The Dreamwalker's Daughter

Chapter One Birthday Surprises

Sarah lie in bed staring at the clock, she just couldn't manage to get to sleep no matter how hard she tried. In two hours and thirty-seven minutes, she'd be twelve years old. "Another year older," she thought to herself grimacing. "You shouldn't be so crabby Sarah," she said out loud this time. "After all it's not bad like last year." This was very true. Exactly one year ago today, she'd had no idea that her father was a wizard and that she, who she would soon discover, was a witch. Nor did she know that she would be going to Dragon's Wood Academy, a school of witchcraft and wizardry instead of the middle school a few blocks over. Sarah turned over in bed and rolled on to her overly fluffy cat Max, who quickly expressed his displeasure with her and jumped to the floor. "Sorry Max," Sarah said watching him walk away indignantly.

It was just no use, there was too much to think about. Last year her only concern this night was that her parents would argue the entire day and thus ruin it for her, but over the past year her parents had managed to patch things up to get along reasonably. There was a time when she thought they might get back together, but they were just too busy with their own lives to have time for each other. However, they didn't argue as much and they did manage to spend some quality time together with Sarah this summer. "And tomorrow," thought Sarah, "tomorrow will be cool."

Tomorrow she'd be going to her dad's. Sarah's best friend Zoe and her family were coming over, and they were going to have a big BBQ instead of the large stuffy party that her mother had always thrown. Eric, Zoe's brother, had been overseas with her father and his most of the summer visiting some old friends and conducting business with the Ministry of Magic in London. There had been a time when Sarah thought that some of their friends might be coming to spend some time with them, that maybe they would even make it for Zoe's birthday. However, with Eric and the dad's out of the country and Zoe, her mom and her sister themselves being gone off and on, they had all decided to wait until now.

Sarah had spent most of her summer hanging out with Zoe around their houses when she was home, teasing her little sister Tabatha and visiting the Southbridge Mall that was more of a blast now that she could visit all the stores. However, now that everyone was finally coming, the fun would really begin. Sarah had been keeping in touch with her new friends from Dragon's Wood and tomorrow they were all coming to her birthday BBQ. Sarah could hardly wait to see them again, Megan and William and especially Dillon. When she had received the return owls saying that they were all coming, she had nearly caused her fathers house to come down, literally. John Nettleton had to warn her that despite the fact that she hadn't intentionally done magic she could still get in trouble if she wasn't more careful.

Sarah looked at the clock again. "Two hours and sixteen minutes," she whined to herself. "I'd give anything for a sleeping potion about now."

Socrates, her tawny owl, came flying in her window and landed at the foot of her bed. "Hey buddy, what are you doing here I thought you were with dad." Sarah asked leaning forward and scratching his ear. Socrates pecked gently at her hand asking for love and maybe a small bite to eat. Sarah looked around for a treat and found an open package of crackers next to her bed. After crumbling one she held it out in her hand for him to nibble at, as she did she noticed he was carrying something. "Oh, you've got a note. Who's it from?" she said taking it from him. As she did, he flew over to her nearby desk to eat his treat. Sarah opened the letter and began to read, it was from her dad.

Pumpkin, I've got to go to Washington for some business, but Matthew will still be there first thing to pick you up. Your mum and Mrs. Turner will take care of everything and I'll be back as soon as I can. Love you, Dad

Sarah leaned back into her bed. "Thanks Socrates," she said glancing his way. The great big owl screeched and flew out the window, brushing past her lovingly as he left. Sarah stared at the clock again, one hour and fifty-seven minutes. Sarah let out a moan. "I'm never going to get to sleep," she thought out loud. "I know I'll look at my letter again." With this thought, she bounded out of bed and went to her desk. Turning the light on, she picked up the blue parchment envelope that sat next to her laptop and opened it up.

Dear Miss Nettleton,

It will be our pleasure to welcome you back to Dragon's Wood Academy this year. As always, first semester begins on September 1^st. Enclosed you will find a list of supplies that you will need this year. Looking forward to seeing you again.

Sincerely,

Professor Gene Robinson

Assistant Dean

Sarah thought back to how frightened she had been when she had read her first letter. How her father had been so secretive and how it seemed that everyone in the world knew more about her than she did. However, none of that mattered now. Despite all of the crazy things that had happened to her at school last year, she was greatly looking forward to going back. She hadn't had a nightmare in months, well none that weren't brought on by over-eating and didn't involve characters from a horror movie that she stayed up too late to watch, and she was sure that if she hadn't by now she wouldn't be. Sure things hadn't been exactly the same for Sarah this summer. Then she knew so much more about herself and her world now that she had never known before. Sarah took out the second page of the letter and read on.

Seventh Grade students will require the additional equipment and books listed below to supplement their wardrobe and wand from last year.

Standard Book of Spells, Seventh Grade, Monica Bradsworth

Coping With Unicorns and Other Wild Beasts, Horace Trenton

Gardening With Magical Intent, Matilda Simple

A Beginner's Guide to Divination, Wanda Spindle

Mixing Potions for Life and Death, Eurich Livingston

History of American Wizards, Hubert Wagenstein

Dark Wizards Throughout History and Their Spells, Frieda Proctor

Sparrows Into Eagles, Melissa Runningbear

Computer Magic, Harold Lipscomb

Students are again encouraged but not required to bring a Laptop computer.

Seventh Graders will be able to try out for their dorm Quidditch teams this year so broomsticks may also be brought from home but are not required.

Please visit the local Apothecary to purchase the standard assortment of potion ingredients for the Seventh Grade level.

