From here on out the mostly be focusing the upcoming battle. But first up, let's see how successfully Rachele can sneak Harry in.

Enjoy!


Chapter 2 – The Darkness Emerges

Rachele could only gawk at the man that had appeared in front of her. She even rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't seeing things. "A-Albus? Is that really you?"

The older man chuckled dryly. "I suppose there is a uncanny likeness isn't there?"

Rachele frowned. "What do you mean? Who are you?"

He bowed his head politely. "My name is Aberforth Dumbledore. Albus was my brother."

Rachele stepped back. "Brother? He never told me he had a brother."

Aberforth smiled bitterly. "And yet I know all about you Rachele Sullivan." He gave her a knowing look. "Or is it Granger now?"

Rachele ran a hand through her hair. "I don't understand. Albus told me everything about his past, including his sister." She missed the dark scowl that crossed Aberforths aged face. "But why wouldn't he mention you?"

"Our family history is far more complicated than Albus probably let on. He was a man of many secrets. He kept much to himself, even from those most closest to him." He noticed her deflated posture and smiled reassuringly. "Don't let it bother you young one. Out of everyone he ever knew, you were the one person he valued the most."

Rachele smiled sadly. "Yeah...I've heard that a lot lately."

Aberforth placed a hand on her shoulder. "Did you know that in his younger years, Albus always wanted a daughter?" When she glanced up at him he nodded. "He always planned to raise a prodigy that he believed held great potential. But even more than that; he hoped for a child he could love and call his own." He smiled warmly at her. "He found all that and so much more when he adopted you. He loved you more than words can ever describe."

Rachele wiped at the tears that had suddenly built up. "I know...and I loved him too. I didn't get to grow up with my real parents. I'm grateful I had him as a father." She looked down sorrowfully. "I just wish I could've told him that."

Aberforth smiled again. "I have no doubt that he knew." He patted her shoulder and stepped back. "But enough about that. May I ask what brings you to my humble abode?"

Rachele looked up at him with determination. "I need your help."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? With what exactly?"

"As you know Hogwarts has been taken over by Voldemort and his lackies." Aberforth nodded bemusedly. "And I'm forming a plan to smuggle Harry Potter back into the school."

Aberforth grinned slightly. "Ah yes, the chosen one. And how do you plan on doing that?"

Rachele looked pointedly at him. "Sneaking him through a passageway from here to Hogwarts. One the Death Eaters don't know about. I was hoping to use this place."

Aberforth gave a thoughtful 'hmm'. "I suppose that could work, though I don't see why you yourself can't simply teleport him straight there."

Rachele shrugged. "I thought of that but it's what the Death Eaters are expecting me to do. They're waiting for me to just flash inside with Harry Potter by my side." She shook her head. "No, we need to devise this in a way it looks like I'm not involved. As carefully and stealthily as possible. And it needs to look like Harry is the mastermind. There can't be any hints that I helped him."

Aberforth nodded. "Makes sense. Very well come over here then." He led her over to a painting of a young teenage girl. "Ariana." He whispered while gently touching the portrait. The girl turned her head and smiled but did not utter a word.

Rachele gazed at the painting in awe. "Ariana...your sister?"

Aberforth nodded solemnly. "She was only fourteen when she died. A tragic mistake both Albus and I forever blamed ourselves for."

Rachele put a hand on his arm. "It's okay. You don't have to say anything. Albus already told me the story."

He nodded and shook his head, recomposing himself before turning back to the portrait. "We seek a path for Harry Potter. I ask for your assistance."

Rachele stood patiently for a few minutes as they conversed until Aberforth turned to her with a smile. "She says you can build a tunnel behind her frame that will take you underground. It will lead a path to the castle."

Rachele beamed. "Brilliant! Thank you both so much! Now as for the digging part." Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Leave that to me. Ariana if you don't mind." The portait swung forward without hesitation to show a blank wall behind her. Rachele placed a single hand on the surface, closed her eyes and focused. She visualised where she wanted the tunnel to lead; straight to the new hide-out she had created earlier in the day. Her eyes snapped open and flashed brightly for a moment as her magic pulsed through her fingers and into the wall. Suddenly the brick was gone and in its place lay a dark tunnel that spiralled downwards into a seemingly never-ending black abyss.

