Chapter Three – The Monster That Lurks

Now let's find out what happens when Rachele stands in the path of a monstrous killer.

Third chapter begin! CHHAAAAA!

Rachele stared wide-eyed at the humongous beast that sat in her path. Green eyes met yellow as the monster hissed and spat at her. She stood her ground, determined to not let it get the best of her.

"So you're what I can hear behind these walls...some big ugly scaly lizard."

The giant snake leered at her and a voice appeared in her mind. "How are you still alive human? My eyes should kill anyone who dares look at me directly. And yet you remain standing."

Rachele smirked. "Do not underestimate me you over-grown reptile. It takes more than a simple stare from a slithering worm like you to kill me."

The snake bared its teeth. "You dare mock me human? You are nothing more than a small breakfast to me!"

Rachele sneered. "Come at me if you dare snake! Let's see the power of the great and powerful basilisk!"

The large snake hissed and opened its mouth wide to show its long venomous fangs before lunging forward at the girl. Rachele put up her hand and a flash of green erupted from her which blasted the monster backwards. The basilisk reared and howled in pain before turning back to her and hissing violently.

"What are you human? How does a mere child possess such great power?"

Rachele relaxed slightly but didn't lower her hand, her eyes a dangerous glow. "That demonstration was nothing compared to what I can do if you don't back off! I'll let you go for now snake, but be warned if you do not cease these attacks then you'll be the one pleading for mercy."

The girls' body pulsed with a deep energy so profound it had the monster shrinking back in fear, now realizing the true strength of the youth that stood before it.

"Do I make myself clear?"

The snake growled. "I will back down for now. But you haven't seen the last of me! You may be powerful tiny human, but you are not my master. I answer only to one!"

Before she could ask, the snake had slithered quickly around a corner and disappeared from sight. Only when she was sure he was gone did Rachele finally lower her hand. She kept her gaze on the path it once stood, its' last sentence echoing in her ears.

"I answer only to one!"

"This isn't just random monster that's gone rogue." She wondered aloud. "Someone here is giving that creature orders. And whoever it is; they're the ones behind the attack on Mrs Norris."

Rachele's encounter with the snake fortunately didn't cost her any sleep that night, but it didn't help her paranoia the following day. She knew that whoever opened the chamber wasn't going to stop regardless of her warning to the basilisk. If anything, it would've gone and reported her words to its master of her threats. She feared, however, that her interference would only make matters worse and it was only a matter of time before another victim would appear. The caretakers' cat was only the beginning.

And speaking of cats, Rachele wondered where her own familiar was. He had taken off from the train and she hadn't seen the tabby since. He did sometimes have a knack for wondering off and gallivanting around who knows where, but it had been weeks now and his absence was beginning to worry her. So it was to her immense relief that she woke up one morning with his large yellow feline orbs inches away from her face.

"Good morning Mistress."

Rachele instantly sat up and wrapped her arms around her pet in a tight hug. "Tiger, where have you been? I've been so worried!"

The cat struggled against her suffocating grip. "Can't...air...need...breath!"

She let him go with a gasp. "Sorry...sorry I just...explain yourself buster!"

Tiger bowed his head. "I apologize for my absence Rachele, an emergency came up."

She narrowed her eyes. "Emergency?"

He nodded. "Molly needed my help."

Rachele's eyes widened at the mention of Tiger's sister. "How...well how is she? Why did she need your help?"

"She is well...she has travelled far and has seen much. Unfortunately I am sworn to secrecy with why she needed my help. It is a confidential matter that must remain between us siblings."

Rachele raised her hands. "It's okay I understand, I won't pry. As long as she is alive and healthy that's all I care about."

She sighed. "I'm glad you here actually...it's been a bit of a rollercoaster this year."

Tiger groaned. "Great what spectacular extravagance has taken event this time?"

She played with the ends of her ponytail. "Someone opened a historical legend known as the chamber of secrets. It's been sealed for centuries to keep whatever's inside from getting out. Unfortunately...it's been unsealed and a monster is on the loose."

Tiger gawked at his mistress. "M...Monster? What kind of monster?"

"A giant snake known as the basilisk, one of the most feared creatures to roam this earth."

