I was originally going to wait a few more days till I updated again, but since Mandi reviewed and said she was going to be updating her story I thought what the hey... Lazy-anji has returned but as of this update is at Ch. 34. Thanks to you both for following my seemingly endless story. In all honesty, there are only about 4 chapters left!

Chapter 40:

"Away where?"

"No where specific. It should take him awhile to piece himself back together."

Harry was confused, but he didn't care right now about the details. He rushed to where Michelle lay on the floor. He touched her face. She wasn't breathing and a pool of blood was forming under her body.

"No...no...you can't leave me...not like this..." He had leaned down and was whispering in her ear. He looked to Snape. "You have to help her! Please!"

Snape knelt down and checked for a pulse. He reached into his robes and pulled out the flask containing the second potion.

"Avilas, I need my wand. And, keep an eye on her..." He gave Trelawney a cold stare. Avilas tossed Snape his wand, and used his own to keep Trelawney in one place.

Rolling Michelle onto her back, Snape pulled the knife out of her chest. More blood ran out of the wound. He grabbed Harry's hand.

"Do you love her?"

Harry was startled by the question. "What?"

"You must answer me truthfully...do you love her?"

Harry looked him directly in the eye. "Yes." He cringed as Snape cut into his palm with the knife.

"Hold your hand over the wound." Snape pushed aside her shirt. He opened the flask and poured the potion over the gash in Michelle's chest. He then squeezed Harry's hand forcing the blood to drip into the wound.

Snape pointed his wand at her. "Amore Transendae Mortis."

There was a pause where no one was breathing. Michelle's body convulsed and she began to cough harsly. She gasped for air and clutched at her chest.

"It's okay...you're all right..." Harry held her face in his hands. He watched as her eyes fluttered open and she struggled to focus them. Her breathing began to slow to its normal rate.

"He didn't hurt you did he?" was the first thing she said.

Harry smiled at her in disbelief, "No. I'm fine. How do you feel?"

"Like I've been skewered. Where's Voldermort?"

"Not here that's for sure."

Michelle sat up slowly, still holding one hand over her chest protectively.

"I think I died."

Snape actually looked relieved. "Almost...the potion worked."

"The potion?" Michelle's mind struggled to grasp what she'd been told. The potion had been brought for Harry because she knew it would work...which could mean only one thing.

She turned to Harry. "I love you." Not caring who was around, she brought him to her and kissed him deeply.

"I love you too..." he whispered as she pulled away.

Avilas cleared his throat. "Obviously...but enough of that. The Dementors will be here soon. Everyone touch the candleabra and we can leave."

Harry helped Michelle to her feet. Walking slowly to the table, Michelle gave Snape a warm smile.

"Thank you for your help Professor."

Snape nodded, suddenly uncomfortable. Michelle would have sworn she saw him blush.

She turned to Trelawney. "As much as I would love to leave you to the Dementors, it would be better if you came back with us so Dumbledore can deal with you."

Trelawney was shaking, "I won't be safe here. I won't be safe anywhere. Please take me with you." She reached out and touched Michelle's arm.

Michelle pulled away, repulsed by her touch. She slapped Trelawney hard in the face. Everyone around the room was stunned, except for Trelawney.

"I deserved that..."

"That's not for today. That's for what you did 17 years ago..." Michelle saw Trelawney's eyes flash as she realized Michelle knew about the prediction made before Harry's birth.

Michelle broke the silence as she caught Harry's eye. "I have a lot of things to tell you when we get home."