We are back at school! Can you believe we're up to book six already? Only two years at Hogwarts left until graduation!

Enjoy!

Chapter Two – Recruitment

"Hey Hermione." Rachele asked as the group trudged up to the castle sometime later. "Where's Harry? Isn't he always with you guys?"

Hermione glanced over her shoulder with a sigh. "I don't know, he went somewhere during the train ride, we haven't seen him since."

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Typical. Oh one sec..." She hurried ahead to catch up with Ginny. "Hey Gin!" She flung an arm around her shoulders. "I have a question for you."

Ginny grinned. "Hey what's up?"

"How's the progress with lover boy?" She said playfully..

Ginny stared. "What do you mean?

"Harry of course. Who else would I be talking about?"

Ginny looked away. "Oh...I've kinda moved on."

Rachele frowned. "Moved on?"

She nodded. "I'm dating Dean now."

Rachele gaped. "Dean? As in Dean Thomas? Seriously?"

Ginny shrugged. "He's a nice guy and I can't wait for Harry forever." She excused herself and hurried forward, most likely to find her new boyfriend. Rachele scratched her head, unsure of what just happened. As the Great Hall came into view, she looked around in search of Robert and Claudia and found them walking along with Ron and Hermione.

"Hey guys!" She pulled them to the side. "Hey listen um..." She paused when Gertrude strutted past them with a smirk, she gave the Slytherin a warning glare to stay away, which she thankfully obeyed but not without a taunting sneer. She shook off the violent urge to hex her, turning back to her friends. "Sorry...um...we have to go sit with our houses. Just wanna make sure you guys are okay to be on your own until after the feast."

Claudia walked forward and pressed herself against the older girl. "I'll be okay, thanks for worrying."

Robert took Rachele's hand and squeezed it. "She's right Gryffindor, we'll live."

Rachele smiled. "Good, I'll see you guys after then." She gave them a sorrowful wave and a pout before going to sit with her housemates. She sat on Ginny's left, across from Ron and Hermione, waiting anxiously for the new first years to be introduced. After the sorting, she wasted no time digging into her food, alongside Ron who was shoveling his meal even more so.

"What is wrong with you two?" Hermione hissed, whacking Ron with a book. "Harry is missing! How can you be eating?"

"Oi!" Ron jerked his head. "Turn around you lunatic."

There was Harry Potter, walking alongside Luna Lovegood, holding a cloth up to his nose.

"He's covered in blood again." Ginny said concerned. "Why is it he's always covered in blood?"

"I think it's his own this time." Ron muttered.

"Hey Luna." Rachele greeted the Ravenclaw girl as she strolled past them.

"Hello Rachele." She replied dreamily without slowing down.

"Alright then..." Rachele shrugged turning back to her meal.

"Where have you been? What happened to your face?" Hermione interrogated Harry as he sat down.

"Later." He dismissed. "What've I missed?"

Rachele tuned out, instead observing the girl next to her. Ginny had gently pried the cloth from Harry, taking over with cleaning his bloody nose. She saw the subtle brush of hands, the catch of eyes and smiled sadly; she could see Ginny still held a torch for the boy-who-lived, and Harry it seemed was finally taking off that blindfold. She silently prayed that things would work out between them.

"Very best of evenings to you all!" Dumbledores voice boomed from his podium. "First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff; Horace Slughorn." He gestured to an older jolly looking man, who stood up to give a polite wave. He was greeted with a warm applause. "Professor Slughorn has agreed to fill his old post as potions master. Meanwhile the post of Defense Against The Dark Arts will be taken by Professor Snape."

Rachele gaped in horror. "Oh come on, can't we have at least a tiny bit better teacher than last year?" Her forehead collided with the table. "Anyone but the snivelling git."

Everyone sniggered save Hermione who gave her a stern hushing.

"Now as you all know." The headmaster continued. "You were all searched upon your arrival tonight. And you have the right to know why." He paused. "Once there was a young man, who like you, sat in this very hall. Walked this castles corridors, seemed to all the world a student like any other. His name; Tom Riddle."

