It has been a long ride writing, editing and posting this fanfiction. It's taken me a while but I'm finally coming to the end of an era.

Enjoy the final chapter!

Chapter Nine – Family

When Rachele returned home, she was pleasantly surprised to find a unexpected visitor sitting on her couch talking to her roommate. She could instantly tell by the untamed locks from the back that it was her twin sister.

"Hey sis."

Hermione turned and beamed. "Rachele! About time!"

Rachele cocked an eyebrow. "Were you waiting here long?"

She grinned. "An hour or so. Claudia here's been entertaining me."

"That's nice. So what'd ya want."

Hermione pouted. "So rude. But anyways." She linked her fingers together. "I was wondering if I could ask you for that favour."

Rachele sighed. "Aaaaww right now? I just got hoooome."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Not right this second. I was planning on crashing here so we can just head out first thing."

Rachele flopped down next to her. "I suppooose. How early did you wanna head out?"

"As soon as possible. I'm pretty anxious to find them."

Claudia was glancing between them. "What's this favour she's asking you?"

Rachele looked at her. "She wants my help finding her...sorry...our parents tomorrow."

Claudia was surprised. "Are you sure your ready? You haven't seen them in eighteen years."

Rachele shrugged. "I don't see the harm now that the Voldemort's gone. They're not in any danger anymore."

Hermione smiled. "My thoughts exactly. By the way do they remember you?"

Rachele looked thoughtful. "They should. I didn't alter their memories in any way."

Hermione squealed. "They'll be so excited to see you! Oh I can't wait!"

Claudia smiled. "Hope it all goes well for you guys."

Rachele grinned amusedly at her twins animated gestures. Even though deep inside, she couldn't erase the small jolt of nerves. Yeah, she really hoped it went well too...

The next morning she was abruptly woken by Hermione pouncing on her and shaking her vigorously. "Wake up sis! Today's the daaaaay!"

Rachele sat up with a groan. "Alright, alright I'm up." She glared daggers at her sisters hyperactive state. "How can you be so bloody chipper at this damn hour?"

Hermione grinned. "Why wouldn't I be? It's a fantastically brilliant day!"

Rachele yawned as she headed over to her dresser for fresh clothes. "Uh huh...I'm gonna go take a quick shower."

"Okay!"

She gave her body and hair a thorough washing, stepped out and quickly dressed. She used magic to dry her hair since she knew Hermione was anxious to get going. She tied it up in her usual ponytail as she exited the bathroom and headed to the living room where her sister was waiting patiently. She made sure to leave a note for her still sleeping roommate before leading them out the front door.

"Okay..." She turned to Hermione. "You said you managed to track down where they're staying."

Hermione smiled. "It wasn't easy, but yeah I did." At Rachele's pointed look her smile grew. "They're in Sydney, Australia."

Rachele's jaw dropped. "Seriously? Man it's been a while since I've been there."

Hermione stared. "You've been there?"

Rachele nodded. "Yeah, Albus took me there once as a kid."

Hermione grinned. "Great! You should know you're way around then!"

"Uh...well not really, it's been like ten years but-"

"Oh nonsense! You'll be fine!"

Rachele sighed. "Fine let's go." She held out her arm which Hermione took, before transporting them away to the far away Land Down Under.

Hermione gazed up in awe at the large structure. "Wow...I've seen pictures but...wow..." She pulled a camera out of seemingly thing air. "This is great! Wait til Harry and Ron see!"

Rachele let out an exasperated sigh. She had just happened to teleport them directly near the Sydney Opera House. That was fifteen minutes ago and her sister had yet to quit gawking at it. "Hermione we're not here to be tourists. We gotta find mum and dad, remember?"

"Alright fine." Hermione pouted, putting her camera away. "But we have to come back."

Rachele sniggered. "Sure thing. Now, do you know their address?"

Hermione gave her a look. "Course not. Kinda why I needed your help."

Rachele nodded. "Aaahh, gotcha. Well it'll be a little difficult. I find people based on their energy signatures. The most recent I've seen them, the stronger the sense is." She huffed. "It's been eighteen years so the memory of their aura has faded a lot."

Hermione listened carefully. "But you still have a little don't you."

