Here we go! Let's find out why Harry wants to suddenly talk to her. And prepare for more trouble...mostly involving Umbridge.
Enjoy!
Chapter Four – Educational Reform
Harry stood nervously before his former friend. His plan was to simply pull her aside and have a heart-to-heart chat but the murderous glare coming from Kordellus was melting any resolve he might have had moments ago.
"Um...can I talk you for a minute?" He asked timidly, shooting nervous glances at her two friends.
"Yeah alright." Rachele smiled. "Stay here guys. I'll be back." She told the other two before walking up to him. Harry could see the objection on Kordellus's face but was restraining himself most likely for Rachele's sake.
Once they were a fair distance away, they took a seat on the frost covered grass. "So..." Rachele started. "What did you want to ta-"
"I'm really sorry." Harry blurted.
She started. "What?"
"I'm..." Harry buried his face in his hands. "I'm so, so sorry. I'm the biggest prat on the planet."
"Harry...stop." Rachele placed a hand on his shoulder. "Why are you apologising?"
"WHY?" He laughed. "You're kidding right? I was horrendous to you! I pushed you away when you were only trying to be my friend!" He sighed in defeat. "It's my fault we haven't spoken in weeks."
"I don't blame you, you know." She smiled. "You were under enormous pressure from both Voldemort and the Ministry, you still are. You've shown immense courage by not going insane from it all."
"You're not mad?"
She shook her head. "Of course not. And don't blame yourself, I didn't help by pushing you like that. I was just terrified of you joining the Order...I was scared that I would lose my brother."
"So you really consider me your brother?" A smile slowly grew on Harry's face.
"Of course I do." She smiled back. "No matter what happens, I'll always care about you."
"That's another thing." Harry said. "Another reason I felt so guilty is because of some stories I've heard." She raised her eyebrows. "Ginny told me how you stood up to Seamus, and went off at the entire Gryffindor house for not believing me." He smiled at her with watery eyes. "You always had my back, even after the way I treated you."
"I never thought you were lying about Voldemort Harry." Rachele said sincerely. "I was there in the office that day remember? I heard Barty Crouch Jr. confess everything, I saw the evidence on both his arm and yours." She grasped his hand. "If anyone accuses you again, I'll stand in as your witness."
He bowed in head in gratitude. "Thank you...that means more than you'll know."
"I have a vague idea." She grinned. "I'm gonna wager a guess that the other story was what happened in Umbridges office."
"It's not the 'what' that got to me." Harry said. "It's the 'why.' Your anger towards Umbridge was ignited because of what she did to me." He held up his left hand where the scars from that night were still visible. Rachele gently took it and rubbed over the faded marks with her thumb.
"It's horrible what she did, Harry." She whispered. "It tears me apart when my friends are suffering."
Harry stared in awe at the deep emotion swimming in her green eyes. He had been so blinded by his anger and despair, he had forgotten how much she really cared. He always knew how selfless Rachele was, but her show of loyalty over the past few weeks had proven that statement now more than ever.
"I just want you to know." Harry said bringing her attention up to him. "I also think of you as my sister." He smiled. "You'll always be family to me Rach."
Rachele's bottom lip trembled before she lunged forward to wrap him in a tight hug. "Sweet Merlin I've missed you."
He chuckled and patted her back. "Easy now, don't get mushy on me."
She pulled back with a glare and gave him a rough shove. "Way to ruin the mood! Typical brother behaviour!"
"That's what I'm here for." He chuckled. "Hey listen Rach, now that we're all good. Do you wanna come hang out with us again?"
Rachele tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
"You know." He grinned. "You, me, Ron and Hermione, the famous quartet, like the good ol' days. What'd ya say?"
"Oh...I-" Rachele glanced over to the two distant figures lazing near the lake. She already knew her answer. "I can't Harry."
Harry frowned. "Why not?"
She sighed. "I meant what I said. You, Ron and especially Hermione mean the world to me. And we'll always be a family. But..." She smiled sadly. "I can't leave Robbie and Claudia."
"I don't get it." Harry said.
"When I left you guys, I knew that at least you'd have each other to lean on. But those two..." She gazed affectionately towards them. "They've been alone and isolated through all their years at Hogwarts. They were labelled outcasts, no one ever bothered to talk to them. The only reason they're over there talking to each other..." She turned back to Harry. "...is because of me."
Harry's gaze dropped as he realised what she was saying. "So if you left them now..."
"...They'd revert back to the way they were." She finished. "And I can't do that to them. They already mean so much to me."
"I guess I can understand that." Harry muttered. "It still won't be the same without you."
"That's what Hermione said." She chuckled. "And I told her we'll still see each other around. We're all in the same house."
"That's true." Harry brightened with this fact. "Well you better head back then." He smiled. "Your friends are waiting for you."
"Thank you Harry." She hugged him again. "Thank you for understanding." This time he fully hugged her back. "Any time."