Satisfied with her work, Rachele stepped away allowing Ariana to close herself once more. She nodded her thanks to the painting and turned back to face Aberfort who was looking at her in amazement. "Albus spoke of your abilities...but to actually witness it."

Rachele rolled her eyes. "That? Pfff that was just a little but of maintenance work. Nothing to it." She then shifted her gaze upwards. "It's getting dark. Won't be long before Harry arrives." She looked back at Aberforth. "You'll know he's here when all the alarms in Hogsmeade go off. Please promise he'll make it through."

Aberforth nodded defiantly. "You have my word."

Rachele smiled. "Thank you. I'll be sending someone else through the tunnel to guide him through." She held out her hand. "Take care of yourself Aberforth."

He shook it. "You too Rachele. May Merlin guide you."

And in a flash of her purple fire, she was gone. Aberforth stared gobsmacked at the spot she was moments ago. "Absolutely marvelous."


To confirm her suspicions, Rachele materialized just near the door to the Great Hall. Just as she suspected, there were a small group of dark wizards waiting for her. Plastering on a smile, she walked towards them casually with her hands linked behind her back.

"Good evening gentlemen."

She bit back a laugh when all Death Eaters jumped and simultaneously pulled out their wands. Their movements were so synchronised it could've almost been rehearsed. She also noticed they were studying the spaces both right and left of her. Rachele smiled; she knew who they were looking for.

"Are you expecting someone else?"

One of the braver ones stepped forward with a glare. "Where is he you little wench?"

Rachele tilted her head innocently? "Where is who?"

"Potter! We know you're hiding him?"

She furowed her eyebrows in concentration. "You mean Harry Potter? I didn't think he was anywhere near Hogwarts. Not with you lot running this place."

This only angered him further. "Do not toy with us! We know he's coming back!"

Rachele feigned surprise. "Really? He is?" She clapped her hands together. "Joyous news! I better inform the others!" She turned on her heel and walked away, saluting them as she went. "Tata boys! Keep up the good work!"

She ignored the enraged Death Eater cursing her from behind. She wasn't about to waste anymore time with these clueless misfits, she had a mission to complete. She walked briskly through the halls (even taking some short cuts through walls and classrooms) until she once again came across the secret entrance to their hideout. She carefully opened it and silently slipped inside. She closed the door behind her and immediately began scanning the room for two specific people. She found them sitting on a mattress with Ginny and Neville in a far corner, whispering quietly between themselves; no doubt who they were talking about. Evidentally it was Ginny who spotted her first and her whole face seem to light up.

"Rachele! It's about time!"

The other three turned to her with Claudia and Robert raising to greet her properly; one with a tight hug and the other with a soft kiss (Everyone can figure out who did what.) Once greetings had been exchanged, Rachele joined them on the bed to update them with her little errand.

"So I'm guessing you know about Harry coming back soon." She addressed Ginny who beamed brightly.

"Yes! They told me you were figuring out a way to sneak him in." She leaned forward eagerly. "Have you done it?"

Rachele nodded. "Yeah, that's what I wanted to talk about." She turned and pointed to the back of the room. "You see that big portrait there?" They all nodded. "I've created a long tunnel behind it that leads to a place in Hogsmeade belonging to a confidante I met there. He helped arrange the details."

Robert grinned. "And of course you built this tunnel in seconds didn't you?"

Rachele smirked. "Did you have any doubt?" She teased making them all laugh. "And speaking of..." She turned to the other male of the group. "I have a special job for you Neville."

Neville blinked in surprise. "Me?"

She smiled. "Yup, you up for the task?"

The Neville she knew in first year would've hesitated or cowered in fear. That boy was gone. In his place stood a strong young man ready to fight for a just cause. She would never forget the look on his face as he nodded with a fierce fire in his eyes. "You can count on me." Rachele had never felt more proud of her friend then in that moment. 'And that is why he was placed in Gryffindor.'

"How will we know Harry's in Hogsmeade?" Claudia suddenly asked.

Rachele smiled and tapped her head. "Don't worry, I'll know." She then gazed thoughtfully at the large painting where she knew in only a short time Harry Potter would emerge from. 'Please hurry Harry.'

