Morningtime (after breakfast)
September 21, 2009


So far, today had been a good day. . Her stomach was satisfied, it was past the point of the morning where it was painful to simply be awake, and all of her silly little problems seemed nonexistent. Though, to be honest, the counselor did not have very many problems to start with. Her life was good, her body was well rested and well fed, and she managed to write a couple letters to family members who simply missed her.  Her cheerful face round, with high, flat cheekbones she got from her father. Her tan skin was her father’s, though her green eyes and brown hair were the result of mixing together her father’s brown eyes and black hair, with her mother’s blue eyes and blond hair. Despite her Japanese heritage, she felt much more French than Japanese. She couldn’t even speak her father’s language. As a child, French had been her first language, followed by English.

She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her black robes. Underneath the robes, she was wearing a dark grey pinstripe skirt, tights, and a dark purple blouse. Around her neck, she wore a simple string of pearls. Her curly hair was pulled back into a rather sloppy bun that did not collect all the hair in the back, leaving a couple strands loose. In her arm was a large medicinal potions book for her to take back to her office for some light reading. The last few complicated medicines she had made turned out to be very weak, and she was hoping to find some sort of answer during her free time. Suddenly, time began to stand still.  Her heart began to pound in her chest, and she felt a gut instinct. Maiko composed herself, and began to walk rather briskly to her office.

Someone was coming, and they were coming rather soon. Mai flung her office door open, threw the book onto her desk, and leaned against the wall, closing her eyes. A blond female- taller than Maiko, with a sweet face. Jazelle Hawke.

It was moments like this, where being a seer came in handy. She quickly cleared a few papers off of the two cushiony chairs, and rushed to sit down at her desk. Maiko opened her potions book, and pretended to read it while waiting for Jazelle to come in. In the meantime, the counselor was trying to think of some sort of witty one-liner she could use as a greeting.

Jazelle was worn thin.  Fed up.  At the end of the line.  Exhausted in every sense of the word.  She had just woken up after three hours of sleep, due to her patrols the night previous.  The night before that in which she stayed up late co-hosting the Prefect pool party.  In short, she hadn't had a good night's sleep in days.  Sleep was important for Jazz.  She needed at least ten hours to fully function, which was something easily accomplished at home over break.  Though, once at school, her internal clock goes haywire for the first couple weeks; rendering her nearly useless.  Just as she was getting her schedule back on track for school, things got messy all over again.  But it wasn't due to any late-night activities, though it was a major factor.

For some sick and demented reason, Jazelle was gifted with the 'sight', or, as others call it: the 'third eye'.  Realizing how rare that was, Jazz kept it to herself until years later, when she told Church.  She knew he would keep it secret; they were best friends by then; like brother and sister.  Besides, she had to tell someone, otherwise she'd go mad.  So, over the years, whenever she'd have a vision, she'd tell him, and from there she'd debate whether or not to do something about what she saw.  Usually it was something innocent; non-noteworthy things such as people spraining their ankles and big life decisions being made by her family members.  It was generally nothing to worry about.

Until the end of August, when Jazz had a dreadful vision about a complete stranger.  It was unclear, dark and had an undeniable feeling of dread about it.  It was under her skin, flowing through her very veins, strengthening the fear every day.  Fear for the stranger.  Though no matter how many times the vision replayed itself the last few days, it remained distant and fuzzy.  This frustrated Jazelle.  Wracking her brain in attempt to prod deeper into the vision, all she came up with was a day-long migraine and constant nausea.  Needless to say, she needed help.  And she was about to step out of her comfort zone to do so.  She was going to ask a fellow Seer.

Someone other than Church was about to learn of Jazz's so-called gift.  The thought made her heart sink.  Still, she couldn't ignore the foreboding of this man.  The moment she came-to from the first vision, her mind was made up.  Jazz had to help him.  From what, when and where, she didn't know.  That was just what she was determined to find out, and worry for the man was enough to drive her out of the Great Hall and on her way to the Counselor's Office.

