Year Three
Welcome back everyone for the third segment in Rachele's story. Things will now start becoming a bit darker now and we'll also begin seeing our characters growing up a little more.
Let's start the first chapter!
Chapter 1 – The Fugitive
'There is panic spreading through the wizarding world with the latest news from the press. After serving twelve years of imprisonment for ruthlessly killing an innocent man, mass murderer Sirius Black has mysteriously escaped from Azkaban. Aurors are scouring high and low for the wanted fugitive but still remain unsuccessful to this day. The Ministry of Magic are warning the public to stay indoors to avoid confrontation with this dangerous killer.'
Rachele put down the newspaper. "So it's official." She said looking up at the man sitting in front of her. "They're hunting you down as we speak."
Sirius grinned. "But I'm safe here right?"
Rachele sighed. "Look Sirius I know you're innocent and all, but breaking out of prison like that was a really dumb move." She gestured to the article. "The whole wizarding world is searching for you!"
Sirius nodded solemnly. "I know, I know. But it's for a good reason I promise."
She raised an eyebrow. "Really? And what reason could be worth getting caught again and being thrown back into prison...or worse." She leaned forward. "You do know how they deliver death sentences there don't you?"
She saw him visibly shiver and nod. "How could I forget? It was a common occurrence for anyone who attempted to break out."
She placed a hand on his. "I won't ask what's so important you're willing to risk your life. But Sirius I beg you to be careful." She smiled. "If it comes down to it I will plead your case. I'll do my best to prove to the world of your innocence; you have my word."
Sirius brought his other hand on top of hers and squeezed gently. "Thank you...for everything. It's been nice to have a friend to talk to these last couple of weeks."
Rachele smiled. "It was my pleasure. But you can't hide here forever, as powerful as I am, I can't erase suspicion people might have of my aloof behaviour. I haven't told even my closest friends you're here and I've had to delay any contact with them without giving an explanation."
Sirius bowed his head. "I understand...I'll leave first thing in the morning if that's what you want."
Rachele put up her hand when he stood up. "Woah! Hey just because I said you can't stay doesn't mean I'm gonna throw you out on the street like some abandoned dog."
Sirius grinned. "Well I am somewhat of a stray."
"Oh shut up you know what I mean." Rachele stood up and held out her hand. "Come with me, I know where to go."
Sirius cautiously took her hand and was immediately overcome with a flash of ember and amethyst. But it was over the moment he blinked and he found himself standing in the clearing of a forest. He looked to the girl beside him who was regarding her surroundings carefully.
"Where are we?"
She smiled. "A forest."
He glared at her vagueness. "I got that, but where are we?"
She began walking forward. "We're in a faraway landscape somewhere between Platform nine and three quarters and Hogwarts castle."
Sirius gaped. "We're all the way out here? How the..."
"Don't ask the how's Sirius, just accept them." He clamped his mouth shut. "Good, now I'll have to leave you here. But if you wait around this area for a couple of hours, I'll bring some supplies that'll sustain you for a while."
Sirius smiled. "Thank you, sorry for the trouble."
Rachele shook her head. "Don't apologize. I'm doing this out of my own free will. Ministry be damned."
Sirius barked out a laugh. "Couldn't have said it better myself!"
She grinned. "Well I better head off now. Hermione's gonna call me within the next hour and I don't wanna miss it."
He smiled and bowed. "Safe travels back home young one. May we meet again soon."
She smiled. "Thanks, stay outta trouble ya mangy mutt. I'll catch ya later."
Sirius then watched in amazement as the young pre-teen vanished, swallowed by the same flash of black and purple that had engulfed him only minutes prior. He let out an impressed whistle.
"Man that girl is a force to be reckoned with. Heaven help those who are ever on her bad side."
He sighed and looked around. "Well I suppose I'll have to keep myself entertained for a while."
Rachele appeared once again in her living room, startling her familiar who had been snoozing on the couch. She walked over to sit next to him and the cat sat up to look at her.
"He's safe then?"
She nodded. "For now, I'll be sending him some supplies in a couple of hours. I'm sure he'll survive until then."
