Everything is peaceful now that the several decade long war is finally over. But the world is still dim as the survivors await the revival of their dearest friend.

Enjoy!

Chapter Six – Awakening

A few days later

(The Burrow)

Six figures sat around a single bed in one of the house's spare rooms, silently watching over the still form of their sleeping friend. It had been three days since the war ended and she had shown no sign of waking up. Her boyfriend, Robert, had volunteered to carry her to the Weasley's home after they had graciously offered her a place to rest. While they insisted on looking after her, he had utterly refused to leave his lover's side. At that moment he was in the chair directly beside her, his hands clasped firmly around her limp one. One the other side sat her closest friend and roommate Claudia. She too had chosen to stay, not wanting to go home to a Racheleless house.

Sitting near her feet at the end of her bed was her trusted tabby familiar. After Robert had left him to fend for himself in the courtyard, Tiger had courageously fought on until the end. He had the time of his life when Rachele brought the mythical creatures to help, it gave him more of an excuse to ravish the throats of the dark wizards. It was he that finally brought down Fenrir Greyback, the half wolf/man monster that delighted in ripping out the necks of young children. It was a ferocious battle, Wolf versus Tiger, with claws buried into skin and teeth sinking into flesh. The giant cat eventually emerged the victor as he wrapped his jaw around Greybacks neck and pulled. He died slowly and painfully. It is hard to survive with half of your throat missing.

Tiger too was majorly injured, but thankfully with nothing critical. He would wait for his Mistress, she would heal him later. Unfortunately, the next time he laid eyes on her, she lay unconscious on a futon being watched over by the school nurse. Thankfully Claudia had calmy explained her condition before any panic could overtake him. Now, as he snuggled into her leg, he waited patiently for his treasured human to wake up and come back home.

Also accompanying her were Ginny, Harry, Ron and Hermione. The latter also chose to stay at the Burrow, first; to begin building her new flourishing relationship with Ron, and second; to watch over and protect her dearest sister, just like Rachele had done for her for many years.

Ron had finally accepted Robert as one of them. When they returned to the Burrow, the boys had a long chat about the friendship they were never able to have. Ron profusely apologized for his behaviour over the years and Robert was quick to forgive him with a handshake. It was the beginning of a new friendship that would last a lifetime.

Harry and Ginny, on the other hand, were virtually inseperable. Immediately following Voldemort's demise, Harry had pulled Ginny to the side and finally confessed his true feelings to her, to which she reciprocated fully. They agreed to find a home for themselves after Ginny had graduated. They had never been happier.

And then there was Rachele. For three days she remained still, the only evidence of life being the steady rise and fall of her chest. The room was dead quiet as her closest friends and loved ones watched over her, each one praying for a quick recovery. It just wasn't the same without her bubbly, perky and witty personality. The brightness she carried with her had dimmed down, like a sun being smothered by the misery of a stormy day.

Robert was one that was suffering the most. He missed her sparkling green orbs that lit up whenever something excited her. He missed her smile, especially the love-filled ones she saved for him. He missed her laugh, such a angelic sound he could listen to all day long. He missed her voice, the gentle kind words she spoke to those around her. As he gazed upon her face, he could feel the familiar sting of tears behind his lids, allowing a small one to roll down his cheek.

Across from him, Claudia watched him sorrowfully. She could do nothing to comfort him. He had barely acknowledged anyone since their first day here. He spent all his time with Rachele; holding her hand and pleading for her to come back to him. Today was no different. All she could do was offer her unwavering support, both to him and Rachele. And with that thought, she turned her gaze back to her best friend. She didn't show it, but not having Rachele around tortured her beyond comprehension. The older girl had been a constant for years now, protecting her, loving her, giving her a home and being the best sister she could be. She knew she would wake up, she was positive everything would be okay. So why...why did it hurt so much?

"Claudia?"

She looked over at Robert. He was looking at her now. He seemed concerned. "Are you okay?"

Claudia looked around to discover they were alone. "Where're the others?"

Robert shrugged as he looked back to Rachele. "Who knows. Got bored I suppose."

Claudia followed his gaze. She took the girl's other hand with a sad sigh. "I miss her."

Robert nodded slightly. "Yeah...me too."

