Book two

Chapter One – Beginning of a new term

The sun shone bright and blinding down on the simple streets of London. It was in the middle of summer and the temperature was skyrocketing by the hour. People either hid in their homes with their air-conditioning or if they ventured outside made sure to wear sleeveless top and shorts. Children's laughter rang out from parks as they relished in the clear weather with their parents watching over them with tender smiles. Life was simple in this part of town and usually passed by uneventfully for most people. But for one young individual, life had barely just begun.

Sitting on a couch in a reasonably spacious lounge room, a twelve year old girl sat contently while absently plucking the strings of her guitar. Beside her sat a tabby cat, who was watching his mistress with large curious eyes. He had only discovered some weeks ago that his owner possessed such a musical talent, and was even more surprised when she sang along to her playing with a soft voice that was so angelic it had lulled him into a peaceful sleep. So when she had pulled out her instrument a few minutes ago he had instantly jumped up beside her and given her his full attention.

After playing a short intro, the young girl opened her mouth to let free a gentle melody. It was nothing definite, and the lyrics were incomplete. But the notes were smooth and harmonious and the cat felt the instant warmth that came from her singing. She repeated herself a few times before slowing to a stop and turning to her companion with a smile.

"You alright there, Tiger?"

The tabby jolted and looked up at her. "You're singing is very soothing. It always puts me to sleep like a mothers lullaby."

She giggled and stroked his head. "I'll take that as a compliment."

She gave him another pat before reaching over and grabbing her guitar case. Tiger silently watched her pack her instrument away until a thought suddenly occurred to him.

"Tell me something Rachele. Why haven't you told your friends about this particular skill? You've been learning guitar for several years have you not?"

Rachele paused with her hand resting on the case. It was true. She had made wonderful friends at Hogwarts the previous year and yet it never crossed her mind to tell them of her passion for music. She had taken up the guitar when she was only three years old and had practised for hours on end each day ever since. The only time she stopped was last year when she had to attend school. But even though she was as highly skilled as she was, to her it was just a precious hobby and she held no desire to share or pursue it.

She shrugged. "I didn't think it was important. There were other things going on at the time...like you know, The Philosophers Stone? Voldemort?"

Tiger waved a dismissive paw. "Yeah, yeah, you were real heroic. But there were plenty of other times you could have mentioned it."

Rachele sighed and shrugged again. "I guess...it just never came up. Plus I never had the chance to practise since I didn't even take my guitar with me."

Tiger growled. "Are you ever gonna tell them?"

She grinned. "Eventually." He raised an eyebrow. "I don't wanna just randomly blurt it out in the middle of a conversation." She chuckled. "When I show them, I want it to be spectacular." She finished with an excited grin.

"Soooo...what're you gonna do? Jump on a stage and rock it out?"

Rachele laughed loudly. "Yeah! That sounds pretty awesome!"

Tiger rolled his eyes. "I wasn't being serious."

Rachele just continued to giggle. "Still sounds like a good idea."

Tiger groaned. "Whatever, I'm going to the bedroom to nap. What're your plans?"

Rachele opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by a light tapping on the living room window. She walked over and drew the curtain to see a large brown owl waiting with a letter clutched in its' beak. 'Probably from Albus.' She thought. She slid the window open and the bird flew inside and landed on the kitchen bench. Rachele closed the window, went to the cupboard and pulled out a small bag of owl treats she had bought from Diagon Alley. She grabbed a couple of pieces, placed the bag back on the shelf and walked back over to the awaiting owl. She gently pried the letter away with her left hand while offering the treats with her right. The owl eagerly gobbled the offered food and gave her finger an affectionate nip of thanks.

Rachele stroked its feathers then turned her attention to the letter. She flipped it over and immediately recognised the Hogwarts seal.

"Oh...it's probably the booklist for this year."

She ripped the envelope open and unfolded the paper, confirming with the first glance that her guess had been right. But her brow furrowed deeper the further down she read.

"What the hell...who the frick is Gilderoy Lockhart?"

The majority of the booklist contained the name of this mysterious author. But up until now, Rachele had never even heard of him. She shrugged and folded the list again.

"I'll worry about it later."

She stretched her arms above her ahead. "I don't have to be in Diagon Alley until tomorrow, so there's no real rush." There was another tapping and she turned to see the owl pecking at the window it had come through. She laughed and went over to let the poor thing out.

"Guess you'd like to go home huh?"

The owl hooted in reply and flew off the moment the girl had slid the window open. Rachele closed it again and turned back but halted to gaze silently around her. A feeling of nostalgia waved over her as she took in her home. This house was only secondary to her since she was either travelling around or visiting the castle. And although she was rather young to be living on her own, the events that had transpired through her short life had forced her to mature far beyond her years and become extremely independent. She only possessed so much money being twelve years old but was always anxious to have a place of her own. So when she had approached the Hogwarts teachers for help, they were all to glad to contribute and it was only a week or two later the house had been fully purchased. Rachele had sworn that when she was able she would pay them all back in full.

