Rachele takes the liberty of visiting certain people in the search of some closure and acceptance.

Enjoy!

Chapter Eight – Confrontations

Rachele cracked her knuckles determinedly, leering hard at the large double door in front of her. It's not like she was nervous, but there was no doubt the people living here would be a challenge to persuade. The previous evening over dinner, she had announced to Claudia that she intended on visiting the girl's parents. Claudia had almost choked on the potato she was eating.

"Why do you want to do that?" Claudia asked horrified.

Rachele put her fork down. "Well, maybe they care just a little that you're doing okay?"

Claudia shook her head with a frown. "They wouldn't care if I had died at Hogwarts."

"Some parents." Rachele deadpanned. "I guess I was just curious about how you turned out so different from them. Ya know...with a heart and all."

Claudia smiled. "Because they gave all their attention to Gertrude, I was mostly cared for by the servants."

Rachele gawked. "Servants? How rich are your parents?"

Claudia shrugged. "Not rich enough for their standards apparently."

Rachele leaned forward. "What would you say to paying them a visit? I've been meaning to meet them."

Claudia stared at her plate. "It's better if you go alone. If they see me they won't let either of us in."

Rachele held her hand. "If that's what you want."

Claudia looked back up. "Oh actually there's one more thing. My parents won't let just anyone in." She beckoned her to come forward. "So here's what you do..."

Bringing herself back to the present, Rachele gave a deep breath. "Here goes nothing." She raised her hand and gave the door three loud knocks. Not a minute later, it was answered by a young maid.

"Can I help you miss?" She asked politely.

Rachele smiled. "Yes please. I'm here to speak to Natasha and Theodore Clarken."

There was a slight flicker of fear in the maids eyes before she gave a small curtsie. "Of course. Please wait a moment." She requested before walking away. It was a few minutes later when a tall, slim well dressed woman came to the door. She glared down at the young teenager with pure distaste like she'd smelt something rotten. Rachele could clearly see where Claudia inherited her striking golden eyes, minus the cold, murderous glow her mother possessed. So this was Natasha Clarken...lovely.

"We have no time for children." She snipped bluntly. "Be on your way."

Rachele put on a fake smile. "I'm sorry to intrude ma'am. But I'm a representative from the Ministry of Magic on behalf of employees hired by nobility such as yourself. I would like to have a word with your staff."

The older woman scoffed. "My servants do not concern you little girl. I have no businesss associating with dirty desk workers."

Rachele kept her smile on, despite the irritation building up inside her. "I promise it won't take long. I need to interview each of them and gain individual perpectives in the life of a servant. I'm just doing my job."

Natasha sneered. "Well then, it's such a shame that you'll be getting fired."

Rachele sighed. Guess it was time to resort to desperate measures. She thought back to the advice Claudia had given her.

"So here's what you do..." Claudia began. "You'll have to take advantage of the only thing my family's ever cared about."

"Themselves?" Rachele said sarcastically.

Claudia smiled. "Status. Unless you're someone with a title, or linked to a person of a high rank, they won't care less. Whether it's rank or power, you'll have their attention."

Rachele tapped her chin. "So I have to have a high status huh?" She grinned. "I have just the thing..."

"Now get off my property, before I call security!" Natasha snarled at her. She turned her back on the teenager and was about to slam the door when Rachele spoke out.

"My grandfather would be extremely disappointed in you Mrs Clarken." She smiled when the woman halted in her tracks and looked back at her curiously.

"Grandfather?"

Rachele smiled again. "Yes ma'am. Sorry, I should've mentioned this sooner. I'm the grand-daughter of the late Albus Dumbledore."

Natasha stared wide-eyed at her. "You're related to Albus Dumbledore?" In an instant her entire persona flipped. A broad smile grew on her face and she hurried to open the door wide.

"Where are my manners? Please come in! Welcome to the wonderful house of the Clarken family! Theodore darling! We have a special guest!"