Rachele wobbled her hand. "Barely...a little. Hopefully enough to pinpoint their location." She closed her eyes and dug deep into her subconscious. She searched for any specific memory dating back to her first six months on the earth. And there it was, a tiny flicker of recognition from her long forgotten past. She was there, along with a baby Hermione, and a hazy image of two adults standing over them. She focused on them, clinging onto whatever familiar sensation her younger self felt. Suddenly she was overwhelmed by a strong pull in her heart, a powerful emotion that only a loving parent was capable of giving. Holding it tightly in her mind, her eyes snapped open.

"Got it!"

Hermione gazed at her with concern. "Are you okay? You look like you're about to cry."

Rachele reached up and wiped her eyes, surprised to find a hint of tears clinging to her lashes. "Oh...weird."

Hermione smiled softly. "You felt it didn't you? The love that comes with having parents."

Rachele sighed. "I know Albus loved me. But that was different...stronger."

"Because you're a part of them; their blood. It connects us, all of us through many generations. That's why I'm positive they'll remember you. Parents, especially mothers, never forget."

Rachele felt a lump in her throat. "Yeah...not quite the same when you adopt someone."

Hermione put an arm around her. "Hey...Dumbledore loved you more than anything. You were lucky to grow up with a wonderful father figure."

Rachele smiled. "Thanks. I mean it." She cleared her throat. "Anyway, let's go before I lose track of them."

Hermione grabbed her arm. "Ready when you are."

The twin sisters gazed in wonder at the house in front of them. It wasn't much, but it was quaint and peaceful for a middle-aged couple. It was a small, two story duplex, with soft lavender walls and a paternized silver balcony.

"It's cute." Rachele commented. "I'm half expecting a dozen cats to appear."

Hermione laughed. "That's for spinsters, and our parents are both married. Why would they need more cats?"

Rachele looked at her. "Don't they have Crookshanks?"

Hermione nodded. "Yeah, I felt it was too dangerous dragging him into the war. So I sent him to stay with them."

"Did you poof his memory too?"

She shook her head. "No, he knew what I was asking. He's a smart boy." She looked at her sister. "I'm surprised you let Tiger stick around."

Rachele shrugged. "He's my companion more than my pet, he does what he wants." She stretched her fingers. "So, shall we say hello?"

Hermione put a hand on her shoulder. "Let me go in first. I wanna give you a good introduction."

Rachele shrugged. "Whatever works for you." She hid behind the wall just as Hermione rapped on the door four times. A minute later it opened, revealing a middle-aged woman with shoulder-length brown curly hair and kind brown eyes. It was obvious who Hermione took after in the family.

"Hello. Are you Monica Wilkins?"

Rachele's eyebrows shot up in realization. Hermione didn't just erase their memories; she altered them.

"Yes, young lady. How can I help you?"

"I have some important news for your and your husband, regarding your family."

The older woman looked surprised. "Oh really? Is anything the matter?"

Hermione smiled. "No ma'am, but it does hold some urgency. May I come in?"

She stepped aside. "Of course. Come in, I'll just fetch my husband. Wendell! We have visitors!" Hermione gave Rachele a 'I can't believe that worked' shrug as she followed her inside. Rachele sniggered as she leaned casually against the wall. Nothing left but to wait.

(Inside)

Hermione took in her parent's new home. The interior was just as lovely. The walls were a flawless white, with oval windows on the far side. The floors were a smooth wooden tile pattern. There was a long couch against the right wall with a reasonbly sized television sitting opposite it. There were other minor decorations such as various paintings, pot plants in a few corners and a simple white rug stretched out in the centre. She couldn't deny they had simple, yet explicit taste.

"Please make yourself at home." Mrs Wilkins entered the room with a slightly taller man trailing behind her. She gestured to him with a smile. "This is my husband, Wendell Wilkins. Dear, this lovely young woman has some news to share with us."

Wendell held out his hand. "Lovely to meet you. Under good circumstances I hope."

Not wasting any time, Hermione pulled out her wand, confusing them both. "I apologize if this startles you. But please, remain still." She pointed it at them and began mumbling to herself, the end of her wand glowing slightly. The older couples eyes glazed over while she spoke her incantation. When she was finished, Hermione pocketed her wand and waited.

The woman was first; she blinked back into focus and looked around her. "What just happened? Where-?" She stopped mid-sentance when she laid eyes on the young girl. She looked at her with a mixture of shock and relief.