Sarah put down the letter and took a deep breath. She couldn't wait to see what was in store for this year. In addition, she couldn't wait to see how her friends had changed and what they had been up to. "Sarah Jane Nettleton," came her mother's voice from the other side of the door.

Sarah cringed "Yes mom."

"I know that you're excited about tomorrow, but you need to turn that light off and get to sleep. I got a message from your father and Zoe's mom and I have a lot to do in the morning," she called out.

Sarah turned her light out. "Yes, mom," she said heading for the bed.

"Now, go to sleep," her mother commanded, and then she added, "I love you."

"I love you too," Sarah said looking at the clock, one last time. One hour and thirty-nine minutes.

Sarah turned her light out, stared at the ceiling and thought about her mother. She had been the second biggest change in her life. After all a year ago her mother and father barely spoke let alone planned parties together. Then there was the fact that she was not only accepting Sarah and her father's world, but she seemed to be reveling in it. Sure she was still very caught up in her business and the world that went with it, but it was not uncommon to catch her in jeans now, thumbing threw a spell book, or sending messages to Mrs. Turner via Socrates. Just the fact that she and Zoe's mother were not only conversing but also partying together was a bit scary in itself, as Zoe and she had discussed once or twice since they'd been home. Sarah tried her best to push all her thoughts out of her head so that she could get to sleep. Despite the fact that it was well after midnight before Sarah had actually gotten to sleep, it wasn't much past dawn before she was up. Abigail was all ready awake, of course, and making a wonderful breakfast of sausages and pancakes, Sarah's usual birthday breakfast. Sarah couldn't remember a time that Abigail hadn't been there when she woke, and secretly hoped that there never would be one.

"Good morning, little Miss," she said smiling widely as Sarah gave her a bear hug from behind, "caught me off guard."

"Good morning Miss Abigail, you look beautiful this morning as usual," beamed Sarah as she released the portly woman and smiled.

"I'll have known of that now," fussed Abigail turning pink. "I don't think I've ever seen you awake this early on a non school day."

"I know," said Sarah pouring a glass of orange juice now. "But today is going to be a fabulous birthday, best yet."

Abigail smiled widely at her again and offered her a bowl of strawberries to tide her over until her pancakes were ready. "I suppose Miss Zoe will be showing up soon."

"Well I called her, but she's so slow you know."

"That's not a very nice thing to say about your very best friend, especially since I brought you a present," said Zoe coming in the back screen door. Sarah ran over, opened the door, and grabbed Zoe, doling out an additional bear hug to her. "You're in a chipper mood this morning," said Zoe sarcastically holding a gift bag out away from her self so her hug wouldn't squash it.

"What did you bring me?" asked Sarah, pulling back. Zoe smiled wickedly and held out the bag. Sarah grabbed it and ran back to the counter to open it.

"Good morning Ms. Finch," said Zoe plopping down next to Sarah on a stool.

"Good morning to yourself Miss Zoe. Haven' breakfast wit' Miss Sarah today of course?"

"Oh yes please" answered Zoe lovingly. "Your pancakes are simply the best."

"None of that now, Miss Zoe," said the elderly lady giving Zoe and smile and a wink.

Sarah reached into the bag and pulled out its contents, tissue paper, and all. Zoe sat watching with a very satisfied smile on her face. "Come on," she said watching, "now who's slow?"

Sarah looked at her and laughed, "Ha, Ha!!" Sarah struggled until the last of the tissue paper was removed and now lay on the floor. Sarah looked at the strange round blue glass object that she now held in her hand. "Oooo, what is it?"

Miss Abigail turned to see what Sarah had gotten and cried out, "Bless my soul. I haven't been close to one of those in ages."

"Again I ask, what it is," repeated Sarah.

Zoe laughed, "Haven't you ever watched any old gypsy movies? It's a crystal ball."

"Cool," cried Sarah, examining it closer.

"We'll be starting Divination this year and I thought it was be a cool present. Mom says they're not all that accurate, she says you have to be a special kind of person to make it work. But I thought it would be fun, you know to mess with William and Megan," explained Zoe.

Abigail tried not to laugh. "Now Miss Zoe," she scolded. "May I?" she asked holding her hand out.

"Sure," said Sarah handing it to her.

"Where did you get it?" she now asked.

"Dad picked it up for me in Diagon Alley when he was in London," reported Zoe after swallowing a large ripe strawberry.

"Oh," moaned Abigail. "I haven't been there in years. How I envy your father going there this summer."

Zoe made a face like she'd just discovered the lost continent of Atlantis. "I almost forgot" Zoe pulled a small box out of her bag and shoved it toward her. "Dad brought you something from Honeydukes."

Miss Abigail looked at the small purple box wrapped with a gold ribbon and then took it from Zoe. Tears started to run down her cheeks, "Ah, Hogsmeade," she sighed. "Now you've gone and made me homesick for sure," she said setting the box aside and wiping her eyes.

"I'm sorry Ms. Finch," apologized Zoe.

"It's all right dear." She now placed two large plates of food in front of the girls and started toward the stairs with the box. "I'll just go send an owl to me mum and I'll be all right." Sarah and Zoe watched as she disappeared up the stairway and to the right.

"Sorry," apologized Zoe again crinkling her nose.

"She gets like that when she thinks about home. I suppose she needs a vacation. You know," added Sarah, "It used to amaze me that her mother was still alive. Suppose I know why now," said Sarah setting aside her present and starting in on breakfast. "Thanks for the cool gift," said Sarah in between bites.

Zoe swallowed a big bite and said, "your welcome. I have to admit Eric picked it out. I just told him to get something really cool and I have to confess that it is."

