The Wings Of Ancient Light - Book Five

by nikkiclyneZX15

The Dark Lord has returned and the world is in danger of once more plunging into eternal darkness. At Hogwarts, an unexpected, unwanted figure of authority has taken up post as the new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher. Rachele finds her hands full as she attempts to keep both threats at bay.

1. Chapter 1

Hard to believe this is Book Five. Our dear young Rachele is growing up fast with more challenges ahead of her. Let's discover what the new year awaits for her.

Enjoy!

Chapter One – Is This The End

Prologue

"My Lord are you well? You seem distressed."

"Be silent Wormtail." Voldemort hissed. "We have a dilemma on our hands." He faced his Death Eaters, an army of hundreds ready to serve their Dark Lord.

"My friends we are threatened by our most powerful foe yet. Harry Potter is weak and I have my strategy to end his life. But this..." His mind went back to the previous year. All he saw were two bright green orbs flashing dangerously "...this GIRL is becoming a nuisance! I was lucky to have been brought back into this world. If she had arrived much sooner she could've destroyed over a decades work without so much as lifting a finger!" His followers cowered under their master's rage. "But we must remember...she is still human and is capable of death. There are few things in this world that can kill one like her but they do exist!

His black eyes blazed with the thirst for blood. "Rachele Sullivan...I will destroy you."

---

(A few weeks later)

'Dear Little One'

I wish I was writing due to happier circumstances but once again I must implore you for your assistance. Two days ago Harry Potter performed illegal under-age magic to save his cousin from two Dementors that had unexpectedly appeared in Little Whinging. The Ministry of Magic have threatened expulsion but we have succeeded in convincing them to hold a hearing. I have dispatched a few of my most trusted Aurors to collect Harry from the Dursleys home and deliver him safely to head quarters(I trust you know the place I speak of). My request is for you to aid in Harry's safe arrival to this destination.

Sincerely Albus Dumbledore

P.S. Destroy this letter as soon as you've finished reading it.

Rachele read her mentors letter thoroughly many times. She had been shocked to hear about Harry's use of magic but under the grave conditions she believed he made the right decision. She had no objection helping Harry to reach headquarters and she wondered who the Aurors Dumbledore had sent were. But that didn't matter, she was happy to help Harry get away from those wretched relatives of his.

"What does it say Mistress?" Her familiars voice snapped her back to the present. He was watching her from the centre of her bed

"Albus wants another favour from me." She crushed the parchment in her hand and the letter vaporised in a flash of smoke. "He wants me to take Harry to Grimmauld Place."

"Where's that?"

She looked down at him. "Oh true...you've never been there before." She smiled. "It has been a long time. I haven't been there since long before Hogwarts."

"When are we going?" The tabby sat up attentively.

"As soon as possible. Albus didn't disclose a time or date, which usually means he wants me to leave immediately." She crouched down to the Tabby. "I'll have to send you ahead to head quarters Pusscat. It'll be a crazy ride." When he meowed in protest she patted his head. "Don't you worry, you won't be alone. It was originally the house of the Blacks so Sirius will be there."

"Better than nothing I suppose." He huffed.

"That's the spirit. I'll just let Sirius know you're coming." She closed her eyes and placed two fingers on her temple. 'Sirius...Sirius can you hear me?'

'Rachele? Is that you? How've you been lass?'

'Fine thanks. I need a favour,'

'Sure lass, anything.'

'Albus is asking me, along with some Aurors, to pick up Harry. I can't risk taking Tiger with me. If I send him to your place can you watch him for me?'

'Of course! I'd be happy to. Some of your friends are here too so I can put him in their care if anything comes up.'

Rachele's eyebrows furrowed. 'Friends? Who?'

'All the Weasleys are here plus Hermione. They've been here since yesterday.'

'Oh good. In that case could you give him to Hermione? He can talk to Crookshanks.'

'Will do. When are you lot getting here?'

'Later tonight. I'll give you a heads up when we're close. Speaking of which I better head out. See you later Sirius.'

'See you soon lass.'

She opened her eyes and removed her fingers from her temple. She looked down at Tiger who was watching her curiously. "Good news Pusscat. The Weasleys and Hermione are all there too. So you'll be around close friends."

"Excellent. I have unfinished business with Crookshanks."

