The Dreamwalker's Daughter

Chapter Six Revelations

Sarah grabbed her pillow and headed to the common room. She had the worst dream that she had had all year and there was no way she was going back to sleep. Michayla had been surrounded in a room by sinister looking people who kept yelling at her and about her when what looked like a Dementor had entered the room. Max sensed her need and followed her out to the couch. "Damn it," she said looking at the clock. "It still four hours until daylight." Sarah tried to read a magazine that was on a nearby table but it wasn't long before her mind gave into her body and she was fast asleep.

"Sarah, what are you doing in here?" came the unmistakable voice of Eric.

Sarah opened her eyes and tried to focus on his face. "Eric, what time is it?"

"Time for you to get up. You're lucky I woke up so early you could have gotten in trouble for being asleep down here," said Eric and then he looked at her more concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I just had another dream and I couldn't get back to sleep," explained Sarah somewhat falsely.

"Looked to me like you were sleeping just fine," he said smiling. "You better get back to your room before Professor Quigley makes her morning rounds."

Sarah grabbed her pillow and nodded. "Thanks."

"Not a problem. But Sarah, we need to talk," he said as she left the common room. Sarah only nodded. The Great Hall was a buzzing place with different conversations about what had happened the night before. Sarah was way too tired to participate in any of them and chose to practically fall asleep in her oatmeal.

"Sarah," said Zoe pulling at her arm. "Wake up."

Sarah jolted up in her seat and looked around. "Sorry I guess I'm just tired from last night," she lied and as she did, she met eyes with Eric. Sarah rose out of her chair, "I'm going to class are you coming?" Zoe also looked at Eric suspiciously and then followed her. Dillon, Megan and William seeing them leaving shrugged at each other, crammed one more bite down and then left trying to catch up with them.

Michayla only joined them after being prompted by Megan as they were leaving. "Are you coming?"

Sarah only made it through Dark Arts class due to the amount of lecture that Abydos had given and the fact that he threatened the entire class twice during it. Dillon had taken them through the secret passage again when the class was over by Zoe's request. Now, sitting in Divination, Sarah sat staring at her crystal ball and wondering about Michayla and the dreams, she'd been having.

"Trust yourself and follow your heart."

"What?" Sarah said turning to Megan who was next to her.

"I didn't say anything," said Megan after pulling another card from her deck and placing it face up on the table. Sarah looked to her left to see Zoe equally as engrossed with the card she had just picked. Sarah now looked into her crystal again and pushed it away.

"What's the matter, Miss Nettleton?" asked Professor Semiramise approaching their table.

Sarah turned her bloodshot eyes to meet hers. "Nothing Professor, I'm just a little tired, I guess. I thought someone had asked me a question," she said lying. Semiramise looked at her and then turned, telling her to try to concentrate as she walked away.

Sarah pulled the crystal back to its original position and scowled at it. "If you really want to help me," she whispered to it, "stop talking in riddles." Sarah leaned over the ball and fought her sleepiness. As she shook her head and tried to stay awake, Sarah noticed the ball grow cloudy and begin to glow. It was near impossible for her to concentrate enough to see the images that began to form in the ball. "Crap!" called Sarah pushing the ball away like it had burned her hands. The whole room gasped and watched as Professor Semiramise approached her just as the bell rang. Most of the students shrugged it off, but there were some who had to be shooed as the Professor told Sarah to stay for a minute after class. It took two shooings before Zoe and the others left.

"Would you like to tell me what happened just now?" asked Semiramise after the last student exited the room.

"Actually Professor, I'd rather not," said Sarah honestly, Semiramise was however, not impressed with her honesty.

"Sarah, you are at great conflict with yourself and until you resolve that conflict any help that you can give will be useless at best."

Sarah was now just as frustrated with the Professor as she was the voice, she didn't however let the Professor know this. "I'll think about that ma'am," she said rising from her chair.

Professor Semiramise took a deep breath and told her to go on although she gave one last tidbit of advice before she left. "I know that you are not happy with who you are, Sarah Nettleton, but you are your father's daughter and you need to decide that you accept that." This phrase was to haunt Sarah for the rest of the day.

All Sarah wanted to do when her last class was over was crash in the nearest bed, however Dillon reminded her as they were headed to the dorm that they had their first real Quidditch practice in twenty minutes.

Sarah drug herself down the hall and into her room. Max was sitting in his usual spot and was extremely perturbed when Sarah sat next to him sitting on his tail. "Sorry Max," she said rubbing her eyes. Before she could force herself off the bed Socrates flew in from the open door.

