We are now in the conclusion of the third book. A few more ends to tie before our friends go home for the summer.

Let's begin!

Chapter Eight – Psychosis

Rachele stared blankly at the headmaster sitting at his desk. She had obediently followed him through the school and the moment they had stepped foot in his office he had very bluntly landed a unexpected bombshell on her.

"You want me to what?"

Dumbledore sighed. "Like I said, you need to accompany Mr Potter and Miss Granger back in time and keep an eye on them."

Rachele raked a hand through her hair, loosening more strands from her plait. "Albus, no matter the quantity of my abilities, time isn't one of them! I only deal with present day situations you know that!"

He raised a hand to her. "I understand little one, but there is a way you can reach them that is possible for you. A subtle approach so they don't know you're there but also a area I know you hold great strength in." When she gave him a look to continue he smiled. "The mind."

Rachele's eyebrows shot upwards. "Excuse me?" He smiled slyly and she suddenly clicked. "Seriously? Albus even if that's possible, I'm still sending a part of me to a different realm."

"Yes but you're connecting with another which enables you to remain longer. You have powerful psychic abilities Rachele so I have every ounce of faith that you will succeed."

Rachele sighed, unable to deny anything when he portrays such belief in her. "Fine I'll do it, but no promises to how long I'll hold out. This is a first for me."

She made herself comfortable on the floor and folded her legs. She rested her arms on her thighs, took three long deep breaths before closing her eyes. She tapped deep into her conscience and searched around for a connection or memory of Harry. Once she had found one, she attached onto the image of her friend before stretching her mind outwards in search of him. She sped past other peoples minds, feeling like she was on some sort of freeway for peoples deepest thoughts and secrets. She paid no mind to them and maintained her focus on reaching Harry. Finally she found him, easily recognising the boys memories of the turmoil filled life that he had. She pushed herself towards it and shifted her psychosis easily into his and felt herself become one with his conscience. When she opened her eyes she could see everything Harry was seeing and immediately felt the strain on her powers from being in different time.

"Is everything okay little one?"

Dumbledores voice startled her slightly but it never shook her control. She took comfort knowing she could still hear her mentors voice in the present world.

"Everything's fine. I've linked with Harry." She took in her surroundings. "They're at Hagrids hut right now. They're trying to take Buckbeak."

'Of course' She thought. 'More than one innocent life will be spared. Albus intended on saving Buckbeak as well.'

"Very good, now remember it is imperative that they succeed exactly in the way the other versions of themselves did. If they change even the slightest action that has taken place..."

"Then they'll fall into their own chaos, I know I'll make sure they don't fail."

"Keep talking to me Rachele. What's happening?"

"Well they've managed to free Buckbeak and they're taking him to the Forbidden Forest. So I guess that's one down and one to go, ey Albus?"

"Indeed but keep focused little one."

Rachele nodded and continued to observe through Harry's sight. Already the time lapse was taking it's toll on her mind and she could feel a slight throbbing in her temple. But a small headache wasn't about to throw her off her mission so she pushed it aside and refocused her mind on the task at hand. Harry and Hermione had left Buckbeak to fend for himself and they were now waiting for their past selves to emerge from the Whomping Willow. Her heart soared with happiness as Harry informed Hermione that Sirius had suggested they live together. She could hear excitement and relief in his voice as he spoke about being free from the Dursleys. She felt tremendously happy for him, if anyone deserved a good life it was Harry. He'd been through enough hell.

"Sirius! He needs help!"

It felt weird hearing her past self yell but that was quickly forgotten as she watched Remus's curse overcome him. She saw her small argument with Hermione before she bolted away to give chase to Pettigrew. Guilt gnawed at her at the painful reminder of that traitorous rat managing to escape. But now she watched in horror as Remus completed his transformation and turned on the teenagers. He was metres away when a large scruffy dog leapt from the side and latched his teeth onto the werewolfs shoulder. The two creatures battled it out in a brutal bloody match. The werewolf easily outmatched his opponent due to size and power and chased the wounded dog out of sight. The Harry she was with was running now as he and Hermione followed the scene. The other Harry had broken from his friends in a attempt to save Sirius. He picked up a rock and threw it hard at the werewolfs head. It met its target and the large animal turned and snarled at Harry.

"Aaaaoooooooooooo!"

Rachele's shared sight swivelled to the Hermione next to them and watched as Harry darted forward to cover her mouth.

"What are you doing?"

