The Dreamwalker's Daughter

Chapter Four New Friends, Old Foes, and Quidditch

Sarah wasn't the first to rise the next morning; in fact, it took Max, Zoe, and Megan to motivate her to get up. "Hey what's wrong?" asked Zoe as Sarah drug herself out of bed.

"Nothing," said Sarah groggily. "I guess I'm just tired." Zoe wasn't sure she believed her but she didn't have time to grill her as they were running late. Sarah didn't dare let on that she hadn't been able to sleep. She had been having a new nightmare about the snake in the teacup. By the time they got to breakfast almost everyone else was finished eating. Sarah shoved some toast down and poured herself a big glass of orange juice just before the morning mail arrived. "Good morning Socrates," said Sarah stroking his head and giving him some of her toast. He had just dropped a small pile of letters beside her plate and was very pleased with himself.

Zoe had also received a visit from Mercedes as well. "Who are yours from?" asked Zoe opening her first letter.

"Mom mostly. I guess she's worried about me too. There's one from dad though and Abigail." Sarah was sorting through the pile and came to one that didn't have a return address when Professor Killainka appeared at the table; standing next to, him was a timid looking girl who looked to be about Sarah and Zoe's age. She had long black hair that was pulled back into a tight ponytail and dark brown eyes that were peeking through a pair of large black spectacles.

"Good morning students," said the Professor, smiling.
" Good morning Professor Killainka," replied the entire table.

"I hope that we are all enjoying the new school year," he said, grinning. Everyone nodded and made positive comments while Killainka waited patiently for them to get quiet again. When they did, he continued. "Everyone, I would like for you all to meet Miss Michayla Surriette." Most of the table had already been staring at the young lady and now had a legitimate reason too. "There was a problem with her making it to the train the other day so she has just now arrived at Dragon's Wood. Unfortunately, she could not be present at the Choosing ceremony. However, I am happy to say, she has been chosen for the Bellarmine dormitory and her things are being taken to the Seventh grade quarters as we speak."

Sarah and the others all looked at each other and smiled. "That's cool," remarked Zoe.

Professor Killainka smiled at Zoe, "Yes I suppose it is cool, Miss Turner and I'm glad that you have that positive attitude since I was hoping that you and Miss Nettleton would help Miss Surriette get around the school today since she has not yet been orientated."

"Sure Professor, I'd be happy to," replied Zoe. Sarah and Megan smiled and nodded

"All right then, I will leave her in your capable hands," he said smiling at the young girl. "We will introduce you properly this evening, Miss Surriette, in the mean time have a good day."

The young lady very timidly sat down next to Sarah and Zoe. "Nice to meet you Michayla. I'm Zoe Turner and this is Sarah Nettleton, Megan Adams, Dillon Ratcliff, and William Davies. We'll introduce you to everyone else later," Zoe said almost all in one breath.

"Nice to meet you all," answered the young lady almost whispering.

Megan noticed that the room was starting to empty so she suggested that they be on their way. As they were walking to class Megan designated herself as the information officer and began, "first up is Defense Against the Dark Arts. Professor Abydos is a little spooky but you get used to him after awhile. Unfortunately we have Dark Arts with the Parathion dormitory which can make for some interesting situations."

"They're kind of our rival dorm," explained Zoe. "Most of them are a bunch of creeps who'd do anything to get one of us in trouble." Michayla was very quiet but listened attentively, taking it all in. By this time, they had made it to the classroom and everyone filtered inside and found a seat. Professor Abydos had sat quietly at his desk until they had all settled in which didn't take long under his watchful eye.

After a moment, he rose and came to the front of the classroom. "Miss Surriette, please stand up." Michayla hesitated and then rose to her feet. "This is our new student, Michayla Surriette. Sit down please Miss Surriette," which she did quickly. "There will be no snickering or discussion as to who she is. Is that understood?" He was now glaring in the direction of Griffin and his friends.

Everyone nodded and he then continued with the lesson. Sarah was the first one to suggest that they make their usual detour to avoid Griffin when they were about to exit the classroom and Dillon was happy to show them the way again. "Sorry Michayla, we're not trying to hide you just avoid the inevitable unpleasantness," explained Zoe. Michayla who had been quiet as a mouse, simply nodded. It wasn't long before they were once again in Divination. Sarah had made sure that her Crystal Ball was in her backpack this time wishing it to be her decision this time.