Sarah picked up the blue crystal ball and stared at it. "Eric said it was a Sapphire Crystal Ball. He also told me that once you've held it and made it your own, you shouldn't let anyone else touch it because it will demagnetize it to you." She smiled slightly and looked at Sarah funny. "What ever that means," Sarah laughed and set the ball back down on the counter.

"What did you two say to get Abigail so upset?" asked Sarah's mom coming into the kitchen and giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead.

"It's Zoe's fault," started Sarah blushing and taking her kiss. "She mentioned England."

Zoe turned red as Mrs. Nettleton shook her head, "Yeah, that would do it."

"Good Morning Mrs. Nettleton, sorry," said Zoe looking up from her plate.

"It's all right," said Elizabeth winking at Zoe and then eyeing Sarah's present. "What's this?" she asked picking it up. Sarah wasn't sure how her mother would take the gift. Sure she had come a long way from keeping Sarah's heritage from her to allowing her to go to Dragon's Wood and even to some extent accepting the new world. She was even going along with the Turners and her father and her to a special Wizards Mall in Chicago next week to pick up this years school supply. However, a crystal ball in her home probably wasn't a great idea. "It's a crystal ball mom, Eric picked it up on his trip to London over the summer. Kind of a neat decoration huh?" said Sarah trying not to let on that there might be an actual purpose to it.

Elizabeth looked at the ball and then put it back down next to Sarah's plate. "It's pretty cool all right." She turned around to retrieve a cup of coffee and at the same time, Zoe and Sarah looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief. "Matthew is supposed to pick you up about nine," she said after taking a drink from her rather large cup. "Zoe, your mom and I are going shopping shortly after that. She said that you can go with Sarah to her dads if you want."

"I know, Mrs. N, she told me this morning and I really would like to if that's all right," Zoe remarked after swallowing a large bite of pancakes.

Sarah's mom nodded and smiled. "I think that would be wonderful." Elizabeth made herself a sausage sandwich and sat down next to the girls as they finished their breakfast. Sarah's mom made casual conversations about growing older and birthday parties, occasionally looking over her shoulder and staring at Sarah's gift. Sarah sensed her uneasiness about it and when she got up to clear their plates, she quickly stashed it away.

Sarah looked at the clock on the wall, "I better finish packing or I won't be ready for Matthew. Come on Zoe," she said grabbing her gift bag and running up the stairs.

"I'll call you when he gets here," called her mom after her. "Don't dawdle. Oh and Happy Birthday Sarah, I love you," she added as she listened to the girls thundering up the stairs.

"Yes ma'am, thanks, I love you too." Sarah opened the trunk sitting at the bottom of her bed. It was already almost full of clothes, books, and other essentials for school.

"Are you staying at your dads until it's time to go?" asked Zoe looking at the contents of her trunk.

"Yeah, mom's staying too, but she's not coming to stay until next week. She wants dad and I to have some time alone after the party tonight before I go. He was gone most of the summer and we haven't spent that much time together," explained Sarah.

"Tell me about it. I thought maybe I'd forget dad's face," said Zoe flopping down on Sarah's bed. "He's going for sure with us next week to Chicago. Mom says we'll probably spend the night. There's this really cool wizards Inn there it will be almost like being at school again."

"I know I can't believe that it's all most time. And I can't wait to see everyone tonight."

"I can't believe they could all make it," said Zoe watching Sarah pull clothes out of her dresser and put them in the trunk. Max now jumped up to greet Sarah's visitor. "Hello Max," she said stroking his fur as he purred loudly. "I suppose you're looking forward to going to school as well." Max purred louder, as though to answer her question favorably.

"He's seems to be getting happier everyday, as though he does know. He was terribly depressed when we first got home. I think he missed Socrates and his other new friends. Dad took Socrates with him to London," said Sarah throwing a few more socks and underwear in. Sarah now crossed the room to a large bookcase and opened the top drawer at the bottom. She began to dig deep into the pile of scarves and hats and pulled out her wand. "I'll be really happy when I get to use you again," she said to the eleven inch carved piece of cedar that she now held in her hand.

"Mom locked mine up with the others. She says they're too much of a temptation for little hands." Zoe made a frown. "She says she's talking about Tabatha, but I think she means Eric and I."

Sarah laughed. "I didn't dare even bring mine out, I was afraid that my mom would have a cow."

"Ah, I think she's cooler than you think," said Zoe rolling over. "Remember what my mom said, how they had a great time together when we were gone. I think worrying about you and Eric brought them even closer together than they used to be before the divorce." Zoe took a deep breath like she was about tackle a mountain troll. "Say Sarah, you haven't had any dreams I should know about this summer? I mean I know you would have told me right."

Sarah flopped down on the bed next to Zoe and wrapped her arm around her neck. "Zoe I wish you'd stop asking me that. The only nightmares I've had this summer involved you and Garth Griffin and a dark corner of the Potions Class," she joked.

"Oh Lord please, don't even joke about such things," said Zoe making gagging noises.

Sarah busted out laughing and then finished packing her bags while continuing to talk to Zoe about school and their friends and things that had happened that summer. The last thing she packed was the crystal ball that Zoe had just given her, making sure to pad it well in among her clothes. It wasn't long before Sarah's mom was calling up the stairs that Matthew was there. Zoe helped her carry most of her stuff down to the front door, while Matthew went up to fetch her trunk. Elizabeth then ran to get her purse while Abigail helped them load the car. It took her a moment to return and while she was gone Abigail showed Matthew what Zoe had brought her and nearly brought tears to Matthew's face. "I wanted to go," Matthew whispered not wishing to look wimpy. "But Mr. Nettleton wished me to stay here and look after things. He did promise that after Sarah has gone to school though that we'd go for a little holiday. Perhaps Mrs. Nettleton would let you come along," he suggested.