Hermione shrugged him away. "Saving your life!" She cupped her hands over her mouth and howled again. The werewolf thankfully turned away from the past Harry and stared in their direction.

"Thanks." Harry spoke gratefully. But that was short-lived when it started running in their direction. "Great now it's coming for us."

Hermione started backing away. "Yeah didn't think about that. RUN!"

Rachele felt completely helpless as two of her best friends ran for their lives from a ravenous beast. They darted between trees and hid behind others to avoid being this large creatures dinner. They ducked behind a particular large trunk and remained still, keeping their breathing as shallow as possible. But just as they thought they had escaped death, they heard a deep hungry growl from behind them. They whipped around to come face to face with the werewolf's dripping fangs as it leered hungrily down at them. Harry threw his body over Hermione to shield her but just as the beast came down, another figure jumped in the way to protect the teenagers. Rachele watched in astonishment as Buckbeak reared and lashed at the startled werewolf until the creature admitted defeat and ran off into the darkness with it's tail between it's legs.

"Poor Remus...he's gonna feel that one later." Rachele commented as she relayed everything to the headmaster.

"Indeed. I fear I underestimated his suffering by requesting he fill in as Defense teacher."

Rachele smiled. "Not your fault Albus, you know how Remus is. He puts on a brave face for the sake of childrens education and welfare. He's a good man and I'm glad he was my Professor this year."

"Well put Rachele. Now let's continue, what's happening now?"

"Well Hermione's a little shaken but they're both alright and...oh no..."

"What? What's wrong?"

"The Dementors. The ones I fought off earlier. They've arrived."

"How many are there?"

"Hundreds."

"Did you scare them all off?"

"About half of them. The other half I destroyed. They weren't able to evade the blast."

"Very well. It's better that way."

"Sirius! Come on!" She suddenly heard Harry say. "They're following the Dementors, Harry's concerned about Sirius."

The two teens sprinted through the woods. Rachele could hear the heaviness of Harry's breathing, whether it was from running or fear for Sirius, she wasn't sure. She pushed a sliver of comfort into his mind so as to prevent him from falling into a complete panic and was grateful to feel his breath and his heart rate decrease slightly. They eventually came to a familiar clearing where the past Harry and Sirius were already under attack by the soul-sucking demons. Her Harry watched on with optimism, insisting to Hermione that his dad would appear any minute. When nothing happened, she felt something come over Harry's mind and he suddenly darted forward without fear. He whipped out his wand and yelled out confidently.

"EXPECTO PATRONUM!"

A bright stag emerged from his wand and charged at the Dementors. The magic pulsated through the area and scared a majority of the dark creatures away. Once again Rachele noticed the few remaining that were determined to finish off their prey.

"Harry's there's still a few more. You need to cast it again." Hermione pointed out, gesturing to the small group lingering around the lake. Before Harry could even lift his wand again, a loud war-cry could be heard from the side followed seconds later by a blinding light hundred times brighter than Harry's Patronus. Rachele chuckled at the look of complete astonishment on Hermione's face and could only guess Harry's expression was very similar. This unknown power blasted it's way through the clearing, scaring away a large number of Dementors and destroying whatever was left. When the light disappeared, Harry and Hermione stared at the space this power had come from but there was no-one in sight.

"Thank Merlin they didn't see me. That's a long conversation I'm not ready for."

She heard the headmaster chuckle. "All in due time little one...all in due time."

"What was that?" Hermione asked in wonder. "That can't have been a Patronus. It was too powerful."

"It even killed some of the Dementors. Completely vaporised them." Harry turned to Hermione. "Didn't something similar happen on the train?"

She looked back at him with wide eyes. "Of course! Whoever that was just now must be the same person that scared the Dementors away then as well!"

"But who could it be? I don't think even Dumbledore is that poweful...is he?" Harry pondered.

"I'm not sure. But that is extremely advanced magic."

Buckbeak wandered over to them then and lay down on the floor. He made a gruff noise and gestured to his back. Rachele smiled at the hypogriffs loyalty. 'Hagrid would be extremely proud.'

Harry mounted first before lending a hand to Hermione and helping her on board as well. Buckbeak stood up slowly making sure his passengers were good and secure. He threw back his head and let out a shriek before jumping forward into a immediate gallop. He ran a few several metres before spreading out his wings and taking off into the night sky. Rachele smiled as she soaked everything in. She may not be initiating the flight herself but she never tired of the spectacular view that came with soaring over mountain ranges and the rare birds-eye view of the majestic castle.

