained. "Hector we were trying to do it for you."
Hector spat. "I could have used a brother. Maybe he'd have taken some of dad's 'attention'.
Lily shook her head. "I know your dad is hard, but he loves you."
Hector tore away from her. "Go back to him. He seems the only one you care about."
Lily watched as her son practically clung to his godfather. She had to wonder where their relationship had picked up again. She had been surprised when Remus had been looking for Hector in the hallway. As far as she knew, they had no relationship, in years now. She was sure Albus would have told them if there was something going on there. He always said he knew everything in the school.
Lily called as her son was led off. "I am here for you Hector. I will prove that you are my top priority."
Though Remus' mind was on Hector, his husband's was not. The headmaster and his quest for Harry would always be a concern for them. But for now he had a very different concern on his mind. Ryan had been asked out by not one but two older men for a date that weekend. He had spoken to his brothers through the floo. It seemed both Oliver and Marcus had asked permission to take Ryan off campus past normal curfew. And though Orion may have only given Marcus, both boys had been granted permission. Ryan's dads wouldn't play favorites with the boys. They wanted nothing more than for their son to be happy with whomever he chose. And they saw potential in both boys.
Oliver was first up, and it seemed he would have more than just Sirius to deal with. Severus had made some excuse to come to the school. He was officially there to speak to Poppy as he did potions for the hospital wing sometimes.
Ryan was a bit nervous after class. He looked at his cousin. "Is it almost time?"
Draco laughed. "You look ready to be executed."
Blaise agreed. "And pale as if you already were."
Ryan shook his head. "I want to go really. I'm just a bit nervous."
Draco clapped him on the back. "It should be Oliver not you."
Ryan pointed out. "He has been on dates before."
Blaise reminded him. "But he is the one facing your Uncle to pick you up."
Draco asked. "Why not just have him pick you up elsewhere?"
Ryan shook his head. "It was one of the conditions, to get permission to go."
Severus shocked his son when he appeared. "Hi prince."
Ryan looked at his Papa in dread. "No."
Severus smirked. "What kind of greeting is that?"
Draco smiled when Ryan went pale. "Someone told you."
Severus laughed. "Of course. I didn't think his Uncles and Horace could do a good enough job."
Ryan looked at his cousin and whispered. "Help me."
Draco spotted Oliver coming. "I have a feeling he is the one who should be asking."
Oliver looked a bit pale when he noticed Severus. "Hello sir. I wasn't aware you were at school."
Severus motioned his son and the boy in. "Right on time."
Ryan sent one last look at his cousin and friend before going in. Draco was laughing and couldn't even try and hide it if he wanted. He had no idea why his cousin was so worried about this. It was Oliver who was meeting the parents and not Ryan. Maybe his cousin was worried Oliver would be run off. Draco and Blaise were reminded it would be a good thing as it would leave the door open for Marcus.
Oliver was no less nervous about this than Ryan. He had been okay with meeting them as he knew it was to be expected. He was happy he gained permission to take Ryan out for more than a very early dinner. He wished they could go further, to ensure Marcus wasn't around.
Severus eyed up the boy. "So, you are looking to take my son out? My only son."
Oliver took a deep breath. "I am sir. I would like to treat him to dinner."
Sirius watched. "I may be pleased you are a lion, but you're a lot older."
Oliver couldn't deny it. "Four years, but I have known your son for six. And I did well in school."
Ryan reminded them. "Quidditch captain, prefect, kept the twins in line."
Severus eyed his son. "Your dad thinks you perhaps should have a chaperone."
Ryan gulped. "Papa."
Sirius agreed. "Perhaps a double date with your Uncle and I."
Oliver spoke up. "George and Angie have offered, if needed."
Ryan looked at his Papa. "Papa?"
Severus nodded. "But I will be keeping an eye on your Mr. Wood."
Sirius agreed. "I could have charges found against you."
Oliver gulped. "I promise to bring Ryan back in one piece."
Ryan led him towards the door. "They are just joking."
Severus saw the nasty look his son shot them. "Be home on time, not a second late."
As they headed out, Ryan was worried Oliver would regret his choice. He hadn't thought it was a date when Oliver had asked him out. Now he knew it was, he was so nervous. He knew he had one with Marcus as well but still. He was confused how he felt but he still wanted to go out. He was happy Oliver still led him towards town. George and Angelina seemed to know they would be needed.
