Where Your Dreams End

Chapter Thirteen In The Bowels of the School

Dillon had no idea how long he had been lying on the cold wet stone when he awoke. He was afraid to open his eyes; he had no idea where he was or how he got there but he was sure that it was no place that he wanted to be. He was wet, cold, and trembling. He lay still for another moment and then slowly opened one eye. He could see some light shining at what looked like the end of a tunnel; he gradually turned his head and saw dark stonewalls with water oozing through the cracks. There didn't seem to be anyone around so Dillon opened both eyes and sat up. "Nice to see you're awake, Son," came a menacing voice from the shadows of the cavern.

Dillon wished now that he had continued to lay still and act like he hadn't come to. However, it was too late for that now. "I didn't think you were there," said Dillon searching the darkness for a face.

"I had to acquire a new host," replied the voice.

Dillon watched now as Professor Periwinkle stepped out of the shadows. He thought for a moment that he had been saved and then the realization of what was happening came to him. "Who else have you been?" he now asked.

"And all of this time I was worried about your intelligence. I think that who I have been is not as important as what I am now." Periwinkle no longer twitched and his voice and manner were strong and menacing and there was a certain distorted look to his face. "I am your father and your best choice for success in this world. Be strong my son, for I need your strength." Dillon noticed that though his voice was strong but his physical presence was not. His gait was unstable and he could only stand still if he was leaning against something.

"I will be strong for you father, tell me how?" he wasn't quite sturdy enough yet and only managed to lean against the wall a little higher.

The possessed Professor did not seem to trust Dillon completely yet, he moved a little closer to him and took a close look at his face. "You have to find your own strength son, I cannot find it for you." His voice now wavered a little as he leaned forward to grab the wall. Dillon pretended not to notice. He did not want his father to know that he had seen his frailty. "Inferior body. The quality of the teaching staff at this school has been greatly reduced." The possessed Professor complained. "I suppose you will have to rest again until I am stronger." Dillon panicked anticipating what was about to happen, but it was too late. With the wave of his hand, Dillon again fell into unconsciousness.

The next time Dillon became aware of his cold, damp surroundings he opened his eyes immediately. There was no sign of Professor Periwinkle or any one for that matter so he again tried to stand this time and being a little more successful, he managed to lean almost erect against the cold stone. He was able to survey his prison better this time. It was lighter and Dillon could see more of the dark, damp room that he had been left in. He mustered more strength and tried to cross the room. He fell once but managed to make it to the other side. He didn't recognize where he was and decided that he couldn't be at Dragon's Wood any longer since he was sure that he had explored every nook and cranny of the school.

He began to wonder how long he had been there and what had happened to his friends and Professor Killainka after he had been taken. Had he been able to prevent their demise and if so were they now looking for him? He tried to remember something good or something happy. He wanted to think pleasant thoughts. Visions of the time that Eric and his friends had played Quidditch with him filled his head and he could then force a smile. "That's good, you're obviously feeling stronger and more content with your situation." Dillon turned to see Professor Periwinkle standing very close and holding what looked like food. "You'll need this," he said pushing it into his hands.

Dillon felt a cold chill run down his spine as the possessor's hand grazed his own. He stood stone-faced, however, and did not give a clue of this. Dillon thanked his abductor for the food and sat down to eat it. After a couple of bites, he offered him some as a gesture of reconciliation "I am touched by your concern for me, however I do not intend to be in this body long enough for it to need sustenance," he replied. Dillon attempted to hide the panic that this statement incurred with no success. "Have no fear my son, I do not feel that way about you."

This statement now brought to mind things that he had not thought of before. Would this thing indeed possess him? And if so, what havoc would he bestow upon Dragon's Wood and his friends. The food that he had been eating so eagerly now lost its appeal. Dillon placed it on the ground, pulled himself into a tight position against the nearest cold, and wet wall. "You should eat, you will need all the strength you can get when we make the next leg of our journey," insisted the Professor.

"I'm just cold," said Dillon with a mixture of truth and lie.

The dark wizard's face now showed a hint of concern. He raised his hand and said "Incendio!" After covering his head in fear, Dillon let his hands down slowly to reveal the fire that was now before him. "I forget that you are still mortal, my son. I have no need for such things as warmth and sustenance and therefore am not entirely aware of your want for them."

For a split second, Dillon actually felt that he had genuine concern. This seemed to relax him a bit and he decided to move closer to the fire and to eat the food. Dillon kept a watchful eye on his captor while he warmed and fed himself. Pacing across the room slowly, he had watched Dillon just as closely without speaking. When Dillon had finished his food and looked comfortably warm, the Professor then produced a dry change of clothes and a new crimson robe. "You will put these on now," he said shortly.

Dillon did not want to comply but knew that he had offered to come to save his friends and needed to continue with his charade until he knew they were safe. Reluctantly he changed into the dry clothes and the new crimson robe; he had to admit to himself when he was finished that he the dry, warm garments made him feel slightly recovered and more confident.

"That's better," acknowledged the subjugator. "I was beginning to believe you could not be my son. Being out of those disgusting Dragon's Wood robes has greatly improved your appearance. See for yourself," he said just before making a mirror appear in front of him. Dillon now admired himself in the mirror. True his eyes were dark and swollen and his face pale, but the splendor of the beautiful crimson robes made him feel proud and his face showed it. "You like it! Good, then we will now be on our way."

Dillon's eyes now met his fathers and he found himself first cold and then surprisingly warm. "Where are we going?" he asked feeling stronger still.

"For the present you will be informed on a need to know basis only." Dillon accepted this and nodded as he moved forward to take his place next to his father, a small piece of his heart falling away.

Killainka had been stoking the fire for what seemed like forever when Professor Chalipun spoke up. "Javier, you cannot possibly blame yourself for what happened to Dillon." Quigley was not as calm as Chalipun and spent five minutes reminding him about Chinkana's past.

Through all of this Killainka stoked the fire and remained silent. After another moment or two of silence Abydos spoke. "It is time that we stopped worrying about what has happened to the boy and begin to worry about what will happen to the rest of the children."

Professor Quigley shot him a look of contempt and moved forward. As she opened her mouth to speak though, Killainka turned and raised his hand. "That, Romulus, is the first sane remark that I have heard today." He looked much worse than even the evening that Dillon had been taken. His glasses could no longer disguise his lack of rest or the pain in his heart. He stoked the fire for another moment and then took a seat in a nearby chair.