"I'm sure you do." She chuckled before leaning down and laying a quick peck on his furry head. "I'll see you tonight." She put a hand on his back and seconds later the tabby vanished without a sound. Only moments later did she focus her own mind onto Harry's hometown and she too disappeared from her bedroom. She reappeared on the dark street of Privet Drive and headed straight for number four. Sensing many magical signatures in the upstairs area, Rachele guessed the Aurors had already arrived. Seeing that the Dursleys were all occupied in their living room, she phased through the solid door and headed straight upstairs. She heard distinct voices coming from Harry's bedroom and this time politely knocked on the door. It swung open to reveal an average height woman with shoulder length pink hair.

"Tonks!" Rachele beamed and lunged at the woman. "It's been years!"

"Blimey!" Tonks pulled back and looked her over. "Is that little Rachele? Last time I saw you, you were a wee little toddler. Look how tall you've grown!"

"I have grown a bit more this summer." Rachele grinned proudly.

"Quiet you two!" Mad-eye Moody hissed at them. "Where's your constant vigilance?" There were two other Aurors behind him. Kingsley Shacklebolt was one, a taller dark skinned wizard from the Ministry. And a woman whom Rachele did not know.

Harry came over and his eyes widened. "Rach? What're you doing here?"

"Harry!" Rachele hugged him as well and was confused when he only lightly patted her back. "Dumbledore asked me to help."

"Course he did." Moody growled. "That's what we need, a teenage girl working for the Order."

"Lighten up you ol' codger." Rachele grinned. "You know I'm more than capable." She turned back to Harry. "What's this I hear about you being expelled? Were there really Dementors here?"

Harry looked away and nodded. "Yeah...they would've killed Dudley if I hadn't done something."

"Bloody hell." Rachele growled. "The Ministry are more concerned with covering up their own arses than the single life of an innocent Muggle."

"Too right!" Tonks laughed. "You turned out to be quite the feisty one ey?"

Rachele grinned. "I try."

"Enough!" Moody glared. "Let's hurry this up!" He led the group outside with Harry guarded in the middle. They lined up on the lawn and Moody hit the ground with his staff. Brooms appeared and flew to their respected owners. Since Rachele didn't own one, she was given a ordinary one most likely from a random broom closet.

"What's happening?" Harry whispered.

"We'll explain when we get there." Rachele told him as she mounted her broom. "Bloody old beat up piece of crap." Harry smiled amusedly at her mumblings.

They took off into the night sky forming a protective triangular formation around Harry. Rachele flew directly to his left, now and then flashing him a reassuring grin. They soared over the buildings of London and eventually landed in a quiet street outside a tall section of apartments. Moody hit the ground twice with his staff again and the building before them began trembling. Apartments eleven and thirteen slowly split apart to reveal an extra section in between them.

"Well Harry." Rachele grinned. "Welcome to number twelve Grimmauld Place."

"Shush Sullivan!" Moody growled. "You don't know who's listening."

"Take it easy Mad-Eye." She rolled her eyes. "Don't get you knickers in a knot." Tonks snorted in the background.

"Come on." Rachele tugged Harry's sleeve. "Let's go inside." She led him into a dim narrow hallway. The walls were painted in dark morbid shades and had definitely seen better days when it came to maintenance. "Up here." She took him up a level of stairs before turning into a hallway. Up the end they saw a lit up room with adults conversing around a table, Sirius Black amongst them. They caught his eye for a brief moment before Molly Weasley came out and closed the door.

"Harry! Rachele!" She gave them both motherly hugs. "Thank heavens you're both alright." She cupped Harry's cheeks. "Bit peaky. But I'm afraid dinner will have to wait until after the meeting's finished."

"That's okay Mrs Weasley." Rachele smiled. "We'll go find Ron and Hermione."

"Of course dear. Straight upstairs. First door on the left."

"Thanks!" She dragged Harry by the arm before he could object. They walked up one flight and came across a mangy old house-elf cleaning the bottom frame of a covered portrait. Rachele stared at the little creature. "Kreacher?"

The aged house-elf turned to her and crinkled his nose. "Filthy little Mudblood. Step away from my Mistress."

