Ryan and Draco were not the only kids at Black manor for the night. To the surprise of most, Hector was staying with them as well. Hector was still refusing to have much contact with his father. He would have stayed with his godfather, but Sirius was staying at his family manor as always. In the years since Ryan entered their family, the family banded together, in times like this. James was an even bigger surprise at the manor. He had been invited to come, and be there for his son through this. Hector hadn't protested his dad coming, so he had agreed to be there as well. The house was full, as the twins would be staying with them as well. They knew that Ryan was in bad shape, and they were shaken as well. They were friends with Oliver for many years, and the news he was in a coma, had been a hard blow for them as well.
James went to find his son before dinner. They were trying to have the next few days as normal for the kids as possible, before the trial. With Ryan and Hector they had no idea how to do so. Hector was mourning his mum, and Ryan was anxious about Oliver.
Ryan stumbled on him first. "Hector?"
Hector didn't look up. "I'm fine."
Ryan sunk down. "Well I'm not."
Hector looked at him a bit. "Oliver."
Ryan nodded. "I can't lose him."
Hector managed a smirk. "Have you chosen him then?"
Ryan sighed. "I don't know. I care about him so much, and I don't want him to die. I want to kiss him again, I want to see him smile…."
Hector finished for him. "But Marcus is still in the running?"
Ryan nodded. "I hate choosing between them, but I don't want the choice taken like this."
Hector understood. "He will come back to you. We lions don't like losing to snakes."
Ryan managed a small laugh. "I think that goes both ways."
Hector shrugged. "You could always have a threesome."
Ryan blushed a little. "I don't think they'd go for it."
Hector smirked. "So you have thought about it?"
Ryan went even redder. "You're not the first person to joke about it."
James had come out into the garden and saw the two of them together. A few years ago, heck a few weeks ago, that would have made him furious. But it was good to see his son smiling again. He couldn't hear what the boys were talking about from where he was. He thought it odd that they may find comfort in each other. Ron was being brought, as Hector didn't have any friends here. Ryan though had his cousin and the twins, and yet he seemed to seek out Hector. If it was helping his son, he wouldn't protest them talking together.
Sirius had come out, looking for his godson, and stood next to James. He was only a bit less surprised to see the two of them together. Unlike James, he knew Ryan had been tutoring him. He wondered if the two could become friends, even if never knowing they were twins.
James noticed him. "I wished to speak to my son."
Sirius shook his head. "It might be good for them."
James sighed. "I know."
Sirius thought. "I know you don't like Slytherins, but Ryan is a good kid."
James cut him off. "He has a lot of his Uncles in him."
Sirius smiled. "I sometimes like to think so."
James turned back. "If he had his twin….."
Sirius sighed. "James, let it rest. Harry is gone."
James wasn't sure he could back off. "He is my son. I owe it to Lily, to find out if he is safe."
Sirius shook his head. "Lily told you before she died, to stop."
James wasn't listening. "She did. But I know she died wanting to know where he was."
Sirius said before leaving. "Your wife died in peace, knowing her youngest was safe."
James turned to him. "You know where he is?"
All Sirius would say was. "I swore when he was born, I'd always protect him."
James followed. "Tell me where he is. I need to see he is okay."
Sirius frowned. "Focus on the son you have. If you truly mean it, that you want Harry happy, leave him."
James was starting to feel guilt about abandoning Harry. When they started looking, he could admit it was because Harry was the hero. But his wife hadn't been the only one, who the guilt had been eating away at. He had never even held his youngest, he didn't even bother to name him. Harry had been an after-thought, for Lily's father. They had actually said once, if they had a second son, they'd name him William for James' dad. Sirius reminded him, Harry had been with a family somewhere for fifteen years. He had a whole life beyond them. Like Lily, he wouldn't tell details, but that Harry was far away and very much loved. And that he had no idea who he really was.
Hector came and found his dad later. "Dad."
James turned. "Hector."
Hector came towards him. "They asked me to find you for dinner."
James should have known. "I'll be there in a moment."
Hector stopped. "Thank you for letting me stay here."
James took his son by the arms. "Please believe me, I just want what is best for my sons."
Hector was starting to believe it. "Then leave Harry alone."
James had to ask. "You truly don't want your twin?"
Hector shook his head. "I would love a brother. But I won't let him be a public freak like I was."
James shook his head. "You weren't a freak."
Hector laughed. "I spent my life being stared at. It will be worse for him. I want him happy."
James kissed his son on the head. "Then I will stop looking."
Hector looked up. "You mean it?"
James nodded. "I have one son I can help. You are my priority."
Hector allowed his father to hold him, the first time since just after his mother died. They had been both suffering and grieving over her loss, but on their own. Hector had his godfathers and Ron, and others, but he had needed his father. No matter the problems, he knew how much his parents had been in love. He loved his father, and he knew his father loved him, even if he sometimes used him for his hero status. But now he wasn't the hero, he held to the hope his father would be there, and would no longer have such doubts.
