We're down to the last stretch of Book Three. The fun is only just beginning. Let the games commence!
Enjoy!
Chapter Seven – The Dog and The Wolf
The hospital wing lay dark and silent with soft moonlight pouring through the window and over the dozen singular beds. All were vacant save one which was occupied by a young Hufflepuff girl sleeping restlessly and slowly recovering from her rough ideal from earlier that day.
Suddenly a dark figure shimmered through the door and glided gracefully over to the girls bed. Bright green eyes gazed at the whimpering figure who appeared to be suffering from nightmares and they lay a single hand across her forehead. A few foreign words were muttered and a gentle white glow illuminated from their hand. Within seconds whatever injury still corrupted the girls body was gone; all breaks, cuts and bruises that were remaining vanished entirely. The girls face relaxed as all negativity was swept away from her mind. A small smile appeared on her face as she dreamed peacefully. Satisfied with their work, the figure quickly stepped back and retreated back the way they came. They vanished through the doors once more leaving no trace of their presence behind them.
Rachele rose the next morning greeted by a fluffy face and two yellow eyes peering down at her.
"Morning pusscat." She greeted.
"Good morning Mistress. I trust you slept well."
"Yeah was great." She stared at him for a moment. "Did you need something?"
"Just thought I'd remind you of a certain Hufflepuff you need to collect."
Rachele smiled. "Relax I haven't forgotten about Claudia. I'm just gonna jump into some fresh clothes and then I'll head down. You're welcome to come along if you want."
The tabby bowed. "I'd be delighted."
After freshening herself up in the bathroom and putting on some clean clothes, Rachele headed downstairs with her familiar trotting close behind her. She waved hello to Harry and Ron who were chatting on the couch as she walked passed them and through the portrait hole. She walked along the corridors with a bounce in her step, cheerfully greeting fellow students, teachers and paintings along the way. People smiled at the perky girl feeling refreshed at having such an open friendly person walking the halls of Hogwarts. Rachele approached the hospital wing and slipped inside the doors, holding it open slightly for Tiger to worm inside. She entered the wing and smiled at a completely healed Claudia sitting upright on her bed while the head-nurse examined her.
"Good morning all!"
Madam Pomfrey glanced over and nodded to her. "Good Morning Miss Sullivan. Right on time I see."
Rachele grinned. "You know me. How is she?"
The nurse turned back to her patient. "She has made a full recovery. It's remarkable; the healing process is off the charts. There's no sign of trauma anywhere, not even in her mind."
Rachele beamed. "That's wonderful news!" She looked towards Claudia. "How're you feeling?"
The shy girl smiled. "Fine." Rachele knew that was her way of saying she was a lot better. She grinned at her and turned back to the nurse.
"So is she being discharged then?"
Pomfrey waved her hand dismissively in her direction. "Yes, yes she's free to go."
Rachele held out a hand to the younger girl with a smile. "Come on then Miss Clarken, let's get you back to Hufflepuff tower."
Claudia hopped off the bed and placed her hand in the offered one. Only then did she notice the tabby cat waiting patiently near the entrance. Rachele noticed her staring at the cat and smiled. "That's Tiger, my familiar. He just wanted to come and observe, he's extremely formal that way."
Said cat bowed as the girls walked past. "Pleasure to finally make your acquaintance Miss Clarken."
Claudia was rendered speechless and could only openly gawk at the speaking animal. Rachele glowered at him as he followed behind them. "You just can't be a little bit tactful letting people in on your secret can you?"
Tiger let out a cat-like grin. "Better to get it over and done with. Like ripping off a bandaid."
"Damn cat logic." Rachele muttered under her breath, missing the tiny amused smile from the girl next to her.
"Hey Gryffindor."
Rachele perked up at the familiar voice behind them. She turned around and smiled at the approaching figure.
"Hey there Robert! Top of the morning to ya!"
He cocked an eyebrow. "Just came to see how Claudia's holding up." He glanced at the Hufflepuff. "You ok?" When he received a shy nod he smiled slightly. "Good to know."
Rachele grinned at them. "I'm just escorting her back to her common room. Wanna help me play bodyguard?"
Another eyebrow was raised. "Bodyguard?"
"Well yeah, ya know in case 'little miss insanity' decides to show up."
The corner of his mouth twitched. "Of course. Be glad to help. Oh...hey there...Mr Cat." Robert stared akwardly at the tabby who had been silently watching the exchange. Tiger bowed his head to the Slytherin.
"Good day to you Mr Kordellus."
Robert scratched his head, not used to being addressed so formally by a creature normally reduced by nature's law to a single sound.
"Uh...yeah...you too?" He stuttered.
Rachele giggled. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Come on let's keep going."