"Perhaps," said Abigail, wiping a tear from her eye. About this time, Sarah's mom came around the corner and announced that they were ready to go. Abigail stood outside the house, wiping her eyes and waving goodbye.

Mrs. Turner was waiting for them when they arrived at her father's townhouse. After barking out a few last minute instructions to the girls and Matthew, the two of them left to finish their shopping. After they had helped Matthew carry all of her things to her room, Sarah pulled her school letter out of her bag and sat down on the bed of the bedroom she kept at her father's house. "Zoe," asked Sarah, "What is Divination?"

Zoe sat down next to her with a giant thud and stared at the letter. "Eric says it's like fortune telling. It's about seeing the future and predicting things that will happen."

"Sounds kind of interesting," supposed Sarah.

"Eric said he thought it was boring, said he only took the one year you're required to take. I think it was over his head. Mom said you have to be patient and concentrate on what you're doing. Eric's not real good at being patience or concentration." Sarah thought back to the night that she and Eric had rescued Dillon. It was Eric who had shown Sarah how to concentrate well enough to find him. Perhaps Zoe was mistaken about what Eric had said or maybe things had changed since he said it.

Zoe punched Sarah on the arm. "You're daydreaming again and we have things to do remember?"

"Yeah, yeah, all right you don't have to hit me," Sarah complained rubbing her arm. Folding her letter up and placing it on her dresser, she turned to Zoe. "Come on we've got to get down stairs and get the back yard cleaned up. Mom wants to hang lanterns and things when they get back."

"I know I know, you don't have to be so bossy," Zoe said smiling.

Matthew winced as they came thundering down the staircase. "Ladies you're going to bring the house down if you're not careful," he said scolding them.

"Sorry Matthew, we'll be quieter next time." Sarah stood at the bottom of the stairs and looked into the living room. "Matthew how is everyone getting here today?"

"I imagine most of them will arrive through the chimney," he supposed fussing around the living room straightening things.

Sarah looked at Zoe and then Matthew, "Oh, right." She was thinking back to the few times she had used Floo Powder. It wasn't Sarah's favorite form of transportation at all. She could remember the queasy feeling that she always got and quickly pulled Zoe outside and into the garden.

"Who do you think will get here first?" asked Zoe as she helped Sarah sweep up the patio and clean the tables and chairs that they would be using that night.

"I suppose that would be me." Sarah and Zoe swung around to find her father standing behind them.

"Dad!" screamed Sarah running to hug him.

"Hello, Mr. N. Nice to see you again," said Zoe coming up behind Sarah for her hug. "I suppose this means my dads home?" she asked after she hugged him.

"You supposed right," came the voice of her dad now coming out the back door. Zoe and Sarah now took their turns hugging her dad.

"I don't suppose there is one of those for me?" came a third voice, followed by a high-pitched giggle from behind. The girls looked around to see Eric and Tabatha coming out the door.

"I'm not hugging you," joked Zoe, "and if Sarah does I'm going to barf."

"Hi Eric, Tabatha," greeted Sarah giving Zoe a dirty look, she would have very much liked to have given Eric a hearty hug. "Good to see you." She had to struggle hard with the words after getting a good like at Eric. This had been the first time she had seen him since they had gotten back from school. Sarah couldn't believe that he could have gotten so tall and so mature looking in two months. She felt her face blush and turned to hide it. It was hard to look at Eric and not think of all the things that they went through last year. Most of it had not been anything that you would wish to deliberately remember.

John Nettleton returned to his daughter's side. "So how is my birthday girl?"

"Hungry," answered Sarah trying not to show her still warm face to anyone.

"It won't be long before everyone will be here and we can start to cook," said John looking at his watch.

Eric and Tabatha pitched in to help finish cleaning up the yard and eventually help decorate when the mom's had gotten back. Glenda came when they were just about done and retrieved Eric and Tabatha to help in the kitchen. Sarah and Zoe were told that they could go wait for guests to arrive when they were finished and that made them both very happy. After they had settled on the couch Sarah leaned in to Zoe. "Is Annabelle coming?"

"Haven't you heard?" Sarah shook her head puzzled. "Her and Eric broke up right after we got back from school. It seems Annabelle has been writing some Broughton Prefect. Eric says he's expected to be head-boy this year. He figures that's why she's after him," Zoe whispered. "Don't feel sorry for him though, he's all ready been writing to that Morgan O'Byrne in the Keynes dormitory."

Sarah laughed and looked in the direction of the kitchen just for a second. But before she could say anything else to Zoe, there was a cloud of smoke coming out of the fireplace and then out popped Megan Adams and someone who appeared to be her mother. It took Zoe and Sarah less than a second to make it across the room to grab and hug her. When they had finished hugging her, Megan introduced them to her mother and then handed her a large wrapped package and yelled, "Happy Birthday!"

"What's all the commotion?" asked Sarah's dad entering the room followed by the others.

"Megan's here," screamed Zoe jumping up and down.

John crossed the living room and introduced himself to Megan's mom. "I'm Sarah's father, John Nettleton."

The short statue woman took his hand and shook it passionately. "I'm Megan's mom, Clair Adams, It's a pleasure to meet you, and I heard so much about all of you, what a lovely place you have here," Mrs. Adams had managed to spout all of this in one breath.

Sarah looked at Zoe. "I see where Megan gets her enthusiasm from," whispered Zoe. Sarah chuckled and then watched as her father introduced her to everyone in the room.

