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Chapter Four – Danger Approaching

Insane maniacal laughter rang through the halls of the mansion. Death Eaters all stopped what they were doing and exchanged wary glances. Their master was extremely happy about something, but what they didn't know.

"My Lord? Is everything alright?" One had decided to risk seeing what the commotion was about.

"It is more than alright!" Voldemort said gleefully. "I have done it! I have discovered her secret!"

"S-secret My Lord?"

Voldemort's black eyes glinted in the dim room. "That wretched sorceress that keeps interfering with my plans."

"S-Sulliv-"

"DON'T SAY HER NAME!" He roared making the cowering man fall silent. "As powerful as she may be, she is still human. And all humans possess one thing; a weakness."

The Death Eater's eyes widened slightly. "My Lord. Have you discovered the girl's weakness? You know how to kill her?"

Voldemort's evil smile widened. "Indeed I have." He held up a piece of worn parchment with a paragraph scribbled in ink. Just below was an illustration of a blade, black and evil as the sky without the moon or stars. Under the picture was a simple label; The Shadow Blade.

"Indeed I have." And he continued to cackle long and hard into the night.

Rachele woke up with a gasp, her forehead trinkling with sweat. She glanced outside and saw it was still in the middle of the night. She slid her hands down her face with a fustrated groan.

"This isn't good." She whispered.

"Rach?" Claudia's sleepy voice piped up from next to her. The two girls had decided to stay at the Burrow until it was time to return to Hogwarts and were invited to sleep in Ginny's room. Robert was unfortunately called home and he promised them he would meet them on the train.

"Sorry Claudia, did I wake you?"

"You gasped. Did you have a bad dream?"

Rachele shook her head. "I'll tell you later. Just go back to sleep."

"Okay..." And she was out again like a light with her soft snores.

Rachele smiled at her sleeping figure but it quickly turned into a frown as the remnants of her dream prodded her mind. It was another vision, she had no doubt about that, and there was nothing good about it. Voldemort had found the page withholding information on the Shadow Blade, the only object in the world that could take her life. She knew it was only a matter of time before he found the weapon itself, which brought another conclusion forward.

She wasn't so sure she'd live to see the end of the war.

(Grimmauld Place)

Harry sat patiently at the table across from Ron and Hermione, his eyes darting between them in anticipation for a reaction. Not long after arriving at Sirius' house, they spent some time discussing the locket that was left behind by the anonymous source R.A.B, who it turns out was Regulus Black, Sirius' older brother. Amid their conversation they found the household elf Kreacher who had been eavesdropping on their conversation from inside a nearby cupboard. Harry had bombarded him with questons about the locket, eventually prying an answer from the elf. Mundungus Fletcher had apparently broken in and stolen several of the Black's possessions, the locket included. Harry had ordered Kreacher to find him and bring him back to Grimmauld Place. After he vanished, Harry brought Ron and Hermione over to the table and decided now was a good time as any to talk about Rachele. After explaining as much as he could remember, all that was left was their reactions which was somewhat comical in itself. Ron was gawking with his mouth opening and closing, Hermione on the other hand just look devastated.

"We were best friends for so long, why wouldn't she say anything?"

Harry shrugged. "She had her reasons. She was probably just trying to protect us."

"Bloody hell." Ron muttered. "No wonder I was so terrified every time she got narky."

"Hang on...if this is all true. Then all these years at Hogwarts, everything we went through. She was there somehow?"

Harry nodded. "Let's go through them. The trapdoor in first year. She's the one who teleported us to the hospital wing and is why we can't remember anything."

"Blimey, I thought that was a bit strange." Ron commented.

"Second year. She told me that Fawkes had blinded the Basilisk but that's not true. She conjured a fire whip and injured it herself. And Fawkes didn't go back for her at all. She got herself out by flying with those big wings of hers."

"Can't believe she has those." Hermione said stunned. "It's hard to imagine."

