The Dreamwalker's Daughter

Chapter Eleven Revealing Secrets

Professor Quigley pushed Zoe out of the way. "Step back please," she said looking at Sarah and then back at Zoe. "Miss Turner." However, Zoe was not listening, "Zoe!" she said louder this time. Zoe turned and focused on her face. "Go get Mrs. Hutton," and then she added, "now!" Zoe nodded numbly and then ran out of the dorm room as Professor Quigley lifted Sarah in her arms and listened to see if she was breathing. She wanted to turn and berate them all for staying up too late, to express to them how worried she was they had partied most of the night and this is the result of that. But she knew it wasn't true. "Sarah, the time has come for you to find yourself in this dream and wake up!"

Sarah opened her eyes and drew a deep breath. "Professor, what are you doing here?" asked Sarah completely perplexed. Professor Quigley exhaled deeply and collapsed in the desk chair that was next to Sarah's bed. Sarah sat up and looked around the room at all of the faces that were focused on her and Professor Quigley sitting with her eyes closed in the chair next to her bed. "I did it again," said Sarah sinking into her pillow. Then a few moments later Zoe and burst into the room followed by Mrs. Hutton. "Oh fabulous, the nurse and everything."

Professor Quigley, finding her wits, sat up again and told everyone to leave the room. "Professor," said Mrs. Hutton, "I should really,"

"Wait outside," finished the Professor, "I was wrong, it's possible that Miss Nettleton doesn't need your help." Mrs. Hutton furled her brow, looked at Professor Quigley suspiciously, then nodded, and left the room. When the room has emptied, the Professor leaned forward and focused on Sarah. "Well Miss Nettleton would you like to explain now or in the morning which wouldn't be giving you much of a reprieve," she added looking at the clock.

Sarah sat up and fidgeted in the bed. "I honestly don't know what happened, Professor. I went to bed and then woke up just now with all of this commotion." She looked into the Professor's face and could tell the she wasn't quite believing her and added, "I swear."

Professor Quigley sat for moment thinking and watching Sarah fidget, then she rose, walked to the door, and opened it. "Miss Turner would you come in please," Sarah watched as Zoe followed the Professor in and she closed the door behind them. Zoe had a look of total terror in her eyes as they both approached Sarah. "Miss Turner it seems that Miss Nettleton's memory is clouded so would you like to explain what happened."

Zoe's terror now spread to her entire face. "Well Professor, I was asleep and I heard something that woke me up. It turned out to be Sarah, she was talking in her sleep." Zoe paused and looked at Sarah, "That's actually not all that unusual for Sarah so at first I just kind of rolled over. But as I began to pay attention it sounded like she was chanting something and it kind of scared me so I decided to try and wake her up." Zoe was now shaking.

"Calm down Miss Turner, it's going to be okay," reassured the Professor.

Zoe nodded and continued. "But you wouldn't wake up Sarah, and then you opened your eyes and I thought it was going to be okay, but you weren't really awake it was like you were somewhere else. Then your eyes rolled back in your head and you went limp and blank again. That's when Megan went for you Professor."

Professor Quigley's eyes now went from Zoe to Sarah. "I swear Professor I don't remember anything," repeated Sarah.

"And you're feeling all right?" Sarah nodded. "Miss Turner please go and tell Mrs. Hutton to come in now." Zoe nodded and left the room reluctantly. "I want Mrs. Hutton to look you over and if she doesn't have any immediate concerns I expect for this entire dormitory to be back to sleep in a matter of moments," she said sternly.

"Yes ma'am," said Sarah.

"And I expect that you'll be spending the better part of tomorrow investigating what's going on with you. We'll talk more about in the morning, or should I say later on today." Sarah only nodded this time and then Mrs. Hutton entered and on Professor Quigley's instructions looked Sarah over and found nothing immediately, that concerned her. She left followed shortly but Professor Quigley who gave the entire room a stern warning as she did.

Sarah looked around the room at everyone's concerned and irritated faces. "I'm sorry," she said, not knowing what else to say and then she pulled the covers overhead and pretended to be asleep. However, she didn't bother to and as soon as she was sure everyone else was back to sleep, she snuck into the common room. However, she wasn't the only one who was out of bed. "Michayla, what are you doing in here?" said Sarah surprising Michayla who was sitting on the couch. Michayla hid her face quickly and sniffled a couple of times. "Oh come on, don't tell me you're weepy too," said Sarah sitting down next to her.

Michayla looked up wiping her eyes. "It's my fault isn't it?" she said looking at Sarah.

"What's your fault?" asked Sarah puzzled.

"I heard Megan talking to William, she was talking about last year and your dreams causing these problems then."

"So what does that have to do with you?" asked Sarah.

"They're my dreams."

Sarah looked at Michayla. "Do you know what happened tonight?"

Michayla nodded. "I saw you there. I was in the potions class again and I saw you there. And he was there too." Michayla was openly crying now and Sarah was totally confused and slightly frightened.

"I'm afraid to ask what you're talking about," admitted Sarah.

Michayla calmed down a bit and looked at Sarah. "Sarah I have a funny feeling that you know what my dad is." Sarah reluctantly nodded, and Michayla sighed. "I saw the look on your face when you touched his hand. You saw something didn't you."

Sarah nodded again wincing. "I'm sorry Michayla it's not something that I can control."

"You don't have to apologize I'm the one who's burdening you with my nightmares." She paused and breathed deeply again. "When you first told me you'd been in my dreams, I was terrified. All I could think of was what my mother had said about my dad. And then I listened to the things that you and the others had said about what happened to you last year and I realized that you may be like him but you weren't going to hurt me."