Professor Semiramise stood as soon as they arrived and crossed to Michayla. "Welcome to my class Miss Surriette, I've been waiting for you," she said plainly and turned to look at the rest of the class. "Did everyone remember to bring his or her tools?" she asked glancing at Sarah. Several students pulled out various devices from their backpacks including tarot cards, crystals, dice, and stones. "Very nice," she said moving around the tables to investigate what they had brought. "I suppose that you have been meditating with your apparatus and preparing them for your scrying?" Everyone but Sarah nodded, some of them reluctantly. Sarah knew that she had indeed spent some time transferring her energy to her Crystal ball, but wasn't sure that she wanted to admit it. When she realized that the Professor was once again focused on her though, she finally nodded. "Very good then, I think today we shall just spend our time meditating and magnetizing our objects." She now crossed the room and opened up a cabinet on the west wall. Inside she revealed Tarot Cards that she now offered to the students who had none.

Sarah noticed that Megan and Zoe both had both brought Tarot Cards, but William and Dillon were now raising their hands so that they could retrieve one of Professor Semiramise's. Sarah hadn't been paying a lot of attention to Michayla since they had gotten to Divination but she now turned to see her holding her own Crystal Ball. It gave off a strange orange glow as she sat and meditated with it.

However, Sarah couldn't think about that right now, her thoughts now passed from the strange voice she had heard the last time she had mediated with the ball, to the nightmares she had about the snake in the tealeaves. She pretended to be bonding with her crystal even though she couldn't concentrate at all. She was about to ask if she could go to the bathroom or something just to get away from the room when she realized that the Professor was standing over her. Sarah nearly jumped out of her skin. "Miss Nettleton, I would like for you to stay after class. I need to talk to you for a moment."

Sarah could barely whisper the words. "Yes, ma'am."

As she walked away, Zoe gave her a funny look and then turned away quickly. If Sarah could not concentrate before it was hopeless now. She spent the rest of the class watching her crystal and thinking about what she would say to Professor Semiramise when she asked her what she thought the snake in her teacup meant, she didn't move when the bell rang. Zoe barely spoke as her and the others left, "See ya' in a few."

"Why are you scared?" asked the Professor searching her eyes. Sarah didn't answer. "There's no need to be, you're not in trouble."

"I really didn't think I was," started Sarah, "I just don't know what to tell you."

Professor Semiramise looked at her and smiled, "Professor Killainka was right about you."

Sarah had just about had enough of everyone talking and worrying about her. "Professor Semiramise, I feel like they held a faculty meeting over the summer and discussed what to do with me." She suddenly felt like she had overstepped her bounds. "I'm sorry but when will I just become another student at Dragon's Wood?"

The Professor sat down across from Sarah and took her hand. "Sarah, I promise you there was no faculty meeting to discuss you or anything about you. Sarah, you are not just another student at Dragon's Wood, and for that matter, none of our children are. You are all special in your own way or you would not be here. You, Sarah, have to realize that whether you want it or not you have a special gift, something that sets you apart from the other special children here at Dragon's Wood, something that always will. I hate to sound like a character in a George Lucas movie, but you need to trust your special gift and find the power within in. And when you decide that you are ready to have it, I will be here to face you in the right direction."

"I'll keep that in mind, Professor, I promise," Sarah said rising from the table. She was so relieved that she didn't say anything about the tealeaves that she would agree to think about anything.

Sarah thought that she was going to get out of the room with one simple lecture when the Professor stopped her from leaving. "Sarah, there's one more thing."

Sarah stopped waiting for the other shoe to fall. "Yes ma'am."

"You will tell me when the enemy approaches?" said the Professor very soberly.

Sarah was floored, but hid it well. "As soon as I recognize him, I will let you know." Sarah knew that she had not been the model student with her teacher, just now, but she was not exactly happy about the way she was being treated at school this year. As she walked out of the room and down the hallway, she contemplated walking right past her friends and out the door. "I am not a freak," she said loudly to the empty hallway. Sarah turned to see one of the larger portrait's giving her a very disapproving look.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they had Computers with the Broughton dormitory. When Sarah had arrived, she was very quiet and had talked only when necessary. Zoe asked her twice what was wrong and only received cold stares, so she opted to focus on her charge. This however hadn't been much better considering that Michayla had been more distant than her best friend was now being. Zoe was possibly the happiest person in the school when the bell had rung and they all had proceeded to the Great Hall for lunch. Sarah however, wasn't as Professor Quigley summoned her as soon as she sat down and told her that Professor Killainka wanted to see her when she'd finished her lunch. It was no surprise to anyone that she didn't eat any of it. "You wanted to see me sir?" said Sarah, after being invited in by the Professor.