Rachele placed her elbows on the table and leaned her forehead on the back of her hands. As much as she hated the very mention of that evil dictators name, her mentor was right in keeping the school on guard just in case.

"Today he is known by another name, which is why as I stand looking out upon you all tonight I'm reminded of a sobering fact; every day, every hour, this very minute, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castles walls. But in the end they're greatest weapon...is you." He gazed wandered intently around the room. "That's something to think about...Now off to bed! Pip pip!"

Rachele let out a sigh. "Wonderful, lovely dreams for all of us tonight."

Ginny chuckled. "Always the optimist aren't you Rach?"

She grinned. "I try."

"Hey Gryffindor." A deep voice said from behind her. She turned her head and smiled brightly. "Robbie! Where's Claudia?"

"Waiting near the entrance. Better hurry before Gertrude beats us to her."

Rachele's eyes widened. "Crap...okay I'm coming!" She rose from the bench, Robert giving her a helping hand. "Meet you guys in the common room!" She told the others. They all waved bye, with the exception of Ron who was shooting the darkest look in Robert's direction.

"Still holds a grudge huh?" Robert commented towards the scowling ginger-head.

"Ignore him." Rachele said pulling on his arm. "He still hasn't removed his head from his arse. Oh hey Claudia!" She called out to the lone, puffy pigtailed girl waiting near the hall doors.

Claudia smiled. "Hey guys."

Rachele flung her arms around her. "It was horrible! I can't go that long without my bestie!"

Claudia giggled. "It wasn't that long."

"Gee wizz." Robert rolled his eyes. "You guys married or something?"

Rachele stuck her tongue out. "You're just jealous I'm not latching onto you."

Robert looked away. "You have no idea." He muttered under his breath.

"You say something Kordellus?" Rachele glanced at him.

He raised his hands. "Nope...nothing." He pointedly ignored the knowing smug look on Claudia's face. 'Damn it...bad idea to tell her.'

"Oh Robbiiee!"

Robert's face paled. "Oh hell..." He pulled Rachele in front of him. "Please keep her away from me."

Rachele crossed her arms and glared at the Slytherin girl. "Piss off leech girl, can't you see he wants nothing to do with you?"

Gertrude flicked her hair. "Move aside Mudblood, you either give me the hunk or I kill the pathetic disgrace next to you. Your choice."

That was the last straw. Sick and tired of her threats against Claudia, Rachele screamed and launched at her, knocking Gertrude to the floor. The girls wrestled and scuttled, throwing fists, kicks, slaps and hair-pulling. Their tustle had quickly attracted a large crowd.

"I've had enough of your crap Clarken!" Rachele snarled as she landed a good hook to her jaw. "I'm going to rip you to shreds!"

"Just try ya little worm!" Gertrude stuffed a hard knee into her stomach.

"CLARKEN! SULLIVAN!" McGonagall stood over the girls looking positively livid. "To your feet immediately!"

Rachele obeyed, shoving the other girl away and standing up while wiping blood from her nose; Gertrude had managed to headbutt her at some stage.

"Explain yourself this instant!"

"She attacked me!" Gertrude accused. "I was minding my own business and she just threw herself at me."

"Liar!" Rachele snapped. "She's harrassing Robbie and just now threatened to kill Claudia!" She stepped back to guard her friends. "I was just protecting them!"

"SILENCE!" They both flinched at the Professor's shrill tone. "A week's detention for both of you. And you will serve it together starting tomorrow night in my office!"

Rachele huffed but remained silent. She shot one last glare in Gertrudes direction before leading her friends away. When they were alone, Robert wasted no time turning to her.

"Hey...let me see that."

He gently lifted her chin to inspect her bleeding nose better. Rachele felt unexpected stomach flips at his soft touch. "Is it bad?" She asked casually.

"Nothing you can't heal yourself later." He forced a smile. "Come on Rach, what happened back there? I haven't seen you lose it like that since third year when you punched her."