Tiger huffed. "Probably go chasing squirrels or something."
Rachele laughed. "Aw come on he has more control than that."
The phone suddenly rung out and Rachele shot up to answer it. She picked it up eagerly, expecting only one person.
"Hello?"
"Hey Rach!"
Rachele grinned. "Hey Hermione! You called a little earlier than I was expecting."
"Yeah I know. I only have a little while to talk, going out soon."
"Fair enough, how was your day?"
"Fine I guess, spent a lot of it studying."
Rachele sniggered. "Typical, studious Hermione Granger."
There was a giggle on the other end. "You know me, gotta be prepared for the new year. Can you believe it's our third year at Hogwarts?"
Rachele walked back over and slumped onto the couch. "I know right? Where has the time gone? Hey when are you going to Diagon Alley?"
"Hmmmm, probably next week sometime. Why?"
"Wanna meet up like last year?"
"Sure! Sounds good. I'll call you the night before and we can organise a time."
Rachele grinned, already excited. "Sounds like a plan!"
"Great! Can't wait! Oh hang on mum's calling." There were some muffled voices before Hermione returned. "Hey I gotta head off now, I'll call again sometime tomorrow okay?"
Rachele pouted; disappointed their conversation was cut so short. "Aw okay, I'll catch ya later then. I'll see you next week!"
"Yup! Can't wait! Bye!"
"Bye."
There was a click and she was gone. Rachele sighed and brought the receiver down, resting it on her lap. "Man, chat's with her are usually short, but that's gotta be a record." She shrugged. "Oh, well at least we get to hang out next week."
That thought alone put her in a better mood. She skipped through the house and into the bathroom. She stared at her reflection and played with the ends of her ponytail.
"Hmmm, maybe I should go for something different, but nothing fancy."
She fiddled around with her long strands for several minutes, experimenting with different styles until finally settling on a simple long plait that rested over her shoulder.
"That's cute, I'll use that."
"It suits you Mistress."
She looked down at Tiger who was sitting at the door. She smiled. "Thanks Pusscat. Now let's see about getting the supplies to our fugitive." She made her way to the kitchen and opened her fridge to see what spare food she had. She grabbed a variety of different choices, closed the fridge before moving to the freezer. After that she scrimmaged through her cupboard until she had a large selection of foods and liquids on her kitchen bench. She put her hands on her hips and scanned over everything that was laid out.
"Well that's all the edibles, now he needs camping gear."
For a good half hour, she turned her house upside down gathering up necessities for the great outdoors; pillow, sleeping bag, etc. She grabbed a random unused bag and, focusing her mind, placed a strong Undetectable Extension charm on it. She then threw in everything one by one. She exhaled deeply once she was finished.
"You owe me big time Sirius."
Sirius lay against a large tree trunk with his arms behind his head. He stared up at the cloudless sky and soaked in the tranquillity of the natural environment. This was the complete opposite of what he was forced to endure living in the dark cell in Azkaban. The halls of that prison echoed with the never-ending cries of those being executed or others who were just simply insane. And now, finally after twelve years, he had broken free of that hellhole and was now able to enjoy some peace and quiet. And it was all thanks to a certain young brunette.
When he had met Rachele, his first impression was that a twelve year old girl was wandering the dark streets of London alone and that she would no doubt attract some paedophile creep. But she didn't seem too bothered; in fact she wasn't at all scared, not even when he revealed his dog form to her. Most children would scream and run when a large canine growls or snarls at them, but she had seen right through him and immediately identified him as an Animagus. The remainder of that night was him accompanying her home, her inviting him in and the two of them conversing until the wee hours of the morning. It was only after she had revealed everything there was to know about her past and abilities, did he fully confide in her about his sacrifice and time spent in a dark place he didn't deserve to be in. Learning this girls' true identity had left him rather flabbergasted; he had no idea that such immense power could reside in one so young. And now having witnessed some of that power, he held nothing but respect for her, not to mention his most profound gratitude. Not only did she take him in and provide him shelter, she willingly allowed him to stay with her for the last few weeks, knowing full well that she was illegally harbouring a fugitive. And now here he was, waiting for her to send him supplies to help him on his run from the authorities.
