Lots of exciting content this time round :D I'm super excited for you all to read. Let's just say...justice is finally served to someone who's had it coming for a long time.

Enjoy!

Chapter Five - Infiltrations

Rachele stood perched on the highest tower, gracefully balancing herself on the balls of her feet. Her wings were fully stretched outwards, her green eyes blazing and focused as they scanned unwavering over the landscape. When she had left Hufflepuff tower, she wasted no time placingg layers upon layers of powerful barriers that even Voldemort himself wouldn't be able to make a dent into. After that was secure she paid a visit to her half-giant friend who was overly ecstatic to see her. She chatted to him for an hour or two, filling in him about the situation at hand. Sometime in the mid-afternoon, Hagrid let her go with a bear-hug and a promise that he would be careful for when the students arrived.

For now she was content with watching over the school and being the guardian she needed to be. On the horizon the sun was slowly beginning its descent giving the sky a vague orange tinge. The tranquility of dusk was normally a source of comfort to Rachele, but this night it held the same sense as a ticking time bomb. When it reached the end of the fuse, an explosion like no other was due to go off, and she needed to be on her highest guard when it did.

'Rach, can you hear me? You need to get back here.'

She started at the sound of her boyfriend's voice in her mind. 'Hey, Robbie everything okay?"

'It's fine. There's someone here demanding to talk to you.'

'Okay be right there.'

"Weird, did someone arrive early?" She teleported back to the gold and black common room where Robert and Claudia were waiting for her, standing calmly near the fireplace and staring bemusedly at something in front of them.

"Uh...guys?"

Two yellow eyes peered over the top of the couch, narrowing in irritation when they locked on her. "You owe me an explanation Mistress!"

Rachele sighed. "Pusscat, Merlin it's just you. You all had me worried."

"It would've been nice to inform me you were planning on using this particular tower and not Gryffindor. I've been waiting in the girls dorms for hours!

Rachele grinned sheepishly. "Sorry it was kinda a last minute decision. I figured you'd eventually find us."

The tabby scoffed. "I feel so loved."

"Aaawww I'm sorry." Rachele picked up her cat and cuddled him close, ignoring his protesting meows. "Tell you what, go upstairs and there'll be a big treat waiting for you."

Tiger looked at her sceptically. "You think you can just bribe forgiveness with food all the time?"

"It's tuna."

"..."

"Well...?

"Okay you're forgiven now put me down."

Rachele sniggered and placed him back on the floor. He instantly took off up the stairs, undoubtly to the girls dormitory, his tail high in the air portraying he was now in a better mood.

"Well he's an easy one to convince." Robert said coming up behind her.

Rachele shook her head. "He loves his food too much, especially fish." She turned to him. "What time is it?"

Robert looked at the pocket watch she had given him. "Four-thirty."

She sighed and gazed out the side window. "Not too long now."

Robert rested his arm around her waist, giving her hip a gentle squeeze. "It'll work out Gryffindor. Have courage."

She snuggled her head on his shoulder. "I'm so glad you guys are here." She smiled at Claudia who came to stand next to her.

"We always will be Rach." The younger girl gave her the most comforting smile she can muster, but Rachele could sense the dull throb of fear emanating off her best friend and honestly she didn't blame her. No one can predict the outcome of the approaching events, the threat of death loomed over all of them. But all they could do is band together and fight to their very last breath.

(Five minutes before six)

Even before it pulled up along the platform, Rachele could clearly see the red glint of the Hogwarts Express in the distance. She zeroed in on the train, scanning every person in each carriage in a frantic search for her friends. As far as she could see, every student was unharmed, but that didn't stop the boiling rage in her gut when she found at least two Death Eaters guarding each carriage. She finally found Ginny and Neville together towards the back and her anger mellowed to a deep relief. Her mind drifted briefly to the former, wondering whether or not Ginny had read the parchment she had given her. If she had, then she knew her next conversation with the younger girl was going to be a rather interesting one.