Sarah's eyes grew wide. "I never thought that you would think that I would hurt you. Why didn't you say something?" Sarah was suddenly a bit frightened herself that Michayla would be comparing her to her father.

"I was scared. The last two years have been the worst and scariest years of my life. Finding out everything that I've found out about my family and coming here and meeting all of you and finding out what has happened to you. I guess I just figured that it was all going to be this scary." Sarah thought over the things that Michayla had said. She had come to term with the craziness of the things that had happened last year and was even dealing with the things that she was even now still finding out about herself, but she could certainly see where all of this on top of what Michayla was dealing with when she got here could be really scary.

"We're a mess," said Sarah forcing a smile. "I can't believe that we've let this escalate out of control. I assure you Michayla that even if it's your dreams I've been in during these 'spells' that I've been having, it's not your fault. There's some reason I'm going there or I wouldn't be there. That's about all of this that I am sure of."

"But I don't understand that part at all. Why would you need to be in my dreams?"

Sarah had thought about that a lot up until the time that she had started dreaming her own dreams without Michayla in them. She hadn't been able to figure out why either. Then she thought about the chanting. "Michayla, a couple of times in the dreams I remember, there was chanting, do you know what I'm talking about?"

Michayla lowered her head, "I was trying to make it go away."

"What?" Sarah asked.

"I read this book that I found in the library and there was this spell that was supposed to call a Baku."

"What's that?"

"A Baku, it's a nightmare eater. It's supposed to make nightmares go away."

"So you were trying to cast a spell?" Sarah asked confused.

Michayla nodded, "It hasn't worked though. I still keep having them and they just keep getting scarier and scarier, especially when he's there."

Sarah now remembered that she had mentioned someone earlier, "Who are you talking about anyway?"

"I don't know who he is but I think he's causing the nightmares. He's been trying to get me to do things and go places with him. That's why I end up in the Potions Class, he keeps taking me there."

Sarah felt a chill run down her spine and the hooded image of Michayla's father now came back to haunt her. Sarah closed her eyes and saw a vivid image of Michayla and a dark cloaked and hooded person standing in front of the fire in the Potions Class. Then she heard a voice, "She will pay for what she has done."

Sarah opened her eyes and jumped from the couch. "What?" Michayla asked responding to Sarah's sudden jerk. "What happened?"

"Nothing," said Sarah feeling dizzy and confused and then she turned to Michayla and tried to look as calm as possible. "Michayla, could the man be your father?"

"I don't think so. His voice is higher pitched and he's not as tall as my dad. And besides," she said looking slightly offended by the question, "I really think that my dad wouldn't do this, not any more."

Sarah nodded and took Michayla's hand. "We need to go back to bed and at the very least pretend to be asleep. I'm going to have to answer to all of this in the morning, so I suggest that we don't cause anymore commotion." Michayla nodded.

Sarah put her arm around Michayla and walked her back to their room. It was nearly six o'clock and when neither seemed to be able to get back to sleep Sarah gestured to bathroom and they both grabbed some clothes and got dressed. They were very careful to wake Zoe 'accidentally' before they left so Zoe wouldn't panic when she woke and they weren't there.

It was Sunday morning and there were very few students in the Great Hall when they arrived for breakfast. Sarah and Michayla, who were trying hard to cheer them selves up, talked about the Quidditch game and how cool Eric and Dillon were. It was nice to be able to talk about Eric with someone other the Zoe. Zoe could only see Eric as her brother and couldn't possibly understand how Sarah could think of him otherwise.

"But he's so much older than you, that must be really hard," said Michayla taking a bite of toast.

"I know, I keep playing it out in my mind, you know. When I'm thirteen, he'll be eighteen and when I'm fourteen I'll be, well you know," said Sarah giggling a little. "I've just about decided that by the time I'm old enough for me to be attractive to him, he'll be married."

Michayla chuckled. "I'm glad it's you and not me, just having normal female hormones for Dillon is enough for me to handle."

Sarah couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy with these words. She had felt it before when she had watched her and Dillon together. Sure, she had feelings for Eric, but there was a part of her that was still drawn to Dillon. It was like they were a part of each other. "Well, they say girls mature faster than boys," purposed Sarah not really knowing why she had. Michayla joined her in a giggle.

"Well it's nice to see a smile on your face this morning, Miss Nettleton." Professor Quigley was standing at the end of the table looking a bit tired.

Sarah swallowed hard and smiled at the Professor. "Good morning Professor."

"You couldn't sleep well either Miss Surriette?" she asked now turning to Michayla.

"No ma'am," was all Michayla said.

"It's all right Professor, we've been having a good time talking about how well Eric and Dillon did yesterday," said Sarah trying to lighten the mood.

Professor Quigley couldn't help smiling no matter how tired or aggravated that she may have been. "You all did a wonderful job yesterday. But I could see how the dashing young Mr. Turner and Mr. Ratcliff could be the object of a young ladies affection." Sarah and Michayla both blushed pink and giggled. "Does everything seem to be all right this morning?" she asked now looking at Sarah.

"I'm tired, but I feel all right. But then I don't remember anything happening." Sarah looked at Michayla and then Professor Quigley. "Ma'am, Professor Killainka told me that he wanted me to talk to him this morning," Sarah said making eye contact with the Professor.

"Did he?" she looked at Sarah and nodded. "I do believe I heard him say something about that. I'll be back when you're finished eating to take you to him." She paused and then added. "You better get on with breakfast ladies." Then she walked away.