Ryan apologized. "I'm sorry about this. Not likely what you had in mind."
Oliver hid a smile. "I know I was planning on sneaking you up to a hotel room."
George was close enough to hear. "Watch it, or I may have to tell his dads on you."
Ryan looked at him. "I never took you for Papa's stooge. I thought you'd try tomorrow only."
Angelina laughed. "He was just joking I promise."
Oliver led him into the Cauldron. "If it keeps your Uncles away, I am not opposed to the company."
George looked hurt. "Here I thought you'd be excited we were joining you."
Angelina said out loud. "How much do you want to bet, there will be no doubles required tomorrow?"
Ryan shook his head. "It was Papa, not Grandsire."
Oliver ordered some drinks for them. "I am hoping the whole Black family comes tomorrow."
Ryan sipped his butter beer. "After Papa, I would not put it past them."
Though it was odd having company, dinner went well. There wasn't much to do in town and they couldn't go any further than Hogsmeade. Oliver could be patient though until Ryan was a senior and could. He hoped to be rid of his competition by then. George and Angie were good for some laughs and to fill some silence when nerves broke in. But they allowed the two of them to talk one on one as well.
Ryan looked at George after dinner. "You don't have to follow us do you?"
George lifted an eyebrow. "Not eloping are you?"
Oliver smirked. "No. We thought we'd wait for our second date."
George laughed when he saw Ryan blush. "I guess I can trust you to get him back in one piece."
Ryan was surprised when they didn't head right back. "Where?"
Oliver shrugged. "It's a nice night, I thought we could take a walk."
Ryan agreed. "I'd like that."
They stayed out for another hour before Oliver led him home. He stopped himself from kissing Ryan. "I had a good time."
Ryan felt a bit disappointed in no kiss he could admit. "I did too."
Oliver touched his face. "I'd like to do it again."
Ryan flushed. "I would too."
Severus appeared in the door. "Three minutes to spare."
Ryan turned to his Papa. "I was just coming in."
Severus looked at Oliver. "Good to see you can be trusted."
Oliver smiled. "Good night Ryan."
It seems Ryan was going to spend the night with his Uncles. He hadn't intended to, but they insisted as did his Papa who remained. He had been dropped off there as he knew they'd want to see him. He doubted Draco or Blaise would be surprised when he didn't come back. He'd tell them about his date in the morning. He headed for bed, without telling his family much, still a bit flushed.
Sirius saw the look and suddenly was anxious. "You don't think he kissed him do you? Not on a first date."
Ryan did manage to escape his family for quidditch practice in the morning and lunch. He noticed Oliver wasn't at practice though. He had got accustomed to seeing him there, and worried. Draco noticed his look towards the stands, as did most of the team. They had noticed the missing person as well. Draco for a moment had to wonder if Marcus had hexed Oliver or something. Though he would never admit it, it was quite clear that their former captain wasn't happy about the night before. He had thought he had finally beat Oliver to something.
After lunch Draco noticed Ryan slipped away from the hall quite quickly. For a moment he wondered if his cousin was chickening out of the date. But he knew Ryan was excited even if he was also nervous about it. And he managed to survive the nerves with Oliver.
Marcus came his way. "Have you seen Ryan?"
Draco nodded. "He headed for his Uncle Horace's rooms."
Marcus sighed. "I was kind of hoping to catch him first."
Blaise was surprised. "Not cancelling are you?"
Draco smirked. "Standing him up might be even more dangerous to your health."
Marcus shook his head. "Just hoping to avoid that."
Draco laughed. "Won't be able to. Heard Uncle Sev had fun with the lion last night."
Blaise tried to assure him. "But you're a former snake. They're bound to like you more."
Marcus hoped so. "His Uncles no."
Draco pointed out. "You apprentice with one, and one is our head of house. Sirius you're on your own with."
Marcus headed for the stairs. "I guess there is no time like this."
Draco called as he was going. "Better not be late. Good impressions and all."
Blaise saw Hector in the door. "What are you looking at?"
Hector glared. "Nothing." He stormed to his table, and surprised everyone, where he sat.
Draco looked at Blaise. "He is talking to your girlfriend."
Blaise ground his teeth. "Hermione can talk to anyone she chooses."