She jumped up, waved goodbye and ran back to the lake. Harry stayed where he was, deciding to see how she and these new friends of hers would react. Kordellus was on his feet in an instant to check if she was okay, but Rachele just laughed, patted his hand and waved him off. Claudia, who he heard was incredibly shy and scared of everybody, looked up from a book and gave her a warm smile, giggling when the older girl gave her a sisterly hug. He understood now. Rachele had brought out the best in these people, and they were repaying her with the same kindness she had shown them. Rachele herself was beaming so brightly Harry found himself contagiously smiling at the sight of it. She was happy, more than she ever had been, and he'd be damned if he ever took that away from her. So giving the unlikely trio their space, he straightened his cloak and headed back to the castle to find Ron and Hermione.
"What happened?" Robert said urgently. "What did he say?"
"Relax Robbie." Rachele rolled her eyes. "Everything's fine, we made up.
"Just like that?" He wasn't buying it.
"He wouldn't stop apologising." She grinned at Claudia. "Guess you were right...you both were.
Claudia gave a small victorious grin. "Told you."
"Right about what?" Robert asked.
"Harry's anger towards me wasn't intentional. He was under a lot of stress. But he heard about what I did to Seamus and Umbridge and must've realised that no matter how hard he tries to distance himself..." She smiled. "...I'll never turn my back on him."
"That's wonderful Rachele." Claudia said. "I'm glad you were able to work things out."
"So wait a minute." Robert stepped in. "Does that mean you'll be hanging out with them again?" Claudia's eye snapped back up and the pair stared interrogatively at Rachele.
"Harry did offer it to me." She said honestly. "But I refused. I'm not leaving you guys."
"What about Hermione?" Robert asked. "Weren't you two the best of friends?"
Rachele shrugged sadly. "I told her I needed to move on. And even though I've mended things with Harry, I still feel that's the best path for me." The real reason behind her separation from them prodded the corner of her mind like a never-ending fly in summer. With Voldemort back from the dead, and becoming more powerful by the day, there was more risk of him discovering her real identity. She wasn't ready for Hermione to know the truth about their relation, and if she were honest with herself...she didn't know if she ever would be.
After a couple more hours, the chilliness of the air began to intensify so the three decided to head back. Just as they entered into the large doors, McGonagall marched up to them with a look of apprehension. "Miss Sullivan!"
"Professor, is everything alright?" Rachele said noticing the expression on her face.
"You need to come with me." She ordered.
"But it's dinner time now and-"
"Now!"
She sighed and turned to Robert and Claudia. "You guys go ahead and eat. I'll be there later." They nodded and headed over to the Great Hall. Claudia shot her a nervous glance to which Rachele gave a encouraging smile.
"When you're ready Miss Sullivan."
She proceeded to follow the Professor the opposite way through the corridors, constantly shooting concerned glances over her shoulder.
"They'll live, Miss Sullivan." McGonagall said with a tight smile. "It won't be for long."
"Sorry..." Rachele sighed. "I worry about Claudia, I don't like leaving her alone." She may not have seen anything suspicious from Gertrude for a long while, but Rachele wasn't about to let her guard down.
"I'm sure Mr Kordellus will take good care of her. Now come we must make haste." Rachele broke into a slight jog to keep up with the older woman's quick pace. She led them up the familiar spiral staircase which led to the headmaster's office.
"He'll be expecting you" She held her hand out towards the door. Rachele obeyed and warily entered with high anticipation. Her defensive senses sky-rocketed when she saw who was standing next to her mentor's desk.
"Aah hello Rachele." Dumbledore greeted warmly. "I'm sure you remember our Minister of Magic."
She nodded stiffly. "What's going on?"
Dumbledore sighed and nodded to the Minister, silently giving him the floor.
"Miss Rachele Sullivan." Fudge said formally. "I come under strict business acting as the mediator for this wizarding world."
She yawned loudly. "Really. Good for you."
He bristled at her bored tone. "A particular law has come to my attention, one that you are guilty of breaking."
Rachele raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And which law is that?"
"Before a student attends school, they are required to purchase a wand for academic purposes. You, as I recall, have yet to claim one."
"Yeah I know." She stated simply. "Cause I don't need one. Thought you knew that Minister."
"Which comes to my next proposition! Professor Dumbledore!" He turned to the headmaster. "The entire Ministry is aware of the power this girl was born with. A power which is unnatural and a danger to those around her."
"Hey!" Rachele said affronted. "Do I look like a dangerous person to you?"
Fudge ignored her. "There is a reason we track under-age magic Dumbledore!" He pointed to the teenager. "So that young children like this one don't fall off the rails and threaten our community!"
"What are you suggesting Minister?" Dumbledore asked calmly. "That I incarcerate my own daughter?"
"She needs to register!" Fudge demanded. "This is protocol for anyone who possesses powers or abilities that are abnormal."
"Protocol my arse." Rachele snapped. "You just want me under the Ministry's control."
"Rubbish! And watch your language young lady! Show some respect!"
"You're scared of me!" She laughed. "That's why you're here! You heard what I did to Umbridge and you're terrified I might attack you as well!"
