The Dreamwalker's Daughter

Chapter Twelve Visions

However, Sarah didn't feel any better, when she had dragged her self out of bed the next morning. She had been dwelling on the events of the weekend and the conversation that she had had with Michayla and being in bed longer had just meant that she had more time to do so. Looking at the dark circles under her eyes in the mirror, she sighed and wished for help. "What's wrong, Sarah, you don't look so good?"

It was Annabelle, Eric's ex-girlfriend. "I have great big black circles under my eyes and I have a feeling they're going to get me in trouble."

Annabelle looked at her reflection. "I heard about yesterday, I guess you couldn't sleep huh?"

Sarah nodded. "And to top it all off I was given strict instructions from the nurse to get extra sleep. I'm going to end up in the infirmary again if I don't watch it."

Annabelle smiled slyly and produced a small purple bag, "Not if I can help it." She reached into the bag, pulled out a cover stick, and turned Sarah's face toward her. After applying the stick under Sarah's eyes, she turned her back to face the mirror. "How's that?" she asked looking at her reflection in the mirror.

Sarah's eyes widened. Annabelle had managed to totally conceal the circles without looking like make-up. "Cool," she said and then turning to Annabelle she added "Thanks."

"Hey it's the least I can to do for the girl who shut up a Griffin boy," she said smiling. Sarah echoed her smile. However, she wasn't happy that everyone was congratulating her for something that she was having problems dealing with. She didn't like the idea that she had been a part of this thing, even if it had embarrassed Griffin and his cronies. Sarah thanked Annabelle again and then after getting dressed and gathering her friends they all headed to breakfast and then class.

Professor Abydos had looked at them all sternly as soon as they had entered his classroom. Sarah assumed that this was his way of preventing chaos, since this would be the first time that Parathion and Bellarmine had been in class together since the attack on Griffin. Sarah was quick to notice that Griffin and his entourage; bandages and all were sitting in their usual spot. Zoe thought about saying something but after catching a glimpse of Abydos out of the side of her eye, she decided that silence would definitely be golden today.

Sarah had gotten to the point that she had been really enjoying Abydos' lessons but she was still so apprehensive about the events of the weekend that she was nearly shaking. Zoe looked down at Sarah's hand as she tried to take notes. "Are you all right?" she whispered when Abydos was turned.

Sarah shook her head. "I can feel the hatred from the Parathions. They are oozing out bad vibes," Sarah whispered back. She was starting to sick at her stomach, she was too week and tired to fight off the feelings. As scared as Zoe was she couldn't just sit by and just watch Sarah get sick.

"Professor," said Zoe raising her hand and waiting patiently.

"Yes, Miss Turner," said Abydos looking slightly irritated at her interruption.

"I think that Sarah's sick."

"Zoe," said Sarah looking at her crossly. "I'm fine sir." However, she didn't look fine and even Abydos could tell.

"I think I'll be the judge of that," he approached the table and looked into Sarah's pale face. "I want you to go out into the hallway and sit. I'll be there shortly to check on you," he said showing slight concern. Zoe could hear Griffin and his friends whispering what she was sure were rude comments as Sarah left the classroom. Dillon elbowed Zoe and pointed at Abydos who was approaching them from the side. "Do you have something to add to my class Mr. Griffin?" he asked, taking Griffin by total surprise.

"No, sir," said Griffin quickly, it was plain to see that Abydos, while still the scariest teacher in the school, was rebuffing the myth that Parathion's could get away with anything in his class.

"Then I expect you and your friends to keep silent," he said staring at them one at a time. Abydos quickly returned to the lecture that he was giving on trolls. After about twenty minutes, he assigned a section in the textbook for them to read. Then after also assigning William to come and get him if there was any commotion or talking at all in the classroom, he went out to where Sarah was sitting. "I assuming that everyone's emotions are causing you problems," he said startling Sarah who been sitting with her head down.

Sarah looked up and nodded. "How did you know?" she asked rhetorically, "I could hear them all cursing me. Why didn't I hear it when we were all in the Great Hall?"

"There were too many others with opposing emotion. They would of course counter the negative emotions," Abydos explained.

"How am I going to be able to function if I'm going to get sick when people are angry with me?" asked Sarah holding her head.

"You're going to have to learn to deal with them," said Abydos.

Sarah rubbed her eyes. "I'm going to need a lot more sleep than I'm getting to deal with all of this stuff," she said speaking mostly to her self. Sarah heard what she thought might be a chuckle from Abydos, but was afraid to verify it by looking at him.

"Miss Nettleton, I think a lack of sleep is the least of your problems at the moment. I'm going back inside before someone kills someone and I have to clean it up. You may stay here for the remainder of the class, but I think perhaps a trip to see the nurse this afternoon would be a good idea." Abydos told her which section of the textbook she should be reading and then turned and went back in the classroom. Sarah sat contemplating her life and decided that she was possibly the unhappiest person at Dragon's Wood today.

