The Meaning Of Family

Warnings: Dark and/or evil Harry. Slash. Language. Torture. Vamp Harry. OC's. Ooc'ness. Violence. Character bashing. Character deaths at some stages throughout the fic, and some angst. All at some stage or another throughout the entire story.

AN: Thanks for the reviews, and all the people who have put me on fav's and alert's! I hope you continue to like and read this story. I would've liked more reviews though, after getting over 10,000 hits and only 39 reviews, well I am a little disappointed that I don't have more than that! But I guess beggar's can't be chooser's aye! And like I said before I won't hold any chapters hostage as I wouldn't do that to the readers that have reviewed already, and are liking this story. This chapter has some adult themes, I guess you could say, so just a heads up! And the eagle in this story is dedicated to my father (even though he doesn't know it) as he loved eagle's and so do I. Anyway I'm rambling too much, back to the story, and enjoy!

'Thoughts'

"Parseltongue"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 10

Knock-turn Alley

*************************

Sirius was laying in bed still thinking about the events of the night before, he looked to his left towards his window and noticed it was nearing dawn, he hadn't been able to sleep all that well during the night even as late as it had been when he finally got into bed, he couldn't stop his thoughts about all that they had learnt last night; therefore he couldn't get a decent nights sleep. He couldn't believe that Harry was Voldemort's son, and all he thought he knew about the Potter's was a lie, he couldn't help but wonder about Remus' role in all this either, as much as he hated the thought that he was betrayed by all other members of the Marauders, 'thanks to Dumbledore,' He thought bitterly. He knew it was all true, he knew now why Harry had been so different then most people and he could never work out why, it was because his mother was a Vampire, which made him half Vampire. Vampire prince to be exact, he just couldn't fathom it right now, he wasn't even 'Harry' anymore but 'Rayden,' "That's going to take some getting use to" Sirius muttered to himself shaking his head.

He wasn't sure what his role in Rayden's life was anymore, he had always tried to be a father to 'Harry' but he knew it was never a father-son relationship between them, they had always been more like friends then relatives, so to speak. So it left him feeling uncertain about it all now, should he just continue the same way they were and ignore the news they were given last night? 'No that wouldn't be wise' Sirius thought, shaking his head. He couldn't very well ignore it, he felt very dejected at the moment, what if Rayden didn't want him around anymore, 'No that's stupid, if Rayden didn't want him around he would've gladly went with Voldemort on his own last night and not cared about me coming along.'

He still was unsure of how to react to this news he was at a loss of how to feel, he had so many mixed feelings at the moment he couldn't separate them to work through them enough to sort out where he now stood in Rayden's life. 'Maybe I should just stay out of the way for a while and let Rayden get to know his father better, and also give him enough time to sort the mess his thoughts were creating within himself.' He didn't want to lose Rayden so he thought it best to give him some space, he could only imagine how he was feeling right now, even if he did seem to except it straight away. As much as he wanted to be there for Rayden he thought it was best to just let him be at the moment. He needed to get to know his father more than I needed to feel better about myself. Besides he needed a break from Rayden, he noticed the extra glances directed his way, not to mention the longer than needed looks from Rayden, and as much as he wanted to deny it, he couldn't; the fact that he was doing the same thing made him feel even more like he should give Rayden some space, he didn't want Voldemort to notice that he was purving at his ten almost eleven year old son, albeit unconsciously. 'It was not only sick, but it was wrong'. Thought Sirius.

He put it down to Rayden's curiosity getting the better of him, after all it had only been the two of them for most of Rayden short life. 'He can make some friends at Hogwarts, that way he can stop this fantasy about me,' whatever fantasy it was. He had to admit though that he didn't think Rayden would be so easily swayed, he knew how determined he could be when he wanted something, and how much he did what he wanted. 'Maybe I should've been harder on him instead of giving him everything he wanted; but even then I don't think that would have stopped him,' Sirius thought with a quiet chuckle. Well even if he doesn't stop his infatuation, I won't be giving into him whatever he wants. As much as it would pain him to do so, he didn't want to hurt Rayden. That was the whole reason he couldn't give in he knew that Rayden would get hurt in the end, he was after all his Godfather. Well maybe not legally but that's the part in Rayden's life he had played for so many years, it was hard to stop doing that so easily, but he didn't think it would lead to that anyway, whatever Rayden may feel about him he was sure it would end once he started Hogwarts.

Sighing, he decided to go and have his morning shower. Getting out of bed he walked to the bathroom and closed the door.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Voldemort was getting ready for the day, having just got out the shower he was standing at his wardrobe with a towel around his waist, picking his clothes he put his black pants on followed by a crimson silk button down shirt, then his black robe with silver hems over the top of his clothes.

He was looking forward to spending the day with his son. After all these wasted years he had a lot of catching up to do, and he was looking forward to it.

"One day soon my dear Adaire, we will be together as a family like we always should have been and we will get our revenge on Dumbledore and the rest of his lackeys together." He muttered to himself, leaving his room.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rayden was just waking up from his peaceful sleep feeling well rested. Stretching, he then removed himself from the warmth of his bed and headed for the bathroom, doing his morning ritual. Turning the shower on he got undressed and sighed at the feel of the warm water running leisurely down his body. He couldn't wait to explore the manor's halls and talking to his father, he also wanted to go to the library.

He couldn't believe he had parents, after all this time thinking his parents had been murdered, but what really hurt him was how Sirius must be feeling being betrayed like that, he himself never really mourned his parents as he hadn't really known them, now he was glad of that fact. He wanted his revenge but he wanted to wait for his mother before they did that, he knew it would happen but he wanted to do it along side his parents he just had to be patient and wait.

He would have to talk to Sirius later to see how he's doing. Getting out of the shower he dried himself and got dressed in black trousers, and a navy blue long sleeve shirt before putting his black robe on. Brushing his almost shoulder length hair he pulled it back in a low pony, he loved his hair long. He thought it made him look more mysterious when it hung around his face with his bangs shadowing his eyes, but today he wanted it tied back.

He walked out of his room and made his way down the hall the way he remembered coming the night before. Reaching the staircase he had walked up last night, he made his way down to the entrance hall and went through the doors across the hall on the right side of the stairs. Opening the doors he saw an enormous room that looked like a ballroom, or meeting room of some sort, just as he thought that his eyes caught what looked to be a throne and decided that this must be where his father had his Death Eater meetings, there was a door on the far right side of the room, and he wondered what the room was but decided to have a look later. He left the room and turned around to his right and walked down the hallway, not really knowing where he was going but not really caring about that fact either, he wanted to find his way on his own anyway. All the better to familiarize himself with the place he now called home.

He was walking down a hallway he recognized and seen the large dark double doors that he knew was the entrance to the library, and couldn't wait to have a look at all the books his father owned, knowing it would contain more 'Dark Arts' books than he had at black manor. He also suspected there would be some in Parseltongue, and couldn't wait to get his hands on them. He continued down the hall wondering if this was the way to the dining room.

He turned left when he came to the end of that hall and found himself going down a similar hall, and came to a stop at the closest doors on his left, he also noticed another door at the very end of the hallway which was black like the rest of the doors he had come across, but decided to try the first door on his left, he was relieved to see he had found the dining hall when he opened the it and saw his father sitting at the head of a long table and breakfast already on the elegant dining table.

"Didn't have much trouble finding your way around I hope?" Tom asked.

"No," Rayden replied as he sat down at the table to his father's right, "Where's Sirius? I thought he would be down here by now, he's usually waiting for me of a morning, unless he got lost." Rayden asked, putting some food on his plate at the same time.

"I don't know, maybe he isn't awake yet, it was very late when we all got to bed last night after all."

"Maybe, do you think I should go and see if he got lost?"

"No, it won't matter anyway because the house elves would fetch him if that was the case and bring him here." Tom explained, taking a bite of his toast.

"Fair enough," putting some eggs in his mouth Rayden waited till he finished chewing, "I wonder how he's doing, after all it wouldn't be easy finding out you were betrayed so utterly, I mean I know I feel betrayed, but that would be nothing compared to Sirius. I can only imagine how he's taking it."

"No, it's not a pleasant feeling, finding out you were betrayed," Tom remarked with dark narrowed eyes.

Looking up at his father he couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked like that. Understanding what his mother fell in love with, he always liked dark deep eyes on a person, and knew he must get it from his mum. But then again maybe he got it from both his parents because he knew his father would be the same.

"So what have you got planned for us for the day?" Rayden asked curiously.

"Whatever you wanted to do, I don't think you would want to get into training the day after you arrived, but I am curious about your skills." Tom replied.

Rayden smirked at that, he would enjoy a duel with his father, "I've been training with Sirius and on my own since I first got my wand when I was seven."