Claudia nodded. "You were kinda...scary."

Rachele sighed. "Her threat to kill Claudia wasn't idle, you both know that. I don't doubt she'll attempt something to get rid of her sister. She's not right in the head I tell ya."

Claudia clinged onto her arm. "She's right...she wants to kill me."

Rachele put an arm around her. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to frighten you." She looked between them. "I'm escorting you both to your dorms. And you..." She leered at Robert. "Straight to the boys dorms. No dawdling where she might find you."

Robert saluted with a grin. "Aye aye cap'n."

She lightly slapped his arm. "I'm serious Robbie! I don't want her digging her nasty diseased claws into you!"

He raised an eyebrow. "And why's that?"

She started. "B-b..." She huffed. "Because I just don't! It irritates the hell out of me!" They stopped outside the Slytherin common room. "Okay we're here, now go before she sees us."

Robert sniggered. "Night girls."

They waited until the portait hole closed behind him then started their trek to Hufflepuff tower.

"Good grief I'm exhausted." She pinched her nose. "Ow, damn she has a hard head."

"Aren't you gonna heal it?" Claudia stared it.

"Yeah I guess so." She flicked her hand over her nose, healing it instantly, even removing the caked blood. "Tada...all better. Oh bloody hell really?"

As the girls rounded a corner, they came across a couple, seventh years most likely, making out heavily against a wall.

"OI!" They jumped apart at Rachele's voice. "At least use a broom cupboard or something! Spare the rest of us your tonsil hockey P.D.A!" The pair scuttled away like a pair of roaches.

"What was that?" Claudia asked with raised eyebrows. "You're normally open to romantic gestures."

"That wasn't romantic, that was teenage lust." She made a gagging motion. "Blegh."

Claudia giggled. "Come on Rach, you're sixteen now. Haven't you thought about dating?"

Rachele eyed her. "Have you?"

"Um...no..."

"Well then...who cares?"

Claudia sighed. 'Sorry Robert I'm trying."

"Well here we are." Rachele gestured to the Hufflepuff entrance. "You be alright?"

"I'm fine with my bodyguard." Claudia smiled.

Rachele laughed. "C'mere." She pulled her best friend into a hug. "You know I love ya."

Claudia giggled. "Love you too." 'You're saying it to the wrong person!' "Night."

Rachele waited until she was fully inside before making her own way to Gryffindor tower. She whistled casually, strolling through the dark corridors. As she walked along, a strong sense of someone watching washed over her. She turned her head and peered at her surroundings. She could feel a presence nearby keeping themselves concealed, so she definitely knew she was being followed. Playing it cool, she continued on her way, picking up her pace. The whole way she could feel this person sneaking along behind her, so was grateful when she reached her common room and her followers aura vanished. 'Must not be a Gryffindor then.' Pushing it to the back of her mind, she climbed the stairs leading to the girls dorms, ready for a good night's rest. Her tabby familiar was there waiting for her on the end of her bed. He came and curled up next to his owner as she snuggled down under her covers.

"Hey Pusscat." She stroked his head as he curled up against her. He leaned into her hand purring loudly, the last sound Rachele remembered before succumbing to a deep slumber.

"Crap, crap I'm late, I'm late." Rachele sprinted through the halls, throwing on her cloak and hurriedly fixing her red and gold tie. Her first subject was potions, boy was she glad she wouldn't need explain herself to Snape anymore, but she was curious about this new Professor that had taken his place. She pushed open the door leading into the classroom, all heads turning at her arrival, including Professor Slughorn who beamed joyfully.

"Ah! Miss Sullivan!"

Rachele smiled awkwardly, not bothering to ask how he already knew her name. "Sorry I'm late Professor..."

"Don't worry yourself young lass, we've just started." He gestured her in. "We're out of potions books I'm afraid so you'll have to share with someone."

Rachele quickly spotted Robert waving her over and hurried over to stand next to him at a table as the lesson commenced.

"What did I miss?" She whispered.