"Pleasant as always." She rolled her eyes. "Ignore him Harry. He's always been particularly nasty." Harry nodded watching Kreacher with a curious expression. They reached the second landing and went to the door on the left as Mrs Weasley instructed them. Rachele walked in first and was instantly met with a tackle from someone with bushy-brown hair. Thankfully she was able to catch her footing before she barrelled into the boy behind her.

"Hermione! Holy hell give me a heart attack why don't you?"

Hermione let her go and went to hug Harry as well. "I'm so glad you two are alright!" She backed away and looked between them. "We heard about the Dementor attack. You must tell us everything!"

"Let them breathe Hermione." Ron chuckled.

"And don't look at me." Rachele put up her hands. "I only heard about the Dementors earlier today."

"That hearing at the Ministry!" Hermione went on. "It's just outrageous! I've looked it up they simply can't expel you!"

"That's our Hermione." Rachele smiled. "Always reliable with the books."

"Rachele this is serious! It's completely unfair what they're doing!" Hermione glared at her.

"There's a lot of that going around at the moment." Harry said walking around. "So what is this place?"

"Headquarters." Rachele said.

"Order of the Phoenix." Ron added.

"It's a secret society." Hermione explained. "Dumbledore formed it back when they fought against You-Know-Who."

"Seriously Hermione he has a name." Rachele rolled her eyes. "It's not that hard."

"Couldn't have put any of this in a letter I suppose." Harry glared at them. "I've gone all summer without a scrap of news!"

"Sorry Harry." Rachele frowned. "If I'd known you were in the dark I would've said something."

"We wanted to tell you mate." Ron said. "Really we did. Only..."

"Only what?" Harry snapped.

"Only Dumbledore made us swear not to to tell you anything." Hermione finished.

Rachele frowned. This wasn't like her mentor. He had asked her to protect Harry, but that didn't include keeping secrets from him.

"Dumbledore said that?" Harry said. "But why would he want to keep me in the dark? Maybe I could help!" His voice began to rise. "After all I'm the one who saw Voldemort return!"

"Harry..." Rachele said calmly but he wasn't listening.

"I'M THE ONE WHO SAW CEDRIC DIGGORY GET KILLED!"

Two loud 'cracks' sounded' behind Harry and the boy jerked in surprise. "Harry!" Fred and George Weasley appeared with identical grins. "Thought we heard your dulcet tones."

"Hey guys." Rachele said casually despite Harry's temper. "I see you can apparate now."

"Officially of age a few weeks ago." Fred winked.

"Enough about that though." George said. "We have something a little more interesting." He held up a long piece of string with an ear tied to the end. The ear looked a little too real and alive for Rachele's taste.

"Extendable Ears" They announced.

"Seriously guys?" Rachele laughed. "You're just asking for trouble."

"Why our dear Rachele!" Fred slung an arm around her.

"Trouble makes the world go round!" George copied his twins' actions.

"Idiots." She shrugged them off. "What did you have in mind?" Cat-like grins formed on their faces. 'Oh hell...'

(A few minutes later)

"This is a bad idea." Rachele whispered.

"Ssshhh!" Fred said as he lowered the string. "You agreed to it."

"More like peer pressured into it." She mumbled.

They could hear the hushed voices of the adults coming from the meeting room but they couldn't pick up anything coherent. While everyone else leaned in to hear better, Rachele put her elbow on the railing and leaned her face against her hand in a bored manner. She found this a complete waste of time.

"Ginny!" She smiled at the girl who had decided to join them. Ginny squeezed next to her and the two shared a hug.

"How've you been?" Rachele whispered to her.

"Alright. You?" Ginny asked

"Uneventful." She snorted. "Apart from this drama with Harry's hearing."

"You heard about that huh?"

"It's hardly a secret is it?"

"Probably not."

"Oi! Will you two pipe down?" Ron was glaring at them. "We're trying to listen!"

"Well excuse us." Rachele huffed while Ginny just shrugged.

"Crookshanks!" Hermione whispered loudly. "Leave it alone!" Rachele looked down and saw Hermione's fluffy orange cat batting the ear with it's paw. She noticed her own tabby cat sitting on the bottom step watching him with interest. "Huh...was wondering where he was." Crookshanks succeeded in tearing the piece of flesh off and trotted off carrying the ear in his mouth.

"Hermione I hate your cat." Ron said.

"Bad Crookshanks!" Hermione scolded her pet.

