Author Note: A huge thank you to all that commented, favorited and followed this story! I never thought anyone would enjoy this, but I am happy so many of you love this story! I'll try my best to keep you satisfied!

*Chapter Two: The Philosopher's Stone*

Year: 1991, September

This was Rayne's first year as a Professor. She was nervous, but excited to finally start teaching. She sat at the head table, again watching the first year students making their way into the great hall. She noticed the fiery red mop of Ron, smiling to herself. Just as all his brothers before him, he had expressed his fears of not being put in Gryffindor. Another boy was next to him, he had messy black hair and large round glasses. She recognized him as Harry Potter, McGonagall and Dumbledore having told her all about the 'Boy Who Lived'. She felt sorry for him, knowing his past, but was happy to see the two quietly talking among themselves. Another face caught her attention, a boy with silvery white hair. She watched her cousin, Draco, and smiled to herself again. He had grown so much over the years, and while she had seen pictures of him nothing was like seeing him here right now.

The two had continued to send letters in secret. Draco had mentioned that his father wanted to send him to Durmstrang Institute, but his mother insisted that he attend Hogwarts so he would be closer to home. Rayne was so relieved to hear this, as she feared she'd never get to spend any time with Draco. She smiled when their eyes met, a small wave exchanged. Draco was called up to the sorted. She knew what was next, he was sorted into Slytherin. Draco happily joined the other Slytherin's at their table. Ron was soon called, being sorted into Gryffindor. He joined his brothers who welcomed him. Harry was next, the whole hall going silent. She noticed Dumbledore leaning forward, anxious to see where he would be placed. After a few minutes, the hat decided on Gryffindor. Harry beamed, joining the table as Ron and his brothers welcomed him.

Year: 1991, Halloween

She was very surprised when the twins seemed on their best behavior in her class. At first she knew it was merely a facade, and waited for the two to try some trick or prank. But, it never happened. They actually excelled in her class. Many of the other teachers were curious as to why these two troublemakers were perfect angels in this young girl's class. It especially nerved Snape to no end that he was not feared by those two, but a small woman with blue hair could keep them under control.

Rayne adored watching her cousin enjoy himself at Hogwarts. Although, she heard he had become a sort of bully to the other first years. Like father, like son she supposed. Rayne snapped out of her thoughts as the great hall door burst open. Quirrell was racing down the center of the hall, shouting.

"Troll in the dungeon! Troll in the dungeon!" He shouted, stopping before the head table. "…Thought you should know…"

Quirrell fainted, his body slamming against the concrete floor. There was a moment of silence before all the students broke out into screams, standing. Dumbledore yelled for silence, standing.

"Prefects, escort students to their dormitories…teachers…follow me to the dungeon" Dumbledore said calmly.

Students rushed to their respective places, the teachers standing. Rayne swallowed the hard lump in her throat. A troll was no small matter. Rayne followed along with the other teachers, keeping up with their hurried strides. They ended up searching the whole dungeons of Hogwarts, seeing no sign of the troll whatsoever. Rayne kept up with McGonagall as she walked down a corridor, Snape and Quirrell joined them as they came around a corner. Snape seemed to be limping.

"Any sign?" McGonagall asked.

Rayne glanced to Snape, he hesitated before shaking his head. Suddenly a large crash sounded from one of the girls' bathroom, rumbling through the corridor. The four teachers exchanged looks, rushing to the doorway. Rayne stopped beside McGonagall, examining the scene before her. On the floor laid the troll, knocked out. Harry and Ron were helping another student, Hermione, to her feet. McGonagall looked at the three with large eyes.

"Oh, my goodness! E-explain yourselves!" McGonagall demanded. "Both of you!"

Harry and Ron tripped over their words, trying to explain. Hermione spoke up.

"It's my fault, Professor"

The teachers gasped, Harry and Ron giving her a strange look.

"I…I went looking for the troll. I thought I could handle it…But…I was wrong. If Harry and Ron hadn't come and found me…I'd be dead" Hermione went on, lowering her gaze.

Rayne narrowed her eyes slightly, knowing the girl was lying. She decided to stay quiet, as it was obvious the girl was covering for her friends. McGonagall took a moment to take in the situation.

"Be that as it may...it was an extremely foolish thing to do. I would have expected more rational behavior on your part, Ms. Granger… 5 points will be taken from Gryffindor for your serious lack of judgment." McGonagall than turned her eyes to the two boys. "As for you two gentlemen I just hope you realize how fortunate you are. Not many students could take on a full grown mountain troll and live to tell the tale. 5 points...will be awarded to each of you. For sheer dumb luck."