"Third year." Harry continued. "She'd been helping Sirius all year, she always knew he was innocent. All those times she would disappear for an hour or two, she was sneaking off somewhere to talk to him."

"Why couldn't she tell us that at least?" Hermione asked.

Harry shrugged. "We wouldn't have believed her, would we?" Hermione looked away, she couldn't respond to that. "She also said she was watching when we went back in time." Hermione's head whipped back in alarm.

"What?"

He nodded. "She sychronised her mind with mine and used my eyes to watch what we were doing."

Ron whistled, impressed. "That's why she was in a hurry to go off with Dumbledore. He must've taken her to a secure spot where no one could see what she was up to."

"That's not all. You remember the Dementors Hermione?" She nodded. "My patronus was only part of it. That more powerful light that we saw on the train, and the one that destroyed them later...that was all Rachele."

Hermione ran a hand through her hair. "Merlin, I can't believe how powerful she is. Okay well...what about fourth year? Did she do anything during the tasks?"

Harry tapped his chin. "Not so much the first one, she just taught me the summoning charm. But in the second task she did; she used her mind to keep an eye on me in the Black Lake, that's how she knew when to save me when the Grindylows attacked me."

Hermione laughed. "So that's why she was soaking wet and half naked. Poor Robert he looked like he was going to have a heart attack."

Harry smirked. "Whipped sod was crushing right from the get-go."

"What about the third task." Ron said hastily. He didn't want to talk about Robert sodding Kordellus.

Harry's smiled vanished. "Even though she was too late to save Cedric, she's the one that got us out. She stayed behind for a bit to 'talk' to Voldemort." He used air quotes while rolling his eyes.

"Bet she scared the pants off him." Ron smirked.

Harry smiled. "She's told me Voldemort's scared of her, yeah. His power doesn't compare to hers in the slightest. She's higher on his kill list than I am...a lot higher."

"Bloody hell." Ron repeated.

"Fifth year?" Hermione asked.

"Didn't you guys ever wonder why Umbridge couldn't expel her, let alone touch her even though she rebelled like no tomorrow?" They both nodded. "This is exactly the reason. She's that powerful, the Ministry couldn't do anything. It's why Umbridge turned into a pansy every time Rachele walked into the room. She's petrified of her."

Hermione's eyes narrowed in thought. "What about when Rachele scared her? What did she actually do that frightened her so much?"

Harry grinned. "Used her magic to punch a hole in the wall right near Umbridges face. Few more inches and Umbridge wouldn't have a head."

Ron let out a 'ha!' "Brilliant! I gotta give Rach a high-five the next time we see her." Harry and Hermione both let out a chuckle.

"You'll wanna hug her with the next thing I tell ya. Remember what happened at the Ministry? With Sirius and Voldemort?"

Hermione nodded sadly. "How could we forget?"

He smiled. "Remember the mysterious person surrounded by light that we saw?"

"Bloody hell." Ron's eyes widened in realisation. "You're not telling us that was Rachele."

"The one and only."

Hermione slammed her hand down. "I knew she was lying! I ran into Rachele at school later and she denied being at the Ministry at all. What a dirty liar! That explains why Robert and Claudia were there as well!" She smacked a hand to her forehead. "I feel like an idiot."

Harry shrugged. "She covers her tracks really well."

Hermione snorted. "Oh please, I suspected something fishy was going on."

Harry gave her a dull look. "Hermione, she wiped our memories after the trapdoor. She can easily do it again."

Hermione slumped in her seat. "You're right, I didn't think of that."

"Well what about last year then?" Ron asked.

Harry's eyes glazed over. "It was mostly when Dumbledore took me to find the locket. He was delirious and in pain from the cursed liquid he had to drink and I was trapped in the lake after being dragged down by Inferi. Next thing I know I see all this purple fire around me, it sliced through the corpses like butter, completely vaporising them. I managed to get to the surface and that's when I saw her; she was holding Dumbledore, her eyes were shining bright, her wings were spread out and there was purple flames and overwhelming light all around the cave. She was doing all of that without so much as lifting her finger." He shook his head in wonder. "That's when I started questioning who Rachele really was."