Zoe and the gang were the first to pop out of the classroom when the bell rang and after meeting up with Sarah they quickly took their shortcut and headed for Divination. "What did he say to you?"

"He pretty much said, buck up!" said Sarah sarcastically. "Actually I think he's concerned about me, but it's not his personality to say so." Sarah then told them all that she was still feeling shaky so they left her alone the rest of the way.

Sarah pulled out her crystal ball and set in on the table next to her as soon as they arrived in Divination. Semiramise had been allowing them to meditate as their first activity during the second semester. Zoe had been watching her carefully all morning, but was now practically unable to take her eyes off of her. Sarah caught her looking up from her tarot cards every time she put one down and knew that she was worried about her, but she had a funny feeling that she was also a tad scared. It had been Zoe who had been concerned that Sarah could have been doing these things, perhaps now she was afraid of what else Sarah might be capable of. Sarah had gotten so lost in stressing over other peoples thoughts that she hadn't even touched her crystal and did not realize that meditation was over and that Professor Semiramise had began to talk and was now standing in front of her. "Well, Miss Nettleton?"

Sarah looked up into the Professor's face. "Professor?" answered Sarah with a blank expression, causing most of the Keynes dormitory to giggle. With one look from Semiramise, however she was able to extinguish their rudeness.

"I asked you if you could tell me what Lychnomancy is?" she repeated staring Sarah down.

Sarah hadn't a clue. "I'm sorry Professor I admit my mind wasn't on what you were saying. I have not idea what it is." Megan's hand now shot into the air. Semiramise shook her head at Sarah and then pointed to Megan.

"It's where you use the flames of candles to answer a question or to see an omen into the future," said Megan beaming. Zoe rolled her eyes and Dillon shot her an actual dirty look. "What?" mouthed Megan looking first at Zoe and then to Dillon.

"Very good, Miss Adams," she said ignoring the displeasure of Megan's partners. "Can anyone tell me how many candles?" Gracie Richardson's hand now shot into the air along with one or two others. "Miss Richardson?"

"Why three of course," said Gracie.

"That's correct Miss Richarson."

"Of course Gracie had gotten the answer right," thought Sarah; she was equally the counter part to Megan in the Keynes dormitory however she was almost as rude and insensitive as Griffin was. Zoe managed to shoot Gracie a scowl without Semiramise seeing it but it was lost on Gracie who was so pleased with her self that she didn't comprehend it.

Semiramise walked back to the front of the classroom and produced a large box. "Mr. Ratcliff and Mr. Thomas would you please place three of these candles on each table." Dillon and Jeffrey moved to the front of the classroom, grabbed the large box, and passed out the candles as Semiramise continued. "If you will turn to page one hundred twenty in your text book, then read the first six paragraphs before lighting your candles, I will come around to see how you're doing."

Megan was the first with her book open it was no surprise that her table was the first to light their candles. Sarah, Zoe and Michayla gave Megan a strange look, "You've already finished?" asked Zoe.

"I read it two months ago, didn't you?" said Megan matter-of -factly as everyone rolled their eyes at her. "What?"

Sarah chuckled. "You're a trip Megan." Zoe, Michayla, and Sarah allowed the flames to seduce them as Megan reviewed the text. "So we're supposed to stare into the flames and either ask a question or discuss and event or person and see what reaction the flames have to say."

Zoe looked at Sarah. "Don't look at me, I've predicted my own death enough this year thank you," she said in a croaky voice.

"I will," volunteered Megan to no one's surprise. "I know," she said after some thought, "what is going to happen to me over summer break?"

Zoe sighed and then focused her eyes on the candle; Michayla and Sarah looked at each other and then joined them. "Oh look," cooed Megan, "It's flickering, that means I'll be going on a long journey."

"You live in California Megan, you'll be going on a long journey just to get home," scoffed Zoe. "All right, I'm game, but I'm keeping my question to my self," announced Zoe.

Everyone watched as Zoe mouthed a few words at the flame and then watched attentively. Sarah watched as the flames began to burn as though a slow breeze was blowing them, sort of sideways and uneven. "Oh, said Megan, that's not good, that's a danger sign. What did you ask?" Zoe hesitated and looked as though was trying to quickly to come up with a good lie and then the bell rang. Zoe blew the candles out as quickly as she could and grabbed her backpack.

"Are you coming?" she said to the others as she headed out the door. The other three looked at each other in confusion and then grabbed their things to follow her.

Sarah turned suddenly though, and looked at Semiramise who nodded at her as soon as she turned. "I have to see the Professor again, I'll catch up." Michayla looked at her inquiringly, but Sarah shook her head. "I'll let you know when it's time."

