Where Your Dreams End

Chapter Fourteen Rescue

After a day or two of her normal existence, Sarah had begun to be disturbed by the fact that everyone else in the school seemed to be moving along like nothing was wrong. Sure Annabelle, Zoe and their other close friends still checked on her and Eric on a regular basis and still worried and queried about Dillon's recovery as often as they did, but the rest of the school seemed to move on. Even the two substitute Professors were fitting right in and seemed to be unconcerned about why they were here in the first place. Then every time Sarah started to think that all this was a bad dream, she'd glance at Dillon's empty chair in the Great Hall, then look into Professor Killainka's drained eyes, and know that it was not.

On the third day, Sarah could no longer suppress how she felt and pulled Eric and Zoe into a huddle when they were close to being finished with their breakfast. "I can't believe that nothing has been said to us about Dillon," she said, exasperated.

Eric had himself been growing anxious and nodded in agreement. "I know I'm just so surprised that Professor Killainka hasn't said anything to us. It just seems that they are waiting."

"Waiting for what?" Sarah asked.

"Waiting for one of you to get taken," suggested Zoe.

"I really don't think that Killainka, or for that matter, any of the teachers would let that happen. Besides, why would they continue to give us our nightly potion if they wanted something like that to happen," expressed Eric.

The trio then sat quietly for a short time. "You don't suppose that something has happened and they just won't tell us," Zoe asked.

"Like what?" Eric asked.

"Maybe they found him dead and they don't want to tell us yet," she said squinting her face up.

"That's not even funny," said Sarah giving her a dirty look.

"I didn't mean it as a joke," retorted Zoe.

Eric put his arm around the two of them and pulled them in close. "He's not dead and he's not going to die."

"He's right," agreed Sarah after a moment. "I know he's not dead, I feel it in my heart."

"Sarah can you really do those things that you all talked about," Zoe asked.

"I guess so," said Sarah reluctantly.

"Then why can't we just go find him and bring him back?" she now asked.

"In the first place Zoe, that would be way too dangerous. And in the second place we wouldn't know where to begin," explained Eric. "But I understand your frustration."

They sat quietly again until Professor Robinson came to the table to walk them to class. As they walked, Sarah grew more depressed and began to feel that things would never be right again. She now thought she knew why Professor Quigley had been so kind to them that evening not so long ago. She knew that they were eventually going to feel this way and would need that memory to fall back on. In addition, for a short time it seemed to work.

Sitting alone on the cold wet ground, Dillon was searching for similar pleasant memories. As the days drug on, he had resigned himself to his situation. Having done so, he had drifted between thoughts of rebellion and compliance to the Masters wishes. Chinkana seemed to be regaining his strength with leaps and bounds and Dillon assumed that it was only a matter of time before they would leave this place and start their reign of terror. He had lost all track of time and hadn't a clue how long he had been in this place. Every time he went to sleep, Chinkana would leave him and return shortly after he awoke the next morning. After feeding him something and warming him with fire, they would take off on foot for as long as Dillon could stand to walk. After their journey, he would again be fed and once he was asleep, the cycle would begin again.

Dillon figured they were wandering around in these tunnels to keep anyone from finding them until he had totally regained his strength. Or perhaps it was to keep Dillon from figuring out where he was. He had taken a short trip down one of the tunnels one morning as soon as he had awoke, but had gotten scared and frustrated very quickly and turned back and had almost not been able to retrace his steps completely.

It had been days since he had last seen Sarah, and he was beginning to believe that the visions had just been dreams and that everyone had long since given up on him. Perhaps that was for the best, there was no sense in anyone risking life for him. He had made his bed and he would now lie in it, and apparently with the Devil himself. He was cold and wished for his wand. He knew that he didn't have the power even if he knew the right spell to do any harm to Chinkana, but he could produce light and fire and maybe even something to drink.

He was about to curl back up and go back to sleep again, when he heard someone behind him. He turned to find Professor Periwinkle standing there. Over time Dillon had began to make out what he now believed to be Chinkana's face in Periwinkle's. Each day as his father grew stronger he looked more sinister and less like the Professor. Dillon feared the day he could no longer distinguish between them. "I'm sorry I took so long today. It will not be long before we can leave this place and I need to know what we will be up against." He said bending down to hand Dillon his breakfast, which Dillon took eagerly. He stood back for a moment or two and watched him eat. Then he began to pace the cramped space again. "You're looking extremely pale, you will need to be in the sunlight soon. In your weak human body you still have need for such things." Dillon hated it when he made these kinds of remarks. Not only did they make him feel inferior but he also wondered what he had in store for his weak human body.

"Then we'll be outside soon?" Dillon asked in between bites.

"When I am strong enough to protect us both, yes," he replied. "Soon I will be able to leave this body and not have to possess another until it is necessary for our mission. When that time comes we will be able to move about without worry of capture, and before you know it we will be strong enough to regain our power." These were the words that Dillon had long feared he would say. It was now time to resign him self to the fact that he was in fact now a Dark Wizard and there was apparently nothing he could do about it. The good news was that he would again be able to see daylight and enjoy the fresh air and for now that was motivating enough to forget about the appalling part that went along with it. "It's time for us to make one last move. Are you ready?" he asked after Dillon was finished with his food.

"Yes sir," Dillon said rising to his feet. After brushing his robes off, they proceeded on their way.

Sarah was having a hard time getting her broomstick off the ground in Flying Class. All she could think of was how hard Dillon worked at flying, because he wanted so badly to play Quidditch next year. Her mind was so focused on him that she couldn't focus on anything else. Sir Roger kept reminding her to concentrate, but it was useless. After the second time that she fell off, both Sir Roger and she agreed that she should not continue. It had been one of the longest hours of her life and since she had fallen off the second time; something had been welling up inside of her that she could deny no longer. As they walked back to the dormitory Sarah decided that she couldn't just hang around any more waiting for a report. About halfway back, she stopped suddenly and confronted Professor Quigley. "Professor," she started. "I don't understand why no one has come and told us anything about Dillon." The rest of her group stopped also and awaited her answer.

Professor Quigley had obviously not expected to be confronted this way, but seemed to recover easily. "Sarah I'm sure that if there was anything to report, Killainka would have let you know."

This was not going to appease Sarah and she let that be known. "But Professor Quigley, it just seems that no one is doing anything but sitting around."

Zoe was afraid that Sarah was talking her self into detention and grabbed her arm. "Sarah I'm sure that everyone is doing all that they can."

However, Professor Quigley wasn't angry, she was nearly moved to tears. "It's alright Miss Turner," she said to Zoe patting her on the shoulder. She then put her arm around Sarah and pulled her closer. "Perhaps we should go and talk to Professor Killainka. I'm sure that he would be delighted to see you." Sarah now had tears streaming down her cheeks, but she managed to pull herself together long enough to walk with the other students back to the dorm. When they had reached the dormitory corridor, Eric and Zoe hesitated before going down. Professor Quigley sensed their anxiety. "She'll be fine. I'll make sure of that," she assured them and only after a smile from Sarah, did they finally go down and soon after disappear.

As they headed toward the faculty corridor, Sarah apologized twice for her rudeness. The Professor shook her head and told Sarah that she completely understood her feelings and she was sure that Killainka would also.

They had not even made it completely to his door before Professor Killainka was asking them to enter. After thanking Professor Quigley for bringing her and saying good-bye to her, he offered Sarah a chair and some hot chocolate. "I've been expecting you, Miss Nettleton," he said after sitting down across from her. "I'm surprised it took you this long."

Sarah was still sniffling as she began to talk. "I'm sorry sir, I know that I shouldn't have caused all this commotion."

"Nonsense, you are following your heart and I'm proud of you for it," he insisted.

Sarah took a drink of her hot chocolate and began to calm down. "I just feel so sad and helpless. I want so badly to help Dillon and I don't know how."

Killainka smiled and leaned forward. "I know it's hard for you to believe but I have been working on our problem. Most of the Professors and I have been searching by as many means possible. But I won't lie to you Sarah, I can't say for certain that we've come any further than last you knew, but we are trying."

Sarah sat and thought for a while. "Would it help if I just let myself go and then maybe I could find him? I did manage to find him and Eric before," she offered.

"Yes and it could have ended in your capture also. We were lucky that you weren't all taken then, or even worse yet, killed," he reminded her. "I could not even consider allowing you to sacrifice yourself for Dillon. I would, however, like for you and Eric to join us tomorrow afternoon when we will make another attempt to find him."

Sarah nodded and wiped her eyes. "Do you think that it will do any good?"

"I suppose there is not a way of knowing that until tomorrow afternoon. Now let me walk you back to the dorm so that you can rest," he said rising to his feet. It didn't take long for them to get back to the dorm corridor. Killainka said very little and Sarah was finding it hard to express her self. When they arrived, Sarah stopped short of the entrance. "What's the matter?" Killainka asked turning to see her standing.

"I haven't wanted to say anything sir, because I still don't feel comfortable with all of these feelings," Sarah started.

"What is it Sarah?" he encouraged.

"Today when I was in Flying Class something happened."

"Go on."