The unlikely trio walked in comfortable silence as the two oldest stood on each side of the small Hufflepuff. Rachele kept an gentle hold on her hand while Robert strode upright with his arms tightly folded across his chest and eyes alert for any sound or movement. Not too soon they came across the Hufflepuff portrait to which Claudia quietly offered the password. As it swung open she turned to the girl on her left.
"Thank you again." She said in her typical shy tone.
Rachele smiled kindly at her. "I'm always here to help, you know that."
Claudia nodded and turned to her right. "Um...thank you...as well." Her voice trembled and she avoided all eye contact with the tall Slytherin. If her timid behaviour bothered him he didn't show it; he just politely inclined his head.
"Anytime."
She clambered through the portrait hole and quickly disappeared with the painting closing sharply behind her. The portrait guarding the common room glowered at the two remaining.
"Don't you two youngsters have somewhere else to be? Shoo!"
Rachele gave the painting a sharp look but walked away regardless. She turned to Robert who was next to her. "You think a Hufflepuff portrait would be polite considering the nature of the house." She commented with an eye roll.
The Slytherin shrugged. "Maybe he was in my house when he was alive."
Rachele laughed. "That'd be pretty ironic."
The two continued their light chatter as they made their way back to the Great Hall to find Rachele's friends. She couldn't help the ecstatic grin that spread across her face as she talked and laughed with the boy next to her. When she had first met Robert she felt it would take years to bring him out of his shell. But he had fortunately surprised her with both his generosity and chivalry, especially since the beginning of this term. He smiled more regularly (sort of) and offered more responses to conversations that didn't feel so one-sided anymore. All in all she enjoyed his company and having him as a friend. She wondered if he felt the same when he was around her.
"Rachele...hello? Earth to Gryffindor."
Rachele blinked and turned to the boy on her mind. "Huh?"
He nodded ahead of them. "Your friends are waiting for you."
She looked around and noticed they were already in the Great Hall. She turned to where Robert was gesturing and saw Hermione smiling and waving her over.
"Oh! Right sorry zoned out for a minute there." She smiled at him. "Thanks I'll see you later." As she greeted and sat with her group, she glanced back at Robert as he wandered over to the Slytherin table. She curiously watched him go, feeling an unexplainable twinge of longing and emptiness. Shrugging off the feeling as hunger, she turned back and filled her plate to prepare her for the day ahead. Unknown to her, a pair of eyes also looked back at her from his seat at the far table, the exact same longing reflecting in his shimmering blue orbs.
(A few days later)
The following Saturday brought the promise of a bright and clear morning, a morning with no plans to which most had every intention of sleeping in. The term was gradually coming to an end and there was high anticipation for the end-of-year exams. So the students took whatever chance they could to relax before being over-run by academic stress. Although for a select few, the pressure of studying was the least of their worries.
In the mid-afternoon, four Gryffindors met in their common room all wearing expressions of grief and dread. Rachele nodded at them before leading them out of through the portrait hole. They were silent as they made their way through the castle, outside across the grounds and towards a certain half-giants hut.
"I can't believe they're going to kill Buckbeak." Hermione said sadly. "It's just too horrible."
"It just got worse." Ron commented pointing in front of them. Standing a little ways from the hut were Malfoy and his two cronies, Crabbe and Goyle. The three Slytherins were pointing towards Hagrids home and sniggering amongst themselves. Rachele could've sworn she heard Malfoy brag about his father letting him keep Buckbeak's head. She growled and was about to go over to teach the smug bastard a lesson but Hermione had already beaten her to it. She watched in amazement as her best friend stalked directly for the three boys with her fists clenched at her sides. One of the Slytherins had heard her heavy footsteps and turned with a grin.
"Look who's here!"
Malfoy turned as well and lit up with feral excitement. "Ah! Come to see the show!"
"You!" Hermione snarled. "You foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach!" Before Malfoy could blink she had whipped out her wand and had the end pointed at his throat. The blonde staggered back and whimpered loudly for mercy. Rachele rolled her eyes.
"Wow...ever the courageous one aren't you Malfoy?"
"Don't Hermione." Ron said placing a hand on her wrist. "It's not worth it."
Hermione slowly lowered her wand and turned to walk away. Malfoy began chuckling at his lucky escape until she whipped around again and delivered a full-thrust punch to his face. Rachele cringed as a loud crack could be heard. 'Yup she definitely broke something.' She grinned as the three boys scampered away like dogs with their tails between their legs.
Rachele turned back to Hermione and beamed at her. "That was bloody awesome! He whimpered like a little girl!"
Hermione smirked. "It did feel pretty good."
Ron grinned. "Not just good, brilliant!"
Rachele laughed. "Amen to that!"
Harry smiled at them. "Come on guys, we gotta get to Hagrids."