James held him. "After the trial we will spend Christmas in France. Your mother always loved our home down there. Just you and me."
The school has been dismissed for Christmas break a week early. The news of Albus' arrest had sent shock waves through their entire world. Not everything was made public yet, but the bit that was, was enough. Many parents had started removing their kids when they had found out. Minerva, who was acting headmistress until a new one was appointed, thought it best just to end the term now. Minerva would likely take over officially as head of the school. She had been deputy for decades, and there was no doubt she had the school's best interest at heart. Sometimes she followed the headmaster blindly, but there was no doubt she was loyal to the cause and not him. She may have seemed cold, but she did love the students and always have their safety at heart as well. Orion planned to support her appointment, as soon as Albus was dealt with.
The trial of Albus Dumbledore started two days after his arrest. Their legal world moved quicker than muggles, especially for such serious cases. It took a few days though, for all the evidence to be shown against the man. There were years and years, and numerous testimonies as well.
Severus looked at his son the final day. "I am still not sure about you going."
Ryan wasn't backing down. "I am going Papa."
Regulus was next to his son. "I'll take you to the hospital."
Severus agreed. "You don't need to go through this."
Ryan wouldn't back down. "I'm going. I want to see this finished."
Orion chuckled from the door. "Showing your Black blood more and more."
Severus had to agree. "I just wish you chose a better time."
Ryan reminded them. "Hector and Draco will be there."
Regulus couldn't argue. "But your Uncle is no happier than we are."
Severus took his son by the arms. "You don't have to go. The man will pay."
Ryan knew. "I don't want to see the kiss. But I want to be there."
Orion spoke. "He has as much right as any of us."
Severus gave in. "We will be going to the hospital after anyways."
Regulus saw his son's look. "Your Papa thinks the antidote for the Longbottoms is ready."
Ryan was happy to hear it. "Neville would be so happy if they woke."
Severus reminded his son they may not make a full recovery, but it would still mean a lot. If they woke up, and could speak to their son, would be a huge change. They sometimes came around and spoke, but they were in their own world, and usually in a time before Neville was born. He had never had his parents, they had never had a lucid moment, since he was a baby. Severus hoped the potion could at least give that to Neville and his grandmother. He just wished he had been able to save Lily, and that there was a way to help Oliver as well.
Neville and his Gran were at the ministry to no surprise. Draco had come with his parents, reminding them Abraxas was his grandfather. Hector had come with his dad and Sirius to the ministry. The twins and Ron were there as well. Albus had hurt many generations it seems.
Albus was brought in. "I will be freed and you will all regret this."
Severus squeezed his son's hand. "He knows he is done for."
Draco looked across. "Who is the man on his side? He looks familiar."
Lucius sighed. "He runs the Hogs head in Hogsmeade. He is Albus' younger brother Aberforth."
Regulus added. "His brother supported him after he got out of prison. I guess he is repaying the favor."
The judge began. "Albus Dumbledore you have been found guilty of all charges against you."
Albus stared at her like she was crazy. "There is no way. I did it all for the war."
Amelia stood. "For the most serious offense of murder, you have been sentenced to the kiss."
Albus was literally being dragged off. "This is a farce. You can't do this to me. This is a farce."
Hector held to his dad. "Mum has justice."
Lucius held his own son. "And my father after all these years."
Ryan looked at his Papa. "Nanny is finally safe."
Severus nodded. "I don't know if she'll come out, but you two can be much closer."
Orion thought as he followed his family out. "I kept my promise Wallburga. Our grandson is finally safe."
Aberforth went to spend some last minutes with his son. Orion had signed an agreement, any personal money and possessions of Albus would not be seized, but go to his brother instead. Most was personal family money anyways. For all his crimes, he hadn't gained much financially from it. All of his victims had signed the agreement. Aberforth may have sat behind his brother, but he had been the final nail. He had pointed them to the potions master who had helped his brother. It was a contact he had from his Grindewald days. The man had been arrested.
At the hospital Augusta came their way. "I have been told you gave the potion to the healers."
Severus turned to her. "It may take some time to work, and any progress will be slow."
Augusta nodded. "Neville and I know. But it's the first hope we have ever had."
Neville smiled a little. "I may get to have my Mum actually hug me."
Ryan looked at his Papa when the two went. "I am happy you could help him."
Severus held his son. "I wish I had a way to wake Oliver for you."
Regulus came up beside them. "Oliver just needs time."
Fred came to his side. "Our old team is visiting Oliver. They'd like to see you."
Regulus put a hand on his husband. "He knows you'd help if you could."
Severus sighed. "I just wish there was more."
Irma surprised them with her arrival. "You are always too hard on yourself."