"You were right Hermione!" Harry's voice suddenly spoke out. "It wasn't my dad I saw earlier! It was me! I saw myself cast the Patronus charm. I knew I could do it this time because well...I had already done it! Does that make sense to you?"

Rachele smiled. 'Interesting way of putting it but I get where he's going.'

"No!" Hermione cried out fearfully. "But I don't like flyiiiiiiiiiing!" The last part of her word evolved into a high pitched scream as Buckbeak suddenly descended into a steep dive. They landed on a smaller tower where Rachele could see Sirius sitting behind a large caged door.

"Albus, they're with Sirius now. Hermione's just let him out with a really effective 'Bombarda' spell."

She heard the headmaster chuckle. 'Only Miss Granger would know a decent spell to remove such a immense prison stronghold.'

"Yup that's why she's one of the smartest witches of our age." Rachele smiled feeling overwhelming proud for her best friend. Although she'd have a hard time not teasing her for the way she screams every time she rides on the back of the hypogriff. She also couldn't help laughing as Harry and Sirius cheered and whooped as Buckbeak once again flew down towards the courtyard.

After they had dismounted, Sirius pulled Harry aside for a final farewell while Hermione left them alone to tend to Buckbeak. Rachele remained silent as they talked, feeling their conversation was too private to repeat to Dumbledore. She knew Harry wouldn't get his chance to live with his godfather so she thought he had least deserved these last few minutes with him. She briefly caught Sirius mentioning how cruel fate was that he was able to spend so many years with Lily and James while Harry had so little time and mentally agreed with him. No one should live a life without the love of their parents, she knew that all too well.

After a few more heartfelt parting words, Sirius climbed onto Buckbeaks back ready to set off once again on a run for his life. Rachele watched him fly off into the moonlight for a moment before she was suddenly overcome by a unexpected sharp pull deep in her mind. She grit her teeth in pain and spoke out to her mentor.

"Albus I need to come back, being through time this long is taking it's toll."

"Alright little one. You've done well you can stop now."

Rachele's eyes flew open and she found herself back in Dumbledores office. She let her face fall into her head and groaned loudly. "Urgh great I have the biggest migraine known to mankind."

She felt a gentle hand land on her shoulder and she forced herself to look up into the proud, loving eyes of the headmaster.

"You did a spectacular job Rachele. I'm impressed you held on for as long as you did."

She shrugged. "I guess I got so caught up in everything I didn't really notice the strain until it was all over." She frowned up at him. "Albus please don't make me go back in time again, this headache is unbearable."

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Of course little one. Now why don't you head off and get some rest? I'll let your friends know where you are."

She smiled. "Thanks I think I will." She shakily got to her feet, keeping one hand pressed to her throbbing head. She exited the office, bidding a goodnight to her mentor on her way out. Rachele barely remembered walking back to Gryffindor tower. All she recalled was climbing through the portrait hole, forcing herself up the stairs, stumbling into the girls dorms, giving a friendly hello and hug to her worried familiar before falling onto her bed and blacking out without a second thought.

"Rachele...Mistress...you need to wake up."

Rachele groaned in protest at the unwanted voice interrupting her rest. "Go away."

"I would Mistress but your friends are insisting you meet them."

Rachele sighed and slowly peeled her eyes open. The long sleep in had thankfully cured her migraine to some extent but she could still feel some lingering agitation. Forcing herself into a sitting position she looked at the tabby cat peering at her from the end of her bed.

"What'd you mean they're insisting? What do they want?"

The cat shrugged. "They're just concerned since you've been sleeping for the longest time."

"How long was I out?" She asked letting out a large yawn.

"It's nearly midday, so well over twelve hours."

Rachele stretched her stiff muscles without a care. "Wow guess that little time travel adventure wore me out more than I thought."

Tiger scowled at her. "Yes the headmaster informed me of your so-called task. Why you would strain yourself so recklessly I'll never know."

Rachele rolled her eyes. "I wasn't reckless about it Mr. Paranoid I knew the risks. But my friend's lives were at stake and I would gladly give my own to keep them safe." She ignored Tiger's disapproving stare and stood up from her bed. She looked down at herself and, to her own amusement, noticed she had fallen asleep in her clothes from the previous day.

"Well I guess I don't need to get changed then." She joked.

"Don't you wish to freshen yourself up?"