"Blimey." Ron said in awe. "This explains why she's never really been scared of anything."

"There's another thing, she told me what happened when Dumbledore died." At their expectant looks he sighed. "When Snape told her what had happened, she kinda lost the plot. She had waves of angry black energy coming off her. She was so wrapped up in her rage the Death Eaters were able to get past her. But she managed to chase them down, have a couple arrested and give some real scary warning to Snape."

"Do you know what happened to her after that Harry?" Hermione asked anxiously. "No one saw or heard from her for weeks."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, she was extremely devastated after Dumbledore's death. She couldn't be around anyone, not even Robert and Claudia. She went somewhere remote to get away from everything." He frowned. "Losing him really messed her up."

Hermione bowed her head. "Poor Rach...I had no idea she was suffering that much. When we all saw her again, she was all smiles and jokes. I wouldn't have guessed she went through so much pain."

"That's why there was no trace of her. She purposely made it that way so no-one would bother her."

Hermione shook her head "She didn't have anyone? No one at all?"

"Well Claudia lives with her so she would've at least been there to welcome her home."

Hermione sighed. "That's something at least. But what about Robert? How did that whole thing happen?"

Harry smiled. "She didn't go into too much detail. But she said she pushed him away briefly because of her grief but then realised she missed him. It didn't take long for them to make up and the day straight after she realised she loved him."

Hermione made an 'aaawww.' "That's so romantic! Did she say how they officially got together?"

He shrugged. "Nope. I think that's between them two."

"Well I'm really happy for them. I spoke to Robert about it for a minute at the wedding." She chuckled. "The guy wouldn't stop smiling."

"Can we talk about something else?" Ron grumbled from next to the them.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Grow up Ronald, Rachele's happy so just shut it and back off."

Harry smiled. Hermione was right, Rachele had been through more turmoil than even he could comprehend. The least she deserved was a little bit of happiness.

(At the Burrow)

It was the afternoon before they were due to return back to Hogwarts. Trunks were already packed for the new term so to avoid any rush the following morning. Rachele was in the backyard sitting on the grass, silently watching Ginny and Claudia chase and catch the Weasley's pesty garden gnomes. Keeping a few was acceptable the majority of the time but the creatures had begun to breed in great numbers so this was their final main chore for the summer before going back to school. Normally Rachele was more than happy to assist in these problems but her mind was still swirling from the vision she had a few nights ago. The next morning Claudia had politely offered to listen to what was haunting her best friend but Rachele told her she wanted to wait until they had met up with Robert so she could confide in both of them. But even so, the images of that blade and a gleeful Voldemort gave her constant feelings of dread that just wouldn't leave her alone. And on top of that, there was another deep feeling that had been bothering her since that morning, an odd one regarding the Hogwarts Express.

"Hey Rach!" Ginny's voice rang out from the other side of the garden. "You gonna sit there brooding like Harry Potter or are you gonna help us?"

Rachele stood up with a roll of her eyes. "That's a nice way to talk about your boyfriend."

Ginny just grinned. "Well it's true isn't it? He gets really moody."

Rachele sniggered. "Yeah he kinda does." She pulled up her sleeves. "Alright what do you need?"

For the next half hour the girls jumped around the garden catching many garden gnomes. Frolicking in the dirt soon took it's toll and they wound up chasing each other in a game of tag. It ended with Rachele and Ginny playfully rolling in a wrestling heap on the grass with Claudia giggling and clapping along. This is how Mrs Weasley found them several minutes later.

"Alright girls! Settle down! Time to come inside!"

Rachele untangled herself and rose to her feet, offering her hand and pulling Ginny up as well. They exchanged cheeky grins and flung an arm around each others shoulders. Rachele turned and gestured with her free arm to Claudia who gladly stepped forward and allowed herself to be pulled into the three-way hug. The three friends shared a giggle as they made their way back to the house.