Semiramise waited until the other students had left and Sarah was seated at the table directly in front of her desk before she joined her. "I understand that you had an interesting weekend," said Semiramise.

Sarah scrunched up her face. "Interesting isn't the word I would use."

Semiramise smiled. "I suppose you've had sometime to think about your conversations with Professors Abydos and Killainka."

Sarah nodded. "I'm not sure I believe everything, but I was beginning to think that I was the one who was doing these things, so it wasn't much of a reach to believe that Michayla and I were doing them together. Professor," said Sarah after a moment of thought. "I'm not sure that I like the idea that I'm supporting some sort of dark magic. What if someone else was to do the same thing only deliberately?"

Semiramise looked taken aback. "I'm surprised to see that you've all ready considered the ramifications of your new found skills. I believe that perhaps we've been underestimating your maturity, Sarah. Maybe you are ready at least mentally to learn to harness these skills." She then drew a deep breath and smiled sort of slyly. "Besides, if we don't do something soon Mr. Griffin may end up in traction." Sarah looked at the ground and smiled. This was the first time that someone had referred to Griffin's attacks without making her feel uncomfortable. "I'm going to talk to Professors Killainka and Chalipun about what they think we should accomplish first. I might even be inclined to get Professor Abydos' opinion. In the mean time, I believe that you should avoid stressful situations, especially when Miss Surriette is by your side."

"But Professor, it's not like I go out and deliberately taunt Parathion students they just naturally attract to me, you know like bugs to a porch light."

Semiramise chuckled slightly and then rose from the table. Sarah noticed that her next class was beginning to enter. "You better get going, or Professor Chalipun will have my head." Sarah nodded. She had intended to mention what had happened in Abydos' class but decided that one problem at a time was enough and exited the classroom.

Sarah had barely made it to Transfiguration on time but things had managed to go all right anyway. Professor Chalipun had not singled her out and it seemed that the Keynes students all felt the same way about Griffin and their positive energy in Divination and Transfiguration had helped to revive her. Sarah noticed that Michayla was exceptionally quiet and found the furthest seat away from Sarah in every class. Sarah was just happy that she had gotten through a class without being sick or humiliated that she had almost forgotten to talk to Chalipun when the bell rang, as she got to the door she remembered. "I'll meet you'll at lunch, I have to tell Professor Chalipun something," said Sarah turning back. Everyone nodded, but Michayla hesitated before she exited the classroom, giving Sarah one last strange look.

"I was wondering if you were going to speak to me," said Chalipun as Sarah approached.

"I'm sorry Professor, my head is so full of crap right now, I'm having a hard time functioning," said Sarah truthfully.

Chalipun smiled, "I'm almost afraid to set up an appointment with you."

"I guess I'll just have to focus everything I have on getting from the dorm to here," said Sarah humbly.

"So this means you will be here this afternoon?"

"Yes ma'me as soon as I see the nurse."

Chalipun looked at her concerned and then Sarah explained what had happened in Abydos' classroom and how she was not feeling any better than the other day when she had taken her to the Infirmary. "I think the Professor is right, would you like for me to meet you there?"

"Oh, please ma'me, I feel ridiculous as it is," said Sarah turning red.

"All right, but will you please send someone to tell me if Mrs. Hutton sinks her teeth into you." Sarah smiled, tears pooling in her eyes and nodded. Chalipun put her arm around her and walked her to the door. "You better go get a good hot meal in you so there's less of a chance of confinement."

"Yes ma'me," said Sarah chuckling now.

Sarah met her friends at lunch and was surprised that it seemed that things were back to almost normal in the Great Hall. Sure, they were still receiving deadly looks from the Parathion table, but that wasn't all that unusual. Sarah still felt like crap, but being amongst her friends and the thought of the hot soup sitting in front of her soon filling her belly she could manage a smile. Michayla was mopping at the end of the table trying again to sit as far away from Sarah as she could. Sarah got up and went down to where she was. "I suppose I'd be a bit scared to be close to me too if I were you," said Sarah smiling.

Michayla looked up through her sunken eyes. "I figured you'd been told to stay away from me by the Professors."

"Nay, but they did tell me to stay away from Griffin, I think they're afraid it would be a hard time explaining to his parents that two 'ittle girls killed their powerful wizard son," said Sarah joking. Michayla managed to both laugh and relax a bit. Sarah now turned her attention to Dillon. She herself had been having a hard time looking at him all day. Of course, she felt guilty about not telling him about Michayla, but the threatening words that she had heard in the common room and her fear for his mothers' safety were still present in the back of her mind. The fact that she knew she couldn't tell him this made it hard to look or talk to him. "Dillon, aren't you supposed to go and see your mom today?" she asked drawing everyone's attention to them.

