Now onto chapter two! Peace is short lived when Harry is in need of some help.
Enjoy!
Chapter Two – Escorting The Chosen One
Just as he said, Robert didn't visit for the next three to four days due to his all-day training. Rachele made sure to get her fair share of hugs and kisses from him before he disappeared from her fireplace. The morning after, she received a tidal wave of teasing from Claudia who was completely ecstatic her two best friends had finally hooked up. And as much as Rachele missed having her boyfriend around, she wasn't the type to sit around and mope about it. Instead she decided to check up on her other friends, she hadn't contacted a single person since she took off after Dumbledore's death, and there was one in particular she was keen on visiting.
"Hey Claudia?" She poked her head into her best friends room. "I'm going out for a while."
Claudia looked up from her book. "Okay, when are you getting back?"
"I should be back by dinner. Don't cook anything I'll bring take-out."
Claudia grinned. "Yay, can't wait."
Rachele chuckled. "See ya later." She gave her a salute as her signature flames engulfed her.
She reappeared on the humble street of Privet Drive, stalking directly to number four. Something seemed strangely eerie about the neighbourhood, it had the abandoned evacuated feeling. A little on edge, she cautiously knocked on the Dursley's door. A minute later it opened and she smiled in relief.
"Harry, thank Merlin."
His face lit up. "Rachele!" He surprised her by pulling her into a hug. "Everyone's been so worried."
She smiled and put her arms around him. "I know I'm sorry, I needed some time to myself." She looked around. "Let's go inside, there's lots to talk about." Harry led her into the main living room which was now nothing more than an empty space. Any personal belongings, furniture, appliances, all had been cleared out.
"What's going on?" Rachele looked around then back at him. "Where're the Dursleys."
"Gone." Harry said. "If they stayed here they would've become targets."
Rachele smiled. "Even after the way they treated you, you save their lives."
Harry shrugged. "When it comes right down to it, they're still family." He leaned against the wall. "So you going to explain what happened?"
Rachele raised an eyebrow. "Can you be more specific?"
He sighed. "The cave."
"Aaah." She nodded. "Yeah that's part of the reason I came to see you." She let out a huff of air. "You might want to sit down." She waved her hand and two arm-chairs appeared. Slightly taken back by her effortless conjuring, Harry lowered himself into the chair.
"Alright." Rachele plonked in the seat opposite him and crossed her legs. "Where to start..."
And she told him everything in etricate detail. About the existence of her magic and the Sorceress's of light thousands of years ago. The capabilities the magic gave her, her strengths, weaknesses, how her life span was longer and she would out-live everyone she knew. She told him of her life growing up with Dumbledore and how much the old wizard meant to her. She slowly recapped every event of each year they were at school and the parts she had to play.
Harry stared completely gobsmacked. "So wait...that woman in the bright light that scared Voldemort after I confronted Quirrell. That was you?"
She grinned. "Yup. And if you think back, it wasn't the only time I appeared to you guys in that form."
Harry narrowed his eyes in concentration for a moment before they widened. "The Ministry of Magic!"
She chuckled. "Yup that was me too."
"Bloody hell, Voldemort was petrified of you! He ran away like a cockroach!"
She laughed. "I'm the complete opposite of him Harry. Light, love and goodness. He's scared of them because he doesn't understand. And he never will. He doesn't realise those are the things that fuel my magic, make me stronger."
Harry stared in awe. "Blimey. Maybe you should get rid of him then."
Rachele shook her head. "It's not my destiny Harry. I will assist in the war in any way that I can, but I can't be the one to fight Voldemort."
Harry sighed. "You can beat him so much easier than I can."
"I can defeat him yes, but I can't kill him."
He frowned. "Why?"
She then explained her inability to take another life, how and why the magic restrains her from committing the unforgivable crime. She told him the story of the one sorceress who broke through that barrier and killed her friend which caused her to go insane.
"Wow...it really is a pure light magic isn't it?"
Rachele grinned. "Hey just cos I can't kill someone, doesn't mean I can't inflict pain."
Harry laughed. "Remind me never to piss you off then."
"Since I've told you this much already, I may as well tell you the other thing."
He rose an eyebrow. "Other thing?"
She smiled, before telling him the truth about her true blood lineage and who her real family was. Harry's eyes went so round she thought they might pop out of his head.