"Don't be ridiculous." He denied. "Why would I be intimidated by a little girl? Let alone a Muggle-born."
"You know I'm not your average Muggle-born Minister." She snipped. "Do you want me to remind you?" Her eyes flashed brightly causing him to flinch slightly.
"Enough Rachele." Dumbledore said firmly. "The Minister is aware of your capabilities, there's no need for a demonstration."
"She's out of control Albus!" Fudge yelled. "What would happen if she turns down a wrong path and we have another Dark Lord on our hands!"
"You take that back." Rachele snarled viciously. "Don't you dare put me into the same category as that heartless monster."
"Then prove it!" Fudge shot back. "If you want to show the Ministry you pose no threat, then you will submit yourself."
Rachele blew out an air of exasperation. "Okay fine... you win." She folded her arms. "I'll agree to register but on one condition."
"What's that?" He said suspiciously.
A devious grin appeared on her face. "You have to catch me first." She gave a mocking bow and promptly left the office leaving the Minister standing there with his mouth opening and closing like a codfish.
"I did warn you Cornelius." Dumbledore chuckled. "Controlling her is like herding cats. It just isn't done."
"She's dangerous." Fudge said stubbornly.
"She's my daughter. I assure you she's in good hands."
"She should be expelled! Someone with her power shouldn't be allowed near other students."
"Expelling her would be most unwise Minister." Dumbledore warned.
"Give me one good reason why." Fudge glared.
"Being a student here requires her to obey certain rules, and Rachele knows that perfectly well."
"You call attacking a teacher obeying the rules?"
"Her behaviour towards Umbridge was not a means of deliberate hostility Minister." Dumbledore reasoned. "She's fiercely protective of her friends. She won't hesitate to retaliate against anyone who dares threaten to harm them." He peered at him over his spectacles. "And that includes the teachers of this school." His gaze hardened. "Perhaps you should be questioning why your employee is using a 'Blood Quotes Quill' on my students." Fudge was silent so he continued. "My point is, Cornelius, while Rachele is attending Hogwarts, she has compelled herself to show restraint around others. If we expel her..." He sighed. "I'm afraid she'll have free reign over this castle.
"What exactly does that mean Albus?" Fudge frowned.
"It means she can do whatever she wants. And neither you or I will be able to stop her."
Fudge visibly shivered before nodding. "Very well Headmaster, I'll leave it to you. But if I hear she's stepped out of line again, I will be forced to take drastic action. Even if it means driving her out of this castle."
"Of course Minister." Dumbledore smiled coyly. "You have my word." 'I can't promise you'll have Rachele's.' He quietly chuckled to himself as the Minister exited his office. That man was clueless to the real extent of Rachele's power. He could dispatch the entire Ministry to apprehend her and still come up short. She may only be a fifteen year old girl...but she was a force to be reckoned with.
Voldemort himself would tremble in her presence.
By the time Rachele reached the Great Hall, groups of students were streaming out, ready to head back to their respected dorms for the night. She scanned the area for her two friends but there was no sign of them. She backtracked to the corridors, scratching her head quizzically.
"That's strange...I wonder where they could be-"
"Rachele!"
She whirled around in time for a smaller body to barrel into her, making her stumble slightly. "Claudia!" She smiled in relief. "I was looking everywhere for you. And where's Robbie?"
Claudia just shook her head and clung to her tightly. "Hey..." Rachele frowned. "What's wrong?"
"I'll tell you what's wrong." A snide voice answered. Rachele looked up into the cold eyes of one Gertrude Clarken. The Slytherin looked about ready to kill, and her gaze was locked unwaveringly on her younger sister's shaking form. "That worthless little runt had the nerve to speak back to me!"
"Clarken." Rachele growled. "What did you do?"
"That's what I should be asking Sullivan." She sneered. "Hanging around you has given little Claudia a back-bone. And I don't like it when my toys fight back."
"She's not a toy, ya hollow piece of trash." Rachele snarled. "Now do yourself a favour and scat while my fuse is still running. You don't wanna be around when it runs out."
Gertrude stared unblinking into the fiery depths of two brilliant green eyes. They leered fearlessly at her, silently challenging her to make a move. This Gryffindor's nerve was starting to get under her skin, but something about her unyielding gaze caused a sliver of fear to shoot up her spine. She always prided herself in removing anyone who dares get in her way, but the aura radiating from this girl gave her second thoughts about challenging her in direct combat; something about her felt different and more powerful than anything she had ever encountered. But her stubbornness always won over her fear, she strangely took pleasure in seeing the fire in Sullivan's eyes. And targeting her pathetic little sister always triggered that inner rage.
"You know little sister." She grinned. "It's been so amazing at home. Mother and Father shower me with praise, calling me their pride and joy." She smiled tauntingly. "It's like you never even existed."
"What the hell are you blabbering about Clarken?" Rachele frowned.
"Ooooohh." Gertrudes grin grew. "She didn't tell you?" She laughed gleefully. "I wonder Sullivan, will you still bother with her once you hear the truth?"
"What truth?!" Rachele was starting to feel impatient.