The cat gulped. "Why is this basilisk feared so much?"

Rachele shrugged. "It can take ones' life with a single stare." She grinned. "Not including myself."

Tiger raised an eyebrow. "And how do you know you're immune to this glare of death?"

"Because I came face to face with it a few nights ago, I looked it right in the eyes and it had no effect on me."

Tiger nodded. "Which just comes to show just how mighty my Mistress is; she who vanquishes all who oppose her with no more than flick of her wrist and a flash of her striking green eyes."

Rachele rolled her eyes. "You don't have to describe me like some heroine from an adventurous novel."

Tiger smiled. "But it is true...I assume you fought this monster yes?"

"Hardly, I scared it off with one blast from my hand. Not a very powerful snake, I don't see why everyone's so scared of it. The only reason it's prowling around so relentlessly is because someone is ordering it to."

"Ordering?"

She nodded. "The monster has a master who is unleashing his wrath upon this school. I have to find out who it is before there are any more casualties."

Tiger frowned. "Has it killed already?"

Rachele shook her head. "Not yet thankfully. Mr Filches cat Mrs Norris turned up petrified the other night. I fear that she was only a warning."

"Then we best find this perpetrator before he does anymore damage."

She smiled. "My thoughts exactly and I have a job for you."

Her cat sat up straight. "Anything you wish M'lady."

"Scour the castle left to right, top to bottom. Observe every student and teacher and report back to me if you find anything or anyone out of the ordinary. Can you do this?"

Tiger bowed. "Upon my honour, I shall not fail you." He jumped off the bed and trotted out of the room, leaving Rachele alone once again. She sighed and moved to sit on the edge of her bed. Her face fell into her hands and she let out a frustrated groan.

"I better get to class...I'm already late as it is."

She slowly stood and went about getting ready for the day, already anticipating the lecture she knew she would receive from Professor McGonagall.

"Sit down Miss Sullivan, please refrain from such tardiness again."

Rachele nodded and dutifully sat at her desk, almost rolling her eyes at the routine scolding. McGonagall constantly chastised her for being late to her class, but for some reason was never legitimately punished. She still wonders why that is; did the Professor have a softer side to her than she let on?

"Miss Sullivan!"

Rachele jumped in her seat. "Yes Professor?"

"I asked if you would please demonstrate."

"Huh?"

McGonagall sighed. "We are turning animals into wart goblets, if you would be so kind."

Rachele grinned sheepishly. "Oh! Of course, is there an animal I can use?"

McGonagall levitated a small mouse onto her desk and Rachele pulled out her 'wand'. She pointed it at the small rodent, tapped three times and briskly pronounced, "Fera Verto". The mouse then curled into a ball, its' fur vanished and it shifted and stretched into a taller shape before being replaced by a delicate glass-made goblet. The older woman nodded in approval.

"Excellent Miss Sullivan, Five points to Gryffindor."

The Professor turned back to look at a sulking Ron. "You see Mr Weasely; that is the result to having a functioning wand."

Rachele looked over at her friend and held back a laugh at the furry squeaking goblet that sat on his desk. "Poor guy, that wand of his isn't doing him much good."

Next to her Hermione suddenly raised her hand and McGonagall pointed to her. "Yes Miss Granger?"

"Professor, I was wondering if you could tell us about...the Chamber of Secrets."

McGonagall's mouth turned into a thin line as she hesitated before she noticed the seriousness on her students' expressions.

"Very well." She relented with a sigh. "As you all know, Hogwarts was founded over a thousand years ago by the four greatest witches and wizards of the age: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin."

Rachele sighed and lay her head down on her desk. She knew where her Professor was going with this and it was a piece of history she was all too familiar with. But she kept her ears acute as McGonagall carried on.

"Three of the founders co-existed quite harmoniously. One did not."

"Three guesses who." Ron whispered to Harry.

"Salazar Slytherin wished to be more selective about the students admitted to Hogwarts. He believed that magical learning should be kept within all-magic families. In other words, purebloods."

Racheles' eyes darted to Malfoy and noticed the expression of disregard he was giving Hermione. When he suddenly glanced at her, she glared a warning at him and he swiftly averted his eyes away from her and back to the teacher.