"Yeah, I'm sure she's worried about me, but I haven't been out to see them since classes started back. Between school work and Quidditch, I just haven't had time."

"Well," started Eric. "It seems that one of my Beaters is under the weather and my Seeker under the gun, so I've decided to cancel this afternoon's practice. Perhaps we could all go down with you."

Dillon's face lit up but Sarah shook her head. "I have to go see Professor Chalipun this afternoon, I've promised to brave the odds and everything," she said smiling. "But I hope the rest of you will go."

"Are you sure?" asked Zoe, she really did like going to Professor Ratcliff's house, maybe not as much a Megan, who now looked like so excited that she could wet herself, but just the same she would like to go.

"Yes Zoe, I'm sure. Besides, I couldn't allow you to come along today anyway. I have a funny feeling I'm going to be finding out things about myself that I'd rather find out on my own," she said quietly to Zoe trying not to alert anyone else. Zoe took a deep breath and nodded. "I'll be all right, I swear,' she said holding up her pinky. Zoe just chuckled. "But, I did promise to see the nurse first, since I'm not doing any better energy wise, Abydos and Chalipun insisted. Would you go with me?" And then she turned to Michayla and Megan, "You two also." Zoe told Eric what had happened in Abydos' class, as she received a dirty look from Sarah. Sarah had a feeling she knew what was coming next and shook her head. "No boys, absolutely not."

Dillon, Eric and William all looked at her like she was nuts. "Well, it's not like we care about you anyway," said Eric turning away and dragging Dillon and William into a conversation he had been having with Raphael and Brent about their next match. Zoe kicked her brother under the table and then turned back to Sarah.

"We'll go with you won't we?" Zoe asked as heads started nodding all around her. "And we'll talk her out of anything drastic," decided Zoe causing more nodded and agreeing.

Sarah laughed and then turned her attention to her soup, which was now the appropriate temperature to eat, and it wasn't long before she was sure that the soup had been the right choice. Dillon had changed his focus from Eric to Michayla when he and Raphael had started talking about Arithamacy class. Megan was berating Zoe for not paying attention in Transfiguration, because she had made the mistake of asking her what chapters Professor Chalipun had assigned. Sarah begun to chuckle into she remembered why Zoe had probably been distracted and a chill went down her spine. What had scared Zoe so much in Divination that she had grabbed her things and ran.

"Sarah, yoo hoo!" said Eric passing his hand in front of her face. "You better get your head out of the clouds and finish your lunch, it's all most time for class." Sarah shook her head and then focused, Eric and his friends were gathering their books and heading out of the Hall. Sarah nodded and then gulped down the rest of her soup trying not to look as though she'd been spacing.

The rest of the day was uneventful even though they had had two more classes with Parathion. Sarah hadn't had any trouble getting through Flying Class, since they were out doors and she had many opportunities to put distance between her and the Parathions. Charms though had been more of a challenge and she found herself well drained again by the end of class. "I think we better go to see Mrs. Hutton now," said Megan looking at her pale face. Sarah only nodded, and the next thing they knew all four girls were entering the infirmary.

"I've been expecting you, Professor Abydos informed me what happened this morning at lunch and by the looks of you I'm sure you should have come then," she said making a very unhappy face. "Come on now, let's get inside," she said tutting and shaking her head the whole time.

Mrs. Hutton made Zoe and the other girls stay in the waiting room while she fussed and fidgeted about Sarah. It seemed that even Mrs. Hutton couldn't figure out why Sarah seemed to be getting more and more drained with each nights sleep. The potion that she had given her should have theoretically brought her up to par. After what seemed like an eternity Mrs. Hutton stood next to the chair she had been sitting in and shook her head, "I still can't find anything wrong other than pure exhaustion," she said as though she was thoroughly disappointed with herself. She marched over to the cabinet once more and pulled out a small rectangular bottle filled with a bright purple liquid and brought it back to Sarah. "Drink this." She took a deep breath, made a screwed up face and quickly drank the liquid. When she was finished to she had to admit out loud that it wasn't as bad as she thought it would be.

"Mrs. Hutton, I'm supposed to see Professor Chalipun next, am I going to be able to?"

Mrs. Hutton let out a sigh. "Well, that potion will make you feel better, but you're going to need more sleep. I'm about ready to excuse you from homework." She exhaled again and then shook her head, Sarah was trying to suppress a smile at the homework remark as she returned to the cabinet and pulled out another bottle that this time contained a sapphire colored potion, Sarah knew what this potion was. Mrs. Hutton returned and handed it to Sarah. "I want you to take this a half hour before you go to bed." Then she looked at her with a crinkled face, "I don't have to come later and give it to you myself, do I?"