"I'll shower later." She waved him off. "I'm gonna go find Hermione and the boys."

As she came down the stairs and into the common room, she was immediately greeted by a massive hug thrown her way by her best friend.

"Woah! Hermione!" Rachele caught her balance before she fell backwards onto the stairs. "You're gonna kill me one of these days."

Hermione backed away with teary eyes. "Dumbledore told us you were sick! I've been really worried!"

Rachele rolled her eyes. "It was just a migraine Hermione, all I needed was some sleep. See?" She threw her arms out to show she was fine. "All better!"

Hermione frowned. "A migraine? I didn't know you got those."

Rachele shrugged. "Just under a bit of pressure that's all. But I'm fine now so don't worry!" She looked over Hermiones shoulder and smiled and the two boys silently watching them. "Harry! Ron! What's up guys!"

As she reconciled with her friends, she was forced to sit down and listen as Harry and Hermione recounted their adventure going back in time to rescue Sirius and Buckbeak. Rachele sat attentively, reacting and making noises in all the appropiate places. She wasn't about to tell them she was technically with them the entire way and even got a taste of what it felt like to be inside Harry's brain, but it was interesting to rehear the story from their perspective. Suddenly another thought occurred to her and she turned to her friends with wide eyes.

"Wait...where's Professor Lupin? Is he okay?"

Much to her relief, Hermione smiled and nodded. "He's fine. He's exhausted and a little worse for wear, but he'll live."

Rachele shot to her feet. "I need to see him." She bolted out of the common room before any of the others could stop her. She didn't slow down in the slightest until she was in the Defense classroom and hurrying up the stairs leading to the teachers' office. She banged loudly three times on the door and let herself in when she heard Remus's croaky voice give her permission.

"Ah Rachele...good to see you."

Rachele frowned deeply at his appearance. His complexion was a deadly pale and his form was ragged and weak. He had dark circles under his eyes with dishevelled hair and clothes that had definitely seen better days. The latest addition was fresh scratches and bruises scattered all over his face.

"You look like hell." She blurted.

He chuckled humourlessly. "I've had worse nights believe me."

"I'm sorry Remus, I should've done something."

Remus shook his head. "Even one such as yourself knows that you can't interfere with the natural forces of nature. There's nothing you could've done."

"Natural my arse!" Rachele argued. "This was a curse that was unfairly forced upon you when you were at your most vulnerable. You weren't born with it so it's anything but natural!"

Remus smiled sadly. "Yes I was young and naïve. But it's a part of me now so it's just something I'll have to live with."

Rachele sighed. "Remus...you know I can cure you."

He nodded. "I know." He spoke softly and left it at that. It was true, she had the power to free him of the wolf. But she wouldn't try unless he permitted her to and it was unbeknownst to her why he refused her help.

"Please Remus..." She begged with a trembling voice.

The older man sighed and placed a hand on top of her head. "Listen to me Rachele. Things happen for a reason and sometimes peoples destinies are mapped out for them long before they realise it. I believe that this is my fate and I have come to accept that." He crouched down a little so that he was level with her. "I implore you to do the same."

Rachele bowed her head in defeat. It tortured her from the inside out because she knew how much her friend was suffering. But she could see that Remus had now learned to grasp what had happened to him and she respected him for it. She just wished she could do something to ease his pain.

"Unfortunately self-optimism won't keep my position here."

Rachele snapped her eyes back up in shock. "What? You're leaving?"

He nodded sadly. "Sadly yes. Word of my condition has been let slip and parents aren't exactly thrilled to have someone like me teach their children. They find it extremely hazardous."

"So..." Rachele frowned. "Dumbledore fired you?"

"Of course not." He assured her as he turned around to continue collecting his belongings. "I resigned. Ah! I see you're not the only one compelled to lend me a visit." He was looking at the marauders map which was sprawled open on his desk. Rachele snuck a peek and saw 'Harry Potter' entering the Defense classroom.

"Well..." She sighed. "Knowing Harry he probably has a lot to say so, I'll leave you boys to it." She smiled warmly at her friend. "I guess I'll see you around then?"

Remus returned the smile and held his arms open. "Come on then, give your old chum a hug." Rachele laughed and stepped into his welcoming embrace. She felt his arms tighten in to a fatherly hold and could feel a lump forming in her throat.

"You take care of yourself Remus." She choked out as she clung to him.