Ironically enough, there was another flash and Rachele reappeared. She had no possessions on her save for an average sized backpack she had slung over her left shoulder. She smiled as she approached him.
"Hey, hope you weren't too bored out here."
He grinned. "Nah not really, was mostly enjoying the fresh air."
"Understandable." She sympathized as she took off the backpack." There's not much of that in Azkaban." She handed the bag to him. "Here, as promised."
He took it from her. "That's a small bag for a potentially long trip."
She grinned. "I put an Undetectable Extension charm on it, a stronger one than most. Trust me there's more stuff in there than you think."
Sirius tested out the bag by opening it and shoving his arm in. He was definitely convinced when it was buried all the way up near his shoulder. He moved his hand around inside and could feel the many items she had packed; a large cushiony pillow being one of them. He pulled his arm back out and gave Rachele a satisfied grin.
"This is amazing I wish I had learnt this spell back in school." When she gave him a look he chuckled. "Of course no one can outshine you little miss almighty."
Rachele rolled her eyes. "Gee thanks, you know how to hand out compliments. Look are you gonna be okay?" She asked as he stood up and swung the bag over his shoulder. "I'm worried about leaving you out here. What if the Ministry catches you?"
Sirius walked forward and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Don't fret yourself. I was running and hiding for several days before you found me. I'm sure I'll manage." He patted her head. "I won't ever forget your generosity and kindness Rachele; it's a rare thing to find in people these days." He then flicked her plait. "Cute hairstyle, it suits you."
She giggled and swatted his hand away. "Oh sod off." She smiled. "And it was my pleasure, be sure to notify me if anything goes wrong."
Sirius grinned. "Will do, you're going to Hogwarts soon aren't you?"
Rachele nodded. "Next week."
"Good, I'll send a message to you there in the most discreet way that I can." He patted her head again. "I'll be seeing you soon."
"Will do, take care Sirius."
Rachele watched him walk away through the thick of the trees. Once she was sure he was gone she teleported herself back to London.
The moment she was home, she headed straight to her room, opened her wardrobe and pulled out her guitar case. She hadn't played her instrument since she had taken Sirius in and her fingers were itching to pluck the strings after weeks of not being able to practise. She positioned the guitar in her arms, placed trained fingers on the frets and strummed the strings. She played a short intro before opening her mouth and letting her soft melodious voice waft through the house. Within seconds Tiger came trotting into view and he made a beeline straight for her, jumping up on the couch and curling up next to her. She smiled at her familiar and carried on with her playing and the two of them sat contently with the lullaby of her music swirling around them.
The following week, Rachele skipped around the house merrily as she prepared for her day. Within the next hour she would be in Diagon Alley and meeting up with Hermione. The girls had chatted on the phone the previous night for several hours, during which they agreed to meet outside Flourish and Blotts at around lunch time. Her grin widened with excitement and she hurried about her morning routine. She quickly brushed and fixed up her messy bed hair before styling it into a neat plait. She bid farewell to Tiger, despite him being completely zonked on her bed, and teleported away.
Unlike the previous year, Rachele successfully appeared in the shadows near a shop that was thankfully on the desired street. She stepped out and hustled through the crowd, steadily making her way to the rendezvous point. Arriving at the book store, she noticed she was the first one to arrive, so she leant against the wall near the entrance and patiently waited. Her eyes scanned over the people in the street, parents being dragged by children eager to buy new things, friends laughing and gossiping over the latest edition of stock that was now on sale. She smiled fondly at a small toddler tugging on his mothers' sleeve and pointing excitedly at the newest racing brooms that were glistening in the display window.
"Rachele!"
Her eyes darted in the direction she heard her name being called and she smiled brightly at the sight of Hermione waving to her in the midst of the crowd.
"Hey! Hermione!"
Once it was clear, they raced to each other and came together much like the year before with a reunion filled with high squeals and a long suffocating hug. After clinging for a long minute, Rachele backed away to beam at her friend.
"Summer is so long without my bestie!"
Hermione laughed. "I know the feeling all too well." She then noticed the plait resting over Rachele's shoulder. "Hey you changed hair styles! Aww you look adorable!"