"Hey Socrates," she said patting his head. She reached into her side table drawer and pulled out an owl treat for him. "You checking on me too?" Socrates pecked at her hand lovingly. "I know," she said having a sudden revelation. "Let's write dad. You haven't seen him in awhile." Socrates pecked livelier as though he understood completely. Sarah threw open her backpack and pulled out a notebook and pen.

Dad,

I'm not exactly sure why I'm writing this or what I'm going to say. Things are happening too fast and I can't seem to get a grip on things. They say I am my father's daughter. I know that we talked about things and that you told me about you and things but I'm still so confused about who I am and what I should do. Could you maybe send me a clue?

Love, Sarah

P.S. I made it through the Halloween Ball without ending up in the infirmary.

Sarah handed the letter to Socrates and again patted him on the head. "Go see Dad, don't come back until he answers me," she instructed. The big brown owl nibbled on her finger again and then after Sarah opened the dorm window, sailed out it screeching loudly.

"Sarah," said Zoe nagging, "Dillon's waiting for you."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming," she said grabbing her Nimbus and slumping out of the room after Zoe. Practice wasn't as much fun as she thought it would be, nothing at all like last time. Sarah knew that she was probably not concentrating like she should be, and was proving to be dangerous to her and the Chasers. The second time Eric was almost knocked off his broom, he blew the whistle and called everyone down.

"I think perhaps it wasn't a good idea to have our first real practice the day after the Halloween Ball," he spoke to everyone, but Sarah couldn't help but notice that his eyes focused mainly on her. "I think we'll call it quits for the day." Everyone nodded and no one argued with him, as they were all tired. Dillon walked over to Sarah and they began to walk back up to the school.

"Dillon, if it's okay Sarah and I need to talk," said Eric catching up with them.

Dillon looked at them both sort of strangely. "All right, I'll meet you both inside," he said and then he turned and walked on.

Sarah was so tired she was having trouble keeping her eyes open. "Can we walk at least?" she asked. "I'm not sure I'll stay awake if I don't."

Eric smiled, nodded and then they were on their way. "I'm worried about you."

"I just need some sleep," said Sarah, but she was sure that was not what he was talking about.

"You're not alone you know," he said after taking a deep breath. "Things haven't quite been the same for me either since last year."

Sarah stopped and looked at him. "What do you mean?"

Eric stopped also and looked around to make sure no one was listening. "It seems that my memory has been slowly returning and as it does things have been happening."

"Like what?" Sarah was now less concerned about her problems and curious about what Eric was getting at.

"Like I can't be in the room with certain people without sensing everything that they are feeling. Like knowing things that I shouldn't know." Sarah noticed that Eric seemed concerned about what he was saying.

"Welcome to my world," Sarah said indignantly.

"Right," began Eric. "The only difference between you and me is that I want to make it stronger, and you seem to be denying it."

Sarah wasn't sure she wanted to continue with this conversation now and began to walk again. "Now you are starting to talk like the teachers," she complained.

Eric grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Sarah you are one of those people who I have a connection with and I know that deep down inside you're just as curious about all this as I am."

Sarah was now very uncomfortable and wanted to be somewhere else. "Maybe if I concentrate," she said jokingly to herself. "So what are you trying to tell me?" she finally asked out loud.

"I'm not trying to tell you anything I'm trying to ask you something." He took a deep breath as he realized that he now had Sarah's full attention. "What's scaring you?"

Sarah looked at him like he was crazy, "You mean other than the fact that I can apparently leave my body, contact other people, and in some cases transport to where they are," she said quickly and with great contempt, "Oh and now apparently I can occasionally see things when I touch someone." She sighed deeply, "Oh nothing."

Eric smiled, "I admit that when you put it like that it could be scary. But when you think of it as a link to a more powerful and fabulous world, it's exciting"

Sarah looked at Eric; there was a glow about his face that was different and somewhat scary. "I'm not ready for that kind of power and I'm not sure you are either," said Sarah with concern.

"Don't be silly, Sarah, I'm not going over to the dark side. I'm just intrigued by the possibilities."

Sarah was still not sure that what he was saying was a good thing, but she let it slide as they began to walk again. "So you think, like everyone else in this place," she said gesturing to the school. "That I should be grateful with this gift," she said the word like it was something nasty in her mouth, "and I should learn what to do with it."

"Exactly," he said smiling.