"Hermione? Is that you?"

Hermione nodded with tears in her eyes. "Hi mum..."

"Oh my baby!" Mother and daughter both cried joyfully as they clung tightly to each other. A moment later, her father joined them, also having remembered his precious daughter.

"I'm so sorry." Hermione sniffed. "I should've told you. I just wanted to protect you."

"It's alright sweetheart." Her father assured her. "We understand. We're so proud of you."

Hermione slowly back away. "Actually...there's one more thing." She took a deep breath. "I met someone at school. A girl. Um..."

Her mother patted her shoulder. "Honey...it's okay if you've changed preferences. We won't judge you."

Hermione was horrified. "Oh heavens NO! That's NOT what I meant! Besides I'm dating Ron now!"

Mrs Granger beamed. "Oh that's wonderful darling!" She ignored her husband who was hooting with laughter.

Hermione glared. "It's not funny dad!"

He grinned. "Sorry, couldn't help it. Was pure gold."

She groaned. "Anyway, this girl I met. We've known each other since First Year. She was in Gryffindor too. She's one of my best friends."

Her mother looked intrigued. "You've never mentioned this girl before."

Hermione rubbed her neck. "Yeeeahh...about that. Well, she has a complicated past so she had to keep her identity hidden for a while."

"So why now?" Mr Granger asked.

Hermione smiled. "The wars over. Harry killed Voldemort."

Her parents beamed with delight. "That's wonderful!"

"So she wanted to start over. Make a fresh start with her family."

Mrs Granger studied her closely. "What's your point dear. Do we know this girl?"

Hermione smiled knowingly. "As a matter of fact...you do." She turned and called out. "You can come in now!"

They heard the front door open and light footsteps slowly coming their way. A shadowy figure appeared in the doorway and hesitated slightly.

"I dunno about this Hermione. I can come back later."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't be a chicken. Get out here."

Mrs Granger watched this mystery figure quietly. There was something about her voice that was achingly familiar; but she couldn't figure out why. But when the girl moved into the light, there was no denying who this young woman was. Eighteen years ago, she had two children, faternal twin girls. But fate was cruel and one was taken away. The last memory she had of her daughter was her contagious laughter so full of life, and bright innocent eyes that glimmered like emeralds. Her happy voice telling her mummy and daddy how much she loved them. The very next morning, their hearts were broken from the unexplainable message she had left them, an echo of her voice left hovering in the air.

'I'm sorry Mummy and Daddy, but I have to go now. Please don't be angry. I want you to stay alive. Don't tell Hermione she has a sister. It's better that way. I'll come back. I promise. I love you Mummy. I love you Daddy. Please don't forget me.'

Mrs Granger choked out a sob. That was the last time she had heard her little girl's voice. After that, there had been no trace she even existed...until now. She took in the mature young woman that stood before her. She held the same chocolate brown locks (minus the purple tips of course), and the same shining green eyes. The child-like innocence was gone, replaced by years of experience from living in the world. But there was no mistaking it, this was her daughter; this was Rachele Elizabeth Granger.

She held out her hands, tears streaming down her face. "Rachele...my little girl..."

Rachele smiled nervously. "Um...hi..." She wasn't sure what to do. She started somewhat when she felt two soft hands cup her cheeks. She gazed straight into her mothers loving brown eyes.

Mrs Granger smiled. "Look at you, you've grown so beautiful."

Rachele blushed. "I-...Thank you..." The compliment was so sincere, she couldn't help feeling flustered.

Mr Granger stepped forward grinning. "I agree. You've become quite the looker. Bet ya have to beat off boys with a stick."

Rachele shrugged modestly. "Never really been a problem." She was startled when her mother began crying again. "Um...are you okay?"

She shook her head. "I've just missed you. It's hard when you miss the chance to watch your child grow up."

Rachele felt incredibly guilty. "I'm sorry...but I didn't have a choice."

Her father frowned. "Maybe you can explain why. Your mother was heart-broken when you disappeared. It's been hard on us both for years."

Rachele looked down in shame. "I was trying to protect you. Not just from the war...but from Voldemort himself."

Hermione stepped forward. "Maybe we should all sit down. This is gonna take a while to explain."