"I was thinking about Dillon and I couldn't concentrate so Sir Roger grounded me about halfway through." She took a deep breath and continued. "I was trying to tune out my anxiety so I started to think about Dillon and how he looked and what he sounded like the last time we were together and were having fun. I began to feel cold and tired and my whole body began to ache. I was hungry and my eyes hurt when I looked up into the sun. And then the worst thing happened." Killainka was hanging on her every word. He took her hand and encouraged her to continue if she could handle it. Sarah nodded and went on. "It was this feeling that I haven't been able to shake since I got it. Professor he's given in, he's not fighting anymore, if we don't rescue him soon he's not coming back."

Killainka took a deep breath and put his hand on her shoulder. "That won't happen Sarah, I promise. Have faith, believe."

Killainka's words were encouraging, yet Sarah could not fight the feeling that all hope was lost. Something had to be done and it had to be done quickly. Killainka left her in the Common Room after saying good evening to Eric and the others there, before leaving though he asked Professor Quigley to talk to him outside for a moment. While she was gone, Sarah pulled Eric and Zoe over to the side. Then she thought about what Zoe had said, "Why couldn't they just go and get him?"

"He wants us to help him tomorrow," whispered Sarah to Eric after looking around to see if anyone was listening, "He says they're going to try to contact him again."

Eric looked down at the ground and then up at Sarah. "And how do you feel about that?"

"Honestly?" she asked. Eric and Zoe both nodded. "I think it will be too late. Ever since Flying Class I've had a really bad feeling that it's too late already."

No one spoke for a long time then Eric said, "I wish we knew more about the past. I wish I could remember more about what happened last time. I have been going over it and over it and I just can't find the answers."

Zoe put a hand on her brother's shoulder. "It's all right Eric."

Sarah repeated the sentiment and then they were all quiet again. Before they could strike up a conversation again, Professor Quigley returned to take them to the Great Hall for dinner. When she had turned to exit Sarah whispered to Eric, "We need to talk this out." Eric nodded in agreement.

"I'll think of something," he said as they headed out the door.

Sarah didn't feel like eating at all, despite the empty feeling that she still had in the pit of her stomach. Zoe, Megan, and William talked about classes and the Professors and anything else they could think of to try to distract Sarah and help her to cope. However, nothing worked, she could not shake the horrible feeling she had.

Eric, who also picked at his dinner, was taking care of some business. He had managed to get Jimmy off to one side and they were making plans to meet later, plans that he discussed with Sarah and Zoe on the way back to the dorm from dinner. "Sarah," Eric whispered. "When do you feel is the time that Dillon is the safest?"

Zoe looked at him like he was crazy. "What do you mean safest? How could he be safe with that thing?"

"Zoe hush," said Eric giving Zoe a stern look. "Sarah knows what I am talking about, don't you?"

Sarah nodded. "I'm not quite sure but when I first wake up he seems to be as contented as he can be and the few times that I have been awake at night he seemed all right. Perhaps he leaves him alone when he's asleep, it makes the most sense."

Eric agreed. "We'll have to figure out how to ditch the sleeping potion without letting Mrs. Hutton know." Sarah nodded.

"I can take care of that," said Zoe looking slightly uncomfortably, at what they were proposing. "William's been teaching me a little sleight of hand."

Everyone looked at Zoe and then William who turned quite red. "One of the older boys has been teaching me, he says it can come in handy." He looked at everyone again and then added, "Well it did." Everyone laughed and slapped William on the back.

"All right then. We'll meet in the Common Room after the second bed check, that's just before dawn," Eric plotted, turning to make sure no one was listening.

"Great, but where are we going?" Zoe asked.

"The Quidditch Field," answered Sarah. Everyone turned to stare at her. "It's the common factor. Eric you said some of your dreams were there and several of mine have been. He took us there remember? Then there was something that he said to Killainka that I remembered last night before we left the Potions Classroom, he said, "We need to return to where we were before"."

"That's right," Eric said as though he had just had a revelation. "All right then it's all set." Eric looked around again and noticed now that they were closer to the dormitory Professor Quigley was searching the crowd for them so they quickly spread themselves out and Eric took Annabelle's side.

Zoe took Sarah's hand and squeezed. "You and my brother better be all right or I'll kill you."

Sarah stopped and looked into Zoe's face, "Zoe if we don't succeed I'm afraid you won't have to." Zoe hadn't wanted to hear this but knew it to be true. She squeezed Sarah's hand again but said nothing as they entered the Common Room.

Eric spent his remaining time sitting with Annabelle and talking to his Quidditch team. He decided that it was best not to tell anyone else their plan. He wasn't sure that Annabelle would be able to keep the secret since she would be so concerned about him and he didn't want any one else worrying.

Sarah and her group of friends attempted to do homework and spoke only pleasant thoughts of the impending spring and the return of Quidditch. It didn't take long to have enough cheer for one evening, so they had already retired to their rooms and had changed into their pajamas before Mrs. Hutton arrived. Everyone kept their fingers crossed, as Zoe got ready to switch the potions. Megan managed to knock over an entire stack of books at just the right time, distracting everyone in the room's attention and allowing their plan to succeed.

It hadn't been as easy for Eric to ditch his but with some help from his owl, he had managed to distract her long enough to pour his out. Zoe pulled Sarah to the side before the lights went out with concern. "Sarah, since you haven't actually taken the potion what will prevent him from coming to get you tonight?"

"I had thought about that, and I have a feeling that he's not coming up here at night to see me or even Eric. I think he's here for other reasons. Besides, if it happens it happens, and at least I will be with Dillon." Sarah noted the concern in Zoe's eyes. "Don't worry Zoe it will be all right. If you wake and I am gone, go as quickly as you can to Professor Quigley and let her know."

Zoe nodded. When she had finally settled into bed she gave Sarah one, last look. "Goodnight girlfriend." Then she added, "pleasant dreams."

Sarah smiled and said, "Back at you."

Zoe was extremely relieved that Sarah was sleeping peacefully in her bed when she woke a few hours later. She did get a little concerned when she had trouble waking her but discovered that it was simply because of Sarah's exhaustion and not unwanted forces. After waking Megan, they grabbed their robes and made their way to the Common Room to meet Eric and William. Zoe was again relieved to see that Eric had also made it through the night unscathed.

"I sent a message to Jimmy and he will meet us at the Quidditch Field in about fifteen minutes," whispered Eric.

"Eric," asked Sarah. "Why is Jimmy meeting us anyway?"

"He knows more about this school than anyone I know. If there's a secret place that I haven't heard about, he'll know it. You'll just have to give him the clues."

Sarah nodded and they began to make their way to the Quidditch Field as fast and as quietly as they could. There were a couple of times when they were sure that they heard or saw Cedric coming around a corner, but fortunately they were false alarms. Considering that they were all terrified, they made it to one of the rear exits of the school and began their journey across the grounds and to the Quidditch Field in record time.

It was still very cold outside and the last snow that had fallen had not completely melted away. The few patches that had melted would have been muddy if they had not frozen over night. It was still a good half-hour before dawn and fairly dark, so as they exited the building everyone had pulled their wand from their cloaks.

"Lumos," they had all uttered in unison. Checking to make sure no one was around they preceded, Eric leading the way.

"So what are we doing when we get there?" asked Megan as quietly as she could.

"Find Dillon," answered Sarah with great determination. Megan didn't dare ask how, so the conversation again dwindled off. No one said anything again until they came over the hill and saw their first glimpse of the stadium.

The full moon was beginning to set but there was still enough of a glow to illuminate the bleachers that rose high into the sky and circled the field. Eric grew sad thinking about how he had been grounded by Killainka the lasts few weeks and how much he wished to get back out there. Zoe moved up next to him now and took his hand. "You'll be there again soon, bro, I just know it," she said trying to comfort him. Eric squeezed her hand and thanked her. As they got closer to the stadium, everyone's pace quickened, everyone that is but Sarah.

Zoe was the first one to notice that Sarah had stopped and she alerted everyone else. Eric looked at her strangely and moved back to meet up with her. "Sarah, what's wrong?"

"Someone's there." She stood still for a moment and listened. Everyone else did too. Suddenly her eyes grew very wide and she darted for the stadium. After looking at each other in shock, the others took off after her.

They were having trouble keeping up with her. It was still quite dark and no one else seemed to have the cat like vision that Sarah was exhibiting. When they caught up with her, she was at the entrance to the stadium and she was kneeling next to someone on the ground. "Dillon," gasped Megan as they all ran closer.

"No," said Sarah as they approached. "It's not Dillon."

Zoe knelt down next to Sarah and almost screamed when she saw who it was. "Professor Periwinkle!" Eric grabbed his arm and began searching for a pulse. Sarah was pushing his robes back from his face.

"Is he alive?" asked Megan, standing behind the others afraid to look.

"Yes," said Eric. "But only just." He turned and looked at William. "Go now, get Mrs. Hutton, and let her know what we've found. Have you got your watch?" William nodded, too stunned to speak. "Give us twenty minutes. Don't tell her until it's been at least twenty minutes." William nodded that he understood and took off running across the grounds.

Eric took off his cloak and wrapped Professor Periwinkle as tight as he could in it; he then began to bark out additional instructions. "Zoe, you and Megan stay with him and try to keep him as warm as possible." He now stood and took Sarah's hand. "We need to do it now, Sarah, we can't wait for Jimmy."

"And why not?" Eric nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Jimmy, sorry it's just--" started Eric.

"I saw William running. I wonder how long the old goat's been out here," Jimmy blurted out and then immediately felt bad about it. "Sorry guys. Is he all right?"

