AN: Here's chapter 8 for you, I think my updates will be slower now that school is going to start and I have tons to do for school and everything. Hope you like this because i might not update for a few days.

March came too soon for my liking. I wanted more time to think. Should I join him, hurt my loved ones and become a murderer, or decline again and risk James, Sirius, Remus, Robyn, Lily or Keira? It was a hard choice and I needed answers fast. The more I spent with Sirius, the more I knew I had to break it off with him. That day I made up my mind and I wasn't pleased in the least, but it was still a good choice.

Aiden felt the hot tears stream down her face as she entered Dumbledore's office. She saw him on his desk and he looked up, quite surprised. Aiden sniffed, trying to hold back the tears but they kept falling. Dumbledore quickly stood up and walked over to her putting his hand on her shoulder but she wouldn't have it. She pulled the old man into a hug and he hugged her back, patting her back, "I'm sorry Dumbledore, for ignoring you! I just needed some time for myself."

Dumbledore nodded and gestured to the seat in front of his desk. She took it gratefully and Dumbledore held a plate in his hand, "Lemon Drop my dear?"

Aiden took a hand full and Dumbledore chuckled. She popped one into her mouth and closed her eyes, "Dumbledore, you know very well that I am a capable witch." Dumbledore nodded to this and she continued, "And I'm going to get to the point. I'd like to take my NEWTS this week and take up an apprenticeship with Professor Roxanne Fiona."

Dumbledore took in the information carefully, "I hope you do understand you need a recommendation from Fiona my dear."

Aiden pulled the parchment out and handed it to him. He looked over it and looked up, "Not to mention, if you do pass NEWTS and become an apprentice of hers, that you will not be able to see Mr. Black."

Aiden swallowed hard, "That is the plan sir."

Dumbledore was quite shocked at this news. He furrowed his brows and looked down at the recommendation. He quickly looked up at her and used Legilimency and prayed that the other times he tried was by accident but it wasn't, it was clear. "Who taught you Occlumency my dear?"

Aiden smiled weakly, "Miss Fiona sir."

Dumbledore nodded slowly and cleared his throat, "Alright, you will play the quidditch game this week I suppose?" Aiden nodded and Dumbledore continued, "Well then, I will make an arrangement for the ministry to come and give you NEWTS. Once you pass, you are no longer a student, but an apprentice. Anything else?"

Aiden nodded slowly, "I'd like to join the Order as soon as possible."

Dumbledore's heart fell, the girl was too young, yet she was forced to grow up too soon, "Very well. After NEWTS, we will have an induction for you. Are you sure though?"

Aiden nodded, "Crystal. Now, I must get some sleep, I'm terribly tired, not to mention talking to Sirius wont be easy."

Dumbledore nodded slowly and Aiden got up, taking her exit. He narrowed his eyes, "Something has happened that she is not letting on. Maybe she will explain at the induction."

He sighed and popped a lemon drop in his mouth.

Aiden sighed as she began pacing the common room again. She chewed on her bottom lip, a habit when she was nervous. She closed her eyes and reminded herself to breathe. 'I need to do this, for his sake.' When Sirius came down in sweats and without a shirt, she inwardly cursed him, how could he do this to her? He walked down, running a hand through his hair while wearing a stupid grin. "Hey, like what you see?"

Aiden forced herself to grimace. He looked taken back and stopped, "Aiden?"

Aiden looked away, "I have to tell you now before I get too sick to do it later, I don't like you, this whole deal was just a bet going on with a Ravenclaw."

Sirius stared wide eyed at the girl in front of him. Was this his Aiden? The one who cuddled and followed him around like a lost puppy while he did the same? "Y-You can't mean that."

His heart was breaking at her words and actually, Aiden's heart and soul was breaking by saying them. She wanted to take them all away, but that would make things worse. She had to say it, "I do, I'm sorry I did it but, it's a true, everything had been a lie."

Keira stood at the bottom of the staircases and watched Sirius fall to the floor and pound his fists. She watched as Aiden didn't take a second look at him while she walked out of the common room, calm as ever. 'What the hell is going on here? Is everyone bloody mad?' She ran to Sirius side and he broke down crying on her shoulder. She was surprised, she had never seen Sirius cry or look so broken before now and she wasn't sure what to do. People started coming down the steps and looked at the scene with wide eyes. James pushed his way through to Sirius. He bent down and looked the boy into the eyes, all he saw was a broken boy with no where to go, "What happened Padfoot?"