Bewildered and amused by her change in tone, Rachele stepped into the foyer which was bigger than her living room. 'Sweet Merlin, how do people live like this?'

Footsteps thudded briskly down the hall and Claudia's father stepped into view. He held the likeness of a strict, no nonsense gentleman. His black hair was slicked back and he had the same cruel green eyes as his eldest daughter. He was slightly on the bulky side but he held himself with great superiority. He looked upon Rachele with utter disregard.

"Who is this? Since when do we let homeless children into our home?" His voice was emotionless and cold.

Rachele rose an eyebrow. 'Homeless?' Her clothes were relatively new.

"Dear...this is...um..." She looked at the younger girl. "What is your name child?"

"Rachele Sullivan."

"Right yes! Rachele! She is Albus Dumbledore's grand-daughter! Isn't this a delight?"

Theodore didn't look so convinced. "I don't recall any record of him having grand-children. Let alone any children for that matter." He glared at Rachele. "Where's your proof girl?"

Rachele smiled again. Smart bugger. "You won't find any record of me anywhere Mr. Clarken. Albus kept my identity hidden for personal reasons. Very few people know we're related."

Theodore's look darkened. "You won't take another step until you prove you're his grand-daughter!"

Rachele's smile vanished. "Fine...you want proof? Here!" Her eyes flashed as she projected a invisible shockwave from her body. Both adults staggered backwards in shock.

"Wha...How...Wand?" Natasha stuttered.

Rachele smirked. "Where's my wand you ask? Well actually I find those rather unnecessary."

Her demonstration may not have shown her ties to her grand-father, but it was clear to both of them this girl was someone not to be taken lightly. They now stared down at her in shock and fear, and even a hint of respect.

"Now then." Rachele smiled. "May I speak to your servants please?"

Theodore frowned. "Why would you want to waste your time with those filthy commoners?" He extended his arm. "We have a lovely home with much to show you! Surely one of your...talents...would much rather bask in the pleasures of luxury, instead of rolling around in the mud with some pigs."

Rachele's eye twitched at how he insulted such hard-working people. "I am under orders here Mr Clarken. So you can either let me do my job, or I can inform the Minister of Magic that you wasted not only my time...but his as well. And you don't want to be on his bad side do you?" She grinned at the look of panic on his face. Claudia informed her of her fathers high paying job at the Ministry and how much groveling and bribing he did to the Minister. By threatening his reputation at his work-place she could pry anything she wanted out of him.

"I-um...no." Theodore hesitated. "Servants quarters are down the stairs near the basement."

Rachele smiled and curtsied. "Thank you very much." She walked past them and down the hall, barely holding back laughter at their stunned expressions. She wandered through the mansion for a little while until she finally found the stairs leading to the basement. They were rather steep and descended down in a spiraly pattern. She tred them carefully, not wanting to disturb anyone who was working. She could hear the flurry of activity as she reached the ground floor, butlers and maids alike rushing about to accomplish their daunting tasks. They were so caught up in their business, they either ignored or didn't notice their new guest. Rachele turned into the kitchen where there was at least a dozen or more chefs slaving over hot stoves.

'Don't those monsters upstairs let them rest?'

"Excuse me young lady? May I help you?"

Rachele looked up at a well dressed butler who was studying her carefully. His body was straight and stiff, and his face was a blank wall. But she could see kindness in his eyes, and as she sensed further, a gentle and compassionate soul.

She smiled. "Yes thank you. I'd like to speak to whomever is in charge."

He lifted his head slightly. "That would be me miss, I'm the head butler."

Rachele's smiled widened. "Wonderful!" She held out her hand. "I'm Rachele Sullivan! Pleasure to meet you."

The butler politely nodded. "My name is Ernest, Miss Sullivan. But it is not proper to shake the hands of the guests of our Lord and Lady."

Rachele grinned. "I'm not technically their guests." She lowered her voice. "I kinda lied my face off to get down here."

