Okay, I'll admit it. This chapter is a little dull, but I needed to set some things up for the next section. Just stay with me...Mandi/rockbaby67...thanks for the review of Chapter 10. I'm starting to worry that I'm getting too far ahead and adding too many chapters too quickly. Let me know if I need to slow down.

Chapter 18:

Michelle had went with Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the front doors as they left for break. Ron had come up to her while Hermione wasn't looking and thanked for for her help the night before. Harry had given her a long hug before leaving. He'd promised to write her while he was gone. Michelle went back up to the castle trying to decide what she should do first--talk to Trelawny, or do one last search thru the library's archives. Reaching her room, she opened the door and was surprised to see a note sitting on her bed. She opened it not recognizing the sloppy handwriting.

It read--Michelle, I wish we could of had more time to talk alone today. I still have tons of questions about what you can see and how you help people. I'll admit I should have paid more attention in Trelawny's class. I'm going to talk to Ron's folks and see if you can come visit. I hope you will be able to. I hope you will want to. I'm still amazed by what happened last night. I miss you already. Yours, Harry.

Michelle did a quick spell to authenticate the note. Once she was sure it was written by Harry, she read it over and over again...smiling each time she did. Finally, she put the note between the pages of her journal and went to talk to Trelawny. The professor seemed to be busy; doing what exactly, Michelle didn't know. They reviewed Michelle's notes before Trelawny gave her a book. Signs & Symbols had been written in 425 AD by Finneus Dugray. Trelawny had found it going through some books she'd had locked away in a trunk. Michelle thought the book probably would have been more useful a few weeks ago, but accepted it with a smile before Trelawny sent her on her way. Michelle went back to the common room and read sections of the book that described weapon imagery. She still wasn't 100% sure if the knife in her dream was real (like the one she owned) or symbollic.

Michelle continued to talk to Trelawny all week. Sometimes the professor was very enthusiastic, other times she seemed to regard Michelle as a bother. When Christmas arrived, Michelle was mildly surprised. She hadn't really thought a lot about the holiday. Coming down into the common room, one of her fellow Gryffindor's pointed out a package and a letter waiting for her under the tree. Michelle opened the letter first. It was from Harry. He was inviting her to come visit at the Weasley's. They were happy to have her come and stay as long as she liked. She would have to write him back right away. The package was from the States. Inside, she found two letters and a book. The first letter was from her friend Amy. It updated her on all the school gossip from back home. Amy also included a picture of herself and her boyfriend, Steven. They were standing in front of their school smiling and waving. Michelle smiled seeing her closest friend and carefully put the picture into her journal for the time being.

Next, she opened the second letter. It was from her favorite teacher, Professor Luciene. It had been bewitched to read itself aloud in Luciene's voice.

"Dear Michelle, How are things at Hogwarts? Here at the Academy everyone is anxious for winter break to begin. I hope you get plenty of snow where you are...it just wouldn't seem like Christmas otherwise. I know it has been hard for you, leaving the States. But, you know that all of your friends miss you and look forward to your return. Your birthday will be here before you know it and I want you to be prepared. I am sending you a book that may answer some of your questions. You should probably go over it with the professor who is helping you. No matter what you decide, your friends will stand by you. Merry Christmas. Your friend, Janice Luciene."

Folding up the letter, Michelle unwrapped the book. The black cover was embossed with gold lettering that had flecked off in most places. The pages were yellowed and fragile. Opening it up, she read the title page, "A Guide To The Aquiesence, written by Roland Leicster, Seer 8th Class." Best she could tell, the book was about 70 years old. After enjoying a large breakfast with the few students and teachers who had stayed behind, she read the book most of the day and night. That evening, Trelawny spoke to Michelle and noticed she seemed troubled. Michelle confessed she was worried.

"A professor friend from the Academy sent me a book about the Aquiesence and some of the text has me confused about what is going to happen during the ceremony. It's an awfully old book, so it may not even be accurate anymore."

