New developments will come up in this new chapter. Something I have been anticipating for a long while and is crucial to Rachele's story.

Enjoy!


Chapter Two – New Friends

Rachele had woken up after a couple of hours and her and Robert continued chatting for the remainder of the train ride. This rare one on one gave them the chance to explore each others lives and get to know each other better. Robert told her of his family, he had two older siblings, brother and sister, who had attended different schools to accomplish ambitious goals. His father, who was the head of the family, was a strict business man who was firmly set in his old ways. He was always pushing his children to strive for greatness and had planned out detailed futures for each of them. Earn a good education, find a life fulfilling job and marry a suitable mate to carry on the family name. Robert went along in stride with most of it, although his father only wanted him to marry a pure-blood witch to keep the blood line untarnished. He would've done so willingly if he wasn't already in love with Rachele. His father would probably disown him if he found out his youngest son had feelings for a Muggle-born.

"What about your mother then?" Rachele asked, completely enthralled with his story.

"She's the complete opposite." Robert chuckled. "She likes to socialise and is addicted to shopping. She's a bit of a girly girl."

Rachele giggled. "She sounds adorable."

He smiled at her. "I told her about you."

Her eyes widened. "Really? What did you say? Does she know I'm Muggle-born?"

"She does and she doesn't really care. I told her you were my date to the ball last year and she went on a crazy fan girl frenzy. She wouldn't stop teasing me." He groaned.

Rachele laughed. "That's great. She seems lovely I'd love to meet her someday."

He smiled. "Yeah she's pretty anxious to meet you too."

"What about your siblings? What are they like?"

"My sister Reina, she's twenty, she's the oldest and is more like my dad. She's not home very much. She's either at work or off with her boyfriend." He rolled his eyes. "She's a bit full of herself to be honest." Rachele sniggered. "My brother, Richard, or Rick as he prefers, he's just a scoundrel and likes to pick on me. He lives by himself in the city in a simple apartment and has a part-time job." Robert sighed. "Him and dad don't get along."

Rachele scooted closer. "Why what happened?"

"Rick grew sick of dad trying to control his life. He only just turned seventeen a short while ago and because he was of age, dad was constantly on his case about finding a well-earning job for him. Things spiralled downwards real quick and they wound up having this huge fight in dad's office. I'm not sure what was said between them, all I remember is Rick moving out a few days later. And they've barely spoken since."

Rachele looked at him sadly. "Sounds like you have a bit of drama at home. You must be happy to go to Hogwarts and get away from it all."

He nodded. "I am. Even though I don't really talk to anyone in my house. It gives me a chance to sit and think, have some quality time to myself."

She grabbed his hand. "I'm glad I could be your friend Robbie." She smiled at him. "You deserve one after everything you've gone through."

He smiled back. "Thanks Gryffindor. I'm glad too."

"One more question." He rose an eyebrow. "What's with your names all starting with 'R'?"

He let out a laugh. "My parents had weird taste I guess. Or they're just names they agreed on and the initials were just coincidence."

Rachele grinned. "So you have no idea then."

"Nope. No clue."

She giggled. "Figures."

"It's your turn now." He turned to her. "I've blabbered about my life, now you have to tell me about yours."

She grinned. "Alright I guess it's only fair." She paused for a moment. "Dumbledore found me when I was only six month olds, near the outskirts of my hometown. What he was doing there I'll never know, but he took me in without hesitation and claimed me as his own. He was always patient with me, teaching me magic and how the world operates." She smiled nostalgically. "We did a lot of travelling. Visited countless other countries and met many people." She grinned. "One of my favourite places was Australia. Those people have the most awesome accent on the planet."

"Isn't it kinda hot in Australia?" Robert asked.

"Boiling. I experienced one of their summers and I almost died." She laughed. "Barely an hour in the sun and I was red as a tomato."

"Blimey." Robert shivered at the thought. "I don't think I can handle it."

She grinned. "It was fun though. But moving on. A couple years before I came to Hogwarts, Dumbledore introduced me to Harrison and Marie Sullivan. They were an old couple and had never had children, so they considered me their honorary grand-daughter." She looked at her hands sadly. "But only six months after I met them, Death Eaters had caught scent of my tracks and it led them straight to the Sullivans. They tortured them to death, trying to pry information of my whereabouts." Her lip trembled. "They didn't utter a word. They endured the physical torment right to the end." She let out a shaky sigh. "We found them in their backyard with their hands and feet tied together. There was no wounds or bruises on them so they must've tortured and killed them with magic. They protected me...and I barely knew them."