Severus was surprised to see her there. She reminded her son what he had told Ryan, it was now safe for them to be seen in public. Irma Pince had no reason to be on friendly terms with Severus. But Severus could now be public with not only his Mum, but Poppy and Horace again. With Horace and Poppy he could before, just limited. Poppy he did work for, and Horace was his son's believed Uncle. Irma told her son she was still not thinking about coming back as Eileen. She loved her life as it was, other than wanting to be close to her son and grandson.
She looked down the way Ryan had went. "I knew he could use me."
The trial had concluded two days before Christmas. The mood for Christmas was definitely toned down this year than most. James had kept his promise, and whisked his son off to France. He hadn't been sure Hector would be willing to go, and they had been invited to stay with the Blacks. But Hector had agreed to go away with his dad. They were both reminded how much Lily had loved the home. The family had lived there the first few years after the war, when it was thought best, for them to be out of the country. James hoped some time away would help them both.
Ryan and his family would be home for the holidays which wasn't unusual for them. Ryan was happy the twins would be staying with them for part. Plans for a Christmas eve party had already been thrown out. And at that point, so did New Years as well.
On Christmas Eve Ryan was with Fred and Draco. "It doesn't even feel like a holiday."
Fred looked around. "It doesn't look like it at all."
Draco knew he was trying to joke. "The elves tried to make it festive for us."
Ryan looked at the gifts. "I had bought Oliver's just before he….."
Fred squeezed his hand. "He is going to make it through this."
Marcus appeared in the door. "See he is just milking it."
Ryan managed a small laugh. "He better know than, he milks it too long, I'll dump him just for worrying me."
Marcus grinned. "Maybe I should slip him a sleeping potion."
Ryan was about to say something when his Papa appeared. "Papa, I thought you were at work."
Severus stopped. "I was. But I got word from the hospital."
Ryan shot up. "Oh no, what's wrong?"
Draco put a hand on him. "Your Papa doesn't seem too upset."
Severus smiled. "I was led to believe the news was good."
Ryan's heart was pounding. "Oliver?"
Severus led his son towards the floo. "We will have to find out."
Severus hadn't been told, just that he should come and bring their son as well. Regulus had been at the hospital, and placed a floo call. He hadn't said much, other than it was good news. Fred and Draco went to come with them. George was at the shop, as Ryan had insisted. He had known they had been leaving their shop to employees since this all happened. But this was a busy time of year. They had compromised, and they had been taking turns going to the shop. They had also been home to spend time with their family as well.
Ryan was surprised when they weren't taken to Oliver's rooms. His dad and grandsire were waiting for them further down the hall. Ryan realized they were the rooms that he heard mentioned the Longbottoms could be moved into. They had been in a public ward before.
Ryan saw the patient name on the door. "The Longbottoms?"
Regulus nodded. "They were moved an hour ago."
Severus reminded himself. "They were in the public ward since they were in such a state."
Ryan had to ask. "Are they awake?"
Neville answered. "My mum is."
Augusta stood with him. "And Frank has come out of the coma."
Ryan was so happy for them. "I am so glad Papa's potion worked."
Neville was in tears. "Mum knew me. She never knew me."
Augusta held him. "She couldn't believe her baby was grown up."
Severus was happy to hear. "I am relieved it worked."
Neville looked at him. "Thank you."
Augusta shook his hand. "You gave us the best gift."
Alice was extremely weak, and her speech was slow and methodical. And she would need a great deal of physical rehab. But she had remembered her baby, and had squeezed Neville's hand. It wasn't a hug yet, but there was hopes it would be. The healers assured them Frank would likely come around in the next few hours. As it stood, the couple would likely need care for years if not for the rest of their lives. But Alice was fully lucid, and she could at least be there for her son. And when possible, Augusta would have them moved home.
Fred looked at Ryan. "Why don't we go down the hall?"
Ryan was grateful. "I want to check on him."
Severus saw the look and nodded. "You can go."
Orion kissed his grandson. "Maybe you'll have your own gift."
Ryan missed the looks behind him as he was led off. "I hope."
Regulus kissed his husband. "It seems a day for good news."
Douglas was waiting. "Ryan."
Ryan was pale. "He is okay right?"
Gwen came out. "He came out of his coma. The healers say he should wake up any time."
He would be in the hospital for some time, but there was real hope he'd be out soon after the New Year. His heart had not suffered any permanent damage, and either had any of his other organs. As Ryan sat next to him, holding his hand, he prayed he would wake up soon. He wasn't ready to decide, but he wanted to decide. He couldn't lose Oliver now. He needed Oliver to come back to him. He refused to leave, even after visiting hours, and his family wouldn't force him. It was Christmas eve but the holiday was all but forgotten. Draco went with Fred to the Burrow, as Ryan insisted they shouldn't lose the holiday. But his Papa remained with him.
Just after midnight he was woken by Oliver who had come around and squeezed his hand. "I could wake up to you more often."
an: please remember to review.