From the window of the kitchen, Mrs Weasley was smiling fondly at the teenagers. She was relieved her daughter had found other girls her age to relate to. Growing up Ginny had to adapt being around six older brothers, which was beneficial in some ways; it gave her a tough personality and taught her to stand strong against any kind of adversity. But every girl, even outgoing tomboys like Ginny, need female companionship. That's why Mrs Weasley was beyond thrilled when her youngest came home one year ranting about her new budding friendship with one Luna Lovegood. She was in Ginny's year and the two spend a lot of time chatting and studying with each other. But as close as they were, there was no ignoring how attached Ginny had grown to a certain brunette Gryffindor. From the very beginning, Rachele had always been like an older sister to her which was something Ginny never had in her family. Rachele was the first person to help her feel welcome at Hogwarts and was a friend in times when Ginny needed one most. And gradually, over the few years, a solid sisterly friendship blossomed and the two couldn't be closer. And to add to it, Claudia was another pleasant young girl who Ginny got along with reasonably well which would never have happened if not for Rachele's persistance with being there for her friends. Mrs Weasley was never more grateful towards the older girl for coming into her daughters' life.

She smiled bemusedly as the girls entered the kitchen with Rachele holding Ginny in a headlock and giving her a rough noogie.

"Yield! I demand you to surrender!"

Ginny was laughing hard and struggling to escape from the tight grip. "Never! I don't give up that easy!" Next to them, Claudia was giggling uncontrollably into her hands. Her hair was mussed up somewhat which suggested she had to endure the same torture Ginny was now suffering through.

"Okay girls, calm yourselves." Mrs Weasley chuckled light-heartedly. She placed a plate full of chocolate cookies on the table. "Afternoon tea?"

The teenagers sat around the table and continued giggling amongst themselves while they nibbled on the snacks. Once they were finished, they moved themselves into the living area to give Mrs Weasley the space to begin preparations for dinner. Just as she lowered herself into an armchair, Rachele gasped loudly as a sudden painful throb pushed into her mind. Images flashed so fast through her mind it felt like a projector slideshow on fast forward. She saw the Hogwart Express, fellow students she knew, including Ginny. There was a wide landscape with mountains and valleys. Then there were men all dressed in black robes, they're faces twisted with cruel desires. The same dread she felt earlier plummeted ten-fold into her stomach only this time she knew why.

"Rach?" Claudia's voice broke through her thoughts and she looked up at her best friend. "Are you okay? You look pale."

Rachele stood up again and grabbed Claudia's wrist. "We need to talk." Without waiting for a response, she dragged the younger girl up the stairs to the first landing and around the corner.

"Rach? What's going on?"

Rachele glanced around before answering. "I don't think we should catch the train this year."

Claudia frowned. "What'd you mean?"

Rachele ran a hand through her hair. "I just have this feeling something bad's gonna happen."

Claudia stared. "So...we're not going back to school?"

Rachele smiled. "Oh we are. We'll just be using a different method." She gave a knowing grin.

Claudia sighed. "I guess if it's the safest way. What about Robert?"

Rachele nodded. "We'll pick him up along the way."

"When will that be?"

She tapped her chin. "We'll leave when the train does, after I'm sure everyone is on board."

Claudia glanced downstairs. "What about Ginny? Are you gonna tell her the truth?"

Rachele sighed. "I feel I owe it to her in a way. She's been an awesome friend, I feel bad lying to her."

Claudia smiled. "Then what're you waiting for?"

Rachele smiled back. "You're right. No time like the present. In fact I have an idea." She held her hand out and a rolled up piece of parchment appeared. "I'm gonna let her read for herself at her own pace. I don't wanna just fling it on her like I did with you guys."

Claudia giggled. "That's a good idea. Are you going to give it to her now?"

Rachele nodded. "Yup, you coming?"

"Right behind you."

The girls headed back downstairs and into the living room where Ginny was still patiently waiting on the couch. She straightened in her seat when she saw the other two walk in.

"Everything okay guys?"