Professor Chalipun stared at him for a moment and then informed the others that she needed some time alone with Killainka. The rest of the Professors looked at each other and then Chalipun. "Are you sure?" asked Quigley. Chalipun nodded silently looking at the exhausted Professor and then watched as the others left the room.

When they were gone, Chalipun knelt down next to Killainka. "You are trying too hard," she said softly.

He shook his head without opening his eyes. "I doesn't matter I can't find him," he confessed.

"You're too drained. You won't be any use to him now if you do find him, Javier," she explained.

He sat for a short time and then sighed deeply. "It has never been this difficult before."

"You have met this foe before Javier, you cannot sit there and tell me you don't remember."

"He's much stronger this time. I could always block him out before, this time it is more difficult." He looked up at Chalipun and there was anger in his eyes. "He took the child from me and there was nothing that I could do."

"He took a child; he didn't take you because he couldn't. You let your guard down to protect the other children and he still couldn't defeat you."

Killainka stared into the fire again and then met eyes with Chalipun. "Priscilla you must help me find the strength to find them. I know that they are still on the school grounds, I can feel it."

Professor Chalipun took a deep breath and raised her wand, "Accio chair." And as she did, the matching stuffed chair glided over and planted itself across from Killainka. She now sat down and took his hands. She was not sure that any further stress was good for him; however, she also knew that he was more stubborn than she was. "Concentrate," she started. "Feel the strength flowing out of my body and in to yours." Chalipun, now entranced, was rocking back and forth and was chanting.

"I'm tired of being held prisoner here, I don't understand why we can't go back to the dorm or at least talk to our friends." Sarah was angry and pacing back in forth in the nearly empty infirmary. Eric sat watching her but did not speak. His eyes were glazed over and he did not move. Sarah was beginning to think he was not listening and moved forward to investigate. "What are you thinking about?" she asked staring into his blank expression. However, there was no answer from Eric. "Damn it, I am so tired of being put in this situation," she cried out loud to no one. Crossing the room, she took Eric by the shoulders and shook him. "Wake up! I'm not losing you too," she shouted.

Eric shook his head and lost his glazed look. "Sarah, you shouldn't have done that I was about to find out where they are," said Eric after a few minutes.

"Who? What are you talking about?" she asked almost hysterically.

Eric took her face in his hands. "Sarah we must be strong, otherwise Dillon and maybe everyone will be lost."

Sarah suddenly felt that she was no longer talking to Eric. "He couldn't possibly be this together," she thought. "If you are that thing you leave Eric and me alone!" she shouted.

"Sarah, calm down, I'm not Chinkana, however I am not alone. Trust me, please, I need you to trust me," he repeated.

Sarah looked into his eyes and did. "All right," she said calming down. "What do we do?"

"Believe," said Eric.

Professor's Chalipun and Killainka didn't blink an eye when Eric and Sarah joined them by the fireplace. Sarah turned slowly to survey the room and the people in it. Eric had the same glassy-eyed look as Chalipun and Killainka and in the moments after their arrival, he had begun to echo their low chanting. She was shaking now; all of this was terrifying her yet she felt herself being drawn into their circle. "This is the weirdest dream ever," she thought, breathing heavier. She started to resist, afraid of what she was seeing and feeling. Then it got stranger. Sarah watched as what looked like the spirit of Professor Killainka rose from his body and walked through his office door. "Okay, I could definitely wake up from this one any time now," she said out loud this time.

"It's all right Sarah, no harm will come to you in this room," came a calm and soothing voice from across the room.

Sarah looked around; there was no one in the room beside herself, Chalipun, Eric, and Professor Killainka. She was sure that the voice had not come from their direction. "Who is that?" asked Sarah backing herself into a corner.

"You do not know me but I know much about you," the voice continued. "I have been in this place for many years. I have seen many children come and go. You are among those who are destined to do great things, but you will need all the help you can get." Sarah was searching for the origin of the voice and followed the sound to the fireplace. As she focused on the fire, she began to see an image forming in the flames. Sarah let out a short gasp and jumped away.

"I promise that I will not harm you, Sarah. Nothing can harm you in this room," the voice repeated. And for some unexplained reason, Sarah believed it. She suddenly felt overwhelmingly calm and began to be drawn herself into the chanting that was still taking place in the room.

Dillon wasn't sure where they were now, but then he had no idea where they had been before their last journey. The possessor had once again left him alone in a cold and damp room. This time the walls seemed to be brick and the floor dirt, however the feel was the same. He felt slightly stronger than before. Ever since he had touched the hand of his father, part of his strength had returned. He was having a rough time keeping his head clear through these encounters. He knew that he had to keep up the deception, yet each moment alone with him made it harder for Dillon to distinguish between fantasy and reality.

"Why isn't anyone coming to rescue me?" he whispered to himself. He rose up slowly with the intention of looking around his new prison. Before he could get very far, however, he saw the most amazing thing. "Sarah!" he shouted loudly stumbling to his feet. "Help me!"

Sarah fell to the floor, cold. Professor Chalipun shook her head and opened her eyes to witness her fall. The break in her concentration resulted in the further collapse of Eric and Professor Killainka. After brief consideration, she decided to check Sarah first; after all, it was her cries that had brought her back. Sarah opened her eyes slowly to see Professor Chalipun holding her up. "He's in the catacombs," she said softly and then she collapsed in her arms.

Sarah was terrified to open her eyes again. The last thing she remembered was being in Professor Killainka's office and talking to Professor Chalipun, there was no way she was going to open her eyes and have to face that again. She had no idea what had happened to her in the last few days and was beginning to think she didn't want to. "Go back to sleep," she said to her self. "Maybe it will all go away."

"Sarah, I need you to talk to me now." Sarah recognized Professor Killainka's voice and she now knew that she didn't wish to wake. She closed her eyes tighter and pretended not to hear.

"Sarah, I know that you can hear me, you must talk to us now; time is of the essence." It was Professor Chalipun this time; however, Sarah wasn't convinced so she again clenched her eyes tighter.

After a couple of minutes of listening to the Professors' whispering to each other across the room, Sarah took a deep breath and relaxed. "They're going to leave me alone," she thought. As she relaxed, a third voice entered the room and began to talk to the other two.

"I'm sorry sir, but it's all getting out. Several of the students sent owls to their parents informing them of the little that they know is going on. The Secretary of the Magic has sent word that she's on her way and some parents have written asking for their children to be sent home as soon as possible." It was Cedric, the caretaker, this time and he sounded severely distressed.

Sarah hadn't thought this possible. "Cedric has feelings," thought Sarah. "I have to talk to them. I have to be brave." Sarah took another deep breath and opened her eyes. Where she was when she did, she never would have expected.