It grew silent once more. The hours flew by with no movement. The orange glow of the setting sun poured through the window, offering a blanket to the three occupants in the room. Two of them were awake only a short while ago, acting as guardians for the one who was close, and yet so far beyond their reach. Now they joined her in the land of slumber, their hands still grasping each one of hers.

And together...they dreamed.

A week later.

"SOMEBODY HELP!"

Footsteps thundered up the stairs at the sound of panicked shouting coming from the spare room before the door burst open revealing Hermione Granger. "What's going on?"

Robert was hunched over the bed while Claudia stood back with her hands clamped over her mouth. The former looked at her desperately. "I don't know what to do." He shuffled aside to reveal the situation at hand. For the past ten days, Rachele had been as unconscious as the day she fell to the Shadow Blade; at least until that morning. Robert had woken to a sudden jerking on his right hand to find his girlfriend thrashing violently in her sleep. He and Claudia had tried for several minutes to calm her down but it was no use, which resorted to him yelling for help.

Hermione stared in horror at her sister's rapid state. "What's wrong with her?"

Robert shook his head while he kept a firm grip on Rachele's arms. But she was shaking so much he wasn't sure how much longer he could hold on. Poor Claudia remained frozen with wide eyes locked on her best friend. Seeing Rachele suffering such pain frightened her beyond words, and yet she was unable to look away.

"Rachele!" Robert called out. "Rach! Gryffindor!"

Rachele's eyelids flew open revealing bright eyes flashing like a green flame burning in the dead of night. Her back began arching high off the mattress, her mouth wide open in a silent scream.

Robert let her go and backed away. "What the..."

Hermione stepped next to him. "What's happening?"

Claudia jumped back with a squeak. "Rachele..."

A hazy shadow began lifting from her body. The ominous presence was clearly resisting the forced expulsion, refusing to lose to the light inside her. But it was no match to the pure magic that was determined to protect it's master. With a loud gasp and flash from her eyes, the evil presence that had invaded her for so long was finally forced from her body. After being considerably weakened and without a vessel to hold onto, the dark energy writhed in the air for a moment before disintergrating altogether.

The three friends looked down at Rachele who had slumped back onto the bed with a heavy exhale. Robert rushed over to check on her. "Rach? Are you okay? Can you hear me?" No response. She had withdrawn back into her coma as though her seizure had never occurred. But Robert could see there was a definite change. Her skin protuded a healthier glow and her breathing was steadier.

"What was that thing?" He pondered aloud.

Hermione shook her head. "I have no idea. It was creepy whatever it was."

"It was the spirit of the Shadow Blade." They looked at Claudia who had finally broken out of her fearful trance.

Robert growled. "That damn nasty blighter was inside her this whole time?"

Claudia nodded. "That's why she's been asleep for so long. The magic from that blade is just as old and powerful as hers is. It can't have been easy to fight an opponent who matched her strength."

"But it's gone now." Hermione said. "She beat it. It's dead."

"So she'll wake up soon right?" Robert asked hopefully.

Claudia shrugged. "I think that's up to her."

Robert collapsed back into his chair, suddenly feeling rather exhausted. He took Rachele's hand again and began rubbing small circles on the back on it with his thumb. The girls decided to leave him be with Claudia saying she'll come check on them later. Robert was now alone. He kept his gaze upon Rachele's face, willing her eyes to open and show him the love he's been despairingly missing.

"Rachele...you need to wake up. Please...I love you." He pressed her hand to his forehead. "Please Rachele..." His eyes were clenched shut during his desperate prayer, so he didn't notice the twitch of one of her fingers."

"Rachele..."

Rachele glanced around her. She couldn't see anything. It was pitch black. But she swore she heard someone call her name.

"Hello? Is someone there?"

"You need to wake up..."

The voice became clearer. "Robbie? Is that you?"

"Please...I love you..."

She smiled. "I love you too!"

"Please Rachele..."

Her smile disappeared. Couldn't he hear her? "Robbie! I'm here! I'm okay!"

"Rachele..."

She panicked. His voice was fading away. "No! Wait! Come back!"

"Rach..."

She reached out desperately to find him. But he wasn't there. He was gone.

"ROBBIE!"

(Four days later)

After the turn of events involving the seizure, Rachele continued to remain dormant. And yet her two best friends sat by her bedside, never giving up hope that she would soon wake up.