She watched as the train finally came to a halt and the doors were slid open. She kept her eyes locked on the students as they were marched in orderly fashion to the Thestral-drawn carriages. As they were escorted to the castle, Rachele decided to keep her sights on Ginny, for her own personal sake and perhaps a little for Harry's as well. Her friend's face was unnervingly calm, her brown eyes sharp and blazing, darting from one Death Eater to the next; Mad-Eye Moody would be proud of her 'constant vigilance'. When they finally reached the giant double doors of Hogwarts, Rachele swiftly teleported back to the common room to find Robert and Claudia; time to begin phase one.

The Great Hall was earily quiet as students sat stiffly in their seats staring fearfully up towards the front. There was no feast, no excitement of chatter and tinkling of glasses and utensils against gold plates. No welcoming speech, warnings or warm introductions of newly appointed teachers. This was all replaced by stangers in dark robes, feral grins on their faces as they leered at the defenceless student body. One of them paced in the space their beloved headmaster once stood, a malicious glint in his eye.

"What an honour it is to be so graciously welcomed into such a historical artifact; home to young wizards and witches like yourselves for so many centuries. I'm sure you're aware that this year might be a little...different then what you have become accustomed to." He grinned widely. "The rules are quite simple. Do as your told and you won't be hurt. Misbehave and you will be punished. Do be careful, a select few of my staff take pleasure in punishing their students." Some of the Death Eaters eagerly twirled their wands, anxious to inflict pain on fresh meat.

"As for the classes, some new subjects will be added to the schedule. I'm sure you will all find them quite..." He licked his lips hungrily. "...educational."

"Sounds like you're the ones that need to be educated."

All heads whipped around in alarm at the sudden voice. The Great Hall doors burst open and every student sighed in relief at the figure that strode through. Rachele Sullivan stood proudly in the entrance, her form straight and firm, green eyes glaring straight at the Death Eater who had been speaking moments before.

He frowned at her. "How dare you interrupt me little girl."

Rachele stepped forward with a smirk, causing some dark followers to scuttle backwards in fear. Most Death Eaters in the room knew exactly who she was and the threat she posed to their master. It seemed, however, the dolt leading the pack had yet to be informed of who he was messing with.

"You can carry on with your monologuing in a moment. I just came to give you fair warning." She held her arm out. "All these students are now under my protection. If you so much as breathe on one of them the wrong way I will know about it."

The leader laughed darkly. "You think some measley little child can stop the Dark Lord's plans? This school belongs to him now and there's nothing you or your friends can do to stop him!"

Rachele glared at him, her eyes flashing. "You people seem to always have the incorrigible habit of underestimating me."

He ignored her and pulled his wand out. "Enough of this. KILL HER!" Some followers obeyed and charged at the seemingly defenceless teenager while others cowered into the shadows. As they drew nearer, Rachele turned to the students.

"Everyone get back!"

Trusting in their ally, every child and teenager scrambled to their feet and over to the far walls. They watched as Rachele calmly stayed where she was while half a dozen dark wizards closed in on her with green sparks spitting dangerously from their wands. Just as they all raised their wrists to chant that final life-claiming spell, a blinding white flash erupted from Rachele's body and crashed into the Death Eaters, causing their bodies to fly across the room and land loudly on the other side of the hall. Rachele stood unfazed with her arms crossed tightly across her chest, glaring darkly at their leader who could only stare dumbfounded at her.

"That was just a warning for you and your pathetic gang. If you threaten or hurt any of my friends I will come after you." She snarled at him. "Feel free to share that message with your wanker of a master as well." Satisfied with that part, she gazed around at all the students in search of a certain Weasley. When she found her she saw a pair of brown eyes staring widely at her. She jerked her head to the door, receiving a nod of understanding. Placing a quick protective barrier around her friend, she led them out into the hallway where they could talk. Once they were alone, all Ginny could do was gaze in awe at her.

