Hello hello my lovely readers! Ready for more Rachele awesomeness?

Don't judge she's my most treasured OC.

In the fourth saga she is now fourteen and blossoming into a young woman. What challenges await her next?

Let's read and find out!

Enjoy!

Chapter One – The Quidditch Cup

It was another fine and warm season in the thriving city of London. People went about their daily businesses with work, school and other various priorities one would have in a busy schedule. This was a typical day like any other; the same people, cars zooming across highways and through cities. Friends travelling across towns to meet other friends and share a drink. These are what you would expect to see in the typical city life. But what would you say perhaps, if you were to lift your eyes to the sky and cast your gaze upon a sight so spectacularly rare that you'd think you were hallucinating. Well this was one of those sights; far above the buildings, vehicles and rushed pedestrians, a lone figure soared through the air with majestic, white wings stretched out beside them. Bright green eyes roamed over the land, taking in the span of the world around her. Her wavy brown hair that had grown considerably longer over the summer fluttered behind her, the end strands barely held together with a single tie, but letting her side parts blow softly across her face. She had been flying for quite some time now but fatigue was never a problem. She enjoyed spreading her wings and letting loose every once in a while, she rarely had the chance during the school term. She noticed, however, that she had finally arrived at her destination and she began her descent to the ground. Pushing with her mind, she activated a shield that prevented any of the locals from seeing her land in broad daylight. Any possible sighting of a young teenage girl with large wings would certainly create unwanted gossip, not to mention making an appearance on the cover on any newspaper. Once she was positive it was clear, she tucked her wings away, took off the invisible charm and walked casually out into the open. The residents barely gave her a second, let alone a first glance, except for the occasional male who would give her a not so subtle once over. Yes it was true the girl had certainly developed over the past few months, with curves that were just right and slim legs that would be the envy of any other female. But dating was something she paid little attention to, she had several other priorities on the forefront of her mind. She continued walking along the street until she found the house she was looking for. She strolled up to the front door and gave it several firm knocks. After a minute the door swung open to reveal a large man who glowered down at the unexpected visitor.

"Who are you?" He demanded. "What do you want?"

She brushed off his rude tone and smile politely. "Hello sir, my name is Rachele Sullivan. I was wondering if I may speak with Harry if he's home."

The man's glare deepened. "Why do you want to see him? What atrocious act has that boy done now?"

Rachele refrained from rolling her eyes. "He hasn't done anything. I'm a friend of his from school. I just came for a visit."

Suddenly the man turned furious with his face turning a vivid red. "You're one of those freaks from his school?"

Her smile vanished. "Excuse me, I am asking nicely to see my friend. You don't need to be rude."

He leaned down and leered at her. "You are not setting one foot in this house little wench. I will not have more of your kind blemishing my home."

Rachele's act was now fully dropped and she glared up at the bigger man. "You watch what you say mister. You don't want to go saying the wrong thing to me. Now I will ask one more time. May. I. See. Harry. Please."

"No. You. May. NOT!" He shot back unmoving from the doorway. "Now off with you little girl!"

Rachele let out a huff. "Oh well guess I have no choice then." She effortlessly lifted two fingers and the man suddenly found himself hovering several inches off the ground. She made a flicking motion to the side to where he was thrown off the porch and onto the lawn. Rachele planted another smile on her face. "Thank you, I'll let myself out when I'm done." She walked into the house, ignoring the now ghost pale man gazing up at her with fear. She felt around for a particular presence for a moment before climbing the staircase to her right. She strode over to a particular door on the upper floor and knocked twice.

"Come in." A deep voice called out.

Rachele grinned and entered the room, immediately spotting a raven-haired boy lying on a small single bed with his eyes closed.

"Hey stranger."

The boys eyes flew open and he beamed brightly at his guest. "Rachele! What a surprise!" He leapt out of bed and wrapped the girl up in a brotherly hug.

Rachele laughed in delight and threw her arms around him as well. "I thought I'd swing by for a visit."

Harry backed away and smiled. "I'm glad you did. I miss having someone to talk to."

Rachele walked past him to sit on the bed. "Yeah I bet it gets pretty lonely in a joint like this." She commented as she took in his tight room. "Bit cosy in here isn't it?"

Harry shrugged. "This is nothing. I've only had this room for a couple of years. Before this I was living in the cupboard below the stairs."

Rachele was mortified. "That's horrible Harry! These people are monsters! I can't believe they're related to you!"

"It's fine Rachele it's not like they beat me or anything." Harry tried to assure her but she wasn't hearing any of it.

"They're still neglecting and mistreating you. It's not right."

Harry sat on the bed next to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "Thanks for caring Rach...but I'm okay. They ignore me most of the time anyway and I'm fine with that."