Sarah nearly jumped out of her chair. "No ma'me, I'll take it I promise." Mrs. Hutton was tempted to laugh, but didn't.

"All right then. You best be getting off to see Professor Chalipun," she said almost scolding her.

Sarah picked up her backpack and tucked the potion inside. After thanking Mrs. Hutton, several times she hurried out into the waiting room and grabbed Zoe and the others. "Let's get out of here before she changes her mind."

Zoe, Michayla, and Megan walked Sarah as far as the door to the Professor Chalipun's classroom. Michayla acted as though she was afraid to step over the threshold, where as Zoe and Megan acted as though they were dying to follow Sarah in and know what was about to happen. "You're going back to the dorm after right?" asked Zoe looking like a puppy who was about to be separated from its owner.

"Yeah, it seems as though I've been sentenced to dreamless sleep potion again," said Sarah pointing at her backpack. Michayla donned a puzzled look, while Zoe and Megan, both looked stressed, but no one spoke. "It's all right, you guys have fun with Dillon and I'll meet you in the dormitory later," she said and then after one last smile she entered the Transfiguration class.

Sarah expected Professors Chalipun and Killainka to be there, but she had never expected the quantity of faculty that she found. "I see you made it out of the Infirmary unscathed," said Chalipun rising from the chair that she had pulled up next to the fireplace. Killainka, Abydos, and Semiramise all stood also dispersing to different parts of the room.

"Yes ma'me but I am armed with a dreamless sleep potion for this evening," moaned Sarah. Sarah could swear that even Abydos cracked a smile. Semiramise who had already crossed the room toward Sarah put her arm around her.

"Well you could be in the Infirmary," she suggested trying to cheer her up.

"That's comforting," said Sarah sarcastically. This time the whole room chuckled.

"Priscilla, we'll talk to you later," said Semiramise joining Abydos, who was now by the door. Professor Chalipun smiled, nodded, and then both Professors exited, leaving Sarah alone with Professors Killainka and Chalipun.

"Come over by the fire Sarah," said Killainka as soon as they had left and Sarah reluctantly complied.

When they were all seated at the fireplace Professor Chalipun, leaned forward "It's all right Sarah, we're not here to punish you just here to talk." Sarah took a deep breath and nodded. "Professor Killainka and I have been talking things over with Professors Semiramise and Abydos, and we've come up with some first steps." Sarah squinched up her face.

Sarah was puzzled and the expression flashed across her face. "First steps, ma'me?"

"More like baby steps," said Killainka smiling. "Sarah when was the first time last year that you felt like you had control over what was happening? Take your time, and think about it."

Sarah didn't have to think about it, she knew that there was only one time last year when she felt like she had control over what was happening. "We were all frustrated, tired of not knowing what was going on. I knew something was wrong, I knew that Eric and Dillon had been taken so I decided that I was going to sleep and I was going to find them."

"Take me to them." Sarah was flashing back, she was seeing herself drawn through the fire and into the potions classroom. There was a white glow emanating from the corner, and she could hear sobs and breathing from every direction in the room. She could feel herself panicking, her chest was heavy the classroom was growing dark. "And you will perish in the aftermath." Sarah jumped up and fell forward onto the floor.

Sarah could hear voices talking quietly a short distance away, but could not make out what they were saying. She was wiped, there didn't seem to be an ounce of energy in her entire body. She tried to remember what happened. She had only thought about what had happened last year, and she had done that many times before and it hadn't caused her to loose consciousness. What where they saying, she couldn't hear them but she knew they were there. Sarah breathed as deeply as she could to try to steady her conscious. She could feel the soft and clean sheets that her hands were lying upon and hypothesized that she was in the infirmary again. "Sarah, you need to wake up now." Professor Chalipun was holding her hand and talking softly. "Listen to my voice and find yourself in this vision."

Sarah opened her eyes and focused on Chalipun's face, "What happened?" Sarah couldn't find her voice. "Where was she, had she left the classroom, how long had she been lost in thought?"

"I don't know," whispered Sarah turning to see the fire in the same place it was last time she looked at it. She was thinking about what she had been asked and what she was now remembering.

"It was like last year," said Sarah, pacing the floor and looking at Eric, "I couldn't remember where the dream began or ended. But this was not a dream, even Professor Chalipun told me to find myself in the vision, not dream."

Eric sat in the large purple chair that was closest to the common room fire. "So what did the Professor say after you told her you didn't know what happened?"

Sarah drew a deep breath and contemplated the flames as she paced, "She talked quietly with Professor Killainka for a moment or two, and then they decided that we should take it up at another time. She said that I was too out of it." Sarah stopped and stared into Eric's face, "I'm scared Eric. I didn't tell you something. The other night when Zoe caused the panic because I wouldn't wake." Eric nodded. "Michayla and I talked afterward and I heard a voice."