Sirius chocked, "E-everything was a lie. A bet with a Ravenclaw."

Sirius let out a yell as he began pounding his fists again. James looked at his friend, "Who?"

Sirius looked up, "Ballard."

He spat the name and James winced. He got up, "I'm sure there's a reasonable explanation for this."

Sirius shook his head, "No Prongs, it's all over… I can't live without her James… I don't know what to do."

James sighed and looked towards Keira, "Take him up the stairs, EVERYONE BACK TO BED OR I'LL TAKE HOUSEPOINTS OFF!"

Everyone else scrambled away from scene, all except Remus, James, Sirius, Lily, Robyn and Peter who was in the corner, watching the scene with a frown, but not because he felt bad for Sirius.

James ran through the halls and finally saw Aiden up ahead. He ran towards her and took her shoulder. Aiden stopped and growled dangerously, "Get your hand off me James."

James did as he was told and took a good look at her, "What's with you Aiden?"

Aiden looked at him and he didn't see a trace of hurt in her usual soft eyes. They were hard and cold, "It was a bet, you know I don't back down from one. Anyways, you'll be needing a new Chaser after this weeks game, I'm taking NEWTS next week."

She began to walk off when it sunk into James head and he ran over and stopped her. This time, he was looking at a broken girl, "Aiden, come here, tell me everything."

Aiden was guided to an empty room and he put wards up to make sure it was private. Aiden hugged James tightly, "I love him James; make sure to take good care of him."

James sighed, "Tell me what's happening. We told each other everything since we were 5."

Aiden sighed and pulled away, "I can't, unless you learn Occlumency. I can't risk it."

James nodded, "I'll do whatever I can. Where do I learn?"

A voice from the shadow spoke up, "Me."

James pulled his wand out and pointed it to the shadow. Slowly, Professor Fiona came out and he lowered the wand, "You should have told us you were here."

Professor Fiona shrugged it off, "Are you going to be my apprentice after NEWTS?"

Aiden nodded her head slowly and Professor Fiona smiled brightly, "Great, I'll start making the list of items you'll need, not to mention you'll have your own quarters here."

Aiden swallowed hard, "Roxy, I need a favor."

James was surprised the two were on such good terms but decided to watch the exchange, "What is that?"

Aiden closed her eyes, "After NEWTS, I need to go on a date with a good looking man and a great job, could you set it up?"

Professor Fiona raised an eyebrow but decided not to ask. "Of course, He'll come to the game this week and I'll set it up."

Aiden smiled weakly and Professor Fiona walked out. She then turned to James, "I need you to convince Sirius I don't love him. If not, he's in danger, you, nor can anyone else talk to me, please, until you learn Occlumency."

James nodded and exited the room, leaving Aiden who felt the tears run down her cheek; she hadn't cried this much since her parents had died, and even that was all her fault.

"Goooooood evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin match!"

James watched his Beater sulk around while his Chaser was in deep concentration, probably the game. He sighed and spoke up, "Everyone, listen up! Today, Slytherin is not too happy with Gryffindor and wants that cup bad! We've won the cup for 6 years now, let's make it 7!"

Everyone was cheering except two people. He sighed and nodded for everyone to line up, which they did. "and here come the Gryffindor's with team captain James Potter in the lead followed by his chasers, Aiden Ballard and John Michaels, beaters Sirius Black and Kevin Delancy, Keeper Sean Emerson and there seeker Robyn Rojas!"

The stands were in an uproar but Aiden didn't hear, she as determined to make this Quidditch game the best she's ever played. "And here comes the Slytherin's team with team captain Rodolphus Lestrange with his chasers Rabastan Lestrange and Bellatrix Black, beaters Aaron Wilkes and Andrew Avery, keeper Robert Duncan and there seeker Regulus Black!"

The Slytherin's sneered at the Gryffindor's and what surprised them as they received it back from Aiden Ballard who was usually passive about it. Everyone was set up and the commenter continued, "This is Aiden Ballard's last game with the Gryffindor's much to team captain James Potter's disappointment so let's see what the girl has!"

