The Meaning Of Family

AN: Hey everyone! Sorry for the long wait, I had writers block on this chapter, it was in my head but I had trouble putting it in writing; so it was a bit forced, unfortunately, so I repeat; 'sorry.' Thank you to all my reviewers, I hope you don't mind the long chapters but I much rather them that way! Anyway on with chapter 11, enjoy... :)

'Thoughts'

"Parseltongue"

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Chapter 11

Hogwarts

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August 2nd 1991

Rayden was sitting in his favourite seat near the fire, in the library catching up on some reading whilst he waited for his father to meet him there. He knew his father had something to tell him and that it was the whole reason for this particular meeting, but he didn't know what it could be, all he knew was that it was big and very important. He had asked his father at breakfast after being told to meet him here at 10:00 what it was about and his father told him he would find out soon enough, so he decided it best not to push it, his father had his reasons for wanting to say what needed to be said in private, so he would leave it at that and wait.

Not so patiently.

He was getting restless, and after casting 'Tempus' once more he checked the time, to see that he had been lost in his thoughts wondering what his father could possibly have to tell him, for the last half hour. It was 9:57, and he knew his father would be here in a few minutes.

Content knowing that his father wouldn't be late he marked the page he was on and placed the book down on the table, and relaxed back into the sofa.

He heard the door open and looked to his right to see his father enter the room, he watched as he locked the door with a spell and put a silencing charm on the room, then made his way to the sofa opposite him, and took a seat.

"I guess you have been wondering what we need to talk about since this morning?" Tom asked, raising his eyebrow in question.

"You could say that." Rayden replied with a slight frown.

In an attempt to make it easier to tell Rayden what he needed to know, he leaned into the sofa, making himself more comfortable.

Rayden on the other hand, moved to lean forward in his seat with his arms resting on his knees, and hands clasped together, waiting for his father to begin.

"There is something I need to let you know, but I wasn't going to tell you just yet, it would've been before you went to Hogwarts, but I didn't think it would be this early," Tom paused looking into his son's eyes before he continued, "I guess it doesn't really matter that it's a few weeks earlier than planned, so much as it is the reason for it."

"What do you mean?" Rayden asked, perplexed.

"I will get to that, soon enough." Tom answered. "There really is no easy way to explain this to you so I will just be blunt about it."

"There are two prophecies about you, one is fake and one is real, although there are no names mentioned in these prophecies, it is clear who they are about -- in their own way at least," he paused again and continued to look deep into Rayden's eyes as though he was searching for something, "the fake one is clear it was about you, for the simple fact that Dumbledore took you; the second will become clear to you once you know what it is, for the reason's as to why Dumbledore made the fake prophecy and why he took you. Not to mention the fact that you will understand it is about you." Tom said, almost cryptically.

"How can you be so sure it is about me if there are no names mentioned, surely it could mean anyone?" Rayden asked, feeling no small amount of confusion.

"Like I said you will understand more once you know the prophecies, your mother and I understood it to be about you, and what confirmed it for me was the sword and necklace you now own." he paused to take a breath, then continued, "Dumbledore got his dirty hands on the prophecy, then had a fake one made so as to kidnap you, because he understood the real one was about you." Tom sighed.

Rayden didn't know what to say, so he remained silent, waiting for his father to continue.

"I think it's best you know of these prophecies before you meet Dumbledore, to know what you will be up against once you go to Hogwarts, and I didn't want to lie to you and have you ignorant of them, you are safer knowing them, and with you being so naturally good at occlumency the knowledge will be safe with you." Tom said.

Rayden was proud for the praise he could hear in his father's voice.

"I also think it's best to start from the beginning with the real prophecy so that way you will understand the fake prophecy better and the actions of an old idiot. Do you think your ready to hear it?" Tom asked, seriously.

"I think so, well as ready as I'll ever be I guess." Rayden answered, nervously.

Taking a deep breath Tom recited the prophecy he knew so well about his son from memory, "The Darkest of Dark will thrive over Earth, Feeding on Humanity like a Plague. Intolerant of most things, he will bring Death to his Enemies. A Power so Powerful he is more unstoppable and will live a longer life than any before. He will bring the Darkness of Earth to Freedom. Eyes as cold as the Emerald Gems will entice the many. With his combined Blood and Power he will concur the Earth. Bonded to the Black Dragon, is the most he will ever see." Tom finished, giving Rayden a moment to let the prophecy sink in.

"What?" Rayden asked, after several minutes of trying to take in everything that was said.

Chuckling, Tom looked at his son with affection. "Basically it means that you will purge the world of it's filth."

"Okay," Rayden said numbly, nodding his head slowly, "I still don't get how you thought it was about me before I got the sword and necklace that bonds me with the Black Dragon, I mean it couldv'e meant you with the green eyes and all, well not now that your eyes are red but before that, unless the prophecy was made after your eyes changed colour." Rayden rambled.

"With his combined Blood and Power," Tom repeated, "that's what gave it away mostly. Your half Vampire and Wizard, meaning the combined blood and power of your parents, although you will be a full Vampire when your older my blood and therefore power will still be inside your blood and your very being, nothing will take that away. A Wizard is powerful, and a Vampire's magic is powerful and very different from a Wizard's, but for them to be together makes it very powerful and unheard of, your magic and power is special and different from anyone, there has never been a half Vampire before." Tom explained.

"What does it mean 'Bonded to the Black Dragon, is the most he will ever see,' does that mean I will be alone for the rest of my life?" Rayden asked, with apprehension.

"You will live longer than anyone; so there is a chance you may end up alone, if you choose a mortal being as a partner," Tom answered gently, "unless you turn them," he added almost as an after thought.

Rayden remained silent, not really knowing what to say. He didn't want to end up alone for the rest of his long life but he knew his father was right, besides there will be plenty of time for that later he was only young after all and not even a full Vampire yet, but he couldn't help wondering if Sirius would let him turn him in years to come. He had a lot to do before then by the sounds of it, not to mention all his plans for Dumbledore, going to Hogwarts, meeting his mum which he couldn't wait for.

"There is also the chance you will find a partner in a Vampire one day, so I wouldn't worry about it for now." Tom said, bringing Rayden out of his thoughts.