"I'm glad to hear that, I hadn't thought otherwise, knowing that Sirius is a pure-blood he would be more inclined to get you a wand at a younger age then most families, as it is a tradition for pure-bloods." Tom nodded.

"Indeed," Rayden nodded, "I don't mind having a duel with you today if you haven't got any other plans for us then."

"We can go to the training room before lunch then, you can do whatever you wish in the meantime, I can meet you at the library at half past eleven."

Nodding Rayden finished his breakfast, then excusing himself from the table, headed for Sirius' room. He found it strange he hadn't come to breakfast at all this morning.

Reaching Sirius' door he knocked quietly, waiting for any sounds to reach his ears, when none come he wondered if Sirius was even in there. Sighing he decided to go to the library and see what books he could start reading, he really wanted to try some Parsel spells.

After picking a book he settled on the sofa next to the unlit fire and lost himself in his reading, before he knew it, his father was entering the library. Hearing the door open he closed the book after placing a marker so he didn't lose his page, he placed it on the table in front of him and stood up stretching.

They made their way to the fifth floor and to the training room which was to the left at the top of the stairs, walking in comfortable silence enjoying the fact that they were now actually able to do something as simple as spending quiet time together getting to know one another, and he couldn't wait to see his father duel.

Opening the door to the training room, Tom stole a glance at his son to see his reaction to the room. Rayden looked around and saw all the different types of weapons along the far wall, they ranged from daggers, to small throwing knives, and swords of many different shapes and sizes, he also saw a couple of staff's that had deadly looking knives at the tips of some of them, there was even an assortment of battle clothes and training clothes along the back wall. He noticed another door on the far right wall near the back corner, "what's in there?" he asked pointing in the direction of the door.

"It's just the shower room." His father replied. "So what do you think of the room?"

He smiled at his father impressed. "I love it." was all he said before taking his place at one end of the slightly raised platform in the middle of the room.

Taking his wand out of his pocket he waited for his father to take his place opposite him. "I'm glad to hear it," Tom said smiling back. He really wasn't expecting much more from his son than what he got. "Maybe I can teach you some fighting styles with any weapon of your choosing, if you want?" Tom asked, gesturing to the wall full of weapons as he also took is place on the platform opposite his son.

"I always have wanted to learn how to fight with a sword," Rayden admitted, looking at the selection of swords his father had pointed towards.

"I would be happy to teach you sword play." Tom said, pulling his own wand out of it's holster on his right arm.

'I definitely need to get one of those' Rayden thought when he saw his father's holster.

"I won't do anything too drastic for our very first duel, I want to see how advanced you are first." Tom said as he stood in a defensive stance.

Nodding, Rayden moved into a defensive stance also and threw a mild hex at his father to start the duel. Tom stepped to his left to avoid the curse and threw a mild hex in return, only to be blocked by a shield charm and bounce harmlessly to the floor.

It continued at a slow pace for a few more minutes before Rayden decided to quicken the tempo of the duel. Throwing a number of spells in quick succession at the same time as moving around his end of the platform. His father either dodged or shielded from his attack and he found himself in slight awe of his father's ease, but then again he was only facing a ten year old. Even so Rayden was no push over, for his age he knew a lot more than most and he was sure he could cast a lot more spells than most too. Not to mention his faster than most, reflexes. He made a downward slashing motion with his wand and cast a severe cutting hex, being slightly unexpected he managed to cut into his father's right shoulder and saw the blood running down his father's wrist from under his sleeve, feeling slightly giddy at the fact he managed to get a curse past his father's defenses. He felt a tingling sensation in his gums at the sight and smell of the blood, knowing exactly how it tasted, he just stared at the blood for a few long seconds before being knocked down with a tripping charm.

Tom walked over to his son's knocked down figure and stood over him looking down at his face. "I thought you would last a bit longer than that."

"I got a little distracted." He mumbled, pulling his gaze away from his father's bleeding arm and looking to the side of his father, feeling foolish and knowing his father would be disappointed in him.

"It seems I may have to take you out hunting, to satisfy your hunger now that you have had the taste of blood." Tom said looking thoughtfully at his son.

Rayden flushed slightly not exactly sure if he was ready for such an adventure, although he was looking forward to feeding off someone, he wanted to get used to things a bit first before feeding off a complete stranger, he felt slightly nervous about it for some reason at the moment, and although he felt comfortable talking to his father he wasn't sure how to bring this up. He didn't want to feed from Sirius either, as he didn't really know how Sirius was taking the news of him being a Vampire and also Tom's son, as he had yet to talk to him. Besides he felt more comfortable around his father more so than Sirius at the moment, enough to want to feed off him until he knew what he was doing, but still unsure how to mention any of this. It was one thing to want it or even need it but it was an entirely different thing to ask for it especially knowing what effect it could have and not knowing how to control it. 'Maybe it would be better to feed off a stranger first.' Rayden thought, feeling somewhat confused.

Tom held out a hand for his son and helped him off the floor, once standing he could see the tenseness in his son's stance and had a feeling he knew what it was about.

"I would be happy to help you, if you aren't ready to go out hunting yet." Tom said calmly, eyeing his son.

Rayden looked at his father with surprise, "How did you know... I mean... are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure, your my son, I would do anything for you."

"I don't know how to control it though... I don't really know what I'm doing." Rayden stuttered, looking away from his father, feeling extremely foolish, he never stuttered.

Tom put his hands on his son's face and forced Rayden to look at him, "Rayden you don't need to feel embarrassed, I'm your father you can trust me."

"I do trust you, I always have for some reason even before I knew the truth, I guess you being my father, and what happened that night bonded us more so, but I can't help feeling this way I mean..." Rayden just shook his head.

"It's okay, you don't need to explain, I will help you with this Rayden as best I can, maybe tonight even, now lets get to lunch." Tom said smiling reassuringly at his son.

Nodding, he made his way to the door. His father following behind him. Making their way down to the dining hall, he took his seat at the table next to his father again. He was just about to comment on the fact that Sirius wasn't here again when the doors opened to reveal said man. Sirius looked at both wizards sitting at the table and nodded his head in greeting before taking a seat a few down from Rayden. Tom and Rayden exchanged looks before they started eating their lunch. Rayden decided not to ask any questions as he knew it would make Sirius uncomfortable and resolved to have a talk to him later.

Sirius piled food on his plate before taking a bite. Once he finished his mouthful of food he looked over to Rayden, "I've been walking in the gardens most of the day after having breakfast in my rooms, I knew you would be wondering about me but, I thought it best to give you and your father" he paused and took a glance at Voldemort before continuing, "some time to get to know each other."

Rayden blinked not exactly sure what to make of Sirius' little speech, it explained his absence from them most of the day, but Rayden felt there was more to it, and almost didn't want to know what that something was, just in case it had anything to do about his being a Vampire or who his parents where. Sirius had always been in his life and they had always been there for each other but he knew something wasn't right with Sirius and didn't want to think of the consequences if Sirius couldn't except him for who or what he was. Not knowing what to say Rayden just nodded his head and continued eating.

Tom was watching the interaction and could feel the tension in the air, but didn't comment. He knew Sirius was speaking mostly truth but there was something more. He knew that Rayden also noticed and he decided not to get involved just now and see what happened, he knew they had been in each others lives for long enough to know when to push each other, so he would just let his son deal with this and help him when needed.

They ate the rest of their lunch only speaking every so often, when the meal was finished Rayden told them he was going to the library to finish his reading and left the dining hall. Sirius left not long after him going to do whatever it was he was going to do, his father had said he was going to be in his study if they needed him.

Reaching the library he sat in the same place from earlier that morning and picked up his book to finish reading. He couldn't concentrate, he wanted to talk to Sirius but he knew the man was avoiding him but he just didn't know why, he had his suspicions, but he wasn't sure he wanted to know, when yet all he wanted to do was ask the man. It was starting to drive him mad. Growling softly he shook his head from thoughts of Sirius and tried again in reading his book with determination to forget about it for now.

Before long he was being summoned by one of the house elves for dinner. Walking back to the dining hall, he opened the door and found Sirius and his father already sitting at the table quietly waiting for him. "I'm sorry I took so long I lost track of time," he took his usual seat next to his father and started to pile food on his plate, "I was reading one your Parsel books." Rayden stated.

"I would like to start training you in Parsel magic before you started Hogwarts." Tom replied.

"I was thinking the same thing after I finished reading it actually, I found it very interesting, and would love to learn it." Rayden said, with excitement, "but it looks quite difficult to learn."

"It is when you first start but you will get there, I'm sure of it, your a very powerful wizard Rayden."

Rayden smiled at his father and continued eating his dinner, trying to figure out how to approach Sirius to talk to him, 'maybe I should just wait till he comes to me, I'm sure when he's ready he will talk.' Once dinner was over he made his way to his room to wait for his father before he went to bed, he was pretty nervous about it.

