Disclaimer: Only the plot of this story and the OC's are mine.

Sorry it took so long to update but I had a lot of stress at University. Some idiot thought that too many people were studying pharmacy so we had to go through some hard and difficult tests (chemistry) to determine who would be allowed to continue to study pharmacy.

So sorry again, I'll try to update more frequently from now on.

Hope you liek my Chapter 6, if not it's your problem not mine. After all you don't have to read my story if you don't like it.

By the way, thanks for all the reviews.

Chapter 6

It was the beginning of Oktober and life was going well for Kaden. For once he didn't have a crazy dark lord out for his blood to worry about and the results were showing. With no trouble Kaden had become the top student among the sixth years at Hogwarts. It had taken most of the school especially the Slytherins some time to get used to the fact that he was a Potter now but after a few weeks everything had calmed down again and Kaden was now only confronted with people who congratulated him and were happy for him.

Today was the day Kaden had been waiting for for a whole month now. Today he would finally be able to add the last ingredient to his Veritaserum Potion and by doing that finish his potions project. All the other students had already finished their potions, even Moody who had been able to do so the day before thanks to Kaden's help.

Both of them knew that without Kaden's help Moody's potions would have been ruined a long time ago but somehow Kaden had managed to prevent Moody from blowing up the Polyjuice Potion he was making.

"Oi, Kaden, hurry up. We've got Potions first thing today." An anxious Moody pulled him out of his thoughts and seat as he literally dragged Kaden out of the Great Hall where he had only moments ago enjoyed his breakfast.

"Moody, calm down. Your potion is fine. Greystone will pass it for sure, don't worry." Kaden tried to calm his friend down. "I know... but still... I mean you were practically the one doing all the work... I mean you told me what to do and even managed to prevent my potion from exploding when I added the wrong ingredient once. I have to admit though that I still don't know how you did it."

Groaning Kaden looked at Moody. "Moody, you added powdered unicorn hair to your potion and not powdered bicorn hair. You could have killed everyone in the potions classroom if the unicorn hair had had the time to react with the other ingredients in your potion. I just added a catalyst. However because of that I don't know how effectively your polyjuice potion will be working."

"Yeah... right… still, thanks."

They finally reached the Potions Classroom and took their customary seats in the last row.

One after one the other students filed in. There were 15 students in the sixth year potions class. Two from Slytherin, Kaden and Moody, 4 Hufflepuffs, 4 Gryffindors and 5 Ravenclaws.

When Professor Greystone finally entered the classroom he had a huge smile on his face.

"Alright class. Today is the day you have all been waiting for. Today is the day when you will finally be able to hand in your potions to me. Now you still have today's lesson if you want to check over your potions once more. At the end of the lesson I expect all of you to hand in a vial of your respective potion with your name on it." With that Greystone disappeared again inside his office leaving them all to their own devices.

Without losing a second Kaden put the final ingredient into his potion before stirring it clockwise ten times. As soon as he was done he smiled at the now clear potion in his cauldron. He had done it. He had successfully brewed Veritaserum. 'Hah... if only the git Snape could see it.' He thought while putting a bit of it into a vial and destroying the rest. It would be too dangerous to let a whole batch of Veritaserum remain in the cauldron. If someone got his or her hands on it the results could be disastrous.

Keeping a watchful eye on his vial Kaden waited patiently for the lesson to come to an end. When the bell finally rang he walked up to the front desk where Greystone was already waiting for their potions.

"Mr. Potter, come to my office after your last class today. I wish to discuss something with you." Nodding Kaden left the classroom with Moody. What did Greystone want from him? Was it about his potion? Had he done something wrong?

"Kaden?" Looking up at Moody with a questioning glance he could see Moody looking at him worried. "Is everything alright, Kaden?" "Yeah... no... I don't know. Come on we should hurry, we've got Charms next." And with that the day continued.

After the last class of the day which was Herbology Kaden hurried down to Greystones office.

"Ah Kaden come in. Tea?" Declining with a shake of his head Kaden sat down in one of the chairs facing his teachers desk and consequently Greystone too.