"A voice," questioned Eric, "what did it say?"

"It said 'she will pay for what she has done'."

"Who is she?" asked Eric, admitting to himself that he might not wish to hear the answer.

"I just want to know if she's all right." Zoe's pleading voice was Deja vu. Sarah was certain that if she opened her eyes this time she would be staring at the cold gray ceiling of the infirmary. There was an ache and a hollow feeling in her stomach that assured her she had finally managed her way there.

"It's all right Sarah, you've been through a lot, take your time, and we'll talk when you're ready." Killainka's voice was soothing and it made some of Sarah's fear subside. She opened her eyes and was pleasantly surprised that she was actually lying on a cot in Professor Chalipun's classroom. Professor Killainka were standing over her and Professor Chalipun was sitting next to Sarah and looking slightly taxed.

Sarah mustered her strength, thought about everything she could remember since she had left her friends, and headed into Chalipun's classroom. Then she remembered something that she hadn't. "Were you there?" asked Sarah opening her eyes, "Did you see?" Professor Chalipun's eyes looked strained and her face was pale. Sarah now knew the answer to her questions, but did not wish to hear it out loud. She didn't want to hear the Professors version of what just happened. She just wanted to jump off the cot and run to the common room as fast as she could.

"No," said Semiramise and then she explained herself, "Not no to your questions to Professor Chalipun, but no to your desire to run." Sarah hadn't seen the Professor; she had been too focused on Killainka and Chalipun. When had she arrived? Why had she returned? Sarah now felt a warm and comforting feeling as Semiramise placed her hand on Sarah's forehead.

Sarah took several deep breaths and calmed herself. Looking toward the large plate glass windows Sarah saw that night had fallen. What time was it, what day was it? Sarah now remembered awakening before and asking herself questions. When had that been? "Professor," Sarah asked to no one in particular, "What happened?"

Professor Killainka sat down in one of the chairs next to Sarah. He had been standing next to Professor Chalipun, checking on her health. He took another look at Chalipun who looked a bit less pale now, and then he made eye contact with Semiramise who nodded. "Sarah, what if anything do you remember about the last couple of hours?"

"Well that answered one of her questions," thought Sarah sorting through her thoughts and the things that she remembered. Nothing made any sense to her, "Perhaps," she thought, "if I say it out loud they can help me."

Sarah spent the next twenty minutes or so talking about the things she remembered. She explained that she had remembered waking up at least two other times and under different circumstances each time. She told them about the discussion that she thought she had had with Eric and then Professor Chalipun. Finally, she related how she had gone to the potions classroom again, as though it had been last year and that Sarah was remembering the lost feelings again from last year, worrying about where the dreams and visions had begun or ended and then she remembered what the voices had said. Sarah froze she no longer wished to continue. "It's all right Sarah," whispered Professor Chalipun, "you have to tell us everything." Sarah looked at the Professor still unsure but she nodded and turned to Killainka.

"The voice was there again sir the one from the other night. It said 'and you will perish in the aftermath.'" Sarah felt a chill that she suddenly couldn't shake. Semiramise put her hand on her forehead again and Sarah felt the warmth spread through her body once more. Sarah looked up a Semiramise smiled and nodded.

Killainka was now pacing again. "How are you feeling?"

"Better now."

"Do you think that you can make it to the dormitory?" Sarah was surprised at his question, but she nodded just the same. Killainka looked at Semiramise. "Perri, help her get back to the dormitory. I believe Melissa has given her a potion. See that she takes it right away and goes to bed." Sarah didn't wish to argue with him, but she had a ton of homework, she opened her mouth to protest but Killainka only raised his hand and interrupted. "I'm not concerned about your homework at this point just your well being." He looked again at Semiramise. "Don't leave until she is asleep." Semiramise nodded.

"Come on Sarah," she said helping her to her feet. "I have a feeling we're going to have to fight our way through a crowd of friends. We best be on our way." Sarah didn't protest, but she was half scared and half puzzled so she just followed behind her like a lost puppy.

Killainka watched them leave the classroom and then leaned over to Professor Chalipun. "Are you okay Priscilla?" Chalipun nodded. "Now I'd like to hear your side of the story."

Professor Chalipun sat up and took a deep breath. "She didn't leave out very much and I'm quite sure that what she did leave out she didn't remember. It was like she was traveling through a series of flash backs and premonitions. I have to admit that I was having a hard time telling where things were beginning and ending," she said smiling slightly.

"And the voice, did you hear what it said also?" asked Killainka shifting forward for her answer.