Aiden rolled her eyes at this and they were off, "Aiden has the ball, dodges Bella; passes to James who… fakes and passes to Aiden who SCORES!"

In the Teacher's box, Roxanne Fiona sat with a smirk on her face as she watched the young man sitting next to her watch the girl, Aiden Ballard. He was straining to see and Roxanne rolled her eyes and gave him a pair of omnioculars, "Take it, you'll see her better."

The man thanked her and slowed it down and zoomed in. He saw in slow motion that the girl was not only pretty, intelligent, but also talented. Her long brown hair catching in the wind with her jade green eyes determined 'do her eyes have a little pink?' He smiled and put the omnioculars down and looked over at the smiling witch, "I wouldn't miss a chance of meeting her."

Roxanne grinned and nodded, "Great Vince, you'll get to meet her during her NEWTS; you are giving her the test."

The man nodded and grinned, "I can hardly wait."

Down in the pitch, Aiden smirked as Bellatrix tried to block her. She threw out her arm at her face while the girl shrieked. Aiden stopped and fly off as fast as she good, throwing her fast hook and scoring yet again. "Whoa! There was Aiden doing the best damn Transylvanian Tackle I've EVER seen!"

Aiden was face to face with Rodolphus Lestrange and was about to shout something when in the corner of her eye, she saw a bludger heading straight to her and Rodolphus was gladly blocking her way. She bit her lip and hoped it work. She slid down just in time and got on her broom again and sneered at Rodolphus who was at a lost for words that she grabbed the quaffle from his hands and raced for to the goals. However, Robert Duncan was ready for her and she threw the quaffle behind her, knowing full well that John was behind her. She made her way to the left and surprisingly, the keeper followed, still unaware that she tossed the quaffle. "SCORE!"

Robert Duncan gasped and scowled at Aiden who threw him a wink and fly off. The game ended, sure the Slytherin's had caught the snitch, but Aiden had made enough points in the game to make them win. Everyone was so happy that Aiden easily slipped away to the changing rooms. She changed quickly and exited the stall and run towards the castle, she would be staying in her dorms for the rest of the day, not bothering to go to the party that was thrown on her account.

Aiden flipped through her photo album painfully. She one picture in particular. It was of her and Sirius during there month long relationship. He was hugging her tightly while she was laughing and he kissed her passionately. It was there in front of her yet, she knew she couldn't have it. Not while Voldemort was still at large. She sighed and turned the page, the one's of her parents. She was about to turn when something caught her eye. She saw the younger looking Tom Riddle in one of the pictures. He was smiling, but he wasn't happy either. Next to him was another girl that looked like…Aiden gasped and shut the photo album. She grabbed her cloak and ran down the stairs and through the party. She ran down the corridors and to Professor Fiona's office. She knocked furiously and the door opened, she stumbled in and held onto the couch for support, "Who are you?"

Professor Fiona sighed and sat down on the couch, calmly drinking her tea, "So I find it that you saw the pictures?"

Aiden gave a questioning look before nodding and Professor Fiona sighed, "I knew your parents, Diana Potter and William Ballard. Of course, Potter was a Gryffindor and William was Tom's best friend, well, servant if you look at it in reality. Anyways, Tom was mad that William abandoned him for a Gryffindor and wanted to get revenge, so he put a dark curse on him to haunt his dreams. If you do not take dreamless sleep potions or are an occlumen, you can not be harmed in any ways in the dreams. Apparently the trait was passed onto you. Well, I was a loyal servant of Tom until one day. I was seeing a muggle and we had a child. He killed him Aiden, both Chris and my baby Rachel."

Aiden took in all this information and she felt sorry for the woman sitting in front of her. She put her hand on the woman's shoulder and Roxanne just shook her head, "Don't. Anyways, I have the perfect date for you."

Aiden smiled weakly even though her insides felt like she was shredding. She sat down again and the two of them began discussing her job as an apprentice and things she would need.

Aiden nervously sat down on a chair. She had sat through all 11 classes and she had one more, Defense against the Dark Arts. She heard the door creak open as her eyes lifted to see a handsome man with shaggy sandy blonde hair that fell into his cerulean blue eyes. He had a great smile with a small dimple and white teeth. She shook off the thoughts and shook his hand, "My name is Aiden Ballard."