"I must say I have never met someone like you. As you probably already know I am a Potions Master." At this Kaden couldn't help but snort slightly.

"Sir, with all due respect, you are not only a Potions Master but one of the best in Europe if not the whole world. In fact I believe that there is only one other who can rival your skill. Heron Moon."

"Ah.. thank you for the compliment Mr. Potter. Now as I was saying I have never met someone like yourself Mr. Potter. Nobody and I mean nobody who is not a Potions Master should be able to brew Veritaserum correctly on his first try. More so, nobody should be able to help a friend brew polyjuice potion while brewing Veritaserum. There is a reason why Veritaserum is a potion that is at the level of a master. I've watched you throughout each potions period and even sometimes when you had to come down to the classroom in between your other classes. I don't know if you have noticed this but while working on your potion a special aura seems to surround you. An aura which tells me that you are a natural at potions and which tells me that you could become a great Potions Master with the right training. Moreover you seem to have a talent to work on more than one potion at the same time which was proved by the fact that you managed to give your friend Mr. Moody the right instructions on his potion and even fixing said friends mistakes while still working on your own potion." Here Greystone paused shortly to allow Kaden to take in everything he had just been told.

'What the hell! A Potions Master! Natural at Potions!' Were only some thoughts that shot through Kaden's mind at that moment and then with a smirk Kaden thought about what Snape's reaction to this turn in events would be. Before Kaden could dwell too much on his thoughts about Snape's possible reactions – all of them ending with Snape either fainting or dropping to the ground like dead due to a heart attack or loosing his last bit of sanity – Greystone continued.

"Because of this, Mr. Potter, I want to offer you an apprenticeship with me."

Looking up Kaden could see that this was a serious situation. Greystone was obviously not joking about the matter and was clearly hoping for Kaden to accept his offer. The question however remained. Should he or should he not accept Greystone's offer?

After a while Kaden finally asked another question that had been bothering him.

"What does this apprenticeship entitle?"

"Good question." Greystone said smiling at Kaden.

"Basically the apprenticeship would last from up to one year to five years. The duration depends on the apprentice and how long it takes for the apprentice to learn the things he will need to learn however most take their test of Mastery after three years of apprenticeship.

As you are still a student we would have work around your lessons so to say, because you would still have to attend them. This would mean that we would most likely meet each day after your lessons and even during your free periods. Being an apprentice is a full time job as you can see and therefore it would also be important for us to meet during the weekends and maybe even during your summer holidays but we can decide that when the time arrives. Being an apprentice has its advantages too. For example you would be given a higher level of authority than even the head boy and girl currently holds giving you full reign of your time at Hogwarts with nearly no restrictions. This however would also mean that you can neither win or loose House Points for Slytherin you can however still receive detention. I have already talked with Ben, your father and he has given his permission for you to become my apprentice, now what do you say?" Looking at Greystone thoughtfully Kaden didn't really know what to do. Would he be finished with the apprenticeship in time for him to start in the auror training program or would it interfere with his plans for after Hogwarts. On the other hand being a potions master could prove to be useful in his own time. Leaning back Kaden smiled slightly and there was also Snape's reaction to consider when Kaden told him the news.

"So basically if I accept it could take me from one to five years until I would be able to take the final exam?"

"Yes, but I am sure that you will be able to manage to learn everything you need to learn in less than two years and take the exam before you leave Hogwarts. Don't worry, I have already heard from your father that you want to enter the auror training program after Hogwarts."

"hm... So what does this mastery test entail?"

"Basically you have to be able to correctly brew an advanced potion you have never seen before correctly on your first try, after that you will be asked to brew a complex potion with a predetermined set of ingredients. To do this you will have to have a great understanding of the ingredients and how they react in certain situations."

"Sounds fair... and Ben gave his permission?" At this Greystone nodded with a smile on his face knowing how Kaden had decided.

Kaden had indeed made his decision. Becoming a potions master sounded hard and difficult but Kaden was sure that it could also prove very useful once he had returned to his own time.