Hermione eventually came over and kissed Blaise. "Ready for town?"
Blaise nodded but asked. "What were you and Hector so chummy about?"
Hermione smiled. "He asked me to help tutor him."
Draco thought she went mad. "Seriously?"
She shrugged. "If offered before. He has seemed more human of late."
Hermione and Blaise headed off, and Draco went to find Pansy. He was a bit surprised with the news Hector wanted her help to study. He hadn't called her names in a few years, but still. He was usually too full of himself to even think of asking for help. Blaise was being honest, he didn't have a problem with it. Hermione was a lion and she had friends in the house, including her former boyfriend. Blaise could live with that.
Marcus took a deep breath, as he stopped in front of the painting to his old head's rooms. He wondered how many would be waiting for him. He had seen Oliver briefly that morning. Oliver had wished him good luck with the run down, before he headed for town.
Horace answered. "Marcus, come on in."
Marcus saw both dads were there this time. "Good afternoon. I was hoping Ryan was ready to go."
Regulus took first shot. "What are your plans for my son?"
Marcus turned to him. "I thought we'd have lunch and perhaps a bit of shopping."
Ryan appeared in the door. "Dad."
Regulus looked at his son. "I have the right to ask."
Ryan smirked. "You have known him since he was three."
Sirius pointed out. "That doesn't mean he is good for you."
Ryan looked to Moony. "He is your apprentice."
Remus smiled a little. "He does seem a responsible young man."
Regulus said. "I would prefer if you were not out alone.'
Ryan pointed out. "My friends are in town this weekend too. I am sure Draco will likely be close by."
Regulus kissed his son on the head. "Have a good time."
Sirius snarled at Marcus. "He better come back with no mark on him."
Ryan took Marcus by the arm. "We better leave before they change their mind."
Marcus was happy to go and to get out of there in one piece. He was willing to face it as he liked Ryan and wanted to date him. He thought Ryan would have it much easier with his parents. He knew his dad was all for the two of them dating as he had said it more than once. He knew sometimes his father wished arranged marriages were still allowed. His mother was always wanting him to follow his heart.
In town they started with a bit of shopping, as they had just had lunch a while back. They avoided the twins' shop Ryan noticed. He wasn't really surprised, considering the twins' opinion. Marcus had to know that they supported Oliver over him.
Before dinner Marcus noticed something. "That's odd."
Ryan looked at him. "Something wrong?"
Marcus shook his head. "I just haven't see many dogs in our world. Other than Fang that is."
Ryan was suspicious. "What color?"
Marcus was a little confused. "Black. Almost as big as Fang."
Ryan gritted his teeth. "I should have known."
Marcus didn't know. "Is something wrong?"
Ryan shook his head. "How about we go for dinner?"
Marcus agreed. "I am hungry. And we won't have to rush back."
Ryan smiled a little. "Worried are you?"
Marcus laughed. "You're not the one with the inquisition waiting for any reason to lynch you."
Ryan couldn't deny it. "Thanks for being so good about them."
Marcus assured him as they sat down. "I can put up with it, for you."
They had a nice dinner there and Ryan definitely laughed a lot. Draco and Pansy were there though they left earlier as they had normal curfew. Like the night before, Ryan and Marcus enjoyed a more leisurely walk back to his rooms. He had hoped the two dates may clear up confusion for him. But he could admit he had liked both of them. He felt the same disappointment, when there was no kiss.
He shook his head when he went into his rooms and found them all. "Back with twenty minutes to spare."
Regulus kissed his son. "I hope you had a good time."
Ryan smiled and nodded. "I did."
Remus looked at him. "Should we be checking for any marks?"
Ryan shot a look at his Uncle Siri. "You can ask him over there."
Sirius went red. "So you saw me?"
Ryan shook his head. "Marcus did. Big dogs do stand out in a wizarding town."
Ryan left, but he could hear the talk as he did. No one had known where Sirius had disappeared off to. Remus had his suspicions but his husband mentioned having to go in for work. He hadn't followed the night before. But then again the night before had been a double date. And the date had been a lion which of course met with Sirius' approval. His nephew may be a snake but he held out hope for the next generation.
Regulus shook his head. "You may just have to live with the idea of him marrying another snake."
An: So a bit fluffy, but I wanted to show his dates with both men. And there was some of Hector in there as well. Promise less fluff next time.
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