"What's that all about?" asked Michayla suspiciously.

"He made me promise to come and talk to him after yesterday's match," said Sarah skirting the truth. Michayla nodded excepting Sarah's deception.

When they were finished, eating Professor Quigley returned led Sarah out into the hallway and toward the faculty corridor. "You know Sarah," she said after a moment or two, "if you wanted to speak to Professor Killainka, you could have just said so."

"I didn't want Michayla to think that I was asking because of her," explained Sarah.

"Why would she think that?" asked the Professor stopping in front of Sarah.

"Professor, she told me that last night, when I had the spell, I was in her dream, but I honestly don't remember it."

"I think that you do need to have some words with the Dean," said the Professor pushing them on again.

As usual, Professor Killainka welcomed them in before they were completely in front of the door. Professor Quigley opened the door and gestured for Sarah to enter first, which she did reluctantly. Professor Killainka was sitting beside his large fireplace and reading a large red book that he laid to one side as they entered. "Good Morning Alice, Sarah, I had a feeling I'd be seeing you this morning," he said motioning to the chairs across from his. Sarah again hesitated and then took one, but Professor Quigley stayed were she was.

"I'm afraid I have a little business to take care of Professor, but I would like to be briefed on this conversation, if you don't mind."

"I'm sure that won't be a problem. If you don't mind, would you please let Priscilla know that we would like for her to join us as soon as she could." Professor Quigley nodded and then left the room, closing the door behind her. Sarah tried to get as comfortable as she could as she tried to figure out what she was going to say. "I heard about last night, would you like to tell me what happened."

"Like I told Professor Quigley, I don't remember anything except going to sleep and waking up." Sarah sat for a moment on the edge of her seat.

"But," said Killainka helping her along.

"But, after everyone went back to sleep, I went to the common room and Michayla was there. She couldn't go back to sleep after Zoe awoke everyone."

"What did Michayla tell you Sarah?"

"She said that I had been in her dream. She said that we were in the potions class again. She said I was chanting this time and she told me what the chanting was."

"She told you about the Baku?" asked Killainka smiling slightly.

"You know what it is." Sarah was surprised.

Killainka nodded. "Yes, but I didn't really understand why either of you would be casting a spell to produce a Baku."

"Michayla said that she read somewhere that a Baku was a nightmare eater and she thought that if she'd call one that the nightmares would go away."

Killainka nodded, rose, and began to pace the room. "I suppose I can follow her logic, however I don't think that conjuring a Baku is going to help either one of you in this situation." He paused and stared at the fire. "What else did she tell you?"

Sarah took a deep breath and continued. "She said that someone has been coming into her dreams, it must be the person I saw her with. She said the he is the one who keeps taking her to the potions classroom. But she doesn't know who it is and I don't think that she's figured out why they're going there."

Killainka gave her a knowing look. "But you think that you know, don't you?"

Sarah looked at him and nodded. "When I was talking to Michayla, things went blurry for a moment, like they've done before, and I heard a voice. It said, 'She will pay for what she has done.'"

Killainka paused in thought and then sat back down across from Sarah. "And you heard this last night?"

Sarah nodded. "Yes sir."

Killainka was silent Sarah could see that he was deep in thought. Then to Sarah's surprise, he leaned back into the chair and invited Professor Chalipun in. Chalipun opened his office door and entered the room. "Ah, Priscilla glad you could join us. Miss Nettleton has been telling me an interesting story about last night."

Professor Chalipun's eyes grew wide. "Has she now?" said Chalipun joining them by the fire. "I heard she had a visit form the nurse." Sarah was feeling foolish, she of course suspected that the whole school knew of her exploits but she had pretended that she didn't. "I suppose that you're having similar experiences as last year."

Sarah had thought about this repeatedly. It was true that she was having nightmares and that twice she had done something weird while she was asleep but it wasn't the same as last year. She didn't seem to be the focus of what was going on in the dreams, well at least until two days ago. "I'm not sure Professor. I don't remember ever having a nightmare that caused me to be ill that I didn't remember. I keep ending up places that I don't remember going to. Last year I never went anywhere that I hadn't intended to go to even if it was just a subconscious wish."

Professor Chalipun looked at her impressed. "It seems you've given this a lot of thought. So tell me what do you think is happening?"

Sarah shook her head. "I really don't know ma'me. Michayla told me there is someone in her dreams trying to get her to do things. Maybe I'm trying to keep him from hurting her." Chalipun turned to look at Killainka at this remark. They both looked at each other concerned and then Chalipun turned back to listen to the rest of Sarah's story. "Michayla told me that last night he focused on me, maybe that's why I don't remember what happened."

"Sarah do you have any idea who this person could be?"

Sarah shook her head again. "I asked Michayla if it could be her father, you know since him and her mother are fighting, but she said she was sure it was not. And he doesn't seem familiar to me," she looked at the Professor's faces and then added, "and I'm sure it's not Chinkana."

Killainka seemed surprised that Sarah would even bring up the name. The Professor had his concerns about what was going on with Sarah and Michayla, especially since for Sarah it seemed to be escalating, however he had been more inclined to believe that these events were the manifestations of one gifted and mentally stressed young lady. However, Sarah was quickly convincing him otherwise. "Sarah, tell Professor Chalipun what you heard last night while you were talking to Miss Surriette."

Sarah looked at Killainka and nodded. "It was like last year, things sort of faded and got blurry again and then I heard a cold distant voice. It said 'She will pay for what she has done.'"

"This is where we were when you arrived Priscilla. I was just about to ask Miss Nettleton here who she believe the voice was talking about."