"According to legend, Slytherin had built a hidden chamber in this castle, known as the Chamber of Secrets. Shortly before departing, he sealed it until that time when his own true heir returned to the school. The heir alone would be able to open the Chamber and unleash the horror within, and by doing so, purge the school of all those who, in Slytherins' view, were unworthy to study magic."

"Muggleborns." Hermione called out. Rachele frowned at the slight flicker of fear on her friends' face.

McGonagall nodded. "Yes. Naturally, the school has been searched many times for such a chamber. It has never been found."

She turned around and Rachele hoped that was the end of that particular conversation, until Hermione spoke again.

"Professor, what exactly does legend tell us lies within the chamber?"

Rachele groaned softly. "Come on just drop it already!"

"The Chamber is said to be the home to something which the heir of Slytherin alone can control."

The old woman drew a shaky breath before she continued. "It is said to be the home...of a monster."

A hush fell over the classroom as everyone drunk in what McGonagall had revealed. Several looked frightened while others wore expressions of plain shock. But Racheles' attention was on Malfoy who was sitting calmly in his seat smiling to himself.

After class had ended, Rachele waited for everyone to clear out before walking up to McGonagall who had seated herself behind her desk.

"Minerva?"

The old woman looked up at her. "What is it Miss Sullivan? You'll be late for you next class."

Rachele frowned. "Why did you tell everyone about the Chamber?"

McGonagall sighed. "It is best for them to know what they're up against. It wouldn't be right for them to hold a blind fear of the unknown, especially with what has been exposed thus far."

Rachele rubbed her neck. "I understand that, but it's not going to protect them from what's out there."

McGonagall eyes her warily. "And do you know what is out there Miss Sullivan?"

Rachele looked away. "Maybe...but that's not important." She turned back to her teacher. "Look I promised Albus I would look after this school, and I'm doing everything in my power to abide by both his and my will. But I can't do this alone, this heir of Slytherin is prowling around and targeting Muggleborns such as myself. And I can't protect my kindred if I don't know who it is."

McGonagall raised a hand. "Calm yourself child. We are all aware of the danger the school is in. I assure you Dumbledore is seeing to the matter and I suggest you do the same. But do be careful, I assume you know more than you're letting on so be cautious of what you say to your friends."

Rachele nodded. "I already promised Albus I wouldn't breathe a word to anyone."

"Good, now run along. You're already late enough for your next class as it is."

She scribbled a late note for her, handed it over and shooed her away. "Good day to you Miss Sullivan."

Rachele bowed her head. "And to you Professor."

After enduring a morning filled with textbooks and lectures, Rachele cheered as they were finally dismissed from the final class for that morning. "YES! Lunch time! I'm starving!"

Hermione laughed. "You're always hungry Rachele, how do you keep your figure?"

Rachele grinned. "Hey I'm still growing I need my nutrients!"

Ron nudged her. "That makes two of us."

She beamed at him. "Yay! Someone who understands!" She grabbed Ron's arm and dragged him to the Great Hall. "Come on Ron! Our feast awaits!"

The two friends sped ahead while Harry and Hermione followed after them at a casual pace. The latter let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't know them."

Harry laughed. "Lighten up Hermione, you know how Rachele is."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah I know."

They walked into the hall and spotted Ron and Rachele sitting at the table and already helping themselves to the mountains of food. Harry sat next to Ron while Hermione sat on the opposite side with Rachele, and seconds later they joined in with the meal. After a few minutes, Hermione turned to the other girl.

"So Rachele, who do you think is the heir of Slytherin?"

Rachele choked on her drink and turned to her flabbergasted. "Where the hell did that come from?"

Hermione shrugged. "We were discussing it earlier while you stayed behind to talk to McGonagall, and we have a suspect."

Rachele raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you think it's Malfoy."

Ron leaned over. "Well who else could it be? You heard all the insults he was spouting at the Muggleborns."

Rachele rolled her eyes. "That's just him being a typical prejudiced pure-blooded moron. Most families like his detest Muggleborns but it doesn't automatically mean they're involved! Besides Malfoys too thick to be the heir of Slytherin! Despite his strutting and boasting he has nothing, he's all talk."

Hermione stared at her. "You seem pretty convinced."