The two boys beamed at her, exchanging looks. McGonagall turned to Rayne. "Please escort these three back to their common rooms…" McGonagall turned, walking off to report to Dumbledore most likely. Snape following close behind her.

Rayne turned her gaze back to the three students, gesturing them as they walked after her. She led them down a corridor before stopping, turning back to them. They abruptly stopped, starring up at her. She watched them cautiously before her eyes fell on Ron.

"So…mind telling me what really happened?" She asked, crossing her arms.

She saw the confused faces of Harry and Hermione as they looked at Ron. Ron sighed, lowering his gaze.

"Um…Hermione was uh…crying in the bathroom. Me and Harry knew she was there and wouldn't know about the troll so we kinda…went to go find her" Ron shifted, his hands fiddling with his robe.

"So, instead of telling a teacher and following instructions to go to your common rooms you blatantly disregarded your own safety to help another?" Rayne said in a sort of scolding voice.

Ron nodded his head pitifully. Rayne's face softened as she smiled at the young Gryffindor. She tousled his hair, making him look up at her.

"I'm proud of you" She muttered, Ron's face beaming up at her.

"So…you won't tell Mum?" He asked.

"No, I don't suppose I will" Rayne looked over to Harry and Hermione, both looking at her with surprised gazes. "…What?"

Ron looked over to the two, than back at Rayne. "Oh, um. This is Rayne. She went to Hogwarts with my big brother, Bill, and spent every Christmas and summer with us. She's pretty much a part of the family"

Rayne smiled slightly, looking to the two. "Known Ron since he was a wee toddler"

"Rayne…" Ron whined, begging her not to embarrass him.

Rayne gestured them, leading them back to the Gryffindor common room.

"Try and stay out of trouble you three" Rayne turned to them. "And it's nice to meet you Harry, Hermione"

The two nodded in response, Rayne leaning forward to them. "Keep Ron in line, would you…and if he starts acting up, let me know" Rayne winked at them, smiles broke out on their faces as they watched her go back down the corridor.

The next morning all the students gathered for breakfast, chattering and laughter filling the room. Rayne sat next to McGonagall, looking to the older woman as she spoke.

"Today will be quiet interesting…Potter is the youngest seeker in a century here at Hogwarts" McGonagall smiled to herself. "Proud to say I recruited him"

Rayne smiled, laughing gently. She learned early on that McGonagall was a Quidditch fanatic.

"I'm very excited to see today's game" Rayne nodded. She loved watching Quidditch, and the twin's had become very talented Beaters. It will be stimulating seeing how Harry manages the game.

Rayne lifted her gaze as an owl flew in from an open window, carrying a long parcel. It flew to the Gryffindor table, dropping the parcel in front of Harry. Harry had looked at it with surprised eyes before he, Ron and Hermione ripped it open. She noticed it was a broom, and a very nice one at that. The snowy owl flew to the head table, landing near McGonagall. She petted the owl, Harry looked to her as she nodded at him. Rayne smiled, realizing who the broom had come from.

Rayne sat in the teacher's box, looking out over the Quidditch field. The teams flew out, the crowds going wild with cheers and applause. She glanced over to McGonagall as she clapped happily, the student on her other side, Lee Jordan, was doing commentary.

"Hello, and welcome to Hogwarts' first Quidditch game of the season! Today's game Slytherin versus Gryffindor!" Lee roared. "The players take their positions as Madam Hooch steps out onto the field to begin the game!"

Rayne looked back to the field as Madam Hooch made her way to the center of the field, stopping beside the wood box. She spoke a few words to the teams than kicked the trunk as it opened. The two bludgers shot out of their compartment, followed by the small golden snitch. Madam Hooch picked up the Quaffle, throwing it in the air as the game began. One of the Gryffindor chasers took hold of the quaffle, throwing it through a ring.

"Angelina Johnson scores! 10 points for Gryffindor!" Lee yelled. "Slytherin takes possession of the Quaffle. Bletchley passes to Captain Marcus Flint!"

Rayne watched as he threw the quaffle at the hoop, Oliver appearing to whack the ball away. Rayne smiled, clapping as Angelina scored again for Gryffindor. Rayne looked up just as Marcus Flint grabbed his teammate's beater bat, whacking one of the bludgers straight at Oliver. Oliver tried to block it, but it slammed into his stomach, knocking him back against the metal hoop. He dropped into the sand, Rayne stood as the crowd booed. Slytherin again scored. She looked back up just as Angelina was boxed in between two Slytherin's, ramming her right into the capes that covered the towers. She, like Oliver, dropped and fell into the sand. The crowd gasped, making Rayne look to the other side of the field. Harry's broom bucking and turning him in every direction. Harry was knocked off, dangling in the air by an arm. Just as quick as it started, the broom seemed to calm. Harry pulled himself back up onto the broom and flew off.