"My cat wasn't much better was he?" Rachele chuckled as Tiger became preening himself. "Lazy furball."

They were forced to wait another half hour before the adults finally emerged from the meeting. The teenagers filed down the stairs where Mrs Weasley was waiting for them at the bottom. "Come along everyone! We'll be eating dinner in the kitchen." She gasped in fright when the Twins apparated behind her. "Just because you're of age now, does not mean you have to whip your wands out for everything!"

Rachele laughed at the commotion as she made her way into the kitchen. Her stomach gave a loud grumble and she gave it a few pats. "Yeah, yeah I'll feed you soon." She took a seat around the table and Tiger pounced onto her lap. "Hey Pusscat. You hungry?" He meowed and she laughed. "It's coming don't worry." The table was set and drinks were poured. She smiled when Harry and Sirius shared a joyful reunion and was grateful to see the radiant smile on the formers face. If anyone could could make Harry happy...it was his godfather.

Rachele sat next to Ginny and the two girls had a good giggle when Tonks entertained them by morphing her face into a pig and then a duck. While Rachele knew about Metamorphasus and their capabilities, it didn't make watching Tonks charades any less hilarious.

"I don't understand." She heard Harry say. "What does the Ministry have against me?" She turned her head towards that end of the table.

"Show him." Moody said. "He'll find out soon enough."

Sitting next to him, Kinglsey straightened out a newspaper and handed it to Harry who took it. He stared at the front cover which read in bold letters;

THE BOY WHO LIES?

There was a moving picture directly beneath it of Harry the year before right before he battled the dragons in the Tri-wizard Tournament. The picture then changed into the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge with the headline;

FUDGE; ALL IS WELL

"He's attacking Dumbledore as well." Sirius explained when he saw the look on Harry's face. "Fudge is using all his power and influence over the Daily Prophet to smear anyone who claims the Dark Lord has returned."

"Why?" Harry asked.

"The Minister thinks Dumbledore is after his job." Remus Lupin said.

"But that's insane! No-one in their right mind would believe that Dumbledore-"

"Exactly the point." Remus interrupted. "Fudge isn't in his right mind. It's been twisted and warped by fear."

"In short he's a coward." Rachele said. "A miserable little wimp hiding behind his own laws to get what he wants."

Remus nodded in agreement. "Fear makes people do terrible things Harry, the last time Voldemort gained power it almost destroyed everything we hold most dear." He sighed. "Now he's returned I'm afraid the Minister will do almost anything to avoid facing that terrifying truth." Harry was silent as he took in Remus's words.

"We think..." Sirius continued. "...Voldemort wants to build up his army again. Fourteen years ago he had huge forces at his command, and not just witches and wizards but all matter of dark creatures. He's been recruiting heavily and we've been attempting to do the same." He paused for a moment. "But gathering followers isn't the only thing he's interested in."

Moody cleared his throat to signal him but Sirius ignored him.

"We believe...Voldemort might be after something."

"Sirius." Mad-eye warned.

"Something he didn't have last time."

Harry frowned. "You mean...like a weapon?"

"No!" Mrs Weasley interrupted sharply. "That's enough! He's just a boy! You say any more and you might as well induct him to the Order straight away!"

"Good! I want to join!" Harry stated. "If Voldemorts raising an army then I want to fight."

Sirius nodded and leaned back in his chair with a satisfied smile and a wink at Harry.

'Bloody hell.' Rachele sighed. 'Can't be helped I guess.'

The subject of Voldemort was forgotten for the time being and dinner was served. After stomachs were filled, Mrs Weasley sent them all upstairs for the night. Rachele went into a separate room with Hermione and Ginny, the latter took the bed while the two older girls lay on mattresses on the floor. All three fell into a restless sleep, wary of the darkness lurking ahead.

The next morning Harry left early with Mr Weasley to head over to his hearing. It was long before anyone was awake, especially Rachele who sleepily trudged into the kitchen a few hours later.

"Morning young lass." Sirius smiled at her. "Sleep well?"

"Fine." She yawned. "Breakfast?"

"Almost brunch is more like it." He chuckled and handed her a plate of eggs, toast and sausages. "Here, it's been dished up already."

"Thanks." She took several bites. "Sirius?

"Hmm?"

"Are you sure about Harry? Letting him join the Order I mean." She stuffed an egg into her mouth.

