I am working on Rayne's backstory as of now, enjoy!

Year: 1982, 1 September

The Hogwarts Express chugged along the track, steam bellowing out of its chimney. Rayne Lestrange sat in a compartment at the very back of the train. She was alone, much to her own delight, and away from the cheerful laughing and conversations. She had never been one for noise, much rather preferring a serene silence and her own world. She watched the land pass by the window, the large planes changing into a heavy forest. A soft knock jarred her thoughts, making her turn her head to the door. There, a boy stood. His pale skin made his blue eyes and ginger hair stand out. She waved her hand, beckoning him into the compartment. He opened the door slowly, stepping in and shutting it behind himself. He stood rather awkwardly, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

"Do you mind if I join you? All the other compartments are full…and very loud" he added.

Rayne gave a small smile, feeling connected with the stranger in their similar thoughts. She gestured to the empty bench in front of herself as he took a seat.

"I'm Bill, by the way, Bill Weasley" He introduced himself.

"Rayne…" Rayne hesitated for a moment, fearing his reaction to her full name. "Rayne Lestrange…"

She waited, but it was as if her name didn't faze him.

"Nice to meet you. Is this your first year too?" He asked.

Rayne nodded her head. "Yes..."

The two feel into a comfortable silence, both watching the world go by. Finally, Rayne decided to break the silence.

"So…I know you have heard of the Lestrange family…everyone has" She said sadly, remembering all the prejudice she's had to endure over the years.

Bill was quiet for a moment, keeping his eyes out the window before responding.

"Yes, I've heard of your family. Your parents and uncle are in Azkaban...they supported…him" He looked at her now, with serious eyes. "But, that doesn't mean you had anything to do with it. You were a kid during that war, just like I was. Besides, your different from them…I can tell." He smiled at her, his smile infectious and making her mouth twist up instantly. She ducked her head, giving a small laugh.

"When they went to Azkaban, I ended up with my aunt and uncle, Lucius and Narcissa. You must know of them, too, and their pure-blood supremacy. They tried to get through to me, to get me to see my heritage. They would call me the 'white sheep of the family'." She looked back to him. "I never felt like I belonged in my own family…what about you? What is your family like? The Weasley's are a part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight as well, aren't they?"

Bill chuckled this time. "Mum and Dad hate that our family is on that list…Mum always says how she has nothing against Muggles or half-blood. I suppose we're considered blood traitors by many." He pulled out the picture from his pocket, showing it to her as she took it from him.

She watched the moving picture as Bill pointed out each member of his family.

"That's mum, holding Ginny, the youngest and only girl of the family. That's Dad holding Ron, and those two are the twins George and Fred. Mischievous little buggars they are…and that's Percy and Charlie. Oh, and me of course" Rayne smiled down at the picture, watching the family scrunch together for the photo and laughing. It was such a foreign thing to her, seeing a happy family…together…

She handed the photo back to Bill as he tucked it back in his pocket.

"You have such a large family. And you all seem so happy to just be near each other" She commented, making Bill smile.

"We get on each other's nerves and drive each other up the walls… but we wouldn't have it any other way I suppose." He laughed to himself.

The two fell back into their silence, enjoying the views and each other's company.

The first years were lined up at the front of the Great Hall, all starring around is awe at the starry ceiling and hundreds of floating candles. Their attention turned to Albus Dumbledore as he rose from his head seat, addressing the first years and welcoming them to Hogwarts. Minerva McGonagall took over, explaining the sorting ceremony to the first years. She pulled out a parchment, reading off names as the students one by one stepped up and were sorted into their houses. Bill and Rayne stood close by each other, muttering to each other about the houses.

"Mum and Dad were both sorted into Gryffindor when they attended Hogwarts…it'd be nice to continue the legacy" Bill grinned at her as she laughed gently.

"No doubt you'll be sorted into that house…brave at heart, daring, especially nerving" Rayne smiled as the two stifled laughs.

"What house do you want than? I'd see you as a Ravenclaw. Wit, learning, and wisdom seem to match you perfectly"

Rayne gave a soft sigh at that. "No, I already know what house I'll be placed in. All my family; including the Blacks and Malfoys, have all been sorted into Slytherin."

Bill gave her a small shrug in response. "Never know, you are different, so who's to say you won't be put in another house."