It wasn't more than a minute or two after Megan and her mom had been introduced all around that another cloud of smoke came from the fireplace and there stood William. After coughing and gagging from the soot and handing Sarah another good-sized wrapped gift, William introduced the tall lanky young man who was with him as his older brother Sam.

"Mom and dad had to go to Manitoba on some sort of business so I've been at Sam's house," explained William. He then proceeded to explain about how Sam was on the Canadian Board of the Misuse of Magic along with his mother. Eric was impressed that someone so young could hold such an important position that he immediately stuck to him like glue, which seemed to please both William and his brother.

Sarah was now growing eager, she had wanted to see all of her friends but she was especially keen to see Dillon. The rest of the group was now moving through the house and out into the garden. Sarah placed her presents next to the others that her mom, dad, and the Turners had brought and hung close to the fireplace. She was just about to give up and go outside when a third cloud of smoke filled the room and out popped Dillon and his mom. Dillon quickly plopped the package he was carrying down on the couch and ran to hug Sarah. "I'm so happy to see you again. I thought we'd never get here. I messed up and ended up in Ohio, mom had to come and find me. I'm so embarrassed," said Dillon turning red.

"It's all right Dillon, any one could have done the same," consoled Professor Ratcliff. "How are you Sarah?" she asked crossing to give her a hug.

Sarah pulled back, faltered slightly, and became dizzy for a moment. It was as though she was being pulled through time and space. "It must be all of the excitement getting to me," she thought. "I'm wonderful," she said out loud, recovering. "Where's Mr. Ratcliff?"

Professor Ratcliff gave her a funny look and then smiled. "Are you kidding, there's no way this close to the beginning of school that Professor Killainka would let him leave the grounds. I'm surprised that he let me go," she paused and then added, "He sends his best and says he'll see you in a couple of weeks." By this time, some of the others had filtered back into the room and now John was introducing Dillon and Christine to the few people they did not know. Sarah and Zoe were happier than they had been since they left school. Sarah couldn't believe that she had all the people in the world that meant anything to her right now under one roof. Dillon quickly got over the embarrassment of his travels and he, Megan, and William now got a quick tour of her father's house.

Megan's mother, who's family were old world wizards, was fascinated by the cell phone that Sarah's mother had to continuously answer and the fax machine that she had insisted on hooking up at Sarah's dad's "just in case."

Megan kept insisting that these things weren't a big a deal but her mother was fascinated none-the-less. Sarah and Zoe pulled Megan over to the side, "Megan you've got all of the modern conveniences at your house don't you? I mean you came back from Christmas break with new CD's and stuff."

Megan was turning redder by the minute. "More or less. You see, my sister and I, we kind of bought everything that's up to date. I think my parents thought they were things that only Muggle children used."

Zoe and Sarah busted out laughing and Megan looked slightly hurt. "I'm sorry Megan," said Zoe turning nearly purple, "but it is funny."

After a moment or two Megan began to laugh also, "I suppose you're right." Dillon came over to see what was so funny and the three girls decided to let it go. Dillon was having a few problems with some of her mother's Muggle conveniences also. Zoe did point out later however, that Dillon had been raised mostly on the school grounds.

"Boy they'd really freak if they went to your mom's house," whispered Zoe as they all went out to the yard. Sarah laughed and nodded.

Elizabeth made her famous teriyaki chicken and buffalo ribs, and with the wonderful salads and vegetable dishes, that Glenda made no one could move or breath by the time they got to cake and ice cream. When Sarah had blown out the thirteen candles on her cake, including one to grow on, and everyone finished singing "Happy Birthday"; Sarah once again insisted that she hadn't really needed the presents. As everyone told her to be quiet, Zoe perched by her side and began to hand her one present at a time. "Well, Zoe has already given me hers," said Sarah reaching behind her and showing everyone her Sapphire Crystal Ball. Megan was greatly impressed and asked to see it as. Sarah passed it to her as Zoe handed her the first unopened gift.

"It's from Megan," Sarah said reading the tag. Sarah carefully removed the wrapping paper and laid it to the side.

Zoe rolled her eyes. "You're so annual retentive."

Megan had bought her a fancy set of pens, markers, and other drawing items, including a bottle of disappearing and reappearing ink. Tabatha's present was a box of assorted treats from The Sweet Shoppe, including a half a dozen Chocolate Frogs and a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. Sarah was so excited. "Man this will be great on the train," she said hiding it over to the side. "Zoe, you keep your hands off," she warned.

"I just want to look at the wizard cards," said Zoe teasing. Next, she opened Dillon's, which turned out to be autographed first edition of Stephen King's 'Christine'.

"Cool," yelled Zoe.

Dillon leaned forward and whispered, "It seems that mom went to school with him. I guess she used to have a real bad crush on him." Zoe repeated her signature remark and Sarah echoed it.

Sarah's mother bought her some new shoes and clothes that actually looked more comfortable than fashionable. The boxes of clothes also included one green velour dress and matching cloak. She gave her a huge hug and thanked her. Zoe's mom and dad got her a backpack, which had special compartments for her wand, potion ingredients, and other items that ordinary backpacks wouldn't have.

Sarah started to open William's present and he stopped her. "Not yet, Sarah, open your dad's first." Sarah looked at him like he was crazy.

"Oh, okay," she said looking around for one with his name on it.

Sarah's dad now stood and handed her a long box wrapped in bright blue paper and tied with a bright yellow bow. "What is it?" asked Sarah lifting the heavy box.

"Open it and find out," insisted her dad. "It's actually from both your mother and I."

Sarah looked at her dad and then the long package, she started to carefully remove the paper and Zoe called out, "Come on Sarah, give us a break." Sarah shook her head, laughed, and began to tear into the box. Inside she found a cedar box with hinges on it.