Rachele shrugged. "S'just my opinion."

Hermione huffed. "Well whatever. Whether he's involved or not, he could be a link to finding out who is."

Rachele sighed. "Fine...what's your plan?"

Hermione grinned. "Polyjuice Potion."

Rachele gawked. "WHAT?" She ignored the people that turned at her yell. "Are you insane?"

Hermione held up her hands. "SShh! I know it's risky! But it's the only chance we have!"

Rachele glared. "And if you get caught?"

Harry spoke from the other side. "We were lucky last year with the trapdoor. We can be lucky again."

Rachele blew on her fringe. "Fine...do what you want. But count me out, I refuse to be involved with this insolence. Now if you'll excuse me I've lost my appetite."

As she angrily stalked off, Ron leaned in. "Told you she wouldn't like it."

Rachele strode through the corridor practically fuming. What her friends were doing was tiptoeing on the boundaries of expulsion and it would be their own fault if they were discovered. She decided to head back to the Common Room to cool off when she saw a familiar pair of thick black pig-tails whip around a corner. Unfortunately another person followed, one with waist length brown hair and Rachele felt a sense of de-ja-vu come over her. She darted after the two figures and managed to keep track of them for a few minutes. They came to an abrupt halt and Rachele heard a dark voice she hoped to never hear again.

"Do not walk away from me when I'm talking to you! When are you gonna learn to respect your superiors?"

She looked around the edge and saw Gertrude Clarken standing over a shaking and crying Claudia, her younger sister. Claudia was kneeling on the floor and sobbing hysterically but the older girl held no compassion and back-handed the Hufflepuff across her face, causing her to fall over onto her side. Rachele marched over before the situation could escalate.

"Clarken! You never learn do you?"

Gertrude looked up and a flash of fear crossed her face but it was quickly replaced with a glare.

"Sullivan, I wish you would stop meddling with family affairs."

"Shut up Slytherin! I have enough to deal with without your unruliness towards your sister!"

Gertrude snorted. "You mean that Chamber of Secrets business? Oh please I'm cheering this heir person on. I say it's about time they cleansed this place of all these disgusting Mudbloods. And this one..."she kicked Claudia in the stomach. "...she's not Muggleborn but she's just as worthless. I'll pay this guy money if I get to see her being ripped apart."

Rachele snarled. "You're the disgusting one! I won't let any Slytherin lay a HAND on the Muggleborns in this school! Nor will I let you put any more harm on Claudia! For Merlins sake she's your family!"

Gertrude grinned evilly. "Wow so defensive. And why do you care about all these Mudbloods huh? Why should you care if Slytherins' monster chews them up and spits them back out?"

Rachele didn't hesitate. "Because I am also a Muggleborn."

Gertrude's eyes went wide before she burst out laughing. "Oh that is priceless! You're a Mudblood? That means you're just a puny little ant, just like the rest of them! The heir of Slytherin is going to hunt you and your little friends down and very soon there will only be pure-bloods in this school! Oh how glorious!"

Rachele's face suddenly went blank. "Do not...assume that we are all weaklings. It is your weakness for thinking you're the purest and strongest to walk the earth. But the most powerful are those who are overlooked and cast out from society. If you think I'm suddenly so weak simply because of my lineage, then by all means show me your supremacy.

Gertrudes eyes grew dark as she whipped out her wand and pointed it at a defenceless Rachele. Rachele stood still, waiting for the other girl to initiate her attack.

"Come on then, oh great and noble pure-blood."

Gertrude growled and yelled out. "Crucio!"

A bright red light shot out from her wand and rocketed towards the Gryffindor. However instead of hitting its' intended target, the spell simply repelled off the girls' body and crashed into the wall right behind Gertrude. The Slytherin lowered her wand with her mouth agape.

"H-h-how? You didn't move...or say anything! How is this possible?"

Rachele glared. "Like I said...do not underestimate Muggleborns." She then grinned. "I should have you reported for use of an Unforgivable."

Gertrude screamed at her before turning and running down the hall. Rachele sighed yet again at her departure. "Sheesh that girl is a piece of work." She looked at the ground and saw that once again Claudia had snuck away without her noticing.

"How the hell does she do that?"