Ironically enough, moments after that thought, another voice popped into her head, even startling her a little.

'Rachele! Are you there?'

Rachele sat up straight in alarm. "Harry? Is that you?"

'Yeah, it's me. You need to help us!'

"Why? What's happening?"

'We're in Hogsmeade! But an alarm went off and there's Death Eaters everywhere! We're stuck behind a wall. If we move they'll spot us!'

"Calm down. Listen to me very carefully. There's a back alley staircase leading down to an old shop. It's a little out of view but it should be near you."

'Okay...oh yeah I can see it. Kinda looks like Knockturn Alley.'

"Exactly! I have a accomplise who I trust there. He'll help you. Find an opening and run for it!"

'Great. Thanks Rach, we owe you one.'

"You owe me more than that. Now GO!"

The last thing she heard was Harry ushering Ron and Hermione to follow him. When it went silent, she was certain they made it safely to Aberforth's shop. 'Onto the next step.' She stood and hurried over to Neville who was waiting anxiously near the portrait. He straightened to attention when he noticed Rachele approach him.

"Is it time?"

She nodded. "Yup, they just arrived. You ready?"

He shrugged. "As I'll ever be."

She watched as he pushed the painting open and climbed inside. "You might want to use your wand. It's pitch black most of the way through." He confirmed by nodding and pulling said object. "Good luck Neville."

"See you soon." Was all he said before the door was shut behind him. Rachele sighed and mentally prayed for his safe return.

"Was that Neville leaving?"

Rachele turned to Ginny was appeared next to her. "Sure was, and you know what that means."

Ginny smiled excitedly. "Harry's back!"

"Last I heard he was in Hogsmeade. If things go to plan he should be here in an hour. Two at the most." She noticed the younger girl wringing her hands nervously. "You okay there Gin?"

Ginny smiled. "Just anxious is all. I haven't seen him in months."

Rachele patted her shoulder. "You got nothing to worry about. I have no doubt Harry will be happy to see you." She rolled her eyes. "Trust me that boy is so whipped it's sickening."

Ginny laughed and playfully shoved her. "Like you're any better drooling over your tall, dark and handsome Slytherin man candy."

Rachele grinned and licked her lips. "Mmmmm candy indeed."

Ginny grimaced. "Oh Merlin...don't do that Rach. It's disturbing."

Rachele sniggered. "You know you're the only one that knows that Robbie and I had s-"

Ginny clamped her hands over her ears. "La la la la la la don't remind me!"

Rachele laughed. "How old are you exactly?"

Ginny stuck her tongue out. "Shut up."

"Hey Rach. Did Neville just leave?"

Rachele beamed at her boyfriend. "Yup! Harry will be back anytime now so we need to prepare."

"I'll go keep an eye on our 'hosts.'" Ginny said as she headed for the door.

"Constant vigilance Gin!" Rachele yelled, laughing when the red-head girl flipped her off. "Aaww love you too!"

"You sure you're okay with her going out there?" Robert said with concern.

Rachele smiled. "Don't worry about Ginny. She can look after herself. I'll let her know when Harry gets here."

Robert wrapped an arm around her waist. "Well in that case. We should use this spare time wisely." He waggled his eyebrows.

Rachele laughed and pecked his cheek. "Easy tiger, there are children present."

He gestured his head towards one of the far beds. "Let's go over there then."

Rachele's eyes widened. "Robbie! We can't!"

Robert chuckled. "Calm down I just meant cuddling...and maybe a little making out. I wasn't kidding when I said I'd keep that promise to you."

Rachele huffed. "Well fine, but only for a few minutes." As she led him over to the bed, she glanced over the room in search of Claudia, eventually finding the girl sitting on her own bed with younger Hufflepuff students sitting around her. Rachele was proud that her best friend was finally coming out of her shell and reaching out to other people.

The couple laid down, wasting no time wrapping their arms around each other and melding their bodies as close as they could be. Rachele closed her eyes with her head resting on her beloved's chest, listening quietly to his heartbeat while he gently combed his fingers through her thick brown locks. At one point he planted a soft kiss to her forehead to which she responded by sighing contently and snuggling closer. She lifted her head to look into his blue eyes. "I love you Robbie." She didn't think she'd ever tire of telling him. He responded in kind followed by a soft, lingering kiss that weakened her knees; thank Merlin she was lying down.