Again, she looked at her dad and he encouraged her to go on. Sarah clicked the two latched and opened the box. "Holy moly, " cried Dillon. "It's a Nimbus 2001."

Sarah laid the large box on the ground and pulled out the broomstick. Sarah looked at her mother, afraid that she was going to protest, but she was smiling ear to ear. "You knew about this?" she asked her mother and her mom nodded.

"You don't think your father would buy a thing like that for you without asking me," she said winking at her dad.

"Oh man, I can't believe that you got me a broomstick." Sarah jumped up and ran over to hug her mom and dad repeatedly. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

William then insisted that she open his present, which turned out to be a broomstick care kit. "See why I didn't want you to open it first."

"You all knew?" asked Sarah.

"Well we didn't know what kind," said Zoe chuckling a little. Sarah was so excited that she almost forgot a gift.

"Hey what about mine?" said Eric smiling. Zoe looked around and found one more. It was brightly wrapped like the one Zoe had given her. "I got it the same time I got Zoe's," explained Eric.

Sarah ripped the wrapping paper off and opened the box. Sarah pulled out what looked like a statue of a trio of brass dragons. Sarah liked it but looked confused. "It's really cool but what is it?"

"It's a stand for your crystal ball," Eric said, grabbing the crystal and placing it in the stand. "There is a book in the bottom of the box that tells some of the basics of scrying, that's the art of crystal reading."

"That is so cool," said Sarah taking the ball and stand from Eric. "Thanks you guys." She looked around, tears in her eyes. "This is the best birthday I've ever had."

Sarah had not been exaggerating; she couldn't remember a birthday that had been any better. Even the adults were having a great time talking. After Sarah had opened her presents, they had all split up into groups. Sarah and Zoe's dad's had retired to John's study along with William and Eric who were having a wonderful time talking about Quidditch. Sarah and Zoe's mom's had taken Professor Ratcliff and Megan's mother into the kitchen and after several cups of coffee, were very well acquainted with them both.

Professor Ratcliff couldn't remember the last time she had felt so comfortable and so care free. For a few hours, she had been able to be just Christine Ratcliff, not a witch, not a teacher, just a woman, and a mother.

Dillon had watched her lovingly through the window from the back porch of John Nettleton's house as he and William, Zoe and Sarah listened to Megan go on and on about what she had done that summer. Sarah grinned from ear to ear and tugged on the sleeve of his shirt when the others weren't looking. "Hey, I'm about to die of boredom," whispered Sarah when she had gotten his attention. "Let's go for a walk." Dillon smiled and nodded. It didn't surprise either of them when they were able to sneak away unnoticed. Sarah steered them around to the front of her dad's house and on to his front porch. "Look's like your mom is doing well," said Sarah after they had taken a comfortable position on the front porch swing.

"Yeah, she and dad have mostly worked things out. He was a little hesitant at first, but he really loves her." He paused and then smiled at Sarah. "Looks like your folks are doing all right too," he observed.

"Yeah, I hoped that maybe they'd get back together, but I'm happy with things as they are," she admitted. "Mom's lightened up a little at work although she hasn't given up her cell phone completely," giggled Sarah.

Dillon looked a bit confused by her remark but laughed nonetheless. They were quiet for a while as they both stared off into the setting sun. "Sarah, have you been all right this summer?" asked Dillon sounding as though he was afraid to ask. "You haven't been having any nightmares or anything have you."

Sarah smiled. "I'm just fine, Dillon. You and Zoe are such worry warts," she assured him with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "And you, how have you been?"

"I can't say that I'm not having nightmares," he admitted. "I sometimes wake in the middle of the night and I have to check to make sure that I'm in my bed. I hate telling mom about it, she feels so guilty as it is. I told her the first time I had one and she took me to see Mrs. Hutton. Next thing I know I had Professor's Killainka and Abydos hovering over me." Dillon shuddered. "It was not a pretty sight."

Sarah chuckled. "Oh, I've had enough to contend with just with my mom and Zoe. I can't imagine having to deal with everyone at school too." Dillon shook his head and laughed too.

"Sarah I can't begin to tell you how much--" But Sarah wasn't going to allow him to finish this sentence.

"I hope you're not about to thank me, because frankly I'll have to either throw up or leave and neither of us wants that do we," joked Sarah. Dillon sighed and then smiled.

"No, that's all right really," he said snickering. Sarah looked into the darkness and watched as the front porch lit up.

"We better go back inside, I'm sure they've discovered we're gone and we'll be in for it if we don't," suggested Sarah. Dillon nodded and Sarah took his arm and pulled him through the front door and back out to where her other friends were. Sarah had been right about them, noticing their absence but it took little time for them to all fall back into conversation. Sarah had given one additional concerned look at Dillon though before pushing the memories that had flooded back out of her head again. "This year," she thought, "I'm going to be like everyone else."

It was no surprise that everyone stayed as long as they could, and that it was well past midnight before Matthew lit a fire and they started throwing in the Floo Powder. William, his brother, Megan, and her mom were the first to leave. William and Megan thanked Sarah for the great time and Sarah thanked them again for coming and the gifts before they left. "See you soon," Sarah and Zoe called after them as they left.

Professor Ratcliff had had such a wonderful time talking to Elizabeth and Glenda about just plain old mom stuff that it was hard to leave. Dillon was also enjoying Eric and Sarah's company again. Eric expressed his desire to come back to school and not only see Dillon and his friends but also to be in Professor Ratcliff's class again. "Remarks like that won't get you out of homework, Mr. Turner," teased the Professor, "but you can continue to make them anyway."

