The Dreamwalker's Daughter

Chapter Seven Sharing Secrets

Sarah opened her eyes and immediately tried to orient her self. As usual, the only person she recognized was Michayla, but there was nothing else usual about this dream. Michayla was sitting alone in a corner of what Sarah quickly recognized as Professor Ratcliff's classroom, crying silently. There was a roaring fire in the fireplace, yet Sarah felt ice cold. She had never remembered being cold in a dream before, not a real dream. The only dream Sarah had ever been cold in she did not want to think about right now, not while she was trying take control of this situation. Sarah thought about seeing if she could talk to Michayla, but before she could someone else entered the room and approached her. Sarah couldn't see the face to tell who it was; it was too dark to even say if it was a man or a woman. However, as they approached, Michayla stopped crying. "I don't want to," Michayla said, beginning to sob again.

"It is for the good of us all," said the figure, again the voice was as indecisive as the figure was.

Sarah thought about what the voice had said, "Trust yourself, and follow your heart." Sarah wasn't sure how that could help right now, so she focused on Michayla again. The stranger standing over her had managed to once again calm her down. Sarah couldn't hear what they were saying now though she wasn't any further away. It was like they were moving their mouths and nothing was coming out. She started to feel herself being pulled out of the dream, it was like everything was getting further and further away. "Concentrate Sarah, don't leave without Michayla." However, Michayla was smiling now and did not seem to be afraid any longer. "Maybe it's okay," thought Sarah. Sarah sat up and took a deep breath. The room was dark and quiet except for the fire in the fireplace. Sarah first looked at Zoe and then Michayla, they were there, and they were sleeping peacefully. "That wasn't so scary," said Sarah to herself. Seeing that everyone was in their own spot, she rolled over and went back to sleep.

"Sarah wake up. You better not be starting this stuff again. Come on now wake up." Zoe wasn't in hysterics yet, but she was well on her way.

Sarah opened her eyes and looked up to discover not only Zoe but also Megan standing over her bed. "Chill Zoe," said Sarah sitting up.

"Man, you scared the crap out of me," Zoe said sitting down next to her. Megan nodded without speaking and sat down too. "I woke up and you were talking in your sleep. You were saying some weird things I got concerned and tried to wake you up, but you wouldn't. I even woke Megan up trying to rouse you."

"Well that was just silly, but thanks for caring," Sarah said patting Zoe on the shoulder. "What time is it?" she asked looking around at the dark room.

"About three," answered Megan.

"Lord, Zoe, we'll be zombies in the morning. Go to sleep, I'm fine, I'm just really tired." Then she added, "Now thanks to you, I'll be even more tired." Sarah smiled after her last remark and then reassured them both again that she was fine. It was only after this second reassurance that they were able to go back to bed and eventually to sleep. Sarah laid there for a short time and thought about what she thought was the first dream and how she didn't seem to be having one at all when Zoe had her trouble trying to wake her. She decided to take one last look at Michayla before drifting off, but Michayla wasn't there.

After making sure that she wouldn't disturb Zoe and Megan, Sarah after first double-checking Michayla's bed, snuck into the common room to see if maybe she was there. No such luck. Sarah was on the verge of panicking and waking up Professor Quigley when Michayla appeared at the common room entrance. Since she did not expect anyone to be in there, Sarah caused her to let out a small scream. Sarah jumped and walked over to her. "It's just me."

"Sorry, I just didn't expect anyone to be here," she said trying to walk past Sarah and toward the hallway to their rooms.

"Not so fast," started Sarah. "You know you're not supposed to be wandering the school at night." Sarah felt like Megan had possessed her body and wished she hadn't said it as soon as it came out of her mouth.

"You're not going to turn me in are you?" Michayla asked in a fright.

"No, of course not. But what were you doing?" answered Sarah apologetically.

"I just couldn't sleep so I went for a walk," said Michayla looking at the floor.

Sarah had a strong feeling she was lying but she had nothing but suspicion and she felt like she had all ready crossed over the line just by questioning her. "Well we better both get back to bed before we get in trouble," Sarah said, joining her at the entrance to the hallway. As they both snuck back into bed, Sarah took another look at Megan and Zoe and then turned over to go back to sleep. It took her almost an hour to get back to sleep. She kept thinking about the dream and Michayla wandering around the school. When she woke a few hours later, she was more tired than the last time.

Michayla avoided her while they were dressing and sat as far away from Sarah as she could at breakfast. Sarah figured that she didn't want to be given the third degree by her again so she decided to be as casual and normal with her as she could, for as tired as she was.

Abydos was a blur and Semiramise looked at her concerned but didn't say anything. Other than that Sarah was sure at the end of the day that she had slept through most of it and didn't know why she wasn't serving detention. Again, all she wanted to do was go back to her room and crash in her bed. Again, that was not to happen. When they returned to the dorm common room, Professor Quigley was waiting for them.

"It has been brought to my attention that someone was wandering around the school last night after lights out." Sarah looked at Michayla who had all ready spun around to focus on her. "At this point Professor Killainka is willing to let this incident go, however if I find that anyone from this dormitory has been wandering around the school there will be considerable consequences." When she had finished her statement, she disappeared down the dorm corridor. There was some whispering and some laughter and then most everyone went on with their evening. Michayla however stood fast and stared at Sarah.

Sarah walked over, trying not to be obvious and looked her dead in the eyes. "I swear to you Michayla, I did not say anything."

Michayla looked back; somehow, she knew Sarah wasn't lying. "Then who?"

Sarah shook her head. "I don't know. Where did you go?"

Michayla suddenly wanted to let it go, "It doesn't matter, I'm not in trouble, and I'd rather just forget about it. I promise that I won't wander around anymore after dark, please just let it go."

Sarah watched as a tear rolled down her cheek, then she turned and walked down the hallway and into their room. Sarah, who had no desire to follow her, laid her book bag next to one of the large overstuffed chairs by the fireplace and then collapsed in it. The fire was beautiful, warm, mesmerizing and it was only moments before she was fast asleep.

"Why would anyone be in here of all places?" Professor Ratcliff was asking. "I never leave the potion ingredients out over night. I always lock them up."

"I'm not sure that's what they were after Christine," Professor Killainka answered pacing the floor of her classroom. "There seems to be more to it than that."

"I don't understand what they hoped to accomplish by moving the chairs and desks. It was like they just wanted me to know they were here," she said with a little stress in her voice.

Killainka placed a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry I'll get to the bottom of this I assure you."

Sarah was trying to figure out how she had gotten from the dorm to the potions class without her knowledge and then she noticed that the Professor's didn't seem to know she was there, even though she was only feet away. "Oh god, I'm asleep again, but this can't be a dream, why am I here?" she asked herself.

