The DA will commence with their lessons while Umbridge's control over the school is continuously rising.

Enjoy!


Chapter Seven – New Authority

The Christmas holidays came and went in the blink of an eye, but for two best friends it was the most memorable two weeks for them. Rachele gave every effort in helping Claudia adjust to being comfortable in her new home. They stayed up late every night chatting about anything and everything. This also gave Claudia the opportunity to become acquainted with a certain tabby. To begin with she was somewhat on edge around him, not used to a furry creature speaking back to her in plain English. But over-time she developed a steady friendship with him, Rachele even finding him on some nights curled up next to her.

Finally though, it was time to return to Hogwarts. The girls made sure to pack all their essentials and secure the house before heading down to the bus stop. Looking at the schedule, it would be another half hour before the Muggle bus arrived, so she used the only other fastest option there was. She pulled out her wand and stuck her arm out wide. There was a loud bang before a tall, triple-deck bus pulled up alongside them.

The doors swung open and a ragged too-pale young man dressed in a conductor uniform stepped out. "Welcome to the Knight Bus." He quoted off a card without glancing at them. "Emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard my name is Stan Shunpike and-"

"We get it already." Rachele rolled her eyes. "Would you mind helping us?"

Shunpike looked up, taken back by her interruption. "It's polite to wait til I'm finished lassy."

"It's nothing I haven't heard before." She said pushing past him with Claudia in tow. "Luggage please?"

He sniffed disapprovingly but obeyed, heaving their trunks up the steps. The girls chose the bed closest to the front, only Rachele noticing the mangy middle-aged wizards near the back eyeing them both like a predator lurking it's prey. She shot them a warning glare and scooted protectively towards Claudia, she would have to keep careful watch of those dodgy blighters.

"Where abouts are you ladies heading then?" Stan enquired.

"London train station." Rachele replied.

"Back to school then I take it." He stated.

She gave him a stony look. "Yeah, something like that."

Stan tapped the glass behind him. "Take her away Ern!"

"You ready?" Rachele whispered.

Claudia nodded, holding onto her arm. Next moment the bus lurched forward causing her to tighten her grip.

"Alright there?" Rachele chuckled.

"I'll never get used to this." Claudia said shakily.

"It won't be for long." Rachele said completely calm while patting her shoulder.

The Knight Bus rocketed through the streets of London, swerving around some cars and barely avoiding collisions with others. All too suddenly it screeched to a halt along a busy road and Rachele had to prevent poor Claudia from falling forward onto the floor. The girls gathered their trunks, quickly exiting the bus, Rachele glancing warily at the wizards at the back. They had thankfully kept to themselves through their trip, but they're spine-chilling wolf grins did not provide much comfort so Rachele spent half the journey warding them off with murderous glares of her own.

Wanting to put plenty of distance between them and those rapid-dogs, Rachele hastly pulled Claudia off the bus and across the road towards the city's main train station. They politely pushed their way through the rush of people until they found the barrier that would lead them to the wizarding world. She let Claudia hurry through first, then quickly followed after her.

The platform was packed, parents kissing their children goodbye, friends greeting each other excitedly after spending the Christmas holiday apart. The girls tucked their luggage away before boarding the train, wanting to find a decent compartment for themselves and escape the overwhelming hustle. They eventually found a spot and shuffled inside, closing the door behind them. Rachele flopped onto her favourite window seat with a happy sigh.

"Peace and quiet at last."

Claudia giggled. "It was a bit loud out there wasn't it?"

"Just a little bit."

"Where's Tiger?" Claudia asked looking around.

Rachele shrugged. "Who knows."

"But doesn't he usually come with you?"

"He's a magical cat Claudia." Rachele grinned. "If I ever forget him, he makes his own way." She chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised if he's already waiting for me in the girls dorms."

"Does he have his own version of apparition or something?"

Rachele laughed. "I have no bloody clue. He just turns up, I never ask how or why."

The door to their compartment slid open suddenly and there stood the third member of their little tight-knit group.

"Robbie!" Rachele squealed loudly, jumping from her seat to throw her arms around him.

"Hey there Gryffindor." Robert chuckled. "Nice to see you too."

"Hello." Claudia greeted.

"Hi Claudia." He smiled.

"Did you have a good Christmas?" Rachele asked, her eyes sparkling.

He shrugged. "It was alright, just traditional family gatherings. Same ol' typical annual stuff."

"But you were with family." Rachele held his face in her hands and stared intently at him. "That's the most important thing."