They nodded and the four continued their trek to the hut. The half-giant was extremely relieved for their company and invited them in without a second thought. But conversation was extremely limited and the four students couldn't help but notice the helpless look Hagrid had as he gazed outside in the paddock. Rachele came over and placed a comforting hand on his arm.
"Hagrid...you can't blame yourself. This isn't your fault"
He sniffed. "Course it's my fault. I should've defended him better in court."
She smiled sadly. "The Ministry like to play dirty. It's all just paper and money to them." She sighed in irritation. "Certainly didn't help having Malfoy being the prosecutor." The half-giant sighed. "Oh Merlin I'm sorry Hagrid, I'm really not helping am I?"
He managed a small smile. "S'alrigh Rachele. I know you mean well." He turned back to the window. "Look at 'im." He gestured to the happy oblivious hypogriff grazing in the paddock just outside. "Loves the smell o' the trees when the wind blows."
Harry stepped forward. "Why don't we just set him free?"
Hagrid shook his head sadly. "They'd know it was me. And it would only cause trouble fer Dumbledore. He says he wants ter be with me when...when it happens." He turned away from the window. "Great man Dumbledore...great man."
Hermione stood up from her spot on a large chair. "We'll stay with you too Hagrid." Rachele nodded in agreement.
"You'll do no such thing!" He protested loudly. "Thin' I want you seeing a thing like this? No...but first, Ron I have something here for you." He picked up a small case and lifted a small familiar furry creature out of it.
"Scabbers!" Ron exclaimed taking his pet. "You're alive!" No one noticed the dark scowl that had crossed Rachele's face.
Hermione crossed her arms. "Told you so Ronald."
Rachele looked to her. "What are you talking about?"
"Ron thought Crookshanks had eaten him. What do you have to say now?" She glowered at him.
Ron shrugged. "Sorry I guess."
Rachele sighed. "Gosh how did I not notice this?
Hagrid watched them bemusedly. "You best keep a better eye on your pets Ron. Speaking of..." He looked at Rachele. "How's yer furball of a feline?"
She smiled. "He's fine. Spends most of his time lazing around."
A loud smash suddenly cut off their conversation making everyone in the room jump a mile. They turned to the noise to find a glass jar had been shattered to pieces. Hermione picked up a jagged shaped rock that was lying amidst the wreckage. A second later another stone flew through and bounced of the back of Harry's head.
"Ow!" He yelped and turning around. He stiffened and stared out the window with wide eyes. "Hagrid!"
Everyone looked out the window where Dumbledore and Fudge could be seen approaching the hut. Following close behind them was an eery masked man carrying a large axe at his side. The executioner.
Hagrid turned to the teenagers in a panic. "Yer got to go! It's almost dark out! Anyone sees ya outside the castle it'll be trouble! Big trouble! Particular you Harry!" He shot Rachele a warning look too but kept his signal to her silent. She nodded, telling him she got his message.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Quickly!" He ushered through the back door. Rachele turned to him one last time.
"It's okay Hagrid, everything will work out."
He just nodded and continued to shoo her out. She scurried after her friends as they carefully crept around the perimeter of the hut, using large pumpkins that lay scattered around the paddock to shield them from the newcomers. Just as they came around the front, Hagrid had allowed them into his home. 'That was a close one.' Rachele thought.
They dashed back across the grounds until they were sure they were a safe distance away. The friends then turned and watched helplessly from afar as the executioner trudged into the paddock with his axe raised. Rachele turned away as the heavy weapon was brought down quickly. She heard a slight thunk and did her best to swallow the bile that had risen in her throat. Next to her Hermione had let out a sob and buried her face in Ron's shoulder who leant his head on hers. Harry took a hold of Rachele's hand and gave it a friendly squeeze, letting her know he was there.
"Ow!"
All heads whipped to Ron who held up a bleeding finger. "He bit me!" He searched the ground and darted after his rat. "Scabbers!" Hermione and Harry quickly ran after him.
Rachele felt the blood drain from her face. "Oh no...Sirius." She dashed after them. "Guys wait!"
They didn't hear her and the chase went on. When she finally caught up to them, Harry and Hermione were frozen and gazing with fear in front of them. Rachele groaned and spoke for everyone. "Oh bloody hell, the Whomping Wilow? Really?" She noticed Ron had caught Scabbers but was way too close to the tree for comfort.
"Ron! Get your arse away from there!"
Ron spun around to them and his eyes widened. "Guys! Behind you! Run!"
They turned and came face to face with a large, black dog which was snarling at them. Rachele's eye went wide with alarm. 'SIRIUS!' The dog ignored them and leapt directly towards a terrified Ron. 'Oh crap he's going after Pettigrew.' The dog latched onto Ron's leg, causing the boy to fall in pain, and dragged him towards the Willow's trunk. Harry ran forward and dove to the ground to reach for his friends' hand but grabbed nothing but air. They watched in horror as the dog pulled Ron downwards and disappeared through a gap at the tree's base.