Dillon sunk to the floor. For just a moment, he thought that he would be rescued and that was obviously not to be. He was cold and thought about the crimson robes and how much he wanted to take them off. "It's too cold," he convinced himself. Instead, he took a handful of dirt and rubbed it down the front of the robes. He watched his hand and the dirt and realized that it had had no effect on his prison garbs. "I give up," he said out loud.

"You give up on what?"

Dillon sat up and adjusted his eyes to see his incarcerator. "I can't seem to stand very well," lied the hostage.

"You are still weak, over time you will regain your strength."

Dillon was a slightly relieved to see he was still talking to Professor Periwinkle. "At least no one else has been hurt," he thought to himself. "I could be stronger now if you would let me, is that not right sir?"

The Periwinkle imposter smiled widely. "Sometimes I can believe that you are my son." Dillon watched as his keeper again produced food and drink from his robes and handed it to him. "This will make you stronger."

Dillon hesitated and then took the offering. He was hungry and knew that refusing wouldn't get him anywhere anyway. After consuming some of the bounty, Dillon relaxed slightly and watched him pace the room. "I want to ask you a question but I'm afraid you'll be angry with me," Dillon said after awhile.

Periwinkle's body stopped and looked at the boy. "I will allow you one question without anger," he decided after consideration.

Dillon was still unsure but continued. "Who are you, exactly?" Dillon did not expect the laughter that followed his question. It was a maniacal laugh that frightened Dillon and he tried not to let it show.

When he had calmed himself he moved forward to be eye to eye with Dillon and took a cold hissing breath. "You mean other than your father?" He smiled devilishly as he asked the question, then as if to prevent Dillon from answering he raised his hand. Dillon jumped. As he watched Professor Periwinkle's face began to distort, his eyes were glowing white, he waved his hand across the floor. Dillon watched as the floor began to swirl and glow. He stared as distorted images of life and death began to emerge from spirals of smoke. "I am your warden, I am your professor, and I have walked with your friends and entered their hearts." His voice was low and all pervading. "I have incited terror, I have possessed men's minds, I have been with your mother, and I have stood by Lord Voldemort's side. I am the killer of Jews and the sinker of the Titanic. I have been side by side with conquerors throughout all of time and I will be there when the last conqueror prevails." As he paused to draw another breath, Dillon felt the room grow cold and silent. "I am all that is evil in the world, the drug dealer, the rapist and the killer of Christ." He took one last cold breath and spoke again. "I am Chinkana."

Sarah screamed as she opened her eyes. Across the room behind Professors Chalipun and Killainka were the ghostly images of Dillon and the large dark shadow of her dreams. As she raised her arm to gesture toward the apparitions, they disappeared. Lowering her arm again she sat, mouth open, silent. Professor Chalipun watched her eyes and turned to look behind her. "You saw something," she said crossing the room to stand by Sarah.

"Yes," she said nodding.

Killainka joined them now. "What did you see, Sarah?"

"I saw Dillon and that thing. Just now, they were behind you. But they were only shadows." She was afraid that she wasn't making any sense, but she continued. "And before when you were all here and in a trance, I saw Dillon. He was in some place that was dark and cold. I think he saw me too."

Professor Chalipun drew a deep breath and took Sarah's hand. "When I talked to you before you said something about catacombs."

Sarah blinked several times and furrowed her brow trying hard to remember. "Yes, I remember. It came to me, like someone had whispered it in my ear." She thought again for a short time and began to relate all the details she could remember including Dillon's new attire. Professors Killainka and Chalipun hung on each and every word. When she had finished relating her story she collapsed back into the large chair she had been sitting in. She now took a moment to think about her surroundings.

Why had she been taken to Mr. Ratcliff's house? And where had Eric gone? Sarah wanted to ask all of these questions, but found her self completely exhausted from her last discussion. Sarah now also noticed that Cedric still remained in the room and was having a secretive conversation with Dillon's dad. Professor Killainka joined them and shortly afterward, they both left the cabin. In the meantime, Professor Chalipun had returned to Sarah's side. "Miss Nettleton," she said searching Sarah's eyes. "Are you strong enough to talk again?" Sarah nodded slightly.

"Why are we in Mr. Ratcliff's cabin?" Sarah whispered back. Professor Killainka now joined the ladies and after levitating a chair for himself. He sat down face to face with Sarah.

"Sarah do you understand what you have been telling us? Do you know what has happened with you?" he asked.

"I'm not sure what you're asking me."

"You have managed to make contact with Dillon, something that I have been trying unsuccessfully to do since he disappeared," explained Killainka.

"But it was just a dream, right?" asked Sarah, becoming alarmed.

This time Professor Chalipun explained. "Sarah you have a gift, something that is more common in our world, but is also prevalent in the Muggle world. You are what some would call clairvoyant, but beyond that. This is a talent that you share with Professor Killainka and your father." Chalipun paused, perhaps to let her information sink in. Sarah spoke not a word. "Your father had expressed to us that he had suspected you had this talent for quite some time now. This is probably one of the reasons that Chinkana has chosen to visit you." She paused again however; Sarah had too many questions this time to remain silent.

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"Sarah, we have brought you to Dillon's home so that you can help us find him. I am familiar with the place that you have suggested he is being held. There are hundreds of miles of tunnels and it would be nearly impossible to find him just by searching. I feel that your chances of getting in touch with him is to be surrounded by his environment," Killainka explained.

Sarah thought of all of this for a while. "Sort of like letting tracking dogs sniff your scarf, huh?"

Killainka smiled. "I am far from comparing you to a tracking dog, Sarah."

Professor Chalipun smiled and then chuckled a little. "You do have the right idea though," she responded.

Sarah nodded and thought about all of this. "I can't be special, I'm just plain old me. And how in the world could I possibly have anything, much less an extraordinary ability, in common with Professor Killainka or my father?" Sarah thought to her self. Killainka sensed that she was confused and stressed about her current situation and asked Professor Chalipun to leave them alone for a short time. He suggested that she check on Eric who apparently was waiting in the next room. When she had exited the room Sarah inquired about Eric's health.

"Mr. Turner is doing just fine and is currently more concerned about you, Dillon and loosing the Quidditch Cup this year than his own well being," Killainka replied smiling. "I have to agree with him on one point, though. My concerns are centered on you and Dillon also at this time."

"But sir, I am fine. I am safe here with you and the others."

"I'm not sure anymore," he said sighing and getting up to walk toward the fire. "There was a time when I would have staked my own life on that, however I'm not so sure anymore. I am evidently not as strong as I used to be."

