You can guess by the chapter title what's coming up next. Let's have some fun and paint the town!
Enjoy!
Chapter 4 – Hogsmeade
Rachele didn't stop walking until she had reached the safe confinement of the Gryffindor common room. She sank onto the couch and brought her knees up to chest. She gazed at the empty fireplace and seconds later orange flames flickered to life. The bright embers reflected brightly in her green orbs as she stared blankly into the hearth, her mind a million miles away. Or more accurately, her mind went back less than fifteen minutes ago. She hadn't told a single soul of her deepest fears, not even Dumbledore. This responsibility was hers and hers alone and she would rather die than lay this burden on anyone other than herself. Her mentor knew of her lifelong mission but she was always reluctant to bring it up in conversation. The topic of her family was a sensitive one, especially since she hadn't seen or spoken to her parents in years and that her only sibling had no clue who she really was. It was tearing her apart lying to Hermione day after day especially now they've been friends for a couple of years. But she would always remind herself of the promise to protect the three of them which motivated her to continue on the path she had chosen. The reminder of her family immediately brought her back to the events of the defense class and she furiously shook her head in an attempt to rid her mind of what could only be described as a living nightmare. She had to stop this, she knew she was more capable and definitely powerful enough to keep them safe...so then why? Why was she so afraid?
"Rach?"
She glanced over to see Hermione, Harry and Ron climbing through the portrait hole. She hugged her knees closer, bracing herself for the inevitable confrontation she was about to face. The former of the three came and sat next to her. There was silence for a moment before she spoke.
"You okay?"
Rachele shrugged. "I guess."
"What happened back there?"
She sighed. "I'd rather not talk about it. It's...it's too complicated."
Hermione turned to the boys. "Hey guys could you give us a minute?"
"It's okay." Rachele said standing up. "I'm going to bed anyways." She smiled at Harry and Ron. "Thanks for checking on me."
Ron nodded. "You bet. We're here if you need us."
"He's right." Harry agreed. "You're our friend so we'll stick by you no matter what."
Rachele managed a smile. "You guys rock. G'night."
"Night." They both replied.
Rachele then headed upstairs to the girls dorms with Hermione following close behind her. She barely noticed her friend closing the door as she flopped onto her bed. Moments later Hermione sat on the edge next to her and placed a comforting hand on her back.
"Come on Rach...talk to me."
Rachele didn't reply. Hermione had no idea how badly she was aching to just spill all her deepest darkest secrets and release more than a decades worth of tension off her shoulders. But she knew now wasn't the right time so for now she would just have to settle with a sufficing excuse.
"It's not that big a deal. I just have this dumb fear of watching people I love die, no matter who it is." Okay so it was more dead on than she was planning but at least it steered away from her main issues.
Hermione's eyes softened. "Oh Rach, why didn't you say anything?"
She shrugged. "It wasn't important, I was happy just being here with friends."
Hermione laid down beside her and put an arm over her shoulders. "Well you know the boys are right. We're you friends and it's gonna stay that way until the very end."
Rachele smiled and leaned into her hug. "Thanks Hermione."
They remained like that for a while, Hermione with a comforting arm around her friends shoulder and Rachele snuggling into her sisters' warmth. One day she hoped it could be always be like this, but as full sisters living together peacefully as a family.
As the weeks carried on Hermione and the boys continued to be there for Rachele. They had study sessions with her and did their best to make her laugh and forget about the traumatising event that had effected her mood for several days. Rachele was grateful to them for their efforts on cheering her up and she had to admit it was working. Barely a week later she was practically back to her usual, bubbly outgoing self. But shortly following that came an event which had them almost regretting bringing back her loud hyperactive personality. So it was early on a Saturday morning Hermione was enjoying a rare sleep in which was rudely interrupted by her too-awake room-mate bouncing on her bed.
"Heermmiiioonnee! Wakkeey waakkeeyy!"
The brunette groaned and shot a glare at her. "Why are you so chipper? You're never this happy so early."
"Because my dearest lovely fellow Gryffindor! We're going to Hogsmeade today! WOOHOO!"
Hermione cringed at her volume. "Urrghh I forgot about that." She slowly and reluctantly sat up. "Alright, alright I'm awake." She let out a sleepy chuckle when Rachele jumped off her bed with a loud whoop. The girls did their usual morning routine (with Rachele fussing over her plait and Hermione insisting it looked fine) before trudging downstairs to meet up with the boys, who came down a few minutes after them. The four Gryffindors excitedly made their way towards the courtyard where the students were informed to assemble. Rachele quickly spotted Robert over near the side and trotted over to say hello.
"Hello there fellow Slytherin!"
Robert gave her a look. "You're a Gryffindor Rachele."
She grinned, biting back another remark toward his still cracking tones. "Yes but we're students attending the same school, houses be damned."
Robert shrugged. "Whatever you say." But he was unable to avoid the slight upturning of his mouth.
"Ha!" She pointed triumphantly. "I made you smile! Ten points for Rachele Sullivan!" She gave herself a high five while Robert shook his head.
"You're weird Sullivan."
She bowed and winked. "I'll take that as a compliment good sir."