After half an hour of sitting in his bed reading a book on snakes, there was a knock on his door, "come in." He looked up and saw it was his father, smiling he put his book down on his nightstand.

"Are you ready?" Tom asked, raising an eyebrow in question.

"Yes, I think so, but I'm not sure how to lengthen my fangs, I did feel a tingle in my gums when I smelt your blood, but that didn't happen when I smelt your blood before taking the wizards oath, why is that?" Rayden asked curiously.

"I think it has something to do with the fact that you tasted blood for the first time, that at least wasn't your own, and it has awoken apart of your Vampire nature, although you won't need to feed for the sake of survival just yet, you will now start to feel certain urges, especially when you smell blood from an open wound. When your older as your Vampire nature matures more, you with be able to smell blood without the need for an open wound, you will also start to feel the urge to feed more frequently, but that shouldn't happen for a couple more years at least, and I will help you to control the urges before you go to Hogwarts."

Rayden nodded in understanding, he was looking forward to tasting his father's blood even though he felt nervous about it, he knew what it tasted like from when he drank it before but his own blood had been mixed with it then and he wanted to taste it by itself and see the difference. Watching in silent rapture as his father drew a small dagger from his left sleeve and made a small cut on his index finger, knowing that it was for his sense of smell more then anything else, to enable him to be able to grow his fangs and learn to control the action of being able to draw them back without any problems, so that way if he came across the scent of blood, he could control the effects it had on him, mentally as well as physically. Feeling the same tingle he felt earlier he managed to make his teeth grow without much thought on his part.

"Try and draw them back in, before you feed." Tom advised.

Rayden closed his eyes and concentrated on his now long and sharp fangs he could feel with his tongue, willing them to retract he could feel them slowly obey, after several long seconds he felt them retract fully, running his tongue along them confirmed that they had indeed retracted. Opening his eyes he looked at his father and saw that he was smiling softly at him. "I had a feeling you wouldn't have much trouble." He said with a gentle kiss to his forehead.

Rayden looked down at his father's hand and upon seeing the cut on his finger gently took it and ran his tongue along his father's finger tip, tasting the small droplets of blood on his tongue he closed his eyes and savoured the flavour, it tasted wonderful. Wondering why there was no more he looked down and saw with surprise there was no cut. Looking back at his father's face. "What happened?" He asked perplexed.

Tom chuckled at his son's surprise, "your saliva has the ability to heal an open wound should you so choose, the reason it did so now is because you have no desire to harm me, although you did it subconsciously." He made another cut in the same place on his finger.

Rayden allowed his fangs to grow to there full size and ran a tongue gently over them in satisfaction, looking into his father's eyes asking for permission, once he received it, he climbed to his knees from his sitting position, and place his hands on his father's shoulders for balance and slowly moved his face closer to his father's neck, once he was close enough he flickered his tongue across it almost shyly before slowly sinking his fangs in the junction where shoulder met neck with a soft moan, feeling his father move slightly to give him better access, he slowly drank the sweet taste that was his father's life blood. Closing his eyes he savoured the feeling of being completely consumed by this Ecstasy, he could feel his blood burning in his veins, travelling throughout his body giving him the feel of intense pleasure as his body tingled pleasantly and trembled slightly. Completely oblivious to anything else around him he was surprised to feel hands on his shoulders and be pulled away gently. Opening his eyes, and in a daze of pleasure, he noticed somewhere in the back of his mind that he was aroused again, but couldn't bring himself to care right now.

Tom looked down at his son's flushed face and knew he was aroused, but it didn't bother him, he knew it would more than likely happen, Rayden would get used to it and learn how to control it, at least to some extent.

Rayden was slowly coming down from his blood induced pleasure, he retracted his fangs, then traced his tongue along his lips to drink the remaining drops that were there, he looked at his father's neck once more and saw the two puncture marks he made, he moved forward and licked them closed. Sighing he made his way back into bed and pulled the covers over himself.

Tom watched his son and decided to let him get some sleep, he would take his son hunting before long. He knew Rayden would be ready. "Goodnight, my son." He said pressing a soft kiss to Rayden's forehead, and smiling softly at him.

"Goodnight father, and thank you." Rayden replied with a slight blush.

Smiling he made his way out the room and closed the door behind him.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

July 31st 1991

Rayden was excited, he had been here for just over three weeks and it was now his eleventh birthday, it would be his first birthday with his father. They weren't going to be doing anything special but he knew his father did have a surprise for him. He had been training with his father with Parsel magic, and other spells, and strengthening his Occlumency. Sirius had started to join them after the first week, even though he hadn't spoken to him about the fact he was a Vampire and Voldemorts son, he knew Sirius had accepted it by the change in his attitude towards him, but he still felt Sirius being somewhat reserved around him but Rayden for the most part just ignored it and enjoyed being here with his father and Sirius.

He made his way down for breakfast, "Happy birthday Rayden." Sirius said as soon as he entered the dining hall, jumping out of his chair and giving him a hug. Rayden just laughed at his antics and wrapped his arms around Sirius' waist, it felt nice to have Sirius hug him again after so long and he savoured it. Sirius realizing what he was doing pulled back with a smile and sat back at the table. Slightly disappointed but not at all surprised anymore, Rayden made his way to his seat but before he managed to sit he was hugged by his father. "Happy birthday son." Rayden gave his father a hug also then once released he sat down.

"So, what did you want to do for your birthday today Rayden?" Sirius asked.

"Just have a quiet one and spend some time with the both of you." Rayden replied.

"Is that it?" Sirius asked incredulously.

"Yes." He replied with a laugh.

"Well if that's all you would like then, I have a surprise for you later in the evening." Tom said.

"Can I convince you to tell me what it is?" Rayden asked, looking at his father.

"If I told you it wouldn't be surprise."

"I don't like surprises."

Laughing Tom decided it wouldn't hurt to forewarn his son. "I'm taking you hunting tonight." Tom said watching his son for his reaction.

Sirius almost choked on his food with a look of surprise.

Rayden on the other hand looked delighted, eyes alight, and smiled at his father. "I would love that." He said ignoring Sirius' gulp.

"Do you think it wise Rayden?" Sirius asked once finding his voice.

"Of course." Rayden replied looking at Sirius with a raised eyebrow.

"What if something goes wrong though."

"What could possibly go wrong Sirius."

"What if you get caught, or you accidentally kill someone not knowing when to stop yourself?" Sirius asked a look of worry in his eyes.

"No one is going to catch us Sirius, you don't have to worry after all I won't be going alone father will be with me, and as for killing someone well I don't really care about that, it would also be practice for me, it will teach me how to be more aware of whats around me and have more control over myself, besides your more than welcome to come with us if you want." Rayden said soothingly.

Sirius was staring at him with wide eyes, a look of horror on his face, "what do you mean you don't care?" He whispered.

"Sirius I'm a Vampire it's in my nature to feed, I may not be a full Vampire yet but I still have the same urges as one just not as often, or as much of a need, but it's still there, we couldn't care less if our food died in our arms whilst we fed from them, it's the way we are." He said, silently pleading for him to understand.

"But Rayden, they are human."

"So."

"So are you." Sirius pointed out.

"I'm half human and when I hit puberty I will gradually become a full Vampire, I will no longer be human before I reach fourteen, Sirius."

Sirius looked as though he was going to faint, "but what about your father he is human?"

"That doesn't change who or what I am, Sirius, my father may be human, but even he isn't fully human anymore, but that's beside the point." Rayden stated.

"What about me, Rayden, I'm still human and always will be." Sirius said weakly looking at Rayden, pleadingly.

"But I'm not feeding off you Sirius, I don't see what your getting so worked up about, it's in my nature to hunt whether I'm full Vampire or not."

"Your speaking of humans as if they aren't worth it Rayden." Sirius whispered.

"Most of them aren't worth it Sirius your different, it's as simple as that." Rayden said, not liking the fact that Sirius didn't accept this, this was who he was and he couldn't or wouldn't change it.

Shaking his head Sirius looked at Rayden with sad eyes. It made Rayden angry to see that look from Sirius, directed at him as if he was disappointed in him, feeling rejected he stood from his chair, "if you can't handle it Sirius, then there's nothing I can do about it, I'm who I am and that's all there is to it." he said sharply and stormed out of the dining hall.

Sirius sat in silent shock of how Rayden spoke to him, and knowing he hurt him decided to go look for him, standing up he nodded to Tom then walked out of the dining hall to look for Rayden.

Tom sat at the table knowing to give his son some time on his own, he knew Sirius went to look for him but he doubted he would find him. He was fuming at Sirius at the moment, no one spoke to his family like that and got away with it, though he knew Rayden not speaking to him would be punishment enough, for now. Standing he decided to set some plans into motion before he took his son hunting.