Ernest rose an eyebrow. "Why would the young lady go to such decieving lengths to visit lowly servants such as us?"

She glanced around before leaning in. "I'm here on behalf of Claudia Clarken."

His eyes widened ever so slightly. 'That seemed to grab his attention.' He looked around before gesturing behind him. "Follow me." He led her into his back study, firmly closing the door behind them. They didn't see a pair of fearful eyes watch them before disappearing and racing up the stairs to report to her Ladyship.

"So Miss Sullivan..." Ernest started as he sat at his desk and her across from him. "You are acquainted with Miss Clarken. How so?"

Rachele smiled. "I met her at Hogwarts. She's my best friend."

He peered at her carefully. "I see. How did you become so close?"

"I spent years protecting her from her sister. That's how we met, ya see. I walked in on Gertrude abusing her." Rachele eyes glazed over as she thought back through her school years. "At first I just did what I could to keep her safe. It wasn't until our fifth year I found out about her parents disowning her, and that she'd been living at the school ever since."

Ernest nodded. "You know about that then."

Rachele grinned. "Of course. As soon as I found out, I didn't hesitate to take her in.

She's been living with me ever since."

Ernest smiled slightly. "It's good that she has a good friend to rely on."

Rachele looked at him curiously. "Did you know Claudia well?"

He nodded sadly. "The staff and I helped raise her since her parents wanted nothing to do with her. Of course it was only based on the conditions and scheduling that best suited them. Emotional attachment was out of the question."

Rachele smiled at him. "But you loved her anyway, didn't you?"

Ernest sighed deeply. "She grew to be such a sweet thing. Nothing like her parents or that deranged sister of hers. She was always kind to us."

Rachele nodded in agreement. "Don't forget quiet and shy. Took me a while to get her to open up around me."

Ernest looked at her in surprise. "You're saying she's out there and confident?"

Rachele laughed. "I wouldn't go that far. She's still very timid at times. But she's gained many friends and that's taught her to speak more freely."

Ernest leaned back and rested his head on his chair. "I'm happy to hear that. So happy..."

Rachele stood up. "I should be going. I have more errands to run."

Ernest rose with her, and surprisingly, held out his hand, which she took immediately. "I cannot thank you enough Miss Sullivan. Miss Clarken was alone and frightened for a very long time. We feared she wouldn't survive through these years of torture. I'm glad she has at last found a sister she deserves."

Rachele smiled. "You are most welcome. Claudia is my dearest friend, and I love her very much. I promise I'll keep her happy."

He smiled back and offered a low bow. "Then I place her in your hands. Take care of her Miss Sullivan."

Rachele waved her hand. "Enough formality. It's Rachele to you, okay? Besides...I am only Muggleborn you know." She sniggered at his shocked expression.

"Do the Lord and Lady know?"

"That I'm Muggleborn?" She snorted. "Nope."

There was a hint of amusement on his face. "I see...safe journey then, Miss Rachele."

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Sure thing." She saluted him with a wink. "See ya round Ernest." She trekked back up the many stairs leading to the main household. As she came to the main landing, she was acutely aware of how quiet it was. Deciding it was probably wise to avoid the Lord and Lady, she carefully snuck through the long hall which led back to the front room. She was metres from the door when there was shriek from behind her.

"YOU! Filthy lying little piece of garbage! Get over here!"

Rachele turned startled to face Natasha whose face looked so murderous, she was sure even Voldemort would feel a little intimidated. "Uh...is there a problem ma'am?" Rachele had a inkling as to why she was so livid, but it didn't really bother her much. She did what she came to do, and she wasn't in the least bit scared of this snobbish woman.

"You LIED to us! You're not working for the Ministry! Nor are you Albus Dumbledore's grand-daughter!"

Rachele smiled. "You're half right. I don't work for the Ministry, I can't stand those idiots. And I'm actuallyAlbus's adopted grand-daughter. He took me in when I was a baby and raised me. But, biologically speaking, nowhere near related." She tilted her head. "Buuut that's not the real reason you wanna kill me is it?"