"Well I'll tell you what I've told all of them. I'll think about it," she said as they reached the entrance to the school. Sarah saw that Dillon was waiting for them on the other side of the door.

"I was getting worried," he said looking down at the floor. Dillon had been thinking about his last conversation with Sarah and was worried about what she and Eric had been talking about.

"It's all right," said Eric, "We're done." Then to Sarah he said, "I really do want you to think about it though, and I want you to come to me if you have any concerns you can't talk to anyone else about."

Sarah nodded unconvincingly and then smiled at Dillon, "Come on I'm gross and hungry. I want a shower before we go to dinner." Dillon decided not to ask what they had talked about and they all walked silently back to the common room.

When Sarah had cleaned up and was ready to join her friends for dinner, Professor Quigley entered the common room and approached her. "Miss Nettleton, there is someone in my quarters to see you."

Sarah could feel everyone's eyes staring at her as she nodded and followed the Professor down the hallway and to the door of her room. Sarah remembered the last time she had been here and the many nice things that the Professor had said about her. "This is a good memory," she thought to herself.

Quigley stopped at the door; "I'll leave you two alone," she said and then started to walk away.

"Professor, who's in there?" asked Sarah slightly terrified.

"Don't worry Miss Nettleton, it's only your father." Sarah was excited; she grabbed the handle and opened the door quickly. As she did and her father standing next to the fireplace came into focus, she was suddenly apprehensive. That didn't, however, keep her from jumping into his arms.

"Daddy," she said giving him a big kiss, "What are you doing here? Is everything okay?"

"Well," he said putting her down, "I got your letter. It seems that Socrates was so concerned that he wouldn't leave without me," he said smiling.

Sarah blushed a little, "Well I wanted an answer, but I didn't mean that you had to come."

John chuckled, "It's okay, I figured that things were going to be different for you this year and even though we talked I knew you weren't really prepared." He gestured for her to sit down and then sat next to her. "First of all, what kinds of things have been happening this year?" he asked and then he added, "Other than the chandelier and the robe incident."

Sarah was brilliant red now. How could her father possibly know about these things? Had he received conduct notices on her from the school? "Dad how did you--?"

John raised his hand. "That's not real important right now just tell me what else is happening."

Sarah wasn't sure what to say. She told him about the crystal ball and how she had been hearing voices. Then she told him about the feelings that had been welling up inside of her and how she thought that it could possible that she had caused those things to happen to Griffin. She was worried that this was going to get her in trouble, but her dad just nodded and told her to continue. Sarah figured she had nothing to lose now and told him about Michayla and the dreams. It seemed like an hour before her father began to talk and when he did, he rose to his feet and began to pace. "Sarah, remember how we talked about things and who I am and what I do?" Sarah nodded "I'm not sure that you're going to be as happy about this as I am but it seems that your destined to follow in my foot steps."

Sarah shifted uncomfortably in her chair, "But dad what if I don't want these "secret powers" that you and Professor Killainka have?"

John smiled, "I hate to tell you this Sarah but it seems that you have them whether you want them or not." He leaned over and patted her on the shoulder. "It's going to be okay I promise. I made it through my seven years of school without doing too much damage and I knew about what I could do before I went. My father and mother were both Aurors."

"My grandparents were Aurors?" asked Sarah.

John looked at Sarah and smiled widely. "Yeah, it made for interesting bed time stories," he said joking. "Hind sight tells me that I should have prepared you better, but with your mother being a Muggle I wasn't even sure that you would be magical let alone in my league."

"Am I?" asked Sarah almost whining.

"Professor Killainka seems to think so and I'm inclined to believe him."

"If this is all true then what do you suggest that I do?"

"First of all I wouldn't worry too much about Griffin. It's possible that somewhere down the line, you will possess these powers but it's highly unlikely that you could be doing this without concentrating very hard, not alone anyway. Professor Killainka agrees with me on this that's why no one's said anything else about it." Sarah winced as he continued. "The voices from the crystal ball I believe you will find are helpful but you're going to have to learn to understand and direct them."

Sarah drew a deep breath; "You're going to tell me to concentrate just like everyone else right?"

John chuckled, "I suppose. But mostly I'm going to tell you not to be afraid and to trust what and how you feel about things." Sarah nodded. "And finally I believe that you're dreams about Michayla are actually her dreams. If I am right Sarah, I believe that you are having what the Muggles call 'out of body experiences'." Sarah looked at him like he was crazy. "They are a relation to the experiences that you had last year. You are sensing Michayla's fear and entering her dreams in an attempt to help. Unfortunately since you really have no control over your abilities right now you aren't accomplishing anything other than losing some sleep."

