Moving on with our seventh year at Hogwarts. How is Rachele getting on with their unwanted visitors?

Enjoy!

Chapter Seven – Feeling The Darkness

Harry clenched his jaw in irritation as the crackling radio sounded from inside the tent. He, Ron and Hermione were camped in the same location they had apparated to after their escape from the Ministry and were now figuring out ways to destroy the first Horcrux they had found since their journey began. While Hermione was off patrolling, Harry kept guard outside the tent, barely tolerating his best friend frantically switching between frequencies. He even turned around briefly to tell him to shut the bloody thing off before Hermione's voice cut him off.

"Don't!" He turned to her with a glare which she returned with her own sharp look. "It comforts him."

"It sets my teeth on edge." Harry snipped. "Is he expecting to hear good news?"

Hermione looked at her hands. "I think he's just hoping he doesn't hear bad news."

Harry shrugged and stood up. "When can he travel?"

While Rachele was able to heal his arm, Ron was still showing signs of mental trauma from the incident and needed time to gather himself. He didn't feel quite ready to apparate long distances yet.

Hermione looked back up at him with helplessness. "He's still scared Harry." At his agitated look she added. "I'm doing everything I can to help him!"

"YOU'RE NOT DOING ENOUGH!" He roared as he stormed past her.

"Take it off!" Hermione demanded halting him in his tracks. When he looked back at her she held out her hand. "Take it off." She repeated more softly. Reluctantly he removed the locket from around his neck and placed it in her hands.

"Better?"

He nodded guiltily. "Loads."

"We'll take it in turns." She walked back to the tent without waiting for a response from him. Feeling rotten of his behaviour just now, Harry trudged the opposite direction to clear his head. He walked close to the edge of Hermione's barrier before sitting down and leaning against a tree.

"Bloody hell I'm an idiot."

"Yeah you're a real dolt sometimes."

He looked up startled. "Damn it Rachele." He breathed with a glare. "You really need to announce yourself."

Rachele grinned. "Where's the fun in that?" Her smile dropped suddenly. "All kidding aside Harry, I've been worried about you guys. Especially you."

He shrugged. "Not much has been happening since we infiltrated the Ministry."

She frowned. "Really? Then why can I sense strong dark magic in this area?"

Harry looked confused for a moment before it dawned on him. "Oh, that must be the

Horcrux."

Rachele's eyes widened. "You found one?"

He nodded. "Stole it from Umbridge."

She huffed. "I won't even ask how she had it. Where is it?"

Harry jerked his head. "Hermione has it. She took it off me."

"For good reason. That thing wasn't doing you any good."

He looked at her suspiciously. "What do you me-? Were you prodding around in my head?"

Rachele scoffed. "I wasn't prodding, I was trying to contact you. But I couldn't with the infernal eery Horcrux voodoo going on in your noggin."

Harry resisted the urge to smile 'Only Rachele can make the effects of a Horcrux sound humorous.' "Well I'm fine now. After I took it off, I felt kinda bad for being a-"

"Complete jerkwat?"

He mock-glared at her. "Not my first choice of words but yes."

She grinned. "And what poor soul was at the receiving end?"

He sighed. "Hermione."

"And all she did was take it off you?" Rachele laughed. "That girl has mutsy." When Harry rose an eyebrow she elaborated. "Guts, nerve, balls-"

"I get it." Harry rolled his eyes.

She just grinned cheekily "Speaking of Hermione, where is she?"

He pointed down the path he came from. "Tent."

"Ah. I'll go say hello shall I?" She took a few steps then turned to him. "You coming?"

He waved her off. "I'll be a bit. You go ahead."

She shrugged. "Suit yourself Captain Mopey."

He picked up a small rock near him and ditched it at her. "Bugger off."

She dodged it and laughed. "Aaww wuv you too bro!" She continued to chuckle as she walked away. Only when she was far away enough did Harry let his mouth melt into a soft smile.

"Rachele!"

Immediately upon entering the tent, Rachele was almost suffocated from the bear hug she received from Hermione. But having endured them for years, all she did was laugh and return the gesture.

"Hey just wanted to come check on you guys. I was a little worried with Harry's lack of response."

Ron approached as the girls broke their hug. "We're okay, Harry's just brooding as always."