"There you are!"
Rachele turned and grinned at a fuming Hermione. "Oh hey!"
Her friend huffed. "Don't 'oh hey' me! You can't just wander off like that!"
She stared. "Since when did I wander off?"
"Just now! You left us so you could come over here and talk to your boyfriend!"
Rachele's jaw dropped. "He's not my boyfriend!" Neither girl noticed the slight blush that appeared on Roberts' face.
Hermione huffed. "Whatever, just come on we have to hand in our forms."
Realisation dawned on Rachele's face. "Oh yeah, we better go do that." As she let Hermione drag her she turned and waved to the still flustered Slytherin. "Talk to you later Robert!" The girls wormed their way through the flurry of students until they once again found Harry and Ron, the former looking rather depressed.
"Harry!" Rachele crouched in front of her friend when she saw the look on her face. "What happened?"
Harry's frown deepened. "I can't go."
"What?!" She asked mortified. "Why not?"
He shrugged. "Only a parent or guardian can sign this form, and the Dursleys refused after the fiasco that happened during the summer." He gave her a look. "You know what happened."
Rachele was appalled. "But that's not fair! Where's McGonagall I'll have a word with her."
Harry shook his head. "Don't bother, just go on without me." He stood up and made his way back to the castle. "Go have fun."
Rachele stared after him at a loss of what to do. Hermione tugged gently on her sleeve. "Come on Rachele, there's nothing we can do."
Rachele sighed and followed her two other friends. She turned around and gave Harry one last glance, being sure to give him a goodbye wave. She was disappointed that he wasn't able to join them, she was looking forward to spending a day with all three of her friends. Maybe she could cheer him up by bringing back a souvenir for him! It was the least she could do after the amazing friend he had been for the last few weeks.
"Hey Rach?"
She turned to Hermione. "Hm?"
"Who signed your form? Last I remember you told us you kinda half lived here and half lived somewhere else but you're not with your parents."
Rachele grinned. "Dumbledore signed mine."
Ron looked at her with disbelief. "That can't be right, Dumbledore's a teacher here and teachers aren't authorised to sign for excursions like this one."
"Normally they can't. But since Dumbledore was the one who raised me from infancy, both the school and the Ministry recognise him as my legal guardian. So he's well within his rights to give me parental permission for these situations." She gave them both a triumphant look
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're just smug because you can get away with it."
Rachele grinned. "There's that too."
Their banter was interrupted when Hogsmeade came into view. Rachele's eyes practically lit up like Christmas and her child-like hyperness instantly exploded.
"OHMYGAWWSH!" She looked around with sparkling eyes. "THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!"
Ron and Hermione both grimaced. "Bloody hell." Ron muttered. "Is she gonna be like this all day?"
Hermione sighed. "Probably..."
Rachele grabbed both their wrists and proceeded to drag them further into the town. "We have to go to Honeydukes RIGHT NOW!"
Hermione looked horrified. Honeydukes was famous for it's variety of sweets and chocolate selections and she dreaded Rachele eating anything that would send of her off her rocker more than she already had.
"Can't we go somewhere else first?"
Rachele shook her head widely. "Noooooope. We will conquer the chocolate!"
Hermione sighed and admitted defeat to her hyper friend. Meanwhile Ron was looking as terrified as she felt. "Hermione...is it wise to feed her more sugar?"
"Not really."
"Then why are we letting her have some then?"
"Because she's happy Ronald. I don't wanna ruin that."
Ron grinned. "What a nice friend you are."
Hermione shrugged. "It's more I don't have the energy to say no when she gets this eccentric."
Ron laughed. "Too right, and let's not forget the effort it takes to keep up with her."
"Come on you slow pokes!" Rachele yelled from up ahead. She had given up dragging them and had dashed away like a impatient toddler. "OR I WON'T SAVE YOU ANY!"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "WE'RE COMING!...sheesh."
By the time Ron and Hermione had entered the ridiculously packed store, they had no trouble spotting Rachele zipping from shelf to shelf with her arms already packed with different brands and flavours from all over. Hermione let out an exasperated sigh and beelined towards her.
"Rachele!"
Said girl whipped around and grinned brightly at her. "Hermione! Ron! Bout time you slackers got here!"
Ron eyed the pile in her arms. "Just how much are you getting? Do you wanna get fat? OOF!" Hermione elbowed him sharply in the ribs.
Rachele was oblivious to his blunt comment and smiled brightly. "Course not! Some of these are for Harry too! I feel bad that he's missing out!"
Hermione and Ron patiently waited around while their overly happy friend bought several more snacks for herself. They made sure to purchase a few things for themselves as well before Rachele finally had enough and was ready to explore more of the area. After several fun filled hours and Rachele had used up 'most' of her energy, the three Gryffindors dragged their tired feet back to the castle. But whatever fatigue Rachele felt disappeared the instant she spotted their friend waiting patiently at their long table in the Great Hall. Sitting next to him was Ron's younger sister Ginny and the two seemed engrossed in deep conversation.
"Harry! Ginny!"