Theodore stepped out from behind his wife, his face dark with rage. "You're friends with our...that-" He growled. "That shameful piece of dirt we unfortunately reprodcued.

Rachele looked at him, her eyes flashing dangerously. "Don't you dare talk about Claudia that way."

"Don't speak that name in our presence!" Natasha screamed. "Claudia Clarken is DEAD! We only have one daughter, and she is our pride and joy!"

"ENOUGH!"

Two adults froze with utter fear as the house shook from the girl's raw power. Rachele stepped towards them, her eyes flickering between green and black. "I'm not going to stand here and listen to a couple of stuck up wankers bad-mouth my best friend."

Natasha looked apalled that someone dared insult her. "You insolent little...you dare address your superiors so disrespectfully!"

Rachele glared at her. "You think you're all that because you own a big house and lots of money? The only high and mighty thing about you lot is the pole rammed up your backsides!"

Theodore sneered. "Now I see, can't believe I didn't sense it earlier. Only the lowest of scum would associate themselves with that miserable good for nothing offspring." He withdrew his wand and aimed it at her throat. "Isn't that right, Mudblood?"

Rachele put a hand to her cheek. "Oh heavens, guess the secrets out then. Whatever shall I do now?" She grinned cheekily when his wife pointed her wand as well. "Uh oh...looks like I'm outnumbered."

"Get out of our house you putrid little rat!" Natasha snarled. "If we see you and that putrid little disease again, you'll be sorry!"

Rachele could tolerate being insulted; she was used to it with being Muggleborn. But after the lifetime of mistreatment these people had inflicted on Claudia, and the fact they've done nothing but tarnish her name since she knocked on their door; whatever little patience she had until then vanished in a puff of smoke. Her bright green eyes were gone, in their place two soul-less black pits. An unseen force sent the two adults across the room and pinned them high against the wall. They looked down to see the younger girl surrounded by angry writhing purple energy.

"You will listen to me very carefully. I don't care if you're the damn Queen of England. You come anywhere near Claudia or ANY of my family and I'll destroy your lives so fast you'll be on the streets before you can even blink!" Her merciless ebony eyes leered threateningly at them. "Do I make myself clear?"

Two pairs of eyes stared down at her in awe. "Crystal." Theodore gasped out next to his speechless wife. Very slowly they were gently lowered to the ground. Rachele's black orbs returned to their usual green and the purple aura disappated. Most people would tremble in terror after witnessing such immense power, but the two Clarkens reactions were quite the opposite. The moment they were on the ground, they instantly dropped to their knees.

Rachele stared at them. "What the hell are you doing?"

Theodore gazed up at her with adoration. "We apologize for angering you. Please forgive us. Take our money, as much as you like."

Rachele grimaced. "I won't accept bribes Clarken. I came to speak to the staff and I've done that." She turned her back on them. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a life to get back to." Without another glance at either of them, she left, the double doors crashing behind her.

Upon returning home, Rachele sought out Claudia and left out no detail of her rather eventful visit to the Clarken mansion. Claudia profusely apologised for her parents behaviour but was quickly waved off. Rachele was used to a life-time of ridicules and discrimination just for simply being Muggleborn.

"I still can't believe their your parents." She growled. "What they said about you...Merlin Claudia, I can't even repeat it. It was awful, I've never been so angry in my life."

Claudia shrugged. "It doesn't matter anymore."

Rachele rubbed her neck. "There is one thing that weirded me out though."

Claudia looked at her curiously. "What's that?"

"When I first rocked up, your mother looked at me like I was some kind of vermin from the sewers. Then I told her I was related to Dumbledore, and suddenly I'm the bloody Duchess of Cambridge."

Claudia laughed. "I did say all that matters to them is power. You're the grand-daughter of one of the most powerful wizards in history. Nothing much beats that."

Rachele cringed. "Well...unfortunately they caught on somehow that I was lying. Still not sure how that happened."