"Have a seat Sarah." Professor Killainka motioned for a chair and then joined her in the opposite one. "I understand that you're not very happy with us right now."

Sarah didn't know what to say. She supposed that she was in big trouble now. "I'm sorry Professor, I suppose I should be flattered by the amount of attention that I've been receiving, but I'd much rather just be blending in with everyone else."

"I tell you what," said the Professor smiling. "We'll let you be if you promise that when you are ready you will come and tell me right away."

Sarah looked at him confused. "That sounds like a deal, except that I'm not sure what you mean by ready and I don't know how you think I will know that I am."

"When the time is right you will know," said Killainka chuckling slightly. He rose and Sarah rose also and headed for the door. "You better hurry now or you'll be late for class." He paused and then asked one last question. "By the way, how is our new student doing?"

Sarah was too embarrassed to say that she'd been so wrapped up in herself that she hadn't paid much attention to Michayla. "She seems all right. She's very quiet though."

"I believe there's more to our Miss Surriette than meets the eye."

"What do you mean sir?"

"Well, apparently she's in a situation a lot like you were. Her parents are divorced and have been fighting over her heritage. However, unlike your parents they are unable to look after Michayla's best interests," explained Killainka.

"Sometimes it just takes a little longer for some adults to wise up sir," said Sarah smiling.

"I suppose you're right," he replied smiling. "Now go along to class."

As Sarah headed to class, she felt even worse about how selfish she'd been that day. She should have been more attentive to their new friend's needs and less worried about the extra attention she'd been getting from the teachers. She decided that she was going to be a good friend the rest of the day to Michayla and the rest.

The Tuesday, Thursday schedule also included Care of Magical Creatures instead of Flying Class, which they also had with Broughton. Their teacher who was Professor Marbly, was perhaps as strange as Sir Roger perhaps twice as much fun. The first thing that he did was introduce them to the "babies" that they would be helping the other classes raise. Megan made a horrible face, leaned over toward Sarah and Zoe, and moaned.

"What's the matter Megan, they're kind of cute?" said Zoe.

Megan glanced again at the six-legged squirrel-like creatures that were scurrying in around in the large wooden box, and moaned again. "They aren't when they're full size," said Megan after making another face.

Sarah and Zoe looked at each other and then Megan again and laughed. "I'm sure we'll get by," said Zoe, pointing out that they made it through last year's class alive.

Sarah tried to talk a little bit to Michayla during the class but wasn't able to get much out of her. She decided that at dinner tonight she would make a better effort. Zoe had asked what Professor Killainka had wanted and Sarah had told her that he had just voiced his concerns about her like the others had. Then she apologized for the way she had been acting and told her they needed to talk about Michayla later on. This seemed to make Zoe a lot happier and Care of Magical Creatures not so boring. When class was over however and they were on their way to Potions, it became clear that they weren't going to have a completely uneventful day. "Hey Turner," came an unpleasant, yet familiar voice.

Zoe stopped and turned. "What do you want Garth?" asked Zoe spitting out Garth with disgust.

"I was just wondering if you were starting your own half-breed club."

Sarah turned red with anger and turned to see how Zoe was reacting. "Griffin, you pin-head, does anything intelligent ever come out of your mouth?" Zoe was evidently doing much better than she was. Sarah now turned to see Michayla. She was also red, however she was attempting to hide behind William and Dillon. Griffin was moving closer and his goon looking sidekicks where heading toward Zoe. Sarah felt the anger welling up inside of her and she was feeling sorry for Michayla and Megan who had opted to step to the back. She was just about to lay into to him when one of the schools chandeliers suddenly fell from the ceiling pinning Griffin down to the ground and just missing the other two. Megan screamed and in moments, a crowd of students and Professors Ratcliff and Robinson were there a lifting the chandelier off of Griffin.

"What happened here?" asked Professor Ratcliff; as she knelt down to examine the boy.

Everyone began relating their stories at once until the two Professors were dizzy. "Well I think that we'll be heading to the infirmary Mr. Griffin, looks like a broken leg at least." Griffin was wailing like a baby, and it was all that Zoe could do to keep from bursting into laughter. Professor Robinson who had now been joined by Cedric, the caretaker was examining the chandelier attempting to discover why it had fallen. After a moment or two, they had levitated it and reattached it to the ceiling. Before Professor Ratcliff had left with Griffin and his friends, whom she suggested should accompany them as well; Professor Robinson whispered something in her ear. Once he had, she turned quickly and shot their group a strange look. "I trust that you all will be waiting quietly in my classroom when I return," she said glaring at them. Everyone nodded quietly and headed for class. When they were out of earshot, they all burst simultaneously into a combination of laughter and confusion.