The family of four made themselves comfortable on the couches before Rachele told them everything from the very minute she left home. Her parents were relieved she at least found a father figure to look up to, but were saddened by her pain at the time of his death. Hermione joined in with telling the stories of their years together at school, proclaiming proudly of the countless times Rachele had saved their lives. They spoke of Claudia, and the conflicts with her family and how close Rachele had become with the shy Hufflepuff girl. Hermione teasingly told them about Robert and the long torturous years the boy waited for Rachele to return his feelings. Mrs Granger was beyond delighted both daughters had found their true loves, while Mr Granger insisted on having a word with both boys. ("You've met Ron before, Dad." "Not as your boyfriend I haven't!") It was then Rachele explained the history of her magic and the destiny that awaited her. How she would outlive everyone and spend decades roaming the earth to watch over all of humanity.

Mr Granger looked dumbstruck. "Two hundred? Bit extreme isn't it?"

Rachele shrugged. "Just how it is."

Mrs Granger was mortified. "But what about you, sweetheart? Won't you be lonely?"

Rachele smiled. "Of course I will. But I've already accepted that's how it is. Not much I can do about it."

Mrs Granger pulled her into a comforting hug. "Darling girl. So full of courage. I'm so proud of you my daughter."

Rachele felt the tears forming again and this time, returned the hug in full. She could feel the maternal warmth spread through her heart and she snuggled closer to drink it all in. She hadn't realised how much she craved this feeling. She felt her fathers strong hand and glanced at him.

"Is this why you ran away? Because of this magic of yours?"

Rachele nodded, her face still buried in her mothers shoulder. "Voldemort knew of my kind, and figured out the chronological timing of my birth. Luckily he didn't know exactly what family I was born to. He had no clue who I was. But he knew what my potential would be in the future, so he was determined to kill me as an infant." She backed away to gaze at them both. "The night I ran away, I had a vision of him and what his intentions were. If he figured out my identity, no doubt he would've wiped out my entire family." She looked down at her lap. "I didn't know what else to do. I hadn't matured into my powers yet and there was no time to run."

She heard her mother sigh. "Well...sounds to me like we owe you our lives."

Rachele looked up in shock. "You're not mad?"

Mr Granger chuckled. "Of course not honey, that was a big sacrifice to make. It can't have been easy."

Hermione grinned. "Told ya they'd be cool with it."

Rachele smiled. "I wanted to come back, several times. Just get a glimpse of your faces." She laughed. "I actually did see you once." At their surprised faces she explained. "Do you remember going to that bookstore in Diagon Alley, right before second year? That try-hard Gilderoy Lockhart was signing his books."

Mr Granger rolled his eyes. "Bloody nutcase he was. Dunno why you were charmed so easily by him." He said pointedly at Hermione who blushed with embarrasment."

Mrs Granger hushed him. "Of course we do dear."

Rachele smiled sheepishly. "I saw you talking to Arthur Weasley."

Mr Grangers' jaw dropped. "And you didn't say anything?"

She looked away. "Believe me...it was the hardest thing I had to do." She nudged her sister. "Even Hermione had no clue at that stage."

Mrs Granger smiled at her first daughter. "When do you find out?"

Hermione looked at her mother. "Just under a year ago, during the Horcrux hunt. She thought it best after she discovered I erased your memories."

"I just felt bad!" Rachele said. "You didn't have any family left!"

Hermione laughed. "It's fine, I'm glad you told me."

Rachele let out a 'ha!' "You didn't take it so well the first time!"

Hermione looked affronted. "Can you blame me? It was a bloody bombshell! Six years of friendship and then BAM! Hey guess what we're sisters!"

Rachele stuck out her tongue. "Well excuse me for coming clean sister."

Hermione lunged forward and pulled her into a headlock. "You're excused! But you're still a knucklehead!" She laughed as she gave her a noogie.

"HEY! So not cool! Lemme go!" Rachele growled

"Yield!"

"Hell no!"

"Then I guess you're stuck then.

"Arrghh! Screw you!"

"Aaww love you too sis."

Mrs Granger watched her two daughters with pride and amusement. She would always regret them not spending their childhoods together, but from the looks of things, they had an entire lifetime to make up for it. And this time, she was able to be a part of it.