Rachele sighed. "I just wish I could help somehow."

Harry smiled. "You are helping. You're one of my best friends and that's enough for me."

Rachele grinned. "Glad to hear it."

Harry nodded and there was comfortable silence for a moment before he spoke again. "Actually Rach, there is something I've been meaning to ask you. I wanted to talk to you before summer but I got really distracted with...uh..." He looked away shamefully and Rachele grinned knowingly.

"Let me guess...a certain shiny new broomstick Sirius sent you."

He scratched the back of his head. "Well...yeah. It's really awesome."

She laughed. "It's okay I don't blame you. It looks like a lot of fun."

Harry smiled. "It is it's addictive. But actually it's Sirius I wanted to talk about."

Rachele rose her eyebrows. "Oh? What about him?"

Harry sighed. "Well I was wondering..." He turned to her with uncertainty. "How long have you known Sirius?"

Rachele frowned. "I don't understand."

"When we met him at the Shrieking Shack that night we found out about Pettigrew. You talked to him like you'd known him for a while." His eyes bored into hers. "Have you?"

It was Rachele's turn to let out a long sigh. "Oh boy...guess I knew this was coming eventually." She took a deep breath and turned to him. "Yes I have, but it's a long and kinda weird story."

Harry folded his arms. "I have time. Shoot."

So she told him everything. How she had encountered Sirius in his dog form the summer before their third year. How she had known that he was animagus. "Trust me." She said. "There are ways you can tell even without magic." She spoke of quickly gaining his trust by confessing she always knew he was innocent. She told of how she took him in and gave him a place to stay and hide from the authorities. How she gave him food and supplies to help him survive while she was attending Hogwarts. She even told him of the times when she would excuse herself from her friends so she could meet in secret with the fugitive.

"I knew something was up." Harry said. "You never told us where you were going, you'd disappear for hours and then show up again as if nothing had happened." He gave her a pointed look. "I mean come on Rachele that's really suspicious behaviour it wasn't very subtle."

Rachele grinned sheepishly. "Yeah but you didn't guess it was linked to Sirius did you?"

Harry shrugged. "Not really. We had no idea what you were up to."

"Well you do now."

"Wait a minute." Harry jumped in. "How did you know Sirius was innocent this whole time? And why didn't you say anything?"

Rachele ran a hand through her hair. "Come on Harry, really? This is the Daily Prophet we're talking about, and the Ministry of Magic. They're always in the habit of feeding lies to the public to cover up what really happened. So many officials already knew there was more to the story but they were too terrified for their own lives or jobs to say anything. These people only look out for their own skin." Rachele shook her head sadly. "Even the Minister himself is a bloody chicken."

Harry smiled at her comment. "Yeah...I guess you're right."

"And besides." She added. "If Sirius was a murderer; don't you think he would've tried to kill me the moment he knew I was a witch? But instead he lectured me about being out so late at night. Not typical behaviour for a international criminal if you ask me."

Harry chuckled. "You make a good point. But that still doesn't explain why you didn't tell me, Ron or Hermione."

Rachele gave him a look. "Simple. You wouldn't have believed me would you?"

Harry opened his mouth in protest but no sound came out. Slowly he closed it with a sigh. "No...probably not."

Rachele put her hand on his arm. "I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you Harry. But I needed to protect Sirius. He had already spent twelve years in Azkaban. I didn't want him to go back there for a crime he didn't commit. I wanted to help him to the best of my ability, even if it meant doing nothing and yes, even disobeying some orders given by Dumbledore."

Harry looked at her surprised. "You even went behind Dumbledore's back? Golly you were dedicated weren't you?"

She nodded. "It was all to free an innocent man."

Harry smiled. "And because of you we succeeded. I guess if you hadn't stuck by him like you did, Hermione and I wouldn't have be able go back in time and save him."

Rachele shook her head. "That's great and all Harry but I mean really free him. I want to give him the chance to walk down the street without any criminal charges hanging over his head. I want the Ministry to let him go and live the life he wants." She looked down at her lap. "He doesn't deserve any of this."

Harry put his arm around her. "We will Rach. One day he'll be free and we can all be a family."

She smiled and leant her head on his shoulder. "Yeah, that'd be amazing."

There was another string of silence before Harry spoke. "Hey Rach..."

"Hmm?"

"What's up with you and that guy?"

Rachele leaned back to look at him properly. "What guy?"

"The Slytherin, Richard or something?"

Rachele laughed. "Oh you're talking about Robert?"

"Yeah what's the deal? You guys going out?"

Rachele choked on her breath. "WHAT? Oh Merlin no! We're just friends."

Harry shrugged. "Whatever, you just seem pretty cosy with him."