"This is the prophecy that Dumbledore stole from the Vampires who where guarding it but were betrayed by someone who was working for the old man. The Vampires received the prophecy from the Dragon's, and were asked to guard it. The Dragon's withheld the full prophecy from the world, and only gave half of it to the Vampires and told them it would be one of their own in centuries to come. The Dragon's knew it would be a Vampire, but didn't know exactly when or who it would be. The Vampires held the replica of it in full view of the entire clan whilst the original one was put away under many enchantments. I found out the full prophecy from the Dragon's when I went to meet them and ask for their alliance, they knew it was about my son when they met me, many Dragon's were hunted by the Wizards not long after the prophecy was told and a lot of them were killed, the rest went into hiding, it was never known if 'The Black Dragon' was one of them or if he died, many said he died and before he did transferred his powers into the sword and necklace, only the Dragon's know for sure," he took a deep breath and then continued, "one of the Vampire slaves stole the prophecy and took it to Dumbledore but it went up in flames not long after he read it, due to the Magic the Vampires placed on it. Dumbledore thought it was about me." Tom finished.

"If Dumbledore thought it was about you, then why did he fake a prophecy about me and kidnap me?" asked Rayden with confusion.

"Before I explain that to you it's best if I tell you the prophecy he faked." Tom answered with a sigh.

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows now... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies..." Tom said, with disdain.

Rayden stared at his father for a long minute with a raised eyebrow before bursting out with laughter. "That's the prophecy the old ding-bat made up?" Rayden asked with disbelief after he calmed down somewhat.

"Yes," replied Tom simply.

"Why, I mean what was the point of it."

"Well at the time Dumbledore heard the real prophecy he thought it was about me, as I said before. Then he found out I was having a child, with a Vampire no less, and wanted to use my child as a weapon against me, knowing that he would be powerful enough from his parents' blood running through his veins. That's why he made the fake prophecy to explain why he needed you to destroy me, and a reason to kidnap you. Now, I think he is aware the prophecy meant you from the beginning and wants you close so he can change the outcome of it. Or he is not sure who it's about and wants you close to keep an eye on you and see if it is you, either way we have to be careful, because if he feels desperate enough, which I'm sure he will, he will stop at nothing to stop the prophecy from happening." Tom explained.

"That makes sense... I mean what you said, not the prophecy." Rayden said, correcting himself, with a small smile.

Smiling, Tom nodded in agreement, "Yes, so now you know the truth, it's up to you if you want to share this information, but I must ask you to think carefully on it and remember the Dragon's never told anyone the full prophecy, and the only reason they told me and your mother was because it was about you." Tom said, seriously.

"You don't think I should tell Sirius about it?" Rayden asked, not really knowing if he should or not, he didn't want to keep things from Sirius, but he also had to take into consideration that the Dragon's didn't tell the full prophecy to the Vampires, for many reasons, and he didn't know how Sirius would take it right now, especially if the way he took the news of everything so far was anything to go by. He doubted Sirius would take it too well at the moment, maybe in time would be a better choice.

"It's up to you, after all it's your prophecy, but I personally wouldn't say anything at the moment, not until your sure, at the very least," said Tom.

Rayden nodded in agreement, he really didn't think Sirius could handle it right now after everything, and he didn't want any more problems with Sirius after only just starting to talk comfortably with him again without any argument's, he was happy with the way things were, he would tell Sirius in time, when he felt he was ready to.

"Is there anything you want to ask me?" Tom asked, leaning forward in his seat.

"Do you know where the Dragon's are?" Rayden asked with excitement he couldn't tame. He had always been fascinated with Dragon's and always wanted to meet them, maybe now he could, especially now he was bonded with the oldest and most powerful one of all.

"I do." Tom said, chuckling at his son's uncontrolled enthusiasm.

"Will you take me there or tell me where it is?"

"One day." Tom answered.

Slumping his shoulders slightly Rayden nodded in defeat. He was a patient person when he knew there was no other way around it, or so he liked to tell himself.

"So Dumbledore wants to train me to kill my own father?" asked Rayden thoughtfully.

"Yes, but as far as he concerned, your not suppose to know I'm your father." answered Tom.

"What about the Death Eaters children, wont they know who I am, isn't Dumbledore worried they will tell me the truth, if they recognise me?"

"Not many of my followers knew of you to begin with, we kept you a secret from most, and the ones that do know... well lets just say they wont be able to say anything without losing their tongue, even to a family member." Tom replied with a smirk.

"You will have to teach me that spell one day." Rayden said, with his own smirk.

"It's a Parsel spell which makes it hard for anyone to counter let alone break, I will teach you when I think you are ready for such an advanced spell." Tom replied with a small wave of his hand. "In the mean time you should finish the Parsel spells that are here in this library first."

"You mean it's not here in this library?" asked Rayden, looking at the corner where he knew all the Parsel spell books were.

"No, that particular spell book is in the family vault at the bottom of the castle." answered Tom.

"Are you looking forward to starting Hogwarts?" Tom asked, changing the subject.

"Yes, and no," Rayden said, frowning at his own answer.

"Want to talk about it?" asked Tom, gently.

"I am looking forward to it, I want to be near enough to the dim-witted fool, to cause damage; I want my revenge, and to learn what I can, but I'm not looking forward to all the noise and people, talking about 'the-boy-who-lived'," Rayden said, rolling his eyes, "all that talking and whispering, I can just hear it now," he continued, with a shake of his head, "I don't like the thought of all those humans," he spat, "talking and pointing and staring, it makes me feel sick, and I don't like people. I'm not stupid, most if not all will be after my friendship because I'm 'the-boy-who-lived' and I'm not use to people my own age, I like the quiet and don't trust anyone, I don't want people expecting this and that from me that a friendship would create. Simply put, I prefer to be on my own, and Sirius wants me to make all these friends and..."

"Forget about him," Tom finished for him.

"Well... yeah, but he makes it sound like he really wants that, I mean I thought he wouldn't want me to go to school, we were always close; and stuck together, he would teach me anything I wanted to learn, we would talk all the time, but lately he's been different. I put it down to all the changes we have been through, but it doesn't seem to be that at all," Rayden said with a helpless shrug of his shoulders, "I can't help but feel he wants to get rid of me."

"I'm sure he will miss you when your not here, maybe he just needs some time alone to come to terms with everything, and you being at Hogwarts will give him that." Tom said with a gentle smile.

"But he seems fine now -- about all that, maybe he's noticed me taking longer than necessary looks at him and he feels uncomfortable about it." Rayden said with uncertainty, he knew his father had probably noticed his lingering looks also.

"You feel attracted to him?" Tom asked.

"I have for a little while now, the way blood effects me, I didn't think that was possible for someone my age to be effected like that -- in a sexual way I mean. I know it's because I'm a Vampire but still I've been taking more notice of him since... well since I took your blood, I don't know, I can't explain it." Rayden said, slightly frustrated.

"I understand what your trying to say, having to take my blood has woken the Vampire in you earlier than it normally would have, it's always been there but it wouldn't have effected you in that way just yet, it's heightened your senses more so than they were before, and it's also awoken your sexuality in you earlier; so to speak, as you are well aware Vampires are very sexual beings," Tom tried to explain.