Rachele beamed. "Thanks! Thought I'd go for something a little different this year."
Hermione nodded in approval. "It looks good on you."
"Yeah I know." Rachele grinned smugly and pulled out a slip of folded parchment from her jeans pocket. "You ready to go shopping?"
Hermione sniggered and presented her parchment as well. "You betcha. Let's go."
For the next several hours, the two friends wandered around to various stores, purchasing what they needed for the upcoming school year. Most of what was required was books for a few subjects and next to that they spent the majority of their time window shopping and catching up on each others' summer. In the late-afternoon, the girls' left Diagon Alley through the magical brick barrier, and the local wizarding motel known as the Leaky Cauldron. They exited out the backdoor which led them out into the loud, busy streets of the Muggle world.
Rachele breathed in a lung full of air. "Merlin it's so much nicer out here. As much as I love Diagon Alley it's so damn claustrophobic with all those people jammed into that tiny street."
Hermione laughed. "We just appreciate the Muggle world more because it's our home."
Rachele grinned. "Aaaww that was mushy Hermione, you're a real sentiment aren't you?"
Hermione punched her arm. "Shut up, I was being honest."
A buzz sounded from Hermione's pocket and Rachele knew all too well that meant her time with her friend was up.
Hermione answered her phone. "Hello? Hey mum, yeah I just got here. Yup, okay see you soon. Bye." She hung up and looked at Rachele. "My mum will be here in a few minutes."
Rachele deflated and nodded. "Yeah I gathered... I should head off too."
"Wait, hang on." Hermione stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Don't you wanna meet her? I've told her all about you."
Rachele smiled sadly and shook her head. "Not today, another time."
Hermione stared at her confusingly. "Well...okay if you're sure."
"I'm sure." Rachele said backing away. "I'll see you on the train."
Hermione waved. "Yeah, see ya then."
Rachele smiled. "Bye." She quickly turned and walked back into the Leaky Cauldron, not allowing Hermione to see the devastation on her face. A minute later she cracked the door open a smidge to see a car pull up onto the sidewalk. She saw Hermione looking practically straight at her with deep concern before turning back and climbing into the passenger side. They drove off and Rachele released the light hold she had on the door, letting it land softly on her forehead. She was so close, her own mother was within arms' reach but for what felt like the umpteenth time, she kept herself hidden. She reminded herself again, that no matter how hard it was, she was doing this to keep Hermione and her parents safe, no matter how painful it was for her. Leaning against the wood, she let out a small sob and collapsed to her knees with tears of heartbreak streaming down her face.
Tiger perked up from his place on the couch when his Mistress returned from her trip. He stood up and stretched to greet her but noticed how exhausted and depressed she seemed.
"Rachele...are you okay?"
Rachele sighed and slumped into an armchair. "I don't know how much longer I can do this."
Concerned, he jumped off the couch then up onto her lap. "What do you mean?"
Rachele looked down at him and the cat could see the pain in the girls' eyes. "This!" She gestured to everything around them. "Waiting for who knows how long for some psychos to hunt me down because their Dark Lord had some premonition about me and has dedicated his life to following me to the ends of the earth and killing me along with everyone that I care about!" She stood up, forcing the cat to fall off her lap. She ignored his put-out look and continued to rant. "And what the hell am I doing? Hiding away in this remote building like some shameful coward! I have been watching my family for 12 years, constantly wishing that I can be with them! But the longer I sit here and let Dumbledore shelter me, the longer I have to wait to be with them!"
Tiger put up a paw. "Woah, easy Mistress, calm down!"
She let out a frustrated groan and sat back down. She put her face down in her hands. "What am I going to do?"
Tiger put a comforting paw on her leg. "I know it's hard Mistress, but what you've been doing has kept them alive. It's not simply by doing nothing, but by keeping your identity a secret from the world. That is the reason they are safe."
Rachele sighed. "But why do I feel so useless? I have all this power and I'm doing nothing."