"We've been assigned to make the best Draught of Living Death." He explained. "Person with the most accurate potion wins that." He pointed to a small glistening vial containing a transparent liquid.

"Is that...Felix Felicis? The luck potion?"

He smirked. "Course you know what it is. Also lucky you weren't here about five minutes ago."

She raised an eyebrow. "Why's that?"

He coughed. "Amortentia..."

She laughed. "A love potion? Seriously?"

"Yeah should've seen Hermione, it was hilarious."

"Alright everyone turn to page ten of your books and you may begin anytime!" Slughorn's voice boomed.

Robert allowed Rachele to share off his book even though they worked seperately. As she cut her ingredients, Rachele glanced around the room to see how everyone else was fairing. Bits were flung around the room, some cauldrons exploded and others produced slimy organisms that slopped onto the table. She giggled when Seamus Finnegans tossed something into his brew, only to have it literally explode in his face. Hermione didn't seem to be doing too badly, although she did seem a little stressed. Harry however was the picture of calm, and was stirring his pot with a confident smirk. She peered at him suspisciously, she didn't ever remember him excelling in this subject.

"How're you doing there Gryffindor?" Robert asked from beside her.

She shrugged. "It's okay, potions isn't exactly my forte but I think it's passable."

"Yeah same here. What'd you reckon?"

She glanced into his cauldron and gave a satisfied nod. "That's pretty good. Guess it's up to Slughorn to judge."

Slughorn did pass the pair and tested their potions, exclaiming cheerfully they did rather well; they were in the running for winning the liquid luck. But they were surprisingly outdone by Harry, whose brew, according to Slughorn, was absolutely perfect. Harry's high achievement only made Rachele all the more sceptical that something was afoot.

The class gathered around later as Harry stood proudly ready to claim his prize. "Here we are then!" Slughorn handed the potion to him. "One vial of Felix Felicis. Congratulations! Use it well." He began applauding, the class reluctantly following suit.

As the class filed out, Slughorn politely asked Rachele for a private word. She agreed, asking Robert to go and check on Claudia. Once they were alone, Slughorn turned to her with admiration gleaming in his eyes.

"Well now Miss Sullivan, I've heard a great deal about you from Albus. Proud adopted daughter of a great wizard, quite the pair you two."

Rachele shuffled her feet. "Uh...thank you I guess."

"And your potion!" He continued. "If Mr Potter hadn't have done so successfully I would've undoubtly chosen yours!"

"That's great Professor but-"

"And this other big secret of yours." He smiled and tapped his nose. "Albus informed me what a extroadinary sorceress you are."

Rachele sighed. There went Albus again, spreading around information that wasn't his to tell. "Look Professor, I understand your enthusiasm but you must keep that to yourself. Very few people know about my true identity, and I'd like to keep it that way."

"Of course of course!" He laughed. "I wouldn't dream of telling a soul!" Rachele didn't feel comforted in the slightest.

"Okay great, well I need to head off to my next class now."

"Ah yes!" He waved her away. "Off you go!

"Bye Professor." 'Sweet Merlin what just happened?'

After morning classes, Rachele was eager to find her best friends and grab some lunch. As she hurried down a corridor, an arm suddenly shot out and gripped her arm before roughly yanking her sideways into the shadows. A hand covered her mouth, while another snaked wanderingly around her waist, fingering her skirt. She stiffened as the hand travelled north towards her chest and that's when her instincts kicked in. She planted her hand on her assaulters stomach and pushed outwards. A blast flashed from her palm, blasting the person backwards into the wall and knocking them clean out. Breathing heavily, Rachele turned around to identify her attacker. She recognised him as Antony, the hot shot from Ravenclaw that had showed keen interest in her the year before. She was vaguely aware of his popularity amongst the females, even she wasn't blind to his pretty boy looks. But she never dreamt he would stretch this far to gain a girls attention.

"Rachele?" Harry, Ron and Hermione appeared next to her, all staring down at Antony's unconscious form. "What're you doing?"