She was just about to try and get out when Professor Killainka turned and looked right at her. He didn't say anything; he just stared at her spot for a short time and then turned back to Professor Ratcliff. "Perhaps sooner than we think."

Sarah sat up in her chair and looked at the fire. "Whoa," said Eric who had been sitting nearby reading a book. "What woke you up?"

"Eric, I, I got to-to go." Sarah stuttered and then took off down the hallway grabbing her book bag as she went. Eric started to go after her but then shook his head and returned to his book. He thought nothing else about what had happened until Professor Killainka appeared in the dorm common room only moments.

"Mr. Turner do you have any idea where Miss Nettleton is?" he asked seeing Eric sitting there.

Eric, looking perplexed, pointed down the hallway. "She just went to her room," he said standing, and then he added, "She was asleep in the chair and then she got up--" But Killainka wasn't listening to Eric. He had quickly taking off down the hallway after her. Eric sat back down then waited and watched as several of the seventh grade girls that he now assumed were in their room came out from the hallway looking irritated and confused. Eric's curiosity now got the better of him and he sat on the edge of his seat waiting for the Professor's return.

"Professor," said Sarah totally terrified that she had been cornered in her room by the dean of the school. "Have I done something wrong?"

Killainka took a deep breath as though he were trying to calm himself down before speaking, and then sat down at one of the nearby desks. "Forgive me Miss Nettleton, this has been sort of a stressful day."

Sarah was becoming more and more anxious as the Professor continued to calm himself down. "Can I get you a drink, sir?" she suggested, thinking maybe she could leave the room and not come back.

Killainka shook his head. "Sarah," he said pausing again. Sarah didn't like that he was calling her Sarah. Up unto this point he had stuck to calling her Miss Nettleton unless she was ill or in trouble and Sarah quite obviously was not ill. "I have just spent an hour talking to Professor Ratcliff, which I have a feeling you already know, and she has some concerns that a student or students have been rummaging around in her classroom at night." He paused again and was leaning forward, looking her square in the eye. "I don't suppose that you know anything about that do you."

Sarah didn't know what to do or say. She had promised not to tell, and she'd never broken a promise to anyone. Then she had never been asked to do so by the dean of the school. "Sir, suppose that I know something but I've promised not to tell. Suppose this person is very upset and swears that they won't be doing it anymore."

Killainka looked at Sarah as though she were a book that he could read. "So what you are not telling me is that you know who's been about this mischief but you believe that they have seen the error of their ways," he said looking quite mischievous.

Sarah nodded. "I'm sorry that I saw you and Professor Ratcliff sir," she volunteered, hoping that this would further convince him of her sincerity. "I didn't come there on purpose, I just went to sleep, and that's were I went."

Killainka smiled this time. "Well, I suppose that you're just a little bit more curious when you're asleep than when you're awake, Miss Nettleton."

Sarah took a deep breath and felt a bit better about things all together. "That's probably not a good thing, huh sir?"

Killainka didn't answer he just smiled and rose from the chair and Sarah rose to follow him, "I think perhaps that a nap before dinner would do you some good," he said giving her a pat on her shoulder; he then turned to walk out the open doorway. Before he exited completely though he turned with one final piece of advice, "Perhaps you'll stay here though. I think that would be best don't you." Sarah nodded and after he was completely gone breathed a heavy sigh of relief. She had no trouble taking the Professor's advice and was fast asleep when Michayla returned to the dorm and shook her awake.

"What?" said Sarah thoroughly irritated that her catnap had been interrupted.

"They said in the common room that Professor Killainka was here, and that he talked to you," she was saying frantically.

"Yes, he was," said Sarah half asleep.

"What did he want?"

Sarah now focused on the frantic Michayla, "It's all right I didn't tell him anything. He trusts me, so he let it go," said Sarah trying to give away as few details as possible.

Michayla stood back and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry it's just that I really don't want to do anything that will get me kicked out of Dragon's Wood," she said relaxing a little.

Sarah was waking up now and wondered if she should take this opportunity to try to get some answers out of Michayla. "Michayla, why were you in Professor Ratcliff's classroom?"

Michayla was taken aback. "What makes you think I was in the potion's classroom?"

"Let's just say that I have my sources."

Michayla sat down on Zoe's bed across from Sarah. "I'm not really sure to tell you the truth. I just started walking and ended up there. It was like I had no control over where I went."

Sarah was surprised that she was being cooperative and wasn't quite sure she was getting the whole truth. "Do you think you could have been sleepwalking?"

Michayla looked at her with surprise. "That's a strange question to ask."

"Well, if you'd seen and done the things that I've seen and done in the last year you wouldn't think it was a strange question," explained Sarah.

"Well, I don't think so. I mean it was more like I was having a dream that I went there and then I did." She looked up and Sarah and shook her head. "I know that makes absolutely no sense at all."

"Actually I'm probably one of the few people you could tell that to who would understand it," replied Sarah. She looked at Michayla and then the clock. "Hey it's about time for dinner and I'm hungry, what do you say we go and see if the rest of the gang is ready for dinner." Michayla nodded. "Don't worry too much. I think as long as you don't go wandering around at night anymore this will all go away."

The next couple of weeks went by uneventfully and nightmare free so Sarah had just about put it all out of her mind. Michayla also seemed to be happier and less tired than she had been so Sarah assumed that she was also relaxing about it.

Sarah had been going to see Professor Semiramise a couple nights a week and mostly talking. Once or twice Professor Chalipun had been there and they had spent most of that time mediating which was turning out to be Sarah's favorite part. She had gotten good at focusing when she was in a deep meditative state by the time the eve before Thanksgiving arrived.

Zoe slammed her books down on the study room table, "I am so glad that we have the next four days off."

"I know if I had to listen to one more lecture this week I think I'd scream," agreed Michayla.

"I don't know I really enjoyed Professor Ratcliff's lecture on deadly potions," said Megan thumbing through a large book.

Zoe sighed and gave Megan an irritated look, Dillon laughed. "You kill me Megan."

"What did I say?" Megan asked with a look of total confusion.

Sarah laughed too and then noticed Eric through the open study room door. "Hey I'll be back I gotta ask your brother something," she said looking at Zoe. Everyone nodded and then went back to complaining about school as Sarah went through the doorway and called out Eric's name.

"Hey kid, what's up?" said Eric meeting her half way.

"Well you know that I've been going to see Professor Semiramise and Professor Chalipun in the evenings and, well, Professor Chalipun suggested that I learn to play chess. She said it was a good way to train your mind."

"And I suppose you would like me to teach you," said Eric grinning from ear to ear.

"Well, I know Zoe can but she gets on my nerves when she tries to teach me something. And you are the best player I know."