Rachele stepped forward to offer some help but stopped short at her two friends jumping over and dodging the suddenly attacking branches. One of them had picked up Hermione and flung her through several branches as leaves and sticks whipped at her skin.
"Hermione!" Rachele called out. "Hang on!" She glanced at Harry then back up at her friend. "Grab onto Harry! Throw him into the hole!"
Harry turned to her in shock. "What?" Next moment a hand shot from above and took a tight hold of Harry's shirt. The boy was yanked off his feet and thrown around just like Hermione. She suddenly let go and he went flying down into the gap. Rachele nodded and looked up at her friend. "You go down now! I'll follow you in a minute!" Hermione nodded and flung herself off the branch and disappeared as well. Once she was sure they were gone, Rachele simply held out a hand and a light glow illuminated her hand.
"Easy now...settle down."
The wild tree's spinning slowed down rapidly and within seconds came to a complete stop. She extinguished the light and casually slid herself into the hole after her friends.
Rachele carefully slid down the dark slope and eventually hit solid dirt. Squinting ahead she could just make out the images of Harry and Hermione in front of her.
"Rachele!" The latter whispered. "You alright?"
"I'm fine." She answered. "Let's keep going."
The trio trudged forward until they come into a filthy room with a wonky, old staircase. Paper peeled off the walls, red stains that resembled blood blotted the floors and shredded furniture was strewn everywhere.
"Oh great." Rachele muttered. "The bloody Shrieking Shack."
Colour drained from Hermiones face. "The Shrieking Shack? How in the world are we here?"
Rachele shrugged. "Who knows but it's definitely not a vacation spot is it?"
"Come on." Harry called from up the stairs. "I thought I heard Ron's voice." The girls hurried after him and sure enough they could hear their other friends distant wailing. As they ran up Rachele noticed faint bloody paw-prints on the ground. 'What are you up to Sirius?'
"Ron!" Hermione called out. "Where are you?"
"I-in here!" Replied Ron's scared voice. They followed it into a side room and spotted Ron cowering in the corner with his rat huddled in his arms.
"Ron! Are you okay?" Harry asked rushing over to him. But Ron brushed him away and pointed behind them with wide eyes.
"It's him! Harry he's an animagus!"
The other three teens turned to see a older ragged man leering at them with insane determination flashing in his eyes. Rachele knew what Sirius was thinking and stepped in front of her friends.
"No wait...don't-"
"Out of my way!" He snarled "He must die!"
Harry suddenly let out enraged yell. "You're the one who's going to die!" He lunged forward and tackled the fugitive, the two males falling to the ground in a wrestling heap. Just as Harry pulled out his wand, Rachele rushed forward and yanked it from him.
"NO! Harry stop!"
Harry stood up and glared at her. "Rachele what are you doing? He's a murderer! He needs to die!"
"No Harry listen to me! It wasn't him! Sirius is innocent!"
Harry chortled darkly. "Innocent? Don't make me laugh! I heard what they said that day in Hogsmeade! He killed my parents and blew up one of his best friends!"
She shook her head. "That's just what the Ministry want you to think. They've been hiding the truth for a long time! They imprisoned an innocent man."
"YOU'RE LYING!"
"She's not lying Harry."
All heads whipped to the door where a new figure had suddenly appeared. Remus Lupin stepped into view, his gaze transfixed on Harry.
"What she says is true. Ministry have been lying from the beginning."
Harry glared suspiciously at the Professor. "Why would you believe her?" He pointed at Sirius. "Why are you both defending him?"
Rachele stepped towards him. "Harry calm down and listen. There's a lot I need to explain."
"Explain then! I can't stand here and let my parents killer run free another minute!"
She turned to their Defense teacher who gave her a confirming nod before facing Harry again. "You need to believe me when I say this Harry, but Sirius didn't kill your parents. He was framed." Harry could only stare as she spoke. "Your parents did originally choose Sirius as their Secret Keeper and it was made publicly known to the point even Voldemort found out." She ignored the gasps from Ron and Hermione. "So they discreetly switched to one of their other close friends, someone who they thought would be the least likely to be suspected by the Death Eaters." Her voice grew somber. "Unfortunately, this friend was the coward who gave away their position to his new master...he had already betrayed them."
Harry stared at the floor with clenched fists. "Who was it?"
She smiled knowingly. "I think you know Harry. You saw it on the map."
Harry's eyes snapped up to hers in realisation. "Peter Pettigrew?" He shook his head. "That can't be possible, he's dead. I thought the map was lying."
"Map never lies!" Sirius bellowed. "Pettigrew is alive!"