"You're Hermione's twin sister?!"
"Faternal twins, but yes."
He rolled his eyes. "I figured faternal, but damn I never would've guessed. But wait, have you told her yet?"
Rachele sighed. "No, not yet."
"Why?"
She then went on about how persistently Voldemort had been hunting her for her entire life and how she ran away to protect her family.
"Until I'm positive the danger is gone, I can't tell them anything. It's the safest way."
Harry couldn't help admiring her bravery. "I'm sure if Hermione ever finds out, she'll be grateful for the lengths you've gone to protect her."
She smiled. "Thanks, I just hope she doesn't take it too hard."
"Nah, I don't think so." He grinned. "If anything she'll be happy to have a sister. She's mentioned a few times about always wanting one."
Rachele giggled. "That's good to know. But promise you'll keep it to yourself Harry. Don't tell anyone, especially Hermione." She paused. "Or Ron."
Harry smiled assuringly. "Don't worry, I won't breathe a word. It's not my secret to tell anyway."
"Thanks Harry." She exhaled. "Well that's a load off."
He chuckled. "Am I the first friend to find out?"
She grinned sheepishly. "No, Robbie and Claudia have known for a while."
Harry's eyebrows shot up. "How long?"
"The summer before sixth year, not long after I started hanging out with them."
"Blimey, they're priveleged."
She smirked. "They were in the right place at the right time."
"Right...how're those two doing anyway?"
She smiled. "Good. Claudia's at home right now. She's been reading a lot lately."
"And Robert?"
She let out a dreamy sigh that spiked Harry's curiosity. "He was visiting every day at first, but lately he's been kept home more often. I haven't seen him in a few days."
Harry studied her face. "Did something happen?"
She looked at him. "What'd you mean?"
He leaned forward. "You and Robert, has something happened between you two?" She surprised him when she blushed brightly.
"Maybe..."
His grin grew. "Raaccheellee..."
"Alright fine! We're dating now, you happy?"
He laughed. "That's brilliant! It's about bloody time. How'd it happen?"
She quickly told him about how she realised she had fallen for him, but she left out her confession and their first kiss in her backyard; that was something she wanted to keep between her and Robert.
"That's awesome Rach." Harry was beaming. "You finally have a boyfriend."
She grinned. "Yes I do. And speaking of..." Her grin turned into a devious smirk. "How're things with Ginny?"
Harry's smiled dropped. "Uh...we broke up."
Rachele looked mortified. "WHAT?" She stood up. "What the hell? What for?"
Harry stared at his lap. "It was at Dumbledore's funeral. I told her I just wanted to protect her, that being my girl-friend could make her more of a target. I just want her to be safe- OW!" He rubbed his head where Rachele had just smacked him. "The hell was that for?"
"Are you a bleeding idiot?" She glowered at him. "What kind of thick-headed moron are you?"
"But...I was just-"
"But nothing!" She pointed at him. "She's already a target Harry. The Weasley's are a pure-blooded family fighting against the dark forces. The Death Eaters only see them as blood traitors. They'll be high on Voldemorts hit list."
Harry frowned. "I know that, but she'll be more of a target if she has any close relationship with me."
"You have to stop treating her like some damsel-in-distress Harry. She's involved in this war just as much as the rest of us. You can't keep sheltering her, it'll just aggravate her."
Harry sighed. "I can't help it, alright? I love her too much."
Rachele smiled. "I know. But if you want my opinion, keep her as close as you can. It's the best way to protect someone."
"What about Hermione? You're keeping her distant aren't you?"
She glared. "That's different. If Voldemort finds out she's my sister, he will personally come after her. He knows he can't kill me easily, so he wants to kill anyone who's even breathed in the same space as me. I have to be extra careful."
Harry sighed. "Fine, you have a point."
"Look Harry, I can see Ginny loves you. And take it from me, shutting her out will not only hurt her, but you as well." She smiled sadly. "Believe me...I know."
His eyebrows furrowed. "What'd you mean?"
"Before I figured out my feelings for Robbie, I was trapped in a dark place after Dumbledore's death that for a while I considered love an unneccessary burden... a distraction from my duties. So I closed my heart and pushed him away, causing this rift between us that I still regret even now. It only took a few days for me to realise how much I needed him in my life." She smiled at the memory. "I apologised to him of course, but he was sweet and said it was all okay as though nothing had ever happened. It was the morning after I realised I had fallen for him."