Sarah went pale, she knew what she thought, but she wasn't sure she was ready to voice it. "Sir, I could be wrong I mean it's just a feeling."

"I'm beginning to think that your 'feelings' are more reliable than most folks knowledge," said Killainka smiling.

Sarah nodded, some of the color returning to her face. "Well I think it means that the voice wants Professor Ratcliff to pay for what happened to Chinkana." Sarah had a feeling that from the looks on both Professors' faces, that neither of them were surprised by her conclusion. But that didn't help to calm the sudden uneasy feeling that had made it's way into her stomach and was now threatening to bring up her breakfast. Sarah must have displayed this feeling, because both the Professors were now stepping forward to steady her.

"Sarah, are you all right?" asked Professor Chalipun taking her arm.

Sarah nodded. "Yeah, I just feel kind of weird," she said leaning back into the chair. "I haven't gotten very much sleep the last few days, it's probably just dragging me down," concluded Sarah.

"Perhaps," said Killainka as he and Professor Chalipun returned to their chairs, "but if you don't mind I think I'd like you to see Mrs. Hutton again, just to make sure."

Sarah moaned. "But sir, she just saw me last night and,"

"Sarah, I'm hoping that you're going to be able to do a little meditating with me this afternoon and I wouldn't feel comfortable with that unless you were to see the nurse," said Chalipun, butting in. "I'll be happy to accompany you to the infirmary if you like."

Sarah knew that by the looks on both of their faces that she was not going to win this argument, so she nodded and rose steadying herself on the arm of the chair. Then Sarah remembered what they had been talking about and turned back to Killainka. "Sir, what about Professor Ratcliff, could I be right, could she be in danger?"

Killainka took a deep breath and shook his head. "Well, I think that's a question we'll need to spend some additional thought on." Then he turned to Chalipun. "Priscilla you'll let me know how things go and I'll make the time to meet with both of you this afternoon." Professor Chalipun nodded and then escorted Sarah out of the office and toward the Infirmary.

"Professor, are we going to try what we did last year?" asked Sarah as they walked along.

"I'm not sure, Sarah, these dreams appear not to be yours. I'm not sure that attempting to enter them would work unless Michayla was also to be involved and I believe that would not be wise at this time."

"So what then?"

"I had thought that maybe if we meditated, that perhaps we could find out what you've been forgetting," explained Chalipun. This made sense to Sarah although she wasn't sure that she wanted to know what she had forgotten. She decided not to express this to Professor Chalipun however as they were now entering the Infirmary.

"Oh, dear she's had another spell, hasn't she?" said the nurse shaking her head and tutting as she approached.

"No, Melissa, she's just not feeling very well and Professor Killainka and I thought that you should just take a look at her," said Professor Chalipun smiling.

"I knew it I should have just insisted that she come here last night. Well come on then," she said motioning for Sarah and Professor Chalipun to follow her.

Sarah just wanted to crawl into a corner and hide, but Professor Chalipun placed an arm on her shoulder and smiled. "Your one of her favorites you know." Sarah almost chuckled; she knew that Professor Chalipun and Professor Killainka were right. She hadn't been feeling very good lately, perhaps it wasn't all about the dreams, and maybe she was just ill. It couldn't hurt to see the nurse.

Professor Chalipun stayed by Sarah's side as Mrs. Hutton poked and prodded her for the next half hour. Her final prognoses seemed to be the same one Sarah herself had suggested. "I'd say that she's not been getting the proper rest that she needs and I'm quite sure that flying around in the snow didn't help," said Mrs. Hutton approaching a nearby cabinet that held dozens of different sized bottles that held various colored potions. After a moment or two of shifting through the bottles, she produced a small round shaped one with a pink liquid in it and brought it back to Sarah. "Drink this, it will make you feel better."

Sarah took the bottle and looked at it with disgust. "What is it?"

"It's just a revitalization potion, like vitamins." Sarah drank the liquid and handed the empty bottle back to Mrs. Hutton. It hadn't tasted too bad and it was making her feel warm inside already. "I think you can go back to the dormitory now, Miss Nettleton. However, I want you to promise that you'll go to bed early this evening and I think you can excuse yourself from the next Quidditch practice."

Sarah opened her mouth to complain, but when she met Mrs. Hutton's eyes, she decided to nod instead. "Yes, ma'am."

Professor Chalipun thanked Mrs. Hutton and then walked Sarah back to the dorm corridor. "I want you to go rest and then I'll meet you in my classroom after lunch, all right?"

Sarah nodded and then headed down the corridor finding Zoe and the rest of the gang waiting for her in the common room. Sarah's warm feeling had now turned into sleepiness and she had no trouble convincing everyone after a brief explanation that she needed a nap. Sarah made Zoe promise to wake her in time for lunch and then headed toward their room. She barely had time to make it to her bunk before she was drifting off.

Zoe woke Sarah just before lunch and feeling better yet still groggy, Sarah told her she'd meet her in the Great Hall. "I want to splash some water on my face," she explained and then Zoe agreed and left. Sarah did just that. After attempting to tame her wavy tangles, she headed out to lunch.

Sarah was the last one to sit down as she pushed in between Zoe and Dillon. "Feeling better?" asked Dillon after swallowing a large bite.

"Yeah, I don't know what the nurse gave me but it really worked."

"That's good because I'd hate to loose one of my best players," said Eric entering the conversation.

Sarah made a face. "She made me promise to sit out one practice."

Eric scowled. "That's all right, I'll just work you twice as hard next practice," he said laughing.