They both looked up and a grin broke out on Harry's face. "Hey Rach! You guy have fun?"
She nodded vigorously. "You bet! Oh yeah here!" She held out a bag filled to the brim with goodies. "I bought you some things from Honeydukes!"
"More like the whole store." Hermione chuckled as she and Ron finally caught up with them.
Harry took the bag with a wide smile. "Wow thanks Rach, you shouldn't have."
She waved dismissively. "Don't be ridiculous I wanted to! I felt bad you couldn't come! Ah!" She reached into her own bag and grabbed a large handful of goodies. "Here Gin!." She said plonking the small pile in front of the younger girl. "You can have some of mine! Sorry I didn't think of you earlier."
Ginny smiled and took the offered sweets. "Thanks Rach." She gathered her small gift in her arms and stood up. "I'll meet you guys in the common room." She walked out leaving the four older friends to catch up. Harry turned back to them. "So did you guys have fun?"
Rachele's eyes lit up and her motor mouth was activated. "Oh Harry it was amazing! There was just so much to see and do and you can never get bored and there was so much to buy-"
"Rachele!" Hermione interrupted. "Take a breath." Rachele pouted at her.
Harry chuckled. "Sounds great."
"Come on then." Ron piped in. "Let's head back up to the dorms, I wanna put all my stuff away."
The group of four left the hall and climbed the many staircases back towards Gryffindor tower. But upon reaching the portrait hole they were surpised to find a large group of people gathered just outside whispering amongst each other.
"That's odd." Rachele commented. "Wonder what's going on."
Ginny suddenly appeared and Rachele saw the panic etched on her face. "Hey Gin, what's happening?"
"The fat-lady she's gone!"
Rachele and her friends looked past her towards the portrait and all gasped. The fat lady was no where to be seen and the painting itself had been shredded with three extremely large rips like some wild animal had gone on a rampage.
'Damn it Sirius!.' Rachele thought furiously. 'When is that stupid mutt gonna learn?'
"Let me through! Excuse me I'm head boy." Percy Weasley, one of Ron's older brothers, pushed through the crowd. "Back all of you! No one is to enter until the dorms have been fully searched!"
Rachele shuffled her way to him. "Percy, do you know what's going on?"
The head boy scowled at her. "You are not authorised to ask questions Sullivan. Now step back with the others.
Rachele opened her mouth to retort but Hermione yanked her back. "Don't make a scene Rachele! Everyone's scared enough as it is, running your mouth off at him isn't gonna help."
Rachele frowned. "Fine." She growled.
"Everyone please step aside!"
The students stepped aside to form a path for their headmaster. The older man strode up the stairs with Filch following close behind him. He took one look at the ruined painting and turned to the caretaker.
"Round up the ghosts. Tell them to search every painting in the castle."
There was a tug on his robe and Dumbledore looked down where Rachele was pointing up above them.
"Professor. Up there."
There was a wild scramble and lots of pushing and shoving. Students rushed up another level of stairs where the fat lady was found in a painting of african wildlife and cowering behind a zebra. Once again Dumbledore had to push his way through so he could talk face to face with her.
"Dear lady, who did this to you?"
The womans' eyes were wide with terror as she spoke. "Eyes like the devil! A soul as dark as his name! It's him headmaster! He's here! Somewhere in the castle! Sirius Black!"
Rachele sighed. That git has definitely gone and done it now. She didn't think he would be insufferable to actually break into the place. 'What're you up to Sirius?'
"Secure the castle Mr Filch. Students to the Great Hall immediately! Rachele... a word if you would."
Rachele nodded and informed her friends she'd meet them later. They waited patiently until the area was clear before the headmaster addressed her.
"Rachele. Do what you find absolutely necessary to protect the school. I fear we may be in need of your...expertise."
Rachele smiled. "Of course Albus, I'll report back if I find anything."
"Make absolute certain the students are safe."
She nodded. "You know I will." She turned and hurried away in the same direction the others had gone. She raced down the large staircases and zoomed through the corridors. She sharpened her senses and immediately detected the aura of a dog snooping around in a empty classroom. She growled in fustration and stormed through the halls. She threw the doors open, which swung and banged loudly against the wall. The head of a large dog popped up from under a desk and stared at her with wide, startled canine eyes.
"Sirius!" She glared. "Are you CRAZY?"
The dog morphed into a grown man who then waved frantic hands at her. "SSHHH! They'll hear you!"
She rolled her eyes. "Relax your fluffy puppy self, I've put a barrier around us."
He raised his eyebrows. "When did you do that?"
"When I burst in."
"I didn't hear an incantation."
She gave him a dry look. "I don't need to mutter some boring spell Sirius, I use my mind."
He smacked his forehead. "Right...sorry keep forgetting you're super powerful."
Rachele folded her arms and leered at him. "Don't change the subject Sirius. What the hell are you doing inside the castle?"
"I told you." He said avoiding eye contact. "There's something I have to take care of."
She frowned deeply at him. "I'm not buying it Sirius. I only agreed to leaving you alone because I thought you'd be a little smarter and stay clear of the school." She laughed haughtily. "Well you proved me wrong! Not only did you break in but you scared the Fat Lady!"