Harry was staring intently at her, completely entranced by her story. "Wow...that's...wow." He chuckled. "Straight out of a soapy."
She glared. "Seriously? That's what you got from that? A freakin television show?"
He laughed. "Sorry, but you're right. I guess I have been feeling like a prat since I broke it off."
She wore a triumphant grin. "Aha! You see? I'm totally right."
"Yeah, yeah."
"You have to hook up again."
His eyes widened in panic. "How the hell am I supposed to do that? She probably hates my guts right now."
"I'll talk to her. You going to the Burrow any time soon?"
He nodded. "Yeah, tomorrow night. Some people are coming to escort me."
She looked at him. "You're being escorted?"
"Yeah, Voldemort's looking for me. We've given him false information about when I'm being moved. He thinks it's in a few days."
She didn't hesitate. "I'll help too."
He smiled. "The more the merrier."
She grinned. "I'll be there." She looked up at the ceiling. "I better go, it's getting late and I promised Claudia I'd bring dinner."
Harry followed her gaze. "What're you looking at?"
She grinned. "The sky tells me the time."
He shook his head. "Damn you have x-ray vision too? You're such a show-off."
Rachele laughed. "It has it's uses." She stretched. "Well I'm off."
Harry stood up and walked her to the door. "Thanks for coming and...well telling me the truth."
Rachele smiled. "These are rough times now Harry, you're going to need my help now more than ever."
Harry grinned. "Looking forward to it." He gave her a brotherly hug. "See you tomorrow night?"
She saluted. "Aye aye cap'n. Oh and Harry?." When he raised his eyebrows, she just shot him a cheeky grin and vanished before his eyes in a flash of amethyst. Harry blinked in surprise. "Damn...wasn't expecting that." He walked back inside, shaking his head in amazement.
Rachele flashed back into her home, her arms carrying a few takeaway bags containing burgers and fries. "Claudia!" She called through the house. "I'm home! I have food!" She entered the living room in search of her house-mate. She found her lazing casually on the couch, but she wasn't alone. Another unexpected person was sitting next to her.
The surprise guest turned and smiled at her. "Hey Gryffindor." He stood up to greet her with open arms.
Rachele's eyes lit up like fireworks. "Robbie!" She dropped all her bags and rushed into her boyfriend's embrace. "You're back!"
He hugged her close. "Yeah, my dad said I could take a break since I've been working so hard."
"How long can you stay?" She asked eagerly.
He chuckled. "A couple days."
She squealed and leant up to kiss him. "I missed you."
Robert visibly melted, swept away by the girl in his arms. "I missed you too." He captured her lips again and the two lost themselves in each other for a moment until they heard someone clearing their throat.
They broke apart and turned to Claudia who had her eyebrow raised at them. Rachele coughed awkwardly and stepped back to pick up the fallen bags. "Right, sorry Claudia." She handed one to her best friend. "I picked up some Burger King, is that alright?"
Claudia took it. "Yes please, I'll eat anything right now."
Rachele smiled then turned to Robert. "I would've brought you something too if I knew you were coming."
He waved a dismissive hand. "Nah, I ate before I came. My mother filled me like a stuffed animal."
Rachele giggled. "Your mother knows how to take care of you."
He rolled his eyes. "She smothers me."
She smiled and pecked his cheek before sitting down to tuck into her meal. "She's a mother, it's her job." She took a big bite of her burger. "Mmmmmm."
Robert chuckled, sitting in between the two girls, stretching his arm along the back of the couch behind his girlfriend. "So Claudia mentioned you've been out most of the day."
"Mmhmm." Rachele swallowed. "I went and saw Harry. We ended up talking for a while."
"How is he?"
She wobbled her hand. "Alright, things are getting complicated." She told them the plans involving escorting Harry to the burrow the following night.
"Do you want our help?" Robert asked.
She smiled. "Just go ahead to the Burrow and meet us there. Harry will need as many friends there as he can get."
"Sounds like a plan." Claudia said.
"Is that all you talked about?" Robert looked at her.
Rachele smiled. "Not quite, I told him the truth about myself."
He blinked. "Everything?"