Rachele wasn't sure how long they lay there hugging, kissing and whispering sweet nothings to each other. But the spell was broken when she heard the painting swing open once more with a proud Neville standing in the entrance. "Hey everyone! I've got a surprise for ya!"

(A little earlier)

Aberforth leered at the three teenagers in front of him. "So...Potter. I've been expecting you."

Harry looked at the old man closely. "It's you. You're the face I've been seeing in the glass."

Aberforth looked away. "Dunno what you mean. I'm only doing as I'm told."

Hermione frowned. "As your told? Under who's orders?"

He sniffed. "They're not orders. It was a good person asking for help. Who was I to deny such a pure soul?"

Harry smiled slightly. "It was Rachele wasn't it? She was here a little while ago."

Aberforth sighed. "Yes it's true she was here. She wasn't expecting me at first. But once she learned who I was she was insistant for my help." He sighed sadly. "No matter how much I feel that it's worthless fighting against You-Know-Who. He's too powerful."

Ron choked on a laugh. "You honestly believe that when we have someone like Rachele on our side? The bloody wanker runs and cowers just at the mention of her name."

Hermione nods. "He's right. There's no way we can lose with her."

Harry stepped forward. "Rachele has never even considered the idea of quitting. And we won't either."

Aberforth scowled. "And what of my brother Albus? You having fun running on wild goose chases for a man you know nothing about? Did he ever mention me? Or his sister?" He gestured to the portait of Ariana.

Harry didn't look away from him. "You think I care what you think of him? I trusted the man I knew. Rachele trusted the man that raised her. That's good enough for me."

Aberforth sighed. "You have much to learn boy. Both you and your friend. Even with her powers, you're both still naïve little children."

Hermione stood in defense of her sister's behalf. "We understand more than you might think. Especially Rachele. You can't even fathom the darkness she has seen. No one here can comprehend what's she been through."

Harry nodded. "And she still hasn't given up on the world. So why should we?"

Aberforth deflated in defeat. "I suppose there's no point arguing any longer. Agree to disagree I suppose." He turned to Ariana. "You know what to do." The girl nodded, turned and walked away, becoming nothing more than a mere dot in her own artwork. Moments later she returned, but she wasn't alone. A dark figure lurked behind her. Just as she reached them, the portrait swung open to reveal a familiar face in the doorway.

Harry grinned. "Neville!"

Neville grinned. "Bloody good to see you guys. How've you been holding up?"

Hermione looked him over. "As good as we can be. But look at you! We thought with all those Death Eaters around you'd have to battle it out. You don't have a scratch on you!"

Neville smiled. "You can thank Rachele for that one. She's been keep those blighters in check since day one. Made it her priority to protect every student there. She's the reason we're all safe."

Harry sighed with relief. "Thank Merlin for her."

Neville jerked his head behind him. "Well come on then. Let's make tracks."

Making sure to thank Aberforth, they climbed inside and the painting shut behind them, shrouding them in total black. Neville muttered 'Lumos' to light their way through the ominous tunnel.

"Say Neville." Harry said breaking the silence. "Where did this passage come from exactly? I've never seen it on the Marauders Map."

Neville smiled knowingly. "You should be able to figure that one out Harry."

Harry blinked. "Huh?"

"It was Rachele wasn't it?" Hermione said amused. "She made it at the last minute didn't she?"

Neville shrugged. "You guys needed a way back undetected. She created one. It's as simple as that."

"Bloody brilliant." Ron commented.

Harry smiled. "Amen to that."

Neville grinned. "Only her, myself and a few others know about this. So this ought to be rather fun wouldn't you say?"

(Present time)

Rachele and Robert's head both shot up when they heard Neville's voice. The former jumped to her feet and beamed when Neville simply stepped aside to reveal the heroic trio. The reactions were instantaneous. Everyone cheered and applauded, stepping over each other to shake hands or hug the boy who lived. Rachele quickly sent a mental message to a certain red-head that the man of the hour had now returned. She then sent the same intel to the members of the Order. She stepped forward into the mass and gently pushed her way to the front.