"Right now he is, but we sent for help and when have only a short amount of time before they'll be here. Sarah tell Jimmy where you heard they were," Eric commanded.

"They told me that I said the catacombs," Sarah revealed.

"Catacombs, eh? You must be talking about the old bootleg tunnels. There are hundreds of miles of them deep under the school. They used to go as far as Chi town but those all collapsed years ago. There used to be an entrance 'round here somewhere but they sunk it."

"Thanks man. Sarah that's it, somehow he's Apparating in and out of the tunnels somehow. Although, since Periwinkle is here he must be out there on his own right now and that can't possibly be a good sign," Eric hypothesized.

"Eric, give me your hands," Sarah demanded. Eric complied quickly. "We have to relax, concentrate and focus on Dillon. Think about what he looks like and remember his laugh." Sarah's voice was getting softer and slower.

Zoe looked at Megan. "They are going to disappear again," she whispered. "I won't lose them again." Zoe sprang to her feet and looked down at Megan. "Tell Professor Killainka where we've gone." Megan watched as Sarah and Eric began to fade away, and then again as Zoe grabbed onto to each of their arms and disappeared with them.

"Who's there?" Dillon asked rising to his feet. "Father?"

"Dillon," screamed Zoe, as the three of them came out of the darkness and ran to meet him.

Dillon backed himself into the corner and pushed them away. "Who are you?" he asked frightened.

Eric pulled Zoe back and held his hand out toward Dillon. "Dillon, it's me Eric, we've come to help you come home."

Dillon stood back and looked at them, he squinted his eyes and tried to make out who they were. Sarah pulled out her wand and called out "Lumos." Dillon shielded his eyes from the light.

"He can't see," whispered Zoe.

Sarah moved forward slowly and held out her hand. "Dillon, search your heart. You know that we are here to help you. Eric has been like your brother, and we are your friends."

Dillon put his hands down and looked again. "Eric?" he said slowly. Then suddenly he said again "Eric!" This time with more feeling and energy, and then he held out his hands and took theirs. "Sarah, Zoe, oh my god, you're really here. Tell me it's not a dream, please tell me it's not a dream," he repeated.

"I don't know what the hell is going on," started Zoe "But somehow we're here and we're not leaving without you."

Eric and Sarah smiled and laughed at Zoe's remark. "We'll explain it to both of you later, now let's find a way out of here," Eric proposed.

Dillon suddenly stopped and let go of their hands. "But he'll be back soon. How are we going to fight him?"

Sarah grabbed his hand again and held on tight. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Eric looked around. He had half hoped that Jimmy would follow them in. His original idea was that he would know how to get out. "Sarah, what if we concentrated on Megan, could we pull ourselves out?"

"I don't know, I don't even know how I did this. I've never been drawn to anyone other than Dillon. And I sure as hell don't know how I brought Zoe here." Sarah paused and took a deep breath. "I have no idea whether or not I can possibly pull all of us out of here, especially since Dillon is so weak."

Eric and Sarah thought for a moment. Zoe hung her head. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have come, maybe you could take have taken Dillon out without me."

"There's no time for that now Zoe, we'll punish you later," Eric said trying to muster a smile for her. Then he turned back to Dillon. "We'll figure this out some how. No matter what happens though, Dillon, you are not alone."

"I suppose that means that none of you will die alone tonight." Eric turned around to confront the tall dark shadow that was Chinkana.

Megan was in full-blown panic by the time that she recognized William coming up the hill and across the grounds followed closely but several of the faculty. The sun was beginning to peek over the top of the stadium and Megan could see that in addition to Mrs. Hutton, Professors Killainka, Chalipun, Abydos and Murphy were close behind.

"Miss Adams," yelled out Professor Killainka as they approached. "Where are the other students?" Megan didn't know what to say. She couldn't speak at all even though they were right upon her and Mrs. Hutton and Professor Chalipun were crouched down next to Periwinkle, lying on the ground. It took her only seconds to summon a blanket and have him levitated. "Miss Adams," repeated Killainka. "Snap out of it. I need to know, where the others are."

Megan began to talk, stuttering the whole time. "I-I don't know sir. T-they were talking to Jimmy and then they joined h-hands and started to concentrate on Dillon. The next thing I knew they were fading away, Zoe was g-grabbing onto them, and then they were all gone."

Professor's Murphy and Chalipun joined Killainka's side. "Javier, they've gone after him," said Chalipun.

"Jimmy!" Killainka called into the air. "I know you can hear me, I don't blame you for this."

Jimmy materialized in front of Killainka. "I'm sorry sir, I didn't know that they meant to do anything so stupid."

"You told them about the tunnels, didn't you?"

He nodded. "If only I had known why they asked," he said sadly.

"We've not been successful with our ventures down there, can you do any better?" he now asked.

"Perhaps, with a little help from some friends," he said smiling.

"Thank you," said Killainka, as Jimmy turned to disappear he added, "If you find them, find me, you know how."

"Yes sir." Jimmy now disappeared.

Killainka now turned to Abydos, "Romulus goes with Melissa and the children. Wake the rest of the staff that haven't already been, take a head count of all of the students and tell Cedric to secure the school. No one out and no one in!!"

Abydos nodded and proceeded to round up Megan and William. Megan however stopped to face Killainka again. "Sir, they just wanted to save Dillon," she pleaded.

"I know Miss Adams, I just hope we haven't lost them all."

Zoe stepped backwards until she was pressing against the wall next to Dillon. Eric and Sarah however stood their ground and faced the attacker. "You may have scared me in the past Chinkana, and you may have even have defeated me before, but I am not afraid of you now." Eric braced himself, wand in his hand and waited for a reply.

"If it is your intention to destroy us, Chinkana, then you will have to face us all," added Sarah. Zoe could find no words, but she reached out to grab Dillon's hand and pushed them both up next to Eric and Sarah. Eric smiled at Zoe and took her hand. He had never been so proud of his sister in his whole life and as they stood there next to each other hand in hand, something happened.

Zoe looked down at her hands, for a moment, she thought about pulling away, but somehow she knew that she should not let go or be afraid. There was a warm glow emitting from her hands. She could tell by the look on Dillon's face that he felt it too and he looked stronger for it. Sarah and Eric took a deep breath, held on tighter, and as they did, the warm glow strengthened. The Shadow stood silently, it was as though he was thrown by their courage, or perhaps he was just deciding whom to kill first.

Killainka didn't wait for the others to get even ten feet away before he had called the remaining Professors into a circle. "Javier, we obviously do not have the bond that these children do. We've not been successful in the past. What makes you think that we can now?" asked Chalipun.

"Because before we were searching for Dillon. Now we will be searching for Eric and that is a bond I have."

"Now this is what I came for," started Professor Murphy. "Let's go kick some ass."

"I suppose that I should be delighted that you have such a loyal following my son. However at this moment it's just annoying."

Sarah stared at the Menace. This was the first time she had faced him in his true state when she was not dreaming. She felt herself growing stronger and angrier. "I tell you what's annoying," began Sarah. "It has been thoroughly annoying to me and my friends that you have chosen to ruin our first year at school." She paused and moved two steps toward the Shadow pulling her friends with her. "And it's been thoroughly annoying that the people that would choose to follow you would refer to me as Mudblood, when the last time that we met, you expressed your desire to have me by your side." Eric began to swell with pride and fear. Memories of his past encounters with Chinkana came rushing back. Eric raised his wand higher causing Sarah to do the same.

Chinkana on the other hand, had only to raise his hand sending Zoe and Dillon immediately to the floor. Sarah however only faltered slightly and Eric managed to remain standing. This seemed to impress Chinkana, but only long enough to lift his hand again. This time however, he was the one who faltered. Eric and Sarah looked at each and then their wands. Neither had had time to cast a spell yet somehow they had managed to defeat his attack. Zoe and Dillon had enough time to return to their feet and were just as confused. That is until they turned to see who was standing behind them. "So, you have come to save the children," the shadow said, regaining his stance.

"It looks as though they may have not needed my help," replied Killainka. "Perhaps I should just let them defeat and embarrass you on their own."

"What's the matter Chinkana, sixth grader got your tongue?" added Professor Murphy smiling widely. Professor Chalipun didn't speak but smiled slightly and moved forward to join the others.

As much trouble as Zoe now thought she could be in, she had never been so happy to see anyone in her life. Holding on even tighter to Dillon's hand she once again stood strong by her friends and this time managed to find her wand. "Cool," whispered Zoe to Dillon. Eric and Sarah barely glanced at Killainka and the others before turning again to stare at the attacker. The Shadow hissed, and began to glow from under his hood. He was angry and the anger was increasing his focus and power.

Killainka turned to face the children "I believe that is it time that we took this up top, but this time on my terms."

Zoe shook her head to try and make her dizziness subside and as her surroundings came into focus, she searched for Dillon. She found him lying next to her, eyes closed and apparently out cold. After checking to see if he was breathing, she turned to look for everyone else. What she saw was not what she expected at all.

Sarah held tight to Eric's hand with her right hand and tight to her wand with her left as they steadied themselves on the cold and snowy ground. Once steadied, she turned to investigate her surroundings. Zoe and Dillon were nowhere to be seen, but she could make out the image of Professor's Killainka, Chalipun, and Murphy at the other end of the stadium. However, the worst image she now beheld was Chinkana standing only feet away. There was full-blown sunlight now and the sun shining in her eyes as she tried to focus. Eric held her hand tighter. "Sarah, where are Dillon and Zoe?" asked Eric trying to stay focused forward.