Before she could respond back to him, his name was called. He gave her a small smile before walking through the crowd of students and up the steps, sitting on the stool. McGonagall placed the hat upon his head, it scrunched its face.

"Ah, yes. Yes…GRYFFINDOR!" The hat exclaimed loudly.

Rayne smiled as the Gryffindor table erupted into shouts and applause, welcoming their new member to the table. McGonagall looked back to the parchment.

"…Rayne Lestrange!" She shouted. The whole room going quiet.

Rayne couldn't help notice that the teachers and staff had stopped their small chats, all eyes now trained on her. She stepped forward hesitantly, watching the line of teachers. She slowly sat on the stool, the hat put on her head. The hat was silent for a moment than began to whisper, so quiet that only she heard it.

"Hmm, Lestrange…You have a long line of Slytherin ancestors…Yes, yes. You'd fit in just fine there, you're so very ambitious and very clever dear girl…yet, and I also see your wisdom. Wisdom beyond your years. You would do amazing in Ravenclaw as well you know….but perhaps…you are so kind and tolerant. Maybe Hufflepuff is the house for you…and yet…your bravery and daring are very much prominent as well. Gryffindor may be the perfect house for you." The hat whispered softly, every passing minute Rayne anxiousness grew. "Which house to put you in my dear…which one to choose…You make is so very hard on this old hat. I dare say this is the hardest sort I've had…"

Minutes continued to pass by as the hat deliberated with itself. Five minutes passed before the hat finally spoke up. "Yes, I know just where to place you dear girl…GRYFFINDOR!"

Rayne froze in place, hardly believing what she had heard. She hadn't been placed in Slytherin. After moments of disbelief silence, the Gryffindor table erupted into applause. She stood, making her way to the table and sat beside Bill. She couldn't help but exchange a smile with him as she was welcomed into her house.

The first years were ushered along the staircases by A Gryffindor Perfect. He explained to them all about Hogwarts, and how to get to the dormitories. He stopped in front of a portrait of a large woman, giving her a password that allowed them to enter into the lavish common room. The red and gold room put off a cozy warmth and seemed so inviting. To the left was a staircase leading to the boy's dormitories and to the right was the girl's. As the group split off to explore on their own, Rayne moved to one of the grand windows to stare out at the grounds. Hallway gossip informed her that the Daily Prophet was already gathering a story on her being sorted into Gryffindor. No doubt she would soon get a letter from her family on their shame of her…like she didn't know it already. But, today had changed things for her. Perhaps, she really could be different from her family.

The first few months at Hogwarts flew by for Rayne. She happily settled into a routine, and was excelling in all her classes. She had become very close friends with Bill, something she had never experienced before in her solitary life. For once in her life, she felt truly accepted and happy. Christmas was fast approaching, and many of the students were getting ready to return home for the holidays. Rayne was not one of them. She'd rather be alone here than to be among her cynical family. But, she would also miss seeing her little cousin, Draco, who she loved dearly. The little boy never seemed to laugh or smile unless she was with him. His family had already started rubbing off on him. The poor boy didn't know what playing even was, as he had been taught to be quiet and behave. She remembered back to the month before she was to go off to Hogwarts, when she brought Draco with her to Diagon Alley to buy her school items. He was just two years old and had never been around such hustle and bustle before. He took in the world with big, curious eyes and had smiled more than she ever saw before. When they went to the Owl Emporium, She had chosen a snowy owl that she named Abner. Draco, on the other hand, had his eyes set on a scrawny little eagle owl hatchling that was tucked into the back corner of the store. When Rayne had asked the owner, she had explained that the little owl was a runt and not expected to live very long. No one wanted to buy the poor creature, so Rayne decided that Draco needed an owl of his own. He was so delighted when she had purchased the small owl for him, and even named the owl Riddle after her middle name. Draco had learned tirelessly to prefect his writing, even at such a young age, just so he could send letters to her while she was away.

Oh yes, she would miss little Draco so. Hearing the door to the common room open, she turned to find Bill walking inside. He made his way over to her, sitting on the other cushioned chair.

"You're still here? I thought you were going home for the holidays?" She asked.

"Well, I couldn't just leave you here alone to mope around" Bill gave a shrug. "So, I figured you'd want to come home with me for the holiday. Mum and Dad have already said it was alright."