"Yeah, that's true, and now I'm attracted to Sirius, which he knows and now wants to get rid of me." Rayden finished.

"Maybe theres more to it than that."

"What do you mean?" Rayden asked, confused.

"Maybe you should talk to him about it." Tom suggested.

"You think I should; I don't want things weird between us again, we've only just started to talk without arguing about everything, and I don't want that to change before I have to leave for school." Rayden sighed.

"It's up to you, but you will never know unless you talk to him about it, and I'm sure it will drive you crazy no matter which way you choose," Tom replied, getting up and walking to the door, "I'll let you think on it for a while, if you need me I will be in my study."

Rayden watched as his father left the room, then closed the door behind him.

He wanted to talk to Sirius about it, but if he was to be honest with himself he didn't know what to say and was nervous about it, he didn't want to make Sirius feel uncomfortable with him or make him want to get rid of him even more. But at the same time he wanted to know why Sirius was acting the way he was, they talked but there was always a certain distance between them now, and those uncomfortable silences, not to mention every time they hugged or became in contact with each other Sirius would try to escape. His father was right this was driving him crazy, he hated not knowing. He couldn't stand it, so he decided he was going to talk to Sirius about it, and he hoped it wouldn't cause too much damage to their already fragile 'relationship'.

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After lunch Rayden went searching for Sirius, as he wasn't at lunch with them. He went up to Sirius' room and knocked on the door.

"Come in." Was all the answer he got.

Opening the door he found Sirius sitting in front of the fireplace with a book in his hands, he made his way over and sat down, waiting for Sirius to finish what he was doing before speaking, after what felt like forever to Rayden but was probably only a few seconds, Sirius closed the book and put it down.

"If your wondering why I wasn't at lunch -- I wasn't hungry... and I was busy." Sirius said, not looking at Rayden directly.

"Oh... well yeah I was wondering why you weren't there, but that's not why I'm here." Rayden replied somewhat nervously, he was waiting for the man to look at him directly before he started talking about what was bothering him.

"Really?, it sounds serious." Sirius said, finally looking up at Rayden.

"It is," Rayden noticed Sirius was looking nervous also, which must of meant he had some idea why he was there, or he was just feeling uncomfortable being alone with him. Well that was just too bad, he wanted to get this over and done with -- and now, "at least to me." he stated.

Taking a deep breath he plunged on with it, not taking his eyes away from Sirius', "Sirius, why do you want to get rid of me?"

"What?" Sirius choked.

"Why do you want to get rid of me?" he repeated, "I mean, I get the feeling you can't wait till I've gone to school, and I want to know why?" Rayden asked.

"I don't want to get rid of you Rayden," he answered, turning away from Rayden, not able to look at him any longer.

"Really," Rayden said sarcastically, "then don't look away from me Sirius."

Swallowing, he turned back to Rayden, "I don't want to get rid of you, but I think school would be good for you."

"Oh?"

"Yeah -- I mean, meeting new people, making friends, it will be good for you." replied Sirius.

"Well that's a matter of opinion," Rayden replied with a wave of his hand, "but that's not what I meant."

"What do you mean, then?" Sirius asked.

"I hate the way your always avoiding being alone with me -- and whenever we are... your really uncomfortable -- like now..."

"I'm not uncomfortable," Sirius stated.

"You sure look uncomfortable to me, and whenever we hug or come into contact with each other you back away," he paused taking a deep breath, "you never use to do that with me Sirius..." he whispered.

"Rayden, it's not like that at all." Sirius defended himself weakly.

"Don't lie to me Sirius, your not good at it. If you don't want me around anymore, then fine... but please don't lie to me."

"Of course I want you around, Rayden," it was his turn to pause and take a deep breath, "but I just don't know whats going on anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"Everything has been weird since, we got here." Sirius added.

"It's only been weird between us." Rayden said taking Sirius' hands in his own.

"Rayden... "

"What?" he said, defensively, "you going to pull away from me again, now?" he asked.

"I wasn't... what do you mean 'again now?'"

"You always pull away from me now Sirius... why?" he whispered.

"Rayden I... "

"No more lies, Sirius -- you want to know what's going on? fine I will tell you... " taking a deep breath, he continued on, "I'm attracted to you," he said quietly.

"What..." Sirius said, jumping out of his seat, dropping Rayden's hands at the same time.

"Sirius... "

"No Rayden, no more -- your only Eleven, how do you think that makes me feel hearing you say that, after raising you as your Godfather for all these years; and you expect me to just sit here and listen to this without feeling weird about it... what were you thinking?" Sirius rambled.

"Sirius... "

"I think you should leave." Sirius said, looking at the floor.

"What do... "

"My room." Sirius answered.

"Sirius please listen to me," Rayden begged, "I didn't want to tell you like that, but I didn't want to lie to you either, and I wanted to know why you have been so distant from me, Sirius?"

"Rayden, we can't do this, your my Godson... "

"I'm not your Godson Sirius," Rayden said gently, "you know that -- your using it as an excuse... "

"As an excuse for what?" Sirius asked.

"I don't know, why don't you tell me?" Rayden asked.

"Rayden your only Eleven... " he tried.

"That's true, but I'm also half Vampire."

"What's that got to do with it?" asked Sirius.

"Vampires are very... well very sexual creatures, as you already know. Mine is showing early, I guess you could say. Sirius you know all this," He added.

"Rayden, we can't... I can't, it will pass once you meet someone your own age, you only feel attracted to me because apart from your father, I'm the only other one that's around."

"That's not true, Sirius. I felt this way about you for a while now -- and I think you've noticed, that's why you can't wait till I go to school... " he trailed off.

"Rayden, I'm sorry... but I can't give you what you think you want," Sirius said, looking deeply into Rayden eyes, "I think you should leave." Sirius added, as much as it hurt him. This was just too dangerous and complicated, he didn't want to hurt Rayden, but he couldn't allow anything to happen between them. The age difference aside, he had known Rayden as his Godson for so long, he couldn't just forget that, no matter how much he tried. He felt too uncomfortable with it all, and his own attraction to Rayden was wrong.

"Sirius I... "

"No, Rayden... please." Sirius interrupted.

"Sirius, will you please listen to me?" Rayden tried again, getting frustrated.

"No Rayden I can't, will you please leave my room?" Sirius begged.

"Fine," not wanting to push Sirius away even more, Rayden stood from his seat, then left the room and went to his own room. He couldn't believe what just happened, he was such an idiot telling Sirius the truth, he knew it would end like that but he said it anyway, now he had made things worse, he would be lucky if Sirius talked to him ever again. Sirius was right -- what was he thinking.