"Flattery isn't necessary but you can do it anyway," he said smiling wickedly. " Of course I'll teach you, when would you like to start?"

"I don't care, whenever you'd like to."

"How about tomorrow after the Thanksgiving feast? I predict that Professor Killainka will finish me off about sevenish and I'll be in the mood to beat the crap out of someone."

Sarah smiled. "That would be cool."

"Then it's a date," he said winking. In what Sarah was sure was a deliberate attempt to make her blush. Of course it worked.

The Thanksgiving Day feast was even better than last years, if that was possible and everyone was having a great time eating and talking. Michayla kept repeating how she had never seen so much turkey in her entire life while the rest of them just chuckled. Dillon's mom and dad had left the head table and were sitting in their small group and having a great time, which made Meagan equally as happy as it made Dillon. Sarah watched Professor Murphy closely, he was prone to pulling gags out of his robe on special occasions, and she didn't want to miss any of them. Even Abydos had been openly flirting with Professor Chalipun and Sarah now remembered that it wasn't the first time she'd seen this, which really gave her the willies. She suddenly remembered Zoe saying her parents were "doing it," got a sick feeling and had to turn away from the Professors. All and all everyone was fat, sleepy and happy by the time Professor Killainka appeared at the end of the table and challenged Eric to their traditional Thanksgiving game of chess.

As usual, there was a large crowd of mostly Bellarmine students with a few of the other dorms students and a handful of teachers including both of Dillon's parents watching their game. Sarah had a choice seat in between Eric's newest girlfriend who was seated beside Eric and Professor Killainka. Zoe sat behind her and laughed each time Eric made a move that she knew would lead to his impending defeat. This irritated both Eric and Sarah and it wasn't long before Sarah leaned back and knocked her over deliberately, causing both laughter and applause. Fortunately, the only thing bruised was Zoe's ego.

It took a little longer than in the past but inevitably, Killainka won. "I can't believe that I never see it coming," said Eric, winking at Sarah.

"I can't believe you think I believe that," said Killainka grinning. Then he rose and held out his hand, which Eric gratefully took and then bowed out inviting the remaining Professors to join him for some evening merriment.

Eric took the usual cheering and jeering before most of his friends headed out of the Hall and back to the dorm. Sarah tried not to watch as Eric's girlfriend gave him a peck and left with her friends. "So I guess you're still planning on playing chess with my goofus brother?" asked Zoe.

"Yeah, I told you I really want to," said Sarah giving Zoe a dirty look.

"Well I've had enough, I'm going to go watch TV, anybody else?" asked Zoe looking for company. Michayla, Megan, and William responded positively, Dillon however said he wanted to stick with Eric and Sarah at least for the time being. After everyone had started to part ways, Eric grabbed his chess pieces and the three of them headed for one of the study rooms of the dormitory.

There was a roaring fire in the fireplace and the pleasant odor of apples and cinnamon that seemed to fill the entire school from the morning of Thanksgiving until long after New Year's Day. Eric spent the first ten or fifteen minutes explaining how to set up the pieces and how each piece moved, taking into account that some of it they'd remember and some they wouldn't. They were just about to get down to some serious playing when Eric produced a small cooler filled with Butter Beer. "Shhh, we couldn't possibly share," he said then winking, which produced a great abundance of laughter. Chess was both cool and fascinating at the same time, which made it even more intriguing to both Sarah and Dillon.

Sarah had lost to Eric twice before Dillon looked at his watch. "Oh crap, I promised my mom and dad I'd stay with them tonight," he said rising from his chair, "I gotta go, but I want to learn more later," he said heading for the door.

"Don't worry I'm not planning on graduating for at least a couple of years," joked Eric. "See ya at practice tomorrow?"

"You bet," he said almost out the door. "Happy Thanksgiving," he said making it to the other side.

Sarah laughed. "All right, now that Dillon's gone I can stop losing to you on purpose."

"Oh Sarah, you're so clever," Eric said looking down at the disrupted pieces. "Your turn to set up the pieces and I'm not helping you." Sarah gave Eric a mischievous look and without saying a word set the board up not just right but in less time than Eric had anticipated. When she was finished, he applauded loudly. "Nice to see you're paying attention, now let's see if you can give me a run for my money." Eric beat Sarah twice more before they realized that it was almost midnight, he packed up his chess pieces, and they headed out into the near empty common room.

"Thanks for spending so much time teaching me," said Sarah as they crossed the room and headed down the hallway.

"My pleasure. Thanks for putting up with my ego and not calling me on it." Eric turned to look at Sarah in a serious and funny sort of way that caused Sarah to be uncomfortable.

"What?" she asked puzzled by the look.

Eric drew a deep breath and sighed. " Ah, if only you weren't twelve," he said winking at her once more before saying goodnight and heading down the hallway in the Bellarmine direction. Sarah stood frozen in her tracks for what seemed like forever before realizing she was just standing there and looking dumb. She had a funny warm feeling in the pit of her stomach when she headed for bed that night. Too bad it wouldn't protect from the cold and scary feeling that was about to replace it.

When Sarah woke in Michayla's dream, she wanted to scream. She had such a good day and there was this very selfish part of her who didn't want to ruin it by being in someone's nightmare. But there she was and she hadn't yet figured out how to exit them yet, so she looked around now to take in her new surroundings. "Great," she said to her self, "We're in the potions class again. I'm going to get it this time." Michayla was sitting in front of the fireplace this time staring at the flames. She seemed to be calling to someone, but Sarah couldn't understand what she was saying.

"Michayla, what are you doing here? You're going to get us both in trouble," she said crossing the room and standing next to Michayla. Michayla didn't answer she didn't even move. Sarah wasn't sure that she would be able to talk to her in the dream but at least she had tried. Sarah stood still thinking about what she should do and as she did, she realized that she was now close enough to hear what Michayla was saying and what she heard made her very uncomfortable. Michayla was chanting in a low and even tone repeatedly the same phrase, "Aporta baku, aporta baku."

Sarah backed away and found herself entering the dark shadows of the room. She was looking for the door, thinking that perhaps she could exit the dream by leaving the room. However, the closer she got to the door all she could find was shadow and darkness. She closed her eyes and wished for a way out, but that didn't work either. She turned round again and watched as Michayla continued to chant, and as she did, she noticed that something was stirring in the fireplace. The fire was swirling and there was a strange red smoke rising from the hearth. Sarah watched as it rose into the air and began to take on a shape. Sarah had no desire to see what was rising out of the flames and found herself on the verge of screaming.