"What in the world was that all about?" asked Zoe, "She couldn't possibly think that we had anything to do with that could she?"

"Well I didn't do it," said several of the other students.

Sarah suddenly noticed that eyes were turning her way. "Whatever," she said laughing. "I wouldn't begin to know how to do something like that."

"Well Sarah you are the only one who has any real experience with that kind of magic," said one of the Keynes students, Gracie Richardson.

"What kind of magic would that be Gracie," asked Zoe in a disgusted and defensive voice.

"Dark magic of course," said Gracie matter-of-factly.

Sarah's face grew as red as it had when Griffin had spoke, and she could tell that Zoe was about to lay into Gracie when Professor Ratcliff returned. She stopped and looked at the students facing each other down and cleared her throat. "I suggest that we all find a seat before I have to start handing out detention slips."

Dillon had never seen his mother this mad before. Granted he hadn't spent even a year with her yet, but over the summer, he had given her plenty of reasons to lose her cool if she had been prone to it. He suggested that they better cool it and nearly got detention for doing it. That was enough to make everyone behave their very best for the rest of the class. They had barely gotten the first three ingredients in their forgetfulness potion mixed when the bell rang. Everyone grabbed their things as quickly as they could and headed for the door. "Not so fast," said the Professor, freezing everyone in his or her spots. "The following students will stay, Miss Nettleton, Miss Turner, Mr. Ratcliff, Mr. Davies, and Miss Adams. Miss Surriette, Miss Richardson will direct you to your next class which I believe is History of Magic."

Gracie Richardson grabbed Michayla quickly by the arm and she and the rest of the students took off leaving Sarah and her friends with Professor Ratcliff. No one spoke or even breathed as they watched the Professor trying to compose her self. It was at least five minutes before Professor Ratcliff calmed down enough to speak. "Miss Turner, I need to know what happened in the hallway before class and don't make me have to give you Veritaserum."

Zoe was shaking as she began to relate how Griffin had made verbal attacks on Sarah, Megan and Michayla and how it was possible that it was escalating into a psychical confrontation, however it was halted when the chandelier suddenly fell on Griffin. None of the others spoke, however their heads did bob along silently. Professor Ratcliff listened carefully to what Zoe said and then rose to pace the floor. It was another five minutes before she spoke again. "So what you are saying is that no one took it upon themselves to pull out their wand and do a little hocus pocus?"

Everyone shook their heads wildly and swore that they had not. Sarah was curious as to why they were being given the third degree and could no longer hold silent. "Professor, is that what you think? That one of us deliberately dropped that chandelier on Griffin."

"No Miss Nettleton, that is not what I think. It is what I know."

Sarah and Zoe looked at each other accusingly. "Maybe Gracie had been right," thought Zoe. Ever since last year, she was not sure that she knew Sarah the way she thought she did. All summer long she had thought about things and what Sarah had been involved in at school and wondered if her finding out she was a witch was such a good thing after all. Could this have been something she had done? Zoe thought about the crystal ball and Sarah's accusations and was suddenly unsure.

"What do you mean?" asked Dillon, resisting the urge to say mom.

"Professor Robinson examined the chandelier. He told me that there had been a bit of magic involved in it's descent." She stared at each face one at a time. "This is your last chance to come clean and admit which of you has done this without substantial consequences."

Everyone again expressed his or her innocence. Zoe even offered to drink the Veritaserum to prove her purity. This only seemed to inflame the Professor further. The next class was entering now and she would have to let this go for now. "We will approach this matter later in the day. Don't assume that you are not in trouble," she said dismissing them and sending them on their way.

It seemed that idle chatter would be the only words spoke the rest of the afternoon. Even Michayla, who seemed more terrified than before, spoke only when necessary.

Professors Murphy and Quigley had given them extra homework and several suspicious and intimidating looks throughout their classes. Sarah was never so happy to see the Common Room than she had ever been in her life. Well, at least until Eric and his friends began to congratulate her for clobbering Griffin. "When am I going to have to stop saying that I didn't have anything to do with it?" Sarah screamed just before stomping off to her room.

Eric turned to Zoe. "What was that all about?"

"You don't want to know," said Zoe following Sarah out of the room. Zoe entered the dorm room and sat down on the bed opposite her, she took a deep breath. "Before you scream at me, I just want to say that I believe you."