"Yup, everything under the sun, including my last name."
"How'd he take it?" Claudia asked intrigued.
"He was a bit startled by it all, but over all accepting of it."
Robert grinned. "Yeah takes some getting used to. By the way Rach..." He turned to her. "Is there a plan in case...well...in case Death Eaters find out?"
She smiled. "I'll be guarding Harry most of the way, so it should be alright."
He put his arm around her. "Just promise you'll be careful."
She snuggled into him. "You know me, I'll be right as rain."
Claudia smiled. "Yeah have a little faith Robert."
Robert pouted. "Alright, I get it."
"Aaaww, poor baby." Rachele giggled, kissing his cheek. "We shouldn't tease."
Claudia rolled her eyes. "Get a room." Rachele responded by sticking her tongue out, to which Robert just chuckled.
After finishing their dinner, the trio spent the next several hours relaxing as much as they could, knowing of the calamity that would come the following night. When it finally grew late and it was time to retire for the night, they split into three rooms; the girls in their bedrooms and Robert on a mattress in the lounge area. Rachele hung back for a few minutes to say goodnight to her boyfriend, exchanging kisses and 'I love you's'. Needless to say they both slept very well that night.
The next morning, Rachele found her mind a little more than occupied with the reminder of her dire task she would undertake that night. When the other two woke up, they found her sitting at the table, idly picking at her food.
"You okay Rachele?" Claudia asked sitting beside her while Robert sat on the other side.
Rachele smiled. "Fine, just thinking about tonight."
"You're not worried are you?"
She sighed. "I don't know, I just have this bad feeling. I have to watch Harry carefully."
Robert placed his hand on hers. "We believe in you Rach, we know with your help it'll turn out fine regardless."
Claudia nodded. "He's right. With you around Harry has nothing to worry about."
Rachele smiled. "Thanks guys." She took both their hands. "We'll get through this together."
As night fell several hours later, the three gathered outside the front door. Rachele even had Tiger wrapped up in her arms. "Alright, you know the drill. Claudia you hold onto Robbie and he'll apparate you both to the Burrow." They nodded. "Here take him." She passed her tabby over to her best friend. "Make sure he's taken care of."
"Be careful Mistress." Tiger meowed as he settled into Claudia's arms.
Rachele smiled and patted his head. "I will Pusscat, don't worry." She looked between the others. "Look after each other."
Robert gave her a assuring grin. "We will, be seeing you soon." They leaned forward and shared a chaste kiss before Rachele turned to the younger girl and brought her into a hug.
"I love you, both of you." She said stepping back.
"Take care." Claudia said taking Robert's offered arm. They both gave her one last fleeting smile before disappearing with a swift 'pop.'
"Okay." She cracked her knuckles. "Show time."
As she appeared at Harry's home again, she was momentarily afraid she had missed everyone. But as she focused her senses on the inside, she saw at least a dozen people gathered in the same area she had spoken to Harry the day before. She smiled excitedly, recognising a bunch of them. Wearing a wide grin, she phased silently through the solid door.
"We'll travel in pairs." Grunted Mad-eye Moody. "That way if anyone's out there waitin, and I reckon there will be, they won't know which Harry Potter is the real one."
Harry frowned. "The real one?"
Moody pulled out a flask. "I believe you're familiar with this particular brew."
"No!" Harry objected immediately. "Absolutely not!"
Hermione gave Moody a look. "Told you he'd take it well."
"No, if you think I'm going to let everyone risk their lives for me!"
"Never done that before have we?" Ron said sarcastically.
"This is different!" Harry snapped at him. "Taking that, becoming me? No!"
Moody's eye suddenly swivelled towards the front door. "Perhaps you'd like to take it up with our late-comer then."
"Should've known you could see me coming Alastor." A female voice piped up from the living room entrance causing all heads to turn to it. Hermione let out a loud squeal and raced over to the owner.
"RACHELE!" She just about knocked the girl over with a tackling hug.
Ron wandered over as well. "Blimey Rach, it's damn well good to see you." He clapped her on the shoulder.
Rachele grinned, happy to be back amongst her oldest friends. "Harry filled me in on the plan. No way I'm missing out." Her eyes darted to the boy-who-lived who gave her a lopsided grin.
"I'm glad you're here Rach."