Sarah shook her head. "I don't know." She strained now to see if perhaps they were with the Professors at the other end of the stadium. Sarah could see that Killainka, Chalipun and Murphy were trying to make their way across the field as fast as they could but it seemed that every attempt was being made to prevent them from doing so. Every five steps or so a strong gust of wind would whip snow up around their heads blinding them for a moment, and then they would continue on until the next gust. Eric knew that they could not wait for them for Chinkana was even now lifting his hand again.

"Sarah, concentrate we may only have one shot at this," Eric said holding on to her tightly and lifting his wand. "Do you know the Unforgivable Curses?" he now whispered.

Sarah nodded. "I know the words, but I doubt that I can make any of them work."

"Just concentrate on the most deadly and say the words as loud as you can when I say three." Sarah nodded but Eric never made it to three he didn't even make it to one before they found themselves lying in snow again. Sarah couldn't move this time, she was sure what he had done, but she would not be getting up again. A pain in her lower legs was taking her breath away. She turned to look at Eric, he was obviously in pain, but he was able to raise himself to a sitting position and to lean out toward Sarah. "Can you move?" he whispered. Sarah shook her head slightly. Eric could barely move or talk and it was apparent that Sarah was in worse shape than he was. He couldn't panic he had to keep his head, he had to--,

"Believe."

Sarah spun her head around and looked at Eric. "Did you hear that?" she gasped.

Eric nodded and turned to listen again. "Believe," came the voice again.

"Who is that?" Eric asked forgetting about Chinkana for a moment.

"Stand tall Eric, stand tall Sarah. Believe," came the voice again. Eric looked at Sarah and then at his legs, pushing himself up he rose to his feet. Looking astonished, he took Sarah's hand and pulled her to her feet. Sarah looked down in amazement, the pain had gone, and she was able to stand.

"Sarah," he said looking quickly at the advancing menace, "One, two, three!" he said loudly. And then as loudly as they could they shouted out together, "Avada Kedavra!" Sarah saw a blinding white light sweep past her head and shoot straight toward Chinkana, followed by an equally blinding green flash and then nothing. The last thing she remembered was being very warm and then very cold.

It took Mrs. Hutton only minutes to discover Zoe and Dillon on the floor of the infirmary waiting room and even less time to have them ushered inside and into beds. Zoe kept insisting that she didn't need to be in bed but gave up arguing with the nurse when she saw the blood at the bottom of her robes and nearly fainted. She did continue, however to ask for her brother and best friend, with no avail.

Mrs. Hutton honestly did not know where they were and stated so many times. She had explained that she had been thoroughly surprised when they had appeared, since last she knew they had all been together and that at this moment her thoughts were tending to the three patients that she had acquired in the last half-hour.

Professor Abydos had shown up with Professor Quigley about ten minutes after Zoe and Dillon had arrived and having briefly assessed the situation left Professor Quigley to help Mrs. Hutton and had headed back out to the Quidditch Stadium. He had arrived at the Quidditch Stadium just in time to witness the blinding flashes that sent Chinkana to his knees. "Romulus!" Killainka called as he and the other Professor got close enough to see the empty crimson robes lying on the ground. "What happened?"

Abydos shook his head. "I have no idea," he said explaining what little he had witnessed.

Killainka now turned his attention to what lie on the other side of the empty robes, Eric and Sarah both lying in melting snow. Professor Chalipun was the first to reach their side, after checking them and finding them alive, she herself took a deep breath and informed the others.

"Priscilla, let's get them inside," he said kneeling next to them. "Romulus, I trust Miss Turner and Mr. Ratcliff are safe inside." Abydos nodded. "Fine, then you and Shamus check the grounds. I don't know what has happened here, but I want to make sure that those empty robes don't just mean that he's roaming around." Abydos and Murphy nodded and after giving the robes a good once over, continued to investigate the rest of the school.

Killainka and Chalipun wasted no time getting Eric and Sarah to the infirmary. In spite of the fact that they were unconscious, Zoe was relieved and agreed to take the sleeping potion that Mrs. Hutton had been trying to get her to take for the last ten minutes. It was only ten o'clock in the morning and Professor Killainka felt as though he had had a very full day.

Chapter Fifteen Going Home

Sarah awoke to the sound of Zoe griping. "I can't believe that I have to wait until Professor Killainka comes back. I feel perfectly fine, all I want to do is get up and go down four beds to see Sarah." Mrs. Hutton spent the next few minutes explaining to her that she was asleep and shouldn't be disturbed. Sarah felt so sorry for the nurse that she just had to rescue her.

"Zoe, Mrs. Hutton is right. I really need my rest so shut up already." Sarah was only able to squeeze out a whisper, but it was music to Zoe's ears. She could no longer contain herself so she lunged out of bed and limped over to Sarah's side. Mrs. Hutton followed her over complaining the entire time.

"Miss Turner, you are yourself not that ready for this venture and I really need to see Miss Nettleton before you tire her out."

"What's the matter Melissa, are your patients rebelling?" came the familiar voice of Professor Killainka.

"I'm afraid so," said Mrs. Hutton smiling reluctantly through her frustration.

"I think that as long as she doesn't want Miss Nettleton to get up and dance with her she can come and say hello," he said winking at Zoe and Sarah. Sarah was now searching for Dillon and Eric. "Relax Miss Nettleton, Mr. Turner and Mr. Ratcliff are on the other side of that curtain also resting," he said waving toward the other end of the infirmary. "And they are doing just fine." Sarah was no longer surprised when Professor Killainka knew what she was thinking and was very pleased with the answer.

"I was so scared when I couldn't find you and Eric," said Zoe almost in tears. "What happened, no one will tell me?"

Sarah shook her head. "I'm not sure myself," whispered Sarah blankly.

"Miss Turner I think perhaps that Miss Nettleton and I should have a little conversation before we let you two have a true reunion."

Zoe nodded and leaned down to give Sarah a big hug. "I'll see you in awhile." Sarah smiled and nodded in agreement. Mrs. Hutton took Zoe into the next room to get her something to drink. When they were out of sight, Professor Killainka summoned a chair and sat down next to Sarah.

Sarah felt extremely week, she was sure that if Zoe had asked her to dance that she would have had to pass. She knew that her legs were there, she could see them with her eyes, but now she couldn't feel or move them. "Sir, what did happen?" she whispered to the Professor.

"Don't try to talk Sarah, Mrs. Hutton believes that you've been the victim of a very powerful paralyzing spell. It will be awhile, even with counter spells and potions before you will have full control over your muscles and unfortunately that includes your vocal cords."

Sarah nodded and then insisted on whispering one more thing. "Is he dead?"

Killainka furled his brow and rose to walk to the foot of her bed. After pausing and staring out a near-by window for a moment, he continued. "I wish that I could look you in the eyes and swear to you that he is, but I'm just not sure." He paused again and then continued. "Professor Abydos said that when he arrived he saw the three of you standing nearly toe to toe and then witnessed a series of blinding lights and then all three of you were on the ground. We arrived seconds later to find the same."

Sarah started to say something again but was unsuccessful this time. "There will be plenty of time to ask questions later. I really believe that we should let you rest awhile longer," he said lifting his hand.

It was dark outside the next time Sarah awoke. This time the smell of something wonderful brought her around. Sarah suddenly realized how hungry she was and opened her eyes to see what smelled so good. "Wow!" she said to herself as she glanced upon the tray of food that sat next to her on a table. It was a little easier to sit up this time and Sarah realized that she now had feeling in her legs. She realized this because of the pain she now felt in them. "Crap," she gasped out loud this time.

"Miss Nettleton, you still need to take it easy for awhile," came the soothing voice of Professor Killainka again.

Sarah raised her head and made eye contact with him. "What time is it?"

"Looks as though its dinner time," Killainka said smiling.

Sarah nodded and smiled back. "Would you like some?"

"Actually I've already been to the Great Hall for dinner, that is where this came from. Please don't let me keep you from eating." Killainka lifted the tray and handed it to Sarah, who gratefully began to eat. After a few bites and a drink of something pink and soothing, Sarah leaned back and took a deep breath.

"Professor," she now asked. "Is everyone all right?"

"If you mean your friends, I can assure you that they will all recover nicely. Miss Turner, who you saw earlier was only slightly injured and has been giving Mrs. Hutton a terrible time," he said smiling. "Eric was cursed with a similar spell as yourself and is in the other room recovering nicely. As for Dillon he is extremely dehydrated and is in need of a lot of rest and nurturing, however his mental state is improving quickly and he is indulging in a similar meal next door. I will arrange for you all to see each other later, including Miss Turner who was returned to the dormitory earlier this afternoon." Killainka leaned forward and looked at Sarah with great concern. "Sarah, I need to ask you some questions. Please tell me at anytime if you think that you can't go on."

Sarah nodded. "I will try."

"I'm sure you'll do your best," said Killainka sitting nearby. "I have been able to piece together everything that happened up until you and Eric faced Chinkana alone. Eric has only been awake once today and was unable to say anything at that time."

"Yes sir," said Sarah listening carefully.