"We let you join didn't we?"

"That's different." She said. "You know that."

Sirius sighed. "Your friends still don't know do they?"

"Not yet."

He stared at her. "When are you going to tell them?"

She paused with her eating and placed her knife and fork down. "I don't know. When I feel it's right."

"Rachele." Sirius leaned closer. "It's been five years since you met them. What are you waiting for?"

Rachele gazed intently at the table. "The safety of their lives...of her life."

"Her life?" He asked confused. "Who do you mean?"

Rachele shook her head. "It doesn't matter." She pushed her plate away. "I'm going back upstairs." She stood up and turned away. "Let me know when Harry comes back." She walked away with Sirius watching her with concern. While she may have confided in him about her lineage and abilities, the one detail she had deliberately left out was her link to Hermione. The only person who knew of her true identity was Dumbledore, the reason being his finding her as a baby over fourteen years ago and helping her hide her tracks from her parents. Her mentor had promised to keep her secret safe and had done so without fail her entire life; there was no-one she trusted more.

She entered the girls room and found Hermione and Ginny buried in deep conversation.

"I think it's absolutely barmy." Ginny said. "The system is all outta whack, oh hi Rachele."

The girls turned to her and Rachele smiled at them. "Hey. Watcha talking about?"

"Harry's hearing." Hermione said as she made space for her on the bed. "We think the whole ordeal is invalid. The Ministry is just flaunting their control."

"It's that baffoon Fudge." Rachele growled. "The wizarding world is being controlled by a complete imbecile. And the Daily Prophet is labelling him a hero for speaking out against Harry and Dumbledore. The whole thing is sickening."

"I don't see him lasting as Minister for much longer." Ginny commented. "The truth will come out eventually, and when it does he'll be too frightened to remain in office."

"Good riddance." Rachele huffed. "We don't need a coward like him leading our community."

"Who's a coward?" Harry was back from his hearing and had walked in the middle of Rachele's sentence.

"Fudge is." She looked him over. "How did it go?"

"Cleared of all charges." He shrugged.

"That's great Harry!" Hermione beamed at him.

Rachele stared at him. "Why aren't you more excited?"

Harry's eyes darted around the room. "Can I speak to you for a minute?" When no one moved he shot pointed looks at Hermione and Ginny. "Alone." They exchanged glances and silently left the room leaving Harry and Rachele to talk.

"Something wrong Harry?"

"At the hearing. Dumbledore spoke on my behalf. He convinced the court I was innocent."

She blinked. "Well that's good isn't it?"

"It was. Except for the 'pretending I don't exist' part." He frowned.

"What? You mean he ignored you?"

Harry nodded. "After they cleared me, I tried to call him to thank him, but he just left without even looking at me."

Rachele shook her head. "That doesn't sound like him. He must have a good reason for it."

"Well I'd like to know what that is." He clenched his fist. "I hate being kept in the dark!"

"Harry..." Rachele took a deep breath. "I don't think you should join the Order."

His eyes darted to her in shock. "What? WHY?"

"Just listen to me for a minute." She put up a hand. "While it's true Voldemort is preparing an army and he could attack the wizarding world at any given moment, the fact remains is that you are his top priority." She stared intently at him. "He's coming after you Harry...to kill you. The Order is only trying to protect you."

"I DON'T NEED PROTECTING!" Harry shouted. "I wish you'd all stop treating me like a child! Don't you think I can handle myself?"

"Of course we do!" She cried. "You're more than capable! But you're our friend Harry! We all love you and want you safe! Since when isn't that enough for you?"

"Since I watched Cedric die right in front of me!" He yelled and stood over her. "No amount of love and kindness in the world can help that! It won't stop Voldemort from killing everything in his path!"

Rachele tightened her jaw. "If that's what you think than he's already won! What's the point in defending this earth if there's nothing worth fighting for!" She stood as well so she was nose to nose with him. "Love and kindness are two of many qualities that give us strength Harry! The courage and diligence to give our lives for the greater good!" She glared. "Have you become so self-righteous that you've lost sight of what's really important?"

"Don't you dare." Harry growled darkly. "You have no idea what I've lost. The pain I've had to endure because of that psycho running around free on the streets! DON'T PRETEND TO UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M FEELING!"

