While much of the world was celebrating the holiday, Nicholas Flamel had business to see to. Lucius had contacted him for help when they brought down Albus. He had helped with reversing the wards on the home, to keep Albus from escaping. He had been helping all along, having kept his promise to keep Ryan safe. But Lucius had been reminded of another person who had helped them get Albus. And had been about to leave his family, and head to the ministry to keep his promise. Nicholas had told him to celebrate with his family, and he would see to it. The man would be free for his help, and the years he had served in prison already for his crimes. Rodolphus' testimony had been used in the trial.

Rodolphus was stewing away in a holding cell. He hadn't been returned to prison, but he had been told it would be after the holiday, before he would be released. He had been given his pardon, but the paper work was not being processed.

Moody came into his cell on Christmas Eve. "Come with me."

Rodolphus grunted. "Back to prison?"

Moody smirked. "We are on a skeleton staff, holidays and all."

Rodolphus smirked. "I was promised my freedom. Should have known."

Moody shrugged. "You'll have it. Should be used to holidays in prison."

Rodolphus sneered. "Doesn't mean I want to spend another one."

Moody motioned to a door. "Not like you have any family waiting."

Rodolphus agreed. "My brother and wife was it. Both in black cells for life."

Moody opened the door. "So, you can have us for company."

Rodolphus looked in the room. "What is this?"

Moody laughed. "Interrogation room. I thought you'd know one well enough by now."

Rodolphus was confused. "Why am I here?"

Moody pointed at a seat. "Sit."

Rodolphus didn't move. "Why?"

Moody went to leave. "It seems you haven't been forgotten."

The man left without any further explanation. Rodolphus had nothing to do but sink down into the chair and wait. He had no idea what was going on. If he was being sent back to prison, he wouldn't have been in this room. And Moody had said something about not being forgotten. He knew what day it was. He didn't think Lucius or anyone would have come. They'd be celebrating the holiday, and Albus' downfall, with their families. None of them could care less about him. He was an ex-con, even if he had helped them nail Albus once and for all.

The door across the room from where he had sat, opened up. He had no idea who he was expecting to come in, but he was still shocked. Well he was shocked, when he recognized who the man was. Of course he had no idea of the help Nicholas had given to Ryan's family.

He stared at the man. "Angry I helped get your partner the kiss?"

Nicholas smirked. "You know we were friends. You were paid to try and steal my stone weren't you?"

Rodolphus didn't deny it. "Why are you here?"

Nicholas shocked him by removing his chains. "To see you released."

Rodolphus was shocked. "I was told I had to wait to the New Year."

Nicholas shrugged. "You seem to know people in high places."

Rodolphus smirked. "They forgot about me as soon as they were done with me."

Nicholas threw a wand at him. "Lucius was on his way."

Rodolphus looked at the wand. "It's mine."

Nicholas agreed. "The blocks will be lifted by security when we leave."

Rodolphus looked at him. "Why are you here?"

Nicholas motioned him to come. "I told Lucius I would."

Rodolphus was amazed as he was allowed to walk out, and block removed. "Freedom."

Nicholas thrust something at him. "So you don't wind back up in here."

Rodolphus stared. "My fortune was returned to me."

Nicholas called as he went to leave. "Call it a thank you, for years spying. I believe the manor still stands."

With that Nicholas headed for the hospital. He had been asked to come, Orion wished to speak to him about his grandson. He knew Orion planned to continue to train his grandson in his magic. Ryan showed amazing potential, he'd likely be greater one day than his Grandsire. It often surprised him the boy was adopted. James' Black blood was remote, but the blood adoption may have helped, to strengthen it. The boy showed great promise. And free of any fear from Albus, he would be able to train again in the open.

Orion saw him. "I was not expecting you until after the holiday."

Nicholas shrugged. "When you have lived as long as I, such holidays can be forgotten."

Lucius had appeared. "Did you go to the ministry?"

Nicholas turned. "The man is free. And has his estate you helped free up for him."

Orion looked at Lucius. "I thought you were at the manor."

Lucius nodded. "My wife thought I should remind those here, of the holiday."

Orion looked towards the room. "Ryan will not leave Oliver with him close to waking."

Nicholas had heard. "When he is back at school, I am happy to help with his training."

Orion nodded. "I thought perhaps you could lend me one of your phoenixes."

Nicholas understood. "I believe he has already made friends with Ryan."

He had sent the phoenix to the school, when he wanted proof he was right about Ryan. He had known the risk, and had only done it once. They couldn't allow Albus to have known that Ryan was an elemental. It wouldn't have made the man think he was Harry. The Potters had never shown such powers before. But Albus always sought to control those with any kind of power. But now the concern was gone.

Orion motioned. "I think we all could use some cheer. My son in law is with Ryan."