Sarah thought about everything he had said and then gave him a hug. "I suppose if you can live with all of this I can."

"That's the spirit. However, I do hope you realize that this is not something you should ever take lightly or play around with. It was years before I really had good control over it and it can still get out of my control sometimes. Especially when someone is using it against you."

"You mean like Chinkana?"

"Exactly," said John smiling. "See you are already using your head."

"Dad, does Mr. Turner have these abilities?"

John grinned this time. "Yes to a certain extent. I'm not bragging or anything but his abilities are not as strong as mine and he isn't able to do some of the things that I do. Why do you ask?"

"Do you promise not to get anyone into trouble?" asked Sarah.

"I would never get anyone in trouble on purpose Sarah. But tell me what you know."

"Eric told me today that ever since last year he's been experiencing things too and he likes it and wants to be stronger."

"Well Sarah, you didn't really think that everything you did last year was all your doing. You are a very young and inexperienced sorceress it will take you years of practice and education to have enough power to do those things on your own. Eric played a big part in what went on and of course Professor Killainka. And I have a funny feeling that there are others links and things that all played a part in what happened." He sat back down next to her and put his arm around her. "When Eric was involved with Chinkana the first time we were not as wise as we are now and we decided that making certain people forget what had happened would be the best thing to do. In doing so we impaired his developing skills. I suspect now that the block had been removed, these abilities are resurfacing. I'm sure that he is just as confused as you are about what he should do. And he is five years older than you and has different things pulling at him than you do."

"You mean hormones?" said Sarah rolling her eyes.

John laughed out loud this time. "I suppose you could say that. Don't worry I won't get him in trouble but I'll find a safe way to deal with your concerns. In the meantime, I know this isn't what you want to hear, but you need to concentrate, listen to your teachers, and trust in yourself. And if all else fails, Socrates can always find me and you see how well that works." Sarah felt much better and insisted that her father stay for dinner as they returned to the common room. Professor Quigley who was standing nearby echoed the sentiment, so he did.

Sarah had a great time introducing him to everyone he had not yet met including Michayla. Sarah noticed that her father hesitated when he shook her hand but didn't say anything to her about it later. He also spent some time talking to Eric and Sarah suspected that Eric had told him something but neither revealed anything about their conversation to her. When the meal was finished, John told Sarah good-bye and that he loved her and reminded her of what they had said earlier. Then he told her that he was going to see Professor Killainka just to visit and left giving her one last kiss.

As she made her way back to the common room, Sarah felt better about herself and life in general than she had all year. As she crawled into bed that night, she glanced over at Michayla and made a mental note that she would talk to Professor Semiramise in the morning and then fell asleep.

"So what do you think your dad said to Professor Killainka?" asked Zoe after Sarah related most of what had happened the night before.

"Beats me," said Sarah after swallowing a bite of cereal. "I just hope it wasn't a direct order to watch me," she said chuckling.

"So do you now believe that you have "special powers"?" asked Zoe, wiggling her fingers and deepening her voice mysteriously.

Sarah laughed at her friends' dramatics and confessed, "Not really. But I'm a little more willing to investigate things further. I think I'm going to take Professor Chalipun's advice and talk to Semiramise, just to see what she has to say."

"Can I come?"

"I don't know, I suppose," said Sarah after swallowing another bite. "I guess I don't care if you're there if she doesn't mind."

"Cool," said Zoe as she looked around. She and Sarah had been at the table early so they wouldn't be disturbed and more students including their other friends were now filing into the room. Everyone made comments on the two girls being up so early which ranged from concern to Eric's remark that they were plotting the overthrow of Dragon's Wood. When they were finished eating, everyone headed for Defense Against the Dark Arts Class.

Sarah's head was in such a good place that she answered practically all of the questions that Abydos threw at the class, including one that stumped even Megan. Abydos was so impressed that he was annoyed that he felt the need to tell her she was doing a good job by the end of class. "Thank you, sir. I guess I was just inspired by your lecture yesterday," said Sarah feeling full of her self. Zoe would swear to her later that Abydos had blushed at her remark.

Divination was where Sarah really wanted to be. She was the first one to sit at the table and the first one to pull out her crystal. Sarah watched for Professor Semiramise to enter the room and jumped up to greet her before everyone was seated and class started. "Professor," began Sarah, "could we make an appointment to talk sometime today?"