The man smiled warmly again, "Vincent Paxton, ministry official and ex auror who will be giving you your NEWTS. Come on in and I'll explain everything to you."

Aiden sighed and walked in and looked around. The room was filled with filing cabinets and desks along with chairs. The walls were lined with books and it looked like… "You are correct Miss Ballard; this is an imitation of a muggle office. Now, you will pretend that I am the culprit and you have to defend yourself and stop me. On the count of three."

Aiden took out her wand and looked around, trying to find a route, she vaguely heard the man, "One… Two… Three!"

Aiden was still looking around and the man frowned, wasn't she supposed to be concentrating? He sighed; this would be a failing grade, "Petrificus Totalus!"

Aiden's reflexes kicked in and she gently said, "Protego."

Vincent raised his eyebrows; this woman would be a better dueler then her thought, "Tarantellegra!"

Aiden jumped out of the way and her wand pointed at the muggle lights and they blew out. The room was pitch black and there was no light anywhere, not even a trace of it. Aiden swallowed as she strained to hear the man's footsteps.

Vincent grinned, this girl was brilliant. He stepped on the floor and it made a clanking sound, he scolded himself for being stupid, but not before being hit with a curse, "Diffindo!"

He gawked as the spell hit his shoulder and he could feel the seething pain. He growled lowly and ducked as another was sent at him and they began there little game of hide and seek in the dark. Aiden paused in her running and strained her ears, nothing. She slowly took her cloak off and threw it to the far end and a curse was send over there, Aiden pointed her wand at where she pictured the man to be and smirked, "Stupefy!"

She heard a thump and was about to run over when she figured it wasn't safe, the room felt strangely cold. She mad a mad dash to the other side, curses being thrown at her until one hit her. She felt the cut on her chest but ignored it and grabbed her cloak and ran towards her target, muttering shielding charms and she tackled the man to the floor, but not before grabbing his wand and muttering, "Petrificus Totalus."

She felt the body stiffen beneath her and she smirked. She turned the lights back on and threw the wand on the floor beneath her and she sat on the desk, watching the man who could only move his eyes. They glistened with amusement and she grinned, "Well Mr. Paxton, it seems as I have taken down my target. You thought you had me with my other curse didn't you?"

She grinned and muttered the counter curse and he sat up, "Impressive but please, call me Vincent."

Aiden grinned, "Just call me Miss Ballard." The smile faltered on the man's face and Aiden giggled, "Joking, call me Aiden or Denny."

Vincent grinned and the two cleaned up and he nodded to her, "Well Aiden, it seems you did extremely well, not many can take me down, especially a 7th year who is graduating early."

Aiden shrugged and they walked towards Dumbledore's office. Vincent bit his lip and cleared his throat, "Listen, uh… I know I shouldn't do this but Roxy, well she told me about how you wanted a blind date…"

Aiden pouted, "You ruined the surprise now!"

Vincent and Aiden laughed and he cleared his throat, "So, Saturday, do I see you in the Great Hall, or…"

Aiden giggled, "I'll meet you in the Great Hall at 7 and we'll go on the date. Just one question."

Vincent raised an eyebrow and she bit her lip, "Casual or Formal?"

Vincent grinned, "Defiantly Formal."

Aiden had looked herself in the mirror once again and groaned, she wasn't sure if she was overdressed for the occasion. She sighed and looked at the clock, "Well, it's now or never."

Vincent waited patiently in the Great Hall, Dumbledore had insisted on introducing him to the student body and he nodded curtly to them. He looked down at his watch again and then to Roxy who gave him a thumbs up. Vincent sighed as he waited for his date to make an appearance, everyone else had. The doors opened and in walked the most radiant creature he ever laid eyes on. She was dressed in a simple black strapless dress that cut off just above the knees. She had black heels on and black earrings and necklace. Her hair was up in an elegant bun with curls hanging down. He watched her smile nervously and he noticed the other boys looking her up and down. Aiden finally made her way and she kissed him on the cheek, "Mr. Paxton, good to know I am not overdressed for the occasion."