He was outside his room, when he changed his mind and turned around and walked to his father's study, he wanted to start his sword training as soon as possible. He needed a distraction and something to take his frustrations out on, he didn't want to think of the mess he made, anymore.

He knocked once then entered, knowing his father wouldn't mind him not waiting for a response before he went in. "I want to start my sword training." he stated, before his father could say anything.

Tom looked at his son and knew something was wrong, "what happened?" he asked.

"I spoke to Sirius, and told him I'm attracted to him... lets just say he didn't take it too well and told me to leave his room, I didn't want to tell him but I didn't want to lie about it either, and I wouldn't have got any answers from him unless I told him the truth, it would've been too hard to get anywhere otherwise." he rambled.

Sighing, Tom stood from his seat and walked over to his son and wrapped him in a comforting embrace.

"He probably wont talk to me again." Rayden said, wrapping his arms around his father's waist.

"I think he just needs some time." Tom said comfortingly.

"Yeah, well he will get plenty of it once I'm gone," he paused, "the question is will he talk to me before then." he stated.

"He will." Tom said, letting his son go. "So you want to start sword training?" asked Tom.

"Yeah, I need something to do with my time before I start school, apart from reading that is, and I can't wait to use my sword." replied Rayden.

"That's a good enough reason then." Tom laughed. "Come on, lets go start your training then, shall we?" Tom asked, waving his hand towards the door, "my work can wait for a little while longer, I guess."

"What are you working on anyway, it's not like there's any of your followers around for you to command?" Rayden asked curiously.

"I will let you know later, before you leave for Hogwarts." Tom answered mysteriously.

"That's not fair, if your going to tell me anyway, why not now?" Rayden mock pouted.

"There's a time and place for everything, my son; and 'now,' is not it." Tom answered mockingly in return, playing along.

"Fine, I'll let it go for now, but I expect you to tell me next time I ask." Rayden responded with a mock glare.

"Oh, you have my word," Tom lowered his head slightly in fake submission, "I wouldn't have it any other way." they looked at each other for a second then started to laugh.

Calming down, they made it to the training room, Rayden summoned his sword to him from his room, whilst Tom took a sword from the back wall, then they took there places opposite each other.

"This is your first time with a sword or any weapon for that matter, so don't let it keep you down." Tom advised.

"You make it sound like your going to keep knocking me flat on my arse, what makes you think I can't beat you?" Rayden asked with a pout.

"You will see," Tom laughed, "ready?" he asked.

"Yeah, as ready as I'll ever be." he replied, standing with his legs slightly apart and his sword placed in front of his chest angled slightly.

Rayden watched and waited as his father moved forward and jabbed his sword towards Rayden's right hip, he parried that blow only to have his father stick his leg under his left leg and trip him over, after falling on his arse, he looked up at his father's face and could see the little satisfied smirk. Not about to let his father win, he got back up on his feet and swung his sword in a small arch on the left side of his head and brought it down towards his father's right shoulder only for it to be parried, and his sword to be knocked from his hand, he was swung around with his father behind him, and found his father's sword at his throat, as his father held him in place with his other arm.

"You have a lot to learn, but it's to be expected from someone who has never done this before, at least you tried, and got back up when you were knocked..." he said, pausing, "shall I say it -- on your arse." he laughed. Letting his son go, he picked up his sword and handed it back to his son.

"You think this is funny?" asked Rayden, slightly offended, but truthfully he knew he would have a long way to go before he could put his father on his arse.

"Sorry, but you will have to learn not to be too cocky." Tom replied.

"You know those words will come back to you, don't you." Rayden asked, raising his eyebrows at his father.

"I'm counting on it." Tom smirked.

"Good," Rayden paused, "are we going to continue now, or just chit chat?" Rayden asked, not really sure he wanted to get his arse kicked for the rest of the day, but wanting to learn as much as he could, and knowing the only way for that was to learn from his father.

"We will continue -- are you ready?" asked Tom, repeating his earlier question.

"Yeah, I think so."

After getting knocked on his arse another five times and an hour later they decided that it was enough, for now. His father had went easier on him and slower than the first time, his excuse for the first time was he wanted to see what he was capable of, for someone who had never done it before. He learnt a lot from his father, and was looking forward to the next time.

"If your interested, after your first year at Hogwarts we can find you someone to teach you further than I will be able to in your summer holidays?" inquired Tom.

"Why wont you be able to?" asked Rayden.

"For one, I will be busy making plans, and as good as I am, I'm rather rusty." he answered simply.

"Okay... but wouldn't it be dangerous trusting anyone for that?" Rayden asked perplexed. Not really believing his father's excuse, he thought his father was a great swordsman.

"I'm sure I will be able to find someone." Tom answered.

"If you say so." replied Rayden. If his father thought he could find someone then, he wouldn't worry about it, it wasn't for another year yet, so he would worry about it when the time came, besides he trusted his father and knew he wouldn't risk anything.

"We should go get cleaned up." suggested Tom.

"Yeah, I wanted to do some reading of the Parsel books before dinner anyway." Rayden said.

Rayden waited for his father to put his sword back on the stand it belonged to, then they walked to their rooms together. Before Rayden opened his door and disappeared into his room, his father stopped him, he turned to looked at his father expectantly.

"Don't worry about Sirius, he just needs some time to think about what you told him, I'm sure it wont be long before he's talking to you again." Tom said, gently putting his hand on Rayden's cheek, "it wouldn't be easy for him to accept."

"I know, but it doesn't mean it hurts any less." replied Rayden.

Tom nodded in agreement, "I know," he paused, placing his hand on Rayden's shoulder, "just give him time."

"I will -- but I hope he doesn't avoid me the rest of my time here before I start Hogwarts... I mean, I don't want to have to leave like that... because I wont see him until the Christmas holiday's and we have never been apart for that long before, let alone not talking. I wish I never said anything now." Rayden said, slumping his shoulders in defeat.

"You would never had known if you had never said anything, at least it's out in the open now and he can do with that information what he will, if it doesn't turn out the way you hope, at least you will know." Tom said, dropping his hand.

Nodding slowly, Rayden turned towards his room and opened his door, "thanks, I will see you at dinner," Rayden said then walked into his room and closed the door behind him.