"Oh hey guys, great timing. Help me take him to the hospital wing will you?"

Harry and Ron slung an arm each around their shoulders and heaved him off the ground. Rachele inspected his head, making sure his impact against the wall didn't cause too much damage. She then took the lead towards the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey rolled her eyes in exasperation when the four teenagers walked in.

"What have you done now Potter?"

"It's not him Madam Pomfrey." Rachele gestured to the Ravenclaw boy.

The nurse looked him over. "What's happened here then?"

"Just banged his head a little, small concussion maybe."

"Very well bring him over to the bed then." Harry and Ron brought the patient over and flopped him onto the bed.

"I'll leave you to it." Rachele said shuffling towards the door. "I have to find Robbie and Claudia." She power-walked through the door, avoiding eye-contact with the her housemates.

"Rachele wait!" Hermione sprinted after her.

"Can't wait Hermione! People waiting for me."

"Just stop will you?" Hermione stepped in front of her causing her to halt. "Tell me what happened. You look spooked."

Rachele ran her hands through her hair, glancing around the nervously. "Um...well...that guy in there. Antony."

"What about him?

She lowered her voice. "He just tried coming on to me."

Hermione spluttered. "What? How?"

Rachele rubbed her arm. "I was going to lunch, then he just suddenly pulled me to the wall and tried feeling me up. I was able to shove him away, but it might've been a bit hard."

Hermione was appalled. "What a stinkin pervert! He deserves to keep that bump on his head!"

"It doesn't matter, he didn't do anything." She sighed. "Look I really gotta find Robbie and Claudia, I'm never this late meeting up with them." She patted Hermione's shoulder. "See ya later."

She found her best friends in the Great Hall, already helping themselves to their lunch. "Hey guys." She sat down with a tired sigh.

"Where were you eh?" Robert asked. "We were waiting."

Rachele silently filled her plate, took a few small bites, sighed again and put her fork down. "Promise neither of you will freak out."

Claudia held her hand. "You okay?"

Rachele nodded. "Yeah it's just well..." She chuckled. "You remember Antony from last year?"

Robert's grip on his fork tightened. "That suave pretty boy who hit on you?"

"He just said hello, but yeah him." She took a deep breath and recounted what happened with Antony attempting to grope her in the hallway. Claudia's reaction was pure concern; she scanned over the best friend, checking for any inconvenient bruising. Robert was simple staring at her with a completely unreadable expression.

"Uh...Robbie?" She waved a hand in front of his face. "You okay?"

He blinked. "Oh yeah, fine. You sure you're alright?"

She smiled. "I'm fine, I blasted him away. He's in the hospital wing right now."

Robert cringed. "You didn't give him permanent damage did you?"

She shook her head. "Just knocked him out. He'll have a bruise on his head."

"Serves him right." Claudia sniffed. "Trying to feel up my best friend."

Rachele chuckled. "Relax he didn't get far."

"Hey Rach!"

She turned to the voice. "Hey Harry, hey Ginny. What's up?"

"We have a question." Ginny was grinning.

Rachele raised an eyebrow. "Okay...

Harry wore an identical smirk. "How would you like to try out for the Quidditch team?"

Rachele gaped at them. "Wait what? Me? Playing Quidditch? What gave you that weird idea?"

"I remembered your flying demonstration back in first year. We could use those kind of stunts for the Gryffindor team."

Rachele blew on her fringe. "That was one time."

"Come on pleeaaaaaaassseeeee?" Ginny begged with large brown eyes. "You can be a Chaser, we'd be awesome together!"

Rachele glanced at Robert and Claudia, who both just shrugged. She let out a long huff. "Fine, I'll do it."

"YES!" Harry and Ginny high-fived each other. "Try-outs are tomorrow afternoon. Don't be late!"

"Yeah yeah..." She waved them away.

"So..." Robert grinned once they were gone. "Quidditch eh? That should be fun."

Rachele shrugged. "Sure I guess."

"You're not excited?" Claudia asked.