Sarah looked up; tears were rolling down her cheeks. "Zoe, why is it that I'm such a freak?"

Zoe laughed. "It's never seemed to bother you until now."

Sarah forced a smile and then a chuckle. "Ever since I've come back this year, the teachers have been going on and on about my special gifts and you guys have been acting like I'm diseased and now everyone, including you, don't lie, think that I made that chandelier fall on Griffin. Not that I didn't want to, but I didn't, I swear," Sarah concluded by sighing deeply.

Zoe joined Sarah on her bed and put her arm around her. "I believe you," she said and then she laughed. "But I wish you had, or maybe Dillon or me. I know that Megan or William wouldn't have the guts."

Sarah laughed. "You're right."

"Wasn't it great?" asked Zoe looking around to make sure no one was listening. "Did you hearing him screaming? I bet you could hear him all the way to the Infirmary."

Sarah laughed and nodded. "I'm sorry Zoe, I haven't been myself lately. I was really looking forward to coming back to school and putting last year behind me. I figured that everyone would have forgotten about it all and it seems that no one wishes to let it go. If we're not spending the next two weeks in detention, I'll make it up to you."

"Nay, I haven't been that great a friend either. I even thought for a moment you'd do this and not tell me. And I know that's not true, I'm sure you'd tell me," she said joking. "You know I was really hoping that all of this would be behind us too." She paused and then looked at Sarah with shame on her face. "There was a time last year when I was a bit jealous of you." Sarah looked at her like she was crazy. "Yeah, I couldn't understand why that thing or person or whatever it was would be going after you and my brother and not me."

Sarah leaned forward and gave Zoe a long hug. "I didn't know you were going through anything then. You should have told me. I was so wrapped up in what was going on that I forgot about you." Sarah paused and expressed her own shame. "Sort of like now."

Zoe grinned and wiped her tears away. "As always, we're a mess." Sarah nodded. "I promise I'll try to be less jealous, suspicious and more trusting."

"And I promise to be more open and caring of your feelings," promised Sarah and then they hugged again. Sarah felt much better and decided to go and apologize to the rest of her friends. Zoe thought that it was great that everyone thought they had done it and wanted the attention, but Sarah insisted that they not pretend that they had just to get the praise of the upperclassmen.

By the time they had gotten to the Great Hall for dinner, what had happened was all over the school. Griffin was missing from his usual spot at the table, but Sarah and her group managed to hold the attention of his gang throughout the meal. They did notice, however, that they didn't seem to be receiving disapproving looks from the faculty table, so perhaps they had finally been believed. Shortly after they had eaten dinner and right before they would retire to their rooms, Killainka introduced Michayla to the rest of the students, which seemed to pretty much wipe her out after all of the excitement that she had that day.

When they returned to the common room to do their homework, including the extra that Sarah and the others had been given, Sarah was quick to explain that this had not been an ordinary day at Dragon's Wood and that they hoped she would not take it as such. Michayla had smiled for the first time that day and looked Sarah right in the eyes. "I don't know, Sarah, I think all and all it's been an interesting day and I hope it doesn't get too boring after today."

Zoe laughed. "I think you're going to fit right in."

The rest of the week went by quickly. The teachers and the other students seemed to get it into her heads that neither Sarah nor any of the others had been the reason for Griffin's accident. Griffin, however, was not convinced and limped around overacting every time he saw one of them. "I got a broken leg when I was ten," Dillon had explained watching Griffin's display, "Mrs. Hutton healed it that day, and it didn't hurt at all after that. He's faking it." No one found that unusual and ignored him even more than they normally did.

Every night, Dillon looked at the sign-up list for the Quidditch Tryouts in the common room to see if anyone else had signed up. Each night he would count the names on the list and estimate his chances. He had tried to talk William into trying out also, but William wasn't very good on the broomstick and was terribly afraid of heights. By the day before tryouts, he had about given up trying to talk William into it and concentrated on estimating his chances. "How many?" asked William, looking over his shoulder?

"Five with me," he said quietly. After counting, he glanced around the room and noticed Sarah watching them count as she cleaned her Nimbus 2001.

"Sarah, why didn't I think of it before?" he said jumping down on the couch next to her. "You have to tryout you just have too," repeated Dillon.

"Are you kidding my mother would kill me," said Sarah wiping a spot of dirt off.

"Sarah you are the only one I know in our class who likes flying as much as I do. Please tryout. If for no other reason than to do it for me," he pleaded.