Claudia frowned. "I think I know. My mother always submitted her Lady Maids into a sense of loyalty. Whether it was by bribery or just threats, they never ever disobey her."

Rachele furrowed her brow. "What's your point?"

"It's possible her current maid overheard you speaking with Ernest. If she did, three guesses who she reported it to."

Rachele groaned. "Oh great, bloody eavesdropper. That explains what happened next."

Claudia nodded. "Go on."

"When I came back up, I couldn't find anyone. So I thought it best if I just left. I was about to leave but your lovely mother came out of nowhere screaming all these obsceneties at me. Accused me of lying, calling me filth, blah blah blah..." She rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I didn't see the point of hiding anymore so I told the truth. Your father wasn't too far behind her, he was pretty angry too."

Claudia sighed. "All because you knew me."

Rachele placed an arm around her as she continued. "Wanna know the weirdest part? They knew we were friends. They knew I was Muggleborn. They were about ready to throw me to the dogs."

Claudia grinned slightly. "Then you went all 'guardian' on them."

Rachele frowned. "I'm serious Claudia. They're horrible people. The things they said were utterly despicable." She shook her head. "Then it got...freaky? I'm not sure what happened."

Claudia smiled. "I can guess. After seeing how powerful you are, they literally went to their knees and offered you money."

Rachele rose an eyebrow. "Well yeah..."

"It's exactly like I said. They worship anyone with great influence and reputation. Whether it's the Minister of Magic, or..." She gestured to Rachele. "...or a teenage girl with inmeasurable magical powers."

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Couple of arse-kissers."

Claudia gazed at her. "Rachele...what was the point? Why go through all that trouble?"

Rachele smiled. "You told me about that butler...Ernest...and the compassion he showed you. I wanted to let him know you were okay."

Claudia's smiled at her. "How is he?"

Rachele shrugged. "He's alright. He was more concerned about you." She smiled. "He's happy you have a life for yourself. Which I promised to keep that way."

Claudia leaned over to give her a hug. "Thank you."

Rachele smiled into her shoulder. "Anything for my sis."

(The next afternoon)

Rachele took a deep breath as she stared at her reflection. She wore a simple green v-neck and slim black jeans. She wore her hair out, letting it cascade in long waves to the middle of her back. She released her breath with a shaky exhale. She shouldn't be nervous. This was her boyfriend's home; she'd been there before. But this was different.

The evening following the confrontation with Claudia's parents, Robert had telepathitcally invited her to a official dinner with his entire family. He told her he had spoken with his father, who insisted on meeting his son's girlfriend. He had also invited Robert's siblings who grudgingly agreed to be there.

Rachele looked over at the sound of knocking. "Come in."

Claudia walked in. "Hey. You ready?" She looked the older girl over. "You look really pretty. It'll turn Robert into a puddle."

Rachele giggled. "That's reassuring. Well I better head out." Her best friend wished her luck as she flashed away into the night.

She reappeared moments later in front of another pair of large double doors. She reached up and banged loudly with the door knocker. She chuckled at the irony of her two best friends both originating from filthy rich families. The door swung open to reveal the beaming face of Miranda Kordellus. 'Well at least one of the mothers likes me.' She thought bemusedly as the woman pulled her into a smothering hug.

"Rachele darling! It's been much too long! Come, come! Everyone's been dying to meet you!"

She practically dragged Rachele through the house and into their gigantic living room where they found Robert conversing with who Rachele guessed were his older siblings. His father was nowhere to found.

"Robert dearest!" Miranda called out to her youngest. "Look who's here!"

Robert looked up and smiled widely. "Rach! You're here!" He shot to his feet and hurried over to greet his girlfriend. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and Rachele responded enthusiastically. It had only been a couple of days since they left the Burrow, but to Rachele it had felt like an eternity since she enjoyed the warmth of his embrace.

"I'm so glad you could come." He whispered happily.