"Maybe you're time hasn't come yet. Maybe the world isn't ready for that kind of hero. You are still very young and are living in a dark and mysterious world." When Rachele looked away he quickly added. "But it doesn't mean you haven't made any effect. People may not be aware of your true heritage, but they do know of your kindness and selflessness. You were quick to make friends during your first year. You were constantly pulling Hermione and the boys out of trouble, even if they're not aware of it. And let's not forget people like Ginny Weasley and Claudia Clarken. You were the only person to reach out and be a friend to them and I'm sure they're grateful, especially poor Claudia who has that bully of a sister constantly giving her trouble."
Rachele cringed at the mention of the Slytherin. "That girl is demented, there's something seriously wrong with her. What twisted evil person would treat their sister like that?"
Tiger smiled. "And that's what I'm talking about. You're a good, gentle soul with a pure heart. You help anyone in need even if they're a stranger to you. You don't need to be powerful to show that kind of charity."
Rachele smiled and patted him on the head. "Sometimes I can hardly believe you're only a couple of years old, you always know what to say to me Pusscat."
Tiger puffed out his chest. "It's a natural gift that comes with my kind."
Rachele laughed. "And you're definitely not lacking modesty."
"Whatever, think what you like. Now if you don't mind I'm going back down for a nap."
"But you just had one!" She called out as he trotted back down the hall towards her bedroom. She shook her head. "Good grief that furball is lazy."
She sat quietly for the next few minutes, pondering over the words her cat spoke to her. He made good points regarding how she treated everyone. Rachele always prided herself with showing love and kindness to everyone, and justice to those she felt deserved it. But it was also her job to protect everyone, especially her friends. With them on her mind, she dug into her jeans pocket and pulled out a plain looking rock. This was the rock Ron has given to her last Christmas which held special magical properties. She placed it on her palm and concentrated carefully on a happy memory. This time she pictured her and Hermione, and the fun times they'd shared since they met in their first year. The smooth stone gently glowed a soft shade of purple before a butterfly the same colour shifted out from it. Rachele smiled as it fluttered around her head. She felt warmth spread from the top of her head, right down to her toes and she relished in the peacefulness that flowed through her skin. With new resolve she stood up, causing the butterfly to fade away behind her. She then focused her mind on a certain destination and vanished. It was time to reunite with a friend.
Rachele appeared on a dimly lit path in the middle of a small town. The sun was now beginning its descent, house windows lit up and the road grew steadily darker. She studied the homes and was rather bemused at how identical they all seemed.
"Good grief these people have no taste." She remarked as she peered at the house numbers. "Okay let's see here... Ten, right so it's a little further down." She walked on. "Eight...Six...Four! This is the one!" She stared at the tiny home in front of her. "He lives here? Gosh it's already a nightmare and I haven't even seen the rellies yet." She ducked down and tiptoed over to a window where she could see a family talking and laughing in the living room. She narrowed her eyes. "Where is...?" Movement caught her eye from the kitchen and when she looked over, she felt her heart break.
"Oh...Harry."
There was Harry Potter, one of her best friends, slaving away over the stove and obeying the occasional order that was barked at him. Rachele had never felt so appalled and disgusted with anything in her life.
"This is the life he's been subjected to? This is what Harry goes home to every summer? Oh Albus...what have you done?"
She stayed where she was for a long while, watched as Harry served the hot meal to his 'family' before being ordered to start on the dishes. This went on for a good half hour, and right when Rachele had just about had enough, an event transpired that would give her never-ending amusement. One of the people at the table, a large woman who had been especially nasty, said something which caused Harry to turn around and yell at her to shut up. His tone had been so loud and angry Rachele had heard it clearly through the thick glass. Lights in the house began flickering and all the furniture and objects began shaking. That alone indicated Harry was more than a little annoyed and Rachele could strongly feel the magic pulsating from his body. The woman turned to him and pointed at him to lecture him but stopped short and frowned quizzically at her finger. If Rachele thought she was overweight before, it was nothing compared to now. She could barely contain her laughter as she watched the woman's body began to swell, like someone slowly blowing up a balloon. She became so inflated she rose off the ground and began floating away. A large man, who she knew must be related, grabbed her hands to try and pull her back to ground level. But even he couldn't pull the weight and his feet lifted off the floor as well. Eventually he was forced to let go and the fully blown up woman flew away into the sky. By now Rachele was sitting on the ground clutching her stomach and giggling hysterically. A few minutes later after she'd calmed down, she peered back inside in time to see Harry with his trunk and threatening the man, who Rachele now guessed was his uncle, with his wand. She heard a few words being exchanged before the front door opened and Harry stormed out, slamming the door behind him. Rachele gave him a full minute head-start to let him cool down before sneaking off after him. She followed him from the shadows until they reached an empty park. By now the sky was black and the street was dark save for a few lamp-posts flickering on and off. Harry sat down onto the curb, put his trunk beside him and sighed, obviously not knowing what to do. Rachele grinned and slowly walked up from behind him. She snuck over to his right and reached over to tap his left shoulder. Harry turned and frowned to the empty space.