"You see...back when this one was a wee little First Year, Mummy and Daddy didn't take too kindly to her being sorted into Hufflepuff." She chuckled amusedly. "So they do what I've only dreamed of since that waste of space was born." She grinned. "They disowned her."
Rachele's eyes went wide with shock. "What?" She looked down at the girl still clinging to her shirt. "Claudia is this true?" Claudia let out a choked sob and nodded her head.
"Pathetic." Gertrude crinkled her nose. "Nothing but a nuisance."
"ENOUGH!" Rachele snapped. "If they disowned her then where has she been living all this time?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Gertrude huffed. "That bumbling fool Dumbledore allowed her to live here at Hogwarts. She's been here every single day, including during summer break, since her very first year here." She let out a 'hmph.' "Good riddance, better here than contaminating the air at home."
"Shut it Slytherin." Rachele glared daggers at her. "Insult Claudia again and I'll send your arse to the moon and back. Now excuse us." She gently led Claudia away, flashing dangerous eyes towards Gertrude as they went. She pulled her into an empty classroom, mentally locking the door as she closed it behind her. She turned to Claudia who was still trembling with her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
"Hey..." Rachele reached over and gently tilted her head up. The younger girls glistening eyes reflected nothing but raw fear. Rachele felt her heart break for her friend's forlorness.
"Look, don't listen to her lies. I'm not going anywhere." She placed her free hand on her shoulder and gazed intently at her. "You're my friend Claudia...I love you." Claudia's eyes widened and her floodgates finally broke free. She crumbled into Rachele's arms and sobbed loudly into her shoulder.
"T-thank you..." She whispered. "Y-you're the first p-person to ever s-say that to me."
Rachele tightened her hold and leaned her head against hers. "I'm sorry, I had no idea how bad it was." She ran a comforting hand up and down her back. "I'm so...so sorry" She swallowed the lump that had suddenly appeared in her throat. Words cannot describe the guilt she felt for not befriending this girl sooner. She had been completely and utterly alone for four years and Rachele was barely there for her.
"I know what you're thinking." Claudia's small voice broke through her thoughts. "Don't blame yourself, it's not your fault this happened to me." She pulled back slightly and gave her a teary smile. The fear from her eyes was gone and replaced with soft affection. "You saved me...you gave me hope there was still good in this world. You show courage for the sake of innocence, selflessness for all your friends..." She leaned her forehead against Rachele's chest. "...love for someone you barely know."
Rachele smiled and tightened her hold. "I promise I'll give you the love your family denied you for so long." She ran a gentle hand down her hair. "I'll be the sister Gertrude never was. I'll love you like no one ever has."
With each word she spoke, Claudia only cried harder, her tears soaking through Rachele's shirt. The older girl just held her close and continued whispering promises of devotion to her. Fear, hate, abuse, neglect, this were all forced into the depths of her soul, and Rachele was determined to drive that darkness out. She would give her courage, love, kindness, affection and all matter of virtue until she was cured of her family's wretched ways.
When Claudia had calmed down to tiny sniffles, Rachele led her out of the classroom and escorted her back to Hufflepuff tower. Her eyes were red and puffy from the emotional stress so Rachele thought it'd be best for her to get some rest. They reached the portrait hole where she hugged Claudia one last time, promising to meet her for breakfast the next day. The Hufflepuff nodded, clinging onto her for a moment, before climbing inside with the painting closing shut behind her. Rachele sighed tiredly, deciding she may as well head back to her own common room. The last hour was swirling endlessly in her mind and she needed some time to sit and reflect. Her thoughts were so clouded she barely noticed the shadow creeping up behind her.
"There you are!"
Rachele whipped around with her hands in a defensive stance. Clear blue eyes stared down at her in amusement. "Are you going to hit me Gryffindor?"
"Robbie!" She breathed in relief. "Don't sneak up on me like that."
"I was looking for you. I heard people talking about you and Gertrude having a go at each other again. I was worried." He looked around. "Where's Claudia?"
The brief conversation with both Clarken sisters flashed through her mind and a overwhelming pain weighed down heavily onto her chest. She clenched her shirt where her heart was, feeling a lump form in her throat.
"Robbie..." She reached a shaky hand out to him, which he grabbed instantly.
"Rachele? What's wrong?"
She let her head fall onto his chest and she let out a sob. "Claudia...so much suffering...so much sorrow...I want to help her..."
He held her shoulders to prevent her from collapsing. "Claudia? What happened to her?"
She lifted her head to gaze at him with watery eyes. "Her parents, they disowned her..." She inhaled heavily. "She's been...here...for four years! No family...nothing!" She clutched onto his shirt tightly. "Her parents neglected her, her sister abused her, everyone else ignored her! What did she do to deserve this?" She buried her face into his shoulder and sobbed. Robert held in her silence as he took in her words. "Her face...I can't stop thinking about it. She was so afraid I would abandon her after learning the truth." Her grip on him tightened. "I'm trying Robbie...I'm trying so hard show her what love is. But...what else can I..." She trailed off, finally at a loss of words.