"WE ALL KNOW HOW YOU'RE FEELING!" She yelled back. "You think you're the only victim who's fallen prey to Voldemorts terror? There are other orphans out there who've lost their parents just like you have! Don't be so selfish in thinking you're the only one effected by everything that's going on!"

"But you still have your parents...DON'T YOU! You can't accuse me for being selfish when you still have a living family!"

"I DON'T KNOW!" She screeched and Harry stared at her. "I...I don't know if my parents are alive or not." She looked away with tears in her eyes. "Dumbledore found me when I was a baby...I barely remember them. They're Muggles so they're at just as much risk as everyone else."

Harry frowned and looked away. "I keep forgetting you're Muggle-born. You just don't seem like it."

Rachele shrugged. "I don't feel like it either." She sighed. "Please Harry...I'm begging you. I'm not trying to control you. I'm asking because I care about you. I love you like my brother...I can't lose you."

Harry turned away from her. "Sorry...but I refuse to run away. I refuse to be seen as a coward hiding behind my allies. My decision is final." He walked out slamming the door loudly behind him, while Rachele finally broke down and collapsed to her knees in tears. Moments later Hermione and Ginny raced into the room and sat on either side of the distraught girl. They each kept an arm around her shoulders while she sobbed hysterically into her hands. The two girls waited patiently while she let everything out. Hermione held onto her hands and rubbed them gently while Ginny leaned on her shoulder and whispered words of comfort to her. After several minutes of consolation. Rachele finally fell asleep sprawled out on Hermione's lap, emotionally wiped out from her vicious row with Harry.

"What happened?" Ginny asked looking at Rachele's sleeping figure. "I could hear them shouting from the kitchen."

Hermione sighed. "Something's wrong with Harry. He's losing his temper too quickly."

"What could she have said to set him off like that?"

Hermione pondered that for a moment. "Rachele wasn't too keen on letting Harry join the Order."

Ginny looked at her. "You think she told him that?"

"Harry has a lot of pride when it comes to You-Know-Who. He doesn't want people fussing over him."

"But..." Ginny frowned. "Harry can't fight this war by himself."

Hermione looked down at the girl on her lap. "I know...and Rachele knows that especially. Being raised by Dumbledore, I can only imagine how much of the world she's seen. If anyone understands the gravity of what's happening...she does." The girls fell silent and continued to watch over their friend. Hermione couldn't help but worry; this was the first time Rachele and Harry had argued and it was no small matter either. She could only hope that their conflicting opinions didn't cause too much damage on their friendship.

Hermione's concern over her two friends only grew as the day of the new term approached. Harry and Rachele barely spoke to each other and if the latter tried to start a conversation he would just snap at her and she would fall quiet. When Harry was escorted by Tonks and Moody to the train station, Rachele raced ahead to avoid any more tension between them. She boarded the train long before any of them and was found waiting patiently in an empty compartment, with her tabby cat curled up on her lap. Ron and Harry sat across from her, the latter in the seat furthest away, while Hermione sat beside her. Ginny had gone off to find other friends, claiming she couldn't bear the awkwardness between them.

The first hour of the journey was silent between the quartet. Harry and Rachele were completely ignoring each other while Ron and Hermione communicated with glances towards the other. Rachele would attempt to catch Harry's eye but he would always stubbornly turn away. This continued for a while before Rachele couldn't take it any more and angrily stood up to confront him, causing Tiger to fall to the floor.

"What the hell is your problem?" She yelled. "Are you mad at me for caring about you? What a horrible friend I must be!"

Harry glared at her. "Bugger off."

"No I won't bugger off!" She said sharply. "Not until you tell me what I've done wrong!"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" Harry turned and shouted at her. "I have enough on my plate without you smothering me! Go be a pest somewhere else!"

"Harry!" Hermione gasped but the damage had been done. Rachele's eyes turned blank and she let out a dry chuckle. "If that's the way you want it." She walked over and slid the door open.

"Wait!" Hermione stood up. "Where are you going?"

"I'll sit somewhere else." She said without turning around. "It's obvious I'm not wanted here." She slammed the door behind her leaving Ron and Hermione gaping in stunned silence.

"Harry..." Hermione turned to him with disappointment flashing in her eyes. "What have you done?"