Sarah sat up, heart pounding and body shaking she quickly searched the room for Michayla. However, she was not at the fireplace or in her bed for that matter, but as Sarah slid her feet around so she could jump off her bed, she saw her lying flat on her back in the middle of the open bedroom door. "Zoe wake up," screamed Sarah, waking not only Zoe but also everyone else in the room as well. Sarah was standing over Michayla shaking her by the time Zoe and the others became completely awake.

"Megan go and wake Professor Quigley," said Zoe after accessing the situation as best as she could. Megan only paused for a second and then jumping over Sarah and Michayla ran down the hallway. "What happened?"

"I don't know. I just woke up and she was on the floor," said Sarah not telling the whole truth. "I don't think she's breathing," she added, only panicking slightly, before trying to give her mouth-to-mouth. After about her third round of air, Sarah felt her move and take in a large breath of air. Sarah sat back waiting for her to open her eyes but she didn't. Zoe and Sarah were both shaking and holding Michayla's hands by the time Megan returned with Professor Quigley.

"Back up girls, back up," she said kneeling down beside the still silent Michayla. She checked her breathing and then sent Megan for Mrs. Hutton. When Megan had left, Professor Quigley sent the rest of the girls to the common room, everyone except Sarah that is.

"Tell me what happened," asked the Professor staring straight at her. Sarah didn't know what to say, she didn't want to lie to Professor Quigley, but if she told the truth there was a chance that Michayla could get in trouble.

"I think at this point you should be more concerned about your friends health than how much trouble she could be in." Sarah and Professor Quigley both looked up to see Professor Killainka standing at Michayla's feet.

"Sir, I-I, I was asleep and t-there was a dream, I was in the p-potions class again and then I woke up and she was lying here like this." Sarah stuttered through leaving as much out as she thought she could get away with. Sarah remembered all the times she had been unconscious last year and now knew how her friends had felt. She had an urge to just shake Michayla again when she noticed her stir again and this time she opened her eyes.

"Michayla," said Sarah breathing a large sigh of relief.

Michayla tried to sit up and was encouraged not to by Professor Quigley's hand. "Don't move just yet. Miss Surriette, the nurse is on her way."

Michayla lay back down and then looked around at her rescuers. "Sarah, what's going on?"

"I woke up and you were lying here and you weren't breathing," said Sarah quickly, catching a disapproving glare from Professor Quigley.

"Miss Surriette, I'd think it would be best if you waited until we get you into the Infirmary before we talk any further," said Professor Killainka looking at Michayla first and then Sarah. Michayla was contented to just lie there and wait anyway having no idea what was going on now.

After Michayla had been taken to the Infirmary, it took Professor Quigley and the Prefects almost a half-hour to get everyone back into bed. Professor Killainka insisted that Sarah return to bed and assured her that he would be speaking to her in the morning. Sarah did as she was told but found it impossible to go back to sleep. By the time the rest of the dorm was rising Sarah had thought through what had happened at least ten times and still didn't know what she was going to say to Professor Killainka or Michayla.

She managed to hide out in the bathroom until most everyone was at breakfast. She had even convinced Zoe to go without her. All she really wanted to do was sneak a pastry and slip off to class or maybe to the Infirmary, she wasn't sure which as she walked into the Great Hall. However, she didn't have time to sort out her feelings and decide what was next, because as she entered the Great Hall Professor Killainka met her. "Good morning, Sarah."

Sarah looked at the Professor since she was positive that she was not her self in the Infirmary she was fairly sure that she was at least on the verge of being in trouble. "Good morning, sir."

"After breakfast I would like for you to join me in the Infirmary. I've already talked to Professor Abydos and he knows not to expect you today," he said leaving her with no excuses.

"Well actually, sir," said Sarah glancing at the students still remaining at the tables and how they were all craning their necks to see what was going on, "I'm not real hungry. I was just going to get a pastry and go on to class. But I find that I'm not at all hungry anymore, perhaps we should just go on to the Infirmary."

Professor Killainka looked at her eyes and then the prying faces of the other students and decided to let her off this particular hook. "Very well then, let's go," he said taking her arm and directing her toward the hallway. Sarah was not about to be the first to talk, she just walked along, looking at the floor and watching the students going in the opposite direction staring and pointing.

"I don't believe I've ever seen you this quiet," said Killainka after a while.

"I'm sorry sir, I just couldn't think of anything to say."

"Sarah, Michayla is going to be all right and I gather from what I've heard it's because of you. Mrs. Hutton said that she had some kind of seizure that caused her to stop breathing."

Sarah stopped and looked at the Professor. "That's what happened?"

"That's most of it, but I gather that there is more," he paused. "Michayla was the one who was in the potion's class that night wasn't she."

Sarah nodded. "I'm assuming so. She never really came right out and said it. I had a dream that I saw her in the potion's class and there was a man with her. Well, it looked like a man I didn't get a good look at the person and she was crying. When I woke up, she wasn't in her bed so I went looking for her and found her coming back into the common room. I promised I wouldn't tell and she promised she wouldn't do it anymore."

Killainka was listening carefully and analyzing each sentence. "And last night?"

"I had another dream. She was in the potion's classroom again, this time alone. I just knew we were both going to get in trouble if she was there again so I tried to talk to her. I didn't know if I could or not, but I wasn't able to."

"You say she was alone." Sarah again nodded. "What was she doing?"

"She was sitting in front of the fire. It was funny, because I first thought that maybe she was talking to Miss Bellarmine, but as I got closer I discovered she was chanting."

Killainka stopped and when Sarah did, he looked at her puzzled. "Chanting?"

"Yeah, it was kind of weird. It was like aporta baku, aporta baku," said Sarah trying to remember as much as she could. "And then I got scared and I woke myself up and there she was lying on the floor."

Killainka went over everything in his head turning to look out of a nearby window. "Say it again," requested Killainka without turning around.

"Aporta baku?" said Sarah feeling terribly uncomfortable speaking to his back.

He stood there awhile longer and then turned back to Sarah, "We need to get going, Mrs. Hutton will be waiting for us."

Professor Killainka didn't say anything the rest of the way. Sarah could tell that he was thinking over everything she had said which was okay since she was. Sarah was now sure that she had said too much, but it was too late to worry about that now, because they were now entering the Infirmary where Mrs. Hutton was waiting patiently for them. She, however, wasn't the only one.

"Dad!" said Sarah first terribly excited and then suddenly anxious. "What are you doing here?"

John Nettleton smiled and gave his daughter a kiss on the cheek. "Nice to see you too," he said sarcastically. "Hello Professor," he said now turning to Killainka and shaking his hand.

"Good to see you, John. Thanks for coming so quickly." Killainka looked over at Sarah, "Your father and I need to talk so why don't you go with Mrs. Hutton, she'll take you to see Michayla. We'll be there in a minute." Sarah didn't want to but followed Mrs. Hutton in to see Michayla giving them one last look over her shoulder as Mrs. Hutton closed the door to the outside office.