Rachele chuckled at her bewildered expression. "Close your mouth Gin, flies will get in."

Ginny just continued to stare at her. "I read it..."

Rachele smiled. "I know."

"And it's true? All of it?"

Rachele shrugged. "You saw a small demonstration just now. What'd you think?"

Ginny smiled. "Amazing, you're so incredible. I could hardly believe what I was reading."

Rachele stared intently at her. "You do believe me right?"

Ginny looked at her in disbelief. "Well of course I do. You of all people would never lie to me. And besides..." She threw a thumb over her shoulder. "...that kick-ass display in there was all the proof I needed."

Rachele chuckled. "Glad to hear it." Her laugh died quickly at the sound of someone cursing loudly from inside. "You better head back in."

Ginny scowled. "I don't want to go back in there."

Rachele squeezed her shoulder. "I know, but it's just for now. When he's done blubbering about useless Death Eater garbage..." Ginny giggled. "...come to Hufflepuff tower, that's where we're hiding."

Ginny raised a sceptical eyebrow. "Don't I need a password to get in there?"

Rachele smiled. "I'll let you in. Don't worry I'll know when you're there." She pulled the younger girl into a warm hug. "Be brave Ginny, just remember I'm always watching over you."

Ginny nodded with her head nestled in Rachele's shoulder, finding comfort in both the embrace and her words. "I know, I believe in you."

Rachele pulled away slightly to look down at her. "I'm proud of you."

Ginny smiled at her before turning around and heading back inside. Rachele mentally casted an invisibility shield on herself as she followed her friend back inside. Just as she suspected, the Death Eaters were livid at being shown up in such a humiliating manner, the wizard in charge was practically steaming by the ears. He was so worked up he thankfully didn't notice Ginny quietly slipping back inside and tip-toeing over to stand next to Neville.

"Damn little wench, I'll show her." He growled stomping forward. He roughly grabbed a small first year by the arm, jabbing his wand into her neck. "Let this be a lesson to you all! Every time one of you tries anything heroic then another will pay the price. And that goes for your so called protector. Her being here does not change anything! Her pathetic act of bravery will only cost you!" The small girl trembled in fear when he pressed his wand deeper into her skin. "Say goodbye little witch." Just as he opened his mouth again, an unknown force twisted his wrist fully clockwise emanating a loud 'crack'. He let his hostage go with an agonising scream, stumbling back to clutch his broken wrist, his wand clattering to the floor.

"I told you I'd come after you. I'd think twice before I threaten one of the students again."

His eyes widened in fear as he rapidly looked around for the source of the voice. "You don't scare me!"

A amused snigger echoed around the hall. "You keep telling yourself that. Oh and if I were you I'd send the kids up to their dorms now, unless you'd like another broken wrist to match the one you already have."

He sneered. "You think broken wrists scare me?"

There was silence for a moment until; "Broken wrists will be a freakin vacation compared to the pain I'll put you through." He couldn't contain the icy shiver that crawled up his spine at the venom lacing her voice.

"So I suggest you do what I say." He stubbornly stayed put, glaring at the open space around him. "NOW!" He flinched as her voice alone shook vibrations through the hall. He waved his arm, giving the order to dismiss the students. The children were marched by wand point into the corridors, each house being forced to split four ways in the direction of their appropiate dorms. Once they were out of view, a red-haired Gryffindor deliberately turned away from her tower and towards another of black of gold. As she approached the entrance, she could see Hufflepuff students of all ages crowded around the portrait. Ginny tapped the shoulder of a young fourth year boy.

"Hey what's happening here?"

He gave her a strange look, undoubtedly wondering why a Gryffindor was there, but he answered nonetheless. "The portrait is sealed up. No-one can get in, it's like its under some protection spell or something."