Rachele smiled at the memory. "It's thanks to them I have a roof over my head."

With nothing else to do, she wondered over to her bedroom for an afternoon nap. She smiled bemusedly at Tiger who was stretched out across her bed and breathing heavily. Not bothering to change, she slid quietly under the covers and quickly fell asleep alongside her familiar.

The next morning Rachele rose bright and early for the full day she had planned. A week ago she had received a letter from her best friend Hermione Granger saying that she would be visiting Diagon Alley on this specific date and asking to meet up with her. All too eager to see her dear friend again, Rachele woke, showered and dressed all in the span on ten minutes. Grabbing an apple on her way out and saying a quick goodbye to a sleepy Tiger, she teleported away with her flames flickering behind her.

She reappeared in a dark street and cursed under her breath. She looked up and cringed up at the sign that read 'Knockturn Alley'. "Damn it, I keep forgetting this stupid alley is here."

She jogged back up the crooked path, leaning away from a creepy hooded figure who flashed a dangerous set of teeth that looked more canine than human. She gave him a disgusted look and quickened her pace, not stopping until she stepped into the shuffling crowd on the main street of Diagon Alley.

She exhaled loudly. "Sweet Merlin I hate that place..."

Her eyes suddenly lit up when she spotted a familiar mane of shaggy hair towering over everyone in the street. She pushed through the crowd and called out when she was relatively close.

"Hagrid! Hey Hagrid!"

The half-giant turned at the mention of his name and grinned broadly when he saw her.

"Rachele!"

Once she was clear of the crowd, she flung forward and hugged her large friend tightly. "I missed you this summer!"

Hagrid patted her back. "It's good to see ya!" He pulled her back and put a hand on her head. "Look at ya, you've grown!"

Rachele smiled proudly! "Yup! I managed to sprout a few inches!"

"Rachele?"

Rachele turned to the noise and saw Harry grinning at her from behind Hagrids back. She squealed loudly and tackled the boy to the ground, causing a few heads to turn and stare at them in bemusement.

"HARRY! Oh it's so good to see you!"

Harry laughed and awkwardly hugged her back, still not quite used to the girls open affection. "Good to see you too Rach!"

She pulled back and beamed at him. "What are you doing here?"

Harry pulled out a piece of paper and showed it to her. "Shopping for school supplies."

Her eyes lit up! "Oh! Yes I'm here for that too! I'm actually supposed to be meeting Hermione at Flourish and Blotts!"

Meanwhile Hagrid was watching the two friends with amusement. "You be alright then Harry?"

Harry smiled up at him. "Yeah, thanks for your help Hagrid."

It was then that Rachele noticed all the dirt and grub that covered Harry's clothes. "Good grief Harry what happened to you?"

Harry glanced down at himself. "Oh...slight mishap with Floo powder."

She snorted. "What, did you end up in Knockturn Alley or something?"

Silence.

Rachele gawked at him. "No way are you SERIOUS? That's the worst place to end up!"

Harry grinned sheepishly. "Yeah Hagrid kinda had to come to my rescue."

Realization dawned on her. "Aaahh that's why you were with him."

"Yup."

She grabbed his arm and started pulling him down the street. "Come on! Let's go shopping!"

Harry let the hyper girl drag him through the crowd, apologizing when he bumped into a few people. A minute later they arrived at the book shop and immediately spotted Hermione waiting patiently near the door. Rachele let go of Harry and darted straight for her with a bright smile.

"Hermione!"

Said girl turned and her eyes lit up. "Rachele!"

Rachele bounded up to her and pounced on her with a loud squeal. "I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!"

Hermione staggered backwards with a laugh. "Still hyper as ever I see!" She pulled back and realized she had to look up a few centimetres to meet Rachele's gaze.

"Sweet Merlin, you're taller than me!"

Rachele grinned smugly. "Had a small growth spurt during the summer." She said this with a wink.

Hermione laughed before noticing the person behind her. "Harry!"

Harry smiled. "Hey Hermione!"

Instead of attacking him with a hug like Rachele had done, Hermione peered critically at Harry before rolling her eyes. "Goodness Harry, what have you done to your glasses?"

Before the other two could blink, she had whipped out her wand and stated. "Oculus Reparo."

Rachele watched as a large crack in Harry's glasses swiftly mended itself and they were left looking as new as the day they'd been bought.

Harry took them off and inspected them, impressed. "I'm definitely gonna have to remember that one."