"Did you talk to Miss Surriette?" asked Killainka offering John a seat.

John nodded. "I told her that I was here to help Mrs. Hutton make a proper diagnoses. I told her that I needed her to tell me anything she knew about her families health conditions."

"Did you find out anything?"

"Not really, she said she didn't know that much about her father's family. She said that when her parent's divorced her mom wouldn't talk about her dad very much. And when she finally met him and found out about her magical background everyone was too busy fighting over her to tell her much family history."

"When she started here, I was a little concerned because of the circumstances but everything seemed on the up and up. And then the Secretary assured me that she had looked into things and that she was sure that it would be all right," said Killainka not sounding totally convinced.

"I don't know sir, all I know is that when I shook her hand I felt his power within her. I knew it right away. That's why I came to you." John sounded concerned. "I know he was one of the first to come clean when Chinkana disappeared six years ago but I've never trusted him. I didn't even realize he had a daughter."

"I think her mother did her best to keep him from her but he's managed to convince a lot of people that he's changed his ways."

Sarah approached the bed quietly not wanting to awaken Michayla. "It's all right Sarah, I'm awake," said Michayla opening her eyes. "I was just pretending to be asleep so everyone would stop stressing over me."

Sarah smiled; this was a tactic that she was well-versed in. "Trust me it won't work. They always know when you're faking." Sarah sat down on the bed next to her as Michayla sat up.

Michayla noticed that she had a peculiar look on her face. "Is something wrong Sarah?"

"Not really, I was just thinking how odd it was to be visiting someone else in the Infirmary. I spent a great deal of last year where you are right now," she said smiling, "I like this side better." She now chuckled a little.

Michayla smiled, "I could see that." They both sat quietly for a short time. "Your dad was here."

Sarah was again looking confused. "I saw him out front. Was he here to see you?"

Michayla nodded. "I suppose, he asked me some questions. He said he was trying to help Mrs. Hutton figure out what was wrong with me. It seems I've had some sort of seizure and they were hoping to find out if I had a family history of them."

"Do you?"

Michayla shrugged. "I don't know much about my families background. My mother's always been tight lipped about things and, well, I've just barely gotten to know my father. So I'm afraid I wasn't much help."

Sarah sat again trying to think of something positive to say but in the long run, she knew she needed to face what was really on her mind. "Michayla I had to tell Professor Killainka about you and the potions class."

Michayla hung her head. "I figured you would, after what happened."

Sarah knew she had to tell her everything. "It's not just that. Michayla remember how I told you about things and me. About how I can do these things that perhaps I'd rather not."

"Yeah," puzzled Michayla.

"Well, I haven't been doing it on purpose, I promise. However, I've been in your dreams. That's why I knew you were in the potions class, that's why I woke up and found you on the floor." Sarah braced herself for what Michayla would say.

Michayla just sat there staring at Sarah, her eyes wide. "You're a Dreamwalker?" she asked after a long pause.

"I never had anyone call me that. But I suppose it is appropriate," answered Sarah looking at her strangely. "Where did you get that from?"

"It's what someone else I know would call you," she said trying to dodge the question as best as she could.

"I'm not real good at it yet. I can only go and observe and evidently I can only go when someone else brings me in."

"I've been bringing you into my dreams?" Michayla asked puzzled.

"I suppose, because I haven't been trying to go there. There have only been two people I've ever deliberately tried to contact when I was asleep and that's whole other deal entirely. I'm still not sure how any of that happened either," explained Sarah.

"I don't understand, Sarah, why would I be bringing you into my dreams, I barely know you?" puzzled Michayla.

"You are the only person that can solve that mystery," answered Sarah.

"How much have you told Professor Killainka about my dreams?" asked Michayla stressfully.

"Right now I haven't told him very much," said Sarah afraid to talk too much. Sarah knew that she didn't really have to tell the Professor very much for him to know practically everything, but she wasn't going to tell Michayla that.

"Promise me you won't tell him anymore until we can figure things out better," she said with a grimaced look on her face.

Sarah felt that they were no longer alone and turned to see Professor Killainka and her father; she looked again at Michayla's face and nodded. "All right for right now." She could tell that words set Michayla's mind at ease.

"How are you ladies getting along?" asked the Professor after they were discovered.

"I'm feeling much better," said Michayla trying to look as perky as she could. "Am I going to get to go to class today?"

Killainka smiled. "I think Mrs. Hutton would have my head if I were to allow that."

"I'd have more than that," said Mrs. Hutton reentering the room. "And I think that it's time that you all left and let her rest." Then she looked at Sarah. "Miss Nettleton you're not looking very well yourself perhaps--"

Sarah jumped from the bed. "I'm just tired Mrs. Hutton, I just need to get to class."

Killainka resisted the urge to burst into laughter. "I think that's probably a good idea. I'll walk with you, Divination is next, right?" he said smiling slyly.

Mrs. Hutton shooed them one more time. "I'll see you later," said Sarah starting toward the door. Michayla nodded.

"I'll be back later to check on you Miss Surriette," said the Professor as he followed Sarah out. Sarah's dad went as far as the door and then stopped.

"Sarah, I've got to go now. Send me an owl after you're first game I want to hear all about it," said her father proudly.

Sarah grinned from ear to ear and gave her dad a huge hug. "I will. I love you."

"I love you too, pumpkin." When they finished hugging, he shook Killainka's hand. "I'll be around if you need me."

"I'll let you know if I do," said Killainka, both of them acting mysteriously. When her father had turned and walked away, Sarah and Killainka also turned and began to walk toward her class. "So did you have a nice discussion with Miss Surriette?"

Sarah nodded. "Yeah, she was tired but we talked for awhile."

"About her dreams?"

"Well I felt sort of uncomfortable about talking about it but we did a little." Sarah wasn't sure how much of their conversation she wanted to relate to the Professor.

"We really only got as far me telling her that I felt I'd been in her dreams." Sarah decided to leave out Michayla's response since it didn't seem be important and she had promised not to tell too much. "It kind of spooked her."

"Why do you think that you've been in Michayla's dreams?" asked Killainka as they rounded their final turn.

"I just guessed it was because we have things in common. I can relate to what she's going through, you know, her parents being divorced and fighting," supposed Sarah.

"I could see that," agreed Killainka. They had made it to the door of the Dark Arts Classroom just as the bell rang. "But Sarah, don't assume anything and always be careful, especially when you're being drawn into someone else's dreams." Killainka turned to Sarah and smiled. "I'm sure Miss Surriette will be back in the dormitory by this afternoon. Just a reminder from last year," he whispered before he left her, "I'll always be there if you need me."