She watched him, slowly smiling at his request. "I'd love to join your family for Christmas, it sounds like so much fun"

Bill laughed at her comment, shaking his head. "Perhaps after a week with my family you'll run for the hills". The two laughed, Bill stood. "Well, pack up, we leave in a bit"

Rayne nodded, hurrying off to her dorm to pack.

In her excitement, it only took her 15 minutes to pack her traveling bag and run back down the stairs into the common room to meet Bill.

Year: 1982, December:

Bill's father, Arthur, picked them up in a blue flying car. It amazed Rayne to see such a thing, as her family discouraged anything Muggle related. The ride to their home, the Burrow, was amazing. They smoothly landed on the ground, driving up to the home. Getting out of the car, Rayne took a moment to look around. There was a pen of chickens, most walking about and pecking the ground. Rayne had never before seen a live chicken, and watching them was so captivating to her. She followed after Bill and Arthur, her hands were shaking from her anxiousness. What if they didn't accept her? What if she made a fool of herself? She made herself take a few breaths, concentrating rather on the house. It was marvelous to her, it wasn't pristine and extravagant like Malfoy Manor, but was so inviting and comfortable. If she could, she would want a house like this. A family home, a home that was meant to be lived in, a home to make messes and memories. It was crooked and imperfect, and Rayne loved everything about it.

Arthur opened the door, peering inside the home and called out. "Molly darling, we're here!"

A white cloud exploded from the door, showering the three in snowy white dust. Rayne blinked her eyes, coughing. Yelling could be heard from inside the house, and Bill muttered something about 'those twins again'. As they made their way into the house, Rayne saw that every inch of the room was covered in the same white dust. Two boys, no more than four years old and dressed exactly the same, ran past Arthur to hide behind Bill. The two were giggling hysterically, clutching their elder brother's pant legs. A portly woman, Molly, walked from the kitchen covered in the white dust and was fuming mad.

"Fred! George!" She shrieked.

"What did they do this time, Molly?" Arthur asked, eyeing the two troublemakers.

"We only did what mum asked!" One exclaimed through his giggles.

"She asked us to dust the tree with fake snow!" The other said.

"I said the tree, not the whole house!" Molly yelled.

Rayne had to stifle a laugh, finding this display quiet enjoyable. Molly finally looked at her, her expression quickly softening.

"Well, this must be Rayne. Welcome to the Burrow dear, make yourself at home" She said softly, than went back to glaring at the twins. "Don't you dare pull any of your tricks on our guest!"

Rayne finally spoke up, laughing gently. "It's alright Mrs. Weasley. If I get tricked that just means I deserved it, right?" Her eyes fell to the twins, their grins lighting up.

"I like her!" The two exclaimed in unison.

Molly rolled her eyes, pulling her wand out and swishing it as the dust seemed to vanish. She looked to the group, sighing. "Well then, Rayne dear, where would you like to stay? You can take Bill's room and he can bunk with Charlie, or there's a spare bed in Ginny's room but she can be a handful…"

Rayne smiled to herself. "I'll bunk with Ginny, I'd hate to run Bill from his room".

Molly nodded, gesturing her as she walked up the stairs. "Let's get you settled in and then you can help us decorate the house".

After all introductions had been made, Rayne was in the center of a mess of tinsel, ribbons, and garlands. All the Weasley's were running about the small Livingroom and kitchen, decorating every square inch. Rayne had never seen anything like it before, as the house elves were normally the ones to decorate the manor overnight while everyone else slept. It was something none of the Weasley children could understand, having someone who had never decorated for Christmas before. Thankfully, she had a whole family to teach her just how to do it.

She wrapped the garland around the staircase railing, just as Molly had shown her, and then started attaching bouts of holly to it. She loved this scene, a family doing things together. Laughing together. Just enjoying each other. She loved the noise that was ever present here. Molly had called all the children over to the tree, Bill gesturing Rayne when she didn't immediately come. Molly had held an old, battered gold star tree topper that looked centuries old.

"Rayne, do us the honor and put the topper on the tree this year" Molly said to her, handing her the star.