Rachele rolled her eyes while muttering something that sounded like 'know it all'. Hermione ignored her and gestured for them to follow her. "Come on Harry! Everyone's been so worried."

The trio entered the bookshop and Hermione broke off from them to head over to an older couple who greeted her with hugs and kisses. Rachele stiffened when she saw them and ducked over to Harry's other side to obscure her body from view. Harry gave her a confused look but she smiled and shook her head.

"Oh, Harry! Thank goodness!"

A familiar red-headed woman appeared and attempted to brush the grime from his clothes. "Poor dear, where in heavens did you end up? Never mind come this way."

Rachele held down a laugh as Harry was dragged further into the shop over to where a large crowd had gathered near the front. She raised an eyebrow

"Wonder what the commotion is."

She shifted slightly closer until she could peer through a small gap in-between peoples' shoulders. Just as she had a clear view, an unknown voice announced;

"Presenting, Mr Gilderoy Lockhart."

Rachele watched as an older, handsome man with wavy golden locks stepped up and flashed a lop-sided grin. Rachele crinkled her nose as just about every female in sight sighed and swooned. Even Hermione seemed quite taken with this so-called celebrity.

"What the friggin hell?"

Lockhart turned his body this way and that as he posed for the cameras but suddenly stopped with wide-eyes as he spotted something in the crowd.

"It can't be Harry Potter!"

Rachele face-palmed and groaned; feeling sorry for her famous friend. She looked up in time to see Harry being yanked close by the older man as the press flashed pictures of them both. Lockhart looked way too pleased with himself.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! What an extraordinary moment this is! When Harry here stepped into Flourish and Blotts this morning to purchase my autobiography, Magical Me-"

He grinned modestly as more applause broke out. Rachele resisted the urge to bash her head against the wall, instead settling with rolling her eyes.

"- which, incidentally is celebrating its twenty-seventh week atop The Daily Prophet's Bestseller List- he had no idea that he would, be leaving, with my entire collected works!" A tower of books was shoved into Harrys arms. "Free of charge."

Rachele snorted. "Handing out free books; best thing about this guy so far. Pity they're all about him." She snorted again.

Luckily Harry was able to slip away from the man's grasp and he politely handed his books to Mrs Weasley for signing (which she did with glee) before rushing back over to Rachele.

She grinned at him as he let out a heavy breath. "Have fun up there?"

Harry grimaced. "It was horrible."

She shrugged. "Comes with being famous I suppose."

Harry glared. "Not helping." He suddenly looked up and groaned. "Oh great...just what I need."

Rachele followed his gaze and found Draco Malfoy on the upper floor sneering at them. He ripped a page out of some random book before strutting down the staircase towards them. Rachele huffed and ran a hand through her hair. "Oh goody...more high and mighty people to brighten my day. Thank you for gracing us with your oh so sparkly presence Draco."

The blonde boy shot daggers at her sarcastic greeting. "Bite me Sullivan."

Rachele pulled a face. "No thanks I might get rabies."

Harry snorted and Malfoy shifted his glare to him. "Bet you loved that didn't you Potter. Famous Harry Potter; can't even go into a bookshop without making the front page."

Rachele smirked. "Jealous?"

He glared back at her and opened his mouth to retort.

"Leave them alone."

Rachele started and looked down to where a young red-headed girl had appeared beside her and was standing protectively in front of Harry. She stared up at Malfoy with fire in her eyes and Rachele felt a surge of pride towards her.

"Look Potter! You've got yourself a girlfriend!"

A thick cane pressed against Malfoy's arm and firmly pushed him aside.

"Now, now Draco, play nicely."

The man that had appeared behind Malfoy looked very much like his older counterpart. He held himself proudly, had long blonde hair and wore the same expression of superiority.

Rachele sneered at him. "Lucius Malfoy."

Lucius looked to her with disinterest. "Aah Miss Sullivan. Been a few years, how you've grown."

She scoffed. "See you haven't grown in any way, still have your feminine looks about you ey? Such lovely long hair you have."

He glared at her but chose to ignore her and instead turned back to instantly lock eyes with Harry. "Mr Potter." He extended a hand. "Lucius Malfoy."

Harry gripped the offered hand and the older man pulled him closer. He shifted aside his bangs with his cane to reveal the lightning shaped scar. Rachele felt a surge of protectiveness shoot through her and watched them carefully.

"Forgive me...your scar is legend. As, of course, is the wizard who gave it to you."

Harry pulled away and stepped back. "Voldemort killed my parents. He was nothing more than a murderer."

Lucius gave him a hard stare. "You must be very brave to speak his name. Or very foolish."

"Fear of a name, only increases fear of the thing itself."