Rachele waved dismissively. "Yeah, yeah he had the Horcrux on, blah blah I know that already." She glanced at Hermione. "Where is the blasted thing anyway?"

"Here." Ron pulled the locked out from under his shirt. "It was my turn."

Rachele peered at him closely. "You're not having any dark, treacherous thoughts are you?"

Ron blinked. "Um...not really." He looked away; her piercing stare made him feel nervous.

"Uh huh." She said unconvinced. "Sure thing pal." She turned back to Hermione. "How're your shields holding up?

Hermione nodded. "Well enough to hide us from Snatchers."

Rachele stared blankly. "From what now?"

"Snatchers." Ron repeated. "Bunch of Voldemort's followers that sneak around and pick off random people and bring them back to their precious Dark Lord to be judged. Muggleborns are either tortured or just straight up killed on the spot."

"Damn it." Rachele growled. "Hogwarts is bad enough, now he has his lackey's on the loose."

"What's happening at Hogwarts Rach?" Hermione enquired.

Rachele sighed. "Not too much. I have the majority of the students protected in Hufflepuff tower. I don't let them go to class, it's nothing but torture sessions to entertain the Death Eaters.

"Is Ginny okay?" Harry had just walked in and was gazing at her with pure concern for his girlfriend.

Rachele smiled. "She's fine. She's more capable than most. She often volunteers to run errands and surveillance. The rest are just coping." She fixed Harry with a look. "We're all waiting for you to come back."

Harry frowned. "I can't, not yet."

Rachele nodded. "I understand. But just know that when you do, you have a hero's welcome waiting for you."

"Do they know what our mission is?" Hermione asked.

Rachele shook her head. "No not specifically, not about the Horcruxes. All they know is Harry is searching for a way to kill Voldemort and you two are assisting him."

"Thanks." Harry said gratefully. "For your descretion I mean."

"I wouldn't go that far." She smiled sheepishly. "I did tell Robbie and Claudia."

Harry shrugged. "I know how loyal they are to you. I'm not worried about them."

Rachele looked up. "Guess I better head back." She turned to Ron. "Be careful with that Horcrux, it can affect your mind in horrendous ways. If you feel or think anything remotely shifty, you take it off straight away."

Ron nodded. "Got it."

Rachele seemed unconvinced but she didn't push the matter. She would decide to trust in Ron's strength.

"Well I'm gonna love and leave you. You let me know if there's any trouble."

"We will." Harry said while Hermione stepped forward to hug her tightly. A moment later there was a flash of flame and she was gone.

"I'll keep watch." Harry said heading back outside. "Hermione if you could take the night shift."

"Yeah sure."

"Great see you guys in a bit."

Hermione turned to the other male. "Rachele's right Ron, please be careful."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Relax, I can handle it."

Hermione gave him a scrutinizing stare for a moment before walking past him and sitting at the table, intending on researching more about the Horcruxes. She didn't see Ron pulling the locket out from under his shirt and gazing at it with a deep scowl marring his face.

When Rachele appeared back in the hideout, the last thing she expected was a frantic Claudia to rush up and cling onto her shirt.

"Woah, hey Claudia. What's wrong?"

Claudia stared up at her with wide eyes. "Ginny and Robert! They're in trouble! I didn't know what to do!"

Rachele frowned. "What're you mean? Where are they?"

Claudia's breathing became sharp and raspy as she explained. "Apparently there was a commotion in the Great Hall and they went to go check it out. Just before you arrived Ginny's patronus came in indicating danger. I'm scared they've walked into a trap."

"Okay calm down." Rachele put a calming hand on her shoulder. "I'll go help them, you okay to hold the fort? Don't open the portrait for anyone unless you hear from me."

Claudia gave a shaky nod. "O-okay I can do that."

"Good. I'll be back. Hey..." Rachele shot her best friend a comforting smile. "Everything will be okay." She gave her shoulder a squeeze before she teleported away.

"I hope so..."

"Awww am I hurting the poor little blood traitor?"