"Harry!"

Harry turned at the sound of his voice and grinned at her. "Rachele!" He rushed forward to hug his friend. "Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"

Rachele smiled and squeezed him. "I missed you, you toshpot." She backed away to allow Robert and Claudia to greet him. While they were doing that, Neville pulled Rachele to the side. "We need to let the Order know Harry's back."

Rachele grinned and tapped her temple. "Already done."

Nevile nodded. "Good to know." He turned back to the front. "So what's the plan Harry?"

This question ushered the room into silence as all eyes were now on Harry Potter. He wavered for a moment before speaking. "There's something we need to find. Something hidden here in the castle. It may help us defeat You-Know-Who."

"What is it?" Neville asked

"We don't know." He answered.

"Where is it?" Dean followed.

"We don't know that either." He paused. "I know that's not much to go on."

"That's nothing to go on." Seamus groaned.

Harry thought for a second. "I think it has something to do with Ravenclaw. It'll be small, easily concealed...anyone have any ideas?"

Rachele frowned. She didn't know much about Ravenclaw's history. The only artifact she was ever know for was the-

"There's Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem." Luna's dreamy voice answered. After Harry, Ron and Hermione had left Bill's house to head for Gringotts, the newly weds made sure the young Ravenclaw was transported safely back to Hogwarts.

"Oh bloody hell here we go." Ron muttered earning an elbow from Hermione.

Luna looked around her. "Lost diadem of Ravenclaw? Hasn't anyone heard of this? It's quite famous."

Cho, who was standing next to her, sighed. "Yeah but Luna, it's lost. For centures now. Not one person alive today has seen it."

Rachele shrugged to herself. Well that would explain her confusion.

"Excuse me." Ron grumbled. "Can something tell me what a bloody diadem is?"

Cho turned to him. "It's sort of like a crown. You know like a tiara."

The conversation was cut of by the sound of running footsteps. The crowd parted and there stood a panting Ginny. "Harry." She breathed.

Harry's eyes softened. "Hi there."

Ron waved at his sister but faltered when she never took her gaze off Harry. "Six months she hasn't seen me. It's like I'm Frankie First Year. I'm only her brother."

Seamus grinned at him. "She's got loads of those. Only one Harry."

Ron glowered at him. "Shut up Seamus."

Neville studied the red-head. "What is it Ginny?"

Ginny's eyes snapped to him. "Snape knows. He knows Harry was spotted in Hogsmeade."

Rachele snorted. "And we care about this because?"

Neville looked at her. "No one was supposed to know!"

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Relax it doesn't change anything. We got him here didn't we?" She looked back at Ginny. "I assume he's requesting an assembly isn't he?"

Ginny nodded. "He's demanding it."

Rachele grinned cheekily. "Then let's give him what he wants." She faced all the other students. "It's time to take back the school."

Snape watched closely as the Death Eaters led the children into the Great Hall. This surprised him somewhat. He didn't think Sullivan would allow him to hold an assembly this late at night. But he wouldn't lower his guard. That girl always seems to have something up her sleeve.

Once each student was standing in place with their own house, he stood from his chair and walked slowly down the steps. No one dared look him in the eye. Some had frightened gazes pinned to their feet while others just shut their eyes waiting for inevitable punishment. Snape was certain they were hiding something important.

"You think that just because Sullivan has kept you tucked under her wing, you've taken me for a fool? I know Harry Potter is here and no one is going anywhere until someone reveals his whereabouts."His small threat left a shiver of fear in the air but yet no one wavered. Snape glared darkly at them. "If anyone knows anything about Harry's whereabouts and doesn't step forward then there will be consequences!"

"If you sound any scarier Severus, you might just wake the dead."

All heads whipped around to the welcome sight of Rachele leaning casually against the Great Hall doors, the Death Eaters that were guarding them lay unconscious at her feet. She stepped forward with a lethal glow in her eyes. "Wouldn't that be a unnatural propoganda?"

Snape leered at her. "Where are you hiding Potter?"

Rachele sighed. "You know, I've been asked that a lot lately. Rather annoying."

"WHERE IS HE?"