"Then if you are not sure about your strength sir, how can I possibly be strong enough to help at all?"

Killainka stopped and smiled at Sarah, he turned and looked at the fire and then again at Sarah. "Tell me Sarah, other than the obvious strange things that have been happening to you in the past few days, the ones that we have discussed. Has any thing else unusual happened?"

Sarah furrowed her brow again. She knew that the Professor had to be asking for a reason so she thought long and hard. "No sir," she said after awhile and then she looked at him again and remembered something. "No, I'm wrong. Something or someone spoke to me in your office." The professor smiled widely. "Do you know what I am talking about?"

"Come join me by the fire," he beckoned. Sarah was reluctant but did as she was told. "What do you see?" he asked pointing at the flames.

Sarah searched the flames with no avail. "Nothing," she said shrugging.

"Look closer," he insisted.

Sarah once again searched the flames. What had she heard or seen before? Things had been so weird lately and so much had happened that her lapses in between made it hard for her to remember details.

"Trust in what you see," said Killainka in a soft, mesmerizing voice.

"But I don't see anything," said Sarah slowly, falling into a meditative state. Then as though a movie began to play out in front of her images began to emerge from the flames. She gasped slightly and Killainka leaned forward to place his hand on her shoulder, as much to reassure as to prevent her from turning away. "Professor," she started softly. "Is that you talking? I can't hear what you're saying." Then after a long pause she said, "Dillon, tell me where you are?"

Dillon was terrified that Chinkana would turn around and see the shadow of Sarah standing behind him. He was sure this time that he was not seeing things, he somehow knew that Sarah was not in the room, but he knew that she was trying to contact him. Her lips were moving but no sound was coming from them. "Perhaps I am dreaming," he thought and then after looking into his father's fiery eyes he dismissed that thought. He decided that he would not attempt to contact Sarah while the possessor was in such an enraged state, but he did let her know by facial expression that he had seen and heard her. Before he could make any more decisions about what to do about her, she was gone.

He stared into the still glowing white eyes of his captor and then reached out to touch his hand. As he did, an icy chill filled his body. "Sir, I mean father," Dillon said evenly. Dillon felt some of the power transferring to himself and suddenly he felt better and stronger. Chinkana seemed to sense this and pulled back slightly, his eyes started to loose their glow and he was once again taking on the form of Professor Periwinkle. Dillon continued, "I've been thinking about you and me and I was wondering where do we go from here?"

Chinkana looked into Dillon's eyes, the icy chills intensified and Dillon began to feel as though his soul itself was being explored. There was a sickening feeling brewing in the pit of his stomach. He felt as though he was about to loose everything that he had just eaten and then as quickly as it had come, the feeling subsided and was replaced by a warm glowing feeling which frightened him even more. "That, my boy, is up to you," he said coldly.

Sarah stood head bowed and silently crying; Killainka lifted her face and met her eyes. "Professor," she whispered. "We're going to loose him."

Professor Killainka spent the better part of the morning convincing the Secretary of Magic and two-dozen irate parents that the children of Dragon's Wood were safe and that Dillon would be returned unharmed shortly. This had not been an easy task, however, it had eventually been acceptable to all considering his and the schools reputation.

As he walked back to the small cabin that bordered the outermost grounds, of the school, his heart was heavy and his thoughts troubled. He thought about the conversations he had had with parents and the many owls that he had sent that day. He wondered when he would be able to get back to worrying about truancy and students using magic in the hallways between classes.

As he drew closer to the small stone cabin his thoughts returned to Sarah, Eric and Dillon and their immediate needs. Classes would be ending soon and Cedric would be bringing Zoe down to the cabin. Killainka knew that it was time to let Eric and Sarah go back to school. They needed to continue with their lives and sitting protected in Charlie Ratcliff's cabin was not helping their chances of doing that. He was also concerned that their protective state would not be beneficial to Dillon's restoration.

He paused at the edge of the red brick path that led down to Dillon's home. He strained his tired eyes and made out the image of Professor Chalipun sitting in the front garden. He thought about their history together, the students they had taught and the enemies they had fought and he cracked a smile. As he stood there assessing the situation, he watched Professor Ratcliff exit the cabin and approach Professor Chalipun followed closely by Mrs. Hutton. This again made Killainka smile, he appreciated the relentlessness of his school nurse but he could tell that she did not have the best timing. After shaking his head for a second or two, he decided to rescue Christine.

"Melissa I'm sure that Professor Ratcliff will be all right for the moment, perhaps you should check on the children," he said as he entered the front garden and capturing their attention. Christine turned and shot both Killainka and Chalipun a smile and a grateful glance as Mrs. Hutton reluctantly agreed and disappeared back into the cabin.

"I heard the Secretary was contented if not convinced," started Professor Chalipun, still slightly smiling.

Killainka echoed her smile and nodded. "It wasn't a pleasant sight and I have certainly used up all of my favors for the next one hundred years." Once again, they all exchanged an apprehensive chuckle and then fell silent.

Professor Chalipun was the first to speak again. "I suppose that you've asked Paul Quinton and Shamus Murphy to come and take Periwinkle and Wetherspoon's place."

Killainka nodded. "Yes, I'm sure that at this moment they're disciplining there share of six and seven graders perhaps some of them yours Priscilla." He then chuckled again, however, as he continued his smile disappeared. "Although substituting teachers and postponing classes can only be a temporary solution to our problem. Professor Wetherspoon hasn't said a word since we took him to the infirmary and there's no doubt that Periwinkle is at this very moment a pawn in Dillon's internment." He took a deep breath and continued. "And you, Priscilla, your classes will have to resume tomorrow. It's just not safe to have these children unstructured at this time."

Chalipun nodded. "Not to mention it will not be long until finals are upon us. And we all know that when this is over, and it will be over, these children will still need to pass their exams and move on to the next grade." After a slight hesitation she added, "And I'm not giving any of them a break, not even Dillon." A small tear slipped gently down her cheek at Dillon's name.

Christine Ratcliff sighed deeply and a tear rolled down her cheek. Killainka put his arm around her as Chalipun rose to her feet to comfort her. "How are you doing?" he asked softly.

"It's my fault. All of this is my fault," she repeated. "Everyone's pretending that it isn't, even Charlie, but it is."