Zoe rolled her eyes at him and then turned to Michayla. "Have you finished your last star chart?"

Michayla looked up and shook her head. "I can't seem to figure out this one part."

"I'm done with mine," declared Megan. "I could help you after lunch." This time Zoe looked at Dillon and Sarah and rolled her eyes.

"That's cool," said Michayla. "I'd appreciate it. How about you Sarah?"

"Well I promised to meditate with Professor Chalipun after lunch, but I can meet you all in the library later. I've got two things due for Semiramise and a paper for Abydos," said Sarah washing down a bite of sandwich with some juice. "Will you all be there?"

Everyone nodded and then Dillon brought up the last Quidditch game again attracting most of the rest of the team and monopolizing the rest of the lunchtime conversation. When they were finished, Megan and William offered to go get everyone's books and things so that Dillon, Zoe, and Michayla could walk Sarah to Professor Chalipun's classroom. They hadn't gotten far from the Great Hall when they ran into the last person that Sarah wished to see.

"Nice to see you standing up Nettleton. I see that you've got plenty of loser friends around in case you pass out again." Griffin smiled wickedly as he spoke to the delight of his creepy goons.

"Shut up Griffin," said Zoe angrily.

"Turner you're such a loser," he replied chuckling.

Sarah felt her face turning red as the anger built up inside of her. She looked over at Dillon and Michayla who were also turning red. Zoe grabbed Sarah's arm and squeezed. "He's not worth the time or effort," said Zoe giving him a look of death.

However, Griffin had turned his attention to Michayla now and had moved forward to face her. "You Surriette, I mentioned you to my father. I'm surprised that you'd be seen with this scum. Someone with your heritage should be hanging around with a different crowd perhaps even in a different dormitory." Sarah thought that her head would explode with anger as she turned to face Griffin. Her first instinct was to pull out her wand, but she was all ready up to her neck in controversy she wasn't sure Griffin was worth risking it all. Zoe however, saw fit to reach for hers.

"What are you talking about?" Sarah had forgotten that anyone else was even in the room and Dillon should have been the last person that she should have forgotten about. He was now standing beside the red faced Michayla and staring at Griffin.

Sarah now remembered that everyone there except for Dillon knew what Griffin was talking about. Even Zoe had been told about Michayla's father, but Sarah hadn't wanted to involve Dillon because his mother and his birth father. It was plain to see that this may have been a mistake. "Don't listen to him Dillon, he's a creep, and he doesn't know what he's talking about." Zoe had been quicker to evaluate the situation than Sarah and was now attempting to get in between Dillon and Griffin.

"What's the matter Ratcliff, didn't you know that your girlfriends father was a Dreamwalker? My dad said he was one of the best, served your old man well from what I understand." Griffin and his flunky's were now grinning from ear to ear but that was soon to be ended.

Sarah wasn't sure what was happening it just seemed that the whole hall had gone crazy. Everywhere that you looked things were flying off the wall and toward Griffin and his friends, but when a large plate glass mirror soared around across from behind and shattered against the wall Griffin had only seconds before been standing against, everything went quiet and still.

Griffin, Motts, and Massey were all on the floor having been hit by various objects and were all bleeding from several spots. Sarah turned quickly to Zoe, who was holding her wand, but shaking her head to acknowledge that she had had nothing to do with this. Michayla looked at everyone and then took off running down the hallway, crying hysterically. Sarah took a deep breath and looked up, Professors Abydos and Quigley now stood beside them. Zoe dropped her wand and Sarah opened her mouth to speak but couldn't find the right words.

Sarah had never been in Professor Abydos' office and was all ready finding herself hoping to never be again. There were all manors of sinister looking things lining the shelves of the dark corner office, and some of them seemed to be moving. There was a roaring fire in the fireplace, yet Sarah was shivering from the chill that seemed to hover in the office.

Sarah looked from Dillon to Zoe, but didn't dare speak. She had a creepy feeling that something might reach out and snatch her very breath if she was say or do the wrong thing. Dillon had tears in his eyes that Sarah suspected were not due to their present position. She now felt that keeping Michayla's secret from him had been the wrong thing to do. Zoe's eyes were focused on the floor as she went over and over in her head whether she could have caused the chaos that had happened in the hallway. She knew she had drawn her wand and she knew that she wished something bad on Griffin but she really couldn't believe she had done it. Sarah sighed deeply and thought about the last three days. "Could things possibly get any worse?" Sarah and Zoe jumped out of their seats as the entrance door burst open and slammed up against the wall. Sarah closed her eyes and made a wish, "Please don't let it be Abydos." However, no one was granting wishes today.

"You three have one minute to explain what happened in the hallway and my time piece is fast." Abydos could have been breathing fire and could not have been less scary than he was at this moment. Sarah saw the anger in his eyes and knew that she was in as much trouble as she had imagined.

Sarah looked at the terrified Zoe and Dillon and rose from her chair. "I take the blame sir. Zoe and Dillon had nothing to do with it, Griffin made me angry and before I knew it I was making things fly at him from every direction."

Zoe raised her head, looked at her, and then rose. "That's not true Professor, Sarah didn't even have her wand out, and I did. He was saying horrible things about Michayla and I just couldn't stand it."

Abydos sat down and looked at Dillon. "So Mr. Ratcliff do you not wish to join into this mutual protective society?" However, Dillon acted as though he had not heard any of what had been said, he just sat there and continued to stare at the floor. Instead of the anger that Sarah feared this would induce, it seemed to have the opposite effect on Abydos, who now sat down behind his desk and contemplated his hands.