He nodded dumbly, completely transfixed with having her so close to him. He could see every speck of green in her eyes and even a hint of gold from the light. 'Bloody hell he was going to die.'

"Which reminds me!" She rapidly let him go causing him to blink back to reality. She pulled her bag down from the rack, rustled around inside it for a few moments before pulling out a neatly wrapped rectangular parcel. She marched back over and held it out to him with a gleaming smile. "This is for you!"

He stared down at it. "What's this?"

Her smiled widened. "Your Christmas present silly!"

Robert raised an critical eyebrow. "I thought I said not to get me anything."

Rachele huffed. "And you thought I'd listen did you?"

He chuckled. "Not really."

"Well then come sit down and open it!"

He took a seat next to her with the present in his hands. Carefully he peeled away the wrapping one corner at a time. He was halfway removing the edges from the centre when he froze. It was a picture frame and there dead in the centre was a moving photo of Rachele; she was smiling and laughing in such an open care-free manner, all Robert could do was stare longingly at her. So close...and yet so far away.

"Robbie?" He turned to the real counter-part of the photo, who was watching him bemusedly. "Are you gonna finish opening it?"

Robert looked at her then back down at the frame. He pulled the rest of the wrapping away and he couldn't deny the pit of disappointment in his stomach. It was indeed a photo of Rachele, but it was also of Claudia and himself. The three were beaming brightly without a care in the world but no face was brighter than the brunette in the centre. She had her arms around her two best friends flashing a wide grin, teeth and all, towards the photographer. Claudia was smiling shyly, shuffling closer to the older girl for familiar comfort. He, himself, was alternating between smiling at the camera and casting a loving gaze down at the girl next to him.

Robert smiled softly. "This is great, thanks Rach. I love it."

His comment brought a smile just as dazzling as the one in the photo. "You're welcome!"

"I uh..." He fidgeted nervously. "I got you something too." He fished around in his trouser pocket and pulled out a small box. "Here..." He handed it to her blushing.

Rachele's eyes grew round. "You're such a sodding idiot!" She burst out laughing, which startled him. "You refuse a gift from me but you go out and buy me something anyway? That's so unfair!" She smacked his arm playfully.

"Ow! Hey it's nothing big. I saw it and thought..." His blush grew. "...I thought it would look nice on you."

Rachele's eyebrows shot upwards and she snatched the present from him. She tore the wrapping to shreds revealing a square velvet jewellery box. She opened it and let out a delighted gasp. Inside was a silver necklace with a pendant of a snowflake. It held a combination of silver and blue, showing the winter theme perfectly.

"Oh Robbie." She breathed carefully picking it up and cradling it. "It's breathtaking." She held it out to him. "Can you help me put it on?"

He nodded and took it from her. He waited as she turned around and lifted up her hair, exposing her slender neck. Swallowing loudly, he brought the necklace around the front before clasping it neatly at her nape. She turned around and gave him a hug, followed by a swift kiss on the cheek. "I absolutely love it! Thank you!"

Across from them, Claudia was watching this scene with exasperation. These two were driving her bloody insane. It was becoming infuriating with Robert pining after her every damn minute of the day, and even more incorrigible that Rachele was so blind to his affection towards her. They're exchange just now was so much like a real couple it was almost painful to watch. But more than anything, she wanted to smack her best friend up the back of her head for not seeing the wonderful guy that Robert was, and just how much he loved her. If she could see that, then maybe there was a slight chance of her loving him in return; only time would tell.

Rachele was in a happy, bubbly mood for the rest of the train ride. She kept fiddling with her new pendant, telling Robert she was never going to take it off. She even hopped over to Claudia's side to flash her best friend the glittering snowflake and even Claudia had to admit that it was quite a lovely trinket. Finally they pulled up at the station, Rachele ushering her friends to follow her to the platform and over to where the carriages were waiting for them. They were able to snag an empty one for the three of them, then a few minutes later they were joined by four familiar Gryffindors.

"Hi guys!" Rachele beamed at them. "How was the rest of Christmas?"

"It was alright." Harry shrugged. "We mostly just sat around."

"Ronald still refuses to wear a certain sweater." Hermione sniggered."

"It's bloody horrendous." Ron pouted. "She could've at least picked a different colour."

"Don't be such a baby." Ginny, who was also with them, quipped at her brother. "Mum spent hours knitting it, show some appreciation."

"Speaking of which." Harry said pulling out a parcel and handing it to Robert who stared at it sceptically. "Mrs Weasley wanted me to give this to you."