Killainka shook his head repeatedly. "Evil is evil Christine. You cannot blame yourself for this, just as those who have been possessed by his evil in the past cannot be blamed for their actions. Charlie was the vessel that returned Chinkana to this place should we blame him?" He shook his head and laid his hand on her shoulder. "No we can only move forward and find the answer to end this and hope that this time we can end it for good." The trio now became grimly silent. Christine rose to her feet and circled the garden twice before anyone could find the words to continue.

"Javier, what about the children? Eric does not want to sit anymore. In addition to his concern about Sarah and Dillon he made several requests to see Annabelle Sutton...and then there is Sarah." Professor Chalipun had been watching Christine's parade and knew that there had to be redirection.

"Sarah will be fine as long as we can assure her of that," expressed Killainka. "I am convinced that she holds the answers to our questions." He drew a deep breath as though to clear his head and continued. "There is a link to his world that lies in her and Eric and unless we can find that link and use it to our advantage we cannot succeed."

"But Javier, there was a time when you and I possessed that link and it didn't help anyone then," Priscilla groaned almost pathetically.

Killainka looked thoughtfully for a moment before speaking again. "That is why we need to strike while the iron is hot. Maybe if someone had found that link then..." he stopped and stared off into the distance.

Professor Chalipun leaned forward and took his hand. "If you are about to blame yourself for every evil act committed in the last seventy-five years, I'm going to have send for Mrs. Hutton." She cracked a smile and managed to get a slight one from Killainka. After this exchange, the trio sat quietly for an additional moment or two. Before anyone could revisit the conversation though, a new player entered the game.

"So this is how the Dragon's Wood faculty spends there off hours?" Killainka turned around to meet eye to eye with a tall and sinister looking gentleman dressed in emerald green robes. His hair was a brilliant red that sparkled like flames in the fading sunlight and dimples appeared on each of his cheeks as he produced a broad smile.

"And I suppose that your faculty spends every waking moment grading exams and punishing students?" retaliated Killainka, producing a similar smile and as he did he rose to his feet and thrust one of his large hands into the one approaching. "Shamus your timing is impeccable as usual."

The sinister looking gentleman grabbed the approaching hand and pulled Killainka into a hefty bear hug. "And as usual yours is not," he replied. "I was really looking forward to grilling my seniors this next couple of weeks and coming to save your behind has totally blown that dream," he announced smiling even wider. "I suppose I'll have to settle for torturing your sixth graders, Priscilla," he said now turning his attention to Professor Chalipun who was proud to be the recipient of the next staggering embrace.

"And I'll be happy to stand by and watch you do it," she replied after having the stuffing squeezed out of her. Things again became quiet for a moment as the tall stranger turned his attention to Christine. Pulling away from Chalipun, he approached her cautiously and took her hands.

"Ah, Christine, it's been too long," he paused and took a deep breath. "I'm happy to see you well but not so happy for the circumstances that bring us together again."

Professor Ratcliff attempted to fight back the tears that were now pooling in her eyes unsuccessfully. As she greeted her admirer, she choked on every word. "Yes indeed, too long I must admit."

Holding fast to her trembling hands, the redheaded gentleman turned back to Killainka. "Alright Javier, where's the bastard and what is the plan to kick his ass?"

Killainka cracked a hesitant smile, placed a hand on his shoulder and then removing it once more turned face the cabin. "The answer is in there," he said motioning toward the door to the cabin.

"The girl?" was his questioning reply. Killainka nodded. "And she is in your league?" he asked.

"I'm beginning to believe that she is out of my league," he admitted frankly. "I have not felt this strong a link from a child since Mr. Turner started school here." He paused to take a deep breath and once again stare at the cabin door. "It was a terrible wrong what we bestowed on that boy when we removed his memory."

"It was the safest thing to do at the time, and we had no idea that it would eventually come back to haunt us," consoled Professor Chalipun. Everyone nodded silently however not very convincingly.

"Water under the bridge, I'm afraid," expressed the red headed stranger. "Far more important that we focus on the future which I believe lies on the other side of that door."

Killainka nodded. "You are right. Come on and I'll introduce you," he said heading toward the cabin door and opening it.

Inside the cabin, Mrs. Hutton was attempting to get Eric and Sarah to drink some hot chocolate without much luck. When the pair heard the door open and saw the approaching group of professors, it was evident to the nurse that she would loose the battle until Professor Killainka spoke. "Ah, I see we are in time for hot chocolate. Do you think that you could find some of that for the rest of us, Mrs. Hutton?"

"Finally, a voice of reason," she said exiting to retrieve more of the beverage.

Sarah and Eric started to speak but then were both afraid to after getting a good look at the approaching stranger. Professor Killainka noticed their apprehension and moved forward to introduce the man. "Eric and Sarah, I would like for you to meet a very old and dear friend of mine, Professor Shamus Murphy. He is the History of Magic teacher for my old alma mater. I have asked him and another friend Paul Quinton here to help while we're short handed. Shamus, this is Eric Turner and Sarah Nettleton."

Professor Murphy moved forward and thrust out his hand to Eric, who took it reluctantly. "A pleasure to meet you Mr. Turner," he said and then he turned to Sarah who was being unusually shy and had taken two steps backward toward Professor Chalipun. "Miss Nettleton, I assure you that I do not bite," he guaranteed, smiling ear to ear and producing his welcoming dimples.

Sarah moved forward again yet remained cautious. "Nice to meet you Professor," she said reluctantly taking his hand.

"The pleasure has been all mine," came a low and sinister voice.

Sarah pulled back quickly losing her balance and falling to the floor, everything went dark. "What is going on?" she thought to herself as she struggled to return to her feet. Her vision was blurred and the room distorted, all she could manage to make out were two shadowy figures in the distance, one tall and one about her height. "Eric, Professor?" she called to the figures. "Where did everyone else go?" she asked, trying to remain calm.

"It's very nice of you to join us again, Miss Nettleton. Perhaps you'll stay this time," said the Shadow as it reached forward to try and grab her. As the cold chill of a hand approached her, she felt as though another hand, this one warm and inviting was now pulling her from behind. Then as suddenly as she had been plunged into the distorted darkness she was again in the well-lit cabin sitting on the floor, surrounded by Eric and the four Professors. As the reality of the room engulfed her, she let out a scream.

"Who are you?" she blasted accusingly at Professor Murphy.

Killainka and Murphy glanced at each other and then Sarah. "I think perhaps you are right about this one," said Murphy thoughtfully. "Can you tell me what happened just now when you touched my hand?" Sarah was more curious than scared but she didn't know whether to answer or not.

"It's all right Sarah, I promise you that no matter what just happened to you Professor Murphy meant you no harm," Killainka reassured her.