Sarah and Zoe looked at each other and sat down. "Sir?" started Sarah. Abydos raised his hand to stop her from continuing. After what seemed like an eternity, he spoke again.

"Miss Turner I want you to take Mr. Ratcliff and go to your common room. Professor Quigley will be there shortly to talk to you." Zoe looked at Sarah and then Abydos and then started to speak, but something in Abydos' eyes told her not too. Instead, she gave Sarah one last pathetic look and pulled the still stunned Dillon to his feet and out of the door. When they had gone, Abydos leaned back in his chair and looked at Sarah. "Professor Killainka will be here at any time. He requested that you remain here until he arrives." He paused and then looked into her eyes. "There were several witnesses to your confrontation with Mr. Griffin and his friends. They all tell a very interesting story about first Mr. Griffin's rude remarks and then about the pursuant pandemonium. Other than the fact that Miss Turner had produced her wand, no one saw anything from any of you that could explain what happened."

Sarah took a deep breath. "I know that I didn't actually curse Griffin sir, but this isn't the first time that I've been angered by him that he ended up getting hurt. I really don't think that Dillon or Zoe could do the kinds of things that keep happening Professor, but perhaps I could."

Abydos rose from his chair and crossed the room to the fireplace; he stood for a moment and then turned to face Sarah. "Miss Nettleton," he paused again and then said, "Sarah, do you know why I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts?" Sarah was taken aback by his question and shook her head; everyone of course assumed that Abydos was a Death Eater want to be. She had never heard anyone give a legitimate reason for his career choice. "When I was not much older than you are now, my parents were killed by Lord Voldemort. A muggle aunt who wanted more than anything in the world for me not to follow in her brother's footsteps raised me. She was so afraid that I would get myself killed also. But I was determined not only to continue on with my magical education but I was just as determined to be strong enough in this field to be able to destroy him when I was old enough to do so."

Sarah didn't know what to say, she had never seen this side of Professor Abydos before but was just as intimidated by it. She looked up and into his eyes that seemed to be reflecting the pain that she was sure he was now thinking about. "But Professor, Voldemort was killed by Harry Potter," said Sarah for reasons she wouldn't recall later.

"Ah, yes. But his evil has not been destroyed and still lingers as you yourself have discovered." Sarah felt a cold chill creep up her spine. "And there are those who would wish only to rekindle his name and the fear that went with it any chance they get. Perhaps out of a warped since of respect or just because of the terror that they can induce because of it."

"Griffin," whispered Sarah, not sure if it had been the right thing to do.

Abydos gave her a quick grimace that turned into almost a smile. "Yes Mr. Griffin would fancy himself a budding young dark lord, but I assure you that he would run with his tail between legs if he every came across a true dark wizard."

Sarah fought the urge to laugh supposing that she was still very much in trouble. "Professor Abydos, do you think that it's possible that my anger toward Griffin could have caused the chaos?"

"I venture to say this Miss Nettleton, but the things that keep happening around you hold the ear marks of dark magic. Do I think that you are purposely responsible for dark magic?" he paused and then shook his head. "Somehow I doubt it. There is someone, however who it seems has been involved in someway with each and every event that now concerns you."

Sarah's face went pale, she had never put it together before, and now she found herself wondering why. "Michayla," whispered Sarah. Abydos nodded. "But sir I don't, I mean she doesn't seem," Sarah was at a loss for words.

"Miss Nettleton, it is quite possible that Miss Surriette has no knowledge that she is instigating this dark magic. It is also possible that you inadvertently are helping her."

Sarah's face was now the color of the snow outside. "Is that really possible?" asked Sarah, swallowing hard.

"It's more than possible Sarah, it's quite probable." Sarah spun around to see Professor Killainka standing in the doorway.

"Professor Killainka," said Sarah jumping nearly out of her skin.

"Romulus," he said making eye contact with Abydos who looked slightly taken aback. Killainka crossed the room and sat at Abydos' desk. "It's been a rather long day," he said after taking a deep breath. Sarah hid her face feeling the guilt that ensued from his remark. "I assure you that your guilt is not necessary," said Killainka smiling her way.

"Professor," Abydos had now joined them at his desk. "Are Mr. Griffin and his friends are all right?" Abydos was hissing again.

"I dare say the only real damage is to their pride. Although I must admit Mrs. Hutton is looking a bit taxed," he said smiling slyly at Sarah. "Romulus, I think that you should probably visit your dormitory, I'm sure that this incident will be the catalyst for many a retribution from admiring fans of the Griffin brothers."

Sarah could swear that Abydos chuckled. "Good, I haven't handed out any detention slips in quite some time. I trust you will be dealing with Miss Nettleton and her cohorts," he said eyeing Killainka.

Killainka was the one who seemed to be chuckling now. "Yes, I believe that is a task I can handle." Abydos now bid them both good evening and then bowed out. Sarah wasn't sure what to do or say so she sat silently waiting for Killainka to speak first. "I fear that if I sit here much longer that I might fall asleep, shall we walk?" he suggested getting up and heading for the door. Sarah nodded and followed him out, as she passed one of the many bookcases lining the entrance to the office, she could swear something was watching her.

Sarah was silent for most of the first ten minutes or so, but as they drew closer to the dorm corridor, she knew that she needed to ask. "Professor, what you said about Michayla and the dark magic are you trying to say that I've been helping her?"

Killainka drew a few deep breaths as though he was contemplating his answer. "I wouldn't say that you've been helping her, I would say it's more likely that she's helping herself."

Sarah was very confused now and showed it on her face, "Pardon?"