All eyes turned to Hermione who was staring Lucius down with a defiant glare. The older Malfoy regarded her carefully. "You must be Miss Granger." He looked at his son who nodded with a look of pure disgust. "Draco's told me all about you...and your parents."

Lucius looked towards the back of the store, Rachele following his gaze, to where two Muggles were talking animatedly with Gilderoy Lockhart. She flashed dangerous eyes at him; he wouldn't dare.

"Muggles aren't they?"

He then slid his eyes over to Ron, who had just appeared. "Let's see. Red hair, vacant expressions..." He picked up a few worn books that the red-haired girl was carrying in a small cauldron. "... tacky hand-me-down books; you must be the Weasleys."

He glanced at Hermione's parents again and shook his head. "Associating with Muggles...tsk."

Rachele heard the prejudice tone and decided that was enough. She stepped in front of her friends and shot Lucius such a feral glare it had the man stepping back slightly.

"You're done here Malfoy." She spat his last name out like venom. "Leave now or I will fight you."

Lucius Malfoy was one of the few that was well aware of how powerful Rachele was, and he was not about to challenge a girl who outmatched his own power a hundred to one. She ignored Hermione's protested whispers and stared the man down; her eyes flashing a green so bright but so quick he almost missed it. Sensing the obvious warning, Lucius plonked the girls books back in her cauldron and briskly left the shop, with his son in tow.

Rachele smirked and turned to see her friends gawking openly at her. She raised an eyebrow. "What?"

Ron beamed. "Bloody hell! How did you do that? That Malfoy bloke looked...almost scared of you!"

She shrugged. "We have some history, and I know what makes him nervous."

Hermione gave her a look. "You threatened to fight him."

Rachele tapped her nose. "It was just a code. He knew what I really promised and the thought of it scares the crap out of him."

A friendly-looking man with ginger hair suddenly appeared and they backed down with their questioning for now. The jolly man smiled widely in Rachele's direction.

"Ah! Miss Sullivan! Been a while!"

Unlike the previous senior that crossed her path minutes ago, she greeted this one warmly.

"Hello Arthur! How's work at the Ministry?"

He wobbled his hand. "So so, there's never anything worth bragging about when you're sitting at a desk all day."

Rachele laughed. "I can understand that."

Ron shot her a look. "How do you know my dad?"

Rachele grinned. "I visited the Ministry of Magic a lot when I was little. I used to go in with Dumbledore when he was called on business."

Hermione looked at her curiously. "You and Dumbledore go way back huh?"

Rachele nodded. "Yeah, he practically raised me. He's like a grandfather to me."

Mr Weasley clasped her on the shoulder. "And he's always talking about how amazing she is!"

Rachele blushed at the compliment and shrugged. He smiled at her but then an idea dawned on him.

"Ah! Rachele have you met all of my children yet?"

Rachele gestured to the red-head that she knew. "Only Ron."

Mr Weasley placed a hand on the girl that had so boldly defended Harry against the Malfoys. "This here is my youngest and only daughter Ginevra!"

Said girl cringed. "Don't call me that."

Her father chuckled. "Alright, alright, sorry Ginny."

Rachele held her hand out to her. "Hi Ginny! I'm Rachele!"

Ginny shook it and smiled. "Hi Rachele."

It was then a familiar woman appeared from behind them and Mr Weasley beamed. "Ah! And this lovely woman here is my wife Molly! Molly dear, this is Rachele Sullivan, the young girl I've mentioned a few times."

Mrs Weasley raised her eyebrows as she took Rachele in. "Oh this is her is it? I wasn't expecting her to be so young."

Her husband chuckled. "Nonsense! She's the Rachele from school Ron's been writing about."

A light bulb seemed to appear above the woman and she smiled widely at the young girl. "Oh yes! Rachele! I remember knitting that sweater for you!"

Rachele, who had been watching their exchange in amused silence, smiled brightly. "Yes! I love that sweater! It's so comfortable! I'm definitely gonna pack it and wear it again this year."

Mrs Weasley laughed. "Oh you are a darling aren't you?" She turned to look at the other kids. "Come children we still have lots to buy before school!"

She looked back at Rachele. "Will you be joining us dear?"

Rachele shook her head. "Thank you but no, I still have to buy the books I need from here and then I have a few errands to run."

Hermione stepped forward. "Guess we'll see you on the train then?"

Rachele grinned and nodded. "Yup! Meet you guys there!"

Everyone took turns giving their goodbye hugs to her before exiting the book store. Her three main friends made sure to send her one final wave before they disappeared into the crowd. Rachele made her way further into the store to collect her own share of Lockharts' books. As she picked up the final one on her list, a shadow loomed over her and she whipped around to come face to face with none other than Mr Lockhart himself. She barely refrained from grimacing when the older man flashed her one of his so-called charming smiles.