"Cosy?! She snorted. "Last time I saw him was right before the term ended. I don't even hang out with him during the summer. We're not exactly tight we just...well...hang every once in a while."

Harry put his hands up. "Alright I get it there's nothing going on."

Rachele leered at him. "Why are you asking me this anyway?"

Harry sighed. "I'm just thinking about Ron. He won't stop going on how much it irks him you're hanging around a Slytherin."

Rachele buried her face in her hands. "Sweet Merlin I thought he agreed to drop it."

Harry shrugged. "I tried to talk to him but-"

She waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. Let him be an arse, see if I care."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "But you do care."

"Maybe, but I'm trying to see it from Ron's perspective. Sure I'm ticked that he refuses to at least give Robert a chance but I can't force Ron to like him. I understand his prejudice towards Slytherins, especially with Malfoy being the pompous jerktwat that he is."

Harry laughed. "Couldn't have put it better myself. But yeah I agree with you, Ron's family has been put down and bullied by the Malfoys for generations. It's not something he can let go of lightly."

"But what about Ginny?" Rachele asked. "She doesn't seem to mind Robert. Neither do the twins."

Harry shrugged. "Maybe it's more personal for Ron than we realize."

"Yeah...I guess so." She said distractedly. Harry immediately noticed the sudden change in her mood.

"You alright?"

She glanced at him. "Hm?"

"You seem like you have something else on your mind."

Rachele shook her head. "It's nothing." She stood up. "I should go..."

"Rach." Harry stopped her by grabbing her arm. "I know when something's up. Come on, spill."

She sighed. "I don't know what it is but I've have this really nasty knot in the pit of my gut all summer. I just have this horrible feeling something dark is coming...and real soon."

Harry frowned. "Something dark?"

She nodded. "Call it superstition or whatever but I just don't think Voldemort's gang is gonna stay silent forever."

"And you think they'll strike soon?"

"Well..." She looked pointedly at him. "Don't you think it's been a little too quiet for too long?"

Harry nodded. "I guess so, and I've stolen enough glances at movies to know that it's never good news when the bad guys go silent."

Rachele smirked. "Been sneaking around behind the rellies back eh?"

Harry grinned sheepishly. "When Vernon and Petunia aren't home, Dursley is usually stuck to the telly. I sometimes hide behind the wall or couch and watch whatever movie he has on."

"You sneaky little bastard." She laughed giving him a playful punch in the shoulder. Harry rubbed the spot with a chuckle.

"Gotta entertain myself somehow."

Rachele sighed. "Well I better head out. I have a few more errands and favours to finish up."

Harry nodded and stood up. "Fair enough. May I ask what they are?"

She grinned. "I can tell you I'm off to meet Sirius. That's the errand I have to run."

Harry beamed brightly. "That's great! Tell him I said hi and to stay safe."

Rachele nodded. "Of course, I'll even give him a nice big hug too."

"Hah, thanks. What's the other thing?"

"The favour?" Harry nodded and she smiled coyly. "Trade secret I'm afraid, but you will find out in due time."

Harry pouted. "Aaaww come on! Tell me! Pretty please!"

"Nope! I'm sworn to secrecy. I'll tell you eventually." Rachele promised with a cheeky grin. "Come walk me out?"

Harry sighed in defeat. "Yeah alright."

True to his word, Harry escorted her back out the way she came. His relatives spat insults at the two from down the hall but they both ignored them. As they came to a stand on the front step, Rachele turned around to face him.

"Well I'm off. You be alright with that rotten lot in there?"

Harry smiled. "I'm fine, I've survived this long."

She grinned. "True that. Well see you next week!"

"Yeah see you then."

Rachele backtracked her steps to the secret spot she had landed earlier in the day. She activated her invisibility again before spreading her wings and taking off into the now afternoon sky.

"Looks like the sun will be setting in a few hours." She said to herself. "Better hurry if I wanna meet up with Sirius in time."

She propelled herself forward to increase her speed. She soared at a remarkable speed back across London until she came across a small town on the outskirts of the city. She landed in a securely hidden spot, removed her invisibility but still remained in her hiding place. She gave the area a quick scan and noticed a mysterious hooded figure lingering around the road corner.

"Good grief." She rolled her eyes. "Doesn't he realise he's attracted more attention dressing like that?"

She casually strolled towards him with her hands in her pockets. When she had reached him she quickly grabbed one of his ears and dragged him to a spot she knew they wouldn't be overhead or seen.

"Owowowowowowowowow, hey let go of my ear! That hurts!"

Once they were safely concealed in an alleyway, she turned on him with a sharp glare. "What the hell Sirius? You call that disguising yourself? You looked like a wizard mugger!"