"Alright. I would be honoured to become your apprentice sir." He finally said after another pause.

"Great. Now Ben has told me that he was giving you and Mr. Moody additional lessons therefore we have arranged that those lessons will be held every day an hour before dinner. After dinner you are to report to me. Now off you go. The headmaster will announce you later during dinner as my new apprentice."

"... Come on Kaden. Concentrate." Ben growled exasperated. Sweating Kaden got up from the floor again and turned towards Ben determined. "I'm ready." He said, his wand held tightly in his right hand. Nodding Ben turned towards him again for the what seemed to be hundredth time that day. "Legimens."

Immediately random memories of his life at the Durselys began to show in front of Kaden's eyes and then the images changed and the Dursleys were replaced by Sirius and then there was the Veil. Snapping out of it Kaden shouted. "Expelliarmus." Effectively breaking the Legimens spell.

Looking up Kaden tried to get his breathing under control again as he stood up from the floor once more.

"That was better Kaden. You need to stay calm. Try to hide your memories behind something else… try a flame and try to push all of your memories inside of it…. Or maybe a black void. I'm sure you'll find something that fits your needs. Alright I think that was it for today. Rest a bit. Horris is awaiting you in twenty minutes in the dungeons. Moody you're next."

Ben had started to teach them Occlumency about two months ago and although both Kaden and Moody were making progress it was slow and not very visible but it was there and Ben was a very patient teacher.

Leaning with his back against one of the walls of Ben's office Kaden closed his eyes trying to get his, thanks to Ben's lesson, wildly flowing emotions under control again before he had to head down to Greystone's office because of his apprenticeship.

It was already dark outside and the last students had left the library over an hour ago leaving Kaden alone and to his own devices in the huge library. The air was cool indicating that it was winter already and the fire that roared in the fireplace was unable to fill the whole room with warmth.

Rubbing his cold hands against each other Kaden tried to warm himself up again as he leafed through a huge tome about potions that was lying on the desk in front of him. From time to time he was stopping at a certain page to read a particular paragraph more carefully. He was so lost in his reading that he didn't notice that someone else had entered the library.

"Mr. Potter I must admit that I am surprised to find you here at this hour of the night." Slamming the book shut in shock Kaden nearly jumped out of his chair at the sudden voice.

Looking up he smiled slightly at Dumbledore. "Good evening sir. Can I help you?"

Studying Dumbledore Kaden couldn't help but feel that he shouldn't have asked that particular question because Dumbledore was now looking at him with brightly twinkling eyes.

"Well, actually yes. You see I came here in search for a particular book however I have no idea where I could find it." Looking thoughtful Kaden pushed his potions book away from himself while standing up. "Well, I could use a break from reading. Do you mind if I help you?" "Of course not, my boy." "Alright, what is the title of the book you are looking for Professor Dumbledore?"

"Time Travel: Myth or Truth, by Eric Spinball. Did you know that he thought that it was possible that from time to time a person gets send into the past? Mr. Potter? Are you alright? Your face is pale, are you feeling well?" Dumbledore asked him concerned.

After hearing the title of the book Kaden had frozen unable to move. Only one thought kept running through his head. Dumbledore knew. Or at least the older man suspected something.

"Mr. Potter?" A warm hand on his shoulder shook Kaden out of his stupor again. "Professor?"

Concerned blue eyes locked with his own silver ones. "Mr. Potter are you alright? You spaced out completely just moments ago. Do you need anything?"
Shaking his head Kaden tried to collect himself again. "I'm fine Professor."

Barely able to hold his eyes open Kaden made his way back to his dormitory. Tomorrow would be Christmas and he was still at Hogwarts. Under normal circumstances he would be in his room in the Potter Mansion now but nothing was ever normal when he was concerned.

He had been looking forward to for once spend Christmas with his family but then on the last school day before the holidays Greystone had told him or rather ordered him to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas. Why? Because he was Greystone's apprentice. That was all the reason he had been given as to why Grestone requested his presence during the holidays.