She smiled and discreetly pecked his cheek. "Me too. I missed you."

Robert backed away with a grin. "Come with me." He held her hand and gently pulled her further into the room, over to the two people waiting on the couch.

"Rachele, please meet my sister Reina..." Reina inclined her head politely but said nothing. Rachele returned the gesture respectively.

"And my brother Richard." Richard was more friendly and smoothly took Rachele's hand. "You can call me Rick, love." He gave her a wink. "You're a pretty little flower aren't ya?"

Rachele pulled back her hand with a awkward laugh. "Thanks...I guess." She noticed her boyfriend shooting his brother a dark look. "It's nice to meet you both."

"You're Muggleborn aren't you?"

Robert glared at his sister's blunt statement. "Reina! Not now!"

Rachele turned to her with a hand on his arm. "Yes. I am. I have nothing to hide from any of you."

Rick grinned approvingly. "Muggleborn, Shmuggleborn...I like her. You're a lucky bugger little brother. She's definitely a keeper." He waggled his eyebrows at Rachele.

Robert sighed. "Yeah sure...thanks Rick. Just please stop hitting on my girlfriend."

Rachele smiled. "Relax Robbie, I can handle him."

"So you're the Muggleborn tramp I've heard about."

Rachele rose an eyebrow at the person that just walked in. He was the spitting image of Robert with the exception of subtle grey streaks through his dark hair, and his look of repugnance as he locked eyes with her.

"Father!" Robert growled. "Don't be rude! She's our guest!" He was halted by a gentle hand on his elbow.

"It's okay Robbie." Rachele reassured him before walking over to the older man. "Good evening Mr Kordellus. I am Rachele Sullivan. It's a pleasure to finally meet Robbie's father. I've heard good things about you."

All she got was a glare. "Is this what you do to rich families girl? Kiss up to them?"

Rachele smiled. "Course not. I don't kiss arses of idiots with god complexes."

Robert gawked at his girlfriend in shock; no one had ever spoken to his father that way and gotten away with it. Behind him, Reina looked purely horrified while Rick was failing to hold back his snickering.

Before her husband could explode, Miranda stepped inbetween them. "I apologise for that unnecessary episode Rachele. This is my husband, and Robert's father, Jacob Kordellus." She turned to Jacob. "Darling...you know this is your son's lady love, so please make an effort. Okay?"

Jacob scoffed. "I'm not making any effort until I know this blood-tarnished child can prove herself worthy of dating Robert."

Rachele's eyebrows shot up. "Prove myself?"

Robert stepped in front of her, waving his hands frantically. "Father please. Don't don't do anything rash. You'll regret it."

Rachele looked at her boyfriend. "What are you talking about?"

Jacob held his head up. "This family has held a tradition for centuries; when an outsider wants to marry someone within our family. They must first prove they are worthy to be a life-long partner."

Rachele shrugged. "Alright. What must I do then?"

Jacob grinned. "You must accept any request given by one of the parents. No matter what it is." He pointed at her. "And I will be the one to challenge you!"

Rachele blinked. "Okay...what's the challenge then?"

Robert laughed nervously. "Really Father...this isn't necessary. You don't have to do this."

Jacob ignored him. "I, Jacob Carson Kordellus, challenge you, Rachele...uh..."

"Elizabeth." Rachele told him.

"...Rachele Elizabeth Sullivan...to a magical duel!"

Robert face-palmed. "Merlin what a nightmare."

Rachele smirked. "Okay then. I accept."

Rick laughed. "You got guts girl!"

Reina glared. "Shut up idiot. I think she's a fool. Father is the best magic user in our family. She won't last ten seconds."

Robert overheard her comment and cringed. 'More like he won't last ten seconds. They have no idea.'He leaned over to Rachele. "Go easy on him please."

Rachele smiled. "I will if he behaves."

Miranda sighed dramatically. "Can't we at least have dinner first?"

Jacob grinned excitedly. "Later. I must teach this girl a little lesson on respect."