Rachele nodded. "It's true Harry. When you showed me the map that night, I instantly knew something was wrong. That's why I insisted we take it to Remus." She grinned at said man. "He was after all one of the original Marauders." She then turned to Sirius. "As were you."
Harry looked at the fugitive. "You were one of the Marauders? You were my dads friend?"
Sirius nodded with grief in his eyes. "I was. And I regret to this day I wasn't there to save him and your mother."
Harry looked away. "If Pettigrew is still alive...then where is he now? How can we track him?"
Rachele suddenly turned her glare in Ron's direction. The red-head squeaked and scooted backward. "M-m-me? That's bloody mental!"
"Not you silly boy!" Sirius pointed to the squirming rodent in his hands. "Your rat!"
"Scabbers? But he's been part of my family for twelve years!"
Rachele raised an eyebrow. "Awfully long life-span for a common rat. And isn't he missing a toe?"
Ron frowned in confusion. "So what?"
Sirius, however, lit up like Christmas. "Aha! Excellent point! On the night I was arrested, all they could find was his finger!"
"Expelliarmus!" Sirius was suddenly disarmed from another figure who had slithered from the shadows.
"Professor Snape!" Rachele exclaimed. "What the hell are you doing here?"
The potions mastered ignored her and leered at Sirius. "Vengeance is sweet. How I'd hope to be the one to catch you."
"Professor." Rachele stepped forward unwavering even when Snape turned his wand on her. "You need to listen..."
"I knew there was a reason you were trouble Sullivan." Snape spat at her. "Aligning yourself with the rebellious riff-raff." He turned and sneered at Lupin. "And look at this, wild animals and traitors all in one room."
"Severus, please...-" Lupin pleaded but Snape cut him off.
"I told Dumbledore you were helping him into the castle and now look; here's the proof."
"Brilliant! But also dead wrong!" Sirius barked as he approached. "Now if you would kindly give us back our wands, Remus and I have a bit of unfinished business to attend to."
Sirius flinched when Snape rammed his wand into his neck. "Give me a reason...I beg you."
"Snape!" Rachele intervened, stepping next to Sirius. "Stop it, Sirius is innocent."
Snape glared at her. "Why would I believe such lies coming from a insufferable little child?"
Rachele gritted her teeth. "Damn it Severus! Get your head out of your arse and think!"
"Expelliarmus!"
Snape's body was suddenly thrown to the side by a bright red light and crashed into the wall next to the them, knocking the potions master out cold. Rachele whipped around to see Harry holding out a wand that wasn't his. Ron and Hermione were looking at him completely mortified with what he had just done.
"Harry..wha-?"
"Keep talking! All of you! Tell me about Pettigrew! You said he turned into a rat."
Rachele sighed and nodded. "Yes, just at the right moment he also caused the explosion that killed those Muggles. And since Sirius was the only one found at the scene he was immediately arrested which gave Pettigrew the chance to transform and quickly escape." She glared down at the now quivering rat. "He used Ron's family as a hiding spot. After all...who would suspect someone's precious little pet?"
Harry stared at her for a moment, looked at the rat then back at her. Finally he turned to Sirius. "Show me."
Sirius lunged toward Ron who scuttled backwards in fear. "You're mad!" He was ignored and the rat was yanked from his grasp. "Scabbers!" Hermione grudgingly held him down as his pet was taken away. Sirius threw the rat to the ground and he and Remus pulled their wands on him. The creature dodged the first few spells but then a precise one from Sirius hit its mark. The teenagers all watched in disbelief as a short beefy man crouched in the space the rat once was. Ron had now calmed down and was staring at the stranger with utter bewilderment.
One teen, however, wasn't surprised in the slightest and she stepped toward him with a dark glare. "Peter Pettigrew. Finally decided to show your cowardly face."
Pettigrew looked up at her and his eyes instantly widened at the sight of two bright green eyes flashing dangerously at him. He scurried to his feet and instantly backed away from her. "Y...you're..." He swallowed thickly. "S-so it's true."
Rachele glared at him. "What the hell are you rambling about moron?"
He opened his mouth to reply but stopped short when he noticed the two tall men standing behind her. "Remus?...S-Sirius!" He chuckled nervously. "M-my old friends!" He darted for the door but found himself frozen to the spot. He glanced to the side and saw two wands pointed at him, although his gaze was focused on the young girl between them. Her arms were folded and her gaze was hard as steel; he had no doubt she was the reason he was unable to move.
"Not so fast Peter." Sirius spat out his name. "You're not going anywhere until you admit to what you've done!"
Pettigrew's eyes darted around frantically for a way out until they landed on Harry. "Harry Potter..." His mouth twisted into a maniacal grin. "You look just like your father...we were the best of friends..."
"SHUT UP!" Sirius roared. "You don't dare speak to him like that!"