It was just after breakfast, and although she barely slept at all the night before, she was energized and running on adrenaline.  She was on a mission.  Adorned in casual wear, since classes wouldn't start for hours, she ignored the looks from others as she hurried along.  Sure, she was Head Girl and had an obligation to be a good role model, but she was doing something more important.  It was a matter of life and death.

Knocking on the wooden door firmly, she waited to be called inside.  Jazz's chest beat erratically just as paranoia was settling itself on the forefront of her mind.  What if she can't help me?  What if I'm unable to save the man from whatever was going to happen?

Stepping inside, her eyes focused on Maiko's immediately, keeping eye contact even as she shut the door and approached.  "Good morning," she greeted formally, taking a seat opposite the woman.  "I need your help." she stated firmly.  "But maybe you already know that?" she added, playing on the notion of Maiko's 'sight' foretelling why she was there.  Though Jazz was never told of her Counselor being a Seer, since the display in Astronomy Class weeks earlier, Jazz knew.  Maybe it was a Seer thing: being able to detect another.  Would Maiko catch on?

She was going to make some sort of cheerful, joking, somewhat smart-alecky remark—but then she was hit with an overwhelming feeling of… Empathy? No, immediate understanding. That was more like it—and she understood that the problem was serious. Even if the situation was not going to turn out horribly, at this time, at this moment, Jazelle was in dire need. Maiko stared straight back at the student, not releasing eye contact, though her eye contact was nonthreatening. It was calm, mature, serious. She stood up, and sat down in the cushy chair next to the student. It was times like these, where a barrier such as a desk did not help. Looking at somebody over a desk gave a sense of superiority, and that was the last thing that Maiko wanted to do to someone who was going to spill their thoughts, concerns, and worries.

Maiko knew, deep inside—she knew that this student had to be a seer, and there was something horrible plaguing her mind. ”Jazelle.” She said softly, resting her hand on the girl’s shoulder. ”What have you been seeing?” In times of complete seriousness, it was as if her typical French accent was gone. She was focusing exactly on the words she was saying, and enunciating them clearly enough for Jazz to understand.  The last thing this girl needed was someone freaking out and panicking over a vision that may, or may not come true. 

If it was a once time occurrence, Mai would not have been worried, but she had the sinking feeling that perhaps Jazelle had been having recurring visions, and recurring visions always meant something. Just because one seer was able to have a vision, did not mean that a separate seer would have the same vision. But maybe, if prompted with details, she would be able to focus enough to see the same things that Jazelle was seeing.  She wanted to ask more questions, but she felt like it would be best, if Jazelle had a chance to speak first. If Maiko needed more details, she would certainly ask. The counselor kept her body as calm and relaxed as possible, her body language open and accepting. Her focus did not deviate from Jazelle Hawke, and she waited patiently for the girl to respond. She may respond immediately, she may take a half hour to respond. Either way, she knew that the words needed to be said, concerns needed to be expressed. It would nag on Mai’s conscience if she did not express patience and tolerance.

Jazelle watched patiently as Maiko made her way beside her, away from the desk.  She wasn't sure which she preferred; her behind the desk or casually seated with Jazz.  It was evident: the wordless understanding between them concerning the seriousness of Jazz's visit.  This was another thing she wasn't sure which she preferred.  Usually Jazz would love to not have to verbally explain herself in such matters, but now that it was happening, a part of her found it unnerving to be read like that.  I guess this is something I can't hide from.  No matter how good I am at pretending.

Already on edge, Jazz jerked back in discomfort the second the woman touched her.  It was supposed to be a comforting, reassuring gesture, which she appreciated, but it was a knee-jerk reaction.  Unless she initiated it, Jazz would readily avoid physical contact with anyone.  Trying to force herself to relax in Maiko's presence, she took a deep breath and formed the words in her mind before speaking: something she needed to do more of.