Rayden was fuming, strangely enough he felt the desire to go hunting now, it would certainly help with the sudden surge of energy he was feeling at the moment, he could feel his fangs growing with his desires and grinned, he didn't know his fangs would grow because of his anger but he supposed it made sense. If Sirius couldn't accept him as who he was, as much as it pained him he couldn't change it, he was proud of who he was and he wasn't going to let anyone put him down for it, making him feel like he was nothing, Sirius or no, he wouldn't put up with it. He wouldn't hurt Sirius but he certainly wouldn't let him make him feel worthless. Calming down somewhat he retracted his fangs and decided that he needed some fresh air and ran outside into the forest surrounding Slytherin Manor, he knew he was safe here as it was heavily warded.

He made his way between the trees of the forest and noticed it was much darker in here because the trees were so close together. He stopped when he reached a clearing, he sat on the soft grass under his feet with a sigh. He put up some privacy wards his father taught him and laid down to look at the small patches of sky he could see through the tree tops. Feeling much more relaxed he dozed off.

Sirius had searched all through the Manor, but couldn't find Rayden anywhere, he decided to try outside in the grounds but couldn't find him there either, he started to make his way through the forest around the property, but he knew he wasn't going to find Rayden here either. He knew Rayden didn't want to see him at the moment and couldn't blame him really, he knew he hurt him, he was sorry about that and it wasn't like he couldn't understand Rayden's needs or wants, even his urges, to a degree, what he couldn't understand was Rayden's attitude about it, he just couldn't see how he could be so cold about it, but he also knew that if he didn't accept him for it he would lose him, and that was something he wouldn't do no matter what, they had both been betrayed and both stood by each other for so long, he wasn't going to give that up, Rayden was like he said; he was who he was, and he couldn't or wouldn't do anything to change that. He was happy Rayden was accepting it, and thriving because of it, as hard as it was when they first got here Sirius slowly got used to the sudden change in living arrangements and not to mention the news, but he guessed he still had some issues with it all and knew he needed to deal with them before he lost the one person who meant the most to him. Giving up he turned around and made his way back to the Manor he would give Rayden the time to himself that he so obviously wanted.

Rayden suddenly awoke with a feeling of being watched, looking around he saw nothing, he smelt the air and could detect the barest scent of roses, and knew that he had not been alone not too long ago. He looked to the sky and noticed the sun had crossed most of the sky, and knew it would be just about dinner time, standing up he brushed his clothes and cast his eyes around looking to see if there were any traces of whoever had been there, seeing nothing once again he turned and started walking back to the Manor, whatever or whoever it had been obviously didn't want to hurt him, they had plenty of time whilst he was asleep, and not to mention the fact they were within the wards of the Manor and the forest surrounding it. He walked inside the Manor and walked towards his room wanting to wash up before dinner, once he was changed and a bit cleaner he made his way down to the the dining hall. He opened the door and walked past Sirius, who was sitting in his usual seat not far from Rayden's. He sat and started to pile his plate with various foods.

"Rayden I want to apologize for the things I said and the way I made you feel earlier." Sirius said quietly looking at Rayden waiting for his response.

Swallowing his food after chewing, he looked at Sirius, "your forgiven, but I think you need to work out what it is you want to do Sirius, I won't put up with someone making me feel like I'm nothing just for being who I am." Rayden stated seriously.

"I know, I was just surprised by the way you think that humans are beneath you." Sirius whispered.

Rayden turned his head sharply to Sirius, "I won't put up with insults either. I think they are beneath me because they are, they are human, I am Vampire, we feed from humans, it's the way of the world, we take what we need to survive, just like anything else, if we were to feel much if anything for humans we would die out, not wanting to feed from them and feeling sorry for them. If we were put on this earth the way we are then we can't complain about it, we accept it and use it to our advantage, everything is there for a reason, the circle of life, and you act like humans are innocent creatures, at least we don't hide what we are, we are proud of it, I know I will have to hide who I am and I'm not looking forward to it, but I have no choice." Rayden said sharply.

Losing his appetite, Rayden stood up and looked to his father, "I'll be in my room waiting for when your ready to take me hunting." He said, then walked out of the room.

Twenty minutes later his father arrived dressed all in black with a black cloak in his arms. Grabbing his own black cloak he made his way down the hall with his father.

Tom looked down at his son, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, not really, I mean I understand he is upset with me, but what does he want from me, I am who I am, I won't change for anyone, but I don't want to lose him, we've been through much together, he was there for me always, why is this any different?" He asked, despairingly.

"I think he's just feeling confused, give him some time he will come around." Tom replied soothingly.

"I hope so."

They walked the rest of the way to the library in silence, they pulled their cloaks on and once ready Tom wrapped his arms around Rayden and they disappeared silently.

They arrived on what seemed to be a rooftop of some sort a second later, looking around he could see the other buildings of the city around him. "Where are we?" He asked looking to his father.

"Where in London."

"Why are we on the roof of some building?"

"So we can scan the place and pick your meal from up here." Tom replied with a smirk.

"I like the way you think father." Rayden said with a smirk of his own.

Tom chuckled, and walked towards the edge of the roof to get a better look at the alleyway on the side of the building. Rayden following behind him. Looking down he saw there was indeed a few people in the shabby alleyway, there was a man with brown hair, and a lady with blond hair laying on what looked like cardboard moaning loudly in one dark corner, there was a drunk also laying on what looked like cardboard half way down the alley towards the opening that lead to the street beyond, muttering to himself. Rayden stepped next to his father to have a better look, and decided it would be better to leave the drunk and go for the couple, the drunk wouldn't believe what he was seeing anyway, and the corner the couple were in was in darkness, besides they could deal with the drunk later if need be.

"I say, the couple in the corner." Rayden whispered.

Tom nodded in agreement, "do you want me to stun them first?" he asked also in a whisper.

Rayden thought about it for a second, "maybe the drunk over there, and the male on top of her," he said pointing in the direction of the corner, "but I would like the challenge of overpowering her though." Rayden whispered with a smirk, already excited.

Tom looked at his son and noticed his eyes had darkened to an almost black colour. With a small smile he sent a stunner at the drunk man, then one at the male on top of the woman, before wrapping his arm around Rayden, then apparating them next to the lady sprawled naked on the ground, with the male laying limply on top of her.

"What are you doing... move damn it... hurry up and fuck me already..." the lady mumbled, sounding like she was drugged out of her mind.

Tom pulled the guy off the woman and threw him down on the ground next to her.

"Hey, who are you?" she said with a slur, "did you want some of me too?" she looked over at Rayden, "your a little too young for me sweetie but your friend here can have some fun with me, why don't you just stand over there and watch." she said raising up onto her elbows.

Rayden looked to his father, and raised an eyebrow in question. Once he received the nod to go ahead, he grabbed a small dagger out of his pocket out of her view, and knelt down next to her, she looked up at him confused, "what are you doing kid?" she said in a slur.

Rayden ignored her, and by the time she saw the knife it was too late he had already cut her arm just below the elbow, she looked at him in a mix of surprise and fear, smelling the blood his fangs grew in an instant, he still hadn't worked out how to get his fangs to grow without the scent of blood but figured it didn't matter at the moment, he would learn eventually. Grabbing her arms near the shoulders he held her and bent lower towards her throat, the woman struggled to get free but he just squeezed her harder and pushed her to the ground fully, then straddled her, he may be young but having Vampire in him gave him advantages and he was stronger then he looked. Holding her in place he ran his tongue up from the base of her neck up her throat and to her ear, sucking slightly on the lobe, he withdrew his tongue and sunk his fangs in her just below her ear, he felt the drops of blood on his tongue and began to suck, moaning at the pleasure he felt, his mind almost blank from everything around him, until he heard her moaning, it brought him back to reality and sneering he sank his fangs deeper in her harshly, she screamed in agony; she didn't deserve to feel such pleasure from him and he wanted this to hurt the worthless human.

He could feel her pulse pumping her blood into his mouth, he could feel her pain and moaned at the blissful feeling and sucked harder, drinking her life blood. He didn't want it to end, but alas he needed to learn how to stop without killing, sighing he withdrew his fangs and dropped her limp body to the ground, standing he licked the remaining blood from his lips and looked to his father.

"I thought you would kill her." Tom said with a proud small smile.

"I was going to, but then realized I needed to learn how to stop myself, and it wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be."

Nodding Tom pointed his wand at the naked lady and cast the killing curse at her before setting her corpse on fire, once she was nothing more than ash he blew it away with a nonverbal spell and a wave of his wand.

Rayden turned to the naked man and decided he would take the pleasure of killing this one, it would be his first kill. Kneeling next to the man he sank his already large fangs into the mans chest above his heart and drank the mans life away, he gave a soft moan of pleasure, he loved the feelings and tastes that he was easily becoming addicted to, he noticed he was hard from feeding off the woman as the struggle she gave heightened his senses and made his body come alive and felt more pleasure. He decided that this would be the last time he fed from a still body the challenge and thrill of a struggle was to desirable to turn down. He could feel the beating of the heart beneath him slow to a dangerous pace, and sucked harder, drawing the beat to a stop and the flow to an end, he withdrew his fangs and licked the drops that escaped his hungry mouth on the mans chest, he stood up next to his father, and watched, licking his lips whilst his father did the same to this corpse as the first.