"You betrayed them!" Lupin yelled. "You sold James and Lily to Voldemort didn't you?" Pettigrew whimpered but didn't answer. "DIDN'T YOU?"
Rachele's glared hardened and the quivering man flinched. "Answer him." Her tone shot a chill down his spine.
"Alright yes! But I didn't mean to! The Dark Lord. You don't know the power he possesses! What would you have done? Any of you! What would you have done?"
"I would've died!" Sirius cried. "I would've died rather than betray my friends! And you should've realized that if Voldemort didn't kill you...then we would!"
Pettigrew paled. "You wouldn't"
"We would." Lupin shot back.
Desperately Pettigrew darted to Ron and grovelled at the boys knees. "Haven't I been a good friend? A good pet? You wouldn't let them kill me would you?" When Ron recoiled away in disgust he crawled over to Hermione. "Sweet girl, clever girl. Surely you won't let them..."
Rachele grabbed him by the collar and tossed him back towards Sirius and Remus. "Get away from them creepazoid!" When the two men lifted their wands once more to finish the job, Rachele stepped between them.
"Rachele..." Sirius growled. "What're you doing? I've waited twelve years for this! Don't get in my way!"
"Sirius." She spoke softly. "Pettigrew holds the truth of everything's that happened. If you kill him, you'll waste your only chance of being a free man."
"She's right." Harry said stepping next to her. "Let's take him back to the castle. Dumbledore will handle his sentencing."
Rachele nodded. "With his crimes, he'll most likely be submitted to the Dementors."
Sirius sighed, knowing she was right and reluctantly lowered his wand. "Fine, we'll do it your way."
Rachele then walked over to Ron and kneeled down to check his leg. "How's your wound? Looks like he took a big chunk there."
"It bloody hurts like hell." Ron groaned. "But I'll live."
Rachele grinned and leant down to help him to his feet. "Come on then up ya hop. Hermione gimme a hand hand here."
The two girls lifted their friend to his feet and gently guided him back through the door following after Harry, Remus and Sirius. As they shuffled out Hermione glanced back over her shoulder.
"Um Rach...what about Professor Snape?"
Rachele looked back at the unconscious potions master. "He'll live. He was only stunned he'll wake up eventually. And I for one don't want to deal with his temper when he does come around."
Hermione nodded slowly and they continued on their way. During their trek back to the school, Sirius hung back to talk quietly with Rachele.
"Sorry about going crazy back there. I was only after Pettigrew, you know that."
Rachele nodded. "I know Sirius it's fine. I'm just glad Harry finally knows the truth."
"About that. I know it must've been hard to keep this secret from your closest friends. So I just wanted to thank you for your help."
He received a warm smile. "You're very welcome. I was happy to help out."
Sirius then turned to Ron. "Sorry about the bite there lad. Bet that twinges a bit."
"A bit?" Ron cried incredulously. "A bit?! You almost tore my leg off!" He glared at a sniggering Rachele. "It's not funny!"
Sirius chuckled. "I was going for the rat."
Rachele shot him a look. "And that justifies taking a chunk out of my friend? Good job Sirius." Sirius just shrugged sheepishly.
.
Walking in front of them, Harry was curiously watching the short interaction between Rachele and Sirius. Did they know each other? The way they conversed seemed like two old friends who had known each other for years. But that's impossible. Rachele had shown no indication she knew who Sirius Black was. But at the same time, she was the only student who remained calm and rational through the whole ordeal. And let's not forget those few times she would suddenly excuse herself and disappear for hours at a time. Harry shook these thoughts away from his head for now. He promised himself that after this drama with Pettigrew was taken care of, he would have to pull Rachele aside and get some well overdue answers from her.
The group finally climbed out from under a still immobilised Whomping Willow, Remus shoving Pettigrew out first and keeping him at wand point. Harry came out after him, then Sirius and lastly Rachele and Hermione supporting Ron, who was still whimpering from his injury. Rachele settled him down on the grass and stood up to stretch her back. She saw Harry wander away from the group and towards Sirius who was staring intensely up at the magnificent structure. The two males chatted for a short minute until she heard a loud strangling gasp behind her. She turned around to see Remus Lupin on his knees and convulsing hysterically. She looked up and was horrified at the sight of a bright full moon glaring down from the night sky.
"Oh no...his condition."
Next to her, Hermione grabbed her sleeve. "Rachele, Professor Lupin, he's a-"
"Werewolf I know." Rachele interrupted. She had always known about her friend's curse and felt guilty that it was yet another secret she had to keep from her friends. But in all honestly this was one secret that wasn't her business to tell. Leaping into action she called out to the two men still talking.
"Sirius!" When said man looked her way, she pointed to the flinching and shaking man on the ground. "He needs help!"