"I have you penciled in for four o'clock and yes Miss Turner may come," replied the Professor turning to call the class to order. Sarah was so flabbergasted that she couldn't move. "Yes Miss Nettleton, was there something else?"

"No ma'am," she said turning to go to her table.

Zoe asked what had happened as soon as she sat down. "She's scary," was the only thing Sarah would say. The rest of the class was somewhat boring up until the time they reached free meditation time. Sarah decided that she was going to concentrate harder than she ever had before.

"You need a name," Sarah whispered to the crystal, "how about David or maybe Fritz?" The crystal was dark and quiet. "I know, Mitchell." Sarah watched as the crystal started to glow blue. "All right, Mitchell it is," she said to herself laughing. Okay Mitchell, what am I doing wrong?" asked Sarah. There was no response. "Does that mean I'm not doing anything wrong?"

Who am I to say what is wrong and what is right?

A chill went down Sarah's spine. This was the first time that she felt that she had actually had control of the conversation. She looked to see if anyone else had heard, and when confidant that she was the only one in on it, she continued. "That's a good question, who are you?"

I could only answer that in a riddle and you don't care for it much when I do that.

Sarah chuckled. "You're clever. All right, how can you help me?"

That's up to you. You tell me what you need help with and I'll try my best to figure out how to help you.

"I can handle that," said Sarah smiling. She looked around and noticed that everyone was packing up. "Ooops I guess the bell rang, should we pick this up later?"

That's up to you Sarah.

Another chill went down her spine. That was the first time she had been addressed by her name. She quickly packed up her things and met her friends in the hallway.

"I love this class,' said Megan glowing.

"Yeah it's actually not all that bad," remarked Zoe.

"It does seem to grow on you," chimed in Sarah.

"Must be a girl thing," said Dillon to William rolling his eyes. William nodded and they laughed, right before Zoe punched them both in the arm.

The rest of the day went just as well. Sarah found herself peeking in her backpack to make sure her crystal was still there and to see what it was doing, if anything. Of course, it never did do anything, but Sarah kept looking. When their last class was over Sarah and Zoe drug the others back to the dormitory so they could put away their things and head back to the Divination classroom.

"Where are you going?" asked Megan as they headed toward the dorm entrance.

"Sarah has a meeting with Professor Semiramise at four," explained Zoe, Sarah nodded.

"About what?" inquired Dillon.

"She just wants to talk to me, and she said I could bring Zoe," said Sarah hoping this would be enough. Everyone nodded and told them they would see them when they got back.

"That was close," said Zoe as they reappeared on the other side of the dorm corridor.

"It's not really a secret Zoe, I'd just like to put off telling everyone until I actually have something to tell," comforted Sarah. Zoe nodded and they started toward Professor Semiramise's classroom. When they arrived, they found her in the corner by the fireplace meditating. Sarah's first instinct was to turn and leave but a soft voice prevented her departure.

"It's all right Miss Nettleton, I was finished. Please come in and sit down," said the Professor opening her eyes and gesturing toward the chairs in front of her. Sarah was no longer sure that she wanted to do this and it was apparent. It was a good thing that she brought Zoe, who grabbed her arm and pulled her to the chair. Sarah sat down after Zoe and stared at Professor Semiramise. "This must be a two way conversation, Miss Nettleton, or there won't be much purpose to it."

"I'm sorry Professor, it's just that I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to say and now I'm not so sure," explained Sarah.

Semiramise smiled and leaned forward. "It's perfectly all right for you to be uncertain, most of us are." She then sat back in her chair and stared into the fireplace. "Did you know that there is a form of Divination that has to do with the study of flames in a fire and one that deals with the smoke?" Sarah had a feeling that this was a rhetorical question but she and Zoe shook their heads just the same. "I'm sure that you've heard of palmistry, dowsing, astrology, and perhaps even numerology. But how much do you think that you actually know about any of them?" Again, Sarah and Zoe shrugged and didn't know whether to answer. "I can tell you one thing about all of them that I know you don't know. Anyone can use them and predict the future, but only a few can do it without them." Sarah now knew where the professor was headed and that uncertain feeling that she had about all of this was quickly returning. "Don't be afraid Miss Nettleton. For someone so young, you have all ready faced such great odds and overcome them." She paused and took a deep breath. "I watched, last year, as you made it through your ordeal with flying colors and I knew then that your destiny was to follow in the foot steps of your father and even greater wizards than he."

Sarah could no longer keep quiet, "But Professor, I just can't imagine that I could be something or someone special."