"You're already helping in so many ways Rach." Robert rubbed her back softly. "You were the first person to acknowledge her, show her kindness, friendship and most definitely love." He held her tighter. "Don't give up on her. She will heal but it will take time. Just be patient, it'll all work out you'll see."
It was times like these that reminded Rachele of how valuable of a friend Robert was. She could always count on him for a comforting shoulder, good advice and a kind word. His words offered her immeasurable consolation and she could feel that aching throb fading away. His unyielding support towards her in return gave her the strength to lend her own audacity to protect Claudia and all her other friends.
"Thanks Robbie." She sniffed and backed away from him.
"No worries." He smiled. "Now how about I walk you to your common room for a change." He grinned and offered his arm to her, which she took with a giggle.
"Lead the way kind sir."
(The next morning)
"Rachele...hey...hellloooooo?"
Rachele groaned and turned over in her bed. "G'way."
A finger poked her cheek. "Up and at em' sunshine! You have people waiting for you!"
She peeked open an eye to see Hermione grinning down at her. "The hell you talking about?"
"Robbie and Claudia, they're waiting for you just outside the common room."
Both eyes were wide open now as she sat up in bed. "Crap! I forgot I was meeting them!" She flew out of bed, quickly dressed into her uniform before racing out of the dorms. "Thanks Hermione!" She yelled behind her. She jumped down the stairs three at time, almost stacking it once, dashed through the common room and stumbled out of the portrait hole. She paused for a moment to bend down and catch her breath.
"Morning Gryffndor."
Rachele glanced up to see Robert and Claudia both staring at her with amused expressions. "Hey guys!"
"You look like you just ran a marathon." Robert chuckled while Claudia hid a giggle behind her hand.
Rachele looked down at herself from her untucked shirt to her tie hanging loosely around her neck. "Oh uh..." She chuckled nervously. "I was in a rush."
"Did you sleep in?" Claudia asked.
"A little." She muttered. "But never mind that." She linked arms with her two friends. "Let's go get some breakfast!"
As they walked along, Rachele bent down towards Claudia. "Hey are you okay? You know, since last night."
Claudia nodded. "Heaps better thank you."
"Good, I'm relieved." Rachele grinned. "And speaking of last night." She turned and glared at Robert who raised an eyebrow. "Where the hell were you huh? I went to the Great Hall and I couldn't find either of you!"
"Oh...yeah sorry about that." Robert rubbed the back of his head. "Family emergency, it couldn't wait."
"Oh!" She tilted her head. "Is everything okay?"
"It's fine." He smiled reassuringly. "It's just my dad being my dad."
"Aaaaahhh." She nodded in understanding. "That's alright then."
"If it helps." He went on. "I came right back as soon as I was done. That's when we ran into each other."
"It's all good." She smiled. "All water under the bridge."
They found a seat in the Great Hall and dug into the mountain of breakfast that had been served. Rachele had only taken a few bites before two voices could be heard bickering loudly just out in the corridor. She exchanged glances with Robert and Claudia and they silently agreed to go see what the commotion was.
"What exactly are you insinuating?" Umbridges voice rang through the corridor. Her and McGonagall were in the middle of a heated argument.
"I am merely requesting that when it comes to my students..." McGonagall said cordially. "...you conform to the prescribed disciplinary practises!"
Rachele stood before the scene with her arms tightly folded, Robbie and Claudia on either side of her. They were amongst many who had gathered around to watch this scene unfold.
Harry appeared next to her with Hermione and Ron and she shared wary looks with them.
"So silly of me." Umbridge scowled. "But it sounds as though you're questioning my authority in my own classroom, Minerva.
"Not at all Dolores!" McGonagall straightened to her full height which was a full head taller than Umbridge. "Merely your medieval methods!"
"I'm sorry dear." Umbridge said affronted. "But to question my practises is to practise the Ministry! And by extension the Minister himself. I am a tolerant woman..." Rachele snorted in disbelief, sharing a secret smile with Harry. "...but the one thing I will not stand for, is disloyalty!"
McGonagall stepped backwards. "Disloyalty..."
Umbridge lifted her head high and faced the onlooking students. "Things at Hogwarts are far worse than I feared. Cornelius will want to take immediate action!"
Rachele caught Harry's eye again which reflected the same paranoia she was feeling. This can't be good.
And it wasn't. That very afternoon, a large notice was nailed to the wall which inscribed:
Proclamation
Educational Degree
No.23
Dolores Jane Umbridge
has been
appointed to
the post of
Hogwarts High Inquisitor
And to make it worse, the front cover of the Daily Prophet announced that Hogwarts was undergoing a new educational reform directly underneath Umbridges instruction.
"Damn that overweight wench." Rachele said over lunch. Her grip on the newspaper was so tight her knuckles were turning white. "I wanna rip off that stupid toad face and use it as a door knocking decoration."
"Easy tiger." Robert chuckled. "That paper is innocent."
"This is ridiculous!" She growled. "Control, control, control! That's all the stupid Ministry wants!"