Ginny knew instantly this must be Rachele's doing. She briefly pondered how she was supposed to inform the older girl she arrived when a familiar voice floated through her mind.

"It's alright Gin, I know you're here. I'll be out in a minute."

Ginny blinked in surprise. 'She can use telepathy as well.' She grinned to herself. 'Heh, should've seen that one coming.'

Before she could blink, there was a flash, the sensation of someone grabbing her arm before she felt herself being pulled through some indescribable portal. This only lasted for a split second until she landed in the quiet sanctuary of the Hufflepuff common room. She glanced to her right and found it was Rachele who had a hold of her and no doubt teleported her as well. Robert Kordellus and Claudia Clarken were standing nearby, looking at her with welcome smiles.

"You alright Gin?" Rachele asked. "That takes some getting used to."

Ginny turned back to her. "Huh? Oh sure...fine. Just caught me off guard that's all." She looked towards the portrait hole. "Aren't you gonna let the others in?"

Rachele smiled. "I will in a minute. I'm individually scanning them, figuring out who's on our side or not."

Ginny frowned. "But they're Hufflepuffs."

Rachele rose an eyebrow. "A house doesn't judge one's character Ginny. It's the person's choices that lead them down different paths. Take Robbie for example." She shared a brief smile with her boyfriend. "He's in Slytherin, the house everyone assumes will follow Voldemort. But he's one of the kindest and loyal men I've ever met, he's proved that to me more times than I can count."

Ginny smiled. "I guess you have a point there. So have you gone through them all?"

Rachele nodded. "Ages ago." She shook her head. "There's a few in there I can't trust. Voldemort's used fear to convince some of them to join him."

Ginny growled. "Cowards."

"It's alright. In fact I have a job for you three." She gathered them to stand around her. "I'll give you the names of the Hufflepuff's that have gone awol. After that you can let them in, have them all gather in the common room and single out those on the list. Can you do that?"

"You got it Gryffindor." Robert spoke from the side.

"What about you?" Claudia asked quietly.

Rachele frowned. "I need to check on Harry. I tried reaching him earlier but all I felt from him was distress. They might be in trouble."

Ginny nodded a little too eagerly. "Then you should go. We'll take care of things here."

Rachele gazed over her friends, receiving an encouraging smile from each of them, including a mouthed 'I love you' from Robert. Giving them all one last grin, she disappeared from view with a woosh of purple flames.

Ginny's jaw fell open. "Bloody hell is that how we looked when we came in earlier?"

Robert chuckled. "Pretty much."

"Merlin..."

"We better get started." Claudia suggested softly.

"Good idea." Ginny cracked her knuckles as she made her way to the portrait hole. "Let's find out who had the gall to betray us."

Robert gulped at her expression. Whoever the traitors were, they were about to regret it for the rest of their lives.

As Rachele leapt from one location to another, she quickly locked her mind onto Harry's to pinpoint his whereabouts. When she appeared, she was slightly confused when she landed in a forest clearing, the ground covered with inches of leaves. But that thought flew from her mind when she spotted three familiar figures several feet away. Two she recognised to be Harry and Hermione who were kneeling over a cunvulsing person on the ground who she fathomed was Ron. Her mind started as she scanned over the latter, sensing the inmeasurable pain he appeared to be in and she darted over to them without a second thought.

Harry watched helplessly as Hermione shakily applied the essence to Ron's arm. In their haste to escape their pursuer from the Ministry, Ron had accidently splinched chunks of his arm in the rush of Apparating from Grimmauld Place to where they were now. Whether Muggle or wizard, this wound was not a pretty sight.

"Harry! Hermione!"

Harry spun quickly at the voice and sighed with relief at the welcome sight. "Rachele. Thank Merlin you're here."

Rachele's eyes never left Ron's arm. "What the hell happened?" Harry quickly explained and a dark shadow fell over her face. "Damn it to hell..."

"The Essence of Dittany is working, but it can only heal so much. He might have scars."