Rachele smiled. "Yeah fine. I actually need to give you something Gin." She sat down next to the red-head and held out the parchment.

"What's this?" Ginny asked as she tentatively took it.

"Let's just say..." Rachele grinned. "...it'll help explain a lot, oh don't read it just yet." She put a hand on Ginny's wrist when she began unravelling it. "Read it on the train."

Ginny gave her a look. "Why?"

Rachele shared a glance with Claudia. "We won't be on the train, but you will meet us at the school."

Ginny furrowed her eyebrows. "How're you getting there then?"

Rachele smiled, tapping the scroll in her hand. "This will explain everything, trust me. When you see us next, you'll have a better understanding."

Ginny shrugged. "I don't get it but alright."

Mrs Weasley stuck her head in the door. "Dinner time girls!"

Rachele stood up with a smile. "Thank you Molly, but I have to decline. Claudia and I have to go home and get the last of our packing done for tomorrow."

The older woman smiled kindly. "Not a problem sweetie. Thank you for keeping Ginny company."

"Anytime." Rachele said giving her a hug before turning to Ginny. "We'll see you at school."

Ginny gave her a tight hug. "You bet, see you there." She said, giving Claudia a brief hug as well. She watched the two girls leave the living room and exit through the kitchen door to the backyard. A few seconds later she heard the sound of them disapparating, but she could've sworn she saw a brief flash of purple from the corner of her eye. Shrugging it off, she wandered into the dining area to have dinner with her mother.

"So why did we really come home early?" Claudia asked the moment they had reappeared in the living room.

"I have to talk to Robbie." Rachele answered flopping on the couch. "It's safer to do it here and through my head. It's the most non-traceable way to contact him."

Claudia sighed and sat down next to her. "Whatever you say."

Rachele grinned. "Alright, I'll be out for a few minutes." She closed her eyes and focused until she felt herself link to her boyfriend's mind.

'Robbie? Can you hear me?'

'Hey Gryffindor, you don't usually contact me this way. Everything okay?'

'Not really. I'm letting you know I'll be picking you up tomorrow and travelling to Hogwarts via teleportation. I have a bad feeling about catching the train.'

'You know I never doubt your instincts Rach, I'll go along with whatever you decide is best.'

'Thanks for understanding.'

'What time will you be here tomorrow?'

'Sometime around midday so use the morning to get yourself ready. We won't waste any time, I want to reach the school long before the train does.'

'You got it. I'll be ready. Anything else?'

'…...'

'Rach?'

'I love you.'

'Are you okay?'

'I'm fine, I just wanted to say it. I love you so much.'

'And I love you. I'll see you tomorrow alright?'

'Yeah...see you tomorrow.'

'Take care of yourself Gryffindor.'

'Bye...'

Rachele opened her eyes and looked to Claudia. "We're all set. We'll leave late morning for Robbie's house."

Claudia nodded. "Okay. Do you know where he lives?"

Rachele grinned. "No clue. But I'll find it don't worry."

Claudia smiled. "I'm not worried."

Rachele let her head fall back against the couch. "Well...I guess all that's left is to wait. Hogwarts here we come."

The following morning, Rachele rotated around the house checking to make sure everything was in order. This year was going to be a busy one and she wasn't sure they'd be returning for a long while. She tracked down her familiar, informing him that it was crucial he accompanied them to school this year. Tiger did not complain and even agreed that he was apprehensive about the happenings relating to the train and Hogwarts itself. He gave his mistress his word that he would be waiting at the school for their arrival. Once everything was in order, the house was tidy, luggage had been sent off and the girls were refreshed and dressed, they rendezvoued in the loungeroom and faced each other.

"You ready?" Rachele asked her best friend with her hand outstretched.

Claudia took it without hesitation. "You bet. You find Robert's house?"

"More or less. Let's go."

Their cosy home disappeared from their sights and was replaced seconds later by something rather unexpected. They now stood outside a tall metal gate surrounding the perimeter of a humungous mansion.