She smiled. "Now now, Severus. You won't get anything done by yelling at me." Her smile morphed into a smirk. "You want to know where Harry is? Why don't you ask him yourself?"

There were strings of gasps as Harry Potter emerged from the group of Gryffindors. He walked to the middle and faced the headmaster head on. Rachele walked over and stood next to her comrade. The doors opened and in strode their allies from the Order; Remus, Tonks, Arthur, Molly and a few more reliable people. Ron and Hermione came in with them looking ready to take on anything. Leading the group were Robert and Claudia, proving to everyone just who they were most loyal to.

"You didn't really believe you had full control over Hogwarts did you?" Harry snarled. "Not with her as the guardian. Not with the Order on standby. You're nothing but a fool. A pathetic treacherous fool!" He pointed to his classmates. "Tell them the truth Snape! Tell them how he died! A man that trusted you! A man that YOU KILLED!"

Rachele touched his arm. "Enough Harry." She placed herself in front of him. "You know you'll have to go through me to get to him." Her eyes flashed. "And we all know how that will end." She opened her palm and a writhing bright purple energy erupted from it. "Your choice Professor."

Snape took a step back. There was no way he would consider duelling against Sullivan. It was no better than throwing a lamb into a lion's den. He wasn't an idiot. He didn't stand a chance against her. Much to his surprise though, it was Minerva McGonagall that gently pushed Harry and Rachele behind her and pointed her wand in his direction. It was no less than a direct challenge to a duel. Winner takes Hogwarts.

Snape whipped out his own wand and matched her stance. He watched her carefully. Despite her age, Minerva McGonagall was not to be underestimated. She could hold her own in the worst of times. Before he could blink, McGonagall expertly flourished left and right, swirls of bright red/gold magic blasting towards him. Snape barely had time to retaliate, he was spending all his time and effort trying to resist getting hit. Before too long she had him backed up to the rear window and he knew he was fighting a losing battle. He deflected one more spell, morphed into black smoke and soared through the shattering window. McGonagall's outcry of 'COWARD!' carried after him in the wind as he was finally driven from Hogwarts.

Rachele turned to the Death Eaters that were left, her amethyst energy still flowing from her hands. "I suggest you follow that snivelling leader of yours. Unless you'd rather stay and fight me instead?" They didn't need any more convincing and were quick to depart much like Snape had. She extinguished her magic with a laugh. "That's what I thought." She jumped in the air and pumped her fists. "Hogwarts is ours once again!" Her loud statement was met with loud cheers and praises. Robert and Claudia raced up to her and the three came together with a big group hug.

"That was amazing Rach." Claudia beamed. "You took the castle back so easily."

Rachele snorted. "Please it was never theirs to begin with."

Just as quickly as things looked up, they seemed to come crashing down again. A dark cloud loomed over the castle and a slow rumble filled the hall. It shifted eerily above them, like blots of crimson blood in the dead of night. The torches around the hall dimmed down and the bite of a sudden cold makes everyone shiver. Everyone jumped when a scream pierced the air; a young first year girl was curled in a corner with her hands clamped over her ears. Her eyes were wide with horror as though she had seen the devil himself. Another scream breaks out, this time an older girl from Ravenclaw. Another...and then another until there's a number of students screaming in unision like they were possessed with an unknown evil.

Rachele and Harry locked eyes with each other across the room. They needed no words to understand what the other was thinking.

It was him.

And just as predicted, a deathly whisper spoke. "I know that many of you will want to fight. Some of you may even think this is wise. But this is folly."

Rachele glared into the threatening black clouds, not at all intimidated by his unprescedented announcement.

"Give me Harry Potter. Do this and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter and I shall leave Hogwarts untouched. Give me Harry Potter and you will be rewarded. You have one hour."

The voice faded away and the torched blazed bright once more. There was a dead silence until Rachele's furious voice sounded loudly.

"You think we'll fall for that you stupid noseless half-blood!" She held out her arms. "Come and say that to my face coward! There's no way in hell I'm handing over my friend. So why don't you get over here so I can KICK YOUR ARSE!"

Everyone gawked at her in bewilderment, hardly believing that anyone had the nerve to insult the most feared wizard like that. But the few who knew her personally allowed themselves to let out a small chuckle. That was snuffed out however when Pansy Parkinson, a close friend of Draco Malfoy's, pointed accusingly at Harry. "What are you all waiting for? Someone grab him!"