She had walked to the tree, standing just a little taller than herself and tried to reach up, missing the top point by a few inches. Bill had grasped her around the waist and lifted her up, a gasp turned into a laugh as she looked back to him than up at the tree. Nestling the topper onto the tree, Bill set her back down. With a wave of the wand, the tree lit up with bright colored lights. It certainly wasn't the largest or most ornate tree she ever saw, but this tree was flawless to her in every way possible.

The younger children, minus Percy who sat on the couch with a book, went outside to play in the snow. This left Molly with some moments of peace to start dinner and Arthur time to go to the garage to archive his muggle items. Not long after dinner was called. Where her dinners at the Manor were either alone, or in complete silence, this dinner had all kinds of chatter and jokes. Instead of a whole table's length between each other, this whole family was scrunched up together with elbows sometimes knocking together. The contrast from the Burrow to the Manor seemed to blow her mind at times.

After dinner, the whole family had gathered in the living room to hear Arthur tell stories that muggle parents told their children on Christmas Eve. Soon Molly had ushered the younger children upstairs to bed with the threat that there would be no presents under the tree if they didn't go straight to sleep. Percy, although not told to, decided to go on to bed anyway so he could read in peace. Rayne, along with Bill and Charlie, helped Molly arrange the presents underneath the tree before they themselves went up to bed. The house was silent for the first time today. She opened her trunk, pulling a parchment and her ink and quill from it. She sat down at the desk in front of the window, her owl Abner sitting on his perch close by. She started writing her letter.

Draco;

I'm sorry I couldn't be there for Christmas. I miss you dearly you know. I hope I can visit you soon, but until then I made sure to get you a special Christmas gift!

Much Love, Rayne.

Rayne folded the letter than crouched, pulling the small parcel from the trunk, slipping the letter through the twine ribbon. Rayne held the parcel out as Abner took it in his beak.

"To Draco" She whispered to the owl, petting its head. She opened the window as Abner took flight, disappearing out of sight.

Rayne woke to the sound of patting feet and excited whispers. She rose out of bed as the door opened, Bill stood smiling at her as the twins raced past him and clutched each of her arms.

"Come on Rayne, its Christmas" Fred began to tug on her arm, George following with her other.

The two ushered Rayne from the bedroom and down the stairs where the family was already gathered. The twins released her arms to go and sit beside Charlie on the floor, Rayne made her way to them, picking up little Ginny and sitting on Charlie's other side. She placed the baby in her lap, Bill taking a seat next to her. Molly started passing out gifts to the children, Rayne smiling as she saw their faces light up.

"Here darling" Molly's voice jarred her thoughts, looking to her she saw Molly holding out two parcels to her.

Rayne carefully took them, smiling and said a thank you. The twins and Ron were already tearing into their gifts, excited to find a menagerie of sweets and a knitted sweater with their initial on it. They put them on immediately. Percy and Charlie opened theirs next, also finding sweets and a knitted sweater. Like the younger kids they quickly put them on. Rayne had helped little Ginny open her gifts. She was so excited to find a chocolate frog, and to get a soft pink knitted blanket with her initials on one corner. Bill went next, choosing to watch his siblings open their presents first before him. Sweets and a sweater, again the sweater being instantly put on. Rayne found that they all had stopped to watch her, Molly giving a soft smile at her.

"Well, go on dear. Let's see what you got"

Rayne smiled, opening the smaller of the parcels to find a box of crystallized pineapple. She looked up at Molly and Arthur, smiling.

"These are my favorite" She said happily, than picked up the slightly larger parcel. She peeled the brown paper away, starring at the knitted sweater with an 'R' on the front. She pulled it up, looking at it in amazement than quickly put it on. "I…I love it…" She gently set Ginny into Bill's lap, jumping up to hug Molly as she laughed, embracing her back.

"I'm so glad you like it dear" Molly rubbed her back, patting her as Rayne pulled back, looking down at the sweater.

"…No one has ever made me anything by hand before…" She admitted than looked to Molly. "…Can you teach me how to do that knitting charm?"

Molly seemed surprised by question, but quickly agreed. "Of course dear, of course" Molly waved her hand, going back into the kitchen to set the table for breakfast. Rayne looked over to the window as the small screech echoed, Abner landing on the sill with a letter in his beak. Rayne walked over to him, taking the letter and opened it. Bill moved to stand beside her.