Claudia's eyebrows rose as she gazed up at the giant home. "Um...is this the right house?"

Rachele nodded. "Pretty sure." She narrowed her eyes. "Yeah this is definitely it, I can sense Robbie's energy signature in the upper floors."

Claudia made a 'hmm'. "Even my parents house wasn't this big."

Rachele took her hand again. "I'm gonna take us near the door now." Another flash and they faced the majestic front door that seemed to loom over them. Rachele used her free hand to knock solidly on it. A few moments later it swung open to reveal a rather tall woman, possibly in her fourties, with light brown hair and bright blue eyes. Her curious expression switched to a polite smile as she looked down on the two girls.

"Hello ladies! May I help you?"

Rachele blinked while Claudia hid shyly behind her. "Uh...hi. Yes we're looking for Robbie- I mean Robert."

The woman's eyes lit up like fireworks. "You just called him Robbie! Oh you must be Rachele!"

Rachele stared in alarm. "I...uh...yeah that's me." She started when she was pulled into a tight hug.

"You are so gorgeous! Oh my boy definitely picked a keeper."

Rachele managed to pull herself away so she could speak. "I'm fathoming you're Robbie's mother."

"Yes! Indeed I am! Miranda Kordellus." She held out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Rachele took it with a smile. "Likewise. As you know I'm Rachele Sullivan and this is Claudia Clarken, my best friend."

Miranda smiled at the younger girl. "Ah yes, the Clarkens. I've had quite a few theatrical run-ins with that family. But don't you worry yourself young lady." She added quickly at Claudia's nervous look. "My son has told me plenty of both of you and what wonderful girls you are." She beamed at Rachele. "Especially you my dear, he's completely and utterly smitten with you. I've always wondered what special lady could've stolen his heart in such a way."

Rachele blushed deeply. "It goes both ways. He's been a wonderful friend to me right from the very beginning. I couldn't see myself falling for anyone else. Robbie he's..." She sighed dreamily. "He's the man of my dreams. He's just as guilty for stealing my heart too. I love him more than words can describe."

Miranda was practically swooning. "Such poetry! You cannot be more perfect for my Robert."

"Someone say my name?"

Miranda turned to smile brightly at her son. "Robert! Come here my boy, you have special guests!"

Robert's eyes averted to the two girls standing just behind his mother and his mouth stretched into a grin. "Rachele! Claudia! You're here early."

"Robert darling!" Miranda put an arm around Rachele and playfully pinched her cheeks. "Why didn't you tell me she was so beautiful! She's such a angel!"

Robert chuckled at the helpless look on his girlfriends face. "Easy Mum, don't scare her away." He gently tugged on Rachele's hand, pulling her away from the overwhelming maternal affection.

"Sorry about that." He whispered to her. "She's been looking forward to meeting you."

Rachele smiled. "It's alright, she's delightful." She leaned up and kissed him softly. "I missed you."

Robert wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close. "Not as much as I missed you." He said kissing her back.

"Aaawww you two are adorable!" Miranda squealed.

Robert blushed. "Way to ruin the mood Mum."

Rachele giggled. "We'd love to stay Mrs Kordellus, but I just swung by to pick him up. Sorry to just up and leave like this."

"Nonsense child! You do what you have to do. School is important you know." Miranda leaned in and lowered her voice. "Promise you'll drop by and visit again. My husband is anxious to meet you as well."

Rachele nodded. "Of course, you have my word." She looked up at her boyfriend. "You ready to go? Where's your luggage?"

"In my room."

"Okay one second." She close her eyes for a moment then opened them again. "Alright that's taken care of, let's head out."

He grinned. "You're amazing."

She tugged him towards the door. "Let's go." She took Claudia's hand as well, making sure to give one last bow to Miranda. "It was lovely to finally meet you."

Miranda smiled. "You too my dear. You're welcome anytime. Take care of my son."

Rachele grinned. "I will."