Her demand fell on deaf ears. Ginny was the first to bravely place herself in front of her boyfriend. She was followed closely by Hermione, Ron, Luna, Cho, Seamus and countless others from all houses. Everyone was willing to protect Harry at all costs. Rachele watched admirably as Robert stepped forward and stood confidantly between Ginny and the Slytherins.

"It's not the house that defines us. But the path that we choose for ourselves." He pointed his wand at his housemates. "But if this is what it means to be in Slytherin then I want no part in it." He turned around and bowed his head to Harry. "I will fight for the light. That is and always has been my destiny."

Pansy glared at him. "I always knew you were a traitor Kordellus. Ever since you started hanging around that Mudblood girlfriend of yours."

"Careful Parkinson." Rachele spoke from next to her, making the Slytherin girl jump. "You don't wanna go insulting the wrong person."

"Students out of bed! Students out of bed!" Argus Filch came running (sort of) into the rooming shouting loudly. "Students in the corridor!"

"They're supposed to be out of bed you blithering idiot!" McGonagall snipped sharply.

Filch looked around sheepishly. "Oh...sorry ma'am."

"Actually Mr Filch, your timing is most opportune. If you would, I would like you to please lead Miss Parkinson and the rest of Slytherin house from the hall."

Filch nodded. "Exactly where is it I'll be leading them ma'am?

"The dungeons will do."

Everyone cheered as Filch exited the Great Hall with all Slytherins in tow. As everyone began rushing about, Harry came over to McGonagall who regarded him firmly. "I presume you have a reason for returning Potter. What is it you need?"

"Time, Professor." Harry said instantly. "As much as you can give me."

She nodded. "Do what you have to do. I'll secure the castle." Harry turned and she called out. "Potter!" He looked at her and she smiled. "It's good to see you."

He grinned. "You too Professor."

As Harry took off, McGonagall turned to Rachele. "I need your help securing the castle Miss Sullivan."

Rachele shook her head. "I'd love to Professor, but I actually had an idea."

McGonagall sighed. "And I'll be foolish to ask. You do what you have to."

Rachele saluted. "Good luck Minerva." She hurried off and pushed through the horde of students until she spotted her two best friends darting up the large staircase. "Robbie! Claudia!" They both halted and turned simultaneously. "Rachele!" They ran back down to meet her. Rachele grabbed each of their arms desperately.

"I need you both to listen very carefully. I have a plan. But I'll have to disappear for a while."

Robert gripped her arm. "Wait Rachele. You can't leave. We need you here."

Claudia nodded in agreement. "He's right. Hogwarts needs you now more than ever."

Rachele smiled at them. "Hogwarts needs those who are willing to protect it. And that includes you both."

"Where will you go?" Robert asked.

"I can't answer that. You'll find out in due time." She gathered into another three-way hug. "Take care of each other. I promise I won't be long." She backed away. "Help Harry in whatever way you can."

She looked at Robert who was staring at the floor and shaking his head. "Robbie, what you did back there was very courageous." She gently lifted his chin to smile lovingly at him. "It's just one of the many reasons why I love you."

Robert said nothing except lean down a give her a long, desperate, passionate kiss. That was all Rachele needed to know; he was terrified, but he had faith they would see each other again. When they parted, she turned to Claudia who was on the brink of tears.

Claudia's bottom lip trembled as her shimmering gold orbs shone pleadingly. "Rachele..."

Rachele gazed fondly at her best friend. "You're a brave woman Claudia. You always have been. Be the strong witch I know you are." She squeezed the younger girls hand. "Be the light your family never was."

Claudia smiled. "I will. Thank you for being the sister I needed."

The girls shared one last lingering hug with Rachele whispering to her how much she loved her. Before Claudia could respond, Rachele spread her wings and catapulted upwards and through the high ceiling. They watched her go, praying that she would make it back in time and that they didn't just lose their last chance at hope.

End of Chapter.


It has begun! Harry's back and Voldemort is practically knocking on their door. And why is Rachele taking off when she is most needed?

Find out in the next chapter!

See ya then!