"Hello?"
Rachele leaned close to his ear. "HEY HARRY!" She laughed loudly when he fell off the curb and pointed his wand at her. He blinked with surprise when he recognised her.
"Rachele?"
"Well who else would it be?" She asked while holding out her hand. "Sorry, did I surprise you?"
"Yeah, you scared the heck outta me." He grinned and took her hand. "What are you doing here?" He asked, letting her pull him to his feet.
Rachele folded her arms. "Dumbledore has mentioned to me about your 'living arrangements.'" She said making air quotes. "So I thought I'd come see for myself." She frowned sadly. "Harry...why didn't you tell us you were being treated so badly?"
Harry looked away. "There's no point, it's not like I can move out."
She furrowed her brow. "What do you mean? Surely there's someone else that can take better care of you."
He shook his head. "Dumbledore keeps insisting I need to stay here. 'Said I'll be safer."
Rachele's jaw dropped. "Safer? You call that safe? They're treating you like a slave!"
Harry shrugged. "I've been living here my whole life, I'm used to it."
"No one should have to live like that!" She scoffed. "Those people in there are less than vermin with how horrible they are!"
Harry put his hands up. "Woah, hey calm down, it's okay." He smiled. "It's fine coz I have friends like you that I know care about me. And that makes it worth it."
Rachele smiled. "And you'll always have us Harry. And I know you can take care of yourself." She sniggered. "I saw proof of that just now."
Harry gawked. "You saw that?"
Rachele looked up, laughed and pointed. "Hey look! There she is!"
Harry followed her finger and laughed as well. High above his house they could make out a round figure floating around near the rooftops which was screaming and shrieking.
"That was epic." Rachele grinned and gave him a high five.
Harry smirked. "That old cow got what she deserved."
"What did she say that ticked you off so much?" Rachele asked.
Harry growled. "She insulted my parents...I won't repeat what she said."
Rachele glared up at the floating figure. "Insufferable piece of sh-"
A loud honk cut off her obvious profanity and the two were momentarily blinded by a pair of headlights. A tall purple triple-decker bus screeched to a halt beside them and the doors hissed open.
"Oh goody...happy happy joy and fun." Rachele muttered.
Harry looked at her then back to the bus. "What's going on?"
A boy dressed in a wrinkled conductor's uniform stepped off the bus. He looked to be about eighteen; his face was pasty white, had dark sunken eyes and just looked like he hadn't seen the sun in a long time.
"Welcome to the knight bus." He drawled. "Emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard."
Rachele rolled her eyes. "But we're not stranded."
He ignored her. "My name is Stan Shunpike and I will be your conductor for this evening." He sniffed and looked down at the two friends.
Rachele raised an eyebrow at him. "Yes? Can we help you?"
Stan returned the look. "You two getting on or not? I don't have all night."
She sighed. "Fine." She turned to Harry. "Let's go then Harry, you ever ridden the Knight Bus before?"
"Uh...no."
She grinned. "Then you're in for a fun ride. Stan would you be so kind and grab Harry's trunk? Thanks." She smiled at the conductor as she led Harry onto the bus who gawked at the inside.
"Beds? Really?"
Rachele grinned. "Yeah I know right? Muggle buses suck compared to this." She sat down on one of the beds and patted the space next to her. "Come sit, you'll wanna brace yourself."