"Miss Surriette is a lot like you were last year. She has things in her that she does not and cannot possibly understand. Just like you did last year, I venture to say, that she is drawing energy from those around her to accomplish what is in her heart. What is in her heart right now is a lot of confusion and despair about her heritage and her life. I would guess that Mr. Griffin's attack on her in front of her friends was more than she could possibly take."

Sarah had tears rolling down her cheeks now. "Professor, what happened to Michayla after well, you know? Professor Abydos made one of the seniors take us to his office before Griffin had even been taken to the Infirmary."

"I think that you'll find Miss Surriette has been waiting for you in one of the study rooms in the dormitory. She is quite convinced that she is to be expelled."

"Will she sir?" asked Sarah wiping her tears.

"Were you expelled for your escapades last year?" Sarah blushed and shook her head. "This is a sentiment that you should share with her at first opportunity. Unfortunately you should also convey to Miss Turner and Mr. Ratcliff that I am doubtful that they had anything to do with it." Sarah sighed. They had now reached the dorm corridor and Killainka had stopped just short of the entrance. He donned a funny smile and shook his head, "It seems that somehow you have managed to avoid your session with Professor Chalipun again, she's going to believe you're avoiding her. I suggest that you talk to her after class tomorrow."

"Yes sir," said Sarah attempting to avoid eye contact.

"And Sarah don't forget your promise to Mrs. Hutton, I expect that if I were to return to the dormitory sometime this evening, that I would find you in bed at a descent hour, despite the days events." Killainka's voice was scolding now, so Sarah quickly agreed and after saying her good nights turned into the dorm corridor disappearing instantly.

Sarah was not surprised to find Zoe, Dillon, Eric, and the rest of her group and the team huddled around the fireplace, that was all but Michayla. Dillon was sitting head in hands between Zoe and Eric, while Eric kept reassuring him that everything was going to be okay. When she entered there was a short pause as the room acknowledged her entrance and then a mixture of joy and anticipation. Zoe rose quickly and approached her with apprehension. "Are you all right?" she asked fearfully.

"Yeah, I had a long talk with Abydos and then Killainka and I think I have a better handle on things." She turned and looked at Dillon. "How is he?"

Zoe shook her head and whispered. "He's a mess. He's angry because no one told him about Michayla's dad. He's worried about Michayla and he's scared to death that his mom is going to blow her top over today."

Sarah sighed. "Why he didn't have anything to do with it?"

Zoe looked at her oddly. "Do you know what happened?"

"I know more than I did earlier, but I'm still not sure."

Eric had now joined their conversation. "I know I shouldn't say this but whatever happened it couldn't have happened to a more deserving ass," said Eric smiling.

"Eric, I don't think joking about what happened is appropriate right now," she said duplicating Professor Killainka's scolding voice.

Eric looked at her oddly and then apologized. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it."

Sarah sighed again, "It's just been an extremely long weekend." She looked at Dillon again. "I've got to go talk to someone before dinner, is Dillon going to be all right?"

Eric and Zoe nodded. "We'll make sure. Where are you going?"

"I have to go see someone about dark magic," said Sarah turning to walk away. Zoe donned a look of terror and grabbed Eric's arm.

"We have to trust her Zoe," he said looking after her.

Sarah interrupted two sets of seniors necking in the first and second study rooms and was about to give up when she found the third one dark and quiet. As Sarah entered the room, she knew she had found the right place. She would have known Michayla was there even if she hadn't listened closely and heard her silent sobbing.

Sarah stepped in. "Michayla, I know you're in here, and I know you've been waiting for me so you might as well come out." After a short pause, Michayla stepped out of a shadow in the corner and approached Sarah cautiously. Her eyes were swollen and her face pale. Sarah took two steps forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "Are you all right?"

"I'm not the one you should be worried about," whispered Michayla.

"Who, Griffin?" Sarah snorted, "Believe me he's indestructible. Scum has a way of floating to the top." Michayla managed to ink out a smile. "That's better."

"How much trouble are we in?" Michayla asked sitting down in a big chair followed by Sarah doing the same.

"The verdict is still out on that, but I have a feeling we've made a good case. There were a lot of witnesses and they all seem to be backing us up," explained Sarah.

"Backing us up? I still don't understand what happened do they know something I don't know."

"No, but I think that I do." Sarah took a deep breath and began, "Professor Abydos and Killainka seemed to think that you and I have done this together."

Michayla looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"Well Professor Killainka likened it to me and last year. He said that a lot of the things that I did last year, I initiated but I drew the energy from those around me. He thinks that's what's happening here. He says that your angry and you're basically wishing these things to happen and you're drawing on my energy to make it so."

"Is that possible?" asked Michayla.

"Professor Killainka seems to think so." Sarah decided that she'd leave out the part about dark magic. She was quite sure that what she was telling her was going to be enough for one sitting. "And it makes sense, and it actually helps me to make more sense out of last year." This remark seemed to make Michayla even more relaxed, which was a great relief to Sarah. "Now we need to talk about Dillon." Michayla went pale again but that wasn't the worst of it.

"No we need to talk about Michayla." Dillon was standing in the doorway with Zoe looking distressed behind him.

"Dillon," gasped Michayla coming out of her chair. Dillon walked over and stood next to her, Sarah not knowing what to expect tried to stand in between them. Dillon stood there not saying anything for what seemed like forever and then with tears pooling in his eyes he gave Michayla a hug.

"Why didn't you tell me? I could care less about your family's skeleton's look at mine," he said pulling back, and allowing Sarah to take a breath.