The fugitive pulled back his hood to reveal the shaggy unshaven face of Sirius black. "It's better than completely revealing my face."

"Whatever. Listen I've just come from seeing Harry."

Sirius's eyes lit up. "Really? How is he? Is he well?"

She nodded. "He's fine apart from having to deal with those horrible relatives of his."

"Ah yes." Sirius drawled. "I heard about the Dursleys. Why Dumbledore allows him to live with such imbeciles I'll never know."

Rachele shrugged. "I dunno, something about blood protection or somewhat, I don't know the details."

Sirius sighed. "I would take him in myself if I could."

"I know you would Sirius. But don't you worry I promise I'll keep looking out for him."

He smiled in gratitude. "I know you will." His eyes shifted from side to side. "Sooooo...is there something else you needed to talk to me about?"

Rachele nodded. "There is. Dumbledore wanted me to give you a heads up about a massive event that's taking place at Hogwarts this year."

"Massive event?" He asked.

"Yeah. They're having the Triwizard Tournament this year."

Sirius's eyes widened. "Really? Why this year?"

"Well it's held every fifty years." She said. "And it's been fifty years since the last one. They're basically just holding up tradition."

"Thank goodness Harry isn't old enough to participate." Sirius breathed in relief.

"Tell me about it." Rachele agreed. "I swear every year Harry goes through some kinda crazy whacked up catastrophe." She counted off her fingers. "First year there was that crappy trapdoor enchantments guarding the stone. Second year, the Chamber of Secrets with Riddle and his bloody annoying pet of an overgrown lizard." Sirius laughed. "And last year was the drama involving you and those confounded Dementors!" She threw her hands up in exasperation. "Can't we have one bloody normal year?"

Sirius smiled bemusedly. "Maybe this year will be a normal one."

She snorted. "With the Tournament happening? Like hell."

He laughed. "True."

Rachele glanced at her watch. "Oh crap I have to get home." She looked back up at him. "I'm expecting a phone call from Hermione real soon."

"Of course." Sirius nodded. "I'll let you go then."

"Oh and before I forget." She leaned forward and give him a tight hug. "A hello from Harry."

Sirius hugged her back with a broad smile. "Thank you. Make sure to give him one back from me."

"I will." She backed away and smiled at him. "See you round Sirius." And then she was gone in a flash of purple flames.

"Heh, see ya round little miss almighty."

(Couple hours later)

"You want me to come to the Burrow?"

"Yeah Ginny asked me to invite you." Hermione's voice rang from the other side of the receiver.

"Any specific reason why?"

"No but she's pretty insistent, she was practically grovelling."

Rachele laughed. "In that case I can't let her down then can I? What time do you guys want me there?"

There was background whispers for a moment until Hermione came back on. "Tomorrow night. The time doesn't matter."

"Get your butt over here Rach! I wanna hang!" She heard Ginny shout in the distance.

"I'll get there Gin!" She called back with a chuckle.

"Okay, okay back off Ginny." Hermione cut in. "So see you here tomorrow night?"

"You bet!" Rachele chirped. "I may be a little late so don't wait up for me."

"No problem. See you when you get here!"

"Bye" She said before hanging up. She looked down at the couch where her tabby familiar was staring at her.

"What?"

"Do you have plans tomorrow Mistress?"

"I have a few, why?"

"You're never late meeting your friends."

She shrugged. "I have a big favour I need to get done."

The cat growled. "Don't be so vague, you can tell me."

Rachele sighed and walked over to a far cupboard. "Fine. It involves my guitar and I need to practise. That's all I'm saying."

Tiger's frown turned into a toothy grin. "Your friends are still oblivious to your talent aren't they?"

Rachele smirked as she pulled out her guitar case and came back over to sit on the couch. She opened the case and pulled some sheet music out along with her instrument "Oh don't worry they'll be finding out very soon. Now if you don't mind..." She said as she positioned her guitar and began tuning it. "I have to practise so no interruptions."

"Fine. I'll leave you alone then." Tiger jumped off the couch with a huff and trotted out of the room.

Rachele grinned at his haughty exit before turning back to her music. "Alright, now where was I?" She mumbled as she gazed at the cords. Moments later was filled with catchy tunes floating through the house and a satisfied smile stretched across her face. If there was one thing Rachele was certain of; it was that her friends would definitely be getting a big surprise this year.

(The following night)

Rachele sighed as she struck the final cord. Several hours ago she had put down the acoustic guitar, happy with the completed music, and had been rocking out on her electric guitar for the majority of the day. She was more than happy with the results of everything but she felt the need to push a few extra days of practise just in case. Looking at the time she noticed it was closing in on two in the morning.

"Guess I better head over to the Burrow." She sighed. She packed her two guitars and sheet music away before heading to her bedroom where she knew a certain tabby was sleeping.