Looking down at himself he sighed, he needed to do something about that, he knew he was too young to release it the way he would if he was older, but he could always try.

Turning to look at his son he held out his hand for him to take, once Rayden took hold he apparated them back home, landing in the library a second later.

Wrapping his cloak around himself more to cover himself he said a quick goodnight to his father and walked to his room. Tom shaking his head in amusement at his son.

Rayden quickly made his way to his room and closed the door behind him, he walked into the bathroom and removed his clothes, he turned the shower on and stepped into it once the water was warm enough, he sighed at the feeling of the water running down his back, he ran his hand down his chest and down his stomach reaching his erection he grabbed it in a tight grip, running his hand up and down his length in somewhat smooth strokes, moaning he leaned up against the wall and continued to stroke his aroused member, breathing heavily he closed his eyes, and found himself thinking about Sirius and sucking on his neck to bring himself to ecstasy, with a gasp he came into his hand, and surprisingly he found a small amount of come on his hand and fingers, he looked down at himself with shocked eyes, 'maybe being a Vampire is making him mature early or something' he thought, 'and why the hell am I thinking about Sirius like that?' shaking himself from these thoughts he quickly washed himself, finished he turned the water off, stepped out and dried himself, then dressed into his night clothes and went to bed with a sigh, closing his eyes he fell into a peaceful sleep.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

August 1st 1991

Rayden woke up feeling content, last night had turned out to be really fun for him and he couldn't wait to do it again. He hadn't spoken to Sirius yet since their 'fight' and had a feeling that he was angry at him for going last night, but their was nothing he could do about it. He hated that they weren't talking, but he needed to let Sirius work this out for himself. He only hoped that they would be talking again soon enough.

He was just about to go into his bathroom when an owl started tapping at his window, knowing what it would be he opened it to let the owl in. The owl swooped down and sat on his little table near the fireplace, sighing Rayden walked over to the small sitting area and took a seat near the owl, removing the letter from said owl, he looked over it critically, he flipped it over and opened it, pulling the parchment out of the envelope he unfolded it and read the invitation to Hogwarts, once done he placed it on the table and pulled another piece out of the envelope, this one was an item list that he would need for school. Grabbing a piece of parchment and a quill he quickly wrote his reply of acceptance he gave it to the owl, who flew out of the window with a hoot and set off to where it came from.

He stood up and went to the bathroom and continued on with his usual morning ritual. After finishing in there he walked over to the table, picked up both pieces of parchment and made his way down to the dining hall. He was somewhat surprised to see Sirius sitting at the table quietly eating breakfast, he thought after last night Sirius would want to stay away from him, but obviously he was wrong.

"Good morning father... Sirius." He said taking his place at the table.

"Good morning son, I hope you slept well?" Tom replied with a small smile hiding behind his cup of tea.

"I did," he said shooting Sirius a glance, suddenly remembering his thoughts last night in the shower he turned away somewhat ashamed and looked back at his father, "I received these this morning." he handed the letters to his father.

Tom took them and read over them quickly, "well it looks like we will be making a trip into Diagon Alley today, unless you want to go another day, there's no particular rush really?" Tom asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I think I would like to get it over and done with to be honest, so if it's okay, I would like to go today?" Rayden asked and took his letters back from his father, he glanced at Sirius again, noticing that the man had yet to say anything, and silently put the letters next to Sirius' arm for him to read if he so wished.

Tom nodded, "that would be fine, I don't have anything planned for the day so we can make a day of it."

"Would you like to come with us Sirius?" Rayden asked, this time turning to face him properly.

Sirius didn't make eye contact but nodded all the same, continuing to eat his breakfast. Disappointed Rayden shook his head in despair, he needed this to stop he couldn't go on much longer like this, they had never been like this before.

"Are you ever going to talk to me again Sirius?" Rayden finally asked, after a long silence.

"I tried talking to you yesterday, but I couldn't find you anywhere, so I gave up." Sirius said with a shrug.

"I needed to be alone yesterday Sirius, what you said really hurt me, it made me feel like after all this time we've been together and after what we've been through, you couldn't except me for who I am." Rayden said without looking up from his plate.

Sighing Sirius turned in his seat to look at Rayden properly for the first time in what seemed like forever, he took Rayden's face in his hands and turned him so that he was looking into his eyes, "I'm sorry." He whispered.

"Do you forgive me?" Rayden asked softly.

"There's nothing to forgive... do you forgive me?"

"Of course."

"Good," Sirius said with a smile, "and I would love to go with you today, I wouldn't miss it for anything no matter what."

"Good." Rayden said echoing Sirius' words with a smile of his own.

"Well now that that's finally sorted we should finish up breakfast then be on our way." Tom said, interrupting them.

Sirius let Rayden's face go and they all continued their breakfast in comfortable silence. "I've been meaning to ask you father... why is it that you have not called any of your followers and alerted them of your return?" Rayden asked after a few more minutes of silence.

"I don't trust anyone any more, and I'm not taking chances right now, my best attack is from the quiet shadows, at least for a while."

"But what about the Dark Mark, won't they be able to tell from that?"

"No, it would have darkened since my return but not enough for them to think I have returned, only so they will think I am getting stronger, and I would rather Dumbledore keep thinking that I'm still a spirit wondering the earth somewhere out there." Tom replied with a thoughtful look, "so even though it is somewhat darker it won't allow them to know I have returned until I allow it, it will only alert them when I call them, which I have no intentions of doing just yet."

Nodding in understanding Rayden finished his breakfast, "should I meet you in the library when you are finished?" Rayden asked, standing up to go get his cloak and wait for his father and Sirius to meet him in the library.

"Yes." Tom said finishing his tea.

"Wait up, I need to get my cloak from my room too so I might as well walk with you." Sirius said standing also and following Rayden out of the room.

Rayden stopped and waited for Sirius to catch up to him.

"Are you okay Rayden?" Sirius asked, looking into his face.

"Yeah of course... why wouldn't I be."

"I don't know, things have been kind of weird for us lately haven't they?"

"Yeah," Rayden nodded, "but the main thing is we will work it out... right?" Rayden asked coming to a stop and turning to look at Sirius once they reached the top of the stairs, in the corridor that led to their rooms.

Stopping also, Sirius looked down at the only person that had always shown him unconditional love, "Yes, we will always work it out, whatever it is, no matter what, I'm always here for you Rayden, even if sometimes it doesn't seem like it and I'm being a jerk." He said with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

"Good, I couldn't bare to lose you Sirius." Rayden replied, looking into Sirius' eyes.

Sirius pulled him into a hug and for a moment they held each other tight, enjoying the warmth the other gave. Rayden felt like it had been so long since they had hugged like this, and was savouring it. He couldn't stop his thoughts wandering to last night, but didn't feel ready to let go all the same.

Sirius was starting to feel Rayden's body more profoundly, and was getting uncomfortable with it, as if burned he pulled away quickly.

Rayden looked at Sirius with confusion, "what's wrong?" He knew he wasn't that aroused for Sirius to notice.

"..Nothing." Sirius said clearing his throat, "we should hurry, don't want to keep the nasty Dark Lord waiting.." Sirius joked.

"Okay.." Rayden replied, hiding his disappointment. He started walking down the hall towards his room with Sirius walking next to him, hurrying up they made it quickly back down stairs to the library and met his father.

"You might want to glamour yourself Sirius. I will glamour you if you like Rayden?"

Shrugging Rayden walked to his father, "don't make my hair too different though or my eyes, I like them the way they are."

Sirius chuckled at that, "he was like that with me whenever we went anywhere." Sirius had his now brown hair in a low pony and his once blues eyes where now hazel.

Rayden shot him a glare, then turned back to his father, "I like my eyes to stay the same and hair style but you can change it to a brown to match yours and Sirius' if you like." Nodding, Tom did just that, he also covered the scar with a concealing charm for good measure.

"Are we going by floo?" Rayden asked.

"No, we are apparating," Tom answered holding out his hand for his son to take, "we might as well go together, so Sirius if you would hold onto Rayden's arm." Tom gestured to his son's other arm.

Grabbing it they disappeared, arriving seconds later in an alley outside the Leaky Cauldron, looking to make sure no one had seen them, nodding in satisfaction, Tom led them inside the building, ignoring everyone, they made their way to the back of the building to the hidden doorway that opened onto Diagon Alley. Tapping his wand on the wall, it opened into an arc doorway and they stepped through, the wall closing behind them.