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "The who whaty what lady?"
"The Fat Lady." She repeated rolling her eyes. "The portrait that guards the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room."
Realization dawned on him. "Oooooohhhh, right yeah sorry about that. She wouldn't let me in so I resorted to more desperate measures."
"By tearing the painting to shreds? Real mature Sirius!"
"Well what was I supposed to do?"
"Leave her the bloody hell alone! You just about frightened her to death!"
He turned serious. "Look I'm sorry I scared her but it's imperative that I get inside that common room."
Rachele glared. "Well unless you tell me what it is you're after you're not stepping one foot OR paw anywhere near there."
Sirius scratched his head nervously. "Aaww come on that's not fair."
"I'm sorry Sirius but the students here are my friends and right now they are my top priority. After all you did say there was another danger here."
He sighed. "True I did...damn me and my big mouth."
"So will you tell me?"
The man's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Alright, but you must promise not to breathe a word, not even to Dumbledore."
She raised an eyebrow. "Must be pretty big if the headmaster can't know."
"Well..." Sirius hesitated and looked around as if to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "The person I'm looking for...is the one I was framed for."
Rachele's eyes widened. "Wait...WHAT?"
He nodded. "This is the same person that was chosen as Lily and James Potter's secret keeper. They originally chose me but it was changed at the last minute. And to tighten the security further very few people knew about the switch, it lessened the chances of Voldemort finding out. That's also one of the reasons the world thinks I'm the guilty one. They think I betrayed the Potters."
Rachele frowned in confusion. "So if you weren't the secret keeper who betrayed them...who was?"
Sirius's face turned dark with fury. "Peter Pettigrew."
Rachele's eyebrows shot up. "Peter Pettigrew? The one that supposedly died in that huge blast twelve years ago?"
Sirius nodded with clenched fists. "It's him alright, but he didn't die. He caused the explosion himself then turned into a rat. He purposeful left behind a finger so it looked like I killed not only him, but the innocent muggles that were unfortunately caught in the blast."
Rachele stared at him thoughtfully. "A rat you say?" He nodded. "And it's missing a toe?" He nodded again. She was silent for a moment before she snapped her fingers. "Of course! Scabbers!"
"What? Scabbers? What's that?"
Rachele grinned. "Ron has a pet rat he's had for the past twelve years! He named it Scabbers! And it's missing a toe!" She then looked mortified. "Holy hell you mean one of my closest friends has been carrying around a psychotic murdererous traitor for twelve years?"
Sirius cringed. "It appears so."
"I have to warn him!" She went to run for the door but Sirius grabbed her wrist. "No Rachele. Pettigrew can't know we're onto him. We have to be strategic about this!"
Rachele glared at him and wrenched her arm from his grip. "Well what the hell am I supposed to do? Ron sleeps with that rat every night! What if one day he suddenly decides to morph back into a human and slit Ron's throat in the middle of the night?"
Sirius crinkled his nose. "He sleeps with him? That's disturbing."
"SIRIUS!"
"Alright alright calm down. Look Pettigrew won't hurt your friend."
She looked at him skeptically. "How do you know that?"
"Because he's using Ron as leverage. So long as Pettigrew stays close to him, he's being protected. Your friend is rather protective of his rat isn't he?"
Rachele rolled her eyes. "Don't even get me started. It's like watching a mother hen with her little baby chicks."
Sirius's mouth twitched into a small grin. "That'd be cute if the rat wasn't a whack job in disguise.
Rachele snorted. "No kidding." She then turned serious again. "Okay so what's the plan?"
Sirius's grin vanished. "For now just lay low. Keep a constant watch on your friends, especially Ron. But don't say anything to them."
Rachele smiled. "You got it, low profile. Oh and another thing Sirius." When he raised his eyebrows she added. "If you need to contact me..." She tapped her temple. "You can reach me through here."
He stared. "Your brain?"
Rachele laughed. "More or less. I can communicate telepathically. Doesn't matter if it's human or not, if it breathes life I can talk to them."
"Wow, so how do I do it then?"
She smiled. "Just focus on my face, then think my name." She winked. "And I'll hear you."
He stared at her in awe. "Is there anything you can't do?"
She shrugged. "Maybe, who knows. Well I better go, we're all supposed to rendezvous in the Great Hall and Hermione's probably wondering where I am."
Sirius nodded. "Right catch ya later then."
"You bet, oh and Sirius?" Her eyes went soft with concern. "Be careful." She turned and walked away, passing through the solid door as she went.
When Rachele finally entered the Great Hall, she had barely made a few steps inside when another body slammed into hers and a pair of arms squeezed her tightly.
"Thank MERLIN! What took you so long?"
Rachele rolled her eyes and reached up to detach herself from the suffocating hug. "Geez Hermione chill out will ya? You don't have to freak out every time I'm not around."
Hermione pouted. "But you were talking to Dumbledore, and then he came in not too long after but you weren't with him. It's been like an hour!"
Rachele shrugged. "I just went for a walk."
Hermione gave her a look. "Seriously? A walk? Rachele there's a killer wandering around what if you had run into him?"