Rachele sighed sadly before moving over to where Hermione was sitting. "Move aside Hermione." The other girl reluctantly shifted backwards to give her some space, the concern never leaving her face. Rachele gently covered Ron's arm with her hands, bowed her head and closed her eyes. She muttered something under her breathe, a language the others couldn't understand. Suddenly there was a bright glow but it was gone again in a flash. The contusions and scars left on Ron's skin were gone and were replaced with brand new pink flesh as though the Splinching never happened. The ginger-heads eyes flickered open and he sat up with a groan.

"What happened?"

Hermione rushed over to him. "Ron! How're you feeling?"

He shrugged. "A little groggy but fine I guess."

Hermione's bottom lip trembled. She whipped around and tightly hugged an unsuspecting Rachele who caught her waist with one arm. "Uh...Hermione?"

"Thank you..."

Rachele chuckled. "No big deal."

Hermione pulled back to look at her. "No big deal? You healed him in two seconds flat. He..." She shivered. "He was in so much pain..."

Rachele put a hand on her shoulder. "Even if I didn't come, I know you would've looked after him. You're intelligent Hermione, I have every bit of faith in you." She glanced at Ron. "It's only because of his pain I decided I'd heal it as quickly as possible."

Hermione smiled. "Thanks...we owe you one."

Rachele shook her head. "You don't owe me anything. This is a war, and I'm doing my part."

"Actually Rach there's something you should know." Harry came up beside her. "We just came from the Ministry."

Rachele sniffed with distaste. "Can only imagine the racist hooligans running that place."

Harry frowned. "It wasn't them. It was the uh..." He shot a look to Hermione who nodded for him to continue. "There were Muggles there."

Rachele's eyebrows furrowed. "Why would there be Muggles at the Ministry of Magic?"

Harry looked down. "They were turned into statues and are being used as a monument in the centre of the Ministry."

Rachele felt her eyebrow twitch. "Statues you say?" Her voice was unnervingly calm.

Harry nodded solemnly. "Most likely dead given the state they're in."

Rachele rose to her feet slowly. Her face was blank but her eyes blazed with unspeakable fury. "I've put up barriers for you. You just need to use a spell to block the sound. Call me if you need anything else." And then she was gone before anyone could reply.

Harry stared at the space that was now empty. "I have a really bad feeling about this."

(Ministry of Magic)

It was a day just like any other; the rise of the sun and chirp of birds in the morning, the hustle bustle of ongoing pedestrians as they drove and walked along the streets of London. This was the routine for both Muggle and wizard during the weekdays, rise, eat, work and sleep. Which was true for one certain wizard, Troy Bourtney; thirty five years old, Pure Blood and working as part of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic.

He flashed into the large through via Floo network and blended into the hurrying crowd that marched through the large halls. His feet moved automatically towards the elevators with a brisk stride; all he wanted was to get through another drawling day, go home and shut the world out like he normally does. He was never much of a social person to begin with. He walked hurredly around the newest statue monument that had been placed in the centre, doing his best to ignore the expressions of shock upon the stoney faces of the victims. He didn't care much for Muggles so losing a few didn't effect him in any way; they were better off where they were anyway. What good were they in the world if they couldn't perform magic?

He was only a handful of strides away from the elevator when he felt himself being roughly grabbed by the robe and dragged into another empty elevator on the side. His attacker was several inches shorter than him and wore a thick black cloak with a hood that concealed their face.

"Wh-wh-who are you?"

"Quiet. I'll be the one asking the questions." Two voices, male and female, mixed together as one swirling around this intruder with ominosity. They lifted their head slightly revealing two sharp green orbs glowing vividly at him. That and their voice was enough to render him into terrified silence and all he could do was nod shakily.

"That statue, who initiated it?"

He stared. "I...I don't understand." He squeaked when he was pushed hard against the wall by an invisible force. The figure simple stood there leering at him.