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Sirius was walking around the castle trying to find Rayden, he needed and wanted to talk to him, after this long of only talking to Rayden when they weren't alone and avoiding him as much as possible, he was starting to feel lonely and it was driving him crazy. It was never this complicated until they moved to Slytherin Manor, and found out who Rayden really was, it felt like their whole world had been turned upside down, and he didn't know which way was up, or how to fix it and make it go back to normal. He knew it was time to talk about what had happened a few weeks ago. He needed the time to sort his thoughts and emotions out, he knew Rayden had told him the truth but he didn't know how to feel about that, he was confused; and more than a little disturbed by it if he was to be honest with himself. But he knew he needed things to change between them before Rayden left for Hogwarts, he didn't want Rayden to leave with things still like this between them, he wouldn't see him until the Christmas holidays, and as far as he was concerned that was too long in normal circumstances let alone when things weren't right with them.

He wasn't sure what he was going to do when Rayden would be at school, but he knew he didn't want all this trouble in their way whilst they were apart, it would be the longest they had ever been apart, and although he knew it would come to this, he couldn't help but feel lost with the thoughts of Rayden not there with them. He wanted to make things right again, and tell Rayden that he needed to stop these feelings for him, because it just wasn't possible, and he couldn't give Rayden what he thought he needed and wanted. Coming out of his thoughts he noticed where he was, and that Rayden was sitting on the grass in the garden, staring off in the distance at the lake.

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It had been three weeks since Rayden had confessed to Sirius that he was attracted to him, and still Sirius was avoiding him, they still talked but never alone, and never for long, he hated it but he wasn't going to push Sirius away by making him talk to him and making him more uncomfortable. He would be leaving for Hogwarts in a little over a week and had given Sirius the space he needed, he had hoped things would be okay by now, but he was wrong, if anything it was worse, he knew now that telling Sirius the truth wasn't the way he shouldv'e went, at least the way it was before he could live with, but this, he didn't know how much more he could take it was driving him crazy. He just couldn't win.

So he decided to forget about it, it was the only way he could deal with it, he would tell Sirius to forget about it, it might be easier said than done, but what other choice did he have.

He was sitting outside looking out over the lake that sat so innocently next to their garden. Trying to decide how to approach Sirius.

"Rayden?"

Turning around at the familiar voice, surprised to hear it, he saw Sirius standing there looking nervous.

"Can we talk?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah, okay." replied Rayden.

Sirius sat on the ground next to Rayden, "I'm sorry for ignoring you these past weeks, I just needed some time to myself, get my head together and all that." Sirius sighed.

"I know, that's why I've kept my distance all this time, but I've hated it, and I've missed you," Rayden said, not looking at Sirius, "that's why I was going to come and look for you -- so we could talk again... and to tell you to forget about what I said to you, it doesn't matter anymore anyway."

"I never wanted to hurt you Rayden." Sirius said softly.

"I know." Rayden said, staring out at the lake.

"It just wouldn't be possible, it makes me feel uncomfortable... I'm sorry," Sirius whispered.

"It's fine Sirius," Rayden said, finally looking at Sirius, "don't worry about it."

"It's not fine, it hasn't been fine between us since we got here," Sirius sighed, "but I don't want you leaving with us being like this... I've missed you too, can't things just go back to the way they were?" Sirius asked, unable to keep the hope out of his voice.

"I already told you to forget it; so to answer your question, yes we can go back to way we were." Rayden shrugged. He knew it was hopeless to wish that he could change Sirius' mind, maybe in time things would change, but he didn't count on it. He wanted Sirius, Sirius didn't want him, it was as simple as that, he wouldn't give up; no, he would wait, but he didn't know if it would do him any good. He knew what he wanted even if he was only Eleven, and he understood it would take more than his simple confession to make Sirius want him in return.

"Are you okay?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry so much." Rayden said, slowly pulling Sirius into a hug.

Surprised momentarily, Sirius didn't respond until he felt Rayden start to pull away, and wrapped his arms around Rayden's waist, making it uncomfortable in their current positions on the ground. After a short time they both pulled away, and not wanting to make it any more awkward than it already was turned away and looked at the lake in front of them, talking about nothing and anything until the sun set in the distance.

"Better go freshen up for dinner now, yeah?" Sirius asked, standing up and offering his hand out to Rayden.

"Yeah, we better." Rayden replied, taking Sirius' hand.

"Are you looking forward to going to Hogwarts?" Sirius asked as they made their way to their rooms to clean up for dinner.

"Yes and no, I'm not looking forward to all the children there, but I am looking forward to putting my plans in motion, and getting my revenge," Rayden answered as they made their way up the stairs to the floor their rooms were on.

"And what revenge would that be?"

"Dumbledore." was all Rayden said.

"Ah, I see," Sirius said, stopping outside his room, "well I will see you at dinner then." he said then disappeared into his room.

Rayden leaving for his own room went and had a shower, then made his way to the dining room for dinner.

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September 1st 1991

Rayden was waiting for Sirius to hurry up. The day had finally arrived for him to be leaving for Hogwarts. He was waiting in the library with his father, and Sirius didn't want them leaving without him. They would be apparating to the designated apparation point at Platform Nine and three quarters. Deciding it would be better that way. Things were better now between Sirius and himself, but mainly due to the fact that they both pretended nothing had happened.

This would be the first time Rayden would be going into the outside world, without a glamour. He decided to leave his long black hair out, not only because he liked his hair that way, but for the fact that his bangs framed his face and covered his scar, and just about covered his eyes too. He wasn't looking forward to all the pointing and figured with his hair covering his eyes, he wouldn't have to see everyone staring, everywhere he went. He figured it would be easier to ignore, if he couldn't see it... or so he hoped. It was a shame he couldn't do the same about hearing all the whispering.

He was wearing one of his favourite long sleeve emerald green silk shirts, with his black silk pants, and black velvet robe. Nathaniel was wrapped around his right arm, and Amdis was perched on his left shoulder. He didn't want anyone seeing his snake, that's why he told him to stay around his arm and not around his neck this time, and there was no way he was putting his eagle in a cage no matter what anyone else wanted, if they didn't like it, then they were just going to have to deal with it, his familiars would always be free of any cage.

After what felt like forever, Sirius had finally entered the room, dressed in a robe that covered his clothes, "are you finally ready now?" Rayden asked.

"Yeah; I had to check my glamour... I thought I would try blond this time and had to make sure it looked good." replied Sirius, indignantly.

"You look fine Sirius, we would've missed the train if you had taken much longer, it's already Ten thirty, and what your like getting ready... well lets just leave it at that shall we?" Rayden grinned.

"Your one to talk; Mr, not my hair," Sirius huffed, imitating Rayden patting his hair.

"I do not do that to my hair, thank you." Rayden glared.

"If you two are finished?" Tom asked, looking from one to the other with a raised eyebrow, and not wanting to hide the smirk tugging at his lips.

"I'm ready, I've been ready all morning, waiting for Sirius to stop looking at himself." remarked Rayden, looking at Sirius innocently.