Sarah smiled there was no doubt in her mind that this was true and as soon as Killainka turned and walked away Zoe found her. Zoe thought she would burst by the time they were all down the hallway and well away from Abydos' class and the Parathion clan. "Where were you this morning?"

"Yeah we were worried," echoed Megan.

"Especially when you didn't show up for Abydos' class," expressed Dillon.

"Gee guys I didn't know you cared so much," said Sarah batting her eyes.

"Sarah," said Zoe irritated.

"All right, all right. I went to see Michayla. It seems she had some kind of seizure last night and Professor Killainka just wanted me to know she was okay," fibbed Sarah. Zoe had a feeling she wasn't being quite truthful but let it go. She knew that Sarah always told her what she could when she could.

"Is she going to be okay?" asked Dillon.

Sarah nodded. "Professor Killainka said she should be back in the dormitory by this afternoon. Mrs. Hutton just wants to keep an eye on her a little longer."

"Are you okay?" asked Zoe looking at her bloodshot eyes.

"Yeah but I really have to start getting some uninterrupted sleep." Sarah began to walk bringing everyone else along with her. "Between Michayla's seizure and all of you worried about me I can't seem to get any."

Megan and Zoe turned red. "Sorry," they both said together.

"It's all right I know you're just concerned about me. I wasn't sure I was going to get out of the Infirmary. You should have seen the look Mrs. Hutton gave me."

Zoe laughed. "Must have been funny you being in the Infirmary and not in a bed."

Sarah laughed too. "Yeah I was beginning to think that would never happen."

Everyone else now laughed and they continued on to Divination talking about their upcoming Quidditch game. They weren't the last to class but they were close. Sarah noticed that Professor Semiramise gave her an unusually concerned look when she entered the room, but then Sarah was used to unusually concerned looks from adults.

"Good morning class," said Semiramise sitting on the edge of her desk.

"Good morning, Professor," answered most of the class together.

"I hope that the little bit of excitement that took place in the Bellarmine dormitories last night will not be too much of a distraction for some of you." Sarah knew that she was being singled out once more but chose to just smile and shake her head as the rest of the room answered her. "Very well then. I'd like for you to continue to work on your astrological charts." Sarah and the rest of the students began to pull parchment charts and other materials out of their backpacks as Professor Semiramise and some of the other students passed out the books that they had been working out of. It wasn't long before Sarah was lost in the books and her chart.

They had been working on their charts for quite sometime now and Sarah was beginning to get interested in how hers was turning out. When they were first introduced to astrology, Professor Semiramise had spent two days giving lectures about the various kinds and had allowed them to decide which path they wished to follow. Zoe and Megan had chosen to study Horary Astrology since they had gotten into Tarot Reading. This was the form of Astrology that was used to determine the answer to a question asked.

After some additional reading on the subject, Sarah had chosen to learn about Vedic Astrology since she had been getting into Yoga and meditation. This Astrological method has its roots in Indian tradition and took the karmic and fatalistic approach. Sarah had been reading about astrology in relation to reincarnation and how that your chart could show how many times you had been reborn and predict how many more lives lay before you. Sarah had read several books about Edgar Cayce over the summer and had become very interested in reincarnation. Even though she wasn't quite sure, she believed in it.

Sarah had come to a part in her research where she had found that part of your chart involved a series of triangles. These triangles were supposed to show how you had fared in each previous life. It was very important that you had been successful in learning something in that lifetime in order to achieve one of these triangles. It wasn't necessary however, for you to have had a good life, in fact some times the triangles were easier to achieve by having a rough and turbulent one. When Sarah had read this part, she had thought about last year and had joked to herself about having achieved one of these triangles. Sarah was quite involved with what she was reading when Semiramise told them it was time to put away their charts and to continue with their meditations. Zoe had to take her book away. "Hey, wake up. It's meditation time," she said closing her book.

Sarah looked around to see if anyone else had noticed. "Sorry I was really into that," she said, looking embarrassed.

"It's all right," said Zoe pulling out her Tarot cards and shuffling them.

Sarah put her books over to the side and put away her charts, pulling out her Crystal to replace them. As she set it up and began to concentrate on it, Sarah saw the Professor come by to pick up the books out of the corner of her eye. She felt a sudden uneasiness as she looked at her, one that she'd never felt before.

"She's just concerned about you," whispered the voice. Sarah had gotten so used to the ramblings of the Crystal that it no longer took her by surprise.

"Well she's not the only one. Frankly I was happy to see Michayla in the Infirmary, I hoped it might shift a little of that concern toward her," she concentrated back.

"That is what concerns her."

"I hate it when you talk in riddles. Did you study witchcraft under Dr. Suess?" The voice did not reply. "I like the way you only answer the questions you like."

"I only answer the questions you truly ask."

Sarah had had enough. She pulled her hands away from the crystal and sat back. But the crystal wasn't ready to give up on her. Sarah watched as it began to swirl and grow cloudy. She leaned forward again trying to see what was up. She watched as the clouds of smoke formed into a snake that seemed to lunge forward toward her giving her the impression that he could leave the glass. Sarah jumped back nearly tipping over her chair. Fortunately, it happened at the same time that the bell rang so not many in the room had paid attention, however the Professor was one of those who saw.

Sarah leaned over to Zoe after wrapping her crystal up unusually tight and shoving it in her backpack. "I have to talk to the Professor, I'll meet you in Transfiguration."

Zoe looked at her strangely. "Did you forget something?"

"No," said Sarah rising from her chair. "She asked me to stay."

Zoe looked at her like she was crazy. She had been right next to her all along and Semiramise had never said a direct word to her. "You're the one that's scary sometimes," she said rising and pulling Megan out the door.

Sarah looked at them leave and then sighed. "I suppose so."

Semiramise sat waiting for her patiently at her desk. "You wanted to see me ma'am?"

"I'm impressed. I wasn't sure you would get my message. You've been practicing?" said Semiramise smiling.

"Not really, it's just that sometimes it's easy to figure out what someone wants especially when you have an inclination that you've done something wrong."

"Is that what you think? That you've done something wrong?" she asked walking around to the front of her desk.

"I'm not sure I know what's right or wrong anymore Professor. It's hard to tell sometimes." Sarah had a sad look of confusion.

"That concerns me Sarah, and the fact that you seem to be getting lost easily in what you're doing. One of the most important things you must learn to do in meditation is to be able to focus your concentration without loosing sight of what is around you. For people such as you and your father that could be a very dangerous thing to do."

Sarah hated it when Semiramise or anyone else for that matter, compared or placed her into the category with her father. She knew that there wasn't anything she was going to be able to do about it. After what her father had told her, she knew that she was just going to have to learn to live with it. After all, what was wrong with being compared to her father? Sarah smiled to her self and then looked at Semiramise. "Professor if I am to be like my father, how will I know?"