"I would venture to say that if you had known of your heritage from the start you would not be so skeptical. But then again who knows how you would have handled this gift if you had been aware of it that long." She turned and looked Sarah directly in the eyes. "Even those of us who can predict the future can not change the past." Sarah sat quietly for a long time. Zoe, who had absolutely no idea what they were talking about, was silent as a mouse, and waiting for the next one to speak so that she would know what to do or say.

"So we say that I decide that I believe all of this and I'm ready to move on up, what's next?" she asked.

The Professor looked in between her and the fireplace for what seemed like forever and then she spoke again. "What's next is extra homework," she said smiling.

Sarah scrounged her face up and moaned. "Ma'am?"

"Just kidding," she said, smiling. "But I would like you to take this book with you and when you have time I want you to read it."

Sarah took the book and looked at it. Sarah read the book title out loud, "An Apprentice's Guide to Things Unknown." She then looked at the Professor with query. "That's all?"

The Professor again smiled deceptively. "No, that's not all but it's a start. Just your desire to explore the possibilities is a start. Now go on both of you I have things to do. Tomorrow we're going to start our astrological charts and I'm sure that I'm going to need all the rest I can get to keep on top of the Parathion boys," she said, winking at Sarah and Zoe.

The girls said good-bye and held their giggling until they were outside her door. "You know she's spooky, but I think I like her as much as Professor Chalipun," said Zoe still laughing.

"I know," Sarah agreed looking at the book she had given her as they walked down the hallway. "I have a feeling this book is just a pacifier. I gather from what everyone has said that it's all in me and I just need to find it."

"That's pretty profound," said Zoe sympathetically.

"I suppose," she agreed, smiling

"I think it's been awhile since I told you how glad I am that you came to Dragon's Wood," said Zoe, almost gushing. "It wouldn't have been the same without you."

"I'm sure I wouldn't have wanted to if I didn't know that you were here," sympathized Sarah. "I don't think that I could have handled being a witch if you weren't one too."

Zoe laughed. "And that we are." They had reached the dorm corridor and saw Megan and Dillon coming right at them shortly followed by Michayla and William.

"Hey we were just looking for you guys. We're going to the library before dinner, want to come?" said Megan all in one breath. Then she noticed the book Sarah was holding and added, "An Apprentices Guide to Things Unknown, I've read that, it's pretty cool."

Sarah and Zoe laughed, "Of course you've read it Megan, is there anything in the library you haven't read?"

"Well, yeah that's why I want to go to the library," said Megan thoughtfully. This time everyone laughed, leaving Megan looking confused. Then Sarah and Zoe agreed to go to the library and they all took off for it.

Megan wanted to show William and Dillon a book she had found about Quidditch and Zoe and Michayla were looking through books on Astrology after learning what they would be starting tomorrow, so while they were all doing things Sarah began reading the book the Professor had given her. It wasn't long before Zoe was slapping her on the arm and telling her it was time to go eat. "Sure thing, I'm hungry," she said closing the book. Sarah looked around; she and Zoe were the last ones in the library. "Ooops, Sorry. I guess I got into it."

"It's okay," said Zoe as they headed out of the library. "I was reading too. Megan said they were leaving about twenty minutes ago, I guess they gave up on us and left."

"What did you find that was interesting?" asked Sarah.

"Mostly just stuff about the Zodiac, you know Virgo, Libra all that junk. How about yours?"

"So far it's just a lot of introduction. It hasn't really told me anything yet that my dad or the teachers haven't."

"Well we didn't expect you to learn it all in one night," Zoe said, smiling.

"True, very true." They had made it to the Great Hall and found the rest of their group already eating.

"Hey bookworms, about time you got here," said William. "And we thought Megan was bad."

"Hey!" said Megan, displaying a fake pout before grinning.

When they had finished their dinner they all headed back to the dorm common room. On the way Zoe stopped Sarah and pointed down one of the off limits corridors. "Hey look, it's your dad."

Sarah turned around just in time to see her dad go in a door with Professor Killainka. "What's he doing here?"

"Probably school business. My dad says they get called on to do things from time to time. I'm sure if it had anything to do with you he'd have told you he was here," said Zoe matter-of-factly. Sarah nodded, but wasn't so convinced. She tried to put it out of her mind while they did their homework and after she'd gone to her room. After she had put the last of her things away she said goodnight to everyone and she took one last look at Michayla in her bed just before the lights went out.

"Pleasant dreams Michayla," she said to herself. And then she added, "Please."