Zoe who had heard the last part of the conversation agreed. "I think it's a great idea. You'd make a great chaser," said Zoe grinning widely.

Sarah thought about it for a moment and then looked at her broom. She remembered about being in the Glen that day with her father, she did love flying, and it would be fun just to tryout. "All right, I'll tryout. It's not like I'll get picked anyway," she said taking the pen from Dillon's hand and rising to go sign the paper.

Dillon jumped up and down thoroughly excited. Eric entered the room just in time to see Sarah at the board. "You too, Sarah?" he asked also grinning widely. "Cool."

Sarah blushed bright pink and nodded. "Dillon and your sister talked me into it. But I won't be any good, so I really don't see the point."

"If Griffin's older brother could make the team anyone can do it," Eric joked. Everyone laughed. Sarah flinched slightly however, she was still receiving strange looks about last weeks occurrences and Griffin still limped every time he saw her. Megan and Michayla now came out of one of the study rooms and joined in the fun. Michayla had been slowly coming out of her shell. One night on the weekend, she had told everyone what Killainka had told Sarah, but in detail.

It seems that her father had also kept his heritage a secret causing problems when it came out. Her mother however hadn't been as understanding so they had been fighting in both the Muggle and wizard courts since she turned eleven. Michayla had related to them how difficult it had been to go to regular Middle School last year, knowing that she could be here. She also told them that this year would be a trial and that she could still have to return to Middle School next year. Sarah had felt thoroughly grateful for her parents, especially her mother and had sent her an owl everyday since she had been told the story.

That evening they talked about school and Quidditch and finally went to bed when Professor Quigley had come in and given them all stern looks. She glanced at the sign up sheet and then at Sarah and Dillon. "I suggest that a good nights sleep would be a great asset tomorrow afternoon," she said just before leaving. No one, however, was able to sleep that night or concentrate in class the next day. Sir Roger had let those who were trying out that day spend the whole time passing the Quaffle and chasing golf balls thrown by other students on brooms.

Dillon could have sworn that someone bewitched the clock. "Every time I look at it, and it says the same time," he whined terribly the last hour.

When the final bell finally did ring, they all rushed back to the dorm to change clothes and grab Sarah's broom. By the time they got to the Quidditch Field, students were already filing into the lower seats to watch as the ones that were preparing to tryout were lining up by dorms on the field. Zoe, Megan, William, and Michayla wished them luck before they left them standing on the field. Eric was calling out the names of the students that should be joining him and his team on the field.

Sarah looked down to the end of the field where they had set up a table for the faculty that would be judging the tryouts. She could make out Professor Killainka, Professor Abydos, Professor Quigley, Sir Roger, and Professor Robinson all sitting there.

"No pressure," she said quietly to herself. She noticed the other dorms students also lining up to tryout. "That's funny," she whispered to Dillon. "He can't walk without limping but he can tryout for Quidditch."

Dillon looked over to his left and saw Griffin talking to his brother, as he got ready to tryout. "Doesn't surprise me," he whispered back scowling. Seeing Griffin still made Sarah flinch a little. Nothing had been said since the day that the chandelier fell, but Sarah still wasn't sure that she wouldn't be punished for it.

Sarah turned as Professor Killainka stood and started to dole out instructions. "Good Afternoon students. I am so happy to see that so many of you are here to try for the open positions on your dorm teams. We will be picking new team members to replace ones lost by graduation last year for each team and two extras for alternates." Dillon now recalculated his chances. "Each new team member will be voted on by myself and the other faculty members judging on basis of speed, agility, skill and team effort. We will cast our votes once everyone has had a chance to be seen. Now your team captains will call your name and explain what you will do starting with Bellarmine dorm. Good Luck to you all."

Killainka sat down and Eric came out onto the field. "Bellarmine team line up," he yelled addressing the others of the team that were to assist him. "Each contender will join myself and three other members of the team to demonstrate their skill at Chaser, Keeper, Beater and Seeker. You will demonstrate one technique for each skill. That is to say that you will attempt to make one goal, protect the keeper, protect the goal, and of course catch the Snitch. You will not be penalized for failure to catch the Snitch, since it is a difficult task. You will, however, be graded on your attempt. When I call your name step forward and pick a house broom if you do not have one and mount it." As he spoke these words, the other team members mounted their brooms and were now hovering in the center of the stadium.

"Dillon Ratcliff," called out Eric grinning from ear to ear.