"Rachele?"

She whipped around to see none other than Robert Kordellus walking towards her. She smiled at him.

"Robert! How's it going? Haven't seen you since the disaster in Lockharts' class." 'Crap he didn't see anything just now did he?'

He shrugged. "I'm alright. You?"

'Well if he did, I don't think he's the type to admit anything.'

She grinned. "Fine, fine...say...you've heard the rumours going around haven't you?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Chamber of Secrets?"

"Yes! Um...well..." She twiddled her fingers. "You wouldn't have any idea who it is would you? You know...being in Slytherin and all."

Robert crossed his arms. "Never know, could be me."

Rachele laughed. "Oh no...it's definitely not you Mr Serious." His eyebrows shot up at the nickname but she ignored him. "You're the one I least suspect out of that house of yours. You my good sir are a decent and kind person; I have no doubt about that."

Robert hid back the smile that threatened to break out. "I see..."

"Excuse me Mistress, I need a word with you."

Both looked down at the tabby cat that had suddenly appeared. Rachele smiled and crouched down to talk to him but not before looking up at Robert, who was gawking openly at her familiar.

"Your cat...talks."

She glared down at Tiger. "You don't care who finds out do you?"

The cat shrugged. "So long as they aren't Muggle, they'll survive."

Rachele gave Robert an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Robert, my friend here is tactless when he reveals his secret."

Robert blinked, coming out of his daze. "Uh...no, it's alright. I'll uh...leave you guys to it."

He headed back down the corridor all the while scratching his head. Rachele giggled at his confused state. "Poor guy, probably gonna take a while to get his head wrapped around it." She turned back to her familiar. "Alright, what do you need?"

"I have some information that might interest you."

"Rachele leaned forward with interest. "Tell me, but keep your voice down."

Tiger obeyed and whispered. "I have been observing all occupants of Hogwarts like you asked, and there is one person I think is acting peculiar."

"And who might that be?"

"Ginny Weasley."

Rachele stared. "What?"

Tiger nodded. "She always sits away from everyone during meals and study sessions. She doesn't talk to anyone and she's constantly writing in some weird looking diary."

Rachele frowned. "That does sound suspicious. Alright I'll keep an eye on her." She patted his head. "Keep up the good work, report back if you see anything else."

The cat purred at her touch then bowed gracefully. He trotted past her before vanishing down the hall. Rachele turned the opposite way, now on the quest to look out for a certain red-head girl. She felt bad that she hadn't really talked to Ginny since she was sorted since this matter with the Chamber had her extremely distracted. Now was her chance to find the young Weasley and be the friend she promised she would be.

She found Ginny several minutes later in the library; sitting by herself at one of the tables. She glanced around nervously for the strict librarian before bee-lining over and sitting in the seat across from her.

"Hey Ginny!"

The younger Gryffindor jumped in surprise at the sudden voice and hastily shoved a book she had been writing in into her bag before giving Rachele her attention. Rachele noted that the book she hid matched the description of what Tiger had given her.

"Hey...Rachele."

"How've you been? I'm sorry I haven't said hi sooner."

Ginny smiled and shook her head. "It's okay. I imagine you've been busy."

Rachele noticed the younger girl didn't look too good. She was pale as a ghost and had dark circles under her eyes. But Rachele didn't pry and just shrugged.

"So, so...mostly school work ya know. And I'm sure you've heard about this drama with the Chamber of Secrets being opened."

The rumour of the Chamber was no secret anymore, but even so Rachele never expected a reaction quite like the one Ginny had just given her. The red-head squeaked and, if it were possible, her face grew paler. She quickly excused herself, grabbed her bag and raced out of the library without glancing back once. Rachele stared after her speechless.

"Wow...uh...see you later?"

She frowned. "That was too weird to be a coincidence. That girl knows something, and it can't be good."

Determined, though she was, to get to the bottom of Ginny's behaviour, the red-head always seemed to be rather evasive when it came to questions regarding the chamber. And there was never any chance to grab a good look at the diary since she always tucked it away the moment anyone came close. Eventually Rachele threw up her hands and decided to use other methods to figure out the identity of this mysterious heir. In the meantime, other more important events were approaching. One in particular had distracted her completely.