"Stay close." Tom said softly. Rayden moved a bit closer to his father with Sirius close behind, they didn't want to look too suspicious but they didn't want to get separated in the crowd, especially since this was Rayden first time there and he didn't know his way around this large place.

"We won't need to go to Gringotts, I have enough Galleon's to do us for the day. Where would you like to start?" Tom asked.

"I don't know, I guess we could start with my clothes." Rayden replied not really looking forward to shopping. He had low tolerance for it.

They walked to Madam Malkin's, after twenty minutes there, they made their way to Flourish and Blott's, Rayden knew he wouldn't get many interesting books from there so didn't bother looking too hard, he only got what was needed for this year's lessons, yeah two level and year three level, he wanted to stay ahead in his studies and even though he knew all the first and possibly the second year levels, he wanted to make sure he didn't leave anything out.

After getting the potion supplies Tom looked to his son, "I know you already got a wand, but I don't think it's best to let Dumbledore see that wand just yet, I think you would be better to get a temporary wand for now, until the time is right to show your real wand."

"That's makes sense." Sirius commented.

"Okay." Rayden replied.

They made their way through the crowd of shoppers, reaching an old dirty looking building that read 'Ollivander's, makers of fine wands since 382 B.C' above the door. Sighing he followed his father and Sirius into the old musty shop.

"May I help you?" a voice sounded from the back after hearing the bell above the door ring as it opened and closed. The three that walked into the shop didn't reply and waited for the old man to come to the front to serve them.

Not getting a response, the wand maker entered the room his customers where standing in. Upon seeing the three, he raised an eyebrow and repeated the question, "may I help you?"

"Of course.. My son here needs a wand." Tom said somewhat sarcastically, what else did he think they were in here for, to buy a bloody peacock.

Ollivander looked at the boy standing there, "right.. well which is your wand arm?" Ollivander asked impatiently, not liking the tone the father spoke with.

"My right." Keeping the information that he could in fact use which ever arm he wanted, to himself. He had discovered that little fact after he received his first wand.

Nodding, Ollivander set to work, a flying measuring tape measuring places Rayden was sure didn't need to be measured, such as his feet, the width of his knees, among other places. He was becoming highly annoyed. 'So much different to Mr Bracken' thought Rayden with a sigh. He seemed to be doing that a lot today he had noticed.

Finally after what felt like too long in Rayden's opinion, the measuring stopped and Ollivander walked to the back room muttering to himself, with Rayden's sensitive hearing he picked up the words..'kids these days... no respect.' Sneering slightly at the insult he shot Ollivander a look that had he been looking would have made him think twice about muttering in the first place. The more he had to suffer going through this torture the more he hated Dumbledore, after all it was his fault he wanted to go to Hogwarts and get his revenge on the blind old dim bat.

Whilst he was waiting on the wand maker, he heard the bell of the door, indicating someone had just walked in, turning he glanced at the people who had come in the shop and saw not only Sirius stiffen but his father also, curious he decided to ask his father about it later, he looked at the pair and knew they were father and son, they looked almost identical, both had blond white hair, and pale skin, both with their noses up in the air.

Snorting quietly, he turned back to the front of the shop intent on waiting for the wand maker in piece. That was until the younger of the two stood next to him.

"Hi, I'm Draco.. Draco Malfoy," he said haughtily, "are you here to get your wand too?"

"No, I'm here to buy a penguin." Rayden deadpanned.

He heard the soft snicker of Sirius and turned to look at said man and saw his father was wearing a smirk. Malfoy junior on the other hand just stared and blinked. Malfoy senior didn't look too happy though.

'It's amazing how our sarcasm and thoughts are so alike.' Tom thought.

"No need to be so rude." Malfoy said arrogantly.

"No need to state the obvious." Rayden said with a smirk.

Ollivander made his way to the front counter with an assortment of wands, upon seeing this Rayden groaned. "Just step over here please and try these wands for me and see which one chooses you." Ollivander ordered.

Rayden complied eager to get this over with and out of this small cramped and musty room. The smell was horrible. Picking up the nearest box to him once he reached the counter he picked up the wand, and nothing happened. "Give it a wave." Ollivander said as if he were talking to a small child. Rayden bristled but did so none the less. The vase that was on the other side of the counter smashed, Ollivander snatched the wand from his hand and handed him another, Rayden glared at the man and proceeded to do the same with the second one, the same thing happened only this time it was the front window that smashed, shaking his head Rayden tried all the stupid wands sitting on the counter until there was no more left.

"Interesting." Ollivander mumbled.

"What's interesting?" Rayden asked as politely as he could muster.

"Hmm?... no, no, never mind I'll be right back." Ollivander said rushing off to the back room once again.

Rayden sighed, was he doomed to stay in this disgusting place all day.

"There are other people here that are in need of a wand." He heard Draco mutter to his father, he was just about to turn around to the boy and say something when Ollivander walked back into the room looking somewhat winded.

"Here, I think this one may be for you, I don't know why but I was just drawn to it, to bring it here to you!" Ollivander exclaimed handing him a long box. Rayden took the box and opened it, seeing a wand inside he pulled it out of it's resting place, as soon as it touch his fingers he knew this was his wand and he would be soon leaving this place. He felt a warm tingle go up his arm and through the rest of his body before it disappeared. He dimly noticed his aura flare in response.

"I knew this was the one!" Ollivander exclaimed happily, "you young Sir have the brother wand of you know who, Phoenix feather core." He chirped. He knew this wand should have been meant for Harry Potter, but if this boy had claimed the wand then so be it. 'This one is powerful without a doubt.' He thought. 'Dumbledore would be pleased no doubt.'

"About bloody time, too." Draco mumbled.

Rayden chose to ignore him, he was just glad to be leaving finally.

"Thank you, how much do we owe you?" Tom asked smoothly.

"6 Galleons." Ollivander answered.

After paying the wand maker, they finally left the shop and Rayden breathed deeply and held it for a few long seconds before releasing it slowly. Fresh air was bliss after that suffocating shop.

"Now all we have to do is get your owl, then we are finished with your school items." Tom said gesturing towards the Menagerie.

On there way there, they passed a group of red heads looking excitedly into a shop window talking about some kind of broom, Rayden rolled his eyes, and kept walking.

They made it to the Menagerie and walked inside, the onslaught of noise hit them like a sledge hammer, especially for Rayden's sensitive ears. He looked around trying to find something that would suit him and didn't need to look far when he saw a gorgeous large black eagle with beautiful deep golden eyes sitting higher then the rest of the animals in the shop, it opened it's two foot span of black wings and swooped down to Rayden's shoulder as soon as it looked at him and Rayden knew he found what he wanted. The eagle perched itself on his shoulder and sat there as if he belonged there all this time, the owner was shocked but didn't say anything, he payed for the beautiful eagle and left the shop. He didn't worry about a cage for his familiar, he would never cage something as free and dignified as this wonderful creature. The eagle stayed on his shoulder the rest of the day in Diagon Alley. He looked into the deep golden eyes of his familiar, "Hi there Amdis." He whispered to him. The eagle nodded in response and gently gripped his shoulder. Smiling he turned to watch were he was going.

"Now before we go home, I have a surprise for you Rayden so we've got one more stop." Tom said.

"Really?" Rayden asked perplexed, what was his father up to.

"Come with me." His father said smirking.

They followed him into Knock-turn Alley, Rayden wondering what his father was getting for him, and Sirius wondering what on earth could be useful for Voldemort to get Rayden from this place.

He led them to another animal shop but this one having more exotic and rare animals then the one they previously went into. He instantly heard the hissed conversations between several snakes, and knew what his father had brought him in here for, "Go and pick one of your choosing." His father told him quietly.

Rayden walked over to the large tank at the far side of the room that held several large snakes, his eyes immediately fell on a long beautiful emerald green snake with striking sapphire blue eyes, "hello there." Rayden said quietly, as to not draw any attention from anyone else.

"A young speaker, it is an honour young master." The snake hissed.

"Like wise."

"It has been many years since we have heard about a snake speaker, we had thought there was none left." The snake hissed somewhat sadly.

"Well you would be happy to know that I am not the only one." Rayden hissed.

"Really, young master?"

"Really. In fact if you were to come with me you would be able to meet him."

"I would love to come with you, I hate being in this prison." The snake hissed angrily.

Rayden smiled and reached into the tank and picked the snake up, he slithered up his arm and wrapped the top half of his smooth silky scaly body around his neck mindful of the eagle on his left shoulder and left his tail coiled around his right arm, once they were comfortable Rayden walked back over to his father and Sirius.

Sirius openly stared at the snake, and Tom ran his hand over it's head gently, "I see you chose wisely there, my son."

"This is the other snake speaker I told you about, he is my father." Rayden hissed quietly to the snake.

"It is an honour to meet you, young master's father." The snake hissed in greeting.