"No," said Chalipun shaking her head, "but I have no doubt that she did. There was so much going on it was like sitting in a middle of a mutlicinema and trying to watch all of the screens at once. We've got to figure out some way to get her to focus better. A lot more meditation, a lot more concentration exercises." Professor Chalipun looked worried though, her brow furled. "But in the meantime Javier, we need to be on our guard. Yours and Perri's feelings are right there is a lot more going on here than just two preteens bouncing inhibitions off each other." She was able to rise from her chair and steady herself successfully, Killainka watching her concerned. "I wish there was a way we could separate them without it hurting them. But they are both too fragile to make such a drastic change and it would certainly not be good for the rest of the dormitory." Killainka was nodding in agreement.

"I'm not for separating them anyway. Haven't we learned from the past that protecting and isolating is not the answer?" Chalipun was nodding now. "I think it's probably a good idea to get you to bed also, I don't like the thought of being chewed out by Melissa in the morning," he added smiling.

Sarah looked at the bottle and moaned. "It's a simple sleeping potion not the Draught of Living Death," joked Professor Semiramise. Sarah managed to ink out a smile before downing the liquid. "See still breathing and everything," she said laying her hand back down after checking her pulse. "You rest and in the morning we'll talk some more." Sarah was all ready drifting off, so she just nodded and relaxed back into her pillow.

Zoe was standing over top of Sarah when she woke up nearly causing her to fall out of bed. "You scared the crap out of me," said Sarah gathering her wits.

"Sorry I was just worried about you. Professor Chalipun wouldn't tell us anything when she left, she just said that you needed your rest and we weren't to disturb you." Zoe spouted this all out in one breath and then looked Sarah square in the face. "You look like crap." Sarah wasn't exactly offended by Zoe's remark but she punched her just the same. "Ouch," said Zoe rubbing her arm.

But Sarah felt like crap, there was no doubt in her mind that she was more tired and additionally drained than when she had gone to bed the night before. Sarah forced herself out of bed and made her way to a mirror, Zoe by her side. "Man the circles are worse than yesterday. What is going on?" Sarah asked her reflection that just looked at her and shrugged it's shoulders.

"You're never going to make it through the day with a face like that," said Zoe watching her reflection now shoot her a dirty look.

"Even Annabelle won't have enough makeup for this," mumbled Sarah.

"What?"

"Never mind," she said heading for the shower.

Zoe opted not to say anything else derogatory, and when they had returned to the dorm room, they picked up Megan and Michayla who had just finished getting dressed. Dillon and William were all ready in the common room when they got there. "You look horrible," said William just before receiving an elbow from Zoe.

"Thanks, I didn't know that," said Sarah sarcastically. Megan and Michayla both gave William a dirty look.

"I hate to say it Sarah, but he's right," echoed Dillon, "You know the teachers aren't going to let you slide through class looking like that."

Sarah knew they were right but she ignored them all. "Let's get to breakfast maybe a large plate of sausages and pancakes will add some color to my face," suggested Sarah possibly trying more to convince herself than the others.

Michayla again attempted to isolate herself. She was quite sure that she was the root of all of Sarah's problems, especially since it seemed to her that she was feeling better and more sure of herself in the last few days than she had all year. "It's not your fault," whispered Sarah to Michayla after moving her plate to be right beside her. "I don't have any problem causing my own downfall."

"But it seems as though you've been getting weaker and weaker since the other night when you were in my dream that you don't remember," suggested Michayla. Sarah knew that she was right; this thought had already crossed her mind.

"Michayla I know that you're scared but there's a chance that we may never figure out what's going on if you don't go with me to Professor Killainka." Michayla's face went pale and she fidgeted slightly in her seat.

"What if I get in trouble? What if they kick me out?"

"I can assure you that you'd have to do a lot more than pull me into your nightmare in order to get expelled. Trust me, I know from first hand experience," said Sarah forcing a smile.

Eric had entered the Great Hall now with Raphael and some of the other team members. It took him a couple of minutes to single Sarah out, but when he did, he headed straight for them. "You two look up to something," he greeted with a grin and then he got a good look at Sarah's face. "You're not your usual perky self this morning, Miss Nettleton," he said examining Sarah's eyes.

"Well, at least you said it nicely," chimed Sarah sarcastically. Eric pushed his self in between Sarah and Megan who was sitting next to her and cooing with William.

"I thought you took a potion last night?"

"I did, and I'm quite sure that I slept very well, but I don't seem to feel any better." Sarah paused and took a drink of orange juice while Michayla attempted to push further away from them. "None of that now," Sarah said wagging a finger in Michayla's direction. "Michayla here seems to think that it's her fault that I'm a walking zombie. I keep telling her that it's not the first time that I've looked like the living dead." Eric looked at them both and forced a smile. "My only concern is a repeat of yesterday's Dark Arts fiasco." Sarah and Eric's conversations had now recaptured the rest of her friend's attentions.