Rachele gave him a dull look. "Gonna have to earn my respect, mate."

He glared. "Follow me. We'll use the gymnasium."

Rachele followed him, feeling amused. This was just meant to be a simple dinner. Now she has to duel her boyfriend's father? How things have escalated. He led her into a wide rectangular room. There was basic work-out gear scattered through the centre, which Jacob moved aside with a simple flick of his wand. There were several other contraptions around the room, but Rachele was drawn to the many various melee weapons mounted on the side wall. She smiled deviously as an idea came to her.

Robert, his mother and siblings all gathered around the viewing window in the next room. Miranda noticed the nervous expression on her son's face.

"Don't worry dear, I'm sure he won't hurt her too badly."

Robert glanced at her. "I'm not worried about Rachele getting hurt. Dad doesn't know what he's up against."

Miranda frowned. "Is there something about her you haven't told us?"

He jerked his head towards the gym. "Watch and you'll find out."

Back inside, Jacob instructed Rachele to stand still so he could get himself into position. He walked precisly twenty metres before whipping around with his wand raised. "Only two rules in this battle! First; You may use any weapon or tool you like!" He didn't see the corners of her mouth twitch upwards. "Second; The battle ends when one person surrenders! Understood?"

Rachele nodded and folded her arms. "Got it. Ready when you are."

Jacob noted her gesture and smiled to himself. "Cocky little girl. Doesn't even have her wand out yet."

Reina watched this with a confused frown. "What's wrong with her? Why doesn't she arm herself? Stupid child."

Robert didn't answer even though he knew the answer perfectly well. 'She's already armed.' He thought bemusedly.

"Get ready!" Jacob yelled. "Three...! He gripped his wand.

Rachele didn't move.

"Two...!"

She remained still.

"One! BEGIN!" He opened his mouth to cast a spell but suddenly froze, his wand hovering over his head. He tried moving, but found himself rooted to the spot. 'What? Why can't I move?'His breath hitched when he felt a sharp metal edge press against his throat. Forcing his eyes downwards, he saw it was a sword floating in mid-air and positioned directly underneath his neck. 'How is this...?' He looked across at Rachele and felt shock course through him.

She hadn't moved a single muscle. Her stance was firm, her arms were still folded and her face was stoic and unmoving. He risked a look into her green orbs and felt a chill run up his spine. They weren't blinking, and they were piercing right into his skull. They held such precise focus, with the likeness of a eagle locking onto it's prey.

Jacob could only stare in amazement. 'Was this her? Is she the reason I'm unable to move? Is she controlling the sword? But how...? What power is this?'

Back in the viewing room, Robert gave a careless shrug. "I told him it was a bad idea." Everyone else was watching the events unfold with utter bewilderment. Miranda held a hand over her mouth, Reina had a look of total disbelief while Rick was practically beaming with admiration.

"Dude! Who is this chick? That was like two seconds!" He turned to Robert. "What was that?"

Robert turned away with a sigh. "Let's go have dinner. We'll explain it then." He glanced back. "If it's what she wants."

Back in the gym, Rachele slowly walked over to her opponent with her hands locked behind her back. "So...do you yield?"

Jacob flinched when the blade pressed closer. He refused to show weakness, but even he knew when to surrender. He stubbornly looked away from her. "Fine. You win this time." The sword shifted away from him and floated back to it's sheath on the wall. He felt a presence wash over him and found he was able to move again.

Rachele smiled. "Great. Let's go find the others then." She bounced away towards the exit, most likely to find Robert.

Jacob stayed where he was as he watched her retreating figure. 'Rachele Sullivan...who the hell are you?'

Suffice to say, the tension at dinner was so thick, you could cut it with a butter knife. Rachele, however, was none the wiser to the awkward atmosphere and happily tucked into her meal. Robert picked at his food while secretly observing his father's behaviour. The poor man was suffering a major shock from the challenge, and not just from losing to a teenage girl. No one dared comment on what they witnessed and Robert was content to keep it that way. All he wished was for Rachele to be accepted for who she was. Magic or not.