"WOOOOOOO! GO HARRY!"

Ron and Hermione cringed as they once again endured a screaming Rachele during this year's Quidditch match with Gryffindor once again facing off against Slytherin. She had given up cheering for their chasers since Slytherin was easily out-scoring them with the speed and agility of their new brooms. So she had focused every ounce of her faith onto Harry, who she was certain would catch the snitch and secure another victory for Gryffindor. She watched as Harry swerved out of the way of a bludger narrowly missing him. Her brow furrowed when it halted mid-air and rocketed back towards him, taking out Oliver Wood who spiralled out of control and crashed to the ground. She gasped with horror but knew there wasn't much she could do, so she turned back to Harry and was shocked to see this bludger was deliberately chasing him all around the pitch.

"A rogue bludger! Someone's after Harry!" She snorted. "What else is new?"

She watched intensely as Harry and Malfoy ended up neck and neck in a race to catch the snitch, with the violent bludger crashing closely behind them. The Slytherin Seeker eventually lost control and was thrown off his broom, somersaulting through the air before landing in a perfect, but painful, split on the grass. Rachele cringed as everyone around her made a loud "oooooohhhh". She turned back to Harry and saw him closing in on the snitch and her eyes lit up with excitement. She saw movement at the corner of her eye and spotted the bludger heading straight for his outstretched arm.

"HARRY WATCH OUT!"

It was too late. It collided with his elbow and even Rachele could hear the loud crunch from where she stood. But she was proud to see that Harry had not given up. He cradled his broken arm to his chest, gripped the broom with his legs and slowly stretched out his left hand. He swiped the air, swivelled upside down and finally collapsed onto the ground with a groan. Rachele cheered loudly when Harry held up his left hand which was clutching the golden snitch but that good mood was short-lived when it was clear Harry was still a target for the lethal metal ball. Ron and Hermione hastily left the stands to go to their friend while Rachele stayed put and kept her gaze locked on the bludger that was rocketing downwards to where Harry lay. Harry sat up and barely opened his legs in time for it to bounce off the ground but it stopped again and hurtled back towards him for a second round. Rachele narrowed her eyes on the bludger and seconds later it exploded into pieces and rained light remnants onto a confused Harry. She noticed Hermione had barely pulled her wand out while she and everyone around her wore looks of utter bewilderment. Rachele smirked to herself before leaving the stands and heading straight for the hospital wing where she was sure Harry would be escorted shortly.

"What in the hell happened?"

Rachele was appalled when Harry appeared at the hospital wing and discovered that instead of a broken arm, which should have been the case, his bones had unfortunately been removed and his limb was flopping around like a piece of rubber. Everyone flinched and scooted away from the girls' wrath while she glared down at the boy lying on the bed.

Harry grinned nervously. "Uh...Professor Lockhart tried to mend my bones."

She growled. "And you LET HIM?"

"I couldn't stop him! He's a teacher!"

"One that's obviously useless at simple spells! What kind of teacher is he if he can't fix a broken arm?"

It was Hermione's turn to glare at her. "He made a simple mistake, I'm sure he knew what he was doing."

Rachele stared at her in disbelief. "You're gonna defend him? Look what he did to Harry's arm!"

"Silence the pair of you!" Came the stern voice of the head nurse, Madam Pomfrey. "I have enough to do without you children squabbling in my ear! Now Potter I want you to drink this."

She poured Harry a glass of what Rachele knew was Skele-grow before handing it to him. He took an experimental sip but spat the liquid back out with a look of disgust. All of his friends jumped backwards to avoid the spray while Pomfrey looked at him appalled.

"Well what did you expect? Pumpkin juice?" She turned to the others. "Alright, everyone out! This boy has bones to regrow and he needs his rest! Now shoo!"

Not wanting to argue with the head nurse, Rachele left with Ron and Hermione leaving Harry with the promise that they'll visit him again soon. But Rachele was planning to visit him again sooner than they thought. Late that night after making sure her dorm mates were well and truly asleep for the night, the young Gryffindor tiptoed out through the dorms, out the common room and down the path that would lead her to the hospital wing. She focused energy on her body until it shimmered and disappeared from public view. She snuck down several doors until she came across two large familiar doors. She placed her hand on the handle but froze when she heard voices inside.