The crowd roared. Rayne smiled, clapping as the two seekers went after the snitch. They approached the ground, Slytherin's seeker pulling up. Harry waited till the last second, pulling up and flying feet off the ground. Rayne watched in astonishment as he stood on his broom, inching forward with his hand out. He stepped to the tip, the broom tipping down as he was thrown off. Harry slammed against the ground, rolling to a stand. He lurched forward, the crowd gasping. It looked like he was going to be sick. The snitch popped out of his mouth, landing in his hands. The crowd went wild, Gryffindor had won. McGonagall broke out into applause, grasping Rayne's hand and squeezed it. Rayne smiled, looking to her former teacher.

Year: 1991, December

Rayne watched as the students filled out of Hogwarts to go home for Christmas. She held a small parcel, looking around at the students. She spotted Draco, slowly weaving through the students to him. He looked up to her as she approached, beaming.

"Rae" He hugged her about the waist, Rayne hugging him back. She smiled down at him, handing him the parcel.

"Happy Christmas, Draco. Go on before you get left behind" Rayne nodded him off. He smiled at her again, waving before joining his friends. She sighed, looking over as Hagrid dragged the tree into the great hall. She walked after him to give him a hand decorating.

Christmas morning came, and what little students decided to stay were gathered in the great hall for a Christmas breakfast and presents. Rayne stepped into the doorway, noting that no teachers were at the great table. She gazed around the room before finding Ron, Harry, Fred, and George seated to the table next to a fireplace. She smiled, making her way to them.

"Rae" The twins said in unison, both hugging her.

"Mum sent you a present" Ron handed her the silver wrapped parcel, she smiled and took it from him.

"See you've all got your jumpers, hm?" She asked, looking at the three Weasley's sweaters. She looked to Harry who had a maroon sweater. "Ah, good, I was hoping she would be able to finish one for you, Harry"

He smiled at her. She took a moment to look around again, finding Percy sitting at another table with other prefects that stayed behind.

"Fred, George, go fetch Percy would you?" She asked. The twins shot each other a grin, standing and following her order. She opened the parcel, pulling out the scarf. She smiled, wrapping it around her neck. "Mum never fails to amaze me with her gifts"

Fred and George dragged Percy over, he glared to them, crossing his arms. "What?" He asked curtly.

"Oh come on Perc, Christmas is a time for family. At least spend a little time with us" Rayne said sitting, she scooted the package to him. "Besides, you got a gift too"

Percy opened it, looking down at the sweater. After some teasing from the twins, Percy decided to wear it. Rayne smiled, watching the children laugh and joke as they ate. She heard an owl's screech, looking up to see a barn owl fly into the great hall. It dropped its letter as Rayne caught it, looking at it. George leaned forward.

"Whose it from?" He asked, Fred leaned forward too.

"Bill" Rayne smiled, opening the letter.

She didn't see the twins exchange a look. She pulled out the necklace, at the end dangled a snake tooth pendant. She marveled at it, slipping it on and held the tooth between her fingers. She let the fang drop against her chest, pulling the parchment out and began reading.

"Bill's having the time of his life in Egypt" Rayne smiled. "Says the fang was from a giant cobra that was guarding a tomb. Seems he took its fangs as keepsakes"

Rayne looked to the boys, smiling. "He says Merry Christmas"

Year: 1992, January

The students made their way into Hogwarts, the Christmas break over. Rayne spotted Draco, happy to see him wearing the Slytherin scarf she had knitted for him. She made her way down a corridor, walking into McGonagall's classroom. She headed for the office at the back of the room.

"Professor?" She asked, stepping inside as McGonagall looked up from the paper. "You asked to see me?"

McGonagall nodded, gesturing her inside than waved her hand as the pot of tea lifted and filled two cups. Rayne stepped inside and sat in one of the chairs, McGonagall slid the paper to her. Rayne looked at it, noting it was a paper from months back.

"You remember someone breaking into Gringotts bank?" McGonagall asked.

Rayne nodded, looking to the older woman. "Yes…"

McGonagall sighed, leaning forward as she set her hands on her desk. "There are things you need to know, Miss Lestrange…things that very much involve you as well…"

Rayne listened as McGonagall told her all about the Philosopher's stone. About Voldemort. About his return. The unicorn blood.