"What?" He frowned. "I've never even met the woman. Why would she send me something?"

"I might've mentioned you a few times." Rachele grinned sheepishly. "She hands out presents to anyone who's friends with our group."

"Okay..." Everyone watched as he tore the present open before pulling out a sweater that was much like Rachele's and Claudia's. It was a deep green with the initial 'R' in the centre.

"This is really nice." Robert smiled. "Tell her I said thanks."

"Will do." Ron grinned.

"Hey Rach." Harry leaned forward. "When can we start...you know." He tapped the side of his head.

She leaned forward so her mouth was next to his ear. "Friday week, midnight in the common room."

He nodded. "Got it."

She sat back and Robert whispered. "What was that about?"

"I'm teaching Harry Occulumency." She replied.

Robert raised his eyebrows, impressed. "That's pretty advanced stuff."

"Dumbledore." She said simply.

"Ah" He nodded. "Of course, how could I forget?"

She grinned. "Like you said before...privileges."

"Whatever you say Gryffindor."


It didn't take long for life at Hogwarts to settle back into a normal routine. The holidays were over and it was time for classes to commence once again. Umbridge was a nightmare as always, and as always Rachele did her utmost to rebel against the Defense teacher.

"It's getting kinda boring now." Rachele said as she walked with her friends along the school grounds. "When's the DA gonna start up again?"

"Relax Rach." Robert grinned. "I'm sure Harry will get around to it." He suddenly noticed Rachele had stopped and was staring wide-eyed in the distance.

"Rachele?" He and Claudia looked at her. "What's wrong?"

"Hagrid's hut." Rachele pointed to the half-giants home where they could see smoke puffing out from the chimney. "That means..." Her eyes lit up. "He's back!" She tugged at their sleeves. "Come on!" She bolted away with Robert and Claudia hurrying after her. They sprinted down the hill towards the hut, coming to a skidding halt in front of his door where they could vaguely hear voices from inside. Rachele walked up and banged three times with her fist. It swung open and Hagrid's eight-foot form stood in the doorway.

"Hagrid!" Rachele jumped forward to hug him.

"Ello there Rachele!." He beamed down at her then looked at her friends. "I see you brought company. Hello Robert." Said boy nodded his head. "And who might this young lass be?" He said gazing curiously at the Hufflepuff.

"That's Claudia." Rachele said proudly.

"Hello!" Hagrid greeted and Claudia gave a shy wave back. "Why don't you come in." He smiled. "A few others beat you to it."

"Harry! Ron! Hermione!" Rachele laughed seeing her friends around the table. "You guys heard too huh?" Her, Robert and Claudia leant against the wall behind them since no other chair was available.

"Yeah, we came straight over." Harry said. "Hagrid was explaining where he's been."

Rachele looked up at the half-giant. "Where have you been?"

"Like I told this lot, Dumbledore sent me to find the giants."

Her eyes widened. "Giants? Have you gone insane?"

"Ssshh!" He shushed loudly. "Was trying to convince them to join the cause, although I wasn't the first to try to win them over."

"Death Eaters." Ron said.

Hagrid nodded. "Trying to persuade them to join You-Know-Who."

"But they didn't." Rachele said. "Did they?"

"Well I gave them Dumbledore's message. Suppose some of them remembered he was friendly to them."

"And they did this to you." Harry gestured to the cuts covering their large friends face.

"Not exactly no..." He muttered.

"You're not going back are you Hagrid?" Rachele pleaded. "The giants can be an unruly provoked lot."

"No I'm not, I finished my job." He looked away. "And probably this one too."

Rachele frowned. "What do you mean?"

He sighed. "That Umbridge woman was in here just before you kids came. She wasn't very subtle about wanting to sack me."

"Don't listen to her Hagrid." Rachele snapped. "She's just being a judgemental harpy. She doesn't like anyone that isn't a pure-blood."

"She's right Hagrid." Hermione backed her up. "As long as Dumbledore's headmaster you're safe."

"Thanks." Hagrid beamed. "Can always count on you lot."

Thunder suddenly rumbled loudly outside, a slight chill blowing through the room. Hagrid frowned at the unnaturalness of the outside elements. "It's changing out there...just like last time." He turned to face them. "There's a storm coming. We'd all best be ready when she does."

Rachele kept her gaze fixed on the window. By storm, she knew he meant Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The days were growing darker and the time for the light to fight was close at hand. Let the battle begin.

