Chapter 37:
Michelle didn't dream at all that night. When she awoke, she felt strangely calm and rested. Dressing quickly, she went down to the common room. Harry was already there, sitting on a couch. His face lit up as she came over to him.
"Hey..." he could feel the blood rushing to his cheeks.
"Hey, did you get any sleep last night?"
"Some. You?"
"I slept pretty well actually." She sat down next to him and took hold of his hand. "Harry, there's something I want to talk to you about..."
"If it's about last night, it was my first time and..." he sounded apologetic.
"It's not about last night. Last night was amazing." She came closer and kissed him. "I need to talk to you about what is going to happen today. I know you are prepared to deal with the Dementors and everything, but I have a sort of back up plan just in case."
"What sort of plan?"
"Hermione found a potion for us to use in an emeregency. I already talked to Snape about it and he is going to bring it with him. I know it won't be easy, but if anything bad happens, stay close to Snape."
"Define bad."
She looked at him seriously, "Harry, we don't know for sure if Azkaban is going to be safe. It's been rumored Voldermort is trying to get the Dementors to side with him. If he's taken over the prison, but no one knows it yet, we could be in big trouble. Snape is going to make sure you get out of there."
"What about you?"
"Don't worry about me..."
Harry interrupted her, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you. I promise."
"Just do whatever Snape asks you to do if something goes wrong. Please..." She reached up and touched his cheek. "I know I'm asking a lot of you, but I need to know you are going to be okay if I'm going to get through the ceremony."
He turned his face into her palm and kissed it softly. "We're going to be fine."
"Oh...so you're a Seer now too..." A quiet laugh escaped her lips before Harry reached out and drew her to him. He kissed her repeatedly with just a hint of desperation. Michelle slowed him down, fearing they would be late to meet Snape.
"We should go." She stood up and held out her hand. Harry reached out and she pulled him up off the couch. They made their way silently through the castle, stopping to grab some juice and toast before meeting Snape. Their hands swung together as they walked. Harry would have sworn he saw a sneer on Snape's face as he saw them come down the steps.
"Good morning, Professor."
"Miss Larson...Potter."
"Professor." Harry fought to keep the contempt out of his voice.
"Prof. Trelawney has already arranged a portkey for us to use to get to Azkaban." Snape watched Harry's reaction upon hearing the word "portkey."
Michelle's brow wrinkled, "Are you sure we should go that way?"
"It is not possible to apperate to or from Hogwarts." Snape was practically smiling.
Michelle rolled her eyes. "Harry, are you okay with this?"
"I'll be fine." He smiled at her, but gave Snape a cold look as he turned from Michelle's face.
"We should be going." Snape spun on his heel and opened the doors.
"Professor, I know this isn't the best time to be bringing this up, but I've had a second dream. From what I can make out, I don't think we can completely trust Prof. Trelawney."
Snape threw her a hard look. "And why is that Miss Larson?"
Michelle looked between the two men next to her, "It has something to do with her past. She lied to me. I just don't think we can believe everything she tells us." Michelle hoped that answer would hold them both off. "You did bring both potions didn't you?"
"Yes, I have done as you asked."
Michelle felt herself relax. "Thank you." She squeezed Harry's hand. "Let's go."
Snape lead them to the open yard where they usually had flying lessons. Out on the grass was a worn looking top hat.
"We have just a minute before we will be transported. Do you have what you need?" Snape turned towards Michelle.
She felt inside her robe pockets. "I'm set."
"Very well. Place your hand on the hat." Snape picked it up and held onto the brim. Michelle and Harry touched the top. In just a few seconds, Michelle felt a rush of wind. She'd never used a portkey before, though she had heard what travelling by one was like. Suddenly, she felt ground beneath her feet and then her hands as she fell forward. She just barely caught herself. Looking up, she saw they were now in a dimly lit room. The floor was covered in dirt. A table stood off to one side, a cup and a candleabra sitting on top of it. Michelle stood up slowly. Harry was just off to her left while Snape had landed on his feet and was already walking towards the table.
Michelle caught Harry's eye, "How are you doing?"
"I feel a little cold, but I'm okay."
"Cold from the Dementors or because we have apparently landed in the basement?"
Before Harry could answer, the lone door in the room opened. Professor Trelawney entered along with a very old looking man. Both wore odd expressions on their faces. Trelawney looked nervous while the man seemed hyper aware of his surroundings.
"Right on time." Trelawney paused in front of Michelle. "This is Professor Avilas. He is the Seer who will be helping with the ceremony."
Michelle held out her hand, "Hello Professor, thanks for everything you're doing today."
Avilas reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling her roughly to him. He examined her closely, making Michelle jittery.
"I have been expecting you. I can see you are ready. You are like a flower about to bloom..." his voice dropped off as though he had been interrupted.
Michelle released his hand, "Uh...thanks." She turned to Snape. "Can I have the potion for the ceremony please?"
Snape brought it to her as Trelawney moved to the table to get the cup. Michelle leaned in to whisper to Snape.
"Keep an eye on her."
Trelawney motioned to Michelle. "I think you should stand in the middle of the room. You'll need the space." Michelle stood in the center. Avilas placed himself in front of her. Trelawney handed him the cup and Snape poured in the potion.
"Everyone ready?" Trelawney checked the faces of all present.
"Just a second..." Harry came over and stepped in between Avilas and Michelle. "Last chance to change your mind."
Michelle smiled a little. "I know it's the right thing to do Harry...so do you."
He kissed her softly, even though it meant a burning stare from Snape. "Good luck."