"I believe that you already know, somewhere deep in your soul," said the Professor looking deep into her eyes. Her next class was starting to file noisily into the classroom now so she smiled and patted her on the shoulder and said, "You better run along, or Professor Chalipun will be sending me not so nice messages."

Sarah smiled and nodded. "Thanks Professor."

"By the way there is nothing that you could have done last night to prevent Michayla from having her episode."

Sarah didn't even turn around, she just stopped for a moment to let her know that she heard her and then quickly left the room. "And Zoe thinks I'm scary," she said to herself walking away. Sarah got the strangest feeling that Professor Chalipun had sent messages to Semiramise before she had gotten there since she didn't seem to be surprised by the fact that Sarah was late for class.

Sarah gave her a look of apology that was cheerfully acknowledged and then she squeezed in between Zoe and Megan on the third row back. "Did I miss anything?" she whispered as soon as she sat down. Megan and Zoe both shook their heads. "Cool."

Sarah was glad that they had lunch after Chalipun's class since she insisted on talking to Sarah for a minute after class and Sarah was tired of being late all day. Chalipun had at least only inquired as to how she was and expressed her concern about the circles under her eyes. There had been no riddles or words of wisdom, which was a relief. Her friends were already eating by the time she arrived. "Man you've had a full morning," said Dillon as she took a seat and started to pile food on her plate.

"Tell me about it. I think if one more teacher asks me to stay after I'm going straight to the dorm," she said, only half joking.

"Well just as long as Professor Quigley doesn't try to keep you after, today's practice is the last one before the game with Parathion," said Dillon with great concern.

Sarah chuckled. "I think that she of all people would know that don't you?"

Dillon hadn't thought about that and said so right before Eric plopped down next to him and grabbed one of his chips. "Are we talking about Quidditch? Because we need to be."

"What else would Dillon be talking about?" asked Zoe impatiently.

Eric took another chip and crunched it loudly. "Ah sis you're such a pleasant person to be around." Zoe shook her head impatient with Eric now. "I heard you went to see Michayla, how was she?" asked Eric to Sarah now.

"She's fine, Professor Killainka said she should be back in the dorm by this afternoon." Sarah said, searching his eyes. Eric was the only one she had told so far about the dreams other than her dad and Killainka. She was hoping he'd know that and not ask her if this had been involved.

"The rumor is she had some kind of seizure. Lucky you woke up and knew what to do," he said, winking. "You'll have to tell me all about it after practice."

Sarah smiled all most teary eyed and nodded. "I think I can do that."

"Well," said Eric as he now grabbed half of Zoe's sandwich. "I've got to go and check out the field before I go to my next class. That storm we had last night was a soaker. I want to see just how muddy we're going to get today." Eric winked again at Sarah and then dodged the impending blow from Zoe and left shoving her sandwich down his throat.

"I really like your brother, Zoe," said Dillon watching him admiringly as he exited.

"Really, well you can have him," said Zoe attacking the remainder of her lunch. Zoe loved her brother and you didn't have to be a psychic to know it. Sarah caught her giggling to her self when she thought no one was looking. That was one of the things that she liked most about having them both as friends.

Sarah turned her thoughts now back to Michayla and the events of this morning and last night. She knew that Eric wanted to know the whole story of what had happened and she knew that he was the one person who would understand and not fret or judge her about it. She found herself now looking forward to the practice for more than one reason.

When they were finished with lunch, they all made a quick trip back to the dorm to exchange morning books for afternoon ones. Sarah had pushed what had happened in Divination out of her mind, but was quickly reminded of it when she had to remove her crystal ball from her backpack. Sarah didn't unwrap it; instead, she shoved it in to the bottom drawer of her desk. "That's what you get for being mean to me," She whispered to it. Sarah was grateful that it didn't answer her.

Sarah made it through Potions class without Professor Ratcliff singling her out. She had wondered if Dillon had said something to her but guessed that she wouldn't mind. Anything to get through a class without questions or accusations.

Sarah was starting to look forward to Professor Murphy's class almost as much as Chalipun's. Periwinkle had been extremely boring and long-winded not to mention strange. He had been prone to giving long drawn out lectures on dead witches and wizards of the early fourteenth century. Murphy on the other hand, gave very little lecture; he instead opted to bring guest lecturers who in turn brought authentic memorabilia like their own dead bodies.

At the present, they were studying the Salem Witch Trials and they had so far met John and Elizabeth Proctor and Sarah Good. Elizabeth, who had escaped her execution, had been the most interesting to listen to since she had the most memories of what had happened. Today they were discussing the many ways that people used to determine whether someone was a witch or not. Sarah and Zoe nearly died when Griffin wouldn't stop making rude remarks and Professor Murphy threatened to demonstrate one such technique.

"I suggest that you keep your mouth shut, Mr. Griffin or we'll tie you up and weight you down and into the lake you'll go. Since you claim to be of such fine wizard stock, I'm sure that you'll float. It would be a pity if you didn't."

Zoe leaned over to Sarah and Dillon and whispered, "That's not why he would float." Sarah and Dillon nearly lost it. It was only later after class when they were cornered by Murphy that they got to truly appreciate the joke.

"All right Miss Turner, since you nearly disrupted my class you can at least let me in on the joke," he said giving her a sly look.

Zoe turned purple but finally managed to repeat her joke. Professor Murphy had stood silently for a minute or two and then giving her one last sly look burst into laughter. "Next time, feel free to disrupt class," he said, grinning widely and turn to walk away and then turned back rather abruptly. "But I never told you that," he added winking in their direction.

If Sarah's day had started out badly it had definitely ended with a bang. In an attempt to redeem himself in the eyes of his flunky's, Griffin had endeavored to sail a book across the room at Sarah and her friends while they were levitating. Unfortunately, his eventual target had ended up being Professor Quigley, resulting in a lecture and five points removal from Parathion.

Everyone was feeling confident about themselves and just life in general by the time they were headed back to the dorm. Sarah had the feeling that she could take on the entire Parathion team by herself and win, as she and Dillon grabbed their broomsticks and headed back to the common room to meet Eric and the rest of the team. They arrived just in time to see Michayla appear from the dorm corridor followed by Mrs. Hutton and Professor Quigley.

After a quick reunion, Mrs. Hutton insisted that Michayla at the very least remain on the couch in the common room. Dillon tried hard not to show his disappointment, but Sarah wasn't fooled. After all, she merely had to be in the room with Dillon to sense what he felt and she had known from the very first day that Michayla arrived that Dillon was attracted to her.