"A letter, huh? Who's it from?" He asked, peering over her shoulder.

"My cousin, Draco" Rayne muttered, concentrating on reading the letter.

Rae;

Thank you for the locket! I will always wear it!

Happy Christmas, Draco

Rayne could not help but smile as she read the slightly sloppy writing. She looked back to Bill, showing him the letter.

"I sent Draco a locket for Christmas, with a picture of him and myself…" She set the letter down, crossing her arms around herself. "I worry about him…I don't…I don't want him to be like our family…"

Bill smiled back at her sadly, setting a comforting hand on her shoulder.

The New Year's came and gone, all the while Rayne found herself quiet entertained by the Weasley brood. The Christmas break was nearing its end, with Bill and Rayne getting ready to take the train back to Hogwarts.

Year: 1983, Summer Break

Rayne found herself a home at the Burrow. Molly insisted that she stay with them for the summer months, and when she arrived she couldn't help but notice that a new room had been added to the first floor. She found Molly waiting anxiously on the porch as she and Bill made their way to the house.

"Welcome home dears!" Moll exclaimed, giving them each a large hug. "I suppose you've already seen the new addition to the house, yes?"

Bill scoffed, giving her a lopsided grin. "It's not another baby, is it mum?"

Molly swatted his arm for that. "Oh, no. I just decided that our girl will need a room of her own if she's to live with us"

"Really? You…you made me a room?" Rayne asked.

"Of course dear! Come, come let's put your things up!" Molly hurried into the house, Bill and Rayne exchanging glanced before following after her.

Bill held the door for her, gesturing her in. Before she could get a foot over the threshold, two blurs knocked into her. Rayne tipped back, about to fall as Bill quickly grasped her hand to stop her. She looked down to the twins hugging one leg each.

"Rayne, we-"Fred started off.

"Missed you!" George finished.

Rayne couldn't help but laugh at the two as they beamed up at her. She hugged them tight, tousling their hair.

"Hello Fred" Rayne looked to Fred than to George. "Hello George"

"He's not Fred, I am!" George responded, crossing his arms.

"No, you're George" Rayne corrected, grinning at them.

"How can you always tell?" Fred whined, pouting that their trick didn't work.

"Because I just know" Rayne left them with the vague answer, the two mulling over her words.

Rayne stopped along the way to the stairs to look into the living room where Ron and Ginny played on the old rug, she smiled, waving.

"Hello you two" Rayne greeted before following Molly up the stairs. Charlie came out of his room next to Ginny's, peering over the banisher.

"Rae! Welcome back!" He beamed, smiling.

Rayne looked up to him. "Hello Charlie! Where's Percy?"

Charlie pointed to the floor above them. "His room. He's been hauled up there studying all morning!"

Rayne laughed gently, knowing that was typical behavior of Percy. Molly led her down the narrow corridor, passing Charlie.

"Alright dear, here's your room. Its right next to Bill's" Molly opened the door, stepping inside the small bedroom. "It's not much, though…"

Rayne stopped at the doorway, looking about the room. There was a full size bed was set up into one corner in front of the window, a dresser next to it and a writing desk on the other wall. Rayne smiled, walking to the bed to look out the window.

"No, it's perfect. I love it" Rayne turned, hugging Molly. "Thank you"

Molly hugged her back. "You settle in, dinner will be ready soon" Molly took her leave, Bill walking to the doorway a short time later. He stood in the doorway, looking about the room and smiled.

"Mum and Dad did a good job" He nodded, looking to her. "You feel at home?"

Rayne laughed, sitting on the bed. "I always feel at home here" She responded and sighed. "I can't believe our first year is already gone."

Bill nodded, looking to the window as Abner landed on the sill. "Ah, your owl is here"

Bill walked over, pushing the window open as Abner hopped into the room than flew to perch on the back of the chair. He shook his body, fluffing himself up. Rayne paused, listening to the yelling and laughed.

"Come on, let's go wrangle the twins before your mother blows a fuse" Rayne stood, walking from the room and down the stairs. "Fred, George!"

