Chapter 27:
Hermione pulled Harry aside as they left Potions. Ron was still inside. His sleep antidote had been hardly strong enough to elicit more than a brief opening of the eyes from his rabbit. Snape had him stay behind to mix the potion one more time. Harry was never sure how to take these private chats with Hermione. Her asides were either mortifying or elating--not a lot of middle ground.
"Have you talked to Michelle about this ritual ceremony she has to go through?" she asked bluntly.
"Not a lot. She always gets quiet when I bring it up so I usually change the subject."
"Well, you need to press her on it. She has to find a Seer to be present during the ceremony."
"That's going to be a bit difficult isn't it?"
"That's what I said. She may be forced to go find one on her own."
"Dumbledore wouldn't let her just go wandering around by herself."
"She wouldn't exactly have to wander...she'd just have to go to Azkaban."
Harry felt his stomach drop. "Damn...I forgot. She told me there were some Seers still in there. She can't be serious though. If they're all insane, they won't be able to help her much."
"It may be her only choice. I'm just saying you need to talk to her. If she does go to Azkaban, she's going to have to go alone."
Harry's look became even more serious. "I'm not going to let her go by herself. I know how to handle the Dementors."
"Just talk to her...maybe between all of us, we can figure out another option."
Harry caught up with Michelle as she was leaving her Advanced Transfiguration class. McGonagall watched as Harry took hold of Michelle's arm and led her to the nearest exit. Once outside, Michelle stopped walking.
"Harry, it's freezing out here. What is it?" She pulled her robe around her tightly.
"I just got done talking to Hermione. You weren't serious about going to Azkaban were you?"
Michelle bit her lip, "Ummmm....maybe?"
Harry let out an exasperated sigh. "It's dangerous there; you know that. Are you sure there isn't a better way to find a Seer to help you?"
"I spoke to Trelawny today. She says she knows someone who can help, but since most of the known Seers are in Azkaban I'm guessing I'll be going there." She shivered, though Harry wasn't sure if it was from the cold or her own apprehention. "I don't like it any better than you do." She looked up at him from where she stood against the wall of the school. "I am glad you finally asked me about it and gave me a chance to answer."
Harry stepped in closer, trying to block the icy wind from hitting her. "I kept meaning to ask you more about what is going to happen. You have enough to think about. You don't need me bugging you about it."
"Harry, if there's anyone I want to 'bug' me about what is going on in my life, it's you. I want to tell you so many things. Don't ever be afraid of asking me something just because you don't want to upset me. Can you do that?"
"Of course I can."
"Good, because I'll feel a lot better talking to you. I already feel better talking now and we're outside freezing to death."
Harry leaned down and kissed her softly. "Can we talk more tonight?"
Michelle nodded. She turned and opened the door as they went back inside. Later that evening, Harry was glad Ron had asked Hermione for help on his homework. Harry doubted Ron actually planned to do homework at all. Ever since Ron and Hermione had gotten together, they had been very careful about not neglecting Harry. Harry guessed this was due to Hermione's guidance more than Ron's, but he appreciated the effort. He was glad he would be able to spend time alone with Michelle while Ron did the same with Hermione. Harry pulled some chairs away from the others in hope of having some privacy. Michelle did her best to explain what the ceremony would be like.
"Here's what I know. There's a spell, sort of an oath really. Basically, I'm pledging my willingness to be a Seer. There's a potion I drink and tah-dah, I'm a Seer...offically."
"What's the potion for?" Harry took a quick glance around the room to make sure no one was listening.
"I'm guessing it jump starts the vision. Normally, they happen whenever. On the day you go through the ceremony, your most recent vision becomes clear. I'd think you'd have to help it along a little...that, or you'd be waiting around all day for something to happen." Michelle sat up a little, suddenly excited. "Ooooo...one other thing. I get to use my wand!"
Harry raised an eyebrow, "Don't you do that every day in class?"
"Not really. I'm always afraid I'll take out someone's eye. I should say, I get to have control over my wand. I've been waiting years to be able to use it to its full potential."
"You're saying I should be careful after this ceremony then..." a grin toyed at the edges of his mouth.
Michelle's eyes twinkled. "That's right. I am a year older you know...I have a few more spells up my sleeve. I could probably do all sorts of things..."
Harry leaned forwards towards her, "Promise?"
Michelle could feel herself tingling all over. She pulled herself to the edge of the chair so she was just inches from Harry. She moved her hand as if to touch his knee, but instead hovered it over his leg. "You know...we haven't made any plans yet for my birthday. We'll have to do something the night before...just the two of us." Her hand crept along his leg towards his thigh, never quite touching him.
"I'm working on it; don't worry..." he whispered, afraid his voice would break and reveal just how unsettled he felt. He licked his lips nervously and Michelle was shocked to see how quiet he'd suddenly become. She had only meant to be playful, not domineering. She eased her hand down to rest on top of his.
"Harry..." she spoke softly, feeling an odd urge to cry. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to tease you. I thought we were joking around." She smiled gently, "You know, I was sitting in the library yesterday and you came in. I was surrounded by books and sitting in the corner so you didn't see me. I just watched you and I thought, how the hell did I ever manage to deserve you?" Harry was about to speak, but Michelle kept going. "I get scared sometimes...being with you. I'm not scared of you. I'm scared of us. I'm not sure I'm supposed to feel everything I'm feeling. Are we going too fast? Am I making us go too fast?"
Harry looked into her eyes for a long time before answering. "I've spent most of my life being unsure about everything. Unsure about my family, unsure about myself, unsure about my future...there are only a few things that have ever made sense to me. Ron and Hermione, Sirius, and you. I can't explain it. I mean, I'm only 16 and you're 17...what do we know? But then I remember, my parents met while they were students here. They knew. Sometimes what's between us seems overwhelming. That doesn't mean it isn't right." He reached up and touched her cheek. "I'm scared too."
Michelle felt his fingers brushing her skin. "We sound all adult don't we..."
Harry couldn't help but laugh a little. "True." He stood up. "C'mon, let's go do something more our age."
"You're saying discussing our mutual fate isn't proper teenage behavior?" She got up and stretched. "You have a suggestion then?"
"Fancy a bit of a snog in the supply closet?"
"Race you there."