"I like flying and all, but Quidditch I more enjoyed being a spectator." She smiled. "But if they need my help then I'll give it a shot."

"You're a good sport." Robert winked.

She smiled. "I try. Anyway we should head to classes now."

"Actually you girls go ahead." Robert stood up. "I have a errand to run first." He grabbed his bag and strode out of the hall before they could say a word.

Rachele looked at Claudia. "What the heck was that?"

Claudia shrugged cluelessly but internally she suspected. Robert didn't appear phased when Rachele told them of the attempted sexual assault, but she had seen the fire swirling in his eyes; no doubt he was going to settle the score.

Robert stormed through the halls with balled fists at his side. He could feel the rage coursing through his veins and his body pulsed with the urge to take it out on a certain perverted Ravenclaw. Reaching the hospital wing, he burst through the door, startling the head nurse.

"Mr Kordellus! I am trying to work here, please take your reckless outbursts somewhere else!"

But he wasn't listening, his blue eyes locked onto his target lying comfortably on one of the beds. Antony was staring bewildered at the furious Slytherin.

"Kordellus?" He pushed himself into a sitting position. "What the hell do you want?"

Robert stalked over to him, and without a word, threw a powerful punch into the centre of his face, A loud crack was heard and the boy slumped backwards onto his bed, holding his nose in agony.

"Mr Kordellus! Restrain yourself!"

Robert ignored her and pulled Antony up by his collar with his fist raised to strike again. "You damn disgusting sleazebag, give me one good reason not to pulversise you!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Antony cried.

"Rachele you ass-brain! You think you can go around groping any girl you feel like?"

"I'm sorry!" He squeaked. "She's just so damn gorgeous! I couldn't help myself!"

"I'm giving you one warning to stay the hell away from her." Robert growled. "If I hear you've so much as breathed on her, I will slice you up and toss you into the Black Lake."

Antony nodded frantically. "Okay okay, I won't go near her again, I promise!"

"Good." Robert let go of his shirt, and without another glance at him or the nurse, he exited the hospital and headed off to class to meet Rachele. He never mentioned where he had been, and when she asked he just shrugged her off; all he cared about was that sick prat leaving her alone. He just hoped the stupid Ravenclaw twat listened to him.

The following afternoon, the trio headed down to the Quidditch pitch for Rachele's tryouts. Robert and Claudia made their way to the stands while she went to the dresser rooms to change into her uniform. Since she didn't own her own broom, she picked a random one from the lockers. She stepped out onto the field and walked over to the other potential teammates. Ginny came running over to greet her.

"Rachele! Glad you could make it! Come on Harry's waiting."

"Why would I care if Harry's waiting."

Ginny grinned. "Well duh, he's captain."

Rachele's eyes widened. "What? Since when?"

"Since he got a letter during summer. He wanted to surprise everyone."

She smiled. "Good for him then."

"Hi Rach." Harry said with a smile that seemed a little forced.

"Hey Harry." She smirked. "You aint nervous are ya?"

He chuckled. "Maybe a little."

She slapped his back. "You'll be fine, just show em who's in charge."

They faced the group, Harry in the middle with Rachele and Ginny either side of him.

"Okay! Today I'll be taking you through a few drills, just to test your strengths." The crowd were goofing off and not paying any attention to him, save for Ron who just stood there limply looking sickly green. Rachele took in the thick padding and his helmet and wagered a guess he was trying for Keeper. 'Best of luck Ron.'

"Quiet please!" Harry spoke up but no one heard him.

"SHUT IT!" Ginny yelled and the field grew quiet, all attention was now at the front. Rachele sniggered, offering the girl a subtle low five.

"Thanks." Harry muttered. "Alright uh...Now then remember, just because you made the team last year does not guarantee you a spot this year. Is that clear?" Silence. "Good, great let's get started then."