Mr Granger laughed heartedly at the girl's antics. He too was ecstatic his family was finally together after years of seperation. His youngest daughter was more or less a stranger, but she was still the same energetic little girl he used to give piggy-back rides to. He was looking forward to the upcoming years where he could discover her for the second time, and understand who she really was.

It was well into the afternoon when Rachele decided to head home. She explained she felt antsy leaving Claudia alone for too long. Hermione had chosen to spend the night with her parents to catch up with them a bit more, and also explore the city of Sydney. They gathered around the front door to give their goodbyes.

"This was fun." Rachele grinned. "Let's do it again."

Mrs Granger held her arms out. "Come here sweetie. Give mamma a hug."

Rachele rolled her eyes but obliged. "Easy there mum, not six months old anymore."

Mrs Granger cupped her cheeks. "You'll always be my baby."

Hermione smirked. "You are the youngest."

Rachele glared. "Not gonna let me hear the end of that, are you?

Hermione stuck her tongue out "Nope. Never."

Rachele huffed. "Yeah well...I'm taller!"

"Alright girls that's enough." Mr Granger cut in with a chuckle. "You take care young lady." He told Rachele.

She saluted. "Aye, aye!" She backed away a few steps. "Hey you guys wanna see something awesome?"

Her parents looked confused while Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh, geez here we go." They watched her give a cheeky grin before she was enveloped by her usual amythest flames. Two figures jumped back in fright.

"Goodness!" Mrs Granger exclaimed.

"Woah...that was rather thrilling." Mr Granger said, stunned.

Hermione gave a huff and walked back inside. "She's just showing off."

Mr Granger followed her with a mocking smirk. "Sooounnds liike soommeonne's jeaallouuss."

Hermione scoffed. "Am not!"

Mrs Granger smiled endearingly as she listened to them playfully bicker. She had a loving husband, two perfect children and a promising life ahead of her. And in that one blissful moment, the hole she felt in her heart eighteen years ago...was finally full again.

(Two days later)

'Ding dong'

"I'll get it!" Claudia's voice called out. There was muffled footsteps, a door opening and a surprised, 'oh hi!'. She let the unknown guest inside and called across the house.

"Rachele! Robert's here!"

Rachele put down the book she was reading with a smile. "Coming!" She walked out and hurried over to her boyfriend. "Robbie!"

Robert greeted her with a hug and a kiss. "There's my girl."

She smiled brightly. "What do I owe this unexpected pleasure?" She caught a glance of Claudia sneaking back to her room at the corner of her eye.

He gestured behind her. "Can we talk in there?"

"Sure thing." She led him by the hand into her bedroom, closing and locking the door behind them. "Is everything okay?" She asked, approaching him. "It's not like you to pop by without notice."

Robert shrugged. "I missed my girlfriend. Isn't that a good enough reason?"

Rachele sat down on the bed and patted the spot next to her. "Flattery will get you everywhere Kordellus." She said slyly.

Robert laughed. "Part of my charm. How'd it go with your parents?"

Rachele beamed. "Really well! My mother was exceptionally affectionate. As soon as she saw me it was all hugs, tears, all out an emotional roller coaster."

Robert smiled. "And your father?"

Rachele laughed. "He's a crack up. He likes to tease. By the way he wants to meet you."

Robert was taken back. "What? Why?"

She grinned. "You're dating his daughter. He's curious about the sort of man you are."

He scratched the back of his head. "Damn...is this is how you felt when Dad challenged you?"

Rachele shrugged. "Who's to say? I didn't really care. I just did what he asked to humour him."

Robert laughed. "You're amazing you know that?"

She didn't answer as she watched him through hooded eyes. An overwhelming desire that remained dormant for months, rose up like a active volcano. With no power to restrain herself, she lifted herself up and straddled her boyfriends lap before grabbing his face and smashing her lips against his.

Robert was thrown back by his girlfriend's bold move, he knew her to be the forward type but this was the last thing he expected. But he quickly surrendered to her advances and deepened their lustful lip-lock. When she felt him respond, she gently pushed his shoulders down so he was lying flat on his back. Without breaking their kiss, they shuffled backwards so Robert was lying across her several pillows.

"So..." Robert started inbetween kisses. "Not that I'm not (kiss) enjoying this, but...(kiss) is everything okay?"