"Brace myself for what?" Harry asked as he plonked next to her.
She just smiled knowingly and turned to Stan. "Mr Shunpike! The Leaky Cauldron if you would please."
The conductor frowned. "Don't call me that, it makes me sound like an old man." He tapped the glass behind him and signalled the driver. "Take 'er away Ern! The Leaky Cauldron!"
A shrunken head that was dangling from the overhead cackled. "Take er away Ern! It's going to be a bumpy ride!" The driver Ernie, who was snoring loudly, woke up with a start at the sound of his name. He pushed a long lever forward and pressed down hard on the accelerator.
"Might want to hold onto something Harry." Rachele warned, swinging her legs around and lying down.
"Hold onto something? What do ya me-?"
The bus rocketed off like a bullet and all the beds slid backwards as one. Harry frantically held onto the bedpost for support while they were rocked around violently. He looked down at Rachele who was completely relaxed with her eyes closed and her arms behind her head.
"How the hell are you doing that?"
She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Doing what?"
"Not flying off the bed!"
She grinned. "It's only your first time Harry, you'll get used to it."
"Oi! You two!"
They both turned to Stan who was regarding them suspiciously. "What were your names? I didn't catch them earlier."
"That's because we didn't say." Rachele responded.
"Well then what are they?"
"What if we don't wanna tell you?"
"You're a passenger on this bus!"
"So?"
"So it's courtesy!"
"Yeah but it's not a rule. And I barely know you so I hold no obligation."
Stan growled and disappeared behind a newspaper he had been reading earlier. "Kids..."
Rachele rolled her eyes. "Whatever, you're not that much older." She turned back to Harry but noticed he was staring in Stan's direction. She looked as well and spotted straight away what had caught Harry's attention. On the front cover of the newspaper was a wizarding photo of a man held in custody and yelling out desperately of his innocence; a man who had just recently broken out of Azkaban prison.
'Hope you're okay out there Sirius.' Rachele sighed sadly.
"Who is that?" Harry asked, gesturing to the picture. "That man?"
Stan flipped the newspaper before giving Harry a look of disbelief. "Who is that? Who is that?" He leaned close to Harry. "That is Sirius Black, that is. Don't tell me you haven't heard of him." Harry shook his head. "He's a murderer, got himself locked up in Azkaban for it."
"How did he escape?" Harry asked.
"Well that's the question ain't it! He's the first one that done it!" He leaned in closer. "He was a big supporter of...You-Know-Who."
"You shut the hell up Shanpike." Rachele growled. "Don't talk about matters you know nothing about."
Stan glared at her. "And what would you know about Sirius Black eh missy?"
"More than you do scrappy. You see unlike you, I don't believe all the bullcrap that's printed on these stupid papers."
"You watch yourself girly!" Stan stood to his full height and leered at her. "A naive little child like you has no idea what's happening in the world. So why don't you go skip back off to your little magical fairy wonderland?"
Rachele's eyes flashed briefly, enough for the man to step backwards in shock, and she stood up to face him. "I may be a little girl, but at least I'm not a run-down teenager whose achievement in life is welcoming people onto a beat up ol' bus."
Harry stood up between them. "Um hey guys...we have something up ahead."
The bickering pair turned around to see they were heading straight for two double-decker buses. Stan shrugged and went back to his paper. "Nothing we haven't had before, just a bit of an odd feeling that's all."
Rachele cringed. "I've only felt this once. It's so uncomfortable."
Harry looked more confused than ever. "Huh?"
She nodded towards the window. "Just watch...or feel."
Just as they were about to collide with the buses, they screeched to a slow speed. The bus then narrowed in size and squeezed through the small gap in-between the two buses. The moment they broke free, the bus shot off again and they were back on their way.
"Well that was...strange." Harry gasped collapsing back on the bed.
"Told ya." Rachele grinned.
The bus raced along for a few more kilometres, turning off the main roads and zipping through dark streets.
"Don't the Muggles notice us?" Harry asked turning to Rachele.
"Not really." She replied. "They're so caught up in their own world they wouldn't notice."