Hermione released her hold on her so she could rotate around the room and greet the others. She received high-fives from the Weasley twins, a suffocating bear hug from Hagrid, a hug from Tonks, Lupin and Fleur Delacour, who she hadn't seen since the Triwizard Tournament. She was holding hands with a man she didn't know, a tall young fellow with a familiar shade of ginger hair.
"William Weasley, Miss Sullivan. But my friends call me Bill." He gave her a wink.
She smiled shaking his hand. "Lovely to meet you Bill. Call me Rachele."
"That's enough!" Moody barked. "We have plenty of time to catch up later! Sullivan, if you would please convince Mr Potter to follow along."
Rachele rose an eyebrow. "With what exactly?"
"Some of us have agreed to be decoys." Hermione explained. "We're taking Polyjuice potion to look like Harry."
Rachele looked towards Harry. "I don't think he has a say in the matter. It's not his decision to make."
Harry frowned at her. "Rach come on..."
"No Harry, I told you before. We're all at risk whether or not we help." She gestured to everyone in the room. "These people are your friends Harry. They all want to do their part to help fight this war."
"Well said Sullivan." Moody's fake eye focused on Harry. "Well Potter?"
Harry sighed in defeat. "Fine..."
"Everyone here is of age. They've all agreed to take the risks."
Someone standing near the back cleared their throat. A short, bald middle aged man stepped forward. "Technically I've been coerced." He gave a toothy grin. "Mundungus Fletcher, Mr Potter, always been a huge admirer."
"Nip it Mundungus!" Moody growled. "Alright Granger, as discussed."
Hermione stepped forward and yanked a strand from the back of Harry's head making him flinch. "Blimey Hermione!" She ignored him, dropping the hair into the flask Moody was holding. The grouchy Auror shook it a little to mix it all together. Anyone partaking of the potion stood in a single line.
Moody walked over to Fred who was first. "For those of you who haven't taken Polyjuice potion before; fair warning, it tastes like goblin piss."
"D'ya have lots of experiences with that do ya Mad-eye?" The twin asked. When Moody just glared he took the offered flask. "Just trying to defuse the tension." He had a quick swig, grimacing as he passed it to his brother, who then gave it to Fletcher, then Fleur, Ron and lastly Hermione. Everyone watched as their heights either shrunk or grew, faces remolding themselves until six identical copies of Harry Potter stood in their place.
"Blimey." Rachele grinned. "Someone call the presses, Harry's been cloned."
"Wow, we're identical." The twins chanted looking at each other.
"Not yet you're not." Moody said bringing a sack forward. He dumped it's contents in the middle of floor; a pile of matching shirts, jackets and jeans. All the Harry's grabbed one of each and began undressing.
"You don't have anything a bit more sporting do you?" George asked.
"Yeah don't much fancy this colour." Fred concurred.
"Well fancy this, you're not you. So shut it. And strip" Moody growled.
"Alright alright!" Fletcher yelped while unbuttoning his shirt.
Fleur was looking down at herself in disgust. "Bill, look away. I'm hideous." It was rather comical to see Harry wearing a bra, which she took off and gave to her fiance.
Rachele's eyebrows shot up when she heard Ron mutter. "Knew Ginny was lying about that tattoo." She shot Harry a curious glance who just shrugged.
"Harry, your eyesight really is awful." Hermione said testing out the glasses. If the situation wasn't so serious, Rachele would be on the floor with the hilarity of everything.
"Alright." Moody barked. "We'll be heading off. Each Potter will have a protector. Mundungus stick tight to me, I wanna keep an eye on ya." He leered at the version of Harry that was sweating nervously. "As for Harry-"
"Yes?" They all answered.
"The real Harry." He looked around. "Where the devil are you anyway?"
Harry put his hand up. "Here."
"You'll ride with Hagrid."
The half-giant stepped towards him. "I brought you here sixteen years ago, when you were no bigger than a boat truckle. Seems only righ' that I be the one to take you away now."
"Yes it's all very touching!" Moody said losing his patience. "Let's go!" As everyone filed out the door, Moody pulled Rachele to the side.
"Sullivan. You follow the real Potter from a distance just in case he's discovered."
Rachele nodded. "You can count on me Alastor."
"Best wait til they've all taken off." He whispered.
She grinned. "Of course."