Sarah was not totally convinced, however, Eric stepped over to her and laid his hand on her shoulder. "I completely trust Professor Killainka, Sarah and if he says it's all right then I believe him."

Sarah's face flushed at Eric's touch and she felt a warm rush at the back of her neck. After taking a moment to collect her thoughts, she nodded to him and returned to meet Professor Murphy's eyes. "Chinkana, I saw Chinkana and Dillon, I mean I think that's what I saw," she answered, confused and befuddled. "It was dark and blurry but I could see what looked like them."

Eric stood by her side still holding her shoulder as Killainka moved closer. "Sarah, did he talk to you?" Sarah nodded. "What did he say?"

"He said he was glad to see me again and asked if I would stay this time. That's when he started to reach out for me and then I felt something pulling me back and I was here again." Her eyes grew wild and she looked accusingly at Professor Murphy. "You," she said pointing her finger at him. "You're the one who took me there and you're the one that brought me back."

Murphy nodded. "I hadn't intended to take you there, however, I will take credit for bringing you back." He smiled again ear to ear and Sarah still confused began to feel a little less afraid.

"I don't understand. What do you mean that you didn't intend to take me there?"

"Sarah, do you remember before when you shook my hand for the first time and saw the Shadow?" Killainka asked.

Sarah thought for a moment and remembered. "Yes."

"And there was a time that your father told me about, where you laid on his knee and again you saw the Shadow," he continued.

"Yes, but I don't understand."

"There are powerful forces within us all, Sarah and some of them hold links. Links to the past, links to other powerful forces. I believe that you have the power to find these links, however, you have not the ability yet to harness this power so it comes and goes and takes you by surprise," Killainka explained.

Sarah sat quiet for a long time. No one spoke while she sat in contemplation. Eric who had been quiet the whole time sat down next to her on the floor and was the first to speak. "I'm not sure that I like the idea that this "thing" has some kind of a powerful link to Sarah, Professor."

Sarah felt her face glow red again. "Neither do I," she confessed.

"It is not so much that Chinkana has a link to you Sarah, as you have a link to him," explained Professor Chalipun. "You are the one that is now seeking him. I feel he is probably still too weak to seek you. Professors Murphy and Killainka, and of course your father, have all at one time also possessed a link to him. So when you are in close contact with them you can manage to bridge that gap from time to time."

"So now I'm going to be afraid to touch anyone," Sarah mumbled to herself. She found herself pulling away from Eric's touch and then thought about him. "Then why is it that touching Eric doesn't cause this bridge?" she asked looking at him frightened. "He was once touched by Chinkana, was he not?"

Professor Ratcliff who had stood off to one side for so long quietly now moved forward to speak. "That is probably because we made every possible attempt to erase that link."

"And we were sure that we had until Chinkana took him several nights ago," finished Mrs. Hutton now entering the room carrying a tray of hot chocolate. Seeing Sarah on the floor and the others around her, she quickly set it down and went to her side. "I suppose she's had another episode?" she asked irritated.

"My fault, I'm afraid," said Professor Murphy leaning down to touch Mrs. Hutton on the shoulder.

"Shamus Murphy, I should have known that your kind of trouble was on its way," she proclaimed smiling ever so slightly. "Professor Killainka, I really believe that Miss Nettleton and Mr. Turner should be in the infirmary where I can keep a better eye on them."

Sarah and Eric looked as though they were about burst into choruses of whining when Killainka spoke up. "I'm sure that you think that is the right thing for them, however I believe that they will be better off returning to the dormitory with as normal a routine as possible." This was the best news that Sarah and Eric had heard all week. Despite the ten minutes of protest provided by Mrs. Hutton and the fact that she was still weak from her last encounter with darkness, Sarah felt happier than she had in weeks, until she thought of Dillon.

"Sir, Sir," Sarah said interrupting the debate over what was better for her and Eric. "What about Dillon? How can things go back to normal without Dillon?"

Eric, who had also experienced a moment or two of nirvana, was now asking the same. "Professor, we couldn't possibly go back to our normal routine knowing that Dillon is still missing."

"It is my hope that putting things back to normal is going to make it easier to recover Mr. Ratcliff." Killainka's voice didn't waver as he made this remark, but there wasn't the certainty that Eric had grown to expect there. He glanced at Professor Ratcliff and as he spoke, he lifted a hand to her shoulder. "And I assure you that his recovery will be swift and sure." No one would have argued this point with the Professor at this moment, but there was an air of uncertainty that hovered in the room. Sarah wasn't sure that anyone would have spoken again if it hadn't been for Zoe suddenly bursting into the room.

"I can't believe you get to come back to the dorm. I was so excited when Cedric came to meet me after class and said we were coming to get you. I could have screamed it out to the world but of course he said I couldn't do that." Sarah was sure that Zoe had not taken a single breath in her entire dialog and was also certain that she would fall over faint when she finally saw Professor Murphy standing nearby. "And who are you?" she asked point blankly after taking a slight pause.

Murphy smiled and was obviously charmed by the frizzy brunette. "I am Professor Murphy, your temporary History of Magic teacher and an old friend of Professor Killainka. And who might you be young lady?"

"I might be in trouble for my impertinence," replied Zoe retreating to the safety of her brother's side.

Everyone in the room except for Zoe laughed at her remark. Then as any a valiant brother would, Eric stepped in. "This would be my sister Zoe, Professor Murphy. Please forgive her, her mouth is much larger than her brain." Eric now ducked anticipating the impending blow. Zoe, however, still too stunned by the confusion of the scene did not retaliate.

Sarah wrapped an arm around her neck and pulled her close. "And unfortunately she is also my best friend," Sarah offered lovingly.

"I'm happy to see you two also," Zoe offered through hurt feelings. Eric and Sarah hugged her again and expressed their feelings for her. They were interrupted by Mrs. Hutton's insistence that if they were all going to return to the school they should do so promptly since dinner was about to be served in the Great Hall and there was no one in the room that could do without a hot meal.

"I must agree with Mrs. Hutton," Killainka complied. "It would do all of us a world of good to eat a hot meal and get a good nights sleep."

Sarah flinched at Killainka's "good night sleep" remark. She suddenly realized that moving back to the dormitory meant she was on her own. Did this mean that she would be faced with the prospect of confronting Chinkana again? Maybe she wasn't ready for this scenario but then again she knew she wasn't ready for a life sentence of uncertainty and fear. She knew that if Killainka wanted her to face the reality of school again, she must do so and who better to face the uncertainty with than her best friend and her best friends brother.