After talking with Ben about this new development his father had been understanding and supportive of him.

As soon as the holidays had started Kaden had been unable to leave the dungeons at all. Every day Greystone would drill him in potions for the whole day only pausing with the theory when Kaden was brewing a potion. It was hard and tedious work and sometimes Kaden couldn't help but wonder why he had accepted the apprenticeship.

"Hey Potter, hard day?" Cyrus Black's voice drifted towards him as soon as he had entered the Common Room. Cyrus was a seventh year and was the only other Slytherin staying at Hogwarts for the holidays. Kaden didn't really know him but had heard rumours that Cyrus was very proficient at the dark arts.

"You have no idea Black." Kaden muttered as he concentrated on walking the last few steps to his dormitory and his bed.

Early the next morning Kaden woke up smiling slightly. Greystone had given him the day off because it was Christmas. Rubbing the sleep out of his eyes his smile brightened as he finally took in the huge pile of presents that was lying at the end of his bed.

Without wasting another second Kaden quickly pulled all of his present to him on top of his four poster bed and began to open them.

The first one turned out to be a book, a potions book to be exact. Looking at the card Kaden groaned slightly. Leave it to Greystone ro ruin his free day.

Have fun reading the book.

Merry Christmas,

Horris Greystone,

Potions Master

P.S.: By the way I will test you about the contents of the book tomorrow.

"So much for a free day." He said out loud while moving the book and the note to the side before returning his attention to his remaining presents.

Ripping the paper from his next present Kaden could only gape. There in front of him was a new broom. The Cleansweep 3 the newest broom on the market.

Kaden,

I thought you would enjoy this present. It's the Cleansweep 3 which has been released only at the end of last week. Let me congratulate you now on being one of the first few owners of this formidable broom.

On another topic, I hope that you have time to relax and enjoy your holidays but knowing Horris the man probably locks you in the dungeons for the whole day. Ah... well, I'm sure that you will live through it.

I look forward to see you again at Hogwarts.

Yours,

Ben

Smiling Kaden put the note away and opened the next present. It was a package of different kinds of sweets from Charlie. Next he opened Moody's present which turned out to be a book about defensive spells.

Kaden,

Happy Christmas! I know you probably already know all the spells in the book but I thought one couldn't be too careful. The book gives a wide range of defensive spells which can come in handy if you should find yourself in a tricky situation.

Moody

Once he had put the book to the side Kaden turned towards his last present. Opening it he smiled at the sweater. It was a grey hooded sweater – bringing out the colour of his eyes – with the image of a basilisk on the back.

Dear Kaden,

Merry Christmas! I hope you like the sweater. I thought it would fit you and I just had to buy it when I saw it. How are your holidays? I wish you were with us at Potter Manor but I can understand Horris' request. Enjoy the rest of your holidays.

Yours,

Rose your mother

Putting on the sweater Kaden grabbed his potions book and headed towards the common room.

Stirring the potion in front of him once more clock-wise Kaden watched with a satisfied smile as the colour slowly changed from a dark brown to a deep red colour.

"Well done Kaden." Greystone said accompanied by a pat on Kaden's shoulder. "Well done, indeed, my son." Ben's voice drifted towards the Potions Master and his Apprentice.
"Ben!" Kaden exclaimed looking up his smile growing larger by the minute because of the proud look in Ben's eyes.

"Ben, that's a surprise. What can I do for you?" Greystone asked him walking up to him to greet him. "Ah not much, Horris my friend. I just need to borrow my son for a minute if you don't mind."

"No not at all, he's after all a very talented student. If everything continues like now then I'm sure that young Kaden will be able to take the Mastery Exam by the time his NEWTs come up at the end of next year."

Looking down at the compliment Kaden followed his father out of the potions classroom and up to Ben's office where Moody was already waiting for them.

"Alright Kaden, Moody, have you looked over the material I have given you last time?" Both of them nodded. The material Ben was talking about were in truth two books outlining the Legilimens Spell and how to cast it. Up until now Ben had been the one to cast it on them to teach them Occlumency but now that they had started to grasp the concepts of protecting their minds Ben had decided that it was time for them to learn the spell finally.