"I knew that Sarah knew and I figured that she had at least told Zoe. I figured that if she felt you can handle it that she would tell you," explained Michayla, tears streaming down her cheeks. They were both now staring at Sarah.

"I'm sorry Dillon. I just hadn't found the right time yet." Dillon shook his head and then gave Sarah a hug. Zoe, who had been standing in the doorway, came in now for her hug and before long they were all hugging and swapping apologies.

"This is disgusting," said Eric, poking his head in. Zoe found the nearest chair cushion and threw it straight for his head. "Dillon, you're embarrassing me. This is not the manly way that I've been training you all these years," he continued ducking Zoe's cushion.

Everyone including Michayla laughed and Dillon took a deep breath. "Well, I suppose he's right and I probably shouldn't even be talking to you two," he said pointing at Sarah and Zoe. "So I'm going down to dinner before this gets any more sappy." Zoe put one arm around Sarah and one around Michayla and announced that they would be going too and they all headed down to the Great Hall grabbing the rest of the gang as they went through the common room. By the time, they had reached the Hall though they had toned down their enthusiasm slightly apprehensive about what they would find.

Sarah had expected the worst and found almost what she expected. She could tell by the mumbling and pointing that started as soon as they all entered that what had happened had all ready spread throughout the school. It seemed though, that most of the looks they were receiving were positive or at the least mischievous except of course from the Parathion table. However, despite the conspicuous lack of both Griffin brothers and their friends, the rest of the table seemed to be well subdued. Sarah suspected it had something to do with Professor Abydos, and his desire to hand out detention slips. Sarah was sure though that if looks could kill, several students from the Parathion dormitory would be up on murder charges.

On the way to dinner, Sarah had learned about the half an hour lecture that Professor Quigley had given Dillon and Zoe when they had returned to the dormitory. Sarah was finding herself grateful for her talks with Abydos and Killainka, which was scary in it self. They all tried hard to talk about things other than what had had happened that day. Megan was quick to bring up the fact they none of them were able to finish the homework that they had since only she and William had made it to the library. After rolling her eyes, once or twice Zoe had to admit she was right. Sarah reminded them that she had to turn in early but agreed that they should at least try to finish some of it before she was required to turn in.

Sarah had been trying to avoid looking at the faculty table not wanting to make eye contact with the wrong teacher, or any teacher for that matter. However, when she was about through with her dinner she glanced up to see that was there and was quite surprised. Professor Killainka and Abydos were not there which didn't surprise her at all, but Professor Quigley was there, shooting disapproving looks in their direction on a regular basis and Semiramise was with her and what she feared the most happened almost as soon as she had raised her eyes to the table.

Sarah smiled with fear on her face as she made one on one eye contact with Semiramise who was looking both angry and concerned. "I know," replied Sarah knowing all to well that the Professor was scolding her for letting things get out of hand. "I didn't know that I could control it," concentrated Sarah in Semiramise's direction. Sarah watched as she nodded, but her facial expression changed very little. Sarah smiled again and then turned back to Zoe who had noticed her exchange with Semiramise.

"What did she say?" whispered Zoe.

Sarah smiled at Zoe, "You know you're getting good at this too," she said giving her a pat on the back. "She was fussing at me. I suppose tomorrow's Divination class will be quite interesting, well at least for me, anyway."

Sarah took another bite of her potatoes and tried very hard to pretend that this was just any other meal. She was just about successful when she heard Dillon moan, "Oh, man here comes my mom," he said causing everyone to look up.

"It will be fine," whispered Eric putting his arm around Dillon.

"Good evening Professor Ratcliff," said Eric casually.

"Eric, it's nice to see you all are enjoying your dinner," said the Professor seeming slightly irritated. "Dillon could I have a word with you please."

Dillon cringed and nodded. "Professor Dillon really didn't have anything to do with what happened," said Sarah trying to head off Dillon's punishment.

"It's all right Sarah, I don't intend to stone Dillon simply talk to him," said the Professor smiling widely. This seemed to calm Dillon enough to rise from the table and follow his mother to a corner. Sarah watched as they talked for a few minutes and then hugged for quite some time. Sarah could feel the tension that was emanating from Michayla's side of the table. She had the feeling that Michayla wanted to run again, but had chosen not to, probably because of her feelings for Dillon. It wasn't long before they were returning to the table both of them smiling.

"And I expect you to come and see your dad and me tomorrow, you've been neglecting us a little don't you think?" she was saying as they approached the table.

"Yes mom," said Dillon, still very happy to be saying those words. Dillon looked at Michayla who was trying hard not to look in their direction. However, Michayla did manage to look up right as Professor Ratcliff looked at her and smiled.

"You know Michayla you should really come out to the cabin again sometime. Dillon is just dying for me to show you his baby pictures." Dillon turned three shades of red and sat down next to Eric who was laughing now.

"I want to see those pictures Professor," said Eric grinning ear to ear.

"All right that's enough," she said shaking her head at Eric. Everyone chuckled and then Professor Ratcliff said good-bye to them all.

"I think I better get back to the dorm. I still have some homework before my early bedtime." Sarah was getting up and heading toward the entrance hall before anyone else could even agree with her. They all looked at her strangely, then each other and then followed her out.

"Hey wait up," said Zoe heading her way. Sarah slowed down and let everyone catch up. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, I said I'm just tired," she repeated perhaps trying to convince herself this time. Sarah and the rest of them spent the next hour or so finishing up their reports and then Sarah looked at the clock, remembered her promise, and announced she was going to bed. It was long after that everyone else also retired; it had been a very long weekend.