"I'm sorry Rach." Robert took her hand in his. "They sound like good people."

"They were. That's why I took on their last name." She smiled.

"Wait...Sullivan isn't your real last name?"

She shook her head. "No...I've kept my birth name secret for a reason. It's...not something I'm ready to share just yet."

"That's fine." He nodded in understanding. "Whenever you're ready. I can wait."

Rachele smiled at him and squeezed his hand. "Thanks Robbie. That means a lot."

They swerved away from the topic of the Sullivan's unjustly fate and kept the chatter light and carefree. Robert was soon able to distract Rachele from her current troubles and even succeeded in bringing out laughter from her. Before they knew it the train pulled into the station and their time together was cut short.

"I guess I better go sort things out with Harry." She sighed. "Thanks Robbie, for everything." She pecked him on the cheek and left to go find the others. Robert watched her go touching the spot she had kissed him. "You're welcome.."

Rachele back-tracked to her other friends compartment but found it empty save for a tabby cat left on the window seat.

"Pusscat!" She rushed over and gathered her pet in her arms. "I'm so sorry."

The cat simple meowed and snuggled into her shoulder. She held him close and made her way to the platform to collect her luggage. Once she had her trunk, she melded herself in with the crowd that was heading for the carriages. She spotted the trio just ahead of her and hurried to catch up to them, although she wasn't the only person attempting to do so.

"I'm surprised the Ministry is still letting you walk around free Potter!" Malfoy sneered. "Better enjoy it while you can. I expect there's a cell in Azkaban with your name on it!" Harry lunged at him but Ron grabbed his arms and held him back. Rachele, however, had overheard his comment and angrily marched towards the insufferable blonde.

"HEY! Malfoy!" He barely turned around when Rachele's fist smashed into the side of his face. He crashed to the ground and stared up at the livid girl in shock.

"You're one to talk!" She snarled at him. "Especially with your father being the pathetic Death Eather that he is! He's probably grovelling at Voldemorts feet right now!"

Malfoy rose to his feet and glared. "You shut the hell up about my father Mudblood."

"What're you gonna do Malfoy?" She raised her arms. "Hex me? Give it your best shot!"

They stared each other down before he turned with a huff. "This isn't over."

Rachele turned back to the trio. "Are you guys okay?" Ron and Hermione nodded but Harry just glared at her.

"What did you do that for?" He demanded.

She raised an eyebrow. "He insulted you in the worst way Harry. I'm not the type to sit back and let him get away with it."

"I don't need you interfering with my problems!"

She rounded on him. "You listen to me. Malfoy went over the line with what he said. I gave him what he deserved. I didn't hit him just for your sake. I did it because he's an arrogant jack-arse and he needed to be taught a lesson." She jabbed his chest. "If you have a problem with it then too bad. What's done is done." She grabbed her trunk and picked up Tiger, she had dropped both when she slugged Malfoy, and stalked ahead of them. There were two carraiges remaining when she arrived. In the first, Robert was sitting awkwardly with Cho Chang and three of her friends. Rachele took pity on him and climbed up to keep him company.

"Hey Robbie." She said squeezing next to Cho.

"Hey." He smiled. "Thought you'd sort things with Harry by now."

"There...uh..." She looked back and saw Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville climb onto the carriage behind them. "There were complications...is that Luna Lovegood?" Also accompanying Harry and that was a blonde Ravenclaw girl reading a magazine completely the wrong way. Rachele had heard of this girl. She was in the same year as Ginny and was known to be a little on the obscure side.

"What's she reading?" Robert was watching them too. "And why is it upside down?"

She shrugged. "Who knows, maybe a puzzle or something." She felt the carriage moving so she turned to the girl next to her. "Um...hi Cho."

The Asian girl smiled politely. "Hello Rachele."

"How...How are you?" Rachele wasn't sure what to say to her. Cho had been Cedric's girlfriend and the poor thing suffered a complete melt-down after his death.

"I'm doing well." She replied. "And yourself?"

"Good...good." This was getting uncomfortable.

"Why aren't you with Harry?"

She looked at her startled. "Oh...uh we had a small disagreement. I'm giving him some space."

"I'm sorry to hear that." She empathised. "You two always seemed like great friends."