"Can you tell me what happened when the three of you were alone?"

Sarah nodded and sat up straight. "I remember you saying something about going up top, and then suddenly Eric and I were lying in the snow on the Quidditch field. Eric grabbed my hand and pulled me up. We saw you and the other Professors trying to make your way to us, and we saw that he was advancing. Eric asked me if I knew the Unforgivable Curses."

"And you did?" he asked smiling.

"Well, I knew the words, I'd read them somewhere, but I doubted that I could be successful at using it." Killainka nodded and asked her to continue. "We were about to try when he attacked us. I remember that we were on the ground and I couldn't move or talk well. I knew that it was the end, he had us there was no way that we were going to live and then there was that voice again."

"What voice Sarah?" Killainka asked his curiosity peaked.

"A woman's voice, I had heard it before, in your office and once before. It was soft and warming and it told us to believe. She said rise up Sarah and Eric and believe." Sarah shook her head in disbelief. "The next thing I knew Eric was pulling me off the ground and to my feet even though a second before I couldn't move at all. Eric immediately counted one, two, three and we both called out the curse." Sarah furled her brow and made a funny face.

"What's the matter Sarah?"

"It was strange. If the spell was to work, it should have come from our wands and I suppose that it did. First there was this blinding white light that came from behind us. It shot passed our faces and hit Chinkana. Then there was the green light from our wands and then I suppose we both collapsed on the ground." She paused and cleared her throat. "That's all I remember."

Killainka stood and encouraged Sarah to continue to eat as he pondered what she had told him. Sarah was happy to return to her feast, she was still extremely hungry and relaying her story to Killainka had helped to ease her mind. After a few more bites, she stopped and looked at the still pacing Killainka, who now stopped and smiled widely at Sarah.

"What is it, Professor? Who was talking to Eric and I?" she asked placing her tray aside.

"Remember when I asked you to look into the fire?"

Sarah nodded. "Yes, that's when I heard the voice and saw Dillon."

"Sarah, there have been many great wizards and witches in our past. Some I have had the pleasure to know and some I have not. Some, although they have passed out of this life for one reason or another, have chosen not to leave us entirely. One of those was the original founder of Dragon's Wood Academy. Her name was Jessica Bellarmine and she was one of the greatest witches that we have known here in North America. She founded this school many years ago so that young wizards and witches could receive a safe and thorough education in the magical arts. She was greatly afraid at the time that if there were not such a school more of our kind would venture into the dark arts." Killainka had a look of contentment and disappointment as he continued. "It has been my pleasure to both teach and act as the Dean of her fine school. It has been my pleasure to have her continue to be by my side, if only in spirit. If she has chosen to befriend and help you and Eric you should feel both privileged and grateful." He looked at her and smiled again. "And seeing all of you alive and well has made me also grateful that she has chosen to help you."

Sarah looked at Killainka and smiled, she was grateful and very honored not only that she had been helped by such a wonderful person but that Killainka had felt comfortable enough the tell her all of this. She looked deeper into his face and realized that he had tears rolling down his cheeks. Sarah knew that she had never seen that before and drew concerned. "Sir, you said she passed out of this life. Did she die?"

Killainka turned and faced the window, hiding his face to Sarah. "I believe that is a story that is best left for another time, Miss Nettleton. Right now I think I will make the necessary arrangements for a happy reunion." He turned back to face Sarah his eyes a little dryer and his face a little more serious. "Finish your dinner. You'll need all the strength you can get to meet up with the Turners and Mr. Ratcliff again. Not to mention all your other classmates." Killainka's eyes became a little more deceptive. "I hear the Mr. Griffin is especially anxious to see you again." Sarah nearly choked on her last bite at Killainka's remark. "But that's just between you and I," he finished by winking and then taking his leave.

When Sarah had finished eating, Mrs. Hutton came to check on her and after doing so allowed her to take a shower and get dressed. Professor Killainka had convinced her that they could all be moved to the guest wing where members of their families were now waiting to give them their own once-overs.

It was wonderful to see not only her father again, but her mother had come too. Sarah cried almost as hard as her mother did as they talked about the events of the last days and months. She was also excited about seeing the Turners again, and it was a delightful sight to see Dillon with both his mother and father. Although they did not seem comfortable being together, they were both very happy to be with Dillon again.

Eric and Zoe both received a terrible scolding from Mrs. Turner right after their ten-minute hug. Sarah was glad to see that things were truly getting back to normal.

After their teary family reunions, Eric, Sarah, Dillon, and Zoe went off to one corner to discuss the last forty-eight hours. John and Bill found themselves cornering Professor Killainka for some additional answers. "So he's gone for good this time?" John asked after a moment.

"As far as we can tell. However we thought so last time also," admitted Killainka. "This time though I have a little more confidence in the person who it seems has done him in."

"So you really believe that's who helped the children," Bill asked

"I believe your children and they are the ones who seem to believe so. I can't imagine how they were able to even rise to their feet after being attacked by Chinkana unless there was some kind of benevolent spirit present and my money's on her," he explained.

John and Bill could tell the subject was becoming uncomfortable to Killainka so they decided to change the subject. "So I suppose that everything will be getting back to normal soon, Quidditch and all?" asked Bill.

Killainka smiled and chuckled a little. "Yes of course we wouldn't want his team to miss there shot at the Dorm Championship and of course the Gold Crest."

"Did I hear Quidditch?" said Eric hobbling slowly from the other side of the room. Everyone in the room broke into laughter. "What?" Eric asked sounding to Sarah an awful lot like his sister.

The rest of the evening was wonderful and when each family retired to their separate quarters Sarah felt the best, she had felt in months. That night she had a wonderful dream about Zoe and N' Sync riding broomsticks and chasing Megan across the school grounds. When she was wakened by Max sitting on her head the next morning, she knew that everything was right in the world.

After saying good-bye to their families, Eric, Sarah, Dillon and Zoe were returned to the dormitory to get ready for afternoon classes. Since everyone was in their morning classes, they had a short time to readjust to being back in the dorm without an audience. Dillon couldn't stop thanking them for saving him and continued to act thoroughly ashamed for what he had put them through. Eric had to threaten to put him in a full body bind to get him to stop.

"You know," started Sarah after awhile of listening to their craziness. "I wonder how much trouble we're in." Everyone nodded in agreement.

"I've been waiting for detention ever since I was released from the infirmary," commented Zoe. "I mean we violated curfew, wandered around the school grounds in the middle of the night, and god only knows how many other rules we broke."

"You'd think if they were going to expel us they would have sent us home with our parents," said Sarah thoughtfully.

"Well I guess we will find out soon enough," supposed Dillon. "Why don't we get changed into our robes and head down for lunch?"

Everyone nodded and took off to their rooms to get dressed. They were the first ones to arrive in the Great Hall for lunch, received numerous stares, and caused continuous whispering from the other students when they arrived. Annabelle gave Eric the biggest hug he had every received in his life and Dillon was beginning to think that he would never be able to finish his lunch from the numerous interruptions that he received from well-wishers. The Great Hall had never been this noisy and continued to be so until Professor Killainka arrived and stood to speak.

"Good afternoon students," he said smiling. "I see that you have sufficiently greeted your returning heroes." The entire group turned brilliantly red at this remark. "I suppose that I should be concerned that the events of the past few weeks that were supposed to have been confidential are now common knowledge," he said smiling, "But I guess it could have only been contained for so long." He now smiled wider and chuckled slightly. "Due to the aforementioned events I have a few announcements to make." He took a deep breath and continued. "Because of circumstances beyond their control Professor's Wetherspoon and Periwinkle will no be able to teach out the rest of the year."

This statement started a great commotion in the hall that took a minute or two of patience from Killainka to get under control. "I am happy to say that they are expected to make a full recovery it just will take a little longer than we can wait. Fortunately Professor Murphy has agreed to stay on for the remainder of the semester to help keep you under control."

Murphy stood and bowed to the student's applause and then to the Professor. "It will be my pleasure."

"I have also asked Professor Ratcliff to continue on in place of Professor Wetherspoons in Potions Class and she had graciously accepted my request." Dillon smiled from ear to ear and swelled with pride as students from all around him congratulated him and his mother, and cheered profusely. When the cheering died down, Killainka continued.

"As for the five students who deliberately broke school rules by breaking curfews and wandering around the school in the middle of the night and doing so at great risk to themselves and the other students of this school, I will speak to them now." Sarah glanced at the Parathion table to find Griffin smiling widely and glaring their way. She found herself sinking into her seat and noticed that the others were also, all that was but Eric who sat straighter and prouder.

"Miss Adams and Mr. Davies, for your part in this venture I give you both one days detention." This remark seemed to please Griffin and his cronies, however it greatly disturbed the Bellarmine students who began to express these grievances until Killainka raised his hand to quiet the room. "Please let me continue," he said quietly. "Now where was I, let's see yes one day's detention, suspended of course." There was a sigh of relief as he made his announcement. "And of course points should be removed from your dormitory for the indiscretions, ten points each. However," he began again silencing the moaning, "for their loyalty to their fellow students and the bravery that they displayed twenty points each will be awarded." This remark nearly brought down the house. Megan and William turned practically purple as they were slapped and congratulated until Killainka again called the room to order.