"Hey Pusscat." She called out as she entered. "I'm heading out now."

Tiger's ears twitched and he let out a lazy meow. Taking that as a confirmation that he'd heard her, she grabbed a small bag for travelling before teleporting away with her signature flames. She reappeared in a long-grass field where she could see the Weasley's tall wonky home a few yards away. All the lights were off signalling everyone had long gone to bed.

"Really should've come earlier." She scolded herself.

Twisting the knob and finding it locked, she focused her energy on it and an unlatching sound could be heard. She quietly let herself in and carefully shut the door behind her, relocking it as she went. Rachele had never been in the Burrow before but it wasn't too hard to find with her all friend's energy signatures in one place. Once she had connected with them she had simple followed it and from there tracking down the house was a piece of cake. She concentrated on all the room in the upper levels and could see that all beds were occupied.

"Oh well...couch it is for me then." She decided with a shrug. She grabbed a woolly blanket that was hanging off an armchair and wandered over to the nearby couch. She flopped down on the overly soft lounge, pulled the thick blanket up to her chin and was asleep within seconds.

(Only a few hours later)

"Can you wake her?"

"It's hard to do...she sleeps like the dead."

"But we have to get going."

"I know I know."

"What time did she come in? Did you see her?"

"I have no idea. And no I didn't, it must've been pretty late."

"Whatever. Just whack her with a pillow or something."

'Thump'

"Mmmphhhh"

"Well that didn't work."

"No that was progress. She never normally makes any noises."

"Try yelling again,"

"RACHELE!"

Rachele groaned at the two unwelcome voices. "Hhnnn...g'way."

"It's working! Keep going!"

"Rachele! WAKE UP!"

'THWACK'

Rachele forced her eyes open to see Hermione and Ginny grinning smugly down at her. "Good morning." The former chirped.

Rachele glared at them. "What the hell guys? Can't you see I'm sleeping?"

"No time for that." Ginny said grabbing her arm and tugging it. "We have places to go!"

"Rachele what time did you get here last night?" Hermione asked.

"Um..." Rachele yawned. "Two in the morning or something...why?"

Hermione cringed. "Gin maybe you could've told her about the early wake up call."

Rachele leered. "What wake up call?"

Ginny grinned guiltily. "We were told by my dad to get up at five to five-thirty for a big surprise."

Rachele groaned again. "Seriously? You people are trying to kill me!"

"It's not our fault you got here so late." Hermione snipped. "Now up you get, we have to be out the door in ten minutes."

Rachele sighed and forced herself to sit up. "Okay, okay I'm up." She let out another large yawn to which Ginny giggled at.

"Don't worry, I heard it's a sort of camping thing so you can sleep when we get there."

"Oh goody." Rachele muttered darkly as she rose to her feet. "Camping, happy happy joy joy." Since she didn't prepare any extra clothes she just stayed in the clothes she had on. Ten minutes later she followed the Weasley's, Harry and Hermione out the door (but not before a friendly hello and suffocating hug from Mrs Weasley) and was met with the crispy chilly air that comes with the crack of dawn. She walked in between Ginny and Hermione, making small conversation with them as they trudged for a long while across the fields until they finally came across a grassy hill. Squinting, she could see two figures waiting for them at the hill's base. As they approached them she could see both were male, one was middle aged and the other was a young teenager. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes when she recognised the younger one.

"Aw man really? Why is he here?" Rachele whined while Hermione gave her a sharp elbow.

"Quiet Rach. Mr Weasley and Mr Diggory are close friends. They must've planned this together."

"Yeah but..." Rachele pointed at the teenager. "Why is he here?"

Before Hermione could reply, the 'he' she was referring to wandered over to the girls with a lopsided grin. "Morning ladies."

"Morning Cedric!" Hermione and Ginny replied while Rachele muttered a 'hey' to the side.

Cedric Diggory smiled bemusedly at Rachele's allusiveness. "Why so distant Sullivan? Got a crush on me or something?"

Rachele spluttered in surprise and glared at him. "In your dreams Diggory!" To her annoyance he only laughed.

"Aaw you're so cute. Hope you never change Rachele." He teased.

Rachele huffed and stalked past him. "Stupid pretty boy." She wasn't sure why Diggory got under her skin; something about his typical over the top husky voice just irked her beyond reason. Hermione had teased her and said maybe she was crushing on the older Hufflepuff but Rachele insisted that couldn't be further from the truth. Just the thought of dating that guy quickly brought bile up to her throat. Thankfully the trek up the hill didn't take too long and she was never more grateful to reach the top. What she wasn't expecting was the mangy old boot that was waiting for them in the centre.