Dillon started to move forward and Sarah stopped him, "Here," she said shoving her Nimbus 2001 into his hand.

"I couldn't," said Dillon turning red.

"How could you not?" insisted Sarah and then she gave him a peck on the cheek and said "Good Luck." Dillon turned almost purple now and mounted Sarah's broom. He was the happiest person on earth as he left it. Eric gave Sarah a wink as he too pushed off and was now hovering above the stadium. Sir Roger who had moved into the center of the stadium now threw the Quaffle up to Eric and blew his whistle.

Dillon was brilliant. It only took him one try to score a goal on Raphael, the teams Keeper. He was able to ford off Eric and Marjorie Evans' attacks, and he then kept the Bludgers from nearly knocking Raphael off his broomstick. The best part had been when he caught the Snitch when no one had even realized that Sir Roger had released it. When the whistle blew again and he returned to the ground the entire dorm was on their feet cheering. Even the other participants from the other houses were clapping wildly for Dillon.

Dillon was bright pink and smiling from ear to ear. He handed Sarah her broomstick and thanked her. Sarah congratulated him and assured him he was in as he moved to the back of the line to wait for everyone else's turn. The next few contenders did a wonderful job also, although Jamie Brant fell off her broomstick once trying to catch the Snitch and Bludgers had grazed two of the others. When it came time for Sarah to try, Eric gave her another wink and threw her the ball. Sarah drew a deep breath, passed the ball to Eric, and headed toward the goal. She was concentrating on the goal and where all the other players were in relationship to the goal when something or someone told her to duck. Sarah leaned down on her broom and she listened as a Bludger flew past her.

"Did you see that?" asked Zoe without taking her eyes off Sarah, "she didn't even look. How did she know it was coming?"

Megan shook her head as they both continued to watch. Sarah was now only feet from the goal and reached out to catch the Quaffle that had just been tossed her way by Eric. Catching it behind her back, she whipped it around and threw it passed Raphael, just missing his head. There was a gasp from the ground. Eric now threw her a bat and told her to go out. Sarah turned around and headed out toward the other side of the stadium. She watched as the other players began to run a play and headed toward the goal. Sarah who hadn't noticed that Eric had come behind her suddenly had the urge to protect him swirling around as fast as she could she caught sight of him and the Bludger that was now only inches from his head. "Whack!" The sound of her hitting the Bludger was ringing in his ears. "Thanks," he called out as he flew by and grabbed the bat. But Sarah wasn't paying attention to him; she had seen the snitch and was now hot on it's trail.

Zoe nearly knocked Megan over when Sarah snatched it up and flew around the stadium holding it. Sir Roger blew the whistle and Sarah touched the ground next to Dillon taking a deep breath. "That was cool," she said grinning, "How did I do?" she asked looking around.

Dillon was nearly in tears. "You were great, he said jumping up and down. Eric touched ground and walked over to shake everyone's hand and congratulate him or her. "You can stay and watch the other dorms if you want but that's it for you six. The judges will make their decisions and announce them in at dinner. Thank you again," he said walking back to his other teammates.

Sarah and Dillon walked to where their friends were watching and were nearly knocked over by Zoe jumping up and down and hugging them. "You two were cool. I can't believe how well you did. There's no way you didn't make the team," Megan said all in one breath.

William and Michayla agreed and congratulated them appropriately. After a couple of moments, Zoe called out. "Look Griffin's trying out. The little creep," she said, scowling. Everyone walked over and began to stare at Griffin and the other players. Griffin's brother was one of the team members he was trying out with.

"He's cheating for him," said Dillon watching them for a while.

"You expected otherwise?" commented Megan watching them closely.

Everyone was watching and as they did Sarah's face grew red. "I can't believe he's been limping around the school for almost a week and he's up there just acting like nothing's wrong." Sarah wasn't the only one getting aggravated; everyone grew quiet in his or her cheering section as he continued to fly. "Skunk," Sarah mumbled under her breath and then turned to walk away.

Before she could get very far though someone screamed out, "Look the other Bludger, it's over there. It popped out of the box."

Everyone now turned and watched as the second Bludger rose into the stadium and took direct aim at Griffin. Megan screamed and looked away just as Griffin's brother swooped by and knocked the wild Bludger out of the stadium just seconds before the impending impact. "Man that was wild," said William, taking a deep breath.

Zoe looked at Dillon and then turned to look at Sarah. Sarah met their eyes and said "What?" and then she quickly added, "I didn't do that if that's what you're thinking." Sarah looked at them with mild contempt and then looked down at the faculty table. She could have sworn that Professor Killainka was staring back at her. "That's it, I'm going in," she said, turning on her heals quickly. "You guys are nuts. I'm going to change and I'll be in the Great Hall when you all come to your senses."