"Hello there young lady! Are you a fan of my works?"

She forced a smile as she answered. "Actually I just need them for school. Are you teaching at Hogwarts this year Mr. Lockhart?"

Lockharts smile grew. "Indeed I am! I am filling in as your Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher!"

Rachele inwardly groaned. "Oh great...gonna have to live with this self-loving idiot all year."

"Oh well it'll be a pleasure to have you."

Her tone was formal and bland but Lockhart didn't seem to notice and he was now beaming brightly.

"I look forward to spending the year with you Miss...?"

Not wanting to be impolite, Rachele stuck out her hand stiffly. "Rachele Sullivan."

"If that smile of his gets any wider his cheeks are gonna peel off."

He shook it with a firm grip."Well Miss Sullivan, it's been lovely meeting a pretty little thing like you, but I'm afraid I must head off. Duty of a celebrity is never done I'm afraid."

He gave her a final wink. "I'll see you at Hogwarts!" And then he was gone.

Rachele stood there with her mouth agape feeling utterly repulsed. "What the hell did he just hit on me?" She felt a shiver go down her spine. "Oh Merlin, that is creepy!"

She shook her head and headed to the register to purchase her books. She quickly handed the money over and dashed out of the store as fast as her feet could carry her.

Tiger raised his head and sniffed the air as a familiar scent filled his nose. Giving his legs a long stretch, he jumped off the bed and trotted into the living room where he found his mistress setting down a bag on the floor. She smiled when she saw him.

"Hey there sleepy-head, did you just wake up?"

Tiger yawned and peered at the bag she brought it. "What's in there?"

She waved a hand. "Just some books for school."

"Well that's boring."

Rachele laughed. "Consider yourself lucky you don't have to use them."

"I suppose. So who's the unlucky sod that's filling the DADA position this year?"

Rachele sighed and pulled out of her newly bought books, placing it down on the table facing him.

Tiger frowned. "Who's Gilderoy Lockart?"

Rachele huffed. "Some stuffy faced peacock that spends all his days signing autographs and making girls swoon."

Tiger raised an eyebrow. "You don't seem to be besotted."

She snorted. "I was the only girl in the whole bloody store that wasn't melting into fan-girl goo. Even Hermione was on cloud nine! What the hell I thought she had more sense than that!"

Her cat looked amused. "Hermione Granger? The most logical girl I know has a crush on some guy she doesn't know? Oh this I have to see."

Rachele groaned. "You probably will when we arrive at Hogwarts." She sighed. "Anyway I have to go out again."

The tabby meowed in protest. "Aaww but you just got back! It's boring here!"

She rolled her eyes. "Then come along if you want. But it won't be any fun I'm just going to see Albus."

"Why do you need to see him?"

Rachele glared at the book lying on the table. "I have some questions regarding Professor Lockhart."

Tiger snorted...well as best as a cat could. "Oh in that case I will come. I am curious to hear his reasons for hiring this man."

Rachele held out her arms. "Let's go then, come here and hold on tight."

Tiger curled up close and allowed her to pick him up. He clutched onto her shoulder as they teleported away. When they reappeared on the Hogwarts grounds, the cat immediately wriggled out of her grasp and back onto the ground.

"It's downright scary travelling with you!"

Rachele just giggled. "Sorry it's my quickest way to travel."

Tiger huffed and trotted ahead of her with his tail in the air. Rachele sniggered at his attitude and followed her familiar into the castle.

"Sorry to have you come all this way again Rachele, but I do have my hands full with the new term coming up."

Rachele smiled at her headmaster. "S'alright Albus, you know it's no trouble. And it was my request to see you."

The older man chuckled. "Quite right. Now how may I help you?"

Rachele summoned a book from thin air and placed it on the headmasters' book. "I have recently learned that you've hired this famous author for the Defence Against the Dark Arts teaching position, is this true?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed I have. He is well known for his heroic actions."

Rachele ran a hand through her hair. "But that's the thing! If he has indeed done everything he's written, then why have I not heard of him before today?"

Dumbledore sighed. "Just because you haven't heard or been a witness to this man, doesn't automatically make him an imposter. Do not be so quick to judge little one."

Rachele glared. "Do not pass me off as a naive child Albus. I may not have been around for long but I know my history. I have researched every possible witch and wizard there ever was, whether they were good or evil. And not once have I come across anyone with the name Gilderoy Lockhart. And suddenly out of nowhere he's signing autographs in a bookstore?" She huffed. "I'm sorry but I'm not buying it."

Dumbledore leaned forward and linked his fingers together. "I respect your opinions Rachele and I understand your reason. But the fact of the matter is; I have hired Mr. Lockhart and he will be here when classes begin. This is my decision as headmaster...do I make myself clear?"