Rachele pulled back lightly, her eyes filled with ravenous hunger. "Fine, why?"

"Well uh...you do know where this is going right?"

Rachele grinned. "Course I do. It's why I started." She leaned down to kiss him again.

Robert held her back for a moment. "Are you absolutely sure?" He gulped when she bent close to his ear.

"Do you remember our first time?" She asked alluringly. He nodded shakily. "I said I wanted to wait til after the war and you can go as hard as you want." He nodded again, his throat feeling unusually dry. "Well it's over now...and I'm not waiting another second. I want you to take me."

With that one command, Robert's nerves became non-existent. With a low growl, he flipped them over so he was hovering over her. He gazed with naked passion down at his lover, her loving green eyes glowing back at him. Taking that as a confirmation, he brought their bodies together and claimed her lips with his own.

Two bodies lay flushed together panting heavily, finally exhausted after a several-hour session of love making. Robert rolled off his girlfriend and collapsed next to her. "Damn...that was...wow."

Rachele leaned over and propped herself up onto his chest. "You can say that again." She breathed. "You're a bloody machine Kordellus."

Robert grinned up at her. "Not so bad yourself Gryffindor." He rested his hands on her back, lazily tracing her wing tattoo with his finger. "Was worth waiting for."

Rachele smirked. "Makes the first time look pitiful ey?"

He laughed. "You can say that again." He looked at her curiously. "You did put that charm on yourself right?"

She rolled her eyes. "Of course I did. Relax that pretty face of yours." There was a slight pause until she spoke again. "Say Robbie?"

He smiled. "Yes Gryffindor?"

"I've been meaning to ask you something...for a while actually."

"Shoot."

"Well..." She drew circles on his chest with her finger. "..this might be kinda random but...why were you sorted into Slytherin?"

Robert rose a curious eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"

She grinned. "I was remembering way back in First Year, when we were being sorted. I remember watching you sitting on the stool with the sorting hat."

Robert chuckled. "Yeah, good old days they were."

She smiled. "When you were placed in Slytherin, I was majorly confused. I could see the good whole-hearted person you were. So it made no sense why the hat sent you there."

Robert sighed, resting his arms behind his head. "It's true. At first the hat offered to place me in Ravenclaw. But I persuaded him to switch it to Slytherin."

Rachele looked at him in surprise. "You chose to be sorted there? Why?"

"For starters, it's been a long standing tradition in my family and I didn't want to disappoint my parents."

Rachele nodded. "That's understandable."

"The other reason was a bit more involved." He lowered his right arm to rest it on her hip. "I thought maybe if I was in Slytherin, and made friends with people in other houses it would accelerate the process in uniting the school." He sighed. "Was very difficult with all the prejudice aimed at us."

Rachele beamed proudly. "That's amazing though! You were very selfless to make that choice. And besides..." She kissed him gently. "...It all worked out didn't it? One of your best friends is a Hufflepuff and your girlfriend is a Gryffindor. I'd say your plan worked wouldn't you say?"

Robert laughed. "Just missing the Ravenclaw."

Rachele grinned. "Well not all plans are perfect." She sat up and stretched, giving him a full view of her upper torso. "I'm getting kinda hungry." She gathered her hair and flipped it over one shoulder, shooting him a sexy grin. "Wanna stay for dinner?"

Robert gazed in awe at the goddess in front of him. "Oh...uh..." He gulped audibly at her alluring hair flip. "S-sure."

They helped dress each other before heading towards the kitchen to prepare dinner. They fetched Claudia from her room when it was time to eat. As they ate, Rachele rose a curious eyebrow at the furious blush on her best friend's face.

"You okay Claudia?"

The younger girl nodded, not looking at her. "Yup." She squeaked.

Rachele leered at her until she clamped her hand over her mouth, mortified. "Oh no! Claudia I'm so sorry!"

Robert looked confusingly between the two girls. "What's wrong?"

Rachele shot him a specific look, gesturing her head to the other girl. 'She heard us'. She discreetly mouthed at him.

Robert felt a blush creep up his neck. "Oh...bugger..." He was at a loss of words so chose wisely to focus on his meal.

Rachele cautiously touched Claudia's hand. "Oh Claudia, I'm such an idiot. Please forgive me."