MASS BREAKOUT

FROM

AZKABAN

Rachele stared down at the Daily Prophet in complete horror. Someone had gone haywire on the wizarding prison causing countless of Voldemort's most loyal followers to be let loose. One of the many escaped names listed was one of the most sadistic, insane witches known in existence; Bellatrix Lestrange. The culprit for releasing these criminals was unknown, but a passage from a reporter stated that the Ministry strongly believed the outbreak was caused by Sirius Black.

"Bloody terrific." Rachele said slamming the paper down. "Not only is that demented psycho of a woman free, but Fudge is blaming Sirius for it."

"He's still blinding himself to the truth." Robert said looking over the article.

"He doesn't realise the fatal mistake he's making." Claudia added.

Rachele nodded. "Dumbledore warned him about this. Fudge should be grovelling at his feet with apologies. But noooooo...stupid git still won't admit to anything."

A fair ways down, she could see Harry, Ron and Hermione talking to a apologetic looking Seamus. She enhanced her hearing to listen to the conversation better.

"Me mum's even saying thing's in the Daily Prophet don't add up." He paused. "So what I'm really trying to say is..." He smiled slightly. "I believe ya."

Rachele smiled to herself. That was another ally to add to the DA, she knew Harry would be grateful for the extra help.

And speaking of the DA, later in the day they all felt the vibration of the Galleons and read that the first lesson for the new term was the following night. So the next evening, Rachele, along with her two companions, headed over to the Room of Requirement a little earlier than the stated time. They found Neville and Harry talking in front of the large mirror which held momento's of the Order and all those that had been lost. There was a photo of Cedric that Rachele had never seen before, and another of the members of the Order from more than fourteen years ago, which included Harry's parents James and Lily Potter.

"Hey guys." The boys turned around and looked at her. "Hey Rach." Harry smiled. "You're here early."

She shrugged. "We had nothing better to do. So what's on the agenda today?"

Harry grinned. "Patronus charms."

"Oooooooh." Rachele's eyes sparkled.

"Um...Rach..." Claudia pulled her sleeve. "That's really high levelled magic. Can you help me?"

Rachele smiled. "Of course, you know I'm always happy to."

"You may have to help me too." Robert admitted sheepishly. "I've never tried using that spell before."

"Don't worry guys!" Rachele put an arm around them both. "I'll make sure you have the most epic Patronus charms ever."

Over the next fifteen minutes, the DA slowly filed into the Room of Requirement, buzzing with anticipation over tonight's lesson. When Harry announced what they would be working on, there was a ring of excitement from everyone there.

"Everyone take out your wands. Think of a memory, a happy memory, the happiest you can remember. Allow it to fill you up." Harry instructed as he paced around the room checking on each person. Rachele gave her attention to Claudia and Robert to see how they would fair. Robert was able to bring forth a bright wisp of white swirling energy although Claudia was only able to cast little spurts of it.

"It's okay Claudia." Rachele consoled her. "It's a difficult spell, just keep practising. Remember...think of happy memories." She pulled out her own wand. "Like this. Expecto Patronum!" A bright form jumped out of the tip and morphed into a elegent unicorn which galloped around the room.

"Excellent Rachele!" Harry grinned. "That's the result everyone wants!"

Robert turned and focused himself before flicking his wrist. "Expecto Patronum." He gazed in awe as a large wolf appeared and pounced around him.

"That's amazing Robbie!" Rachele beamed at him. "Well done!" She looked around the room to observe other people's spells. Ginny was next, producing a valiant steed. 'Huh, not too far from mine.' Hermione's was an otter, Ron had a dog and even Luna succeeded in producing a rabbit, which hopped over people's heads leaving trails of white energy behind it. Other's like Neville and Claudia immensley struggled, but Rachele was hopeful they would master it over time. Some simple took longer than others.

Rachele stopped what she was doing when she felt a slight rumble through the ground. The chandelier above them rattled and the mirror shook from the strong pressure. By now the room was silent and everyone's attention was on the opposite wall. The shaking increased, causing glass to shatter around them. There was a slight hole in the brick, to which Rachele crept over to carefully and peered through. The blood drained from her face when she came face to face with the toad face of Umbridge. "Crap..."

"I'll make short work of this." She sneered pulling out her wand.

Rachele scuttled away from the wall. "Everyone get back!"