"The monument in the main foyer. It was someone's bright idea to use real life Muggles for decoration." They stepped closer. "You're going to tell me who that was."

He swallowed. "I'm sorry...that's classified informa-" He choked loudly as he felt his throat slowly but forcefully being squeezed.

"WHO?"

"Okay, okay!" He rasped. "I'll tell you!" The grip lessened somewhat. "Dolores Umbridge. She's been making a lot of weird changes lately. She's taking advantage of the Muggle world in her own ways." The hold around his throat was released and he fell to the floor with a gasp. He took a moment to catch his breath before risking a glance upwards only to discover he was all alone. He stood to his feet confused; where did they go? They had been locked in an elevator, there was no way they could've left without him hearing the door opening and closing. And speaking of which, the elevator shot open and he clumsily stumbled out. He was still on the ground floor and he looked around in a blind panic, searching for any sign of the ominous intruder. There was no trace there had been any sort of abnormal acitivty, his co-workers brushed by him without a care in the world. He hurried back into the elevator, this time heading straight to the office of Pius Thicknesse. The Ministry of Magic had been breached and the Minister needed to be warned.

Dolores Umbridge sat at her desk, smiling gleefully down at the latest Daily Prophet that had been delivered to her office. Her plans for the Ministry of Magic were flowing smoothly. If she played her cards correctly she would be able to remove that pathetic puppet Thicknesse and convince the real ruling Minister to let her take charge. She was the mastermind behind the undertaking of the modifications of the Ministry and hopefully soon the entire wizarding world. Her smile widened at the thought of ruling everything and ridding the world of those filthy Muggles and Mud-bloods once and for all.

Her head shot up in surprise when her door was suddenly blown off it's hinges. A cloaked figure strode inside with a dark hood hiding their identity. She stood up to confront her unwelcome visitor.

"Who do you think you are? You can't simple barge in here! You need to arrange an appointment with my secretary!"

There was no reply. Instead two hands lifted and pushed the hood back to reveal their face. Umbridge felt all the blood drain from her face as she staggered backwards in terror.

"Y-you. H-how...?"

"How did I reach your office undetected?" Two familiar green eyes twinkled mischievously at her. "That's for me to know and you to never find out."

Umbridge swallowed the lump that was stuck in her throat. "What do you want Sullivan?"

Rachele smiled. "I just wanted to have a little chat. It's been a while I thought it'd be nice to catch up."

"Enough!" Umbridge snapped. "Get out of my office before I call security."

Rachele shrugged. "I wouldn't bother with them. They're a little indesposed at the moment."

Umbridge glared. "What are you talking about?"

Rachele grinned and began stepping toward her. "No one's coming to help you Dolores. It's just you and me."

Umbridge was now flat against the wall behind her desk. "If you do anything to me, you'll be running from the law for the rest of your life."

Rachele scoffed. "What else is new? That idiot Fudge spent years trying to force me to register. He's no closer now than he was the day he met me. You think I'm scared of a little criminal record?"

"Just tell me what you want Sullivan."

All humour had now disappeared from Rachele's face. "What do I want?" Her voice turned to ice. "Let me tell you what I want." She lifted her hand and pointed at the older woman's face. "I want you to suffer." She made a flicking motion with her fingers over to the desk. Umbridges body followed the movement, colliding against the edge of the desk with a sick crunch with her upper torso sprawled over the top of it. Rachele loomed over her from the other side, glaring down at her with pure distaste.

"I already found you utterly repulsive when you came to Hogwarts two years ago; especially the way you treated Harry." She ground her teeth in anger. "But killing innocent Muggles just to use them for damn interior design is disgusting." She slammed a fist close to Umbridges head. "They're were CIVILIANS you stupid wretch and if there's one thing I can't stand by and ignore it's cold-blooded murderers like you!" She crouched down so they were eye-level. "So this is how this is going to work. I'm going to keep my promise and show you just how merciless I can be." She clicked her fingers loudly enforcing a massive weight of gravity to fully collapse on Umbridge and trap her on the desk. Rachele flexed her finger towards Umbridges arms, pulling them across and spreading her hands, stretching her fingers as far as they would go.