Rachele smiled. "Well I didn't and I'm fine so relax okay?" She looked over her friends' shoulder. "Where's the boys?"
Hermione pointed ahead of them. "Down a little ways. Oh and that...what's her name...the shy Hufflepuff girl. She was kinda looking at us earlier but seemed kinda disappointed. I think she was looking for you."
Rachele's face lit up. "Claudia! Aaaww she was looking for me? How cute! Where is she now?"
Hermione shrugged. "Who knows, that was like half an hour ago."
Rachele's face fell. "Oh...well I guess I'll keep an eye out then." She perked up again when she spotted her two male friends waving them over. She grinned and waved back. "Hey guys! Come on Hermione."
The girls beelined through the crowd until they finally reached the boys. Moments later it was announced that the castle was proven too dangerous to wander freely and so the students would all camp out in the Great Hall. There were several yells of protests and complaints, no one willing to spend any night away from a comfortable bed. But a stern lecture and firm reminder of the present dangers silenced them immediately. Begrudgingly an agreement was met and there was a hustle as bed rolls were handed out and bodies were awkwardly squished between the other. Before she settled in, Rachele even glimpsed Draco Malfoy sliding onto the floor and she cringed at the thought of having to sleep in the same room as him. Her eyes scanned over the floor until they landed on an heavily sleeping Robert. She snickered at his dishevelled appearance. Flat on his back and mouth slightly open; she found it almost adorable.
"Psstt! Rachele!" She looked down where Hermione was looking up at her. "Go to sleep!"
She rolled her eyes and flopped down with a sigh. "Yeah yeah, night Hermione."
"Night Rach."
Rachele lay on her back and stared upwards at the enchanted ceiling. Minutes ticked by as she lay in the echoing silence. Slowly her eyes drooped close and she was slowly lulled to sleep with the breath of her friends and the soft glistening of the starry night sky.
Her usual deep slumber didn't come so easily that night. She had awoken only a few hours after drifting off and the rest of the night consisted of tossing and turning. When she saw the first light of the morning streaming through the windows, she abandoned her sleep and tiptoed out the Great Hall being careful not to tread on anyone. As she quietly slipped out, she didn't notice a dark figure silently following her. She stepped out into the chilly air and took a deep breath. She could feel something dark was approaching in the near future and she figured she'd enjoy the peace and quiet before it did. She breathed in deeply, feeling the strong urge to submit to the elements around her and soar. The muscles in her shoulder blades stretched as her wings began to emerge.
"Hey there Gryffindor."
Her wings instantly vanished and she whirled around in shock. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw who it was. "Sweet Merlin Robert." She put a hand to her heart. "You startled me."
The Slytherin boy raised an eyebrow at her. "Didn't think that was possible."
She gave him a sceptical look. "What are you doing out here?"
He folded his arms. "I could ask you the same thing."
She looked away. "I couldn't sleep. Was just getting some fresh air." She looked back at him. "You?"
He shrugged. "Same I guess."
They stood in awkward silence for a few moments. "Well..." Rachele said rubbing her arm. "I guess I'll head back in. Everyone will be waking up soon." She walked past him, oblivious to the soft look in his eyes as he watched her. As she entered the Great Hall she noticed the other students beginning to stir. She hastily made her way back to her own bed roll next to which Hermione was slowly sitting up and rubbing her eyes sleepily. She smiled at her best friend.
"Good Morning."
Hermione turned to her and smiled. "Morning Rach." She greeted with a big yawn. "How long have you been up?"
"A while." Rachele replied sitting next to her. "I didn't sleep very well."
Hermione looked concerned. "Oh, are you alright?"
Rachele smiled. "I'm fine, just can't stand being away from my bed." Well it wasn't a total lie; she hated sleeping on the ground.
Hermione chuckled. "Yeah true story." She put her hand beside her mouth and whispered pointing with the other. "And the Slytherins are just over there."
Rachele cringed. "Don't even go there."
Hermione's eyes suddenly looked up and she smirked. "You don't seem to mind him though."
Rachele turned her head and saw Robert heading back over to his spot. She looked back at Hermione and glared. "What the hell are you implying?"
Hermione's grin widened. "You liiiiiiiiiike him."
Rachele pushed her shoulder. "Yuck! I don't like him! I barely even know him!"
Hermione laughed. "Suuuuure. Come on you guys get along fine."
Rachele shrugged. "Well sure he's a nice enough guy. That doesn't mean I wanna date him though." She shook her head in disgust. "EW!"
The other girl only laughed harder. "You are so easy! Come on I'm just teasing!"
Rachele huffed. "Well it's not funny!" She glared at her friend who collapsed into hysterics on the floor.
"Hey guys what's going on?"
Rachele looked up to see Harry and Ron looking down at them with amusement. She turned away and frowned. "Nothing, she's just crazy."
It was Hermiones turn to give her a shove. "Whatever."
"Okay girls." Harry stepped forward. "You can play later, we have to go to class."
Rachele stood up and brushed herself off. "Class? They're still on? What about Sirius Black?"