They took turns keep watching through the night, but the broken sleep eventually took it's toll on them both. They succumbed to their fatigue in the hours close to dawn, Robert kneeling next to the bed with his head resting on the mattress and Claudia curled into a tiny ball on her chair. It was only a few hours later when a pair of eyelids shifted followed by a soft groan.

"Robbie..."

Robert's head shot up at the unexpected sound. His eyes darted over to see his girlfriend stirring. Slowly, her eyes peeled open only to shut again to shield themselves from the sun's morning glare.

"Rachele? Can you hear me?"

She blinked several times to adjust to the light. "W-where am I...?" She groaned. "Merlin...I feel awful." She turned her head and squinted. "Robbie?"

Robert beamed at her. "Thank heavens. I've been so worried."

She smiled weakly. "Good to know. Can you help me up?"

Robert held her shoulders as he helped her into a sitting position. "How're you feeling?"

Rachele reached up to rub her shoulder. "Um...groggy...sore...bloody hell and thirsty as all heck. Could you get me some water?"

Robert chuckled. His precious Rachele was back. "Not a problem. But before that..." He pointed to the other side of the bed. Rachele looked over and smiled softly. Claudia was curled up in her chair, using her arms as a pillow and completely dead to the world.

"She's barely slept." Robert explained with a frown. "Neither of us have."

Rachele looked back at him. "Why? I'm fine aren't I?"

Robert grasped her hand. "Rachele...you've been in a coma."

She shrugged. "I know. I started it. Wait..." She stared at him. "How long?"

Robert sighed. "A couple of weeks."

Rachele fell back into her pillow. "Damn...sure doesn't feel that long inside my head." She turned when she heard a mumble coming from Claudia as the younger girl started to wake.

Rachele smiled. "Morning sleepy-head."

Claudia sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Mornin..." She replied not realizing who was speaking to her. She froze mid-stretch and looked at Rachele with utter disbelief. "You...you...you're awake."

Rachele grinned. "Indeed I am."

Claudia's bottom lip trembled before she launched from her chair and pounced on Rachele with open arms. "You're awake!"

Rachele laughed as she hugged her best friend close. "I'm sorry I scared you."

The floodgates opened wide as tears poured down Claudia's face. "I-(sniff)- missed you so much."

Rachele stroked her hair. "Thank you for watching over me." She looked over at Robert. "I may not have been conscious, but I could sense you were both near me." She smiled warmly. "I've always known you were right here by my side."

Robert sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped an arm around her. "And we'll always be here." He told her with a kiss on the forehead.

Rachele leaned into him, keeping both arms wound around Claudia who still clung on to her tightly. She was back where she belonged. And this time...she was here to stay.

Word spread through the Burrow like wild-fire that Rachele was finally up. Hermione was the first to scramble into the room and jump on her much like Claudia did. The twins laughed joyfully at being reunited for the first time after the war ended; at long last they could be sisters and nothing and nobody was going to stop them.

Ginny was next. She managed to conceal her emotions a little better but still offered a hug anyway. With a huge smile she relayed to Rachele her plan to live with Harry after completing school. Rachele beamed brightly before pulling her in for another hug; she couldn't be more happy for them.

One by one she was visited by all of her friends, spending a few good solid hours chatting to each individual. She was relieved to learn of Ron's change of heart towards Robert and that the boys had now become rather good friends. She could feel the calmer atmosphere the war's end had brought to them all.

She was in the middle of some small talk with Ginny when she was cut off by her stomach growling loudly. Everyone chuckled at her while she grinned sheepishly. "Hey I've been sleeping for two weeks. Cut me some slack." Harry, Ron and Robert volunteered to bring her some lunch to allow Rachele some quality time with the girls. When they re-entered the room a little later, (Robert carrying a breakfast tray with a plate full of food,) Rachele was in the middle of telling a joke. Hermione and Ginny were lying on the bed and clutching their stomachs as they roared with laughter while Claudia buried her giggles into her hands.

"What the bloody hell?" Ron said in bewilderment.

Rachele grinned at the boys. "Hey guys! Ooooooh is that my lunch?" She asked eyeing the tray her boyfriend was holding.

Robert smiled and nodded. "Sure is. Here." He placed it on her lap.

Rachele looked down at her plate. There was eggs on toast, sausages and mashed potato. She felt her mouth water. "Damn...that looks good."

Harry chuckled. "Mrs Weasley made it. She knows you haven't eaten in two weeks so she wanted to do something special."