"This is probably only the beginning." Claudia commented. "There'll be other reform notices like the one we have now."
And she was right. Over the next few weeks, Umbridge patrolled the school, correcting anything she considered a flaw in the school's system, such as splitting up genders, straightening uniforms and banning any extracurricular activity that wasn't on her agenda. When she wasn't targeting the students, she was hopping from class to class and interrogating the Professors about their area of expertise. All teachers managed to pass her test save one. Professor Trelawny, expert of Divination, was found unfit for her post and Umbridge took the liberty of dismissing her.
Students gathered around the courtyard where Trelawny was standing in the middle with all her belongings. Umbridge approached her with her head up with authority.
"S-sixteen years I've taught." Trewlawny whimpered. "Hogwarts is my home!" She fiddled with her handbag. "Please...you can't do this."
"Actually I can." Umbridge stated holding up a folded piece of official paper.
McGonagall hurried over to comfort Trelawny as she broke down. The older woman gathered her in her arms and whispered consolingly to her.
"Something you'd like to say dear?" Umbridge smiled at the Transfiguration teacher.
"Oh there are several things I'd like to say!" McGonagall snapped back.
The large doors to the castle opened revealing the headmaster. The students made a path for him as he strode over to the women. "Professor McGonagall. Might I ask you to escort Sybil back inside." McGonagall gentle steered Trelawny, who profusely thanked Dumbledore as she past him, back inside the school.
"Dumbledore." Umbridge said objectively. "May I remind you, that under the terms of educational degree no. 23 as enacted by the Minister-"
"You have the right to dismiss my teachers." Dumbledore interrupted. "You do not, however, hold the authority to banish them from the grounds. That power remains with the headmaster."
"For now." She said a little too sweetly.
"Professor Dumbledore." All heads turned to Rachele who approached them from the side. "If I may say something."
"You..." Umbridge scowled. "...have been especially disobedient Sullivan. You and your..." She shot a dirty look towards Robert and Claudia. "...friends have caused nothing but juvenile chaos since this term began."
Rachele grinned smugly. Since Umbridge had been named High Inquisitor, she, Robert and Claudia had done everything humanly possible to be her living nightmare during classes. They refused to do their work, they threw harmless objects at her, called her every crude name behind her back and various other mischievous acts that tested Umbridges patience.
"You can try and force as many rules and regulations on us as you like. But you will find that some of us..." She crossed her arms while Robert and Claudia came out to stand beside her as support. "...aren't as conceding as others." Rachele glared darkly. "I will say this now, your days here are numbered Professor, and by the time the term finishes, you'll have gone through so much hell you'll wish you've never set foot on Hogwarts grounds."
"That'll do Miss Sullivan." Dumbledore spoke firmly but one could see a slight twinkle in his eye. "I'll handle it from here."
Rachele shrugged and walked back to where she came, receiving handshakes and high-fives from several schoolmates as she went. Dumbledore dismissed the students and headed back inside.
"Professor! Professor Dumbledore!" Harry's voice rang out. Rachele turned and watched as her friend yelled out desperately to the headmaster, who she could see, was purposefully ignoring him. She frowned disappointingly, recalling a conversation back at headquarters when Harry informed her of how Dumbledore had avoided him at his hearing as well.
"Hey." She looked at her friends. "Do you guys wanna come with me for a minute?"
Robert appeared sceptical. "What are you gonna do Rach?"
"I just need to speak to Dumbledore for a few minutes. It's something you two should hear."
"We'll come." Claudia agreed. "We have nothing else to do."
Robert sighed. "Yeah you're right, let's go."
Rachele took the lead as they made their way to the headmaster's office. Once there, she glanced at the others, who both nodded, before rapping three times on the solid wood.
"Come in!"
When the three friends entered, Dumbledore rose graciously from his chair. "Ah! Miss Sullivan! And Miss Clarken and Mr Kordellus as well! To what do I owe this rare pleasure?"
"Albus why are you ignoring Harry?" Robert and Claudia both stared gobsmacked at her blunt tone towards the headmaster.
"Rachele..." Dumbledore frowned. "Should we really discuss this with-"
"I asked them to come here." She cut him off. "I need to say things I wish for them to know. But first, why are you ignoring Harry?"
Dumbledore sighed in defeat. "I'm just trying to protect him, little one, that's all." Behind Rachele, Robert looked at Claudia and mouthed 'little one?' to which she shrugged.
"Protect him from what? Voldemort?" She snorted. "Great load of good that's gonna do. If you want to protect him Albus, you need to keep him close!"
"I know what I'm doing Rachele, I need you to trust me with this."
"I can't Albus." Rachele frowned. "Harry's been through enough. What you're doing is only hurting him more."
"It will also keep him alive." He said stubbornly. "If you're that concerned then you may speak to him. But I must do this, it is for his own good."
Rachele let out an aggravated sigh. When her mentor was like this, there wasn't much she could do. "Fine...can't promise Harry will be happy if or when he founds out."
Dumbledore sat down again. "Was there something else little one?"