"Yeah..." She sighed. "We were."

"Hey Rach." She looked at Robert who was eyeing the front of the carriage. "Do you have any idea what's pulling us?"

She smiled. "They're Thestrals."

"What now?"

"Thestrals." She chuckled. "They look like horses, only a bit more demonic looking."

"Can you see them?" He asked.

"Yeah I can...unfortunately."

He pouted. "How come you can see them and I can't."

She leaned forward. "Because I've seen someone die. It's nothing to be envious over."

His mouth formed an 'o'. "You've seen someone die? Who?"

"I've had more than one run in with the Death Eaters in my life Robbie." She told him quaintly. "And I've witnessed many unfortunate casualties along the way."

"All this before Hogwarts?" He whistled. "That's quite the childhood you've had."

"Far from normal wasn't it?" She chuckled dryly. Her stomach suddenly let out a growl and she groaned. "Damn I'm hungry."

Robert grinned. "We're nearly there."

Once they had finally arrived at the school, Rachele all but dragged Robert away to race for the Great Hall for dinner. They unfortunately had to separate to sit with their respected houses but they promised each other they would definitely catch up.

"We have heaps more to talk about." Rachele grinned.

"Absolutely." Robert smiled.

They shared a quick hug and Rachele headed over to the Gryffindor table. She could see Harry, Ron and Hermione further up but due to circumstances she thought it'd be best to sit elsewhere. She thankfully spotted Ginny waving her over and she bounced over to her with a grin. She took the seat next to her which also happened to be opposite from a particular pair of twins.

"Evening Rachele." Fred greeted smoothly.

"You're looking lovely this fine night. "George said.

"Hello to you too boys." Rachele rolled her eyes. Her eyes then landed onto the feast on the table. "Oooooooh don't mind if I do." She eagerly filled her plate with all her favourites and began digging in.

"See that appetite of yours hasn't changed much has it?" Ginny teased.

"Shurdup." Rachele said with a mouth full. "M'hngry"

Ginny chuckled. "I can tell."

"Hey Rachele." Fred leaned over to her. "What's up with you and that Kordellus chap?"

"What'd you mean?" Rachele asked off-handedly.

"We saw you two walk in and have a cute moment." George said with a gleam in his eye. "You got somethin' going on with the Slytherin boy?"

"Sure." She answered obliviously. "We're friends." Ginny coughed into her hand and Rachele raised an eyebrow at her. "What?"

"I think he means if you guys are dating." She whispered.

Rachele's breath caught her in throat and she coughed violently. "What? NO! Why do people keep thinking that?"

"People have been talking s'all." Fred said. "Say it's weird for a Gryffindor and a Slytherin to be acting all chummy."

"It's not that weird." She glared at the pair. "Robbie's a nice person and is probably not the only one in his house. It's perfectly fine for people in different houses to interact."

"Ooohh it's Robbie now is it? Awful cute pet name that is." Fred sniggered.

"What? That's not-"

"Aaaww quit denying it Rachele, we know you got it bad for the bad boy." George grinned.

"Quit it will you?" She hissed. "It's just a nickname between friends! So just drop it!"

"Fine be that way."

"Just having a laugh."

"With an attitude like that you'll be all stiff like McGonagall."

"Awful tragic fate that'll be for you."

Rachele sighed. "Why do I bother with them?"

"Ignore them." Ginny said. "They're just being complete twats." She snorted. "As per usual."

"That hurt little sister." They said simultaneously giving the two girls a giggle.

"Good evening children." Dumbledore's boomed from the front and the group turned their attention to him.

"Now we have two changes in staffing this year. We're pleased to welcome back Professor Grubbly-Plank..." He gestured to a lady sitting at the staff table. "...who'll be taking care of Magical Creatures while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave."

Rachele turned to Ginny frowning. "Hagrid's not here? Wonder why that is." She received a clueless shrug.

"We also wish to welcome our new Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge." Sitting on the far end of the table, next to Professor Snape, was a short, plump woman dressed entirely in a girlish pink dress. Rachele eyed her closely; something about this woman seemed horribly familiar. "And I'm sure you'll join me in wishing the Professor good luck. As usual our caretaker Mr Filch has asked me to remind-"

"Heh hem."

There was a stunned silence at the sound of someone clearing her throat. Rachele's jaw dropped open in disbelief as Dolores Umbridge put on a frighteningly stretched smile, rose from her seat and slowly made her way around to the front.