A minute later the teenagers stepped outside the gate which had been graciously opened by the hostess who bid them farewell, not so subtely shouting hints about Rachele becoming her future daughter-in-law causing the girl to blush several shades of red and Robert to yell at his mother for her inability to be discreet. But the smile on Rachele's face suggested she may not be completely objected to the idea which then brought the same blush to Robert's face. It wasn't until they were sure Miranda had disappeared back into the house that Rachele took both their hands in hers.

"When we get there, we'll be somewhere rather...unexpected. You guys ready?" They nodded and the trio were once again engulfed by Rachele's flames. When they appeared again, it was Claudia who immediately recognised where they were. It was indeed inside Hogwarts castle, but it was the last place in the entire castle structure they expected to go.

"This is the Hufflepuff common room." Claudia said confused.

Rachele grinned. "Indeed it is."

Robert looked around. "Why are we here?"

Rachele sighed. "Let's sit down, I need to tell you guys something."

They made themselves comfortable on the soft yellow leather couch near the fireplace, Rachele sitting in the middle inbetween her friends. They sat quietly as she retailed her visions to them. The train, the Death Eaters hijacking said train and their friends being in potential danger.

"School isn't going to be the same this year. Death Eaters are more persistant now and I have a feeling they'll be attempting to infiltrate Hogwarts."

Robert frowned. "So what do we do?"

Rachele smiled knowingly. "I chose Hufflepuff tower as our fortress. It's the one house those bastards won't give two hoots about. It's full of treachurous pure-bloods and Muggleborns. They won't think of setting a single foot near here so I'm using that to our advantage." She stood up and began pacing. "If they want to take over Hogwarts, then let them. But it's our job to guarantee the safety of all the students and make sure they all go back home when it's all over." She looked between both of them. "I promised Harry I would guard this school while he hunts the Horcruxes, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do." She cracked her knuckles. "I'm gonna make that selfish, noseless, dictating power hungry squid face regret ever messing with this school."

Robert grinned at his girlfriends courage. "Sounds like a plan."

"When does the train arrive?" Claudia asked.

Rachele looked upwards, her vision scanning through the roof and towards the sky above them. "Not for several more hours. I just hope our friends can hold on until then."

Robert stood up and faced her. "They'll be fine Rach, have a little faith. Besides isn't Ginny with them? I hear she's gotten pretty dangerous with her spells."

Rachele smiled. "Yeah, don't piss her off." She sighed. "You're right though, I should believe in them."

Claudia stood up as well. "So what do we do until then?"

Rachele studied their surroundings. "I have to make certain those pesky Death Eaters can't access this part of the castle. Which means strong barriers."

"What do you want us to do Gryffindor?"

She conjured a pocket watch and handed it to her boyfriend. "Keep an eye on the time. When it strikes six that means the train is pulling in. We need to be ready for when she arrives." She looked over her shoulder suddenly. "Hagrid's here, he's in his hut. I need to let him know we're here and what's coming."

Claudia stepped forward. "Do you want one of us to come with you?"

"No. Stay here where it's safe, some of them might come earlier. But I promise I'll be back."

"But Rach-" Robert protested only for her to cut him off.

"Please Robbie. It'll help me feel better. Just stay with Claudia here where I know you two are away from danger."

He sighed. "Alright, just...hurry back okay?"

Rachele stepped towards him and gently placed her hands on either side of his face. "I'll be as quick as I can. Take care of each other." She gave him a soft, lingering kiss before turning to give a warm hug to Claudia. She gave them one last fleeting smile before teleporting away. The two remaining watched her go with aching hearts. The room was silent save for their abated breathes and the flickering of the fireplace behind them.

End of Chapter

Okay so we're back at Hogwarts now, but it looks like this year won't be like previous school years. But never fear! No matter what the Death Eaters try, Rachele will be around as the ultimate protector!

Coming up...Rachele is doing multi-tasking as she juggles keeping Voldemort's army under control and assisting Harry with his incorrigible task of hunting down the Horcruxes.

See ya then!