"I was going to say, I was going to miss you, but now I think I'll reconsider that." sulked Sirius, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Your not going to miss me?" pouted Rayden, with mock hurt.

"Aww; I still love you." Sirius said, walking to Rayden and putting an arm around his shoulders, mindful of the owl perched there.

"Good, you better... and you better keep it that way," Rayden replied, "shouldn't we be leaving now?" asked Rayden, looking up at his father, whom was just watching the interaction between the two, happy they were on speaking terms again.

Rolling his eyes Tom grabbed his son's arm ready to apparate them all, whilst Sirius grabbed Rayden's trunk with his free hand, still having his other arm wrapped around Rayden's shoulders.

By the time they arrived, it was already quarter to Eleven, the large, deep red steam engine glistened from the sun that was able to reach it, it was a beautiful sight. The platform was packed full of parents with their children who had yet to get onto the train. Rayden noticed the same bunch of red heads he saw at Diagon Alley when he was there getting his school supplies. Thankfully no-one had noticed them yet. He turned to look at his father and Sirius, "I better get on the train, so I can get a compartment to myself, it looks like most of the students have yet to get on," Rayden stated, looking around them for a moment, before looking at Sirius.

"Do you want me to take your trunk onto the train for you, and help you find a compartment?" Sirius asked, hopefully. He wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye just yet and wanted to spend as much time with Rayden as he could before he left for Hogwarts.

"Yeah that would be good -- thanks." Rayden answered, not wanting to hurt Sirius by saying no, and also wanting to spend the short time they had left with the both of them.

They both made their way onto the train and walked down the corridor looking for an empty compartment, they found one at the back of the train on the right side of the hall, looking out onto the platform, Sirius placed Rayden's trunk on the rack, and Rayden left his familiars inside the compartment, his snake slithering onto the seat, and his eagle flying to the rack next to his trunk, once back in the hall, Rayden whispered low enough, that you wouldn't be able to hear it without enhanced hearing; a Parsel spell to lock the door so no-one could enter whilst he went back out onto the platform.

Making his way to his father with Sirius by his side, he couldn't help but hear all the students' whispers around him, if you could call it whispering.

"Do you think Harry Potter, will be at Hogwarts?" he heard one ask another.

"I don't know, he's old enough, but I heard he wasn't allowed because his family wouldn't let him." another answered.

"How did you hear that?" the first person asked.

"My Dad works in the Ministry, and he overheard a few of the workers discussing what they were going to do if he wasn't allowed to attend." came the reply.

Rolling his eyes in annoyance Rayden continued walking towards his father, wanting to get on the train and to his compartment away from all the idiots. They had five more minutes to say their goodbyes, and for him to get back on the train.

"Make sure you write and let us know what house you get into." Sirius said, once they stopped next to Tom.

"I will," Rayden said, giving his father a quick hug.

"Make sure your careful, if you go out and feed in the Forbidden Forest, not many creatures are friendly in there," Tom whispered.

"I will," Rayden repeated.

"Choose something small like a rabbit or something, close to the border, or better yet maybe you shouldn't worry about it at all, it's not like you need it as much as a full Vampire, and I can take you hunting when you come home in the Christmas holidays, if you want I can get some blood to you through the year, if you feel you need it at anytime just let me know and I will send Nagini." Tom rushed out quietly.

"I'll be fine, and I'll let you know if I need anything." Rayden said, giving Sirius a hug.

"Okay; behave, and have fun, but not too much without us." said Sirius, hugging Rayden tightly.

"I will," Rayden laughed, "Sirius you have to let me go now, I got to go or I will miss the train." Rayden said, letting Sirius go.

"I'll miss you both, and I'll write all the time, see you both soon," Rayden said, turning and walking toward the train. Once he made it to his compartment, he unlocked it with the Parsel counter spell, sat down next to the window, and watched the rest of the students get onto the train, tearfully leaving their also tearful parents on the platform.

The trains engine had already started before Rayden aboarded, and he watched the remaining students get on when the final signal sounded. He looked back to Sirius and his father, and waved as the train closed it's doors and started to move. Leaving the platform and the families behind until Christmas.

When the platform had disappeared and was replaced by the countryside Rayden, decided to get out the Parsel book his father had let him take, under a glamour of course. Anybody looking at it would of thought it was the common transfiguration book for first years.

After an hour of reading, he heard his compartment door slide open, looking up he was surprised to see a young Vampire standing in the doorway, he could sense it was a Vampire, something he noticed he could do when he had met Kieran. He was dressed in the Hogwarts standard black robes, he was fairly tall, around the same height as himself, his long dark chocolate brown hair that was tied in a low ponytail just reached his shoulder blades, beautiful dark brown eyes that looked almost black, pale skin, a strong looking jaw, and high cheekbones, with a certain curve to his face that gave him his young roundish features, "Hi my name is Braeden Risika, do you mind if I join you?" he asked.

He wasn't sure why this Vampire would be attending Hogwarts, but he intended to find out, "sure... my name's Rayden Riddle," pausing for a second, looking over the young Vampire, before he continued, "but I'm better known as Harry Potter to the rest of the world," Rayden said, rolling his eyes, "take a seat," Rayden offered with a gesture of his hand, to the seat opposite him.

"Thank you." Braeden replied, closing the door behind him then taking the offered seat across from him.

"So what brings you to Hogwarts?" asked Rayden, bluntly, after casting a silencing charm on the room.

"My clan wanted me to come here... well for you actually." Braeden said, knowing Rayden would sense he was a Vampire, and not wanting to lie about anything, if they were going to become friends, or anything close to friends.

"Really?" Rayden asked, suspiciously, narrowing his eyes, "and what do you mean by that?" he asked.

"Well," he paused, not knowing how to say what he needed to say, not knowing how much Rayden knew of their clan, "I'm from the Redwolf clan, your clan, and our clan wanted me to come here to help you in any way I can." He said, cautiously.

Rayden didn't answer straight away, but just sat there staring at Braeden intently, as if searching for any hidden meanings, "really," he repeated, "and what makes you think your welcome?" asked Rayden, calmly, "from what I know of our clan they didn't want anything to do with my Mother, so why are they so interested in me?" he asked.

"I don't know the whole story of what happened between the royal family, all I know is they want to help you... you are our Prince," he said as if that explained everything.

"They may be family, but I don't want or need their interference, more importantly I don't need you informing them of everything I do, and everywhere I go." Rayden said, looking at him intently.