"Actually yes." She turned to Claudia and gestured for her to come over. The younger girl stepped forward timidly and Rachele placed an arm around her shoulder.
"I found out through a..." She scowled. "displeasing source that Claudia was disowned by her family during her very first year here." Her green eye flashed dangerously. "And that she's been living here at Hogwarts, under your supervision, every day since."
"Ah so you found out did you?" Dumbledore smiled. "I'm relieved to hear that."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Rachele growled. "I could've done something! I live alone Albus, I would've gladly come and kept her company!"
"It's quite simple, Miss Clarken asked me not to."
Rachele's eyes darted down to Claudia who was looking away shamefully. Her expression softened. "Claudia...why?"
"I didn't want to bother anyone." Her small voice answered. "You seemed really busy with Harry, I didn't want to be any trouble."
Rachele opened her mouth and abruptly closed it again. This wasn't a conversation she wanted to have in front of the headmaster. "Let's talk about this somewhere else...Professor." She nodded to Dumbledore before leading her friends away. Knowing they needed somewhere completely secluded from Umbridges prying eyes, Claudia brought them to her secret room where she worked secretly on her potions. Being her second time, Rachele entered casually without really glancing around while Robert gawked openly at his surroundings.
"Blimey..." He stared in awe. "How long has this been here?"
"However long Claudia says so...right?" Rachele grinned at the other girl who slightly smiled back.
Robert whistled. "Impressive."
"Okay listen." Rachele turned serious. "Claudia...I can understand why you would keep all this a secret." She smiled. "You were scared...I get it." She walked over and placed her hands on her shoulders. "I'm not mad you didn't say anything, but I do want to make a proposition for you."
Claudia tilted her head. "Proposition?"
She nodded. "But you have to first promise me something."
"Okay."
Rachele gazed at her. "No more secrets okay?"
Claudia ducked her head. "Okay...I promise."
Rachele chuckled and patted her head. "You're so cute. I was going to wait until Christmas to do this, but what the hell..." She looked over at Robert, who was staring at her with interest, then back at Claudia who was gazing curiously at her.
"I don't want you to be here by yourself any more. So how would you like to come and live with me from now on?"
Claudia gasped. "Y-you mean that?"
Rachele grinned. "Absolutely. I only have my cat for company and he's a bit boring most of the time. It'll be nice to have another girl around the house."
"S-so...do you mean like..." Claudias eyes brightened. "Permanently?"
Rachele smiled. "Yup. For good."
"After graduation?"
"Finishing school won't change anything. We can hunt for jobs together."
"What if one of us gets married?"
Rachele snorted. "Let's cross that bridge when we get to it." She gave her a hopeful grin. "So what'd ya say?"
Claudia buried her face in her hands and wept heavily, only managing to nod vigorously. She stepped forward and pressed up against Rachele's body. "T-thank you...thank you, thank you, thank you."
Rachele smiled, wrapping her arms around her shaking form. "Consider this an early Christmas present." She looked up at Robert with a grin. "Which only leaves you to find a gift for. Got any requests?"
Robert shrugged. "Don't trouble yourself, I don't really want anything." 'Not anything you can give.' He thought sadly.
"Don't feed me that bull-crap." She rolled her eyes. "I never not buy Christmas presents for my friends." She grinned. "I'll figure something out." She turned her attention back to Claudia. "Why don't you go to your dorm and pack any valuables you have from your parents house? I'll arrange to have them sent to my...well...our place." She winked.
Claudia wiped her eyes and smiled. "Okay."
"Let's get outta here." She sighed. "Can only avoid Umbridges reign of terror for so long."
Robert sniggered. "You can't deny it's fun to give her hell."
Rachele grinned. "Nah you're right I can't, I love watching her squirm. Especially when Claudia put that small explosive potion in her goblet during dinner." She nudged the other girl who giggled. "That was bloody brilliant, her face was priceless."
"Just one small potion I have up my sleeve." Claudia smiled.
"Look out Robbie." She scooted over to him with mock-fear. "Her devious side has emerged, we're all doomed."
"Heaven help us all." Robert played along. "Save us from her merciless wrath."
Claudia covered her face to hide the laughing fit she was suffering. She was bright red from the neck up, not used to being in the spotlight.
"Aaawww." Rachele flung an arm around her blushing friend. "We're embarrassing her, we should stop."
They continued to joke around for the rest of the day, only splitting off when they needed to head to their classes. Otherwise the trio were inseparable and could be found lazing about the castle chatting comfortable with each other. Although mostly Rachele rambled endlessly in a comical manner while Robert and Claudia laughed at her entertaining antics. Later in the evening as they sat and conversed over dinner, they had a unexpected visitor at their table.
"Hello Harry." Rachele greeted as he approached them. "How's your day been?"
"Fine." He replied. "Um...are you nearly done here?"
Rachele blinked. "Uh...almost, why?"
He looked around before bending down to whisper in her ear. "Come to the common room as soon as you can. Sirius is flooing in to talk to us. He requested for you to be there."
She frowned. "Bit risky isn't it?"