Groaning in pain, Robert glared up at his attacker. Not even an hour ago, they had received word of Death Eaters torturing some Muggleborns in the Great Hall. With Ginny's volunteered help, the pair had rushed over to aid them. It was a trap. They were badly outnumbered and while they had managed to usher the students out, he and Ginny were stuck in a endless duel. He already had a few broken ribs, a sprained ankle and one agonising round of the Cruciatus Curse. His partner wasn't fending much better, she was covered in cuts and bruises and was bleeding heavily. She was on her knees and hands, obviously in too much pain to stand up.

"Go to hell." He growled through gritted teeth.

"Tsk, tsk. Where are your manners boy?" The Death Eater, along with another four standing around, pointed his wand at him. "Or would you like to go again?"

Robert spat blood at his feet. "Kiss my ass, evil spawn."

"Oh he has some balls! Well we'll have to fix that won't we? Cru-" He opened his mouth to snarl the torture curse but was cut off by the doors to the Great Hall swinging open with great force. There in the entry stood a livid Rachele Sullivan, her anger so great you could feel the raw emotion pulsating through the powerful waves pouring from her body. She saw the cloaked men standing over her injured friends and her face darkened while the energy surrounding her escalated.

Robert smiled in relief at the sight of his girlfriend, although he felt slight intimidation curl in his gut at the rage etched on her normally soft, kind features.

"I WARNED YOU!" Her voice echoed like a sonic wave across the hall. Her black eyes darted over to the Death Eater who had been tormenting her boyfriend. "Get away from him." She snarled.

Her target scuttled backwards with a yelp raising his hands in a surrending motion allowing Robert to limp forward. When he reached her, he collapsed in her arms.

"Are you okay Robbie?" Despite her angry state, her tone was laced with concern.

"I'll live, go help Ginny."

Rachele glanced over to where her red-head friend was crouched over in agony, another Death Eater raising his wand with a sadistic grin on his face. Quickly placing a protective barrier around her boyfriend, she flung her arm out and thrust a quick and fast fireball towards the attacker who looked up seconds too late. The red hot flame collided with his chest and sent him flying clear across the hall. Rachele stood protectively in front of the younger girl, her green eyes glowing dangerously.

"If you power hungry wankers are done, I'm taking my friends with me. And if any of you follow us you'll be in a state a hundred times worse than your friend here!"

The victim of her flame lay unconscious in the far corner, the front of his clothes singed and damaged. He had a reasonably nasty burn across his torso but nothing he couldn't heal from in time. Seeing the condition their comrade was in, all Death Eaters in the room holstered their wands and rose their hands in surrender. Rachele levitated Ginny over to where Robert was waiting, and touching both their shoulders, flashed them back to Hufflepuff tower.

Since Ginny was more severely injured than Robert, Rachele tended to her first. Placing one hand on her forehead and the other over her heart, she closed her eyes and focused. The familiar healing light filled the room as witnesses looked on with wonder. When it disappeared, a healthy, unscathed Ginny Weasley was lying on the couch. Her eyes blinked open and the first thing she saw was the relieved gaze of two bright green orbs.

"Hey there Gin, you okay?"

She smiled at her saviour. "I am now. Thanks for getting us outta there."

Rachele put a hand on her head. "I'm just glad I made it back in time." She turned to her boyfriend who was leaning against the wall, clutching his side and breathing heavily.

"My poor baby." Rachele hurried over to him. "Let's fix you up." She led him over to the couch. Ginny shuffled over to give him room. He collapsed with a painful groan.

"Don't worry." She consoled him with a caress on his cheek. "I'm right here." The same glow emanated from her hand as she gently stroked his jaw with her thumb. Robert closed his eyes at her touch and when he felt her let go, he opened his eyes and his injuries were no where to be seen. He smiled gratefully at his girlfriend.

"Thanks Gryffindor."

She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Anytime my love."

Next to them, Ginny was watching their affectionate display with curious brown eyes. "Rachele...can I talk to you?"

Rachele followed her to the far corner of the common room. "What's up?"

Ginny looked her up and down. "Did something happen?"

Rachele rose an eyebrow. "What'd you mean?"

Ginny leaned closer. "Something's different. You're...happier? I can't explain it, it's like you're...glowing or something."

Rachele flushed and looked away. She knew immediately what Ginny was referring to but she wasn't about to confess anything. "I don't know what you're talking about."

A chesire-cat grin appeared on Ginny's face. "You're lying. Spill Sullivan."