"Um...Mr Weasley...is that what I think it is?"

The father of the Weasleys beamed at her. "Yes my dear! We are travelling by Portkey!"

Rachele chuckled humourlessly. "Ahaha yeah you guys go ahead. I'll find my own way."

Arthur raised an eyebrow at her. "But you don't know where we're going."

Rachele smacked a hand across his forehead, held it for a few seconds before nodding and stepping back. "Now I do...off you go."

Arthur barked out a laugh. "You sneaky girl. Alright we'll meet you there."

She nodded and took several steps back while everyone else made a tight circle and grabbed a piece of the boot. In the last few seconds, Hermione looked back at her.

"Rachele what're you doing? You'll get left behind!"

She shook her head. "It's fine! I'll find another way! I'll see you in a few!" And then they were gone before her best friend could utter another word. Once she was sure they had definitely left, she focused on the destination she had seen in Arthur Weasley's mind and moments later was engulfed in her signature flames. She reappeared again at the base of yet another hill and could see her group of friends standing at the top. She sprinted towards them and called out to them.

"Hey guys! Wait up!"

Both Hermione and Ginny turned and grinned at her. "Rachele!"

Rachele smiled as she caught up to them. "So where exactly are...?" Her words trailed off as she took in the sight around her. Ginny was right, it was definitely a camping ground. But it was filled to the brink with people, games and festivities she knew it could only mean one thing.

"No way..."

Ginny looked with sparkling eyes. "Yes way! It's the Quidditch World Cup! How amazing is that!"

Rachele grinned widely, despite still being half dead. Dumbledore had taken her to several of these games when she was little. It had been a few years since the last one so she was super excited to be here.

"Ah Rachele you made it. Good." Arthur said as he approached them. "If you follow me we have our own tents. There's a separate one for you girls. Come along then!"

The group eagerly followed him into the crowd, taking in all the excitement around them. There were stalls for buying merchandise, food stands, entertainment, the works. But there was plenty of time for that later. They zigzagged their way through until Arthur proudly gestured to two average sized tents. He smiled pitifully at Rachele's tired posture and pointed to the one on the right.

"That's your tent Rachele, if you'd prefer a lie down. The game doesn't start until later this evening."

Rachele smiled. "Thanks Arthur, I think I will. I'll see you guys later." She promised Hermione and Ginny who nodded before ducking into the first tent. Rachele walked into hers and smiled at the spacious magically designed interior. There was three bedrooms for each of the girls and each room was lavishly decorated with drapes and furniture. Picking the one on the left, she shuffled inside and made a beeline straight for the very comfortable looking bed waiting for her in the corner. She flopped onto it with a heavy sigh and quickly fell asleep on top of the soft covers.

(Later that evening)

Rachele sighed as she followed the group up many flights of stairs of the giant stadium. She was heaps more awake now thanks to her extensive nap earlier and she had woken up with hours to spare before the game. Now here she was climbing up who knows how many stairs up the stadium to watch the Quidditch World Cup.

"Dad!" She heard Ron call out. "How far up are we going?"

"Well put it this way." A snide voice spoke from just below them. Rachele groaned at the unwelcome sound. She looked down to the unfortunate sight of Lucius Malfoy sneering up at them. "If it rains, you'll be the first to know."

Rachele smirked at him. "Well thank goodness you won't be up there with us. Last thing any of us want are pompous arses likes yourselves multiplying." Next to her, Hermione had collapsed into a fit of giggles while everyone else seemed confused. Lucius opened his mouth to retort but came up short. Standing next to him, Draco Malfoy glared up at her.

"It might interest you to know Sullivan, that we were invited to sit in the Minister's box. Under personal invitation by Cornellius Fudge himself." He grinned smugly

"Don't boast Draco." Lucius snipped at him while leering up at them. "There's no need with these people."

"Also good for us." Rachele said shrugging. "That way when they make announcements it'll block out your whining voices." This time everyone laughed leaving the Malfoys no choice but to walk off in a huff. "Have fun sitting with the Minister!" She yelled out to them. "It's perfect for people with broomsticks shoved up their backsides!"

Harry, Hermione, all the Weasley siblings and even Cedric were all bent over laughing extremely hard while Arthur and Amos Diggory lightly chuckled. Rachele grinned and continued her ascent up the stairs, receiving a few high-fives as she went. Now with everyone having cheered up after the sour encounter with the purebloods, they kept climbing until they had reached the very top bleachers overlooking the entire stadium.

"Damn..." Rachele gawked at the spectacular sight of the giant field. "Forgot how epic of a view this all was." And she wasn't exaggerating. The bleachers flashed from all angles from fans taking photos. Every single seat was filled so the stadium was on the verge of an overflow. The pitch itself was five times the size of the one at Hogwarts which only increased the level of its impressionism.