"I wouldn't worry too much about the ceremony. It's a breeze really..." something flashed through Trelawny's eyes.

Michelle's brow wrinkled, "You've seen a ceremony? I didn't think anyone other that Seers were usually allowed at one."

Trelawny seemed to backpedal for a moment. "I am the Divination professor my dear, I've learned about many things over the years. I know a Seer or two and they told me a bit about the ceremony." She smiled and patted Michelle's hand. "Dumbledore wouldn't have asked me to help you if I didn't know a few things about being a Seer." Michelle had to admit what the professor said made sense so she smiled back, but she couldn't quite get rid of the nagging feeling that Trelawny wasn't telling her everything.

His eyes squinting from the sunlight coming into the room, Harry opened the window. He had been awakened by the sound of an owl hooting outside and pecking on the glass. The owl flew in and landed on a chair across from Harry's bed. He came over and gently removed the letter from its leg. Giving her some treats, he sent it on its way before it woke anyone else. He retrieved his glasses and sat down to read the letter.

"Dear Harry, Everything is quiet and peaceful here. I've been keeping busy by catching up on some reading. It's rather nice having the library and most of the school all to myself. Because there are so few students who are still here, we all sit at the same table as the teachers. Dumbledore is very funny once you get him started. You'd never imagine he'd bend a few rules to have a good laugh would you? How are things at Ron's? I'm guessing you are having a good deal of fun surrounded by your friends. If someone could meet me at the station, I can catch the train on the 30th. Nothing is running before then, but I would be able to stay until the 3rd. Send me a letter if this plan sounds okay and the invitation to visit is still open. I miss you and hope you had a Merry Christmas. Yours, Michelle."

Harry smiled to himself. It felt good to know she missed him as much as he missed her. He put the letter away and went downstairs. Mrs. Weasley was the only one up and about. She had pots and pans moving all over the kitchen getting breakfast ready.

"Goodness Harry, you're up early." She smiled as she sat a plate down in front of him.

"Good morning, Mrs. Weasley. An owl delivered a letter to me just a little while ago."

"Ohhh...was it from that girl? Ron was telling me about her."

Harry felt his face warming up. "Yeah, her name is Michelle."

"Is she a nice girl? I want nothing but the best for my Harry."

If it were possible, Harry blushed even more. "Yes, she's very nice. She's American and she's a 7th year..."

Mrs. Weasley laughed as she shoved some eggs and sausage onto his plate, "An older woman then..."

"Not that much older." Harry to a bite of his breakfast and gulped down some juice. "She's smart and kind and pretty and funny and..."

"And she sounds lovely Harry. Is she coming to visit us?" Mrs. Weasley joined him at the table.

"She needs someone to pick her up at the station. The train will pick her up on the 30th and if it's okay, she can stay till the 3rd." He looked at Mrs. Weasley anxiously. Originally, the plan was for Hermione and Michelle to come for just a day or so.

Mrs. Weasley sipped her coffee, "I think we can arrange that. Charlie will be able to drive you and Ron to the station. You can get the girls at the same time." She leaned in a little and lowered her voice. "Now Harry, Ron acted rather strange when he was asking about Hermione coming to visit...is there something I should know?"

Harry paused, not sure if Ron would want him to tell. "Maybe you should ask Ron."

Mrs. Weasley raised an eyebrow. "Ahhh, he finally did something about it then didn't he?"

"What do you mean?"

"Harry, when you raise several boys you eventually start to figure them out. I noticed Ron acting differently around Hermione some time ago. Did he finally tell her he likes her?"

"Yeah, he finally told her. Or rather, he finally let her know."

"Good for him. Now I can tease him horribly. I do rather like Hermione..." her voice dropped off hearing feet flying down the stairs. Harry went back to his breakfast as the rest of the Weasley clan joined him at the table. Ron was looking forward to going to the station; he hoped Charlie would let him drive part of the way. Harry wrote Michelle as soon as he'd finished eating, telling her the good news.