Rachele groaned. "Fine, you've made your point. But I won't promise that I won't be watching him. And if I'm right about him..." She grins cheekily at him. "...then I get to choose who teaches Defence next year."

Dumbledore smiled with twinkling eyes. "Are you making a wager with me Miss Sullivan?"

She grinned and held her hand out to him. "If you're gutsy enough to take it, Professor."

The headmaster chuckled and shook it. "I accept your challenge."

Rachele stepped back and gave him a mock bow. "I take my leave headmaster. I shall see you in the next term."

Smiling widely, Dumbledore stood up and bowed as well. "Until then."

The following week, Rachele found herself back on Platform nine and three quarters for the beginning of her second year. She was once again quite early so she casually packed her luggage away and climbed the train with her tabby cat in her arms. She picked a random compartment and plonked next to the window seat. She placed Tiger onto the seat next to her since he was a little big for her lap now. The cat had thrown a small tantrum at this but she assured him that he could come back on her lap when she had grown a little herself.

Tiger curled on the seat and was asleep within minutes. Rachele rolled her eyes at the lazy animal and turned back to stare out the window. She wasn't feeling at all tired, having gotten plenty of sleep the previous night, so she wondered what she could do to pass the time until Hermione and the boys arrived.

"This is what I get for coming so early."

Eventually she settled for reading. A copy of one of Lockharts' editions appeared in her hand and opened the cover. Since her conversation with Dumbledore, she had poured herself into this series of books, memorizing each and every detail there was to find a flaw in this man's personality. This book was the last one and she had a long train ride ahead of her. So she made herself comfortable by shuffling down and resting her legs on the seat across from her. She then opened the first page and began to read.

"Okay Lockhart...let's see how heroic you really are."

She was halfway through the book when the compartment door slid open and Hermione shuffled inside. Rachele smiled at her and bookmarked her page before putting it to the side. 'She can finish that later.'

"Hey Hermione! Where're the boys?"

Hermione smiled and shoved Rachele's legs off the seat so she could sit facing her. "Hey...I dunno I haven't seen them yet. Maybe they're running late."

Rachele shrugged. "I'm sure they'll turn up."

She couldn't have been more wrong. The train departed minutes later and there was still no sign of Harry and Ron. The girls distracted themselves with chatter, exchanging stories from their activities during the summer and just generally catching up. But the further along they rode, the more worried they became.

Rachele was seriously thinking about informing Dumbledore of their disappearance when something peculiar caught the corner of her eye. She turned towards the window and her eyes widened at the most peculiar sight. A light blue car was flying beside the train and seemed to be following it. She narrowed her eyes and channelled her magic on the passengers inside. Her eyes widened when she recognised the two males.

"What in the hell are they doing? And where did they find a flying car?"

She glanced nervously to an oblivious Hermione who was buried nose-deep in a thick novel. She quickly reached up and pulled the blinds down and smiled innocently when the other girl stared questioningly at her. Hermione shrugged and turned back to her book and Rachele let out a silent relieved sigh.

The remainder of the train ride was fairly uneventful for the two girls. At one point the trolley lady had sauntered by and Rachele had leapt up to buy some candy. Hermione had just rolled her eyes at her friend. 'Like we need her any more hyper than she already is.' The last few hours consisted of the two girls consuming sugar, chatting and giggling amongst themselves and before they knew it they were pulling up next to the platform. They filed out with the other students (Tiger trotted off and said he'd catch up with her in the dorms) to collecttheir bags and jumped on the carriages that would take them to the school. Rachele decided not to comment on the creatures only she knew were pulling them. During the ride the girls again wondered where Harry and Ron were; there still wasn't any sign of them. They decided if they didn't make an appearance at the feast then they would have to inform the teachers.

Eventually they pulled up to the magnificent castle and all students, not including the new first years, filed noisily into the Great Hall and sat at their respected house tables. Rachele fidgeted at her place and groaned when her stomach growled loudly.

Sitting next to her, Hermione laughed. "A bit hungry there Rach?"

Rachele frowned. "I haven't eaten since this morning, all that candy on the train didn't do diddly squat."

Hermione giggled. "Be patient, the feast will be starting soon."

Rachele sighed. "Yeah...after the sorting."

Hermione glanced around worriedly. "I still don't see Harry and Ron anywhere...I'm scared they're still in London."

Rachele made a 'hm' sound but didn't comment. Her mind flashed back to the flying car she had spotted soaring beside the train and felt nervous for the two boys. If they were discovered travelling to Hogwarts in such a manner than they were in serious horse dung. And that's only if they hadn't been seen by certain non-magical people who shouldn't be seeing them.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the large doors swung open and McGonagall strode in leading a group of terrified first-years. Rachele gazed over the younger students and perked up when she recognised the familiar red hair of Ginny Weasley. When the girl passed her, Rachele brushed her shoulder and waved when she glanced at her. Ginny waved back with a small smile then continued on her way with the others.