"If you don't want me telling them anything, that's fine, I'm bound to serve you as our Prince. As it is with your grandparents your word is law, especially when it comes to this situation... I will not betray you. Your family have been watching you all your life, as I'm sure your Mother has too. They haven't interfered because they understand it's your life, and all they wanted was to see you, and to have some small place in your life, even if it was from a distance." he answered, carefully.

"My family has been spying on me, and I'm supposed to be okay with that?" Rayden asked, indignantly.

"Not spying, in the same sense. More making sure your safe and only checking on you every once in a while, they care for you even though they have never met you, your apart of their family, and that's important to them." answered Braeden.

"They didn't seem to care much for family when they disowned my Mother," Rayden said sharply, "but if what you say is true, I will leave it at that and worry about them later, in the meantime, I expect you not to tell them anything other than if they want to 'check' on me and have a part in my life it will be when I'm ready and on my conditions, and not from the shadows." he stated, firmly.

"As you wish," he said, pausing for a moment "more than anything I just wish to be your friend," he said finally.

"Hmm," Rayden replied, looking at him deeply, "so you say," he turned away for a moment looking out the window, watching the scenery pass by, before looking back at Braeden, "we shall see." he said.

They sat silently, looking out the window, both lost in their thoughts, Braeden wasn't sure how to continue any conversation at that moment, he didn't want to upset Rayden anymore than he already had, he had spoken the truth because he thought it was the best thing to do in this situation, and he meant everything he said, he wasn't going to betray Rayden's fragile, 'trust' even though he knew he couldn't call it that, he wanted to earn Rayden's trust, and show his loyalty, and hope that one day Rayden will see it.

Rayden, didn't know what to think about these recent discoveries, he didn't know his family enough to be able to pass judgement, only what he had been told from his father, which wasn't much considering. There were two sides to the story, and he wanted more than anything to be able to speak to his mother, after hearing that they had been watching him disturbed him somewhat, it helped knowing that they hadn't tried anything; and left him be, but knowing that his mother had more than likely been watching him also, gave him comfort, he knew she was out there somewhere, waiting to come out of the shadow's, not knowing if it was safe enough to; he just wished there was some way he could reach her, let her know it was safe; well as safe as could be expected, before he missed out on anymore time with her. He desperately wanted to get to know her, have his family back together again the way it should have stayed from the start. Dumbledore would pay for what he started, even if it took him his whole life, he would make sure Dumbledore wouldn't be able to interfere in his family ever again once he was through with him.

"What should I call you?" Braeden asked, interupting his thoughts.

"Excuse me?" asked Rayden, looking back at the young Vampire.

"I mean your name, what would you prefer me to call you?" he clarified.

"In private you may call me Rayden, but for now I think it best you call me 'Harry' when we are in public. I don't want Dumbledore knowing that I know who my real parents are, but at the same time it will drive me crazy, to not hear my real name every once in a while, and having to put up with my fake name everyday." Rayden answered.

"That makes sense." replied Braeden.

"So what are you going to do for blood, whilst your at school? seeing as though your a full Vampire and all," Rayden asked.

"My parents are going to send me human blood once a week, through a special transportation spell Vampires can use, it sends the item or items you wish to send, in the blink of an eye more or less, one minute it's there, the next it's where ever you sent it, just like that," Braeden answered, with a grin, showing off his fangs, "I don't know if you've ever tried animal blood, but if you haven't all I can say is don't, it's nowhere near as satisfying, and it taste's like shit." he said, scrunching his nose with disgust.

Rayden stared for a second, before bursting out laughing, "I'll keep that in mind," he said after calming down.

Braeden was just about to speak, when the compartment door slid open for the second time, both Vampires looked towards the doorway to see a freckled face, red head standing there looking at them in surprise, he was somewhat tall for his age but shorter than himself and Braeden, and had long lanky arms and legs.

"What do you want?" Rayden asked, looking up under his bangs, after waiting for the boy to say something, and getting nothing but staring instead.

Startled, the boy looked at Braeden quickly before looking back at Rayden, "are you Harry Potter? I heard you were on the train, everyone is talking about it, my name is Ron... Ron Weasley," the boy rambled.

"First, it's rude to asked questions like that, and second, I don't care who you are -- now get out." Rayden sneered. Taking an instant dislike to the boy. Something about him annoyed Rayden. Maybe it was because he was human, he found he couldn't stand most humans, even if he was half one himself, for now.

"Wh.. What?" Weasley stuttered, dumbly.

"I said get out," Rayden repeated, "or are you too stupid to understand simple English?" he asked, Braeden snickering softly in the background.

"You don't have to be rude." Weasley stated, lifting his chin.

"Your the one who came barging in here uninvited asking questions about things that have nothing to do with you, expecting an answer, and introducing yourself as if we cared." said Rayden, starting to get really annoyed with this boy. He had half a mind to send him on his arse through the door if he didn't hurry up and leave.

"Fine." he huffed, before turning and leaving. Rayden closed the door with a simple spell.

Shaking his head, he turned back to Braeden, "I hope we don't have to put up with that happening all the way to Hogsmead." He said.

"Maybe we should lock the door." said Braeden.

"Hm, that's not a bad idea, I don't know if your allowed to lock the compartments once the train has left the stations, but to be honest I don't really care at the moment, I don't want to have to put up with idiots like that, especially if everyone is talking about 'Harry Potter' being on the train." Rayden said, rolling his eyes, before muttering a normal locking spell. He wanted to keep his Parsel magic secret for as long as he could, and if someone tried to unlock the door and noticed they couldn't open it with a simple unlocking charm, he would have a hard time explaining it.

The rest of the trip went smoothly, no-one bothering them after the incident with Weasley, he must have told everyone how 'rude' he was. Rayden had found he didn't mind Braeden's company all that much, at least he had someone who wasn't human to talk to. But it would be a while before he felt completely comfortable around him, he wouldn't let his guard down, no matter what. Being who he was, and in a place like this it was best to keep your wits about you. You never know when someone was going to stab you in the back, and betray you; no he wouldn't get close enough to anyone, to give them a chance. After all it wouldn't really be betrayal if you never trusted them in the first place, it was safer for him to keep his distance as much as possible, just in case.

At least for now.

When they were almost at Hogsmead station, Rayden changed his velvet robe for the Hogwarts standard black robe, he let Nathaniel slither from his spot under the seat and wrap around his arm under the sleeve again, grabbing his trunk he pulled it down and waited for Amdis to fly to his shoulder once more.

When the train stopped Rayden exited the train and walked along the platform next to Braeden, both holding their trunks, and carrying their familiars, Braeden had a beautiful black raven, which was sitting on his shoulder also.

"Firs years ova ere... " boomed a loud voice somewhere from the darkness to the left, "firs year, this way... " he boomed again.