Vincent grinned and wrapped his arm around her waist as the two walked out, "Of course not Miss Ballard, you look perfect."

Aiden giggled and they exited the hall.

Whispers broke out, why was Aiden going on a date with an important ministry official? Dumbledore cleared his throat and someone yelled, "It's illegal for an undergraduate to be with an older person!"

Dumbledore chuckled at this, "Silence. I assure each and every one of you that Miss Ballard is a graduate. She had taken her NEWTS and from this point on, she can do as she wishes, seeing she is 18."

The hall went silent and Dumbledore looked at Sirius Black in particular who was the only person not looking at him. Sirius had his face buried in his hands.

James turned to Sirius and patted his back, "It's alright mate; you'll find someone."

Sirius looked up, his eyes were brimming with tears and everyone turned to the hysteric boy, "DON'T SAY THAT JAMES! SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE!"

He slammed his fists on the table as he stood up and stalked out of the hall. Everyone was dead silent, not wanting to believe that there usual Marauder was really loosing his self control, all because of Aiden Ballard?

Aiden giggled as Vincent glided her onto the dance floor and twirl her around. She felt a lump in her throat then. That was something Sirius had always done when they danced. Vincent looked over at his date, "Are you ok Aiden?"

Aiden put on a fake smile and nodded her head, moving to the soft music with him. She couldn't get her mind off of Sirius and she was sure Vincent was noticing. She looked him in the eyes and swallowed hard, she needed Vincent to stay, either that or Sirius is dead. She pressed her lips to his and noticing nothing happened. No sparks or clouded thoughts like with Sirius, 'darn it, I'm doing it again, plus Vince isn't even responding… oh wait… never mind.' She felt him press his lips to hers and she smiled despite herself, the plan as working. She pulled away and looked into his cerulean eyes, "I wanted to do that since I saw you."

Sure she was lying through her teeth, but Vince didn't notice. He smiled brightly and the two made there way to the Three Broom Sticks. She paused and he noticed this. He frowned, "You're not a virgin, are you Aiden?"

Aiden laughed nervously, "Actually…"

Vince pressed his lips against hers again, "Sorry, when you're ready, tell me."

Aiden smiled up at him, "Does this mean… we're…"

Vincent grinned, "Will you do me the honors?"

Aiden nodded and threw her arms around his neck and made a face like she wanted to puke. She wiped it off and plastered a grin when she pulled away and walked hand in hand towards the castle.

Aiden shakily read over the letter once again. She had written it over 20 times, just wanting it to be perfect.

Lucius Malfoy,

You may tell your master that I graciously decline his offer; I wish to have nothing to do with him or what he does.

Aiden Ballard

She swallowed and enclosed it in an envelope and watched it go off with a school owl, she could never have to heart to send her snow owl, Hermes. She smiled down as Echo tried to settle itself on her master's lap, which she succeeded. Aiden nuzzled the Niffler as tears began rolling down her cheeks, "I hope I did the right thing."

Voldemort sat on this thrown as death eaters gathered around him. He was looking for his right hand man but he seemed to be no where in sight. Lucius appeared several seconds later and Voldemort frowned. Lucius bent down, "My Lord, I'm sorry I was late, I received Ballard's answer by owl."

Voldemort raised his eyebrows, "Give to me here."

Lucius got up and handed the paper to him, which Voldemort read and he scowled, "Find her closest friends."

Two death eaters came forth and bent down, "My Lord, I have news of the girl, she has graduated last week and broke off with my cousin Sirius. He still loves her but she is currently with someone from the ministry."

Voldemort pondered this for a while, "There is no need to bother your cousin Bella. Aiden appears to not care for him, but who else is there?"

Rodolphus Lestrange looked up, "There is her friends whom she hardly speaks to. They've been friends for years."

Voldemort smirked at this, "Name them, now."

Rodolphus nodded, "Lily Evans, Robyn Rojas and Keira Vega."

Voldemort perked up at the names and grinned evilly now, "I want everyone to gather as much information about these women, now leave me in peace."

The death eaters nodded there heads and left, one death eater particular worried.

I hope you all like the chapter and review. Thank you to all who had reviewed to my story so far, i'm really thankful.

Hugs and Kisses

Silverdragon86