"Yes, yes I know you're excited but please let me continue." The room grew quiet again. "For Miss Turner, who not only broke school rules but also disobeyed her brother one weeks detention, also suspended," he added quickly, "And for the very same reasons I award Bellarmine thirty points of which I will only take ten." Zoe was so embarrassed that she hid her head until Eric tickled her into raising it. Again after a great deal of commotion Killainka started.

"And finally, to Mr. Turner and Miss Nettleton." Sarah was sure that she and Eric had to receive some actual punishment since they had put so many of their fellow students in danger. As she glanced at Eric's sober face and she too reasoned that, she could take whatever lie ahead. "They will receive two weeks detention, of which I will suspend all but one day." There was a great moan from the Bellarmine table silenced by one look from Professor Quigley. "I am also rewarding them fifty points each of which I will take none."

There was a short silence where everyone looked at each other as if to ask, "What did he say?" Then a great cheer came from the entire room before Killainka continued once more. "It was a brave thing you five students have done, I venture to say that you showed more courage than most adults would have been. And as for Mr. Ratcliff, who did not break any rules but only sacrificed his own safety for the release of not only his friends but myself I award sixty points and my eternal gratitude."

That was it; the straw that broke the camels back, Dillon found himself engulfed in a sea of backslapping and congratulations from almost every direction including some of the Parathion students. It took nearly fifteen minutes for the Professors to quiet the room down again so that Killainka could continue.

"Now that we have all of this unpleasantness out of the way I would like to remind you that there are almost two months of classes left and several more games of Quidditch to play. Therefore, I advise you to continue to do the best that you can. Thank you for allowing me to speak, I think that you should all run along to class now." With this, he turned and left the room.

Everyone had a hard time concentrating the rest of the day. The points that were awarded had put their dorm in the lead by only fifty points, which could easily be overtaken by a single Quidditch defeat, but for the moment, all seemed right in Sarah's world.

Even going to Professor Abydos' class was not unpleasant. Griffin had begun his usual taunting from the moment the four friends had entered the classroom. However, he had been very unpleasantly surprised when Abydos who had arrived in time to hear some of his remarks had given him two days detention and had taken ten points from his own dorm. Sarah swore that he winked at her after making the announcement but was too stunned to tell anyone about it.

But the amount of work that that had piled up during their absence, especially Dillon's was going to be a great undertaking, one that they were all very grateful to have been given.

The next four weeks were grueling and exhausting and Sarah, Eric, Dillon, and even Zoe enjoyed every minute of it. Eric was having a great time working his team overtime and all their hard work had paid off when they had beat Broughton in the first ten minutes of the match. This win however, did not cause him to lighten up on them since their final match with Parathion was coming up. Eric knew that beating Parathion wouldn't win them the Quidditch Cup, the disruption in his own life had cost them the Cup, but the win could help them get enough points to take the Crest.

As Dillon had once said to Sarah, it seemed as though spring would never come and then suddenly there it was. Dillon had taken to studying and doing most of his homework outside while Eric and the team practiced. Every now and then, one of the teammates would offer their broomstick to Dillon and he'd get a chance to play around the field for a while.

It was a wonderful time at Dragon's Wood and it was hard now for Sarah to even remember how horrible things had been just a short time ago. Although every now and then Sarah felt soreness in her bones that, she just couldn't shake. Mrs. Hutton told her that she should expect this for a while longer so though annoying as Sarah found the aches and pain she didn't let it worry her.

Megan was driving Zoe crazy insisting that they had to study every waking moment that they weren't in class or eating. Sometimes she even brought books to the Great Hall, which made Zoe roll her eyes and sigh.

Jimmy had spent a lot of time looking in on them. He felt extremely guilty about having been a part of their journey underneath and he was found helping with their studies as much as possible, which was or was not a good thing depending upon the subject.

As the days went on and final exams drew closer, Sarah found herself wondering when Professor Killainka would be having them serve their one-day detention. One afternoon when she had joined Dillon to watch Eric practice, she decided to talk to Eric on the way back to the dorm.

"Eric," she said trying to keep up with his swift pace. "What do you suppose Professor Killainka will have us do for our detention?"

Eric slowed down a little so she could hear. "It's funny but I've been thinking about the same thing lately. I had thought maybe he had just said that to make everyone happy and he wasn't really intending us to serve it. But he's always been a man of his word, I'm sure when it's time he'll let us know."

"That's what I'm afraid of," said Sarah looking a little concerned.

Eric put his arm around her and continued walking. "You know I kind of miss all the time we used to spend together," he said smiling.

Sarah felt her face go red and lowered it to prevent Eric from seeing it. "I don't miss why we spent so much time together," admitted Sarah.

"This is true." Eric stopped and waited until he and Sarah had fallen behind the rest of the team. "Why do you think she helped us?"

Sarah wasn't ready for this question. She had spent a lot of time thinking about all the things that had happened and didn't have an answer. "I don't know. Killainka said that we should feel privileged that she did, and believe me I do."

"That goes without saying, but I can't help but wonder why."

"Perhaps it is as simple as her protecting her students, or maybe just wanting to beat the bad guy," suggested Sarah.

"Perhaps, but if that was true why didn't she help me last time, after all if she had, maybe all of this wouldn't have happened," queried Eric.

"I'm not ready to second guess any of the blessings I've been handed this year," decided Sarah and Eric agreed. It would be until the night of the last finals before either would speak of what happened again.

"I can't believe they're over," said Zoe jumping over the back of the Common Room couch and landing practically on top of Sarah.

"I just hope we all passed," whined William.

"You stress too much," said Dillon slapping him on the back.

"That's easy for you to say, you had the highest grade point average coming into this semester you could have missed half your classes and still passed," supposed Megan.

Dillon looked down at the floor. "I did miss half the semester, Megan."

Zoe kicked Megan in the leg and said "stupid" under her breath. Megan grimaced, "Sorry Dillon."

"It's all right Megan," said Dillon trying to shake it off.

"Yeah but your mother being the Potions teacher had to help," offered William.

"I'm not sure that was an asset," complained Dillon, "I swear if she could have made a separate more difficult exam just for me I think she would have."

Sarah laughed. "How are your mom and dad getting along anyway Dillon?"

"I know that they're not staying together, mom's staying in the school with the other faculty and dad's still in the cabin. She told me they're talking but I just think too many things have happened."

"I know exactly how you feel," sympathized Sarah. "You love them both and you want them both to be right and happy but it's not up to you."

Zoe made an awful frowning face and punched them both on the arm. "You two quit being such a downer. The finals are over and we need to celebrate."

"Yeah," agreed everyone else.

"I heard there's a great feast tonight, even better than usual," said William.

"Then it's settled. Let's get out of these robes and go have some fun," said Zoe jumping back over the couch. It took only moments for the gang to change clothes and head out to the Great Hall for dinner. William was correct, there was a feast that came really close to topping the first nights feast and everyone was having a wonderful evening.

Sarah saw Dillon staring at the head table with a tear in his eye and turned to see what he was looking at. There at the head table sitting very close together and smiling at each other were his mom and dad. Dillon noticed Sarah's look and smiled. "Keep you fingers crossed," Sarah said putting her arm around him.

"I'll cross everything," answered Dillon.

Sarah glanced at Eric and Annabelle cooing and flinched, Zoe noticed. "Sarah, I've noticed this year that things have kind of changed between my brother and you."

Sarah was completely thrown for a loop, she turned as red as a stop sign. "I don't know what you mean," she whispered back.

"Sarah, I've known you my whole life and I can tell when you're lying."

"I don't know, he just seems different to me now. I mean at the beginning of the year I had to admit to myself that he was a lot cuter than he used to be, but now it's different. It's like there's a bond that I can't explain." Sarah looked Zoe straight in the eyes now. "If you tell anyone else this, I'll put you in a full body bind."

Zoe put her hands in front of her face. "Okay, okay. I get the point. Believe it or not I can occasionally keep a secret." They both laughed for a good long while and then Megan came over to ask what they were laughing about. Zoe spoke up quickly. "Nothing," she lied and then they both broke out in laughter again.

"You two are weird," said Megan walking away.

"You're not just finding this out, are you?" said Zoe as Megan walked away.

It was a wonderful meal and everyone was so relieved that finals were over that they couldn't even be angry when Griffin was overheard talking foully about the upcoming and last Quidditch game of the season. Eric assured everyone at the table that there was no way that the wimpy Parathion team could possibly beat his boys. Annabelle was quick to point out that "Bellarmine's Team" had two females on it, which raised a lot of chuckling from the dorm table.

"Sorry ladies," said Eric apologizing.

"It's all right Eric," said Marjorie Evens, one of the two beaters on the team, "I'll keep those Bludgers away from you anyway." Everyone laughed loudly and only stopped teasing Eric when Professor Killainka walked up to the table.

"Good evening Professor," said Eric as everyone stopped laughing and waited for him to respond.

"Good evening everyone," he said addressing all the students. "It looks as though your colleagues are having a little fun at your expense, Mr. Turner."

"I asked for it sir, I forget about the woman scorned theory." This remark brought the entire table into a hysterical frenzy.

"Perhaps you could use some rescuing," the Professor now proposed.

"Perhaps," said Eric smiling.

"I've come to tell you that I think that it's time that you and Miss Nettleton fulfill your one days detention," he said looking at the both of them.

Sarah's heart pounded as she realized what he had said. "Now sir?"