He shrugged. "Dumbledore wants to follow normal routine. Keep the situation as calm as possible."
She nodded in understanding. "Makes sense. Alright then." She pulled Hermione to her feet. "Let's get going then. We'll have to get changed first."
The Gryffindors hurried back through the castle and into their tower to change into fresh uniforms. They then hurried back so they could be in time for the first lesson of the day. Rachele was practically skipping the entire way; their first lesson was Defense and she was excited to see what else Remus had planned. But excitement quickly turned into confusion when they all sat attentively at their desks for several minutes with no Professor in sight. All that was prepared for them were thick books so large Rachele dreaded the thought of having to read it for homework.
Suddenly the doors swung open and the sound of thick footsteps strode inside. Rachele, along with all her classmates swivelled in their chairs and all were surprised to see not Lupin, but their potions master Snape, strutting past them with his usual sneer. Rachele stared confusingly at him. 'That's odd, Remus isn't usually absent unless he's...' A light bulb went off in her head and she immediately felt sympathy for her older friend. 'Poor guy, hope he' didn't cause too much trouble for himself. He must be feeling horrendous.'
"Turn to page three hundred and ninety four." Snape's voice drawled across the room as he paced around them. Rachele snapped to attention and quickly flipped through the pages of the thick tome. Next to her, Harry leaned to the side when Snape walked past him. "Excuse me sir, where's Professor Lupin?"
Snape glared down at him. "That's not really your concern is it Potter?" He kept walking. "Suffice it to say your Professor finds himself incapable of teaching at the present time."
Rachele snorted. 'That's a bit of an understatement.' She then reached the intended page and almost laughed at the irony. She turned to the Professor and put her hand up. "Excuse me Sir." He turned his glare into her but it didn't faze her. "But are you kidding me with this?" She pointed to the open page. "Werewolves? We're not due to cover that for a few more weeks." 'Even though I hardly need to be reminded of this subject.' She thought sarcastically.
"Silence Miss Sullivan." Snape snapped at her. "It is not your decision on how these classes are organised. So I suggest you remain silent and do as your told."
Rachele matched his glare. 'Stupid git still doesn't realise who he's messing with.' Keeping her insults to herself, she huffed and turned back with folded arms. It's times like these she hated hiding her abilities. She couldn't risk her friends finding out the truth and that stupid greasy potions teacher damn well knew it. She risked a glance behind her and there was Snape shooting her a smug look. Next moment she felt a sudden probing in her head and she effortlessly flicked it away. She flashed him a dark look. 'Stay out of my head Severus!' Snapes eyes widened and he took a single step back. Now it was Rachele's turn to look smug. 'That's right I can play your little game too.' She faced the front again and didn't bother hiding a wide victorious grin.
The lesson carried on and the subject of werewolves was studied and discussed in depth. After his attempt to get inside her head, Rachele's mood with Snape was already down the slopes but it only worsened when he detracted points from Gryffindor simply because Hermione (who appeared out of nowhere again. 'Keep forgetting to to talk to her about that.') put her hand up (which was ignored) and provided the right answer regardless of being dismissed. The potions masters then punished her for speaking out of term. Rachele clenched her fists which were shaking with rage. 'Damn it Albus what possessed you to hire this pompous arse!' Fortunately she was able to repress her frustration and sit quietly through the remainder of class. The moment the bell rang she dashed out before anyone else and made her way straight to the headmasters office. She burst in, startling the old man who was bent over some papers, and stormed over to his desk.
"Albus! I have a bone to pick with you!"
Dumbledore put down his quill and linked his fingers. "What seems to be the problem little one?"
"My problem is your hiring system! You need to keep your teachers in line!"
The old man peered at her over is glasses. "Are you by chance referring to Professor Snape?"
She laughed dryly."Gee how'd ya guess?"
Dumbledore sighed. "Rachele, listen to me...I-"
He was interrupted by the door swinging open again and the object of their conversation stalked in, scowling when he noticed the headmaster had company.
Rachele glared at him. "Oh goody, the man of the hour is here."
Snape ignored her and stalked up to the desk. "Headmaster, I have come to report regarding a certain students..." He glanced at the young teenager who stuck out her tongue. "...behaviour."
"Behaviour?" Rachele scoffed. "You're one to talk! You need to learn that you don't own everyone else's brains!"
"ENOUGH!" Dumbledore rose from his seat frowning. "Now would one of you kindly explain what happened? Severus, please."
The potions master pointed accusingly to the Gryffindor. "This girl shows no respect in the classroom. She is rude, continuously talks back to her superiors and always speaks out of term."
Dumbledore sighed. "Miss Sullivan...-"
"Oh! No no no!" Rachele interrupted. "He is so overreacting and jumping to conclusions."
Dumbledore gave her a look. "Are his complaints inaccurate?"
She growled. "No they're not, but what he doesn't realise is that I only behave that way in his classes." She turned to fully glare at the potions teacher. "I was only asking a question about the lesson, and he not only shut me down but tried to use Legilimancy on me!"
Dumbledore frowned. "Severus...is this true. Did you use Legilmency on a student?"