Tom smiled, then walked over to the counter to pay for the snake. Once done they left the shop.

"Father, where could I get a couple of wand holsters from?"

"I know of a place, would you like to get it now?"

"Yes, if that's alright."

"It's fine by me, but I thought you were tired and wanted to go home?" Tom asked.

"I am but I really want one before I go to Hogwarts and thought whilst we are here I might as well get them."

Nodding Tom led them to a shop further in Knock-turn Alley, Rayden was walking behind him with Sirius.

"What are you going to name your familiars Rayden?" Sirius asked after an awkward stretch of silence.

"Amdis is this gorgeous eagle, and this silky snake is Nathaniel, I thought them both fitting as, Amdis means Immortal in Latin, which he is now that he is my familiar, and Nathaniel mean Midnight Predator." Rayden answered petting his familiars.

Sirius chuckled, "well I think they suit you."

"Thanks." Rayden said warmly.

Rayden waited outside the shop with Sirius as his father went and got him his holsters. He returned five minutes later.

They started walking towards the exit from the side street they had went down, when Rayden stopped, staring at a shop that looked oddly out of place, but yet comfortable in it's setting. It looked very dark inside and he wondered if it was open, for some reason he felt oddly drawn to it and wanted to go inside. He looked at the name of the shop and gasped, "Lamia's Quest." He whispered in awe.

Noticing Rayden had stopped Sirius and Tom looked at him before looking to where he was staring, then they heard him whisper and Tom instantly knew what he was looking at although he couldn't see it, he still knew what was there, after all he was married to a Vampire.

Sirius for his part still looked confused even though he heard the whispered words too. "What?" He asked Rayden perplexed.

"There, look," He answered and pointed to the shop, "Lamia's Quest, it means Vampire's Quest." Rayden said in awe.

"I don't see anything." Sirius complained.

Rayden snapped out of his trance and looked at Sirius in confusion, "what do you mean you can't see it, it's right there," Rayden whispered, pointing again to the shop, then quickly putting his hand down not wanting to draw too much attention to them.

Sirius shook his head and Tom explained, "Only Vampire's can see it, that's why you or I can't see it when Rayden can."

"Wow." Rayden said looking back to the shop, he knew he just had to go in there. He handed his familiars to his father.

"I have to go in there." He stated.

"Rayden you can't go in there by yourself." Sirius said.

"Well if you can't see it I doubt you would be able to get in there, and I need to go in there, so therefore I'm going by myself."

"You will be safe in there, they wouldn't harm another Vampire, it's the humans they would harm." Tom said.

"See nothing to worry about Sirius, I'll be fine." Rayden replied, starting to walk towards the shop feeling the most tantalizing pull.

Once inside he was hit with a mouth watering scent, it was the sweet tang of blood, and he inhaled deeply and moaned softly. He loved the way blood effected him. He noticed his fangs against his bottom lip as they grew.

"Welcome young Vampire." Said a silky voice from the shadows. "I am Kieran Nyx."

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Nyx..."

"Please call me Kieran." Kieran said in a soft baritone that ran a pleasant chill down Rayden's spine.

"Okay... it's nice to meet you Kieran." He purred. 'What the hell was he doing.'

A soft chuckle broke out from the shadows. Kieran moved forward into the light more and all Rayden could do was stare, it was the first time he had seen a Vampire, if he didn't include himself, but he wasn't a full one yet. This man was gorgeous. His long black silky hair that touched gently on the middle of his back, his violet eyes staring back at him somewhat warmly, those tight black pants, that crimson silk shirt, his long sharp fangs that were glistening against the soft light with his sexy smile, and that glowing pale skin, in Rayden's opinion he was hot.

Kieran's smile grew wider with Rayden's staring, bringing himself out of his daze he cleared his throat, "I'm Rayden." He said not willing to give his full name in case it was recognised.

With a little bow Kieran walked forwards closer to Rayden, "It is a pleasure to meet 'you' Rayden." Kieran purred in return, sending thrills down Rayden's spine and stopping but a few inches from Rayden face. Rayden drew in a sharp breath, and got a whiff of the Vampire standing in front of him, he smelt like an odd mix of chocolate and cinnamon, a nice combination. Before he could stop himself he moaned softly. 'What on earth am I doing.'

"So what brings you to my shop young Vampire?" Kieran asked, now softly smelling his neck.

Rayden gulped, "I was drawn to it." He answered breathlessly.

"Hmm... is that so?"

"Yeah." He breathed.

Without think Rayden leaned forward and flicked the tip of his tongue across the Vampire's neck, softly. Being rewarded with a moan from the older Vampire.

He didn't know why he was so drawn to this shop or why he was acting this way, maybe it was because it was the first time he met one of his own kind, or maybe it was the smell of the blood in the shop mixed with Kieran's scent, he didn't know but he didn't want to stop it just yet, he wanted more.

As if reading his thoughts, or maybe he just read his body language, whatever it was he thanked it as Kieran claimed his mouth with his own. Kieran ran his tongue along Rayden's bottom lip asking for entrance, and when it was granted, they both moaned into the kiss being swallowed by the other. Tongues writhed around each other, somewhat awkwardly on Rayden's part, neither battling for dominance, not that he would anyway, he didn't really know what he was doing, it was his first kiss, but it was good, really good, he was just following Kieran's tongue and going with it. Kieran moved his lips away from his own and travelled along his jaw to his neck, running his tongue languidly from ear to shoulder, once he made it half way back up his neck, he slowly sunk his fangs in Rayden's skin, drawing the ecstasy for both of them for as long as possible, Rayden's moans becoming louder, once his fangs where deep enough he guided Rayden's lips to his own neck. Knowing what Kieran wanted, Rayden slowly buried his fangs in the sweetness of the neck he was soon feasting on, both drinking each others blood that ran through their veins, panting he couldn't contain it any longer, he had never been this turned on before, he was rock hard, and he loved it, he started lightly grinding his small hips against the Vampire in front of him, going in agonizingly little thrusts, mainly moving on instincts. Kieran ran his hand down the young Vampire's body and dipping his hand down the front of the younger Vampire's pants he drew his hard member into his hand, bringing a gasp from Rayden's mouth, only to be swallowed by Kieran. After a few pulls on his member, Rayden did the same, and soon had the older Vampire's large hard cock in his own hand, receiving a moan in response. Both pulling on each others hard shafts, and drinking the blood they craved, they both came with a shudder and loud moaning and panting. Feeling utterly spent, they withdrew from each others sweet embrace, Rayden sagging against this larger Vampire that he just met.

Suddenly very aware that he didn't know this man, he stepped back in shock at what he just did, "What the hell.." He muttered confused. 'Did he just do that?' he couldn't believe it. 'It felt wonderful though he couldn't deny that, but he had never done anything like that before, not just the sexual experience but the fact it was to a stranger.' He thought shaking his head in disbelief.

"Don't worry so much young Vampire, you will get use to it." Kieran said softly.

"What do you mean?" Rayden asked confused.

"I mean, you will get use to the urges you feel, it was your first time but you will learn how to control it more as you get older, it's always stronger when your younger and also with another Vampire." Kieran explained.

"So that's going to happen every time?" Rayden asked with a raised eyebrow.

Kieran chuckled, "Not necessarily, it will get easier to control each time, and you will adapt, it's the way we are it's in our nature to crave the things we do, so the easiest way to control it, is to embraced it and accept it." Kieran said.

"That makes sense, I guess." Rayden said thoughtfully. He wondered how he was going to clean himself, just after the thought crossed his mind, he looked down at himself in surprised to see him clean, looking back to the older Vampire, he just shrugged, "Vampire magic." He said simply. Rayden just raised an eyebrow, he realized there was obviously lots he didn't know about Vampires, even though he was one himself.

"So apart from ravishing each other and bringing mind blowing pleasure to each other, what else can I do for you?" Kieran asked with that silky voice of his. All Rayden could think of at that moment was that he hoped his voice turned out sexy like that after he matured.

Shaking himself from his thoughts, he looked to Kieran, "I don't know exactly, I felt extremely drawn to this place." Rayden answered with a shrug.

"Hmm... well why don't you have a look around and see if anything grabs your attention more than anything else." Kieran suggested.

"Okay." Rayden agreed.

After slowly walking around the large shop for a few long minutes he came to a far wall to the left of the door as you enter the shop, to find it full of swords. He was in awe, they were magnificent, but there was only one that drew his attention the most, it was a beautiful long sword with a black blade, Kieran had been watching him, and when he had stopped at this particular sword he heard a soft gasp coming from the older Vampire. Kieran was standing behind him before he could even blink, "Is this what you are drawn to, my little darkness?" He asked quietly in Rayden's ear.

"Yeah." He replied with a shiver at both the breath in his ear and the power of the sword tingling over his senses.