He lifted an arm and patted the back of her head. "You too, little one." He responded, using the headmasters endearing term for her. Rachele slowly backed away and gave him one last teary smile. "Bye Remus." She turned and opened the door in time to come face to face with Harry who had his fist poised for knocking.

"Hi Harry." She greeted him. "See you at lunch?"

Harry nodded, slightly stunned at her appearance. "Uh...sure."

She grinned and brushed past him. "Awesome, catch ya later." She heard the door close behind her but not before she heard Harry ask. "What did Rachele want?" She chuckled lightly to herself as she made her way to the Great Hall for some much anticipated lunch. When she arrived, she was surprised to see a large crowd gathered around her and her friend's spot at the Gryffindor table. Hermione's face poked up from amongst the hustle and beamed brightly when she spotted her.

"Rachele! Get over here! You need to see this!"

Rachele hurried over and politely pushed her way through her schoolmates. What awaited her in the centre was the last thing she expected. There on the table, freshly unwrapped and brand spanking new was the latest edition of the broomstick franchise; The Firebolt.

"Woah..." Rachele gawked. "Who is this for?"

"I'll give you three guesses." Hermione smirked holding up a long familiar feather.

Rachele grinned knowingly. "Damn he's gonna love it."

"Hey!" Ron exclaimed. "Here he comes now!"

Everyone turned around to see Harry approaching them. A few of the boys bolted over to him asking a million questions at once, only stopping when Ron elbowed his way in between them.

"Come on, let the man through." Ron pulled Harry forward. "Uh I didn't mean to open it Harry, i-it was badly wrapped, uh...they made me do it!" He pointed accusingly at the Weasley twins who were sitting opposite them.

"Did not!" They simultaneously denied.

Rachele threw her hands out with a bright smile. "Check it out Harry! Just for you!" Harry's eyes went wide when they landed on the broomstick. "It's a Firebolt! Fastest broom in the world!"

"For me?" Harry grinned widely. "But...who sent it?" He enquired looking around at everyone. Rachele nudged him and gestured to Hermione who was holding up the feather. She could tell by the relieved smile on his face that he knew immediately who it had come from. Without another word, Harry snatched the broom up and dashed out of the hall with all his friends trailing closely behind him. Rachele watched him go, glad to see her friend so happy for a change.

"Hey Gryffindor."

Rachele turned around and smiled at the rare sight of Robert and Claudia standing behind her. The latter was eyeing the boy next to her and seemed like she wanted nothing more than to run away from him.

"Hello you two. In the habit of hanging out together?" She joked, laughing when Claudia rapidly shook her head and scooted away from the Slytherin.

Robert, who didn't seem to mind or care, jerked his head in the direction Harry had gone. "What was all that about?"

She grinned. "Harry just got a nice surprise from an anonymous source. He's outside giving it a little spin." When Robert raised a quizzical eyebrow her smile broadened. "It's a Firebolt."

"Oh..." Robert looked somewhat impressed. "Nice, good for him."

She smiled and nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty sweet." She turned to Claudia. "And how're you doing? Gertrude hasn't given you any more problems has she?"

The Hufflepuff girl shook her head slightly. "N-n-no...not really."

Rachele let out a huff. "Thank Merlin. Well..." She let out a long sigh. "I guess I'll have something to eat then head upstairs to pack." She smiled at the pair. "Would you two like to join me for some lunch?"

Robert shrugged. "Why not? It's better than sitting with the arrogant bleach boy."

Rachele laughed. "Too right." She turned to Claudia. "And you?"

Claudia nodded shyly. "Okay."

Friends and students would stop and stare at the odd trio sitting and enjoying a meal together. Never before had history been known where a Gryffindor, a Hufflepuff and a Slytherin became friends. But at that moment the order of houses and statuses didn't matter; Rachele chatted heartily without a care in the world while her two companions sat in content silence and listened to her ramblings. For now all she knew was this was a rare occasion to sit and become acquainted with new and interesting people. But what if it wasn't so? What if these two unusual outcasts made more of an impact than she realised? And that this one simple meal was the beginning of a promising friendship that could last for an eternity. I guess only time could tell.

End of Book Three

And there we have it! One last little adventure back in time and a nice shiny broomstick to finish things off.

I have a question for you all. How are you liking the progress of her friendships with Robert and Claudia? Her relationship with them will progress further in the upcoming books. I'm excited to read everyones opinions.

That's all for now! See you all in Book Four!

Byyyeee!