Severus held his head high. "The students need to be disciplined. Although I was not expecting Sullivan to detect me let alone block me so easily."
Rachele laughed loudly. "You forget who you're dealing with."
Snape growled. "She is nothing but a insufficient child! She hasn't had any training with Occulumency whatsoever so she shouldn't have been able to throw me back so skillfully."
Rachele glared with flashing eyes. "Don't insult me Severus. You know who I am and the powers I possess. You are just too damn proud to admit that someone my age could easily kick your arse in a duel."
"Alright that's enough you two!" Dumbledore stepped in between them. "I'm sure we can come to some kind of understanding." He turned to Rachele. "Miss Sullivan, I know you just want to be treated fairly. But you must remember you are still a student here and are required to act like one. I know this castle is your home in many ways, but that doesn't automatically make you superior over everyone."
Rachele looked appalled. "I don't think myself superior over anyone! I just can't stand his methods because he doesn't treat the students fairly! Draco Malfoy was being an idiot all through class but he was only given a warning!" She turned her glare back onto Snape. "But when Hermione offered a good answer to a difficult question, she's scolded for 'speaking out of term' and points were taken from Gryffindor! Where's the fairness in any of that?"
Snape remained silent but she could tell by his expression that he was aching to yell back at her. Dumbledore sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Alright point taken Miss Sullivan. I know you mean well, but all I ask is just for you to keep your remarks to yourself so we can avoid these unneccessary tidbits. Understood?"
Rachele sighed. "Fine."
Dumbledore smiled before turning back to the other man. "Severus, I understand your desire to keep order during your lessons. But there are better methods for helping the young ones to learn. Disciplining them doesn't always mean you have to be harsh with them." He nodded towards Rachele. "It's true Miss Sullivan here is more than capable of protecting her mind, in fact it's quite easy for her. But it isn't the case with the rest of them. If you're not careful you could do some real damage to ones mind if they're not prepared. Legilimency is a powerful technique, and the further one digs into another's memory, the more permanent psychological scarring it can cause. Do you understand me Severus?"
Snape scowled but nodded nonetheless. "Of course headmaster. I apologise for stepping out of line." Rachele frowned at his flat tone. He didn't sound very sorry at all.
Dumbledore smiled and clapped his hands together. "Wonderful! Now Miss Sullivan you have a class waiting for you."
Rachele nodded and shooting one last glare in Snape's direction, she swiftly left the office. Once the door was shut, Dumbledore looked at the other man seriously. "Severus, please hear me out." He walked around and sat back down in his chair. "I know Miss Sullivan can be a handful, but I desperately need you to be less reprimanding towards her."
Snape frowned. "She needs to be put into her place, she's only thirteen. Too young to have that kind of attitude."
Dumbledore put up a hand. "True that may be. And I promise she will mature in the coming years. But right now all we can provide her is our support and our friendship. That girl has a destiny far greater than anything we can comprehend, maybe even greater than Harry Potter's."
"And what makes this little girl so important you're putting her above Potter of all people?"
Dumbledore smiled sadly. "Because her future is a lonely one. Only she can journey along the path she is on. She may have loved ones accompany her for a time. But in the end...she will live and die in complete solitude. That is the cost of being born with her powers."
Snapes mouth formed a thin line. "And why has she been subjected to this unfortunate fate?"
"Not subjected Severus." The headmaster smiled. "Chosen. Only someone with a heart and soul of the most purest form is able to perform this heavy task and Miss Sullivan was personally selected and deemed worthy to carry it out to the end."
Snape glanced away. "I see. Quite a burden for one so young."
"Indeed." The headmaster agreed. "But despite her power, she still has much growing to do." He stood and walked to the window. "And I have no doubt in my mind that when the time comes..." His eyes twinkled as he smiled. "...our young Miss Rachele Sullivan will fight for what's right and become the beacon of light that will lead us to victory."
Immediately following classes that following afternoon, Rachele's focus was to check up on her friend who had been mysteriously absent all day. She headed back to the Defense class and climbed upstairs to the teachers office. She gave two solid knocks, waiting until she heard a weak 'come in', before letting herself in. She spotted her Professor sitting on a chair in the far corner and he looked far from well.
"Remus." She called softly. The worn out man glanced up and smiled. "Ah, Rachele. Nice of you to visit."
Rachele frowned sympathetically. "Remus...you look awful."
He chuckled. "I'm used to it."
She crouched down and touched his hand. "I'm worried about you, this condition is clearly taking its' toll on you."
He smiled and patted her hand with his spare. "It's an existing condition Rachele. As exhausting as it may be, I'll survive. I just pray there were no casualties on my part."
She shook her head. "I've scanned the school grounds and the dark forest, I didn't find anything. Except maybe a few mutilated trees." She smirked.
Remus grinned. "Glad to hear it." His smiled faded. "I heard about your little tiff with Professor Snape."
Rachele groaned. "Gosh the gossip around here is unbelievable."
He smiled. "Rachele, I know how grouchy he can be, but you don't have to blow up at him every single time."
She sniffed. "I don't do it every time. This was a an exception because he crossed a line."
Remus's brow furrowed. "What did he do?"