"You nearly got Ron and me expelled!"

"At least you would've been away from here! Harry Potter must go home! Dobby thought that his bludger-"

Rachele's eyes widened. 'Dobby? The house elf? What in Merlins name is he doing here? His masters are going to throttle him!'

"Your bludger? You made that bludger chase after me?"

Rachele frowned. 'A house elf tampered with the bludger? Gosh he's really asking for it isn't he?"

"Dobby feels most aggrieved sir...Dobby has to iron his hands."

Rachele sighed and decided it was now or never. She took off her invisibility and swiftly entered the room, smiling at the two when they stared at her.

"Hello there Dobby, it's been a while."

The house elf's eyes grew to twice their size when he recognised her! "Rachele Gr-"

"Yes it's good to see you too!" Rachele interrupted before he could reveal too much. She looked at Harry whose eyes were just as wide as Dobby's.

"What are you doing here Rachele?"

She grinned. "I promised to visit you didn't I?"

"But in the middle of the night?"

She shrugged. "I couldn't sleep."

Dobby tugged on Rachele's shirt. "What is Rachele doing here? Dobby is most pleased to see her again!"

Rachele knelt down and smiled at him. "I'm a student here Dobby. But what about you? Do your masters know you're here?"

Dobby hung his head in shame. "No, the masters are ill-aware of Dobby's whereabouts."

Rachele sighed. "You know I can't help you Dobby, as much as it pains me with how they treat you."

Dobby nodded. "Dobby understands, he only wanted to help Harry Potter."

Rachele glanced at Harry. "Help him how? By trying to kill him with a rogue bludger?"

The house elf looked horrified. "Not kill him! Never kill! He must stay away from this school! There is immense danger here!"

Harry looked at Rachele. "Do you know what he's trying to protect me from?"

She nodded. "Unfortunately yes." She looked back down at the house elf. "But you're not going to say anything...are you?" Dobby whimpered and her gaze hardened. "Dobby, why are you trying so hard to protect Harry?"

The sound of footsteps saved the house elf from saying anything. Harry and Rachele turned around to see multiple silhouettes approaching the hospital wing. Rachele turned back to see Dobby was nowhere to be found. Harry gave her a look of panic.

"Quick! Hide!"

Rachele dove behind the bed while Harry lay down to appear as if he was sleeping. Three adults rounded the corner; Madam Pomfrey hustled over to a bed, with Dumbledore and McGonagall following her carrying a small stretcher with a statue-like figure lying on it.

"What happened?" Pomfrey asked.

"There's been another attack." Dumbledore replied.

Rachele glanced over the bed slightly to get a better look at the victim. She gasped when she recognised it as the small-first year Gryffindor Colin Creevey. He was stiff as board, just as Mrs Norris was, frozen in place with his camera raised to take a picture. Rachele crouched back down and shared a look with Harry.

"Perhaps he meant to take a picture of his attacker." McGonagall commented.

Rachele looked again and watched as Dumbledore gentle pried the camera from the boys' hands. He flipped it over, opened the back cover and a jet of steam hissed out at them.

McGonagall drew back with a gasp. "What could this mean Albus?"

The headmaster was silent for a moment before answering. "It means our students are in grave danger, Minerva. Mr. Creevey was fortunate. If not for this..." He held up the destroyed camera. "He would surely be dead."

McGonagall now looked more scared than Rachele had ever seen her. "What should I tell the staff?"

"Tell them the truth. Tell them Hogwarts is no longer safe. It is as we feared. The Chamber of Secrets has indeed been opened again."

The headmaster had confirmed their worst fears. Until now the Chamber being opened was only a rumour that kept the students on their toes. But now that Dumbledore had admitted the truth, Rachele knew it was only going to worsen from here on. She looked up at the bed and made eye contact with Harry. She just made out his emerald eyes in the dim light and saw that his eyes reflected exactly what she was feeling.

Horror and dread.

End of Chapter

Ooooooh and another victim has been petrified! How is Rachele going to deal with this?

Yes Dobby knows her too. It's probably obvious by now but little Rach kinda knows everyone.

Anywho let's keep cracking!

See you next chapter!