Rachele smiled. "Aawww I'll have to thank her later. Now if you'll excuse me" She picked up her knife and fork. "I have a lucious meal to dig into."

"Hey Rach. Can I talk to you when you're done?" Harry asked.

She nodded as she took a large bite. "Mmmhmm."

Hermione stood up from the bed. "Alright people. Let's leave her Highness to her feast." With the exception of Claudia, they all filed one at a time from the room. Rachele waved goodbye to them before turning to her plate. "Man this is good grub."

Claudia smiled. "Mrs Weasley is a really good cook."

Rachele swallowed some egg and nodded. "Too right. This is amazing."

Claudia propped her elbow on the bed and leaned her cheek on her hand. "So when're you getting out of bed?"

Rachele looked at her. "After I'm done here I guess. I'm feeling a bit restless."

Claudia rose an eyebrow. "Even after a two week coma?"

Rachele grinned. "I heal fast."

Claudia giggled. "That's true."

Rachele finished off the last bit of scraps before letting her cutlery drop onto the plate. "Aaahhh I feel better." She patted her stomach. "Tummy is all happy now!"

Claudia stood up and grabbed the tray. "Let me take that."

Rachele frowned. "Hey...you don't have to-"

"I want to." Claudia cut her off. "You focus on getting back on your feet."

Rachele sighed. "Fine. Okay here goes." She threw the covers aside and swung her legs to the side. She planted her feet on the ground and very slowly, pushed herself up. She straightened herself to full height then turned to Claudia with a grin.

"See? No sweat."

Claudia smiled. "Good to have you up and about again."

Rachele took a deep breath. "It feels good. Now..." She smirked. "Let's go freak out the others." She walked out of the room with a cackle.

Claudia followed her, shaking her head. Her best friend could be very cruel at times.

(Downstairs in the kitchen.)

"How's our girl doing Harry dear? Did she eat her lunch?"

Harry smiled. "She's doing okay Mrs Weasley."He chuckled. "Yeah she ate it. She was practically foaming at the mouth when she saw it."

Molly laughed. "She still has that healthy appetite I see."

Harry grinned. "I still wonder where she puts it all."

Ginny raced into the room. "Harry...you need to get in here."

Harry looked at her. "Why? What's wrong?"

She pointed behind her. "It's Rachele. She came downstairs!"

Mollys hands flew to her face. "Oh the silly girl! She should be resting!"

They rushed to the living room and indeed there was Rachele. She was sitting on the couch laughing her head off.

"You should've seen your faces! Hahahahahaha!"

Harry frowned. "Wait...what...? He glanced around the room. Robert sat next to his girlfriend with his face buried in his hands. Hermione had her arms crossed and was facing away looking affended. Claudia, who had come down with Rachele, just smiled in amusement at the situation.

A disgruntled Ron walked up to him. "Ignore her Harry. She's a devious little demon."

Molly looked around. "What happened in here?"

"She pretended to be all weak and crippled. Came in here hobbling like some crooked old man. Course we all freaked and went over to help." He glared at the giggling brunette. "Then she just stood up straight and said she was fine! Bloody cruel that was!"

Rachele grinned. "Hello? Overpowered healing abilities here. You guys should've known better." She turned to her boyfriend whose face was still pressed into his palms. "Especially you."

"That's why I'm so embarrased." Came the muffled response. "I feel like an idiot."

Ginny, however, was the only one unaffected by her prank. If anything, she was impressed. She walked over and gave Rachele a well deserved high-five. "Brilliant."

Rachele grinned. "Glad someone appreciates the art of mischief."

Molly clapped her hands. "Alright let's settle down. Thank you dear." She said to Claudia who handed the tray to her. "I'm glad you're feeling better Rachele."

Rachele smiled. "Thank you for lunch Molly. It was delicious."

Molly beamed. "Anytime my dear!

Rachele gave a long stretch before jumping to her feet. "I think I'll go for a walk! Harry you wanna come with? You said you wanted to talk to me."

Harry nodded. "Yeah I did.

They headed out the backdoor, assuring Molly they'd be back in time for dinner. While Harry never told her outright, she could sense much of this talk would circulate around the late war. And if she was honest with herself, she really wasn't looking forward to it.

End of Chapter

Rachele is awake and all is well! But it's not the end yet! There are still a few loose ends before I wrap this story up for good.

See you next time!