"No, not now Miss Nettleton. I'll meet you here after breakfast tomorrow, I'll show you what you will be doing then," Killainka explained. Eric and Sarah agreed and then Killainka returned to his place at the head table. Sarah and Eric spent the rest of the evening worrying about what they were going to have to do.

Dillon apologized twice. "You wouldn't have to do this if it hadn't been for me."

Eric, Sarah and Zoe had to once again convince Dillon that he hadn't done anything wrong, which took practically all night. They did get to play a few games and generally had a good time until Professor Quigley reminded them that even though they didn't have classes in the morning they did need to get some sleep. The next week would be very busy, after all, they'd be going home next Friday, and they still had one more Quidditch match and lots of packing to do.

Sarah had a hard time going to sleep that night, all she could think about was what was in store for tomorrow morning. It was well past midnight when she finally fell asleep. Sarah was the first one up and wasn't surprised at all to find Eric already downstairs and ready to go to breakfast. They didn't say much to each other. Sarah knew that Eric would not be as scared as she was but knew that he was probably at the least apprehensive. Breakfast was a little more quiet than usual and Sarah was sure that everyone at the table was relieved when Professor Killainka showed up to take Sarah and Eric away.

Zoe watched as Griffin and his friends at the Parathion table started snickering and whispering. She was about to get angry and get herself in trouble when she spotted Professor Abydos giving them an evil glance that quickly silenced them. Zoe grinned from ear to ear and then turned to Sarah and Eric she said, "Good luck, and see you two later."

Professor Killainka had taken them to the faculty corridor and passed his office door before anyone said anything. "Sir, where are we going?" Sarah asked.

Killainka stopped and looked at both Eric and Sarah. "I have a job for you and Eric. It's not very complicated. You see, Professor Ratcliff has decided to stay on next year as Potions teacher; it seems that Professor Wetherspoon has decided to retire. He had been thinking about it anyway but recent events helped him to make up his mind."

Eric smiled. "I'm sorry about Professor Wetherspoon sir, but I'm awfully glad that Professor Ratcliff has decided to stay."

"So am I," said Killainka also smiling. "Anyway, it seems that Professor Ratcliff could use an office of her own. She's not been very comfortable in Wetherspoons old office, and I do like all of my faculty to have their own offices so..." he now pointed to a door at the end of the corridor. "I've decided that we'll give her this one. Follow me."

Killainka approached the door now and opened it. It was obvious that no one had occupied the office for quite some time. Everything was extremely dusty and covered with cobwebs. "I would like for Professor Ratcliff to have this office, so all that is left to do is for you to clean it. I also need for you to pack up all of the things that are here so that I can store them away."

Sarah looked around. "This isn't so bad," she thought to herself.

"You'll find all of the cleaning supplies and boxes that you need in the closet. When we are finished, come to my office."

"Yes sir," said Eric, taking charge. "I promise we'll do a good job."

"I'm sure that you will," he said smiling at them. He hesitated for a moment and looked around the office. "I'm sure that you will," he repeated again and then he exited.

When he had left Sarah sighed a breath of relief. "I can't believe that all we have to do is clean up this old office." Sarah walked over to the closet and pulled out the cleaning supplies and empty boxes.

"It is rather odd. Professor Killainka doesn't usually have you do something without a reason," said Eric picking up a box and taking it over to one of the bookcases.

"Who do suppose this office used to belong to, it doesn't look like anyone has occupied it for years?" Sarah asked after she had been cleaning for a while.

"I don't know. I've been in this corridor hundreds of times and never even noticed this door before," Eric admitted.

Sarah was cleaning the desk while Eric was packing away the books that lined the shelves. There were textbooks and encyclopedias of magic, all of them looking hundreds of years old. Eric took the time to wipe the dust off of some of the ones that looked the most interesting and peek inside. "I wonder why Professor Killainka has allowed all this to stay all these years," Eric said closing one of the books he had looked at, causing a small dust storm.

Sarah had found a trashcan and was cleaning the things off the desk that needed to be tossed. There were some flowers that had crumbled away to nothing but dried stems and a frame that looked like it use to hold a special picture but now that frame had broken you could no longer tell what the picture was off. What little that was left of both disintegrated in Sarah's hands as she went to throw them away. "It looks as though whoever inhabited this office just up and disappeared one day," said Sarah as she continued to clean.

Eric and Sarah spent the next couple of hours making idle chit chat and occasionally making a comment on something, they found in the room. When it got close to lunch time, one of the freshmen brought them a tray and said the Killainka had sent it wishing them to continue on with their work when they were finished, he would be back he said in a hour to retrieve the leftover mess.

After he left, Sarah pulled the desk chair up to the table by the fire and looked around for another chair. She spotted one in a corner next to a pile of things that they had not sorted yet. "There's one," she said pointing at it. Eric followed her finger and went for the chair. When he reached down to pick it up he knocked over the pile. "Damn, I should have known that would fall," he said letting go of the chair.

Sarah walked over to help him pick up the pile of what looked like shelves and picture frames. Eric started picking them up and stacking them against each other until he came to a frame that was not empty. He stopped and began to look at it oddly. "What is it?" Sarah asked pausing to see what interested Eric.

"It's a portrait of some kind," he said squinting at it. "Hand me a rag." Sarah put down what she picked up and brought Eric the rag she had been cleaning with. Eric spent a couple of minutes wiping the portrait gently. "Wow," he said looking at it harder.

"Who is it?" Sarah asked moving forward.

"I don't know, but she's beautiful" he said wiping some more.

"Wipe the bottom of the frame, maybe her name's on it," suggested Sarah.

Eric nodded. "Good idea." As he wiped a name began to emerge. "Jessica Bellarmine," Eric said after a minute and then very excitedly he said. "Sarah it's her, it's Jessica Bellarmine."

"Let me see," Sarah said pushing closer. "She is beautiful." They stared at the woman for quite sometime before either spoke again. "You suppose this was her office." Sarah asked.

"Dunno," said Eric. "That's funny," he said after looking a while longer.

"What's that?"

"She's not moving. It's just a plain portrait, not magical at all."

"That's because all of her spirit dwells in the school." Eric and Sarah jumped and turned quickly to find Professor Killainka standing in the doorway. "I didn't mean to startle you," he said apologetically.

"We didn't hear you come in sir," said Eric almost dropping the portrait.

"Be careful with her, Mr. Turner she was a very special lady," he now came completely into the room and closed the door. "I see that you're coming along well in here." He said looking around at their progress. "And I see you've found Miss Bellarmine's portrait."

Sarah nodded and then asked, "Professor, was this her office?"

"Yes, Miss Nettleton, it was," he said rather sadly. "May I see that?" he asked holding out his hand. Eric handed him the portrait, which he now held back and waved his hand over, "Mettikulas," he said smiling, "There that's much better." Professor Killainka held out the portrait, which now look as beautiful as the day it was painted.

Sarah glared at the woman with the strawberry blond hair and eyes that looked like her own. Eric noticed the similarity also. "Sarah, she looks a lot like you and your mother." Sarah didn't know what to say.

Professor Killainka now placed the portrait gently on the desk and sat down next to the fireplace. "Incendio," he said and suddenly a brilliant fire glowed in the fireplace. Sarah looked at Eric extremely puzzled and then they both sat down next to him by the fire. Neither Eric nor Sarah knew what to say next so they just sat there waiting for the Professor to talk. "You're letting your lunch get old," he said without turning around.

"It's all right sir," said Eric. "I'm not very hungry anyway."

"Neither am I," lied Sarah.

"And I suppose that I am to believe that, Miss Nettleton?"

"No sir," said Sarah hiding her face. "I'll eat if you will," she suggested.

Killainka turned and smiled. "All right, perhaps I could do with a sandwich," he said leaning forward to take one from the plate. When he had leaned back Eric and Sarah took one and then something to drink. It was good while this time before they continued their conversation. Sarah had only finished about half her sandwich when Eric and the Professor stopped eating. After taking a drink and taking a good long breath, the Professor sighed at the fire.

"Professor," started Sarah. "This room has obviously been left alone for a long time. Why have you chosen now to make it someone's office now and why Professor Ratcliff's?"

"Can you think of anyone who would deserve such a special place more than Dillon's mother?" he asked still staring at the fire.

"You, perhaps?" replied Eric.

Killainka smiled, "Only you Mr. Turner would think that I deserved such a special place." He paused again to sigh. "It was your encounter with Miss Bellarmine that has led me to believe that it was time to air out this room and let it be used again. Her portrait has not hung in this school for too many years. It's time that I let her be happy with where she is."

This time he rose from his chair and looked at Eric and Sarah. "I do believe that you have served enough of your detention."

Sarah looked around at the room. "But sir, we're not finished."

Killainka raised his hand again and repeated his spell, "Mettikulas." There was a flash of light, the room was anew, and clean looking as the portrait now was. "There I believe that will do, don't you?" Sarah and Eric nodded in astonishment.

"Now, I believe, Mr. Turner that you should be on the field practicing, after you finish your lunch of course. Just between the three of us, you really need that win against Parathion if you're going to take the Crest."

"Yes sir," Eric said smiling.

"And Sarah," he said softly, "if you would please to take Miss Bellarmine's portrait to Professor Quigley. I believe that it is time that it hung over the fireplace in your common room."

"Yes sir," Sarah said smiling. "It would be my pleasure."