"Hey look it's the Irish!" Fred yelled pointing. A team of green and white Quidditch players flew onto the pitch and performed a showy lap around the perimeter. Their brooms left a coloured trail behind them which then morphed into a giant glittering leprechaun dancing. While everyone cheered excitedly, Rachele leaned against the rails with her cheek resting on her cheek.

"Remind me why I came to this?"

Ginny glanced at her. "Come on Rach, don't be such a sour puss! This is awesome!"

"Yeah I guess..." To Rachele, it just wasn't the same without Dumbledore there. Her mentor had a unique way of making these trips special. He helped her view Quidditch matches with a perspective that helped build her excitement. Perhaps being the man that raised her was part of the reason she couldn't enjoy herself the same way.

"Here come the Bulgarians!"

She looked over to see the other team dressed in red crash through and disintegrate the glittering leprechaun. While they did their own lap, one of them broke off to perform stunts, flips and other dangerous tricks on his broomstick. The crowd roared even louder and the word 'Krum' could be heard echoing through the stands. Rachele, however, just rolled her eyes at the gloating celebrity.

"Great another thick-headed show-off to deal with." She received a sharp look from her friends but nobody commented.

"Good evening!" An anonymous voice rang loudly through the stadium. "It gives me great pleasure to welcome each and every one of you to the final of the four hundred and twenty second Quidditch World Cup! Let the match...BEGIN!"

The game turned out to be more interesting than Rachele was anticipating. It lasted for several hours with both teams never letting up in the slightest. There were even occasions when a player was pulled off the pitch due to serious injury. Even Rachele had to cringe at some of the brutal ways they were knocked clean off their brooms. In the end though, victory was claimed by the team in green and white; Ireland. While Bulgaria fought hard and their seeker Viktor Krum had even successfully caught the snitch, the Irish were too far ahead with their points and were named the champions.

A little later they made their way back to the main tent to celebrate. Rachele didn't support any particular team but the dancing and singing coming from the twins was so damn hilarious she couldn't help raising her drink in a toast to them. But not all the Weasleys took the game in such positive stride.

"There's no one like Krum!" Ron exclaimed. "He's like a bird the way he rides the wind! He's more than an athlete. He's an artist!"

'Wow...' Rachele thought as she took a swig from her mug. 'Now that's a true fan right there.'

Ginny then appeared next to her brother and smiled at him. "Think you're in love Ron." Rachele sprayed her beverage on the tent floor and burst out laughing. Amidst her fit she was able to give the youngest Weasley a thumbs up who shot her a victorious grin in return.

But the teasing didn't stop there. The twins stood on either side of a sulking Ron and began singing;

"Viktor I love you! Viktor I do!" And to Ron's dismay everyone else joined in. "When we're apart my heart beats only for yoouu."

The only person not singing was Rachele, who was staring at the tent's entrance with immense concentration. 'Something's not right.' She thought. Suddenly a loud 'boom' was heard just near their tent and all her senses suddenly came alive. Mr Weasley suddenly burst in with a look of panic and Rachele knew her assumptions were right; something had gone horribly wrong.

"Sounds like the Irish have got their pride on!" Fred said chuckling.

"Stop it!" Mr Weasley ordered. "It's not the Irish." He looked straight at Rachele and she was immediately swarmed with images from his mind. Her heart dropped into her stomach as she realized exactly what was happening; Death Eaters were here. Without a word to anyone, Rachele shot out of the tent but stopped and stared in horror at the scene before her. What was once a area of celebration and fun was now a land of desecration and fear. People were running and screaming from left to right and tents were being set ablaze by the second. Figures clothed in black hooded cloaks marched through the area destroying everything in their path. She could already see a trail of dead bodies they had left behind them. Praying that her friends would remain safe, Rachele leapt into action and ran full speed towards the Death Eaters. She came to a dead stop in front of them causing them to halt in her tracks. By now the population had either fled or been killed. The area was completely deserted so it was between her and these wretched murderers. She stood her ground and glared fearlessly at them.

"HEY! Why don't you blockheads pick on someone who has a chance?"

The group chuckled darkly at her and one of them stepped forward. "Do you think we're scared of a little girl?"

Rachele grinned. "Not really...not yet anyway."

The Death Eater frowned at her confidence. "Who do you think you are? Such a little piece of filth getting in our way."

Rachele cracked her fingers eagerly and smirked. "Why don't you come find out?"

Fed up with her attitude, the figure looked back at the others and pointed at her. "KILL HER!"

Several voices shouted out a incantation and dozens of green lights shot at rocket speed towards Rachele's unguarded torso. But instead of engulfing and killing the girl like they expected, they ricocheted off her body and propelled in different directions. The Death Eaters all ducked to avoid their own spells while staring in utter belief at the supposedly invincible teenager.