"Did she just interrupt him?" Rachele scowled. "Who the hell does she think she is?"

"It was a bit rude." Ginny agreed.

"Thank you headmaster." Umbridge smiled. "...for those kind words of welcome." She turned to face the students. "And how lovely to see all your bright, happy faces smiling up at me." Rachele glanced around her. Not a single person was smiling. "I'm sure we'll all going to be very good friends."

"That's likely." The twins muttered making Rachele snort.

Umbridges sugar sweet act vanished and her face went stern. "The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance." She began pacing up and down. "Although each headmaster has brought something new to this historic school..." She nodded to Dumbledore who returned it with a bow. "...progress for the sake of progress, must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved. Perfect what can be perfected. And prove practises ought to be...prohibited." She finished with a girlish giggle before stepping away. There was weak applause as she headed back to her seat.

"Well we're royally screwed." Rachele huffed.

"What was all that hogwash?" Ginny asked.

"Ministry interference." Rachele said darkly. "They obviously sent Umbridge to monitor how the school is operated and have given her authority to make necessary changes if need be."

"Brilliant." Ginny said sarcastically. "Another fun year for us."

Rachele sighed and pushed away her plate. That stupid, pink, blubbering cow had spoiled her appetite. She listened to the rest of Dumbledore;s speech and spent the remainder of dinner joking around with the Weasley's. After the feast, she walked with Ginny to Gryffindor Tower. Since it was still early, they sat in a couple of armchairs, since everywhere else was packed, and lost themselves in some girl-talk. Some time later Harry walked in and the common room fell silent. All eyes followed the boy-who-lived and a select few shot him looks of complete disgust; one of them being Seamus Finnegan.

"Seamus. Dean." Harry greeted the boys. "Good holiday?"

"Alright." Dean said. "Better than Seamus's anyway."

The Scottish boy stood up and slammed down the newspaper he'd been reading. "Me mum didn't want me to come back this year."

"Why not?" Harry asked casually.

"Let me see." Seamus said dryly." Because 'a' you. The Daily Prophet's been sayin alotta things about ya Harry. And about Dumbledore as well."

"And your mum believes them?" Harry glared.

"Well nobody was there the night Cedric died." Seamus said.

"Then I guess you should read the prophet then like your stupid mother, it'll tell you everything you need to know!" Harry spat.

"Don't you dare talk about my mother like tha'!" Seamus growled.

"I'll have a go at anyone who calls me a liar!" Harry shot back.

"What's going on?" Ron walked up to the arguing pair.

"He's mad is what's going on!" Seamus said pointing at Harry. "Do you believe the rubbish he's going on about You-Know-Who?"

"Yeah." Ron stepped between them facing Seamus. "I do." He glared around the common room. "Has anyone else got a problem with Harry?" When there was no reply, Harry and Ron headed up to the boys dorms. Once they were gone, Rachele stood up from her chair.

"Oy...Finnegan."

Seamus looked at her sceptically. "You believe him too do ya Sullivan?"

She glared. "As a matter of fact I do. You have no idea what Harry went through during the third task." She looked around. "None of you do!"

"And you do, do ye?" Seamus said. "How do we know you're not trying to cover up his lies?"

"You shut the hell the up Scotty boy." She snipped. "Accuse and insult Harry all you want. It won't stop me from believing in him." She held her arms out. "He's one of few people brave enough to go head to head with Voldemort and his Death Eaters and you have the nerve to sit here and chastise him for trying to do the right thing?" She crinkled her nose. "Bloody ungrateful... the lot of you. I'd rather die than side with the Ministry. Nothing but a bunch of selfish power hungry dictators." Rachele turned back to Seamus. "I always knew the Minister was coward. I never thought I'd say the same thing about you." She turned on her heel and headed upstairs as well, with Ginny close behind her. When they entered the dorms, Rachele flopped on her bed with a loud huff.

"That was admirable Rach." Ginny said sitting next to her. "Not many people can speak up the way you just did."

"Bunch of bloody sheep." Rachele muttered. "They'll gobble up anything the Ministry feeds them."

"Speaking of the Ministry." Ginny grinned. "You hear that hysterical way Umbridge clears her throat? It was all like "Heh hem."

Rachele laughed. "Blimey Ginny that was an impressive impersonation. You sounded just like her!"