Hermione nudged her softly and whispered. "That was nice of you, she was really nervous about coming."

Rachele raised an eyebrow. "Why would she be nervous?"

"She's scared she won't make any friends."

Rachele looked appalled. "But we're her friends. If she can't find anyone else then at least she has us."

Hermione grinned. "Good point."

They turned back to the front and silently watched the sorting, cheering loudly when Ginny was sorted into Gryffindor. (Rachele made sure to reach across and high five her, making the younger girl giggle.) After a few more were sorted, Rachele felt herself becoming bored until one name caught her attention.

"Claudia Clarken."

Rachele glimpsed a small girl amongst who was left, jump a mile when her name was called. After gentle coaxing from a few of the others, she timidly stepped forward only to trip and stumble, just about knocking over the stool. She quickly caught it, mumbling apologies to McGonagall, before shakily sitting down. With her now facing the front, Rachele was able to get a good look at her.

She was definitely on the small side and she was looking down at her lap with shy, frightened eyes; Rachele felt a tug on her heartstring as she watched her. She had thick dark hair that was pulled to the sides into cute puffy pigtails, although at the front her dark locks seemed to lighten as they came down and turned into blond bangs that hung neatly across her forehead.

As everyone waited for the hat to name her house, Racheles attention was fully on Claudia and her tightly clenched fists that were sitting on her lap. The poor thing looked extremely nervous and all Rachele wanted to do was hug her.

"Hufflepuff!"

Claudia jumped at the loud voice before standing up on wobbly legs and wandering over to the Hufflepuff table where Rachele was grateful to see people giving her a warm welcome. Rachele kept her gaze on her and raised a curious eyebrow when the younger girl looked a certain direction then quickly ducked her head down, where it would stay for the remainder of the feast. Rachele glanced over to where she had looked and saw a girl from Slytherin house regarding Claudia with such hostility that she was actually taken aback. Sure, Slytherin was known to hold those with devious and spiteful hearts, but that girl had the devil written on her face and Rachele was worried about what her intentions were towards the shy Hufflepuff girl.

"Let the feast begin!"

Rachele started at the headmasters voice and turned back to see the mountains of food appear on their table. She felt saliva fill her mouth and she piled up her plate before digging in with gusto, and also ignoring Hermione's mocking sniggers next to her. After stuffing her stomach silly and all the students were dismissed, the two girls headed out of the Great Hall. They had barely walked out the door when a sharp voice sounded down the left corridor.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you! Miserable little wimp!"

Rachele narrowed her eyes before turning to Hermione. "I'll meet you in the Common Room."

Not arguing, Hermione nodded and the friends split ways. Rachele walked down the hall a little until she came across two girls. One she recognised as Claudia Clarken, the new timid first year that had been sorted into Hufflepuff. The other was the girl from Slytherin who Rachele thought had the most feral of glares. Right now her eyes were narrowed into dangerous slits and she had Claudia in a rough hold against the wall, while the younger girl just whimpered in fear.

"You're so pathetic, I shouldn't have been surprised you would be a Hufflepuff. That house is full of nothing but spineless, useless bugs so I guess you'll fit right in won't you?"

Poor Claudia was now on the verge of tears and Rachele could feel her blood boiling; who did this girl think she was? With her fist clenched in rage, she stormed over to the pair.

"HEY!"

The two girls whipped their heads around and the Slytherin girl sneered. "Oh lookie here, its a big strong Gryffindor come to save the day. Bugger off girly can't you see we're busy here?"

Rachele ignored her. "Let her go! Can't you see you're hurting her?"

The girl turned back to Claudia and shrugged. "Of course I can see that, she deserves it being the little worm that she is."

This pushed Rachele to the limit and she roughly shoved her, forcing her release her grip on the younger girl. She quickly slid over and caught Claudia before she could badly hurt herself.

"Woah! Hey there are you okay?"

The Hufflepuff only nodded but kept her head down and Rachele tightened her grip on her.

"What the hell is your problem?"

Rachele looked up to see the Slytherin girl standing over them with fury and she was able to clearly see her features for the first time. She was around the same height as Rachele so she must be in the same year. She had long dark brown hair that went down to her waist which had been pulled back into a low ponytail. Her eyes were a deep emerald green and they flashed sharply as she glared fiercely at the Gryffindor girl. Most people would flinch under such a dark look but Rachele was steady and levelled her with her own glare.

"My problem is you bullying an innocent girl. What has she ever done to you?" Rachele stood up so she was face to face with her.

The girl laughed. "That thing behind you is unfortunately my sister. We were discussing private family matters that were none of your concern."