Rayne took all the information in. The stone was in Hogwarts, guarded, and Voldemort was after it. With that stone, he would be strong again. Strong enough to wage a second war.

Year 1992, May

Rayne stood silent, watching the four foot baby dragon curled in the corner asleep. She looked around the hut at the many brandy bottles and feathers scattered everywhere.

"I've decided to call him Norbert" Hagrid looked at the dragon with loving eyes.

"He's lost his marbles" Rayne heard Ron whisper to Harry.

"Hagrid" Harry's voice drew Hagrid's attention from the dragon. "Give it two weeks and Norbert's going to be as long as your house. Malfoy could go to Dumbledore at any moment"

Hagrid chewed on his lip, looking back to the dragon.

"I…I know I can't keep him forever…but I can't jus' dump him, I can't…" Hagrid gave them a pitiful look. Rayne patted his shoulder.

"Perhaps Charlie can help?" Rayne asked, looking to Ron. "What do you think?"

"It's brilliant. How about it, Hagrid?" Ron asked.

"Charlie studies dragons, he will be able to give Norbert the best care. The colonies in Romania are some of the best" Rayne nodded to the dragon. "Norbert will be safe and happy there, with freedom to roam and fly"

"What if he don't like it there? What if the other dragons are mean to him? He's only a baby after all…" Hagrid sniffled into a handkerchief.

"They have a wonderful nursery, Hagrid. Yona runs most of it and she's a natural with the eggs and babies" Rayne assured him.

After some time, Hagrid finally agreed to allow Charlie to take Norbert to Romania.

Rayne sat atop the tallest tower in Hogwarts, the Astronomy tower. She waited, looking at her pocket watch. Harry and Hermione should be on their way with Norbert, the three concealed by the invisibility cloak. Rayne wanted to help them, but there was no way the cloak could cover them all. She sighed to herself, looking over as Hermione and Harry appeared with Norbert in a crate. Hermione smiled, doing a short jig.

"Malfoy's got detention! I could sing!" She said happily.

Rayne laughed gently at the young witch, Harry shooting Hermione a grin.

"Don't" Harry pleaded.

They sat down with Rayne, telling her about how Malfoy got caught by McGonagall. She felt sorry for her cousin, but knew it needed to happen to get Norbert safely away. Ten minutes passed before four broomsticks came swooping out of the darkness. The group touched down, Rayne smiling.

"Charlie, Yona" Rayne greeted, throwing her arms around them. "It's so good to see you again"

The two hugged her back, Yona examining Rayne and smiling. "Rayne, been a while. I'm glad to see your happy"

Rayne smiled, nodding. "What about you? Having fun with the dragons?"

"Of course. I love it. So, this the Norwegian Ridgeback?" Nona asked.

"Yep. That's Norbert" Rayne nodded as Charlie walked to the crate to look at the dragon.

"At least Hagrid knows what he was doing. Looks healthy" Charlie nodded in approval. "So, you must be Harry Potter" Charlie moved his gaze to Harry.

"Yes. Thanks for taking him. This is Hermione, by the way" Harry gestured to Hermione as she gave a timid wave.

"Nice to meet you. Come on, I'll show you the rig we made" Charlie gestured the two over to where the brooms floated a few feet off the ground. The four explained the harness they set up, and how it attached to Norbert's crate to allow the dragon to fly between them. They all helped strap Norbert into the harness, the four mounting their brooms.

"Be safe" Rayne smiled at them. "Write when you get back"

Charlie smiled, nodding. "Will do. Tell Ron I said hi. And to not worry, dragon bites only hurt the first week"

Rayne laughed slightly, waving as the four lifted into the air and disappeared under the cover of the night. Rayne looked to Harry and Hermione.

"You two get back to your dorm. Get some sleep"

"Yes, Professor" The two responded and hurried off.

Rayne watched them and smiled to herself, looking back up at the clear night sky. She sighed, figuring she's go console Hagrid. As she walked towards the steps she stumbled over something. Reaching down, she grasped the invisibility cloak. The two had left it on the tower.

Weeks later, Rayne found herself in the Hospital Wing. She looked down at the sleeping Harry, his arms bandaged. She learned what had happened, Harry had stopped Voldemort from gaining the stone. She looked over as Dumbledore walked beside her.

"McGonagall told you?" He asked. Rayne nodded, looking back to the boy.

"Yes…everything. I still cannot believe it was Quirrell this whole time…right under our noses…" Rayne peered to him, hesitant to ask. "He's going to return…isn't he?"

Dumbledore was quiet, looking at her. "Perhaps…"

Rayne nodded, excusing herself as she walked from the wing. She hoped that day would never come.