The unnerving silence was cut off by an owl flapping into the room and landing on a nearby perch. It was a handsome brown and black owl with sharp amber eyes.

"That's Simon's owl." Reina said, politely excusing herself from the table. She walked over and plucked the letter from the owl's grip.

"That's her fiance." Robert told Rachele with an eye roll. "He's the reason we never see her anymore."

Rachele smiled. "It's not a bad thing. She's allowed to have her own life. I mean, she is marrying this guy."

Robert shrugged. "I guess."

Another sound went off, this time a ringing of a phone. Rick also excused himself, pulling out a mobile from his pocket as he left the room.

Rachele rose an eyebrow. "Why does he have a phone?"

Robert smiled. "Rick lives in the Muggle world. His girlfriend is a Muggle."

Rachele beamed. "Good for him!" She grinned. "That's why he's okay with us."

He chuckled. "It's also why him and Dad don't get on."

Rachele suddenly let out a yawn. "Merlin I'm sorry. I'm suddenly feeling drowsy. What time is it?"

"It's almost eight, my dear." Miranda answered.

Rachele stretched. "Wow already? I need to be getting home." She smiled at her boyfriend. "Walk me out?"

Robert stood and pulled her chair up as she rose to her feet. "Of course." He said offering her his hand. She took it, threading their fingers together as he led her to the front door, his parents close behind them.

Rachele gave a polite bow. "Thank you for your hospitality. I had a lovely time."

Miranda waved her hand. "Don't be so formal dear! Come give us a hug!" She pulled the girl in before she could object and squeezed her tightly. "You are welcome here anytime!"

Rachele struggled as she gasped for air. "Can't...breathe."

Robert saw her predicament and pulled his mother off her. "Watch it Mum, don't suffocate her." He checked over his girlfriend who assured him she was okay.

Miranda laughed. "I'm sorry, I get a little excited sometimes."

Robert glowered. "We noticed."

Rachele turned to Jacob, who just stared at her blankly. She offered him a curtsie. "I apologise for any contention I might've caused. I appreciate the time you gave to organise dinner for me."

Jacob shrugged and looked away. He didn't hate her anymore, but it would be a while before he warmed up to her. Miranda pulled her husband away which finally left the two teenagers alone.

Robert gazed down at her sadly. "Do you have to leave?"

Rachele slid her arms around his neck. "I'm sorry. Just a little worn out from today and yesterday."

Robert frowned. "What happened yesterday?"

She sighed loudly. "Visited Claudia's family."

He flinched. "That can't have gone over too well."

Rachele tilted her head side-to-side. "Eehhh it was...different. And bloody annoying."

Robert chuckled. "How did Claudia handle it?"

She waved her hand. "Oh no, she didn't come with me. Her parents want nothing to do with her."

Robert frowned. "Poor Claudia. Can't imagine being disowned by my family like that."

Rachele rested her forehead against his. "That's why we're her family now."

Robert hugged her tightly. "We sure are."

Rachele smiled sadly. "I have to go."

Robert sighed. "I know..."

They leaned in and touched lips. It didn't take long for the kiss to evolve into a passionate make out session. A minute later, they pulled away breathlessly.

"I'll see you in a few days." Rachele breathed.

Robert gazed into her eyes. "Promise?"

She kissed him once more. "Promise."

He kissed her forehead "I love you Gryffindor."

She smiled at the endearing nickname, remembering the distant memory when he first gave it to her. "I love you too." She reluctantly backed away while holding his hand. "Bye Robbie..." And she was gone. Robert remained where he was for a long time; his gaze never leaving the spot his girlfriend just stood, wishing she would reappear and stay with him forever.

"Bye..."

End of Chapter

So there you have it. Rachele spends her fair share of time meeting both Claudia and Robert's families. Please let me know what you all think of both sides.

One more chapter to go!

See ya then!