Oliver had woken, and Ryan was so relieved. Oliver had insisted Ryan go home though, for some rest and for the holiday. He could see Ryan was exhausted, and even just coming from a coma, he could worry about him. He insisted Ryan not return at least until Boxing Day. Ryan should enjoy the holiday, after all he had been through. Though Ryan was reluctant, he agreed to go home with his Papa. And in the morning he spent the holiday with his family, both at home, and at the Burrow later. He was reminded of how many people he had around him who loved him. He returned to the hospital though on Boxing Day, and gave Oliver his gift. Oliver apologized, he had not bought his, before he was struck down.

New Year 's Eve there was a party at the manor as was planned. Everyone realized that it was time for some celebration for real among them. Ryan had sent almost every day at the hospital, but like Christmas, he was convinced not to that day.

He was surprised when he saw Neville come in. "I wasn't sure you would come."

Neville stopped. "I was invited."

Ryan smiled. "I know. But you have been at the hospital more than me."

Neville nodded. "Mum and dad are both awake. They are going to move to a rehab center in a few weeks."

Ryan was surprised. "I thought they were moving home."

Augusta came in. "I decided this was better for now."

Neville agreed. "They need a lot of help."

Ryan motioned him to come. "Come see the others."

Severus looked at Augusta. "The nurses would have come."

Augusta sighed. "Neville is my priority."

Severus understood. "It will be a long road."

Augusta sighed. "I want my son and his wife better and home. But not at his expense."

Seeing how tough she was on her grandson, some people may have doubted how much she loved him. But Augusta was the only mother Neville ever had, and had always been warm in private. Neville was happy his parents were awake, and he had got his first hug from his mum a few days ago. But their condition was going to be hard on him as well. And at least for now, it was decided they'd be better in a rehab clinic. The healers thought they may make a full recovery with a few years. It was Frank and Alice who had refused to go home. Even after years in a coma, being parents had been natural to them. They had seen how shaken and drawn their son was from all of this. They insisted on a rehab clinic.

Ryan was not sure he was in a party mood, but he was happy to see the others there. His family had thought the party would be a good idea for him, would raise his spirits for him. And as they watched him smiling a bit, it seemed to be working.

Marcus came into the room. "I wasn't sure this party would happen."

Orion saw him. "It seemed best to get some of the spirits back up."

Severus agreed. "Our son didn't even open half his gifts."

Marcus saw where Ryan was. "I should be grateful I have no competition tonight."

Thatcher looked at his son. "Just more time to woo him."

Marcus shook his head. "I will win his heart or lose it, the fair way."

Severus smiled as Marcus went into the room. "He reminds me a lot of you."

Thatcher laughed. "A bit better of a charmer. I was lucky for arranged marriages."

In the room Marcus went to Ryan. "Happy to see you smiling again."

Ryan turned to look at him. "It feels good to be."

Marcus handed him a box. "You didn't open this before."

Ryan opened his Christmas gift to find a beautiful leather potions pouch. "Marcus this is beautiful."

Marcus smiled. "I am happy you approve."

Thatcher had thought his son should get something more romantic. Marcus had reminded his father that they weren't even dating yet. And Ryan really was not into jewelry either. Ryan had another year and a half of school, but he'd do potions or healing, and Ryan could use it. He knew Ryan was considering healer more, but even for that, it would be used. He had it monogrammed with Ryan's initials for him already.

Later as the clock approached midnight Draco came to Ryan. "So are you going to kiss him?"

Ryan shrugged. "I guess."

Fred shook his head. "Not the most convincing."

George grinned. "Pining for someone else."

Ryan couldn't deny it. "I wish he was here."

Pansy had come over. "Time for the count down."

Fred looked for his own girlfriend. "Not going to miss it."

Marcus came over. "We don't have to, if you don't."

Ryan stopped him. "I want to ring in the New Year with you."

As the clock struck midnight Marcus kissed him tenderly. "Happy New Year."

Ryan smiled a little. "Happy New Year."

A voice surprised them both. "Glad I wasn't too late."

Ryan turned in shock to see Oliver standing behind him. Oliver took a chance, and drew Ryan into his arms, for his own kiss. He was not meant to be released for another few days. But he was stubborn, and his healers allowed him to go home, as long as he took it easy. Oliver's parents were reluctant, but they agreed he could come for midnight, to be with Ryan, and give him his gift. Ryan smiled at the custom quidditch gloves. But the best gift was having Oliver there, on the mend, and competitive with Marcus as ever.

Marcus shrugged when Oliver looked his way. "Having you around just keeps it more interesting."


Though the holidays began a week early, they also went an extra week. The school had a lot of changes to oversee, before they went back. Minerva had officially been named the headmistress of the school. She had been teaching for decades, and deputy now for over two. She had seemed cold at times, but she always showed she had the best interest of her students at heart. Remus had taken over as head of Gryffindor. And Sirius was going to take over transfiguration until at least the end of the school year. He had been given a leave of absence from being an auror. Regulus had considered, but he had his store to run, and his husband. Besides his son often said, he had family enough at school. Sirius already lived at school with his husband. Marcus would teach defense alone on full moons, instead of Sirius covering for his husband. Sirius may stay on a few years, and train a replacement for Minerva, when one was found. His husband would be there for another year anyways.