Rachele was somewhat surprised to discover these two were siblings, but her rage easily concealed it. "Discussing? You were being violent with her! She's terrified of you! That's not how you treat family, what kind of sister are you?"

Her emerald eyes only hardened. "You would do well not to question my methods towards my precious sister."

Brighter green eyes glared back. "Or you'll WHAT? Bully me too? Bring it on wench!"

There was a snarl before the Slytherin girl lunged at her with full speed. She barely reached her when she was repelled backwards off an invisible shield and crashed against the wall behind her. Rachele glared down at her as she groaned in pain.

"People like you make me sick. All life in this world is precious and it is my solemn duty to protect them. So when someone comes along and causes the innocent to suffer, as you have done; then I will show no mercy."

Her green eyes flashed and the Slytherin girl flinched. "Now why don't you do us all a favour and crawl back to that dungeon you snakes call a common room."

The girl scrambled to her feet and scurried off down the corridor without a word. Rachele sighed and then turned back to look at Claudia, only to find the Hufflepuff girl was nowhere to be found. She looked left and right then spun around but couldn't see any trace of her anywhere. Rachele stood there scratching her head.

"What the...when did she sneak away? Man what is she some sort of ninja?"

She shrugged. "Maybe she just went back to Hufflepuff common room, which reminds me Hermione is waiting for me in ours."

She backtracked the way she came and started the routine trek to Gryffindor Tower. She whistled as she walked along the halls with a bounce in her step. She just turned the next corner and let out a surprised squeal when she bumped into another body. She backed away spluttering apologies but stopped when her gaze was met with familiar vivid blue eyes.

She grinned. "Hey! Robert! Good to see you!"

He nodded and gave a grunt of acknowledgement which made her giggle. "Still the silent one I see. But hey! I see you've gotten taller!"

It was true, last year the two were around the same height. Now it seemed the boy had sprouted like a beanstalk and was now a couple inches taller than her. Robert stared down at her with a raised eyebrow.

Rachele crossed her arms. "You know we have to stop meeting like this. I'm always literally running into you, and what the heck are you doing around here? Slytherin common room is practically on the other side of the castle."

Robert blinked at her, startled that she had said all that in one long breath. But she didn't seem to notice and continued rambling.

"So anyways I'd love to keep chatting but Hermione's waiting for me and it's getting late so yeah...Bye Robert! See you in class!"

Robert opened his mouth to try and actually reply to her but she was gone before any sound, let alone a word, could escape his mouth. He stood there with his jaw hanging open but shrugged after a minute and continued on his way, a lopsided smirk on his face.

"She's still as perky and intriguing as ever."

Rachele skipped into the common room and found Hermione sitting on the couch with her arms folded and glaring at two familiar males who until now, had been missing.

Racheles' eyes widened. "Harry! Ron! Where the bloody hell have you two BEEN?"

The boys looked up at her in fear. "Uh...we were a little late." Harry muttered.

Hermione scoffed. "They flew here in a flying car! They were seen by seven muggles!"

Ron glowered. "It wasn't our fault! The barrier stopped working, we couldn't get through!"

Rachele looked at him confused. "Wait, what? Not working? What do you mean?"

Harry took over. "It was like a normal wall. We just crashed right into it."

Rachele's brow furrowed in thought. That didn't make any sense, only Dumbledore had the right to seal and unseal that barrier and it was always left open at the start of term to allow students and their families to pass through it. That only left one option; someone had tampered with it and it most certainly wasn't the headmaster.

"Rachele are you okay? You've gone quiet."

Rachele blinked and looked at her three friends who were staring at her in concern.

"Huh? Oh...yeah fine, just got lost in thought for a minute there."

She leered at the boys. "What did the Professors have to say about your little adventure?"

Harry shrugged. "We have detention."

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Of course you do. It's like a kid guilty for shoplifting getting let off with a smack on the wrist."

"Rachele." Hermione warned. Harry sniggered while Ron looked confused. "What's shoplifting?"

Rachele gave him a look. "Geez the wizarding world is so clueless. Well I'm off to bed! Coming Hermione?"

Hermione gave the boys another sharp look before standing up. "Right behind you."

When the girls had ascended the staircase and disappeared into their dorm, Ron let out a long deep sigh.

"Bloody hell those two are terrifying!"

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Rachele didn't seem too angry. She was more concerned with the barrier."

Ron huffed. "When she first marched in here I thought she was gonna throttle us! And I couldn't even look at Hermione since she was glaring daggers at us the whole time!"

Harry chuckled. "They were just worried that's all, now come on let's go to bed, we have classes in the morning."

Ron followed his best friend muttering under his breath about how girls were down-right scary whether they were your friend or not.

End of chapter