"Oh, man you're right, you'll never make it through if you're feeling that bad," summarized Zoe. Sarah thanked her for the vote of confidence and then rolled her eyes.

"Its all right sis, you all can help her," said Eric, his eyes lighting up as though a light bulb had just gone off over his head.

"What are you talking about?" grouched Zoe.

"All of you need to surround her in class and keep thinking happy thoughts. You know, think about Quidditch and winning the Crest last year, you know things like that. If you do it right your positive thoughts should be able to contradict the negative ones." He paused and looked at Sarah again. "Besides, I'm sure that by now Abydos had spoken to the Parathion's and threatened them appropriately. Look at them, they look fairly subdued." Eric was now pointing at the end of the Parathion table that held the Griffin brothers and their friends. They didn't seem to be paying as much attention to the Bellarmine table this morning and Sarah knew that Abydos was angry with them.

"Perhaps you're right, they look even more cowardly than usual," joked Zoe. "Thanks Eric, I'm sure that we can protect Sarah," she said slapping Sarah on the back causing her to nearly go head first into her pancakes.

Sarah had managed to make it through Dark Arts class with the help of her friends, but she was feeling so tired that she hadn't really noticed. She did notice however, that she had Abydos' undivided attention several times during the class. She was very grateful though that he spared her further embarrassment and didn't single her out or offer to help until the bell had rang and Griffin and his cohorts were well out of earshot. "Miss Nettleton, could I see you for a moment?" Sarah looked at the rest of them and then sighed and nodded.

"I'll meet you in Divination," she said shooing them off.

"Actually, Miss Turner I think you should stay," said Abydos correcting Sarah.

"Yes sir," said Zoe, not sure if she was happy that he had asked her or scared. When the rest of them had left the room, Zoe and Sarah followed Abydos down to his desk.

"You're not any better today are you?" he asked looking at Sarah's eyes.

Sarah wasn't stupid she knew not to lie to Abydos. "No sir. I don't know if I would have made it through class if Zoe and the others hadn't been helping me."

There was that smile that Sarah was beginning to recognize on Abydos' face. "Yes, I don't think I've ever seen so much smiling and good cheer during one of my lectures on ogres." Sarah and Zoe were both smiling now. "I think that I'll let Professor Semiramise decide on your fate, she needs to speak to you before you could be confined anyway." He looked at Sarah who seemed about to fall backward and grabbed her arm.

Whoosh! Sarah saw a brilliant flash of white light, followed by a green light, and heard what sounded like a small child crying in the background. Sarah concentrated her attention to her front and after a minute or two Zoe and Abydos came back into focus. "And then maybe I shouldn't let you go," said Abydos looking very concerned now. "Miss Turner, I have changed my mind. Take Miss Nettleton to the nurse now. I will send word to Professor Semiramise that you will be late." Abydos walked around to the back of his desk and started to write the first of two notes. One of the Bellarmine Seniors had now entered the classroom and Abydos was summoning him. Zoe and Sarah stood almost frozen until Abydos looked up, "Now Miss Turner, she needs to go now." Zoe and Sarah seemed to come out of the trance they were in and Zoe grabbed hold of her shoulder and steered her out of the classroom and toward the Infirmary.

About half way down the hallway, Zoe turned to Sarah. "What the hell happened in there, that you and Abydos seem to know but I have no clue about?"

Zoe wasn't satisfied that Sarah didn't know what she was talking about and it took Mrs. Hutton a stern scolding to get her to move along to Divination. Sarah hadn't been under the watchful eye of Mrs. Hutton for more than ten minutes before Professor Killainka showed up, but he was quickly warned to keep his distance until she was able to give her what she was now saying was the exam she should have been given her days ago. Sarah felt like she had taken a beating by the time Mrs. Hutton had finished poking and prodding her, tutting the entire time. When the nurse was finished and had left Sarah with a large glass of orange juice and two bananas (with instructions to finish both before she returned) to seek out Professor Killainka, she was no closer to a different diagnosis.

"Well Melissa?"

Killainka watched as the nurse paced back and forth in the waiting room, mumbling repeatedly to herself, until she stopped and faced him head on. "It doesn't make any sense at all. I've given her two revitalization potions, she's gotten at least two restful periods that I know of and she just keeps getting weaker and weaker," she had reached near hysterics. "Javier, I don't know what to do."

Killainka was sure that in all the years he had known Melissa Hutton, that he had only heard these words once before. He moved closer and put one of his large hands on her shoulder. "There, there, Melissa there is no doubt in my mind that given enough time you will solve this mystery. In the meantime, I'm not a man of medicine, but perhaps another potion and some of your tender loving care would help."

Mrs. Hutton smiled, let out a long sigh, and nodded. "I won't give up this time, I promise," she said mumbling and walking away as silent tears of remembrance rolled down her cheeks.