Rayne's body jolted awake, her body covered in a cold sweat. Her face was pale, her eyes large with fear. Another nightmare, always the same. The image of a bald man, with no nose and ashen skin still burned in her mind. The house was silent, everyone having gone to bed hours ago. But, Rayne laid awake. She sighed gently, rolling over in the bed. She desperately tried to fall back asleep, all in vain. Soon she threw back the blankets with an exasperated groan, rubbing her hands over her face. The soft knock rose on her door before it opened a crack. Bill's voice was soft, almost a whisper.

"Rayne? You awake?" He asked than peered in at her, quietly pushing the door farther open to step inside. "Are you alright? Another nightmare?"

Rayne nodded her head as he closed the door behind himself, walking over to her than sat down alongside her. He pulled her to him, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. He could tell by her trembling she was crying, but didn't say another word. He only rubbed her back, comforting her like he would his brothers.

Year: 1984 and 1989

Going into their third year at Hogwarts, both Rayne and Bill decided on the challenge of taking all five electives plus their core classes. This could only be done with a time turner, since some classes were taught at the same time. The time turner was a gift from Arthur, and the two of them used it only for classes. Rayne sat at the great hall table, watching the new first years being escorted through the hall. They all had a look of pure awe, starring at the ceiling and floating candles. Rayne leaned over to Bill, who looked up from his book.

"You think we looked that dumb struck our first year?" She asked, keeping her eyes on the new students.

Bill chuckled, giving his head a shake at her comment. "Probably, must have been a riot for the older students who watched us"

Rayne smiled, listening as names were starting to be called. The sorting hate went to work putting students into their new houses. Soon Charlie Weasley was called up, and of course sorted into Gryffindor. Rayne and Bill cheered for him, welcoming him to the table as he sat across from them. Rayne was happy to see that yet another Weasley was chosen for Gryffindor. Like Bill, Charlie had expressed his fear in being put in a different house over the past summer months. Both Rayne and Bill tried to calm his nerves, but it was mostly useless.

The duo had to again go through the same situation when it was Percy's turn to start Hogwarts. Naturally Percy was also sorted into Gryffindor. The two had obtained all 12 possible OWLS the year before, and began taking NEWT classes for their final two years. Rayne continued to live with the Weasley's during Christmas and summer breaks, and still kept in contact with Draco through letters. When the pair reached their final years and graduated from Hogwarts, Molly made sure to throw them a large celebration party at the Burrow.

Music echoed through the house, barely audible through the laughter and chatter. The furniture in the living room had been pushed to the walls, allowing a small open area where Molly and Arthur showed the kids how to dance. The children laughed, clapping along as they bounced from one end of the circle to the other. Charlie had been first to grab Rayne's hand, twirling her around as she laughed. Fred caught her hand next, George catching her other hand.

"It's not fair-"George started.

"-that you graduate before we start school" Fred finished.

"We wanted to be with you for at least one year" The two said in unison.

Rayne laughed gently at their pouting, looking around at the other Weasley's.

"Actually, the two of you will be seeing me next year" She admitted, looking back to them.

"Huh? What do you mean? You just graduated" Bill asked.

"Well, Dumbledore has offered me a teacher's position" Rayne looked to him, smiling. "Well, for the first two years I'll be a teacher's assistant. But after that I'll be a full fledge professor"

The twins glanced to each other, grinning.

"Rae will be our teacher?" Fred asked.

"Wicked" George muttered.

Bill ignored the twins. "So, what subject will you teach?"

Rayne scoffed, smiling. "As if you have to ask. Study of Ancient Runes of course. Professor Babbling will be retiring in the next two years, Dumbledore decided he wanted me to replace her"

"That's wonderful!" Bill exclaimed, grasping Rayne into a hug, lifting her up and twirling her around.

Rayne beamed down at him. "What about Gringotts? Heard anything yet about the curse-breaker job?"

"Not yet, I hope soon though" Bill set her down, twirling her again for good measure.

Rayne giggled as they all started dancing again, clapping to keep time. Molly excused herself, slipping into the kitchen to get the table set. Rayne slipped out as well, following Molly to help. Molly looked to her as the dishes started levitating to the table.

"I'm so proud of you darling" Molly commented while she started conjuring up food. "…Have you heard anything from your family?"

Rayne leaned against the far counter, crossing her arms. "Well, Uncle Lucius and Aunt Cissy are still a bit ashamed that I was sorted into Gryffindor. They made sure to tell me that I've been removed from the Black family tapestry" Rayne chuckled gently, lowering her gaze. "Like I care about that…"

Molly watched her, walking to her. "What about your cousin?"