Claudia peeked up into a pair of guilty, puppy dog eyes. She allowed a small smile. "It's okay Rach." She spoke in a tiny voice. "Really...it's okay."

Rachele shook her head. "No its not! I should've been more considerate and put a silencing charm up."

Claudia shrugged. "You can do that next time."

Rachele's face went scarlet. "Well uh...sure...I guess." She looked at Robert but his face was redder than hers.

Claudia giggled. "You guys are adorable."

Rachele grumbled . "You're a damn tease Claudia." She muttered.

Robert smiled, now over his embarassment. Life was good, and very soon he hoped it would be perfect. All he needed was a certain someone's consent. He smiled secretly as he touched a hand to his jeans, a small velvet box nestled carefully inside his pocket.

( A week later )

The sounds of light chatter and care-free laughter rang around a long, overpacked table. It was a clear, cloudless summers day, perfect for friends and family to gather together. With the war now over, Mrs Weasley had wanted to officially celebrate with a pot-luck lunch in her own backyard. She invited everyone she could think of; The Grangers, Robert, Claudia, Harry, Luna, Neville, Bill and Fleur, Hagrid, McGonagall and other teachers from Hogwarts and many more. She even needed to expand the area to fit the vast multitude of people. The options of food was endless; guests were encouraged to bring their own plate to be able to feed every mouth.

Rachele sat between Robert and Claudia, alternating between shoveling food in her mouth and taking in the scene around her. She took special note of all the loving couples that were scattered around. Ginny was sitting on her boyfriend's lap and playfully dangling grapes above his mouth. Harry would try and trap the piece of fruit with his teeth then whine sorely when she plopped it into her own mouth.

Ron and Hermione were absorbed in intimate conversation with eachother. Every few seconds the former would attempt to pinch some of her food to which she'd briskly slap his hand away.

The Grangers were chatting animatedly to Arthur and Molly Weasley, Rachele was glad that her and Ginny's parents got along so swimmingly.

Looking around further, she found her stripy familiar frolicking around with a fuzzy orange mass racing after him. Tiger and Crookshanks remained close buddies all through the years. Rachele even heard Tiger was planning on introducing his mate to his always-travelling sister Molly. That was a union she definitely did not want to miss out on.

She then looked to Claudia, who had brought along a thick potions book and was buried nose deep in it. Her best friend had matured for the better since the term ended. She even announced she was going back to finish her seventh year. She said she had spoken to Ginny earlier and had arranged to ride on the train with her and Luna. Rachele was proud of her, not just as her best friend, but how far she's really come. Gone was the small, frightened girl she met nearly six years ago. She was now a confident woman unafraid to climb new heights for herself. Rachele was positive there was a promising future just waiting for her.

"Hey Gryffindor. Got a sec?"

Rachele turned around to Robert who had just stood up. "Huh?"

He chuckled and offered his hand. "Wanna go for a walk?"

She took his hand without hesitation. "Be right back." She quipped to Claudia, who gave a small noise of acknowledgement. Robert led them a fair way from the party, to a secluded area away from prying eyes. They could still slightly hear the clamouring of socialisation; but only barely. As they walked, Rachele was her usual self and babbled away like a maniac.

"So, I should probably tell you, got a sleepover with the girls planned. Nothing big really, snacks, chick flicks, pj's, pillow fights all that jazz. But anyway, I was talking to some of the girls, and it suddenly struck me how much Claudia's really come out of her shell!" She laughed in delight. "I used to be the only person on the planet she could even look at! But you should've seen her! Laughing and gossiping about with Ginny and Hermione like it was no big deal!"

Robert opened his mouth to get a word in, but his girlfriend kept rambling on. 'She must be in a really good mood.' He thought bemusedly. Then again, she'd always been the jabbering type since she was a tiny First year, only now not quite as loud and hyper.

"Rachele listen I-"

"Hang on Robbie! I'm nearly done! Claudia even told me she's going back to Hogwarts next term. And with Ginny and Luna! Shame they're not in the same house, but it's so great! I love that she has more friends now! Makes me less nervous leaving her alone. I'm glad she's finishing school too, the damn war can be a damn motivational damper on academic achievment. By the way did you know-mmmmf!"

Robert was able to shut her up by covering her mouth with his. He lingered for a bit before he backed away to see Rachele gazing at him dreamily. He smiled endearingly. "Can I speak now?"