They swivelled around another corner, sped down that street for a few seconds until Ernie slammed hard on the breaks again. The bus stopped just short of a parked car and barely tapped its bumper, which caused an alarm to wail loudly. Harry flew forward and collided painfully with the glass window behind the driver. Rachele rushed over to help him.
"Oh my gosh! Are you okay?"
Harry rubbed his forehead and nodded. "Yeah I'm alright."
The door hissed open again and Stan gestured to their destination. "The Leaky Cauldron."
The two friends hastily exited the bus, and Rachele made it easier for everyone by levitating Harry's trunk onto the ground. The door to the Leaky Cauldron suddenly opened and the innkeeper, Tom, hunched towards them with a toothy grin.
"Ah, Mr Potter. At last" Rachele cleared her throat and he threw a smile her way. "And welcome to you too Miss Sullivan."
Harry gave her a look. "Is there anyone you don't know?"
She grinned. "Not really."
They followed Tom through the musky hotel, up the stairs (Rachele does her best to ignore the lingering stare of the bartender) and into a room on the right. They walked in and Harry smiled brightly when he spotted his snowy white owl perched on top of a chair.
"Hedwig!" He exclaimed, rushing over to pat her.
"Right smart bird you've got there Mr Potter. Arrived only five minutes before yourself."
The sound of someone clearing their throat was heard from the other side of the room. Tom fell silent, bowed his head and backed away. Rachele squinted at the figure as they stood by the far window.
"I should tell you, Mr Potter, earlier this evening your uncles sister was located just south of Sheffield, circling a chimney stack. The Accidental Magic Reversal Department was dispatched and she's been properly punctured and her memory modified. She had no recollection of the incident whatsoever."
"And that's that."The man finally turned around and smiled. "And no harm done! Ah! I see you've brought young Miss Sullivan with you as well." He bowed to the younger girl.
She smiled and returned the bow. "It's nice to see you Minister, and on Harry's behalf I thank you for your and the Ministry's efforts on avoiding what could've have been a recipe for disaster."
The minister gave her a smile that seemed a little forced. "Of course, we do what we can. May we offer the two of you some pea soup?"
"No thank you." Rachele refused with a raised hand.
"Excuse me Minister." Harry asked, stepping forward.
"Yes Harry?" Fudge asked.
"I don't understand. I broke the law. Underage wizards aren't allowed to use magic at home-"
"Oh, come now Harry! The Ministry doesn't send people to Azkaban for blowing up their aunts!"
"Even though she did deserve it." Rachele muttered. Harry sniggered and elbowed her to be quiet.
"On the other hand...running away like that...given the state of things was very irresponsible."
"The state of things sir?" Harry questioned.
"We have a killer on the loose." Fudge warned.
"Sirius black you mean? But what does he have to do with me?" Harry asked.
Rachele sighed, not even bothering to go through the same argument she had with Stan Shunpike. So for now, she kept her mouth shut.
"Oh! Nothing of course!" Fudge chuckled. "You're safe! That's what matters. And tomorrow you'll both be on your way to Hogwarts." He gestured to a pile of books to the side. "These are your new school books. I took the liberty of having them brought here for you. Ah and Miss Sullivan yours have been delivered to the room you'll be staying in."
Rachele blinked. "Wait...what?"
"Now Tom will show you to your rooms!"
The innkeeper grabbed the friends by their shirts and dragged them roughly towards the door.
"Hey!" Rachele growled. "Watch where you're grabbing!"
"Hedwig." Harry called out. The white owl flew over obediently and perched onto his arm.
"By the way..." Fudge said. "Whilst you're here it would best if you didn't...wander."
Rachele rolled her eyes and gave a mocking salute. "Yes sir." She walked out with the others, missing the dark look the minister had sent in her direction.
End of Chapter
And there you have it :) Rachele is secretly helping Sirius run from the Ministry. She's the only one that knows he's innocent.
Thought it'd be cute to give her a different hair style. It's a subtle sign that's she growing into a young woman.
Next up we reunite with some friends and return to school. But not before a rather eventful train ride.
See ya then!