"Good. Now for the start Moody will attack using Legilimency and Kaden will try to throw Moody out again. After some time we will switch. You can start whenever you are ready."

And this was how Kaden and Moody began to study Occlumency and Legilimency more seriously.

February was turning into March and everything was going well for Kaden. He was excelling in most of his classes and was slowly growing better in Occlumency and Legilimency. Potions too was going great.

Over the last few months Kaden had gained a vast knowledge of the subject and had discovered his love for the subject despite of Greystone's habit of loading him with work. For Kaden there was no better feeling than the feeling of accomplishment when he had finished yet another potion.

Today being a Saturday Kaden had no classes and for once even Greystone had cancelled their potions lessons leaving Kaden with nothing to do. Moody was busy finishing his transfigurations homework and therefore Kaden had left the common room without his constant companion. Walking aimlessly through the hallways of Hogwarts Kaden noticed with a smile on his face that his feet had taken him to the entrance of the Gryffindor Common Room. Shaking his head and refraining from laughing out loud he turned around again only to come face to face with Dumbledore.

"A word in my office if you don't mind Mr. Potter." Nodding Kaden followed his Transfigurations Professor to the mans office a few hallways away from the Gryffindor Common Room.

"Tea?" Looking up Kaden shook his head. "No, thank you sir."

"Take a seat." Nodding Kaden sat down opposite of Dumbledore.

At first none of them said a word but then Dumbledore spoke up again. "You are not from this time Mr. Potter, are you?" Looking up sharply Kaden could see the serious look on Dumbledore's face.

"How?" Was all he said, now really curious as to how Dumbledore had figured it out.

"Well, at first I wasn't sure. Let's just say that I found out the truth, shall we?" Nodding Kaden sat up straight in his chair. "So what will you do about this, sir?"

Chuckling Dumbledore took a sip of his tea. "Ah, my boy, I believe I can't do anything about it. There is however one thing that interests me. Are you from the future or the past?"

Sighing Kaden rubbed his eyes. "I have a feeling where this is going so let me tell you this now. I won't reveal anything significant to you. I won't risk changing everything. Now I am sure you can already guess where I come from."

"The future, interesting."

"It is, isn't it." Kaden admitted a small smile playing on his lips. "Now if you will excuse me sir, I think I'll head to the library Professor Greystone insisted that I read 'Potions for the Masters' by Alderic Firnball as soon as possible."

"So Dumbledore found out the truth?" Groaning because it had been the hundredth time that Moody had asked him the question Kaden glared at his friend.

"For the last time. Yes, he did."

"Are you sure that he..."

"Moody!" Kaden growled taking a pillow and throwing it at Moody who didn't duck in time and was hit in the face.

"Whatever was that for!"

"You deserved it." Kaden said firmly crossing his arms.

"I didn't."
"Yes, you did."

"No."

"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."

"No."

"Argh. Will you shut up already. This is stupid." Kaden yelled throwing another pillow at Moody who retaliated by tackling Kaden to the ground. Soon the two of them were rolling around on the floor trying to get the upper hand in their small and brotherly struggle.

If someone had looked into the sixth year Slytherin dormitory at that time they would have found two boys rolling around the floor with matching grins on their faces while trying to punch the other.

"Kaden! Kaden you have to see this." Looking up from the book he was reading at the moment Kaden laughed slightly at the dishevelled form of Moody. It looked as if the other boy had sprinted up to the library from the dungeons which if he gave it more thought could actually be true considering Moody's appearance.

"Come on Kaden. You have to see this."

Shutting the book Kaden stood up. "Alright I'm coming. But will you finally tell me what this is about?" Grabbing Kaden's arm Moody began to pull Kaden down to the dungeons. "You'll see." Was all Moody said.

Once back in the Slytherin Common Room Kaden could see what Moody had been talking about.