Rachele's blush deepened. "I'd really rather not." Her eyes flickered briefly to her boyfriend which unfortunately the other girl noticed.

"Wait...you just looked at Robert." She gasped. "Oh my go-!"

Rachele slammed a hand on her mouth. "Quiet!" She hissed.

Ginny pushed her hand away and smirked. "You guys slept together didn't you?" She whispered excitedly.

Rachele rubbed her neck awkwardly. "W-well uh..."

"You did!" Ginny let out a little squeal. "Details! I want details!"

Rachele gave her a look. "Really? About everything?"

Now it was Ginny's turn to blush. "Oh gosh! Ew! Merlin no! You know what I mean!"

Rachele sniggered. "It was the first night here. It was around three in the morning so everyone was asleep. We were just talking and well..." She gazed dreamily in her boyfriend's direction. "One thing just led to another and...it just kinda happened."

Ginny was smiling widely. "That's awesome! And you don't regret anything?"

Rachele shook her head with a soft smile. "Not one bit. I know now Robbie's my soul-mate. I can't imagine giving myself to anyone else." Much to her surprise Ginny began giggling. "What?"

"I was just remembering a conversation we had last year. I briefly suggested Robert as a boyfriend and you insisted you were just friends." She grinned. "Now look at you Little Miss Cloud Nine."

Rachele chuckled. "Guess I was pretty dense back then. I couldn't see the wonderful guy I had with me. He's always loved me and been there for me. I was too blind to notice."

Ginny smiled. "Well you're together now. That's the main thing." She glanced over and grinned. "Speaking of which, I think that man of yours wants to talk to you." She gestured over to Robert who was beckoning his girlfriend over with his head.

Rachele mouthed 'one sec' to him. "Was this all you wanted me for? To ask about my...glowing?"

Ginny grinned. "Pretty much. Curiosity was killing me."

Rachele huffed. "Excuse me." She made her way back to the couch, ignoring the snickering from behind her. She plonked down on the seat next to Robert. "You okay babe?"

Robert held her hand. "I just want to thank you again, you know for before. Ginny and I we-" He looked at his lap shamefully. "We fell for a obvious trap, it was so stupid."

Rachele lifted his chin. "Robbie, you did know it was a trap didn't you?"

He nodded. "Yeah."

"Then why did you go?"

He shrugged. "They were torturing students. Trap or not we had to help."

Rachele beamed. "Then it's not stupid at all."

"Really?"

"You risked your life to save another." She leaned over and gently kissed him. "That's very courageous."

He smiled, leaned back on the couch and raised his arm for her. "You're amazing Rach."

She accepted his invitation, snuggling into his chest. "No you are. You were a hero today." She kissed his jaw. "You're my hero."

Robert playfully flicked her nose. "Whatever you say Gryffindor." She giggled, pressing herself closer to him with a content sigh.

Their peaceful moment was then interrupted by Neville who tore through the portrait hole. He was deadly pale and his expression was one of immense fear. Every head in the room looked at him in alarm.

Rachele saw the dreaded look on his face and was on her feet in an instant. "Nev? What's the matter?"

Neville glanced at her. "We have a problem." He then pointed out the window.

Rachele walked over to take a look, concerned about what had her friend so spooked. But as she looked into the darkening sky, even she couldn't prevent the slight drop in her stomach at what she saw. Other students gathered around her and there were several gasps of horror.

There beyond the horizon, and flying full speed at Hogwarts, was thousands of Dementors. Seeing the cloaked figures brought on only one thought into Rachele's head.

So it begins.

Luckily for the students, the Dementors maintained a reasonable distance from the school entrance. Several of them surrounded the school like a barrier while others just roamed about scouting for any signs of mischief. With these unearthly creatures lingering around, no one was too eager to venture outside that often. The person most immune to their dark effects was Rachele, but even she was becoming more irritated with the presence of the new guards. At first all she did was keep a sharp eye for any suspicious activity; with both Death Eaters and Dementors lurking in every shadow, she spent more time outside patrolling than inside the common room where her best friend and boyfriend were worrying more each day on how distant she was becoming. She would disappear during the early hours of the morning, and return extremely late after most students had retired. Robert and Claudia always stayed up to ensure she returned safely. Thankfully she would always come back unharmed, but she would be so run down she would barely make it to the couch before collapsing onto it. Her two loyal companions would take turns watching over her and sometimes even allowed Ginny to take a shift when she volunteered. Rachele never spoke of her whereabouts during the day; she would simply go out, return at night and sleep. This continued for several weeks until one chilly night in December when Rachele had once again gone off gallavanting to some unknown destination, Robert, Claudia and Ginny huddled into a corner to elaborate their concerns for their friend.