Kieran slowly and gently withdrew the sword from it's stand on the wall and handed it to Rayden without another word. As soon as Rayden touched it, he felt like he was at one with some unknown entity, the power of the sword infused itself into him and wrapped around his very being. He gasped with the power of it all. He looked down at the sword and saw all the details it held, the blade itself was black with jagged edges at the hilt just under the handle on the sides, there were two Black dragon's with glowing emerald eyes on either side of a large onyx, clutching it in their claws, whilst their wings spread out behind them, their tails fell down next to the blade and curved inwards slightly towards the blade itself along side the jagged edges, their necks, and heads stretched up along side the handle on either side with their eyes facing towards the sky as if looking into the heavens above. He ran a soft, gentle hand along one of the flat sides of the blade and saw elegant latin words written across it, it looked like it was under black glass it was smooth to touch even though you could clearly see the words engraved on the blade, "Sapiens Claw." He whispered to himself. 'WiseOne's Claw.'

"Yes, It was made from the Dragon of it's name, Sapien." Kieran said softly.

Rayden's head snapped to Kieran's face, "What do you mean?" Rayden demanded.

"The Blade is black because the Dragon's scales were black, his name was Sapien, 'WiseOne,' he gave some of his scales to a maker of Swords and that's how this was created, the exact details are a mystery, but we Vampire's were given this Sword to protect, until the rightful owner came to claim it, and in effect bond with it, so to speak." He paused, thinking of what was yet to come, "it doesn't come alone, there is also another artifact that comes with it, one can not be without the other, for they both thrive together."

Rayden didn't know what to say, but he wanted to know what this other artifact was, "Will you tell me what it is?"

"Better yet, I will show you." With that Kieran walked into the back room. Not even minutes later he was back with a small black box, reaching Rayden's side once again he open the box to reveal a platinum necklace. "Take it." Kieran offered.

"What?" Rayden breathed, he want sure he should be touching these artifacts of power. If they were meant for someone then he shouldn't be playing around with them.

"You have already bonded with the Sword... these artifacts belong to you." Kieran said seriously.

Rayden just blinked, he didn't know what to think, 'When did he bond with the Sword? Is that what the touch of power was? The bonding? Or was it the touch of a caress on his very being?' He somehow thought it to be the latter.

"Take it, My Little Darkness." Kieran murmured.

With gentle hands Rayden lifted the necklace from the box, and instantly felt the same power in his blood and the same caress over his being. Looking down he saw another Dragon, but only one this time it was wrapped around a black onyx, it's head meeting the tip of it's tail at the bottom of the onyx, whilst it's wings spread from it's back and fanned out towards the sky above the onyx, it's claws clutching onto the onyx in the center as if protecting it. It was as beautiful as the Sword. He read the Latin words on the Dragon's platinum body, 'Totus Gnarus Oculus,' Rayden looked to Kieran, "What does it mean by 'The All Knowing Eye?'"

"Because, this eye can show you what you need to see, and it's as it's name suggest, it's 'all knowing,' but the only ones to fully understand it, will be you and who the actual eye belongs to, it's not a regular onyx gem." Kieran said mysteriously.

"You mean this is an actual eye?" Rayden asked disbelievingly.

"Yes." was the simple answer, "but I don't know all the details, all I know is that, the Sword was made from a black Dragons' scales, and the same Dragon Sacrificed an eye to make this necklace, both meant for the true owner, which is you. It's suppose to link the both of you together somehow, but I'm not sure of how deep the connection will go or if there will even be one. It isn't known if the Dragon survived the hunting centuries ago but, we do know that he hasn't been seen in a very long time." Kieran explained distantly as if talking more to himself then to Rayden, "Sapien was a very powerful Dragon, that Sword will serve you well, and that necklace will show you things you couldn't imagine, but only you, if anyone else were to use it the way it was meant for the true holder, well I haven't seen it happen but from what I hear it wouldn't be very pleasant." He finished seriously.

"Okay..." Rayden said not really sure how to respond to that information, "well I guess I better be going then, my Father and friend have been waiting long enough I imagine." suddenly remembering the two men waiting outside for him. He place the necklace around his neck and tucked it under his shirt.

"What about the Sword, I can't carry it around like this?" Rayden asked.

Kieran bent down to a draw under the shelf the Sword was previously sitting on and pulled out a black sheath, placing the Sword inside the sheath, the Vampire shrunk it and handed it to Rayden, who place it in a pocket on his cloak near his heart.

"Just know this; anything you want to know you will find in that eye, but be very careful, make sure you really want to know before you try, sometimes it is better not to know some things." Kieran stated seriously, "knowledge is power, but you don't want to know things that may interfere with your understanding of things until your ready, it may hold all the answers, but I'm sure you won't like all that you find."

"Okay, I will... thank you." Rayden nodded, before making his way to the door.

"Your very welcome, make sure you come to visit me." Kieran smiled.

Turning, Rayden looked to the smiling Vampire, "I'll try, I start Hogwarts soon, so I don't know when I'll be able to make my way here again."

"Ah... well have fun at that human filled school of yours, now won't you?" The Vampire chuckled.

"I somehow doubt it will be very fun, and I also doubt I will get away with much if a couple of students went missing." Rayden laughed.

"Well maybe I will have to stop by and visit you then." Kieran teased.

"I wouldn't mind, it would give me a break from all the humans, I may not need to feed as much as a full grown Vampire but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it just as much."

Kieran raised an eyebrow, "I would be more than happy to help you out there." he said suggestively.

"I'll see you later, it was nice.. um.. meeting you, Kieran." Rayden said remembering what exactly happened after meeting said Vampire.

"I'll see you around." Kieran grinned, showing his fangs.

Rayden turned back to the door and exited the shop. He blinked at the sudden light blinding him, he had been use to the darkness of the shop, and much preferred it. He walked over to his father and Sirius waiting for him.

"You ready to go home now?" Tom asked his son.

"Yeah, I'm buggered." Rayden replied.

"So what did you get, anything interesting?" asked Sirius, looking down at Rayden.

"You could say that," Radyen said mysteriously, "I'll show you when we get home."

"Lets go then." Tom said, walking out of Knock-turn Alley. Sirius and Rayden following along side him. They made their way out of Diagon Alley, and to the place they had arrived earlier that day, taking his father's hand and Sirius taking his arm, they checked to make sure no one was watching then disappeared.

When they arrived in the library, Rayden sat on one of the chairs he landed next to, totally exhausted. He pulled out his Sword, and unshrinking it, held it out for his father and Sirius to see. Both men moved closer to examine it better, and both looked at Rayden with surprise at how gorgeous a Sword he had managed to find.

"Wow, that's a beautiful Sword, Rayden." Sirius said in awe.

"I know." Rayden replied with a grin, sounding very pleased, "but that's not all I got." He placed the Sword on the table near the fireplace, and pulled out the necklace from under his clothes. Holding it in his hands he showed the two men. "It's beautiful Rayden." Sirius said again.

"Yes it is." Tom said absently, with slightly wide eyes, he knew he needed to talk to Rayden before he went to Hogwarts, but now it seemed he would have to make it sooner then he had thought. Rayden, slightly perplexed by his father's reaction, shrugged and put it away back under his clothes, he grabbed his Sword and started for the door. "I'm going to put my Sword in my room and get ready for dinner, them I'm off to bed, I'm exhausted." Rayden said leaving the room and heading upstairs to his bedroom.

He had a quick shower after placing his Sword on the bedside table, he made his way back downstairs to the dining hall and had a quick and quiet dinner, he couldn't be bothered talking right now, all he wanted to do was sleep.

"I'm tired, I'm going to bed, good night." Rayden said standing up from the table.

"Good night, son." Tom said.

"Are you alright Rayden?" Sirius asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah of course, it's just all that shopping took a lot out of me." Rayden replied, 'not to mention that encounter with Kieran.' He thought.

"Okay, well good night Rayden." Sirius said.

Rayden walked to his room got changed into his silk pajamas, and went to bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well that took longer than I had planned, but I managed to finally finish it. I hope you enjoyed all 27 pages of this chapter, if not, well I can't help that! Sorry if I made it sound a bit like Incest at some parts throughout the chapter, don't worry it isn't going to have Incest, well at least not from Rayden's family, unless you class Sirius and Rayden as Incest, but I don't in my fic, as you will see out later. I guess I'm just so use to reading HP/LV fics, that I love as much as some Sirry fics. Please read and review, no flames or complaints about any adult themes, as I have given warning not only for the entire fic but also in the AN before the chapter, so you were well warned, and as for Rayden's attitude, that's just the way he is, and is going to stay. The warnings are there for a reason. Enough rambling from me for now, thank you again to all that are enjoying my story. I hope it wasn't too long for you all?! Sorry if the Latin is wrong, but I got it from the net so it isn't my fault! :)

PLEASE REVIEW!!!