There in the far corner sat a young boy by the name of Tom Riddle. He hadn't seen much of the future Dark Lord since the beginning of the year but he had never expected to see what he was seeing at the moment.

Tom Riddle was surrounded by not only the other first years but also most of the second and third years, if he looked more closely Kaden could also make out a few fourth years. All of them were huddled around Tom, not threatening him, no. They were doing the exact opposite. Most of them had awed looks on their faces as they looked at Tom while others practically praised the very ground the boy was walking on.

Tearing his eyes away from the scene Kaden turned towards Moody. "What happened?"

Sighing Moody pulled him to the side away from prying eyes and ears.

"Haven't you heard it yet?"

"Heard what?" Kaden asked him confused.
"Riddle talked to a snake earlier today."

"He's a Parselmouth, so what?"

"So what? Kaden have you lost your mind. It's the one trait Salazar Slytherin himself was famous for. Kaden, there are rumours flying around Slytherin House that Riddle is Slytherins heir. Most of them are ready to follow him, to death if it is needed."

"But what about the other houses?"
"They don't know. Riddle talked to the snake in our common room. Slytherin House keeps his secrets well hidden none of the other houses or teachers will ever discover this if it isn't Riddle's wish for them to do so."

"But why would they follow a first year?"

"Because he has Salazar's gift, because of this he could very well be his heir and because he's smart. Top of the year and highly intelligent. Knows more than most second years or so it is rumoured."

Shaking his head Kaden ran a hand through his hair. "Damn."

"Mr. Potter what can you tell me about Tom Riddle." He was in Dumbledore's office again. The man just didn't know when to let go of a subject and he seemed to be unable to take no for an answer. Sighing Kaden ran a hand through his hair. What could he tell Dumbledore? Certainly nothing about the future. Should he tell him about Tom being a Parselmouth? No, that wouldn't satisfy Dumbledore and would show that he was beginning to give in to the mans constant pestering.

"I am sorry sir, but I can't tell you anything about Riddle."

"Riddle, huh? So you aren't very familiar with him?" Frowning at Dumbledore Kaden wondered why the man just couldn't let it drop.

"I have to go now."

"No you don't and you know it. You are free until dinner. Now tell me."
"With all due respect sir, I don't have to tell you anything at all."

"That may be true but I am still your superior and..." "No. You don't understand it sir. I can't tell you anything. Believe me if I could change the future for the better I wouldn't hesitate a moment to do so but I don't know how the future will turn out to be if I change only a single thing. I can't risk that. I won't risk that."

Nodding Dumbledore looked at him more closely. "You are far wiser than you age suggests." With that the man excused himself and ushered Kaden out of his office.

Kaden was standing in Bens office not even batting an eye as first his father and then Moody tested his Occlumency skills.

"Well done Kaden, your shields are unable to pass by and believe me when I say that I have tried." It was nearing the end of the school year and Kaden and Moody had finally managed to strengthen their Occlumency shields to a point where they didn't break down on their own after some time. They had both grown a great deal during the year what their abilities were concerned. Moody had managed to tie Kaden for the position of top student in most subjects. Whenever they had a free moment they would either study or improve their practical skills.

Both of them were now looking forward to their animagus training.

"Alright why don't we head down to the kitchens to celebrate." Ben suddenly spoke up breaking the silence that had descended over his office.

"Celebrate?" Moody asked looking confused.

"Why yes, we need to celebrate your successfully finished Occlumency and Legilimency lessons after all." A beaming Ben said while ushering both boys out of his office and down to the kitchens.

"So, have you decided yet if you'll spend the holidays with me and my family?" Kaden asked Moody during breakfast. It was near the end of the school year and their end of year exams would be held the next week. Sometime earlier that week Ben had asked Moody if he wanted to come with them and stay with them at Potter Mansion during the holidays.

Looking thoughtful Moody finally nodded. "I think I will. I mean it sounds like it is going to be fun. Besides I want to see that Mansion you have talked about so much after you went there for the first time."

"Great." Kaden said smiling at his friend.

That was chapter 6... Like it? Hate it?

Chapter 7 will be up soon.