Eric smiled and then they all said goodbye as they vanished up the chimney. "Remember Dillon, say it clearly," said his mom right before they disappeared.

The Turners were the last to leave. Bill decided to leave the car since it was so late and take the family home the same way the others had gone. Tabatha was already falling asleep and Glenda wanted them all in bed as soon as possible. Bill told John he'd see him tomorrow and Elizabeth gave Glenda a hug and thanked her for her again for her help.

"I'll call you when I get home tomorrow," Elizabeth said as Glenda moved toward the fireplace holding Tabatha. "We'll talk about next week."

Zoe poked behind to look at Sarah's broomstick one last time. She had told Sarah that she was to get Eric's old broomstick, since he had bought himself a new one this summer but it was nothing as nice as Sarah's. "Come on Zoe, we have to go," said her dad standing next to the fireplace.

Eric was just about to go when he turned around and smiled at Sarah one more time, "Hey kid, Happy Birthday! See you next week." Sarah felt her face go warm again as he called out "Home" and entered the smoke. Zoe rolled her eyes at both of them and was the next to go, making Sarah promise to call tomorrow. When Bill disappeared in the smoke, John and Elizabeth turned to Sarah and sent her off to bed.

"We'll be there in a minute to tuck you in," said Elizabeth picking up a glass and heading toward the kitchen. Matthew met her half way and took the glass.

"Off to bed Mrs. Nettleton, I'll take care of all of this," he said lovingly.

"Tonight, Matthew, I will not argue with you," she said smiling and heading up the stairs after John.

Sarah climbed into bed after laying out her new things on her dresser and the floor next to it. John and Elizabeth walked in and over to her side. This wasn't the first time that the three of them had been together since she got back, but it was nice just the same. "Thanks for the great party," said Sarah, already starting to fall asleep.

"Thanks for being a great daughter," said John leaning over to give her a kiss. John thought about last year and how they had hovered over her worried that something was going to happen to her. Now they were all there and all happy for the moment. He put his arm around Elizabeth and gave her a kiss. "Thanks for giving me such a great daughter twelve years ago."

Elizabeth giggled and as they both gave her a kiss and started out of the room, Sarah thought back to last year when Zoe had insisted every time she talked about her parents, "They're doing it. Out of my head!" said Sarah to herself, "Get out of my head!"

Sarah's mom left in the morning to go to work and told Sarah that she would see her again next week after giving both her and her dad a kiss, Sarah's being less passionate. John told Sarah that he had one meeting to go to, then he would be home, and they would find a place to try out her new birthday present. This made Sarah's day seem twice as long as she sat around waiting for him. Sarah decided to get out the crystal ball and read the booklet inside while she was waiting. "Scrying," read Sarah "is the art of seeing the future by means of gazing into crystal or glass. Scrying, which means, "to catch sight of," dates back to early Egyptian and Arab Civilizations." As Sarah got more into reading the booklet, she became more and more interested in the crystal ball. Putting the book down, she sat cross-legged on the bed and pulled out the crystal.

Sarah looked around, it was too light, and so she crossed the room and closed the curtains so that only a sliver of light shined through. "That's better," she said climbing back onto the bed and picking up the crystal. "All right, Mr. Crystal. Zoe and the book say that I need to make you my own." Sarah grabbed the ball with both hands and closed her eyes.

She concentrated on positive thoughts, she thought about her family and her friends, and then she thought about Max and Socrates. She thought about school and how much fun it had been, and when the bad thoughts snuck past the good she pushed them back and thought about winning the Gold Crest. Sarah opened her eyes and glanced at the clock.

"I can't believe that I've been at this for over an hour," thought Sarah. She was about to put the crystal over to the side when she noticed that it looked funny, it was lighter and cloudier. "All right," she said smiling, "I'll play. Magic Eight Ball will I be rich and famous?" she asked laughing.

Sarah looked at the ball as it started to glow Indigo, "You are the master of your own destiny," whispered a faraway voice.

"Whoa!" said Sarah dropping the ball on the bed. She looked at it for a moment and then picked it up with two fingers. "You're going back in the box," she said putting both the crystal and its stand back in the box. Sarah opened her curtains as fast as she could. "I think I'll go find Matthew."

Sarah didn't dare tell Matthew what had happened, she wasn't in the mood to be laughed at. There was so much Sarah didn't know about her knew world. Each time she experienced something different, Sarah was afraid it was a reason to poke fun. She pretended that nothing had happened and made trivial conversations about her Dad and going back to school while she helped him make lunch. "Ah, just in time for lunch I see," said Sarah's Dad, entering the kitchen.

Sarah ran up to him and gave him a big hug. "I missed you," she said dragging him over to the table.

"I've only been gone the morning Sarah," said John smiling.

"I know," said Sarah. "But I still missed you."

John chuckled and sat down next to her to eat. When they were finished, he announced that he knew a spot on the other side of the lake where they could go and be unseen. Matthew offered to drive them, however John said they would be fine and it wasn't long before they were parking the car under a large oak tree in the middle of nowhere. Sarah pulled her broomstick out of the back of the car and met her dad around the front. "Are you sure it will be okay?" asked Sarah.

"As long as you stay inside the tree line." He paused and smiled widely. "I happen to know the person who owns the land."

Sarah looked at him funny and shrugged. "All right," she said placing the box on the ground and opening it. "It's the coolest present I ever got," she said placing it on the ground. "Up," commanded Sarah and in no time, she was flying in circles around the field.

John swelled with pride and laughed heartily, and after awhile he waved her down and told her, it was time to take a break. Sarah gave her father a great big hug and kiss. "Nothing could burst this bubble," she thought.