"Grnnn wwhtt...aree..ou...diinngg?"

Rachele reached over and tapped a specific part of her pointy finger on her right hand. "See this part here? It's right between the tip and the middle joint. It connects everything and allows mobility through your hand. It'd be a real shame if someone were to..." She pushed her palm down on said bone and sent a jolt of magic through the finger. There was a distinct shattering under the skin as Umbridge let out a horrific scream while Rachele simply watched.

"That's only the beginning of the pain you're about to go through. So you might want to brace yourself."

Time became endless as Umbridge had to endure the most agonising torture of her life. One by one her fingers were broken until they were rendered utterly useless. After that it was her hands, every tiny joint was shattered into tiny shards and Rachele made sure she felt every ounce of pain. When she was done, Umbridge was nothing more than a sobbing mess incoherently pleading for mercy.

Rachele pushed down on the destroyed hands with a glare. "Did you show mercy to those Muggles? Did you show mercy to the students you tortured at Hogwarts?" She leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I'm going to make sure you never harm anyone ever again." A glow seeped from her palms into Umbridges hands. "No matter how much time passes, no matter what magic or treatments you attempt, nothing can reverse this damage. You can never perform magic as long as you are in this state." She straightened herself to full height and held out her hand. There was a loud clutter before something zipped from the desk drawer and soared towards her. She swiftly caught it in the air and Umbridge felt her eyes widen in panic; it was her wand.

Rachele inspected the long piece of enchanted wood curiously. "Interesting. Such a simple object but yet can cause so much trouble for others." She shrugged. "Not really any use than is it?" She gripped the wand in both fists and in one swift movement brought it down hard onto her knee, snapping it in two. She tossed it to the side without a care before turning back to her victim, ignoring her muffled objections.

"You think this is over just because I've tortured you a little and taken your magic away?" She chuckled darkly. "You aren't gonna like what's coming then." She stood over Umbridges shivering form. "I know your family Dolores Umbridge. You were born to Orford Umbridge and Ellen Cracknell. Your father was a wizard but your mother was a Muggle. So that would technically make you Half-blood wouldn't it?" She sneered. "And yet all these years you claimed to be a Pure-blood. I wonder what would happen if the Law Enforcement or heaven forbid Voldemort were to stumble upon this little bit of history." She grinned at the look of fear on Umbridges face. "Let's not forget your long-forgotten brother who you disowned simply for being born a Squib." She tapped her chin in thought. "Let's see. Muggle mother. Squib brother. You and your father disowned them and eventually gained promising positions within the Ministry even though your father ended up being a low-level worker. So you paid him a decent allowance to bribe him to disappear from society simple to save you some embarrasment of your heritage. You used lies and false credit to crawl your ways to a higher office and abuse your position to gain power for your own selfish purposes."

Rachele smiled at Umbridge who was staring at her with disbelief. "Based on your reaction I've hit the nail on the head haven't I?" She sighed. "Well I guess that's enough then." She clicked her finger and the gravity that had taken hold was finally released. Umbridge let out a long gasp of air as she pulled herself back onto her feet, using her wrists as support. "I suggest you rest while you can." Rachele's cold voice rang through the room. "You'll need as much luxury as you can get before you head to your next destination.

Now able to speak properly Umbridge asked. "Where am I going?"

Rachele turned towards the door while pulling her hood back over her face. "You'll find out in due time. Just know you'll soon be exposed for the fraud you are." She tossed a casual wave over her shoulder. "Have a nice life." And then she was gone, leaving Umbridge alone in her office to tend to her never-again-to-be healed hands and await some unknown twisted fate waiting to swallow her into darkness.