Sarah now took a deep breath and slapped Zoe on the shoulder. "You heard the Professor, time to eat." Eric and Zoe both turned to meet her eyes, and after a second or two of contemplation, they smiled and nodded in agreement. There continued to be an air of tenseness but the entire group eventually began to make their way back to the school with the children under the watchful eye of Professor Killainka and Killainka under the watchful eye of Chinkana.

Dillon had sat silently in his dark corner since he had watched his captor try to pull Sarah into their world. He felt extremely guilty that he had wished that him success in his attempt, but he had convinced himself that it was better that she had managed to escape. Dillon now spent a few moments feeling extremely sorry for himself. After all, he had been caught and pulled into this world, or had he. Had he not volunteered to go with this devil, had it not been his idea. Perhaps, he now thought, the better plan would have been to trust in Killainka and his friends. Trust that the end would have been far better than the nightmare, which he now found himself living. Where had he gone now, Dillon wondered. Was he busy possessing another body or perhaps just out and about killing one of his friends? These were thoughts that constantly ran through his head when the master was not there.

"I want out!" he stood and yelled out loud. "I don't care if you hear me now! I don't want to play this game anymore, I want to go back to my friends and get to know my mother!" He stopped his pacing for a brief second and truly thought about his situation. And for the first time in his life, he caught himself contemplating death. Would it not be far better for everyone, including himself if he were dead? There would be no one for the captor to hold, there would be no reason for the tension, and the fear that he knew at this moment in time engulfed his friends and family. Killainka could kill the captor and everyone at Dragon's Wood could be safe again. Dillon was angry and depressed. Hundreds of thoughts and emotions were running through his head. He found himself searching for any opening; any escape, but found none. He was about to scream again, when he was interrupted by a whispering voice.

"Dillon, you can't give up. You will be saved. Have faith. Believe."

Dillon searched the dark room for the source of the voice but found only darkness. "How can I believe, how can I have faith?" he asked the cold, wet, stone walls. "There can be no hope, no faith, no possibility for retrieval," he said matter-of-factly, no emotion in his voice.

"There is hope, there will be retrieval, you must believe."

There was another moment that Dillon allowed himself to slip into hopelessness, and then a strange warm glow began to emanate from the spot where the voice had seemed come. The glow began to pulsate and Dillon moved slowly closer. As he approached the glow, he could feel warmth that seemed to penetrate his skin and ultimately warm his very soul. He moved even closer trying to breathe in the warmth and engulfs the implied salvation. In the back of his head, there were the fears that at any time Chinkana could return and discover the glow that at this moment seemed like an angel come to rescue him. This dread suddenly became overwhelming and he began to back away and shun the light.

"Go away!" he began to scream. "You can't help me. I do not need your help."

Then as suddenly as the light had come, the room was once again cold, dark, and damp and Dillon was again alone.

Sarah felt slightly betrayed as Eric sat cooing Annabelle across a plate of roast beef and new potatoes. After several of Zoe's extremely bad jokes and a tremendously large portion of love and attention from her friends, Eric's lack of awareness to her existence again seemed to become less of a concern. Eating at the table in the Great Hall with all of her friends was like a gift from above. She found herself even looking forward to going to class in the morning. It seemed to her that all would have been right with the world had it not been for the chair that now sat conspicuously empty at the end of the table. Sarah found herself staring in its direction and as time went on it seemed that everyone else's eyes gravitated to the same spot.

Professor Killainka was busy forcing himself to eat and conversing with the all of the Professors, including Professor Ratcliff who made it through the first awkward moments of entering the Great Hall with very little pain. Everyone had been far too interested in talking to Eric and Sarah and learning what little they were aloud to tell, to make a huge deal out of her return, especially since rumors of her return had be circulating since Dillon's disappearance.

In between conversations and bites, Killainka had begun to notice that the students at the Bellarmine table were all starting to lose themselves in the empty chair. He decided that they had all had enough excitement for one night and stood to end it. It took only his feet hitting the floor to bring total silence to the room. "Good evening everyone. It is a joy to see you in good spirits. I do believe however, that due to the current circumstances it would be a good idea for all of us to retire for the evening. The head Professors and prefects of each dormitory will now guide you back to your Common Rooms. I suggest that you all turn in early this evening since you have a full day of classes tomorrow. I should not have to remind you that the entire school is under a seven o'clock curfew. Anyone caught violating this curfew will face detention and possible expulsion. There will be several random bed checks tonight to insure that these curfews are being observed." He paused for a breath as if to let this last remark set in, then continued. "On the positive side, Mrs. Hutton says that Professor Wetherspoon is doing well and should be able to recover fully. Once again, I wish to thank Professors Murphy and Quinton for filling in at our time of need. Now I think that it is time for us to all return to our quarters," he said and doing so, the tables emptied of food and drink and the dormitory Professors and prefects stood and began directing students through the doorways and down the halls.

There was very little conversation as they proceeded to the dormitories and what was spoken was whispered. Sarah felt like an animal on display at the Zoo, every time she turned around there was someone staring at her who would quickly turn the other way to hide the fact that they had been staring. Zoe noticed what was going on and put her hand on her shoulder. "Ignore them. They don't have very good manners. Maybe Professor Abydos will put a curse on them tomorrow. He hates children with bad manners," she joked.

Sarah smiled at Zoe but was sure that even if Professor Abydos did put a curse on them she wouldn't feel any better about it. All she could think of was getting to the dorm so that she could go to her room and be alone. Yet, the thought of being alone seemed equally less appealing. Then she looked again at Zoe who now put her arm around her and kicked her sideways as they walked down that hallway and felt that perhaps she would not be alone or bothered. "I can't believe that you've been alone with my egotistical brother for the past few days. Did he drive you crazy?" Zoe whispered as they paraded down the halls.

Sarah blushed a little. The last thing that she wanted her best friend to know was that she had developed a serious crush on her older brother. "Not so much as you think. Besides, they never left us alone, not even for a minute. Every time we turned around we were being interrogated by Mrs. Hutton or Professors Killainka or Chalipun." She paused and looked around to see if anyone was listening. "And Dillon's dad. When he was home he moped around and looked at Dillon's mother with a look that was half pathetic and half death wish."

Zoe's face went from curious to sad and she almost tripped over another Bellarmine girl, who gave her a dirty look before continuing down the corridor. "I'm sorry Sarah," Zoe started. "I've been feeling sorry for myself, wondering what's going on and you've been dealing with loads of crap I can't even begin to imagine," she whispered softly and almost lovingly.