As Sarah stormed off, the remaining friends all looked at each other with bewildered looks and then, after shrugging at one another, followed her. By the time everyone had gotten to the Great Hall, the wild Bludger was just one of the events surrounding the tryouts. It seemed Sarah's friends were the only ones that found the Bludger incident unusual. Eric explained that that kind of thing happened all the time. Zoe found herself apologizing again to Sarah, who didn't seem to think it was necessary. Dillon was so nervous that he was shaking. Sarah, however, had really only tried out for Dillon and Zoe. Despite the fact that was the most fun she ever had, Sarah really didn't care if she made the team or not.

Just about everyone was sitting ready at the table by the time the judges entered the Hall. Those who were not were quickly making their way in as the Professors entered. The room was exceptionally quiet when Professor Killainka rose holding a piece of parchment in his left hand. "Good evening everyone," he said, surveying the room. He paused while the rest of the room returned his greeting enthusiastically. "I have in my hand the names of the new Quidditch Team players. I suppose we could eat first." There was a low moan from the room, "But I won't do that to you," he said smiling. "First of all I would like to say that this is the best Quidditch Tryouts that we have had in many years. It was a very difficult decision for all of us to make, but nevertheless, we have made it." He paused and he then proceeded to read the names of the new players on the other dorm teams.

Eric leaned over and whispered in Dillon and Sarah's direction. "He always does this, the first to tryout are the last to be announced."

Dillon felt like he would explode by the time that he had finished reading the names of the other teams. Sarah and her friends decided it wouldn't be a good idea to boo when they announced that Griffin had been selected for the open seeker position on his dorm team. But they did their very best not to clap loudly. "And last but not least, Bellarmine." No one at the Bellarmine table could breath. Eric put one arm around Dillon and one around Sarah, which made them both pink. "For the team alternates we have chosen Michael Weathers and Madeline Bentley." There was a wild round of applause mostly rising from their table but from the other tables also.

"For the position of Seeker," he said starting again, "Dillon Ratcliff." As the words left his lips, he turned to see Professor Ratcliff smiling and clapping loudly. Everyone at the table was clapping Dillon on the back and congratulating him. It was a moment before he began again. "And finally for the open Beater position, Sarah Nettleton." Everyone at the table took turns hugging Sarah and then Dillon. Similar festivities were going on at the other tables. Killainka gave them a few minutes to settle down a little and then continued, "Congratulations to all of you. Let's eat." As usual, food appeared everywhere. This time, however, everyone was way too excited to eat. After a while, all of the Professors filtered down to the tables to congratulate each new team member individually.

When Professor Ratcliff got to their table, she gave Dillon a huge hug and a kiss. "Mom," Dillon complained, looking around.

"Oh hush, if I can embarrass myself and jeopardize my standing as a monster in the classroom, than you can be embarrassed too," she said, hugging him again. She then turned to Sarah and smiled. "You did a fine job Sarah. Someone might say that you were one with the Bludger."

Sarah shook her hand and said "Thank you." However, she wondered exactly what the Professor had meant by her remark.

It wasn't long after Dillon's mother had left that Professor Killainka approached their table. "Congratulations Miss Nettleton, Mr. Ratcliff," he said to them after wishing the others at the table well. "You both did a fine job. If I'm not mistaken, Miss Nettleton, you were most likely destined for it," Killainka said smiling.

"Sir?" puzzled Sarah.

"I'm fairly sure that your father played in school, did he not tell you?"

"I guess not," admitted Sarah. "He was probably afraid too, I'm not sure my mother's going to be thrilled about this and he wouldn't have wanted her to think he had an influence on my decision."

"I'm sure that your mother will be proud of you. After all, no one at Dragon's Wood has ever been seriously hurt during a game," he said winking at her.

Everyone laughed and when they had forced themselves to eat as much as they could they took the celebration back to the dorm, as did the rest of the dormitories. In addition, when Professor Quigley had to chase everyone off to bed at one in the morning she was sure that she was not the only one. She did however pause to tell her four new players how proud she was of them before doing it. After the last week that Sarah had had, her pride meant everything. Despite the nagging feelings she had about Griffin, the chandelier, and now the Bludger, Sarah had no trouble falling asleep this night. She wouldn't have sought out Quidditch, but she had to admit she was glad it found her.