"It's been too long, she's running herself raggard. It's not healthy." Ginny said worriedly.

"Not only that." Robert said bitterly. "She's out there keeping the enemies at bay and leaving us in here nervously biting our fingernails."

"And it's becoming worse." Claudia added. "She barely sleeps. I can feel her next to me every night tossing and turning. She only gets a few hours at the most."

"I've had enough of this." Robert said firmly. "When she gets back tonight I'm talking to her. I don't care how tired she is."

"Go easy on her Robert." Claudia said softly. "She has a lot on her shoulders right now."

Robert sighed. "I know, don't worry. Like I said I just wanna talk."

Ginny stood up. "Well you guys can handle Rachele. I'll take a turn of patrolling. Make sure she actually gets some rest tonight."

Robert nodded. "Will do."

Just as he promised, when his girlfriend stumbled into the common room late that night, he hurried over to grab her shoulder. "Hey there. You doing alright?"

Rachele slumped forward, letting her head fall onto his chest. "Just...really...tired."

Robert frowned. "I'm sorry Rach, but I really need to talk to you...please?"

Rachele glanced up into his pleading blue eyes and was unable to resist. "Fine." She let him lead her to the couch where they both sat down. "What's wrong?"

Robert peered at her. "I should be asking that. What's going on with you Gryffindor?"

She looked away. "Dunno what you're talking about."

He gently turned her head back to him. "You're not sleeping well, you're barely eating. We never see you anymore, you're out there doing Merlin Knows What to keep the Death Eaters AND the Dementors away and when you come back you can barely function."

Rachele shrugged. "I'm just doing what needs to be done. There's too many Dementors out there for anyone in here to handle."

Robert looked affronted. "What makes you think we can't handle them?"

Rachele slumped in her seat. "Because they're the reason I'm so damn buggered." She looked at him sharply. "If they wear me out Robbie, just think what they'll do to you guys."

Robert frowned. "Why do they affect you so much? You're heaps more powerful than them."

Rachele shook her head. "Power has nothing to do with it. Yes I can withstand being around them longer than others, but their nature, their very essence is darkness. That need to feed off happiness is so dense that even someone at my level can sense it." She shivered. "Merlin I hate Dementors."

At her tremble, Robert didn't hesitate to wrap her in his arms. "What are you doing that's using up so much energy?"

"Light barriers." She said simply. "I've been putting up protective shields around the perimeter that work similar to a Patronus Charm. But I can't do this without some annoying Death Eaters trying to slow me down. Bloody wankers keep interrupting."

Robert smiled. Even in an over-tired state his girlfriend maintained her loveable, witty personality. He shook his head bemusedly before placing a hand on her arm. "Listen Rach, you don't have to do this alone. We all want to do our part in fighting this war. Besides we're all getting a little restless cooped up in this tower."

Rachele smiled guiltily. "I'm sorry, I guess I have been a little caught up with everything."

Robert smiled softly. "It's alright Gryffindor. We get it. Just don't forget how much we care about you."

Rachele grinned. "I don't think you'll ever let me forget it."

Robert chuckled and held her close. "You bet I won't."

She kissed his cheek. "I'm holding you to that."

After spending a few more minutes with each other, Robert insisted she go upstairs and get some well deserved sleep and not to wake up until she was fully recovered. Rachele reluctantly agreed, kissed him good night and tiptoed quietly into the girls dorms being careful not to wake anyone. She trod carefully between the sleeping forms on the floor as she made her way over to the usual mattress she shared with Claudia. Her best friend was curled up on her side and sleeping soundly. Rachele smiled at the younger girl before lying down and settling in next to her. The movement startled Claudia out of her sleep and she blinked groggily.

"Rachele...is that you?"

Rachele put an arm around her and stroked her hair. "Yeah. Sorry to wake you."