Rayne looked back up to her, biting her lip to keep it from trembling. "Draco has been told not to associate himself with me. We still talk through letters, but I can tell that he's…" Rayne couldn't even finish her sentence, tears started flowing down her cheeks as she chocked on a sob.

Molly quickly grabbed her in an embrace, smoothing her hair as the girl cried against her shoulder. Molly gently hushed her, rocking her like a baby.

"Don't cry dear, don't cry" She cooed, taking Rayne's face in her hands. She wiped the stray tears with her thumbs, smiling sadly at the poor girl. "It's alright darling"

Rayne sniveled, nodding as she closed her eyes. She pulled back from Molly, aggressively rubbing her already puffy eyes. Molly watched her, turning her attention to Bill standing in the doorway. He was silent, watching Rayne. Molly gestured him over.

"Bill darling, take Rayne upstairs to her room. Let her have some time to herself" Molly said, gently herding Rayne to him.

Bill took her hand in his, leading her up the stairs. He still said nothing until they were in her room, where he abruptly embraced her in a bone crushing hug.

"Rayne…are you alright?" He hesitantly asked, not wanting to upset her more.

Rayne gave a small nod, her hands clutching at his shirt. "I'll be fine" She finally squeaked out.

Bill nodded, resting his chin on her head. "You should lay down, rest for a bit"

Rayne shook her head "No, no. I just need a few minutes…"

Bill pulled back a bit to look down at her, her eyes were still red and puffy but slowly clearing. Bill gave her a half smile. "Alright. Take your time, Rae" He gently kissed her forehead before tousling her hair. Having the effect he hoped for, she laughed and batted his hand away. Bill ran from the room before she could retaliate, leaving Rayne grinning.

She stood in silence for a few moments, composing herself. A few minutes passed before she walked back down the stairs, joining the rest of the family just as Molly called for dinner. Rayne pushed all thoughts of her family away, focusing on this family before her.

Weeks went by before Bill got word from the job at Gringotts, when a letter did finally come be ran straight for Rayne's room and early busted the door down. Rayne flinched, looking up from the book she was reading in surprise.

"Blood hell, Bill, you nearly gave me a heart attack" She put her hand over her fast beating heart, calming herself.

Bill walked over to her spot on the bed, collapsing beside her as the bed bounced and creaked. "I got a letter from Gringotts" He said breathlessly.

Rayne's eyes widened, throwing the book onto the bedside table. "What are you waiting for, open it!"

Bill breathed in slowly, turning the letter to look at the wax seal. Rayne sat in suspense than punched his shoulder. "Open it already, come on!"

Bill laughed at her enthusiasm, than slowly opened the envelope. He pulled the parchment out, reading over it in silence.

After a few moments, Rayne leaned forward to peer at the paper. "Well? What does it say? Don't leave me in suspense"

Bill looked to her, their eyes meeting. Slowly, a grin spread over his face. "They hired me" He said simply.

The two broke out in cheers, their voices ringing throughout the whole house. They leaped off the bed, embracing and jumping around in a circle. Soon the whole family was gathered at the doorway, watching the two.

"Merlin's beard what happened?" Molly was the first to say anything as the pair split apart.

Rayne slapped Bill's arm. "Go on, tell them"

Bill peered at his family, holding up the letter. "I got the job! They want me to report to Egypt in two weeks' time" Bill beamed, hardly containing his glee. "I'm a curse-breaker!"

The whole family broke out in cheer, congratulating and hugging the oldest Weasley child.

Rayne stood in Bill's room, helping him pack a trunk. She set a small stack of books into one corner, looking over to Bill as he packed a smaller trunk.

"It will be strange, not having you about anymore" Rayne mumbled.

Bill looked over to her, smiling slightly. "Yes, I know." Bill fell silent, thinking for a moment. "…I wish you had accepted the job offer too. Did you ever tell mum and dad about that?"

Rayne shook her head, smiling. "No. Don't get me wrong, I would love to be able to work alongside you but…I feel my calling is teaching"

Bill nodded, walking to her and pulled her into a hug. "I really am going to miss you, Rae"

Rayne laughed gently, wrapping her arms around his waist. "You better send me a post every week. And a lot of pictures!"