"Bombarda Maxima!" The entrance to their hideaway was blown to bits, chunks of rock and stone flying in all directions. Rachele stood guard in front of all the students as the smoke cleared, revealing a livid Defense teacher surrounded by her helpers, which mostly involved Malfoy and his cronies. She was surprised to see Cho Chang among them, wearing an expression of the utmost shame and refusing to look their way. The DA was marched from the room, but only Harry and Cho were ordered to be escorted to Dumbledore's office. Rachele rushed forward to join them but a shake from Harry's head stopped her. 'I'll be fine.' He mouthed. So she stayed put, feeling helpless as her friend was taken away and punished in who-knows-what way.

"Let's go." Robert said with a hand on her shoulder. "We're no help here." She nodded and allowed her friends to lead her away, her mind lingering on Harry and what horrible consequences he would have to suffer.

The next day turned from bad to worse for the members of the DA. Word spread that Dumbledore had been driven out of the castle by the Ministry, and a notice that morning informed that Dolores Umbridge had taken his place as Head Mistress of Hogwarts. The school changed drastically after that, boys and girls were forced to walk eight feet apart, every lesson was only taught what Umbridge instructed, every painting was removed from the wall, a task Filch all too gladly carried out. And last but not least, all that participated in Harry's forbidden lessons were forced to go through detention, which consisted of writing lines with her 'Blood Quotes Quill.' Only Rachele and her friends resisted, she made it clear to Umbridge that regardless of her new status, she would not yield to her unmerited tactics.

She headed for the Great Hall so she could meet up with her classmates after their detention was finished. Just outside stood Cho Chang, the girl shuffled nervously with her feet as she waited anxiously.

"Cho." Rachele approached her.

"Rachele..." The Ravenclaws eyes went wide with panic. "I didn't mean to! I swear! She forced me!"

"Quiet." Rachele said pulling out her wand. "Stand still." Cho stood stiff as a board as she waved her wand over the length of her body.

"Just as I thought." She turned to Robert and Claudia. "Veritaserum."

"Truth potion?" Claudia gasped softly. "But it's illegal for teachers to use that on students."

"Umbridge is headmistress now." Robert said. "Who's gonna stop her?"

"How did you know?" Cho asked.

"Simple spell identifying method Dumbledore taught me." She grinned. "It works on potions too. I had an inkling, you're not the type to just up and blab like that." Her smile vanished. "Although...I'm not sure the others will be as understanding..."

Just as she said this, students began filing out of the Great Hall, signalling that detention was finally over. Everyone either shot dirty unforgiving glares towards Cho or just ignored her completely. Ginny brushed past them and roughly bumped her shoulder. Harry came out last and Cho stepped towards him. "Harry!" Harry never gave her a second glance as he walked away from her.

"Sorry Cho..." Rachele frowned. "I did warn you."

"I'm glad you at least forgive me." Cho smiled.

"It's not a matter of forgiveness." Rachele said. "I was just using common sense. I know if it wasn't for the Veratiserum, you wouldn't have said anything." She smiled. "Look I'll go talk to them, try to explain what happened."

"Thanks Rachele."

She turned to Robert and Claudia. "Can you guys keep her company? I gotta go knock some Gryffindor heads." She winked.

Claudia nodded. "Okay."

"Sure thing Gryffindor." Robert said. "You go ahead."

"Great!" She grinned as she walked away. "See you all later."

Rachele entered the common room cautiously, unsure what she might find. It was quiet and for a moment she thought it was empty. But a sound of movement caught her ear, she turned and saw Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny sitting quietly in reflective silence, the air of betrayal hanging above them.

"Bunch of bloody twats the lot of you." Rachele stood before them, crossing her arms.

Harry gave her a look. "Nice to see you too."

She ignored him. "You're all so blind, don't you see what happened?"

"Yeah I see it." Ron glowered. "Miss hose-pipe betrayed us."

"No she didn't!" Rachele glared. "If you can just pull your heads out of your arses and think for a moment, you'll figure it out!"

"Why don't you enlighten us then." Hermione snipped.

"You're smart Hermione. Think! What's the one reason Cho would confess everything about the DA to Umbridge?"

Hermione stared unfocused for a moment before her eyes widened. "Of course! That makes sense!" Her face then turned guilty. "Oh...now I feel just awful."

"Hello?" Ginny waved her arm. "Someone care to fill the rest of us in?"

"Veratiserum!" Hermione exclaimed. "Umbridge had to have used truth potion on her!"

Harry stood up. "Wait a minute, you're saying..."

Rachele nodded. "The truth was forced from her Harry, against her will. Who knows what else that ugly toad did to get her to confess. She could've been tortured for all we know."