Sarah felt a tear roll down her cheek and her stomach began to churn. She raised her head and looked up, the tears were blurring her vision but the room was also beginning to darken. She felt a terrible upheaval in her whole system, like at any minute she was going to black out. Zoe sensed something was wrong and began searching the crowd for Professor Quigley. "Professor," she started to call out.

Sarah grabbed her arm and shook her head. "No!" she said steadying herself on her shoulder. "I won't go back to being caged," she gasped trying to maintain her balance.

"Sarah you look like crap," Zoe whispered affectionately. Megan and William began to catch onto what was going on and held back a little.

"Zoe, what's up?" whispered Megan.

"She's freaking again," replied Zoe trying to cover up and looking around to make sure it was working.

"I'm not freaking," said Sarah, feeling irritated and nauseous at the same time." I just don't feel good." It wasn't long before a wave of whispering began to erupt, bringing the commotion to Eric's attention and turning Professor Quigley's head.

"What's going on Mr. Turner?" the Professor queried.

"They're just gossiping and being kids," Eric said covering up. "I'll drop back and check into it."

Professor Quigley gave him a look like she didn't quite believe him and then nodded. "Don't let them fall behind. We need to back to the dormitory."

"Yes ma'am," Eric said with a promising tone. Then after turning to Annabelle and explaining things he went to the back and confronted Zoe. "What's up back here? Professor Quigley was about to come down here, but I stopped her."

"I don't know," Zoe whispered. "Sarah started looking pale but she doesn't want any help."

Eric turned to Sarah. "Sarah is you all right?"

Well if she had been headed toward being all right, she definitely wasn't going to be now. "I'm fine, Eric. I don't know what your crazy sister is talking about." Despite her continual denial, that anything was wrong though Eric wasn't buying it.

"I know that you don't want to say if anything is wrong but you also can't deny it if you need help," Eric whispered knowingly.

Sarah took a deep breath and looked directly into Eric's eyes. "It's not him, I just feel overwhelmed" she mouthed barely speaking.

Eric nodded. "I think she's just had a long day, Zoe let's help her get back to the dorm without letting on." Zoe nodded in agreement and they both took one of Sarah's hands and pretended to just be messing around as they made their way down the hallway. Sarah whispered that she was feeling better, when they had finally made it to the Common Room. This was a good thing since Professor Quigley was waiting there when they arrived.

Eric let go of Sarah's hand as soon as she saw them and Zoe led Sarah over to the couch to sit down. Professor Quigley gave them an odd and inquiring look but then turned to address the entire group. "I suggest that you finish any homework that you may have and retire to your rooms as soon as you're finished." There was a chorus of disgruntled voices that quickly died down when the Professor turned in their direction. As the room grew quiet again, she turned her attention once again to Eric and Sarah. "Miss Nettleton and Mr. Turner I will need to see you in my quarters at this time. The rest of you need to be on with your business."

Zoe looked at Sarah to ask her whether she would be all right for this, and Sarah nodded, so after patting her on the back she left the couch and went to her room to get homework. Sarah turned to see if Eric was following Professor Quigley and saw him talking in the corner with Annabelle. After a slight twinge of jealousy, Sarah rose slowly from the couch testing her legs to see if she was truly stable now, and found the ground solid. Eric, now turning from Annabelle, caught her eye and motioned her to follow him down the hallway after the Professor.

Eric and Sarah continued to make their way up the winding staircase that led to Professor Quigley's room. It was a short journey that seemed to take forever, yet took mere moments. Eric and Sarah didn't talk or even look at each other, both wondering what lie ahead and both trying to guess each other's thoughts. When they reached the doorway, they found her waiting for them.

"Come on in," she beckoned, smiling.

Sarah looked at Eric and then followed the Professor in. She had never been to Professor Quigley's quarters, she wasn't sure that any student had. They entered what seemed to be a sitting room with a large fireplace at one end surrounded by two overstuffed chairs and an old wooden rocker, and at the other end by a large oak desk and several tall bookshelves filled with rather old looking books. Everything in the room was immaculately clean and well in place, exactly as Sarah would have expected. There were two doors at the right of the door they had entered, Sarah suspected that one of those doors led to her bedroom and found herself now curious to see what that looked like.

They watched as she sat in the large wooden rocker and made herself comfortable. As she did this, she gestured for them to fill the two empty overstuffed chairs, which they now did. When they were as comfortable as they could manage, Professor Quigley spoke. " I just wanted you to know how much having you in my dormitory has meant to me." She paused and tried to gauge their reactions. Eric and Sarah were so stunned by her candor that neither spoke or moved. "I know that as teachers we don't often express to our students how we feel about them. Eric, despite a bumpy first year and what has happened so far this year, I expect you to go on and be a Grand Wizard in your own right."

Eric felt his face turning red and the hair rise on the back of his neck. "Thank you Professor."

"It won't be long until you will be taking your first OWLS and I have no doubt that you will prove me right." She now turned to Sarah. "And as for you Miss Nettleton, though I have only known you a short time, I am sure that you will do the same wonderful things."

Sarah and Eric looked at each other confused. "Thank you Professor," said Sarah after a moment. "Professor," asked Sarah, "Are we dying?"

Professor Quigley looked at them both for a second and then burst into laughter. "No Sarah, you're not dying. I just thought, actually Professor Killainka and I thought that you two should hear a few good things about yourselves. You've had a trying time of it lately and I guess we thought you just needed to hear that beneath all of the craziness that you are two great kids. And when all of this is over with you will go back to being great kids with a promising future and we would like you not to lose sight of that."

Sarah relaxed a little but still was not quite sure of what to make of all this. Eric smiled, he had known the Professor for five years and knew her to be a kind-hearted person, but even he had not seen this side of her. "Well, just so you know, Professor, that when it's all said and done and everything gets back to normal, I still intend to give you a hard time as much as possible."

Sarah turned to look at Eric eyes wide open. "Eric," she said not believing what he had said to the Professor.

Professor Quigley however chuckled and said, "Fair enough." Then after rising to her feet and giving them both a pat on the back, she told them that it was time for bed.

As they walked out her front door and began to go down the hallway toward the Common Room Sarah asked, "Is Mrs. Hutton waiting on us?"

Professor Quigley stopped and looked at them both squarely in the face. "It will be over soon, I promise."

Sarah and Eric nodded and after a few more words of wisdom made it back to the Common Room and eventually to their rooms were they said good night to each other, their friends, took their potion and went to bed. "Tomorrow will be a good day," Sarah promised herself as she drifted off to sleep. " Tomorrow we will find Dillon."