The dog-man immediately dashed over to help his old friend. "Remus! Did you take your potion tonight?"
Harry went straight to Rachele. "What's going on? Why is Professor Lupin acting like that?"
Rachele looked at him. "He's a werewolf Harry, why do you think he's been missing so many classes?"
Realization dawned on Harry's face. "That explains a lot."
"Wait a minute." Rachele said looking around. "Where's Pettigrew gone?"
Harry frantically searched around the area until he spotted something amongst the grass. "There! He's getting away!"
Rachele followed his eyesight and could just make out a large rat scuttling away across the grounds. She snatched Harry's wrist when he lunged for him. "No Harry!"
Harry glared at her. "Let me go Rachele! We can't let him escape!"
"You can't just go charging after him! He'll kill you!"
"She's right Harry! Besides we need to help Professor Lupin!" Hermione stepped in.
Rachele turned to her. "You guys help Remus, I'll go after Pettigrew."
"What? Rachele no!"
Rachele paid no heed and took off in the same direction as the rat, ignoring Hermione's pleadful cries for her to stop. Once she was sure she was out of sight, she sharply enhanced her vision causing her eyes to glow a brilliant green.
"Where are you ya damn rat?"
Movement caught her attention a few yards ahead and she smirked when she spotted a little scruffy furry creature zipping through the short grass.
"There you are. You aren't going anywhere." She zeroed in on the rodent with her magic; preparing to draw him in and imprison him for good. Just as she stretched her mind to catch him, a loud howl along with a snarl echoed through the night air. Alarmed, Rachele whipped around back in the direction she came from. Something was happening between Remus and Sirius and she knew they needed her help. But if she did that then Pettigrew would escape and Sirius' innocence would be lost. Torn between friendship and justice, she stood rooted to the spot knowing that every second she wasted was another step Pettigrew took to a freedom she knew he didn't deserve. She stepped toward where the rat had vanished but another howl, much closer this time, stopped her in her tracks and she let out a long sigh. 'Sorry Sirius,' She changed direction and pelted full speed back the way she came. She followed the howls, snarls and whines through trees that became thicker by the minute. Her plait whipped around behind her with loose strands slapping across her face. Thick tree trunks became a blur as she pumped her legs across the uneven ground. Her green eyes blazed brighter the faster she ran, the sounds of two large coyotes fueling her energy. She finally broke through the thickness and found herself in a large clearing with a large lake. The werewolf was nowhere in sight but she could make out two figures across the clear waters. One was Sirius lying motionless on the ground bearing deep wounds and gashes all across his body. Harry was leaning over him and calling out his godfathers name, pleading with him to hold on. Rachele went to call out to him when a icy chill shot down her spine. She looked up and her eyes widened at what was approaching. Hundreds of Death Eaters quickly closed in on the two males, targeting the older and unconscious one. She watched in horror as they began literally sucking the life out of him, some of them even choosing to feed off Harry as well. Cold fear instantly switched to white hot rage. Like hell she was going to just stand by and watch her two friends die. Suddenly a white glow shone from a side bank and she turned startled to see a illuminate white stag standing proudly at the edge. The light pulsated off the animal across the lake and towards the death eaters. The dark figures shrieked and fled the scene although Rachele noticed a select few lingered; no doubt craving the last few drops of Sirius Blacks soul.
Rage coursed through her veins. "To hell with you bloody demons!"
She tapped into her inner energy and pushed outwards with a powerful yell. Blinding light penetrated the woods, easily outshining the brightness of the stag. The small number of Dementors that had not yet evacuated were completely engulfed, their deafening screams echoing far beyond the forest. When it was clear, all traces of the creatures were gone and everything was deadly silent. Even the mysterious stag had now vanished without a trace. All that was left was the midnight sky, a shimmering lake and two slumbering-like figures lying peacefully side-by-side with a young girl standing watch from nearby; her green eyes piercing through the darkness.
"Harry? Harry can you hear me?"
Harry's eyes slowly fluttered open, shutting again with a groan at the sudden light. "Urgh...where am I?"
"You're in the hospital wing." Rachele replied from her spot next to his bed. On the other side was Hermione and the two girls had been anxiously waiting for their friend to wake up.
Harry's eyes suddenly went wide. "I saw my dad."
Rachele gave him a weird look. "What?"
He looked up at her. "At the lake! He was there! I saw him."
Rachele shook her head. "Harry you're not making any sense." She was there and she didn't remember seeing anyone that resembled James Potter. 'Although I do wonder where that Patronus stag came from. I'd know that spell anywhere.'
"Listen Harry." Hermione's voice snapped her back. "Sirius has been captured."
Harry sat up quickly and faced Hermione. "What?!"
She nodded. "They're going to perform the kiss any time now."
Rachele shivered. "So nasty..."