Walking towards where the voice was coming from the first thing they noticed was a giant of a man, and Rayden knew he wasn't all human, he could smell it on him, looking at Braeden he could tell he knew it too judging by his scrunched up nose. He would've guessed 'giant' but he had never saw one before so he didn't know for sure.

The second thing he noticed was the lake behind the large 'thing' and the rows of boats lined up along the shore.

"Do we have to go in those?" Braeden asked, pointing at the boats.

"I guess so, by the looks of it." Rayden answered.

"Four to a boat, please." Said the large 'man.'

Rayden looked at Braeden, before shrugging his shoulders slightly, and walking towards the boats. "I hope we don't fall out of them." Braeden said, looking at the water before getting into one of the boats, Rayden following behind him and sitting down next to him at the back of the boat.

"Hopefully we don't get some moron sitting with us." Rayden whispered.

"Yeah I know what you mean, if we fall because of some idiot that gets on the boat and does something stupid, I'll make sure they don't get out of the water in one piece." Braeden grinned, not showing off his fangs this time in case someone saw them; having retracted them earlier.

"And how will you cover that up?" Rayden asked, also grinning.

Braeden shrugged, "say it wasn't me," he chuckled, "I'm sure they have plenty of creatures in there that I could blame, I'll just say it was something in the lake and I wasn't sticking around to find out what it was." he whispered.

Laughing along with Breaden, he looked to his right and noticed the blond he had seen in the wand shop at Diagon Alley getting into the boat they were sitting in, he had two large boys with him, but seeing the boat already taken by two people he told one of them to sit with a dark skinned boy with brown hair and a black haired girl that looked a lot like a pig, whom sat in another boat.

Without speaking, he watched him sit in front on them and talk quietly with the boy next to him, both turning around to look at them every now and then, as they waited for the boats to fill up. After the third time, of the boys looking back at them, he looked to Braeden and rolled his eyes, "I met him at Ollivander's wand shop, in Diagon Alley, when I got my supplies, he thinks he's better than everyone else, he looks a lot like his father, they seemed the same in many ways from what I could tell," he whispered, softly enough that only someone with Vampire hearing would be able to pick it up, "his father was a follower of my father," he informed.

Nodding, Braeden looked at the blond, "he looks like the type who think they are above everyone else -- when all they are; are humans thinking they're superior," Braeden sneered, quietly, "and they stink."

Rayden couldn't help it, he burst out laughing, ignoring the stares of the people who could hear him, and ignoring the blond in front of them, turning to look at them curiously, "I hope you don't think the same of me, seeing as though I am half human at the moment?" Rayden smirked, not really caring anyway, it wouldn't stay that way forever, so he was happy knowing that.

"No, your Vampire scent is stronger than your human one," whispered Braeden, "it more or less blocks it out." he smiled.

"Good." whispered Rayden, relieved. He didn't want to smell like these humans, and being around all these humans made him realise his father didn't smell all that human, and Sirius didn't stink like them much either, it was a more pleasant scent than any other human, and he figured it had something to do with his attraction for him, or it could be because he had grown up around Sirius all his life and that was how he recognize the man; or it could be both reason's. Whatever it was he wouldn't complain.

Finally the boats started moving and before they knew it they were half way across the lake, he could see the many lights of the castle in the distance and all the awed murmurs from the students in the boats, he rolled his eyes at their wonder, yes it was a nice castle he could admit, but it wasn't that great, his home looked better than that from what he could tell so far. That thought made him feel home sick. Just realising now, how far away from home he was.

He wondered what his father and Sirius where doing, 'did they miss me,' he thought.

Shaking himself from those thoughts, he focused back onto the approaching castle, as they made their way across the rest of the lake.

"Mind ya 'eads," the man's voice boomed over the lake, Rayden ducked along with the rest of the students when they passed under an overhead, and entered what looked like some sort of cavern, big enough for all the boats; noticing the large man had a boat to himself. He made his way from his boat and told the first years to do the same, "me names 'Agrid," he said, introducing himself, "keeper of keys and grounds at 'Ogwarts," he announced, "right, this way," he said once all the students were out of their boats, motioning for the first years to follow him, they walked up some stairs and made their way around one side of the castle to a set of large oak doors, after opening the doors, and entering a large Entrance Hall, they were met with a tall Witch dressed in deep green robes, her ash gray hair in a bun on the top of her head, glasses framing her eyes, and a stern expression on her face as she looked down her nose at all the first years. "ah Professor McGonagall, 'eres the first years, for ya." stated the large man.

"Thank you, Hagrid, I trust there were no problems?" she asked, after looking over the students once more.

"No, no problems." Hagrid replied.

"Good." McGonagall answered.

"The school will be ready for you in a moment, please wait in this room here." McGonagall said, addressing the children, and motioning for all the students to go into what looked like a broom cupboard, "I will be back in a moment, please behave while I'm gone; and tuck your shirts in." she said, looking at the red headed Weasley, and a few of his friends, one a dark boy, another a pale boy with sandy brown hair, and the other a chubby one.

After she left Rayden tuned all the children out, and quietly talked to Braeden.

Until she returned.

"There are four houses, in Hogwarts; Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin," she said, sneering at the last house slightly, "once chosen, your house will be like your home, you will spend your free time in your common rooms, and you will each share a dormitory with your fellow house mates of the same year and the same sex, each house has the chance of winning the house cup at the end of the year by earning what we call house points; which can be earned through your behaviour and achievements, any rule breaking and you will lose your house, their awarded points," she paused looking over her glasses at the students, "do you understand?" she asked.

"Yes ma'am." was her echoed reply.

"Good, the sorting will now begin," she said, turning around and exiting the doorway of the small room they had been standing in, and walked towards the large doors of the Great Hall, turning to look over her shoulder at the first years once more, then looking directly at Rayden, she said, "welcome to Hogwarts."

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Ah, I finally finished this chapter! I never thought I would... okay I knew I would but I just didn't know when, lol! I hope you all enjoyed this long chapter, all 23 pages of it, sorry it was so forced but it had to be done. I've already started chapter 12, so hopefully you wont have to wait as long for the next chapter. I would also like to apologize for the crappy prophecy, I'm no poet nor am I a prophet, lol!! :) I have a poll on my profile page, so if you could make your vote known that would be great and I would much appreciate it. Thanks to everyone who likes, follows and reviews this story! :)

PLEASE, PLEASE REVIEW, I BEG YOU!!! LOL ! BUT SERIOUSLY I WANT REVIEWS.

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Okay, I give up, I can't seem to get the original fonts I originally wrote this chapter in; to appear on here, no matter what I try; so, I give up, I don't get it!! Anyone who can help it would be much appreciated, thanks. :)