"Now I think that I will go and find Professor Ratcliff. It's time that she learn what we've been up to." Killainka rose from the chair, crossed to the door, and turned back to Eric. "I've been looking forward to tonight's game Eric, so don't disappoint me."

"I won't sir," he said smiling ear to ear.

When he left, Sarah looked at the newly restored office, the neat stack of boxes that now lined one side and then Eric. "What was that all about? If he was just going to clean it for us why were we here?"

"I have no idea. Perhaps he was trying to tell us something. Let's finish lunch. He was right, we need as much practice time as we can get. I do not want to disappoint Professor Killainka."

Sarah nodded and then sat down to join him. They didn't talk much and they mostly ate. When they were finished, Eric was anxious to get his team to the practice field. Sarah waited for the freshman to return to get the tray and then took the portrait to Professor Quigley who wasted no time hanging it over the fireplace. Zoe, Dillon, and Megan joined her there after Professor Quigley left the room.

"Who's the cool lady?" Zoe asked.

"Jessica Bellarmine, one of the founders of the school," Sarah explained. "She's the one who helped Eric and I. She's the one that talked to me from the fireplace," whispered Sarah trying not to let everyone think she was mad.

"What did you say?" Zoe asked.

"She's the one who helped me--"

"No after that," corrected Zoe.

"She talked to me from the fireplace, or at least it seemed that way," Sarah said embarrassed that Zoe had asked her to repeat it.

Zoe's face went pale. "I thought that I was loosing my mind."

Sarah and the others looked at each other and then Zoe. "What are you trying to say?" Sarah asked.

"She talked to me too. Once at night, I thought it was a dream. And once right before you disappeared from the study room, someone talked to me from the fireplace."

Sarah's face lit up like a light. "That's wonderful, Zoe. Professor Killainka said it was a privilege to see her and talk to her. Welcome to the club."

Zoe felt sort of sick and sat down quickly. "You may not think that it's weird to be talking to dead people, but I'm not so sure."

Sarah burst into laughter. "Come on sick-o let's go watch your brother beat the crap out of Parathion."

That they did, Eric looked fabulous each and every time he scored a goal and when the Bellarmine Seeker snatched the Snitch four inches in front of Killainka's face just forty-five minutes into the game the entire school came to their feet.

Zoe and the rest of the team gave the team the largest, longest, and wildest celebration party that Dragon's Wood had ever seen. Keynes would ultimately get the Quidditch Cup but Bellarmine had won the game and this meant they had a good chance at the Crest. About half way through the merriment, Professor Killainka showed up and challenged Eric to one last game of chess before school was out. "Let's see if your luck will hold out," he said smiling slyly.

"This is the day you go down," said Eric echoing the smile. The rest of the room gasped at his boldness and then laughed hysterically. When they were through, and Eric had said the finalizing words "Check Mate," Zoe was sure that Killainka had thrown the game. But who was she to say that Eric couldn't use a little pumping up right now. It wasn't about to be her.

Killainka stayed until the last student gave in and went to bed and then standing alone in the common room; he lifted his glass to the portrait. "I think we did good, Jessica. I know you'd be proud."

"I believe you are right," came the soft and comforting voice from the fireplace.

No one slept the next night, not in Sarah's dorm not in any dorm. The quest for the Crest was too close to call. It all boiled down now to how well the students had done on their final exams.

It was Tuesday afternoon and everyone had received his or her grade cards. Eric had done well as he always had and Sarah and Zoe were not far behind. Dillon, despite everything that happened to him, had made the highest marks in the sixth grade again. However, all of this didn't mean anything if the average of their marks hadn't beaten the Parathion's average. It was almost dinnertime and everyone was anxious about going. In less than an hour, Professor Killainka would stand at the head table and tell them which house would display the Gold Crest for the next year.

Sarah and Zoe had spent most of the day exchanging addresses and e-mail addresses with all of their friends and packing up their belongings in preparation for the journey home that was now only days away. "It's hard to believe that we made it through the whole year," said Sarah as she took a break from packing.

"And in one piece," added Zoe.

Sarah chuckled. "I'm going to miss this place, and all our new friends."

"And don't forget Professor Abydos," joked Zoe.

Sarah laughed again. "I think I'll even miss him. After all he did give me an A."

"You worked hard enough for it," replied Zoe. "How could he not give you an A when you watched you defeat a Death Eater."

Sarah rolled her eyes at Zoe and then looked at the clock. She wasn't sure that she would have referred to Chinkana as a Death Eater. He had told both her and Dillon that he had stood by Voldemort side, but Sarah had a feeling that he'd been whispering in his ear, not full filling his wishes. She sighed and shook her head at Zoe, " Come one we've put this off enough, time to go and find out if we won or lost." Zoe nodded and they went downstairs and met their friends.

The Hall had never been so noisy. Everyone was thoroughly excited and was taking his or her guesses as to who won. Zoe and Sarah overheard some Broughton students betting on them. "Even the Broughton students want us to win," whispered Zoe.

"That's just because they know they don't have a chance and they don't want Parathion to get it," answered Sarah.

Zoe laughed. "Good point." When they had joined the others at the table and everyone had been seated, Professor Killainka rose to his feet. Sarah had never seen the room silence so quickly.

"Good evening everyone. I know that we still have a few days left until you will board the train to go home for the summer but before I announce the winner of the Gold Crest this year there are a few things I would like to say." The air was so silent that you could have heard a pin drop. "I am sorry to say that, though they are doing well, Professors Wetherspoon and Periwinkle have chosen not to return to Dragon's Wood next year."

There was a sea of mumbling that followed and died down again as he continued. "Fortunately for us Professor Ratcliff has agreed to stay on permanently and once again teach Potions Class for us." There was a great round of applause and well wishing for both Professor Ratcliff and Dillon that took a great deal longer to calm. "Also, despite the fact that he's not very fond of snow, Professor Murphy has excepted my invitation to remain here and teach you unruly children." Eric and his friends were excited, they had grown very fond of Professor Murphy in his short stay at Dragon's Wood and from the sound of the applause, and cheers, others had too.

Killainka once again waited for the noise to subside and then he continued. "It has been a difficult year for us, some of us more than others, and I am proud of all of you here tonight for sticking by your friends and your school. And now what you really want to hear," he said smiling. "In fourth place with three hundred and forty-seven points, Broughton." Everyone clapped for their dormitory but got more excited for those that were not called. "In third place with three hundred and sixty seven points, Keynes." Again, they clapped, but the next name would reveal the winner so everyone got quiet quickly. " And in Second place, with four hundred and fifty-three points is--"

Killainka hesitated, no one could breath, and Zoe closed her eyes and said a silent prayer. "I believe, I believe," she said over and over again silently. Killainka now finished and when he did, realizing who had won, the entire room erupted in merriment. "Parathion." He could hardly be heard above the chaos when he made the official announcement that Bellarmine won with four hundred and sixty-four points. However, it didn't matter everyone knew and everyone was excited.

Sarah watched as Professor Abydos crossed the room and offered his hand to Professor Quigley, which she took gratefully, smiling from ear to ear. It had been eleven years since they had had the Crest and she could not help or hide the tears the rolled down her cheeks. Killainka now took his turn shaking hands with all four heads of dormitories and then not wishing to interrupt the festivities of the evening, he clapped his hands and the tables filled with a glorious feast for one of the last times this year.

Sarah stood alone in the dorm Common Room and took one last look at Jessica Bellarmine. "Thanks again."

"Sarah, we're going to miss the tram and have to walk, luggage and all if you don't hurry up," Zoe was complaining as usual.

"All right, all right, I'm coming," assured Sarah. "See you next year," she whispered to the portrait. The hallways were full of students bumping into each other and rushing to get to the front of the school so they could make the train.

Dillon stood at the bottom of the stairs, long faced and teary-eyed. "You'll come and visit," Eric was assuring him. "I know that my folks would love to have you and Sarah and Zoe can do their share of teasing and taunting while you're there." Dillon smiled. "That's better. I know that your mother and father will bring you now that things are looking up."

"I think you might be right," Dillon agreed, glancing across the entrance hall to see his mom and dad standing next to each other saying goodbye to students.

Sarah and the rest of her friends now showed up to say their farewells also. After having the stuffing hugged out of him, Dillon promised to write and e-mail them on a regular basis. "Don't worry Dillon," said Sarah, as they all boarded the tram that would take them to the train and then home. "Every year the summer gets shorter, we'll be back here in no time." Then she leaned forward and whispered, "Even Zoe."

"I heard that," yelled Zoe as they pulled away from the school. "And I resemble that remark!"

After everyone had boarded the tram, Professor Killainka came up behind Dillon and insisted that he accompany him in his carriage to the train station to see them off. Dillon very graciously accepted. They arrived just in time to see the last of the students and their belongings being loaded onto the train. Dillon took off running down the platform until he came to where he saw his friends packed into a car together. When they saw him, they pulled the window down and started grabbing at him through it.

"We'll miss you," said Zoe.

"Don't forget to write," said Megan.

Sarah smiled very widely and looked Dillon straight in the eyes. "Believe."

With that, Dillon heard the whistle blow on the train and he backed up smiling as it began to pull out of the station. Professor Killainka placed one hand on Dillon's shoulder and waved at the train. "Don't worry Mr. Ratcliff, they'll be back before you know it."