Ginny smirked and bowed. "Thank you, thank you I'm here all term." The girls continued to poke fun at Umbridge and the rest of the Ministry for several more hours. When it was nearing midnight, Ginny began showing signs of fatigue so Rachele mercilessly allowed the girl to retire. Even when all girls were sound asleep, Rachele found herself wide awake. Her mind was still lingering over the issue with Harry and she couldn't ignore the guilt that was gnawing away at her stomach. Sighing, she threw aside the covers and decided to head down into common room. She found staring into the fireplace gave her peace of mind when she was feeling troubled or stressed. As she trudged down the stairs, she noticed another figure sitting on the couch gazing into the flames. As she tiptoed closer she eventually recognised the unmistakable mop of messy black hair.

"Harry?"

Harry turned slightly to look at her. "Oh...it's you." He looked back towards the hearth. "What do you want?"

"I couldn't sleep." She said cautiously. "You?"

He shrugged. "Nightmare."

"Do you wanna ta-"

"No I don't." He snapped.

She frowned. "Harry...please."

He didn't answer.

She sighed. "I...I guess I'll leave you alone then." She turned to head back upstairs when Harry's voice cut through the air like a knife.

"I figured it out you know."

She paused in her tracks and turned her head. "Figured what out?"

He slowly stood up and faced her. "You. Me. Why we became friends."

She frowned in confusion. "What'd you mean?"

"Back at Grimmauld Place, you said all you wanted to do was protect me." His face was blank like stone. It reminded Rachele of the first time she met Robert. "You also said the same thing about the Order. They all care about me, they want me safe, they don't want me doing this alone."

"I don't understand."

"But then I thought!" Harry laughed haughtily. "What if they're connected? What if the only reason you became my friend...was because the Order told you to!"

Rachele's eyes widened. "What? Harry where did that come from? You know that's not true!"

"Really?" He shot back. "Dumbledore asked you to help deliver poor little helpless Harry to headquarters. You're the same age as me! What can you do that I can't?"

Rachele sighed and ran a hand through her hair. This conversation was venturing into dangerous waters that she definitely knew was not the time to go diving head first into.

"Look Harry. Dumbledore sent me because he trusts me the most. He raised me so I was basically just doing the job in his place. That's all. The level of power has nothing to do with it." 'That was a big fat lie but he doesn't know that.'

"Ah I get it now." He sneered. "The Order didn't plant you on me. Dumbledore did! You're like his little spy making sure nothing happens to his precious boy-who-lived!"

"STOP IT!"

It grew eerily silent for a moment before Rachele sighed deeply.

"Okay fine." She raised her hands in surrender. "You want honesty? I'll give it to you." She took a deep breath. "A few days before the term of our first year, Dumbledore asked to speak with me. He asked if I remembered the incident at Godric's Hollow involving your parents and who the victim's son was. Of course who doesn't know the famous story of Harry Potter?" She chuckled but it died out from the look on Harry's face. "Well anyway, he informed me that you would be starting your first year at Hogwarts that year and well..." She paused and hesitated.

"Well what?" Harry pushed.

"What you said is true to an extent." Her shoulders slumped in defeat. "He did ask me to keep an eye on you...but it's not why you think!" She hastily added when he began looking angry again. "He asked me to guard you yes..." Her voice softened. "But he was also adamant on you gaining another friend." She smiled. "He sent me to be your friend Harry, not your body-guard. And I don't regret any of it, you, Ron and Hermione became the best friends I could've asked for and I promised myself I wouldn't do anything to jeopardise it."

Harry didn't reply right away. His face held an unreadable expression as he gazed thoughtfully out the window.

"Harry? Are you okay?"

"So you're finished now?"

She blinked. "What?"

He turned to her. "You've done your job. We became friends." He took a step towards her. "You protected me. You were bloody marvellous."

"Harry-"

"I don't need you any more. I have enough friends to get me by. I don't need a joke like you hanging around."

"Harry please!-"

"NO!" He glared. "We're done." He stalked past her and up the stairs. "Good bye Rachele...it's been fun."

She whirled around. "Harry!" She called out but he was gone. Rachele fell to her knees, unsure of what just happened. It was over. Harry had officially ended their friendship, all because of some petty argument a few days ago. She could feel her body trembling and she consciously hugged herself. The sudden loss of her friend shot through her body like an electric shock and she could feel tears prick at the corner of her eyes. 'I need to get out of here.'