Ryan and Hector were both feeling better when they returned back to school. Oliver didn't return back to the school until a week later. He wouldn't be able to return to quidditch until the summer, when he played national. Ryan was happy, he could train with his grandsire in public, and not have to watch over his shoulder. The last months of his sixth year were happy, and with summer, life was back on track.

The day of Ryan's seventeenth birthday dawned bright. Severus smiled. "I can't believe our son is seventeen."

Regulus agreed. "I can still remember the little baby."

Ryan appeared from his room. "Papa, Dad, can we go to the ministry?"

Severus kissed his son. "We were just waiting for you."

Regulus laughed when his son looked around. "Your grandsire will be joining us."

Ryan was happy. "He promised to come."

Severus led him out. "He said you had a surprise for us."

Regulus agreed. "It's your birthday. We are meant to surprise you."

Ryan grinned. "I decided to flip the table I guess."

Orion was at the ministry. "Ready for your first test Orion?"

Regulus looked at his father. "First?"

Ryan grinned. "Yes grandsire."

The dads received no reply, and watched as their son went. He took his apparition test, and to no surprise, he passed with flying colors. He had been able to focus on a lot, when he returned to school after Christmas. One of them had been on his training for his license. Now he was a senior, he could leave school evenings and weekends, and not just into Hogsmeade. And being able to apparate for himself, and do magic away from school, would help. His dads and grandfather all so proud of him. His dads were still confused though about the next part.

His Uncles were waiting, when they headed to the other surprise. It was the registration for animagi, and only his dads seemed surprised. They knew he was training, but were shocked he had finished. Even the marauders had taken a year. He transformed into a beautiful bird.

He proudly showed off his second license. "This is amazing."

Regulus hugged him. "I am so proud."

Severus agreed. "Only three weeks ago you couldn't fly or have a beak."

Remus laughed when Ryan was giggling. "You really believed him?"

Ryan admitted. "I wanted it to be a surprise."

Severus put his son in a head lock. "I guess we can forgive you."

Orion looked at the time. "We should go. The party will be waiting."

Sirius looked at his brother in law. "Regretting you or Regulus didn't take a teaching position?"

Severus smirked. "Me teach?"

Remus reminded him. "Your son now is old enough to date properly."

Regulus reminded them as Severus ground his teeth. "Our son has plenty of built in chaperones."

Ryan groaned. "Is it too late to transfer to Beauxbautons?"

Severus shrugged. "No. And it would solve our issue, your men are here in the UK."

In fairness, they had allowed him to date more this past few months. Both Oliver and Marcus had passed their test long before. They knew Ryan was becoming more serious, and would soon decide who he would continue with. They had the comfort he wouldn't go too far, when he was dating both of them. But they knew he was at that age, and would be happy when he made a choice finally. Both would be at his party. They were reminded, when they thought of Hector who was coming, Ryan had really been seventeen for three days. But he would never know. He and Hector remained friends, and he had been to Hector's birthday a few days before as well.

The party was being held at Black manor for once. Orion had added a pool, the one muggle concession, no television like the Malfoys had. He had no doubt his grandson would one day, but not in his life time. Family and friends were all there for a beach bum surf party. There would be a dinner for the adults, when the kids had food and drinks out by the water later. James had even come with his son.

Ryan was so happy to show off his new talent. "I did it."

Draco smirked. "You'll have to show me."

Fred shook his head. "He promised us next."

Ryan shrugged. "Always did say we'd be the next marauders."

Hector appeared next to him. "Hey, I think I have a right to claim a spot."

Draco laughed. "Well I guess we do need the tag along."

Oliver came to his side. "Can we borrow him for a moment?"

Marcus agreed. "We won't have him too long."

Ryan smiled. "I don't think I can spare a moment."

Oliver dragged him into his arms. "I'd rethink that, or you may need to take a swim."

Marcus smirked when Ryan looked his way. "I agree with the lion."

Ryan laughed. "Never thought I'd see the day."

The three of them headed away from the others. They missed the smiles from their friends, and from many of the adults as well. Ryan had been dating them both for less than a year, and they had all been watching. His family had known how hard the choice between them would be. Ryan never thought the two of them could be even civil to one another. But through Ryan, they had become more than that.

Oliver looked at him. "Today is the day."

An: So I had someone ask about Rodolphus, thought I'd clear that up.

Only a few mainly fluff chapters left. I want to give a glimpse of the future, it will jump here and there.

And yes, the answer to who he chooses, Marcus/Oliver/both is being held hostage. Review and vote.