"God speed, Sullivan."
As he walked away, Hermione approached her. "See you at the Burrow then?"
Rachele smiled. "Yup. Robbie and Claudia will be waiting there as well."
Hermione grinned. "Harry told me about you and Robert. I'm happy for you."
Rachele blushed. "Thanks." She jerked her head. "You best get going."
Hermione gave her a quick hug. "Stay safe."
"You too. Now go."
She watched as they all lined up along the road-side. All were on brooms save for Hermione with Kinglsey Shacklebolt, and Fleur with Bill, the pairs riding on Thestrals. Harry himself sat in a sidecar of a large motorcycle with Hagrid as the driver. As the engine purred to life, Harry glanced over to Rachele who gave him an encouraging thumbs up.
"One! Two! Three!" Moody signalled by ramming his staff into the ground. Broomsticks and thestrals took off at maximum speed. Seconds later the motorcycle rocketed down the road before lifting off the ground and soaring into the sky. Following them, Moody mounted his broom and quickly took of as well.
Rachele watched them go, making sure they were long out of sight before stretching out her wings. She lifted herself upwards, rocketing up and into the clouds. She flew in the direction Hagrid and Harry had gone, all her senses alive for them and their allies. It didnt take long for her to find them. There was an epic battle high above ground, deadly spells sparking across the night sky and Rachele knew it only meant one thing; the Death Eaters knew. She scoured the scene, quickly spotting the motorcycle blasting away with a burst of flames burning from the exhaust; Hagrid was doing his duty keeping Harry safe, but a few Death Eaters had spotted them and were on their tail. Rachele shot after them, quickly gaining while Harry could be seen trying to fight them off by throwing random spells over his shoulder.
Just as one of them aimed their wand at the bike, Rachele drew up next to him and whacked him with her wing, knocking him off his broom and sending him crashing into the traffic below.
Harry grinned at the flying girl. "Thanks Rach!"
Rachele waved him on. "Keep going! I'll deal with the other two!"
"We owe you one Rachele!" Hagrid boomed, turning the handle to accelerate the bike further. As they faded into the distance, Rachele swivelled around, standing in mid-air above the London freeway, her wings spread out wide.
"Bring it on!" She roared.
The Death Eaters hesitated at the sight of her, but after a moment, decided to charge in. Rachele lifted her arms, her palms facing the front. She dettached a semi-trailer from a huge truck, knowing this part held no passengers, levitated it high above her before throwing her hands forward, causing the giant trailer to fly forward and collide into her unsuspecting opponents. Rachele redirected the wreckage to crash far from the road, away from the innocent Muggles. Checking to see the damage wasn't too extreme, she turned around and flew away to catch up with Harry. When she found them, they had made it into the country-side, but a ominous dark figure was flying beside them; the last person Rachele wanted to see. Voldemort himself was practically face to face with Harry and an unconscious Hagrid; moments away from killing them both. Letting out an rage filled war-cry, Rachele pumped her wings faster, aiming straight for the dark wizard.
"RIDDLE!"
Voldemort turned to her just as she barraged into his body, powerful surges of green energy radiating off her. His body was flung through the air, giving Harry the chance to make his escape.
"Sullivan." He snarled. "You dare get in my way!"
Rachele didn't flinch. She simply squared her shoulders, facing the dark lord without a single glint of fear in her eyes. "Don't screw with me Tom, you're nothing more than a annoying itch in my side. I suggest you back off unless you wanna see me when I really get going." Hey eyes flashed brightly.
"GET OUT OF MY WAY MUDBLOOD!" Voldemort roared, emanating mighty surges of electricity which exploded off the powerline and causing a massive blackout all over the countryside.
Rachele just stood there, unfazed by his angry outburst. She lifted her right hand and closed her fingers. A burst of energy, a hundred times the capacity of Voldemort's display, pushed out from her hand, easily cancelling his electric attack and sending him flying backwards. She then clicked her fingers and all the power turned back on.
"Like I said." She glowered at him as he struggled to catch his breath. "A bloody anonoying itch."
Voldemorts looked upon her with fear in his eyes as he realised she was simply toying with him. Letting out another frustrated yell, he disapparated in a swirl on black smoke. No longer being able to detect him anywhere nearby and knowing it was defintely now safe, she turned and flew directly for the Burrow.