She shakily forced herself to her feet and headed for the portrait hole. She wasn't sure where she would go, all she knew was she wanted to get as far away as possible. She stumbled through the corridors, using the walls as support as she desperately held back the sobs bursting to break free, but failing as a few tears rolled down her cheeks. She was so delirious she barely noticed herself passing through walls and even crossing through the inside of various classrooms. She finally collapsed in another unknown room, her legs giving way due to the emptiness in her chest.

'Come on Rach.' She commanded herself. 'Get a grip you're better than this.' She sucked in a lungful of air and exhaled deeply, feeling somewhat calmer. She stood up and took in her surroundings. It was a room she'd never seen before, which was saying something considering her many years living at the school. There were benches filled to the brink with vials that contained all kinds of different coloured liquids. There were several objects sitting on shelves, including some exceptionally rare ones. 'Bloody hell is that a Pegasus feather? Those are really hard to find!' There was another bench near the opposite wall which held multiple types and sizes of cauldrons. One of these was on a table in the centre with a rather peculiar smell producing from it. Bent over the cauldron was a small figure with eyes narrowed in concentration. Rachele's eyes widened as she took the person in; she'd recognise those puffy pigtails anywhere.

"Claudia?"

The Hufflepuff jerked widely, almost knocking her mystery potion over. She whirled around in surprise and her eyes grew extremely round when they landed on her.

"Rachele!" She squeaked. "How...how d-did you find me?" Her eyes darted around nervously.

"Easy there girly." Rachele chuckled. "I'm not one of the teachers. I'm not gonna bust ya. I just sorta stumbled in I guess...watcha making there?"

Claudia opened her mouth but no sound came out. She closed it sharply and looked back at her cauldron. "Oh...uh...nothing special."

Rachele eyed her suspiciously but made no comment. "Okay then. So what're you doing out here so late?"

Claudia shrugged. "Couldn't sleep."

"Yeah..." Rachele nodded. "I can understand that."

Claudia studied the Gryffindor closely and was surprised to see fresh tear lines stretched under the girl's eyes. 'Has she been crying? Wonder what happened?'

"Um..." She hesitated. "A-a-are you o-okay?"

Rachele looked at her. "Huh? I'm fine why?"

Claudia averted her eyes and pointed at her face. "You...You've been crying."

Rachele's eyebrows shot up in surprise at her observation. She touched her face and could feel the raw skin from where her tears had been. She glanced at Claudia and could see the concern reflecting in her eyes.

"Well..." Rachele smiled with a shrug. "I guess I do need someone to rant to. How's about I escort you to your common room like old times and I'll tell you about it?"

Claudia gave her a small smile. "Okay. Let me just clean up." Rachele waited patiently while she extracted her current work, poured it into several vials, cleaned the cauldron and packed all her tools away. Once it was all neat and tidy, Claudia led them over to the passage door. When they came out they were in some random, dim corridor and when Rachele looked back, the doorway to Claudia's little hideaway was gone.

"Uh..." She blinked. "What just happened?"

"It's like the Room of Requirement." Claudia explained quietly as they walked along. "Except I'm the only one that knows where it is."

"Nice." Rachele whistled. "So you like potions huh?"

Claudia smiled and nodded. "It's all I'm good at really, I'm not all that great with magic."

"Everyone has something they excel in,and something they don't." Rachele said wisely. "And your strength is potions which is pretty damn handy if you ask me." She grinned deviously. "And super deadly too."

Claudia's eyes went wide. "Wha-No! I-what? That's not-...why would I-?

Rachele laughed. "Relax I'm just kidding." She nudged her. "You need to loosen up."

"S-sorry." Claudia ducked her head. "I'll t-try."

"Hey, hey." Rachele put an arm around her. "It's okay. You don't have to hide yourself from me."

"I know..." Claudia smiled shyly. "Still getting used to it I guess."

Rachele grinned. "It's fine no pressure...but hey! I promised you a story didn't I?" She received a nod. "Okay well it's a bit long so bear with me...now where to start..."

Rachele went from the very beginning, the day she first met Hermione and the boys. She told her every moment in detail. How Hermione became her best friend, all the jokes the four of them exchanged and of course their dangerous adventures very few knew about. She even explained her growing friendship with 'Robbie' and how good he had been to her through the years despite being in Slytherin. "He was there so many times when I needed a friend." But some friendships aren't destined to last. Rachele tearily conveyed her and Harry's arguments both at Grimmauld Place and earlier that night in the common room.