Rachele blinked in surprise. "Oh...I'm sorry. I started ranting again didn't I?"

Robert chuckled. "It's fine. But I would like to say something." When she nodded, he took a deep breath. "Rach, when I first met you, I knew straight away you were special. You bring a special light into the world that draws people in. You're funny with your witty comebacks, you don't take crap from anyone." Rachele grinned at this. "You're really smart. I don't recall you having any struggles during school, and you always know how to handle a tight situation.

"It's called common sense." Rachele remarked dryly. "Sorry, go on."

"You're kind, you show love to all those around you. Even those who I feel don't deserve it." He growled the name of a certain Clarken witch that wasn't Claudia, bringing out a giggle from his girlfriend.

"You show great courage in the face of death. You always put others needs before your own, always risking your life to save an innocent life." He swallowed thickly. "You're perfect, inside and out, and I thank the heavens every day that you chose to love me." He took her hand. "You are my best friend, my lover...my soul mate."

Rachele was gazing at him with such deep adoration, a smile brighter than the sun illuminating the joy on her face. That smile turned to pure shock when Robert steadily lowered onto his right knee, her free hand flying up to cover up her mouth. He pulled out the velvet box and opened it to reveal a sparkling engagement ring. It was nothing extravagent; it had a whitegold band with a dazzling diamond sitting in the centre. It glistened flawlessly in the sunlight, much like the tears that were now pouring non-stop down Rachele's cheeks.

"Gryffindor" Robert spoke. "I love you more than I'll ever be able to say. No words or actions can describe how much you mean to me. I want to spend the rest of my life proving my love to you. You've made all my dreams come true in just a few short years. And I'll be granted one more if you give me the answer I'm hoping for." He held up the ring a little higher.

"Will you...Rachele Elizabeth Granger...do me the tremendous honour, of becoming my wife?"

Rachele was sobbing so heavily into her hand, she was incapable of responding verbally. Everytime she tried to speak, she would let out a bubbly hiccup and needed to cover her mouth again. So she gave her answer the best way she could. She tackled her boyfriend to the ground, smothering his face with wet kisses.

Robert chuckled at her over-emotional state. "I deserve a medal. I rendered the great Rachele Granger speechless." He laughed harder when she slapped his chest. He gently pulled her away so she was straddling his waist. She was still crying, but she wasn't a blubbering mess anymore. He gazed lovingly at her; she was so beautiful.

"So was that a yes?"

Rachele beamed and nodded frantically. "Of-of course it was." She squealed. "Yes, yes, absolutely YES!" She hugged him again and the couple rolled around laughing and kissing without a care in the world. They eventually lifted themselves up into a sitting position as Robert gently took her left hand. He grabbed the box off the floor (it had fallen down after Rachele tackled him), plucked out the ring before sliding it smoothly onto her finger. He then leaned down and kissed her hand directly above where the ring sat.

"It's gorgeous." Rachele said as she admired it.

Robert smiled. "Just like it's owner."

Rachele rose an eyebrow at him. "That was a cheesy one."

He chuckled. "Like my speech wasn't?"

She scoffed. "Your speech was perfect, I wouldn't change a damn thing about it."

Robert linked their hands. "So I guess this makes you my fiancee now."

Rachele beamed. "I like the sound of that." She began pulling him back to the party. "Come on! We have to go tell everyone! Especially Claudia! She has to be the first to know!"

Robert laughed, allowing her to drag him back to the house. "Calm your jets there Gryffindor. She's not going anywhere."

Rachele just laughed, letting out a loud whoop as she ran back to the Burrow, back to start a new beginning. And she would do it...with her fiance, her best friend and everyone else she loved. Because they were her family.

And family, was her life.

End of series

Crikey...I don't believe it...IT'S OVER! O_O Life is good! The wizarding world is finally at peace. And of course I couldn't end it without an official engagement between Rachele and Robert. Nice fluffy happy ending 3333

One day I will write an sequel about her life after Hogwarts leading all the way up to her death. But right now I'm focusing on writing Rachele in her own original piece. If it turns out well, I hope to publish it at some point.

I'll be posting an extra author's note's chapter to honour specific readers that have been loyally following this story. But until then it's tata for now!

Love you all!