Rachele glared and her eyes glowed fiercely. "Don't think such simple spells will work on me." She began walking towards them and as she did a bright white aura surrounded her body causing the intruders to start scuttling backwards in fear.

"You foolishly placed my friends in danger and I do not take that lightly!" The glow surrounding her pulsed brighter for a second and the Death Eaters covered their eyes trembling. "I am the guardian of the innocent! I protect them from barbarians such as yourselves! Now I order you to disappear from this place!" She threw her hand out in front of her and conjured a giant fireball. It catapulted through the air and crashed into the ground throwing the Death Eaters into the air and landing several more metres away. Now realising the power she held, the robed figures scattered like roaches and evacuated the area in less than a minute. But it wasn't over; Rachele could still sense an unwelcome presence and she was determined to drive them out.

"MORSMORDRE!"

The sudden voice shot chills down Rachele's spine. But the only thought in her mind was the safety of her friends and she hoped more than anything they were alright. She raced towards the source of the spell and came across a man gazing up the sky with an evil demented grin. She followed his gaze and her eyes widened with dread. There in the night sky for all to see was a sight she wished she would never lay eyes upon. A large green skull with a snake slithering out it's mouth glowed eerily above the wreckage. There was only one person in existence that Rachele knew was responsible for a symbol like this and it only made the rage in her soul grow stronger.

"Riddle." She growled. That murderous bastard was planning something and she had a bad feeling she knew what it was.

"RACHELE!"

Rachele snapped out of her thoughts and noticed that the deranged man responsible for the spell had vanished. She turned around in time for a familiar body to crash into hers.

"Thank MERLIN!" She heard Hermione breathe as she gave Rachele a tight hug. "You disappeared so suddenly! I was so scared they had killed you!"

"I'm fine." Rachele replied distractedly. Her attention was still on the mark in the sky. She couldn't look away or shake away the overwhelming feelings of concern. She would need to keep a closer eye on those Death Eaters, something dark was approaching and she would have to be on her guard now more than ever.

"It's You-Know-Who isn't it?" Hermione had pulled away and was now staring at the fearsome symbol as well. Her face reflected nothing but pure fear and Rachele couldn't blame her.

"I'm afraid so." She sighed sadly. "He's planning something Hermione. And whatever it is we need to be prepared."

Hermione hugged herself and shivered. "I can't believe this is happening."

Rachele placed her hands on her shoulders. "Don't worry, you're not alone. None of us are. The best thing we can do is band together and survive." She smiled encouragingly. "Because that's what our side does best; we fight together."

Hermione smiled back. "How are you so brave? Aren't you even the tiniest bit afraid?"

Rachele sighed. "I'm afraid in more ways than you think. Just not in the way you're thinking. Plus I've had enough practise to hide my fears from the world." She then looked around. "Where're the others? I thought you'd be with them."

Hermione pointed behind her. "They're waiting back that way. I came to find you."

Rachele smiled. "Thanks, I appreciate it. But I need to find my own way home."

Hermione looked horrified. "Rachele no! I can't leave you alone!"

"Yes you can!" Rachele counted. She grabbed Hermione's hand and squeezed it comfortingly. "You need to go back and tell everyone that I'm okay. Tell them I'll see them on the train for the new term." She stared her friend in the eye, begging her to understand. "Trust me Hermione...I'll be okay."

Hermione's bottom lip trembled and she rushed forward again to wrap Rachele in another hug. "Promise me." She begged. "You have to promise you'll be on that train."

Rachele returned her hug and nodded. "I promise. I swear with all my heart."

Hermione reluctantly let her go and stepped back. "I'm holding you to it." Rachele nodded again and watched her best friend run back the way she came. She sighed and gazed once again up at Voldemort's mark. 'No matter what you do Riddle, I will be there to stop you' She glared hard at the green skull as it shone tauntingly down at her. 'You can try with all your power to hunt down my friends. But as long as I draw breath you won't come close to touching them.

She stood alone in a field of both destroyed objects and corpses alike. The glowing skull and snake loomed over it's victims, silently basking in it's victory against the innocent. But one girl stood in it's path, one that the dark side would vastly underestimate in the years to come. The glowing green of evil in the sky locked on with bright green eyes of the protector of mankind. Determination shone in her illuminate emerald orbs as she glared fearlessly into the face of darkness.

'I will defeat you. I promise."

End of chapter one

That was rather exhilirating wasn't it? Hard lesson to be learned for the Death Eaters, never ever get on Rachele's bad side.

Coming up next, the build up to the Triwizard Tournament.

See ya then!