"Don't worry. I gave him a specific time. Meet you there in an hour." She nodded and he walked away without another word.
"What the hell was that?" Robert asked, his eyes following Harry's figure.
"It's a really long story." Rachele said. "I can't say anything here." She swallowed a few more mouthfuls. "But it's urgent...that much I can say." She turned to him. "I'm fully entrusting Claudia to you. Keep an eye out for Gertrude, she likes to come out when she thinks I'm not around."
Robert smiled. "I'll look after her, don't worry."
"Thanks." She turned to Claudia. "You okay with this?"
Claudia nodded. "It's fine, I trust him."
"Okay, well I guess I'll finish up here and see what the deal is." She took her time since Harry didn't need her for another hour. Once her plate was clean, she thought it'd be a good time to head to the common room. She gave both Robert and Claudia a hug goodbye before walking back to Gryffindor Tower. Harry, Ron and Hermione were already there waiting and the latter beamed brightly when she walked in.
"Rachele!" She stood up and the girls shared a long hug. "I feel like I never see you anymore."
"I know I'm sorry." Rachele said. "Guess I'm a bit distracted these days."
"Yeah we know." Ron sniggered. "Too busy scaring the blighter out of Umbridge."
"Bloody hell." Rachele laughed. "Is there anyone who doesn't know about that?"
"Anyone who isn't at Hogwarts." Harry smirked.
"Can we focus here guys?" Hermione said sternly. "We need to figure out a solution."
Rachele raised an eyebrow. "Solution to what?"
"Umbridge." Ron said.
Rachele made a 'aahh'. "Yes she has been a bit of a-"
"Foul, evil, gargoyle!" Hermione spat, pacing back and forth.
"...yeah...that."
"We're not learning to defend ourselves! We're not learning how to pass the O.W.L.S." She stopped pacing and faced them. "She's taken over the entire school!."
"Really." Rachele said dryly. "What was your first hint?"
"Not helping Rachele." She snapped.
"Guys quiet, listen to this." Harry said turning up the magical radio where Cornelius Fudges voice could be heard.
"Furthermore, we have convincing evidence that these disappearances are the work of the notorious mass-murderer Sirius Black.
"He still believes Sirius is guilty?" Rachele shook her head. "Someone pull that idiots head out of his arse."
"Pssst! Harry!"
They all turned their heads to the fireplace where said fugitives head could be seen shimmering in the flames.
"Sirius!" Harry exclaimed as he rushed over. "You got my letter, good."
"You said you were worried about Umbridge." Sirius said getting straight to the point. "What's she doing? Training you to kill half-breeds?" Rachele chuckled but quickly covered it with a cough at Hermione's dark look.
"She's not letting us use magic at all." Harry said.
"Instead she has us reading garbage even a little baby could learn. "Rachele huffed.
"Well I'm not surprised." Sirius sighed. "The latest intelligence is that Fudge doesn't want you trained in combat."
"Combat?" Ron frowned. "What, does he think we're forming some sort of wizard army?"
"That's exactly what he thinks." Sirius said. "That Dumbledore is assembling his own forces to take on the Ministry."
Rachele snorted. "Because out of all the armies in the world, Dumbledore is going to choose a bunch of teenagers to fight for him. Sweet Merlin is the Minister an idiot or what?"
"He's not thinking clearly at the moment Rachele. He's becoming more paranoid by the minute." He turned back to Harry. "The others wouldn't want me telling you this, but things aren't going at all well with the Order. Fudge is blocking messages at every turn. These disappearances are happening just as they did before." His faced turned grave. "Voldemort is on the move."
Rachele felt the urge to bang her head against a wall. Fudge was so blinded by his fear of Dumbledore overrunning the Ministry that he was oblivious to any other danger that may be lurking about. If he didn't come to accept the truth soon, a terrible tragedy will befall them, and it won't be anyone from the Order.
"What can we do?" Harry asked.
"Someone's coming!" Sirius whispered in alarm. "I'm sorry I can't be of more help. But for now at least, it looks like you're on your own." His face vanished leaving nothing but weak embers. A loud crash from the window broke the silence and the four walked over to look outside. The clouds were angry, thunder and lightning lighting up the sky with never-ending rain bucketing down on them. Something about the weather seemed dark and out of control.
"He's really out there isn't he?" Hermione asked..
Rachele nodded. "Unfortunately."
"We've got to be able to defend ourselves." She said shakily. "And if Umbridge refuses to teach us how we need someone who will."
Rachele raised an eyebrow. "Do you have someone in mind?"
Hermione smiled. "Yes." She looked pointedly at Harry who stared blankly at her. "I do."
Rachele grinned as her mind clicked to what Hermione was thinking. This was going to be fun.
End of Chapter
What does Hermione have in mind I wonder? ;33 Lol I know it's a stupid question. We're all aware of what's coming.
So Rachele is permanently hanging with Robert and Claudia now. She's still close friends with the other three. But this is a change that's important for the story's progress.
Next up, the students rally together to make a stand against Umbridge.
See ya then!