Sarah put her arm around Dillon. "Don't worry we'll tell her all about how good we were when we get back."

"Yeah, yeah," said Michayla smiling. "Just practice hard enough to beat the pants off of Parathion, cause I'll definitely be there to see that."

Dillon blushed and Sarah smiled as they gathered their things again and headed for the field. Megan had volunteered to stay and keep Michayla company, stating that she had way too much homework to watch anyway, so Sarah and Dillon were able to practice with a clear conscience.

It would have been a perfect practice if it hadn't started pouring down rain about halfway through. However, that didn't prevent anyone including Zoe and William from remaining the entire time. Sarah and Dillon had a great time wallowing in the mud and then letting it be washed off by the sheets of rain that were practically horizontal at one point. Since there was no lightning though, they continued up until the last team member was thoroughly exhausted and then headed dripping wet and covered with mud, back to the dormitory.

Sarah and the other Beater Marjorie Evens headed straight for the shower, while the boys spent at least twenty minutes parading around the common room and displaying their "disgustingness" like a medal. It took Professor Quigley to convince them that they needed to head to the showers about the same time that Sarah made it back to the common room. Sarah caught Dillon's eye as he was headed out of the common room and noticed that he couldn't take his eyes off of Michayla. She couldn't help but notice that Michayla had a similar star struck look in her eye as she sat down next to her on the couch.

"Hey how are you?" she asked plopping down next to her.

"I feel a lot better, but I have the distinct feeling that the pain of impending homework will turn that around tomorrow," she said in good spirits.

"Oh, do I remember that feeling." Sarah spent the next twenty minutes relating the horror stories that followed her visits to the Infirmary and was about to suggest that they head for bed when a freshly showered Eric entered the common room and approached them. Sarah swore she could smell how good he smelled from the time he left the shower.

"You two planning an all nighter?" he asked winking at Michayla.

"Well I suppose if we did you've blown that," said Sarah sarcastically.

Michayla slowly lifted her self from the couch. "I'm going to bed. I've been poked, prodded, and made fun off all day. Besides, you two either need a ring or a room. Please tell me which tomorrow Sarah, cause I gotta go."

Sarah turned her traditional brilliant red as Michayla exited down the hallway. Sarah now noticed that most of everyone had already left and found their way toward their rooms even though it was not that late. She supposed that the weather and the fact that it had been a long week had something to do with it.

"We didn't get to talk after practice due to the vast amount of mud and excitement," he said smiling. "I suppose you thought you were going to get away with it."

"Well I wouldn't say that bearing my soul to you is at the top of my play list." She paused and looked at him funny. "But I wouldn't say it was at the bottom."

Eric contemplated his answer and opted not go for the sarcastic. "Well I have a minute or two, why don't we go talk?" Sarah nodded and they began a slow walk toward one of the study rooms.

It had turned out to be a cold night and despite the fact that they both had showered and changed clothes, Sarah felt a bone chill that she just couldn't shake. "You know if I wake up with a cold, I'm dragging you to the Infirmary with me." They were now both making their way to the front of the roaring fire that graced the presence of the study room they now occupied. Sarah stood quietly warming her hands and waiting for Eric to ask his first question.

"You're avoiding me."

"I just spent the last two hours with you, and I'm avoiding you?" squawked Sarah.

Eric laughed and then feeling slightly warmer, stepped back and found one of the over-stuffed chairs. It wasn't long before Sarah joined him. "All right ask me a question," she said staring him down. "I'm ready."

Eric chuckled. "I'm having a hard time taking you seriously at this time."

"Oh hush, I'll behave," she said finding a chair next to him.

Eric looked at her for second as a non-believer, and then leaned back in his chair. "So what did your dad say?"

"I want to know how you knew my dad was here and he didn't tell me anything," said Sarah rolling her eyes at him.

Eric smiled. "I saw him in the hallway with Professor Killainka, it wasn't physic or anything. Do you know why he was here?"

Sarah shook her head. "Michayla said that he talked to her asked her questions about her family health. Maybe she's got some kind of physical problem that needs psychic healing."

Eric pondered the questions and shrugged. "I've never heard anything like that, but it could be. What did Michayla and you talk about?"

"Remember how I told you that I was having dreams about Michayla?"

"So they haven't stopped huh?" asked Eric.

"No, in fact they've gotten stranger. Remember when Professor Killainka came up here that day?" Eric nodded. "I got caught spying in the potions class. When I fell asleep in front of the fire I went there and he and Professor Ratcliff were talking about when someone had been wandering around the school. It seems that they went to the potions classroom."

"Michayla?" asked Eric.

"Like I told the Professor, I'm assuming so. I had a dream that she was there and then I caught her up and around the school. Then last night just before I found her on the floor, I dreamed she was there again. It was really strange."

"And you told her about all of this?"

"Well sort of. I just told her that I could do it, you know be in someone's dream, and that it seemed that I had been in hers."

"What did she say?" asked Eric very interested.

"She said the strangest thing. She asked me if I was a Dreamwalker." Sarah hadn't promised to keep anything from Eric and she could always count on him to keep her secrets.

Eric made a funny face. "She asked you that?"

"Yeah," said Sarah, nodding. "Do you know what she meant?"

Eric looked uncomfortable and rose out of his chair. "I'm not sure. I just know that I remember my dad saying something like that a long time ago and it wasn't in relation to anything good." Sarah was uncomfortable now. "Did you tell Professor Killainka what she said?"

"No, I kind of promised her that I wouldn't say anything else to him until she and I had a chance to talk," said Sarah looking guilty. "I didn't think it was any big deal, because I didn't understand it. Please don't say anything Eric, I promised."

"Don't worry I won't," he said winking. "Have I ever let you down before?"

Sarah blushed. "Maybe I should try to find out what it means."

"I don't think you should ask your dad. If it's something really bad you don't want him worrying."

"I'm sure you're right about that," said Sarah. "Maybe I'll look it up. I don't know but if you figure it out let me know. In the meantime, you know more than anyone so please."

"I promise I won't tell. Besides who would I tell?" He smiled widely and then looked at the clock. "We better go, it's getting late and we're going to need all of the rest we can get over the next two days so we can be our best."

"I don't know," said Sarah rising to her feet. "We did pretty good tonight, and the rain was coming down like cats and dogs."

"Well it's a good thing because you know we don't call Quidditch games on account of bad weather. And the forecast for Friday is rain, rain and more rain."

Sarah made a face and moaned. "Well maybe we're good mudders," she said chuckling. Eric looked at her and then they both laughed all the way to their rooms after saying goodnight. Eric thought about what Sarah had said all the way up until the time he fell asleep. He had a feeling he knew what it meant but he couldn't remember no matter how hard he tried.