"It's not my fault she doesn't know how to respect one's personal space." Harry waved dismissively. "Let her go...we're better off without her."

Hermione stiffly sat back down in disbelief. She scooped up Tiger who was staring after where his Mistress had gone. "It's best to leave her be." She told the tabby. "She needs space right now." The cat meowed sadly and snuggled close to her. Hermione stroked his head and shot a glare over to Harry who stared blankly out the window.

'What in Merlin's name has happened to you?'

Once she was far enough away, Rachele leaned against the wall keeping a hand over her mouth to hold back a sob. She couldn't understand why this was happening. She cared about Harry so much and all she wanted to do was be his friend and protect him. But she couldn't do that if he continued to push her away. If he was choosing to completely shut her out, then Rachele had no real reason to be around him any more. She clutched her shirt above where her heart was; the pain of losing a friend was too much to bear.

"Gryffindor? Are you okay?"

She looked up with watery eyes into the comforting blue orbs of Robert Kordellus. Desperate for a friend, she stumbled over to him and buried her head into the crook of his neck. Robert stood stiffly for a moment, unsure of how to comfort her. But when he heard the cries escaping her throat and felt the tears soaking his shirt, he gently wrapped his arms around her and held her against him. He had never seen Rachele so emotionally vulnerable before and it tore at his very soul to see her break down like this. He noticed that their dramatic scene had attracted some attention, students were sticking their heads out to see what the commotion was. So keeping one arm around her shoulder, he gently led her to his compartment for some privacy. Even after he sat them down, Rachele didn't let go of his shirt for several minutes. Eventually she pried herself away and spent another long while staring lifelessly at the floor. Her un-Rachele like behaviour was beginning to scare him; what happened to the girl who was always happy and bubbly?

"Robbie..." His eyes snapped to to her. Was that her voice? It sounded completely dead.

"Yeah?"

"Do you think I'm a pest?"

Her question caught him off guard. "Why would you think that?"

She finally looked up at him with dull eyes. "I don't know if I can do this any more."

He gently grabbed her hand and was grateful when she didn't pull away. "Tell me what happened. I'm here for you."

She slowly recited the past few days to him. Dumbledore's letter, helping the Aurors deliver Harry to headquarters, the dinner conversation revolving around Voldemort's plan to claim the world and finally her row with Harry which was sparked by her objection to him joining the Order.

"Sounds to me like he's just being stubborn." Robert explained. "It's an annoying masculine trait Rach." He shook his head. "It's called pride, all men are guilty of it."

"Then why is he snapping at me?" Rachele sniffed. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No you didn't." He smiled. "I'm sure Harry knows how much you care. He just has a lot on his plate. It's probably just stress. Poor bloke is probably under a lot of pressure with both Voldemort and the Ministry targeting him."

Rachele sighed tiredly. "And he's claiming he can take it all on by himself."

Robert shrugged. "Hero complex. Completely gone to his head by the sounds of it."

Rachele let her head drop onto his shoulder. "I don't want him to be a hero." She said her voice thick with emotion. "I want him to be happy."

He put his arm around her again and leaned his head against hers. "It'll be okay Rach. With friends like you fighting for him, I'm sure he'll live a long life."

She nodded sleepily. "Can I...-" She yawned. "Can I stay here until we get there?"

"Course you can Gryffindor." Robert said. "Take all the time you need." He felt her completely relax against him as she quickly dozed off. He smiled down at her, taking in the beautiful girl in his arms. Her hair, now even longer than before, fell in thick waves past her chest. The purple tips she had dyed still remained which he thought added to her quirky personality. Her mouth was open slightly with soft puffs of air escaping her pink lips. Robert mentally took a picture of the slumbering angel and stored it deep within his heart. Only he knew how much he had come to love this girl and it was a secret he would gladly take to his grave. Knowing that Harry, of all people, was the reason behind her tears caused an uncontrollable anger to raise it's ugly head. That boy was supposed to be Rachele's friend. And if this was how the boy-who-lived treated his friends then Rachele deserved someone better. Robert tightened his hold on her shoulder. If Harry wanted to sacrifice someone as wonderful, selfless and loving as Rachele...then he will gladly take his place.

End of Chapter

Already some mystery in the first chapter. Why is Harry so angry? And why is he only pushing Rachele away?

All will be revealed soon!

Bye for now :3