John had brought some lemonade for them and they found a shady spot. "So I take it you're pleased with your birthday presents?"

Sarah was smiling profusely. "Absolutely. This has to the best birthday I've ever had."

"Well I have one more gift for you," he said grinning ear to ear.

"What's that?" asked Sarah curiously.

"This," he said looking around the shady glen they were sitting in. Sarah looked at him strangely. "I bought this piece of land the day you were born. I hoped someday to build a house here for the three of us, it was another one of those things I never told your mum about," he admitted sadly. "I wasn't sure why I kept it after the divorce but ever since you came back from school, I've known why. I want you to have it. Someday you can build a home here for you and your family."

Sarah looked into his sad eyes. "Dad do you still love mom?"

John sighed deeply. "I've always loved your mum. It was my stupidity that split us up, nothing else." He paused and took Sarah's hand. "Remember how I told you about keeping things from your mum, and how you had started showing signs." Sarah nodded. "Well, those things, I could have probably explained them all away and perhaps she could have forgiven me for them, but--" he paused again, a tear pooling in his eye.

"What dad?" Sarah asked, prodding him on.

"When you were very little, well just before Eric started school at Dragon's Wood, one other mad thing happened." He looked into Sarah's eyes and squeezed her hand tighter. "One day while you and Abigail were in the park someone tried to take you. He was one of Chinkana's followers." John Nettleton paused. "Hindsight is twenty-twenty," he proposed. Sarah felt a cold chill rush down her spine. Whoosh! It was as though she was flying through the air, being pulled backward through time and events. Sarah heard Abigail screaming and felt someone gripping her arms tightly and laughing loudly. Sarah pulled back from her father and onto the ground hard. "Sarah, Sarah, are you all right?" asked her father rising to his knees to grab Sarah again.

Sarah opened her eyes and quickly pulled back from him. "Wait," she said trying to get her bearings. John stopped and watched as she focused and sat up. "Yeah, I'm all right," she said unconvincingly. John inched closer slowly and again took her hand. Sarah took a deep breath, but nothing else happened so she relaxed and allowed herself to be comforted.

"Sarah," started her dad lovingly, "has this been happening a lot?" Sarah wanted to act like she didn't know what he was talking about but knew she couldn't and shouldn't keep anything from her dad.

She shook her head. "Not really since I've been home," she admitted. "Do you know what just happened to me? Does that happen to you?" she asked staring into his eyes.

John Nettleton shifted uncomfortably on his spot and then rose. "Why don't we go for a walk," he suggested, taking her hands and pulling her to her feet. Sarah nodded and John proceeded, leading Sarah arm and arm through the trees and toward the lake. After a short distance, John began again. "What do you think is happening to you, Sarah when you have those feelings?"

"I'm not sure," admitted Sarah. "Sometimes I think it's just a memory, sometimes mine and sometimes someone else's." She paused and looked at her father's face. "Was that my memory or yours?" she asked suddenly.

John paused again. "You were remembering what happened that day, I could feel it and you knew I could didn't you," he asked. Sarah nodded.

"Yeah, but I could always tell with you that you knew. I mean I could never get away with anything growing up. I'd just look in your face and--" Sarah stopped causing her father to also. "Oh man this sucks," she said suddenly her eyes growing the size of quarters. John Nettleton cracked a sly smile. "No wonder I always got caught. This is totally not fair," complained Sarah. John was laughing full out now.

"Well your mum couldn't have all the fun, after all mum's have that secret mother knowledge that most dad's don't have," joked her father.

Sarah shook her head and looked frustrated. "I'm beginning to think that my father being a wizard isn't all that great a thing," whined Sarah. John put an arm around her shoulder and drew her closer. "Dad," said Sarah looking at him oddly. "Last year when all those things happened. Everyone kept telling me how I was just like you. And the other night I was thinking about last year and buying my school things and I remembered something that the man in the wand store had said."

What's that?" asked John giving her a curious look.

"He said that I should do fine things with my wand, like my father. Then he added that if I were truly like you though that I wouldn't need the wand." Sarah paused searching her father's eyes. "Is this what he meant?"

"A while ago you asked me if that happened to me," he continued, Sarah nodded. "Well I'm quite sure that right now your memories or visions aren't as controlled as mine are. I have learned how to turn them off and on, I've learned how to seek for them or tune them out. Something that you will have to do or they will get the better or you."

"But what if I don't want to have them at all? What if I'd prefer not to be like you at all?" asked Sarah looking slightly distressed.

John chuckled slightly, and hugged Sarah tighter. "Unfortunately it seems that you are like me despite what you would wish or want. Sarah you know that I have a dangerous job chasing dangerous people." Sarah nodded, "I don't know if you know, but I'm what's called an Auror."

Sarah nodded again, "Dillon said Killainka is one, like you and Zoe's dad."

"That's right. However, he doesn't chase dangerous people anymore. He chooses now to chase rambunctious children instead," he said smiling. Sarah chuckled. "Anyway it seems as though you've been exhibiting these same qualities and when you return to school I'm sure that you'll be wanting to find out more about them. I want you not to be afraid of what you find out about your self and what you can do, but I also want you to remember that you shouldn't take anything that you find out lightly. Power can be a wonderful gift or a terrible curse depending on what you choose to do with it."

Sarah was afraid now to ask any more questions and partially wishing she hadn't asked the ones, she had. "What if I choose to do nothing with it?"

"I'm sure that whatever you choose will be what's right for you. And right now I think we should both choose to go home or Matthew will box our ears for being late," he said smiling. Sarah smiled too and gave one last look at the Glen, her Glen before they headed back to the car.