Harry threw his covers aside and scrambled off the bed. "You mean they're gonna kill him?"
"If only it was that easy." Rachele mumbled. When both looked at her she grimaced. "Don't you know what the Dementors kiss does Harry?"
"I thought it just slowly but painfully took your life away."
"In a matter of speaking yes." She took a shaky breath. "They suck out your soul to the point your body looks like an over used whoopee cushion."
The colour drained from Harry's face. "No... no no no no!" He jumped out of bed. "They can't do that he's innocent!"
Rachele nodded solemnly. "I know Harry but it's out of our hands."
The doors to the hospital wing suddenly swung open revealing their headmaster. Upon seeing her trusted mentor Rachele marched straight over to him with resolve.
"Professor you have to do something! You know they have the wrong man!"
"Yeah it's Scabbers that did it!" Ron spoke up from his bed. His leg had been placed in a thick cast and he was strictly told not to walk on it until the healing process was fully complete.
"Scabbers?" Dumbledore implored.
"My rat sir...well it's not really my rat it's my brother Percy's rat. Then they got me an owl..."
Rachele rolled her eyes. "We get it Ron." She turned back to Dumbledore. "Pettigrew. He's still out there and on the run." She looked away, feeling somewhat guilty for letting the real fugitive escape. But it was a choice between justice and friendship and she would always choose her friends first every time.
Hermione stepped forward. "You do believe us don't you Professor?"
Dumbledore smiled. "Of course I do Miss Granger, but I'm afraid to say the word of four young teenagers would not be enough to convince the Ministry." He strolled over to Ron's bed and lightly patted his cast causing the poor boy to whimper in bed. "A child's voice, however honest and true, is meaningless to those who have forgotten to listen." He turned back to the other three. "But alas time is not on our side. It is precisely our present problem." He walked back over to stand near a window. "Mysterious thing time...and when meddled with, dangerous."
Rachele frowned at her mentors back. "Headmaster, you aren't seriously considering..."
"Sirius Black is in the topmost cell of the highest tower." He continued as if she hadn't spoken. He turned around and cast his sharp gaze onto Hermione. "You know the laws Miss Granger. You must not be seen. And you would, I feel, do well to return before that last chime."
"Professor..."
"If not..." He spoke over Rachele again. "well, the consequences are really too ghastly to discuss." He stepped forward so he was almost nose to nose with Hermione, who never broke her gaze from the old man's twinkling eyes. "Three turns should do it I think. If you succeed, more than one life may be spared."
He stepped back, leaving a frustrated Rachele, a confused Harry and Hermione looking like she could take on the world by herself. He opened the door and turned back around. "Miss Sullivan, I wonder if I could speak to you while your friends go about their business."
Rachele huffed. "Professor..." She growled. "I really don't..."
"Chop chop Miss Sullivan we're running behind on time! Ah and one more thing before you go Miss Granger. When in doubt, I find retracing my steps to be a wise place to begin. Good luck!"
Rachele sighed and glanced at her friends. "I'll catch you guys later. Sorry I can't come with you Hermione."
Hermione smiled. "All good Harry and I have got this."
"Got what?" Harry asked. "What the heck is going on?"
"Yeah man." Ron piped in." What the bloody hell was all that about?"
"Sorry Ron." Hermione shot over her shoulder. "But since you can't walk." She reached down her top and pulled out a familiar hour-glass pendant. Rachele folded her arms and watched Hermione twist the small dial a few times, but not before smacking Harry's hand after he went to touch it, before they swiftly vanished into thin air. She sighed and turned away feeling suddenly helpless.
"What the hell just happened? Where did they go?!"
Rachele looked over at her remaining friend. "Relax Ron they'll be back. Just sit tight they shouldn't be long...I hope." She muttered the last part under her breath. "I'll be back as well." She slipped through the doors to find Dumbledore speaking to Harry and Hermione who she guessed were the future versions that had returned already. She followed the headmaster down the corridor, giving the two a playful salute as she walked past them. She looked back in time to see them go back inside the hospital wing and smiled at the brief glance she saw of a very bewildered Ron.
"Come little one."
Rachele turned back around and raised an eyebrow at the headmaster. "Seriously? You're still calling me that? I'm nearly fourteen."
Dumbledore chuckled. "You'll always be a little girl to me Rachele. That's what happens when you raise a child. It's hard to accept you're growing up."
She smiled. "Harsh reality isn't it? So what did you need me for?"
Dumbledore peered at her over his spectacles. "Come to my office. This is a crucial task that must not have any interruptions."
She nodded and followed him through the school, feeling somewhat nervous about what he was going to ask of her. Knowing him and what both knew she was capable of; it definitely can't be anything good.
End of Chapter
Book Three is coming to a close! What is this daunting task Rachele has to do? Only one way to find out!
See you next time!