Ginny's shoulders slumped. "Great...I feel like the biggest idiot on the planet."

"We were all idiots." Harry frowned. "We should've known better."

"Cho's feeling pretty rotten at the moment. One of you needs to talk to her."

"I'll go." Harry said. "The DA was my idea, and she paid the price."

"Plus isn't she kinda your girlfriend?" Rachele raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know any more." He shrugged. "Might be best if I break it off." Rachele was the only one to notice the glimmer of hope in Ginny's brown eyes.

"Good luck then. She's with Robert and Claudia, I asked them to keep her company."

"Thanks." He said before walking out.

"Can't believe you're still hanging around that vile git." Ron muttered.

"Can it Ron." Rachele growled. "Robbie's my friend...deal with it."

"But he's a Slytherin! They're bad news! All of them!"

"And you're a stupid ignorant wanker!" She snapped. "Now mind your own bloody business before I hex your manly parts into bits."

Ron glared but didn't retort, unconsciously guarding his groin area. "I'm going to bed."

"Go Rachele." Ginny grinned once he was gone. "You sure know how to put my prat of a brother into his place."

Rachele sighed. "I'm just fed up with him having a go at Robbie when he barely knows him."

"He'll come around Rach." Hermione said. "He's just scared of everything that's happening."

"Plus all of Umbridges lap-dogs are mostly Slytherins." Ginny added. "I noticed Robert was the only one from his house that joined the DA."

"That should prove Robbie is on our side." Rachele said. "If he was a bad person he would've handed us over weeks ago."

"Ron's just blinded by his fued with the Malfoy family." Ginny said sadly. "He believes all Slytherins are like them and eventually become Death Eaters."

Rachele frowned. "If that's how he sees the world...then I pity him." She headed back to the portrait hole. "I'm going back out to find my friends, tell them good night."

Rachele found Robert and Claudia where she had left them, standing next to the Great Hall doors. Harry and Cho were some metres away whispering quietly. Robert informed her that Harry had forgiven her after hearing Rachele's explanation. "Cho says she owes you one." She chatted idly with her friends as she waited for Harry to finish. Once he was, he and Cho shared a light hug, Rachele baid good night to Robert and Claudia before accompanying Harry back to Gryffindor Tower.

"Everything okay with you two now?" She asked as they strode through the corridors.

He nodded. "Yeah, we're fine."

"Still dating?"

He shook his head. "She's still hung up on Cedric. I think I was just the rebound."

"That may be true. But she still cared about you Harry." She smiled. "I think her feelings for you were genuine. She just...loved Cedric more."

Harry shrugged. "I think it was just a crush. I'll find someone else."

Rachele smiled. "And when you do find that special someone, she'll love you like no other." Her mind drifted to a certain fiery ginger-head girl.

"Yeah..." Harry smiled with glazed eyes. "That sounds great." He looked at her. "And what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Do you fancy anyone?"

She snorted. "Me? A boyfriend? I hardly have the time for it."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "So no-one you like?"

Rachele shrugged. "Not really."

'Poor Robert' Harry thought. 'She has no idea the torture she's putting him through.' Harry truly felt for the poor sod, he knew what unrequited love felt like, the previous year having to watch Cho on Cedric's arm during the ball. But he at least had gotten his chance, nobody knew if or when Rachele would ever reciprocate how Robert felt about her. 'She might if she bloody noticed that lovesick expression on his face.' She must be the only person out of all their friends who didn't have the tiniest inkling to the Slytherin's love for her.

"Hey Harry." Rachele's voice brought him out of his revere. "Is there anyone else you think you might be interested in?" Her eyes were staring hard at him.

"Uh...I don't think so...why?" Her unblinking gaze was making him nervous.

"Hmmmm are you suuuurre?" Her eyes narrowed.

He could feel sweat breaking out on his forehead. "Y-yes I'm sure."

She sighed and turned away. "That's a shame." They had reached the portrait hole and clambered through. "Well I'm going to bed!"

Harry blinked. "Wait! What do you mean by that? What's a shame?"

"Night Harry!" She waved, climbing the stairs.

"Hang on! Rachele!" The door to the girls dorms shut and he threw his arms up in exasperation. "What the hell?" He completely missed the vague sound of a devious laugh coming from above him.

End of Chapter


So that's the end of the DA. I never thought it was Cho's fault, especially with the horrific method Umbridge used to force the truth out of her.

Umbridge is Headmistress now. Dumbledore is not around to protect the students. What mayhem awaits them next?

See ya next time!