Bill chuckled, nodding. "Will do."

Rayne felt tears welling up, clearing her throat she pulled away from Bill. "Alright, alright; let's get finished packing"

Bill watched her, giving her a sad smile before going back to setting the clothes in the trunk.

When they finished packing, Bill waved his wand as the trunks shrunk. He picked them up, sticking them in his pocket.

"Bill, almost time for you to go!" They heard Molly yell from downstairs. The two shared a glance, quickly looking away as they made their way downstairs. The family had already gathered around the large fireplace. The twins were the first to run to him, hugging him about the waist. He hugged each of his siblings, than turned to his mom and dad. They embraced him, Molly sniffling as she cried.

"You be safe, William" Molly said, looking up at her oldest son. "Don't forget to write"

"I won't Mum, I promise." Bill smiled. Arthur clapped him on the shoulder.

"We're so proud of you son" He hugged his son again than pulled away from him.

Bill took a step back, looking over his family than back at Rayne. He grinned. "What? I don't get a goodbye hug?"

Rayne couldn't help but return his grin as she quickly stepped up to him. She pushed herself on her tiptoes, throwing her arms around Bill's neck.

"I'm going to miss you so" Rayne mumbled.

"Me too"

Rayne peered up to him, kissing his cheek. "Be safe"

A light blush spread across his cheeks, something his brothers instantly noticed. He would be hearing about this for months. Rayne released him, stepping back.

"Make sure you write as soon as you get there" Rayne reminded him. He nodded, stepping into the fireplace. Molly held out the pot of ashes as he grabbed a handful. He spoke his destination, throwing the ash at his feet and disappeared in a plume of green flames.

Year: 1989, September

Rayne sat at the far left side of the great table, watching as the first years were escorted into the hall. She watched them, smiling at their bright faces taking in the whole hall. She instantly caught sight of two heads of fiery red hair, she brought her hand up to lean against it to hide her grin. The names were called, and sorting began. Fred was the first of the twins to be called, he climbed the steps and shot a glance at her. He grinned, waving than sat on the stool. The hat sorted him into Gryffindor and he went to join his brothers at the table. George was called next, and just as his brother he shot her a grin and a wave. He, too, was sorted into Gryffindor. She glanced to the other teachers at the table…they had no idea what trouble these two would ultimately get into.

Just as Rayne expected, she found the twins in detention with Professor Snape. She carried the books into the classroom, setting them down on the bookshelf.

"Miss Lestrange, I have a list of ingredients for potions tomorrow…make sure everything is on each desk" He said as the parchment flew over to Rayne.

She grasped it, looking it over and nodded. "Yes, Professor, I'll get right on it". She walked past him and into the backroom where the ingredients were kept. She waved her wand as the listed items flew to each desk. She flinched as Snape abruptly stood, the clock dinging on the hour. He looked back to her.

"Escort the…Weasley's…to their dormitories" He stated, waving them off. "Make sure they do not cause anymore…trouble…"

The two followed after Rayne, snickering and mumbling to each other. Rayne waited until they were out of hearing distance than turned to them, giving them a death glare.

"One day…you couldn't go one day without making trouble?" She asked.

"It was just a prank…" George glanced off, trying not to make eye contact.

"The Bugger deserved it" Fred added.

Rayne sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead. "Your Mum is not going to be happy you know…and I am likely to get a howler too"

Rayne looked to them again, crossing her arms. "Go on now, to your dorms"

The two smiled at her, embracing her before running off down the hallway. Rayne sighed again, rubbing her cheek. She couldn't resist the urge to smile, those two would make her years here very interesting. That night, she did end up receiving a howler from Molly.

The twins quickly gained their reputation of class pranksters. From hair color changing spells to ton-tongue toffees. They even set off dung bombs all over the school. Most teachers took their pranking ways in strides, others like Snape absolutely despised them. Rayne, oddly enough, was so used to them causing trouble that she didn't even bat an eye anymore. They gave Percy an especially hard time. Poor Percy was normally the target of their pranks, although they were all in good nature it still damaged his ego every time. Since she was only an assistant, she didn't directly handle the twins' antics. That, of course, changed when they finished their second year. Naturally, they chose to take her class when she became a Professor.