Rachele growled. "He tried using Legilimency on me."
Remus gawked at her. "He went that far?" He then grinned. "And what do you mean by 'tried?'
Rachele smiled proudly. "He barely made a scratch on my mental barriers before I kicked him out."
Remus chuckled. "Serves him right I guess." He let out a sigh. "Listen I'm immensely tired, so would you mind...?"
Rachele smiled and nodded. "Of course Remus, I'll let you rest. I hope you recover soon." She gave her friend a gentle hug before leaving his office. Soon after, the older man slouched in his chair and drifted into a restless sleep.
(The following weekend)
"AARRRGGHHH!"
All the girls in the dorm jolted awake in their beds. They looked to the source of the scream and saw Rachele sitting up in her bed and staring in horror down at her sheets. Seeing her petrified expression, Hermione scrambled from her bed and hurried over to help her friend.
"Rachele? What is it? What's wrong?"
Rachele looked up at her with wide green eyes. "THIS! What the hell have I done to deserve this NOW?" She pointed down to where a small pool of blood was laying in between her legs. Hermione couldn't help but smirk.
"Aaahh finally hit puberty did we?"
Rachele glared. "This isn't funny Hermione! Please tell me you have a pad or something!"
Hermione chuckled. "You do realise we live in a world of magic right? Just conjure one."
Rachele opened her mouth but nothing came out. She pouted and looked away while her friend laughed.
She quickly summoned the required sanitary object and gathered some clothes to take a fresh shower, but not before cleaning up the mess on her bed. She spent several minutes thoroughly scrubbing herself, especially down south. Meanwhile back in the dorms, Ginny confronted Hermione about their dorm-mates trauma.
"So what was that all about? She sounded like she was being murdered."
Hermione grinned. "She got her period."
Ginny's mouth formed a 'o' shape. "Yikes, that's unfortunate. Do you have yours?"
Hermione nodded. "Yea, got it during the summer. You?"
"Same. Guess I got mine earlier ey?"
Hermione shrugged. "Everyone's different."
A flustered Rachele finally emerged from the bathroom and she shot a dark look at them. "Not a word from both of you."
Hermione smiled and put an arm around her shoulder. "Hey don't fret so much. It's only natural. Gin and I both have ours so we get it."
Ginny nodded and put an arm around her too. "Damn straight, we feel your pain."
Rachele chuckled dryly. "Thanks, I feel loads better."
Hermione smiled. "Would it cheer you up if we told you there's a Quidditch game today?"
Rachele perked up. "Oh my gosh! I almost forgot!" She dashed to her trunk and dug around until she pulled out a red and gold scarf. She threw it around her neck and grinned at her friends. "Let's go cheer Harry on!"
When they found their usual spots in the stands and the game had commenced, it had been a usual clear day, perfect weather for a good ol' Quidditch game. Today it was Gryffindor versus Hufflepuff and the team of lions were confident that they would came out victorious especially after the fierce battles against the Slytherins. But as time progressed, Rachele noticed the dark clouds slowly closing in around the pitch. Next moment there was a slight trickle and spectators were questioning the sudden change. The trickle quickly escalated and seconds later there was a heavy downpour. The thick droplets bucketed down making it difficult to view the game. Rachele enhanced her sight and noticed that despite the weather, the players remained dedicated and focused on the game. She scanned the field and quickly found Harry neck and neck with the Hufflepuff seeker as they chased what was obviously the Golden Snitch. She followed them all around the pitch; they took a few laps, swivelled around and between stands until finally the Snitch decided to take off so high that it and both players vanished from sight. Rachele pushed her sights further and found only Harry wandering around aimlessly inside the black clouds. He fought hard against the roaring winds with determination etched on his face. But suddenly she saw something whiz by him and it most definitely wasn't the snitch. Robes darker than the clouds surrounded the stranded boy and Rachele felt her blood run cold with terror. Dementors. The soul suckers had found their way onto the school grounds against the headmasters orders and it appeared Harry was their target. She clamped her hands over her mouth in horror when the effects of the creatures finally took its toll and she watched her friend fall from his broom and topple downwards to what looked like a gruesome death. Not wasting any time, she ducked down and rushed down to the lower bleachers, doing her best to shut out the horrified screams of those that had spotted Harry. She hid herself under the benches and peeked out to see Harry was still, thankfully, a fair way from the ground. She focused on the falling boy, her eyes glowing a magnificent blinding green. She mentally reached out across the field and caught his body, slowing him right down until he gently landed on the wet grass. She smiled as people, students and teachers alike, ran down from the stands and sprinted over to his unconscious form, the headmaster included. Rachele smiled and quietly slipped away, knowing that her friend was in good hands.
End of Chapter
So yeah, she goes nut when they visit Hogsmeade. Well she is still a kid and it's a store full of chocolate and sweets. Who wouldn't get excited?
Another couple little encounters with Robert. Wonder if any of you have figured out his importance in the story yet.
And yes Rachele has a strong mind. Legilimancy doesn't have any affect on her, she's too powerful for that.
Well enough babble. Onto the next chapter!
See ya then!