Harry hovered in the air on his own broom, alternating his attention to every position on the field. Ron took up guarding the hoops on one end, while a bulky chap named Cormac Mclaggen flew in front of the other. Rachele joined Ginny and a select few other chasers to soar around tossing the Quaffle back and forth. As many players as there were, Harry's eyes were stuck on the two girls. Their teamwork was phenomenal; they zigzagged effortlessly through obstacles, passing the ball to eachother at neck-breaking speeds. A few times they managed to feint both keepers, sending the Quaffle zooming through the middle hoop. Harry knew with a certainty he was recruiting both girls for the team.

Soon all that was left were the keepers, Ron against Mclaggen. They were both equal with blocking the shots, reducing it down to a tie-breaker. The chasers first raced towards Mclaggen, who wore a confident, cocky smirk on his face. Ginny ditched the Quaffle at him, just as he reached out to counter it his broom suddenly swerved to the side allowing the ball to fly through the hoop. Rachele sensed straight away a spell had been used; she glanced around, eyes halting on Hermione looking rather pleased with herself.

"Gee Hermione nice going." She muttered rolling her eyes.

"Rach!" Ginny yelled out, tossing the Quaffle to her. "You take it to Ron's end!"

Rachele caught it. "Gotcha!" She zoomed towards the other hoop where Ron was nervously watching her with both hands gripping his broom tightly. 'I have faith in you Ron.' She threw the Quaffle hard as it rocketed towards the shaky keeper. With pure reflex, Ron swivelled upside down causing the ball bounceoff his helmet.

Rachele brought her broom to a stop so she could clap and cheer. "Atta boy Ron! You rock!" She looked towards the stands to see Robert and Claudia both on their feet and applauding. She grinned and flew down to the grassy pitch to meet them.

"Nice flying there Gryfffindor." Robert grinned when they reached her. "You'll definitely make the team."

She shrugged. "Was just mostly following Ginny. But thanks."

"When's the first game?" Claudia asked.

"No idea, that's a question for the captain."

"Hey Rach!"

"Speak of the devil, here he comes now." She turned and gave a playful salute. "Hey Harry, captain sir!"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Great thanks. Listen I just came over to say congratulations! I'm choosing you as one of our Chasers."

Rachele smiled. "Awesome! Thanks I'll do my best!" He walked away and she turned to her friends. "Well there you go, I'm offiicially a part of the Gryffindor Quidditch team."

"That's amazing." Claudia said hugging her. "Can't wait to watch you play."

Robert squeezed her shoulder. "You'll do great Rach, we'll be cheering you on."

"Aaawww you guys!" She flung her arms around them. "What would I do without you two?" She pulled them into a tight group hug emanating laughs from them both. "Oh crap..." She looked up at the sky to see the sun beginning it's descent. "Damn I need to go."

"Where're you going?"

"Detention remember?" She waved to them as she bolted for the changing rooms. "I'll try and make it for dinner! Don't wait up though!"

Claudia waved. "Bye..."

Robert sighed. "And there she goes again."

Claudia stared at him. "What did you do to him?"

Robert looked at her, confused by the random question. "What did I do to who?"

"That guy from Ravenclaw that hit on Rachele. What did you do?"

Robert looked away. "Just gave him a warning." She raised an eyebrow. "Might've broken his nose too..."

Claudia sighed. "You need to tell her."

"You kidding me? I can't tell Rachele I just punched a guy, what would she think of me?"

She shook her head. "Not that...I mean tell her how you feel about her. You know she can't wait around for you."

Robert nodded, thinking of Rachele's inevitable lonesome future. "I know, but I don't think she feels the same way."

"It doesn't matter, just as long as she knows."

Robert gazed contemplatively in the direction Rachele had gone. He'd been harboring these feelings for three years now, maybe this was the year to take that leap of faith and let everything go.

End of Chapter

Yaaaay! Rachele is now a part of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Her first official game shouldn't be too far away.

Ginny is now dating Dean, but we all know who she is still harboring feelings for. And Rachele especially can see it clear as day.

Coming up next! Slughorn begins showing a keen interest in Rachele.

See ya then!