Claudia snuggled into her side with a cute yawn. "S'fine. G'night." And she was out again like a light.

Rachele chuckled softly. "Good night." Only seconds later she also surrended herself to a deep slumber with her arms around her best friend and, for the first time in a while, complete contention on her face.

(Back in the common room)

Long after his girlfriend had left, Robert remained in his spot on the couch, gazing intently into the flames of the hearth. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep very well with his mind racing the way it was. He worried about Rachele. He could see she was putting up a strong front but he knew how much this war was torturing her. He always admired her sense of duty to fight for the greater good; her courage, selflessness, her willingness to put her life on the line every day. But he also knew she had a big heart and that it was falling apart piece by piece. It was her job to watch over and protect all life on earth, good and bad, no matter who or what they were. Yet here she was neck deep in a endless conflict between the forces of light and darkness. While it's true she wouldn't hesitate to fight to defend those she loves against anyone who dared to lay harm on them. But he knew without a doubt that if she had any choice in the matter than she'd prefer not to fight anyone. All she wanted was for the world to be at peace but mankind, muggles and wizards, were too damn prideful and arrogant to let that happen.

'And to think...' Robert thought sorrowfully. 'She's going to have to live through several decades of who knows how many more wars.' He sighed sadly whilst glancing up at the girls dorms.

'I'm sorry my love, I wish I could be there beside you.'

(6am the following morning)

"RACHELE!"

Rachele woke up with a start and stared around the room in alarm. No one was awake yet but she swore she could hear someone yelling her name.

"Uh...hello?" She whispered feeling slightly foolish.

"Rach! Are you there?"

Wait...that was coming from inside her head. Now it made more sense "Harry?"

"Thank Merlin! You need to get over here."

"Why? What's going on?"

"It's...um...I can't explain this way. Please come."

"Now?"

"As soon as you can. And Hermione's asking for you too so please hurry."

At the mention of her sister, Rachele was now fully awake. "Alright give me a few minutes." She finished before turning to the sleeping form next her and gently shaking her shoulder.

"Claudia. Claudia wake up."

Claudia's sleepy golden eyes blinked up at her. "Rach...what time is it?"

"It's just after six. Sorry it's so early, but I need you to watch over things for a little while."

Claudia sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Why what's wrong?"

Rachele sighed. "It's Harry. He needs me for something, it sounded urgent."

Claudia stared at her. "Oh...are you going right now?"

Rachele nodded. "Yeah. Can you explain where I am to Robbie and Ginny?"

Claudia smiled. "Of course."

Rachele grinned. "Thanks. I'll be back as soon as I can." And before Claudia could blink again her best friend disappeared from the room with her usual flash of purple. Now fully awake she figured she'd go find the others. She rose to her feet, gave her body a nice full stretch before beelining her way out of the dorms and downstairs to the common room.

When Rachele found Harry, she discovered that not only were they in a different location but they had also travelled quite a ways from where they were in the past couple of months.

'That's a hell of a lot of walking.' She thought idly as she approached their camping site. Sitting on a log just outside the tent was Hermione and Rachele couldn't help noticing the girl looked rather depressed.

"Hermione?" She asked warily.

Hermione looked up and tears immediately gathered in her eyes. She shot to her feet, bolted to Rachele and clung to her tightly with her face buried in her shoulder. Startled and concerned, Rachele hugged her back whilst stroking her hair comfortingly.

"Hey...what's the matter?" She asked softly but only received a shake of the head. They must've made a commotion since Harry popped his head out and seemed beyond relieved to see the other girl there.

"Rach...thank Merlin you're here."

Rachele looked at him, at Hermione than back at Harry. "Did something happen?" She looked around. "Where's Ron?" Her question only caused Hermione to cling to her tighter and Harry to clench his fists. Her eyebrows furrowed with worry. "What did I miss?" It was then that Harry's emerald eyes connected with hers showing every ounce of the emotional turmoil he was in.

"Ron's gone."

End of Chapter

Just a random chapter with Rachele zipping back and forth between the school and checking on Harry. Also a nice demonstration of how effective her healing abilities are. Even if a person is an inch from death, as long as they're technically alive Rachele can heal them back to health in an instant.

Upcoming drama with Ron's disappearance. HP fans are aware of what's coming.

See ya then!