"I just...I don't understand." She huffed. "I was open and honest about everything. I tried so hard to mend what we had left, I didn't want this...any of it." She sighed. "I feel like I have a gaping hole in my chest and Harry's the only one that can fill it again."

Claudia reached out and held her hand in hers. "I think you'll need to be extremely patient with him. Pe-people sometimes push away the person that means the most to them when they're at their worst." Her golden eyes were focused and sure as she spoke. Rachele wasn't used to her looking so confident. "It won't be forever. One day he'll realise the fatal mistake he's made and want to be your friend again." She smiled. "I'm sure of it."

'What is it with Robbie and Claudia?' Rachele pondered in awe. 'They're the quietest people I know and in just one day they've both given me amazing advice.' "Thanks Claudia." She gave the younger girl a genuine smile. "I really needed to hear that."

"You're welcome." Claudia smiled back.

They continued chatting and Rachele found she rather enjoyed the Hufflepuff girl's company. She was easy to talk to and, although quiet, was humble, kind and just plain adorable. She still questioned how she could be related to someone as ruthlessly evil as Gertrude.

"By the way. I'm sorry about not talking to you much last year." Rachele let out a air of exasperation. "That tournament was mental."

"That's okay." Claudia assured her. "I do agree it was pretty crazy."

"Your sister didn't hurt you did she?"

She shook her head. "She was too caught up in everything. The tournament had her really distracted."

"Huh." Rachele rubbed her chin. "That's a little strange but whatever." She shrugged with a grin. "Just glad she didn't cause any trouble."

"Um..." Claudia fidgeted. "About that...my sister I mean." She looked up so she was looking directly into Rachele's green eyes. "I-I wanted to...um...well, thank you for everything you've done for me. My sister has bullied me my entire life a-and I never thought I'd make friends here because of what she-" Claudia mouth clamped shut and she looked away.

Rachele narrowed her eyes. "Because of what she...what?"

Claudia sighed in defeat. "She might've...um...been the reason I've had no friends."

Rachele frowned. "What did she do?"

Claudia still refused to look at her. "She threatened to curse anyone who came close to me."

"Why that...that...that...ARGH!" Rachele yelled. "I'm gonna KILL HER!"

"Um...it's okay."

"No it's not!" Rachele gently grabbed Claudia's shoulder and bent to her eye level. "It's far from okay, you hear me? That girl is the devil, the way she treats you is atrocious. It's complete bull-crap, I hate it."

Claudia stared wide-eyed at her. "I-I-I-um...Wow...uh...thank you?"

Rachele came to her senses and quickly released her. "Sorry...I don't know how to explain it. Gertrude, she just makes me so irrationally mad I want to knock all her teeth out."

Claudia giggled. "It's okay. I think it's nice you care so much."

Rachele gazed down at her. "Claudia listen to me, do you know why I care so much? Why I fight Gertrude for you?"

"Why?"

She smiled softly. "Because I consider you a friend. And I hope you feel the same way."

For the first time since she met her, a real bright smile appeared on Claudia's face. "I do. I really do."

Rachele stepped forward and pulled her into a gentle hug. "I'm so glad." Claudia smiled and placed her arms around the older girl."Me too." They backed away, had a giggle and continued on their way. All too soon they came across the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room.

"Well..." Rachele turned to face her. "This is it."

"Thank you again." Claudia said sincerely. "Its...it's nice to have a real friend to talk to."

"Any time." Rachele smiled. "I'll always be here if you need me." She gave the younger girl one last lingering hug. "Good night Claudia."

"Night."

Rachele made sure she was safe and sound inside the portrait hole before heading back to Gryffindor Tower. She was in a much better mood from when she had stormed out earlier and couldn't wait to spend more time with her new friend. She walked through the corridor with a bounce in her step and a song in her voice. Somehow, despite the rocky start to her year, she knew everything would be okay. She may have lost a friend tonight, but she had gained two amazing ones in the process.

Yes...it would be okay.

End of Chapter


Her friendships with Robert and Claudia are developing nicely I must say :33 It's a nice compensation considering the crappy attitude she's getting from Harry right now. And they'll only become closer from here on out :D

While it's true Dumbledore did ask Rachele to watch over Harry, her feelings are purely sincere. She considers Harry as her brother and would go to hell and back to protect him.

See you all next time!