(Hufflepuff common room)

"She's been a while." Robert paced anxiously in front of the hearth.

"It'll be okay." Claudia consoled him as her eyes followed his movements. "This is Rachele we're talking about. She probably got distracted."

He sighed. "I guess. Harry is on a dangerous mission. She probably has to cover his arse or something." He rolled his eyes. "As per usual."

Claudia smiled. "I'm sure she'll be back soon."

No sooner had she said that, there was a flash of fire and Rachele appeared behind them. Robert was by her side in an instant and grasping her shoulders.

"Rach! Thank Merlin you're back! Where have you been?"

Rachele smiled. "Sorry, I had an unexpected detour to take." She gently shuffled out of his grip and patted his hand. "Did anything happen while I was away? Did you find the students on my list?"

"Yeah we did." Claudia said standing next to her. "Ginny's taken them upstairs for a private interrogation."

Rachele glanced towards the staircase. "Poor buggers. I don't envy them."

"She may be a while." Robert commented.

Rachele smiled again before moving over to the window, staring aimlessly into the outside world. The others exchanged concerned glances, confused by her distracted behaviour. They cautiously shifted over to her with one on each side.

"You okay there Gryffindor?" Robert prodded carefully. "You seem a little spaced."

Rachele sighed. "I might've done something a little drastic. But I don't want you guys to think differently of me because of it."

Claudia smiled. "We trust you Rach, no matter what decisions you make."

Rachele looked between them, from the unwavering expression of loyalty from her best friend to the kind, loving eyes of her boyfriend and she knew, like always, she could trust them with the truth.

"Thanks." She smiled and turned back to the window. "Take a look at the Daily Prophet tomorrow morning. You'll read everything in there."

Robert's eyebrows rose upwards. "You did something that'll be in the newspaper? Oh now I really wanna know what happened."

Rachele grinned. "Oh you'll find out." She let out a yawn. "Merlin I'm exhausted."

Robert stepped forward. "Why don't you two ladies head upstairs? I'll keep watch for any suspicious Death Eater activity."

"Thanks Robert." Claudia said, heading up to the dorms before anyone could blink. Once they heard the sound of a door shut Rachele turned back to her boyfriend with a smile. "Wake me if anything happens, no matter what it is."

He nodded. "You got it. Your man is reporting for duty." He gave her a mock-salute which brought out a small giggle.

"Always the brave warrior" She leaned up and gave him a soft kiss. "Good night my handsome soldier."

He smiled. "Good night my beautiful princess. I love you."

"I love you too." She whispered giving him one last peck on the lips. She then made her way quietly to the dorms where the layout had completely changed. Gone were the usual four poster beds and replaced with several mattresses around the room to create space for the extra body. Since the people in the girls dorms were asleep, she guessed Ginny's interrogation was taking place in the boys dormitories next door. She found Claudia towards the back of the room curled up facing the wall. The mattress she was lying on was double sized so Rachele wriggled herself next to her best friend, lying on her back. Claudia instinctively rolled over and snuggled into Rachele's shoulder who chuckled and put an arm around the younger girl. She still worried about the state of the school with the Death Eaters taking charge, but she had full trust in Robert and knew he would alert her to any danger. So with that comforting thought, she tightened her hold on Claudia's shoulder, leaned her head against hers and fell into a deep sleep.

For tomorrow would bring the horizon of the beginning of the end.

End of Chapter.

I know it was rather dark for Rachele to torture Umbridge in such a merciless manner. But like I said, she is still only human and everyone has a breaking point. Hers was finding out about defenceless Muggles being murdered and turned into statues. Rachele is a Muggleborn so she views Muggles as her own people. She took this very personally.

But anyway, next chapter you'll discover where exactly Umbridge has been sent. But for those who know the Harry Potter series well enough, I'm certain you can guess what's going to happen.

See you next time!