Meanwhile, in the Weasley's home, everyone was gathered around the couch watching over a injured George. The poor boy had fought bravely against the Death Eaters, but it had lost him an ear in the process. All that was left was a gaping hole with streams of blood flooding down the side of his face and neck. Fortunately that was the only wound he suffered so with some healing he would make a full recovery.
The last person to arrive was Rachele, who Harry explained had stayed behind to fend off Voldemort, saving his life in the process. For those who didnt know the extent of her abilities like Harry did, they greatly feared for the girls life. Robert and Claudia were amongst them, and even being aware of her strengths, couldn't help praying that she was okay. Everyone was so busy with their paranoia, they didnt notice the very person on their minds slip in behind them.
She raised an eyebrow at all their morbid expressions. "What is this? A Funeral?"
All heads whipped in her direction, impressed but delighted that she was alive and unscathed after a battle with the worlds most dangerous wizard.
She looked at how bewildered everyone was. "What? Something on my face?"
Ginny came up to her. "Harry said you fought Voldemort." She looked her over. "You dont have a scratch on you."
She shrugged. "I got lucky." She grinned. "Good to see you too Gin."
The younger girl smiled sheepishly and gave her a hug.
"Sorry...it's just... you gave us a real fright."
Robert and Claudia walked over. "We're just all glad you're safe." The former said, taking her hand which everyone noticed.
"Oi, whats that about?" Ron scowled.
"They're dating Ronald. Keep up." Hermione rolled her eyes.
Ron glared at Robert. "I swear you make one wrong move, and I'm coming after you."
Rachele stared incrediously at him. "Seriously Ron? You still don't trust him? What the hell's your problem? And don't say its because he's in Slytherin!" She interrupted just as he opened his mouth to which he promptly shut it again.
She grabbed Robert and Claudias hands and began pulling them. "Come on guys. I can't be in here, I'm allergic to insufferable prats." She dragged them through the living room and out the back door. She smiled slightly when she heard Ginny laugh and cheer for her; that girl rocked. Once they were outside, she released their hands and let out a deep sigh.
"Merlin that was unneccessary drama."
"What happened between you and Voldemort?" Claudia asked immediately.
Rachele looked at her, then at Robert before recounting her brief confrontation with the dark lord. When she was finished, a bark of laughter came from her boyfriend.
"What a loser. He's nothing but a bug compared to you Rach."
She grinned. "I know, but I couldnt help having a little fun with him." But that smile turned upside quickly. "By the way..." She turned to face them. "Were there any casualties after tonight? Did everyone make it? I didnt get a chance to look around properly." She caught the two sharing a hesitant glance and frowned. "What is it?"
Robert ran a hand through his hair. "Rach...we lost Mad-eye."
"What'd you mean 'lost?'
He took a deep breath. "He's dead."
Her jaw dropped in horror. "W-what? HOW?"
"Mundungus Fletcher." Claudia answered sadly. "He took off the moment he saw Voldemort, left Moody to fend for himself."
Rachele clenched her jaw in anger. "Damn coward. He's not worthy of those balls hanging off him."
Robert choked on his own air. "Anyway." He coughed. "Thankfully there was no one else. Besides Georges ear, there haven't been any other serious injury."
She nodded, relieved. "Good." She let out a sad sigh. "I'm sorry Mad-eye." She whispered.
Robert walked up and put an arm around her. "Don't blame yourself Rach. Your job was to protect Harry and you did that. You can't save everyone."
Rachele smiled. "I know, thanks for being straight-forward." She returned his gesture by wrapping her arm around his waist.
"So what happens now?" Claudia enquired.
Rachele exhaled. "For now, we recuperate and regather ourselves. But after that who knows, this war can go anywhere that it damn well pleases." She turned to face them. "I'm only certain of one thing."
"What's that?" Robert asked carefully.
Rachele stared intently into the distance.
"We have a hell of a ride ahead of us."
End of Chapter
Little sneak peek into Rachele in the midst of a battle. As you can see, Voldemort and his Death Eaters are no match for her. The more she interferes, the angrier Voldemort becomes; he knows he can't defeat her and it drives him insane.
Next up; everyone comes together to celebrate a wedding. How smoothly can it go with the threat of a war hanging over their heads?
See ya then!