"Before I say anything, I need you to understand that you're the only person I've ever revealed these things to about me other than my best friend.  And that I wouldn't bother coming to you if I didn't have any other choice." she started off slowly and deliberately.  Letting this information sink in, Jazz readied herself with what she was about to say next.  This was it.

"A few weeks ago, I had a... vision," she breathed, crossing the point of no return, "About someone I've never met.  And although it's repeated itself several times since, the only thing I know is that this person is in danger." she swallowed nervously.  "I don't know what is going to happen, who it is, when or where it will happen, but I know it's a matter of life and death.  No matter what I try, I can't see anything more."

Jazz paused, collecting herself as she felt her emotions overpowering everything else.  This is killing me.  I need to know. she thought to herself, looking at her hands, which were squeezing each other anxiously.  "Help me.  Please." she pleaded stiffly, unable to look at her.  "I have to save him." she finished, almost inaudibly, saying it more to herself.  A soft pledge.

As soon as she realized that the physical contact was not a comfortable thing for Jazz, Maiko pulled her hand away, and rested her hands in her lap. However, her body was still open to Jazelle. She kept her hands to herself, not wanting her to feel like her personal space was no longer her own. When the girl let her know that she was the first person who was being told, Mai felt a great deal of honor, though at the same time she was not at all surprised. She wasn’t expecting it, but at the same time, it was not the sort of comment that would have shocked her.

Maiko listened to the description of the vision, though it was honestly not much for her to work off of. “Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that we can save ‘im.” She said softly, though she felt like she had to give Jazelle the honest truth. “’owever, we can see what we can do. What did the man look like? Do you recall anything about his surroundings? ‘is wounds?” She paused, “If talking about it makes you too uncomfortable, let me know. We don’t have to press the matter further.” Although she said that they did not need to press the matter further, she was very curious. She was also very concerned—what if this was a man that was close to one of the students? What if he was some sort of important figure in the wizarding world? What if he was an important figure in the muggle world?

“Do not worry about what you cannot see. Focus on what you are seeing. Stress does not ‘elp make visions clearer, or more detailed when you want them to be. I do not enjoy offering people potions to force them to calm down, but if you would like me to, I could find a weak calming drought. Perhaps it may help you. I would like you to first, tell me what you do in order to relax.” Maiko's heart ached for the young student, understanding all too well how painful it was to know that someone was going to get hurt, yet feeling powerless to stop it.

Jazz understood that she didn't divulge enough information to Maiko on the vision itself to get a better grasp of the situation.  Even though there was nothing much to tell, it was still prudent to give every last detail.  Anything can help.  "Relax?  I haven't been able to relax in... a long time." she admitted breathlessly, shaking her head slowly.  Since January, now that she thought about it.  Ever since Johnny left.  "Though I try by getting in a comfortable position, away from everything and everyone.  It doesn't seem to work."  Sighing, she leaned back in the chair, bringing her legs up in a criss-cross position.  She looked at Maiko finally, readying herself to explain the vision in every detail she saw.

"The vision started off in what looked like a street corner.  I saw buildings all around and a lamp post.  But the scene was unfinished, kind of like the set of a stage that hasn't been painted yet.  Everything was bright; behind the buildings was an infinite blinding light.  But it wasn't during the day.  I'm not sure how I know this, but it felt like it was at night." she explained, staring off into space as she thought.  "Anyway, the man entered, walking normally from the street corner and turning into an alley.  He wore casual yet dressy outerwear.  Slacks, a button-up collared shirt and a jacket.  He looked to be around my age.  He was dark-skinned with dark hair, stopping just around his ears.  I didn't recognize him."  Jazz stopped, going through the vision bit by bit, making sure she didn't leave anything out.

"I ran after him into the alley, and I noticed that the further we went in, the darker things got.  And the darker things got, the more I felt in my gut that something was wrong.  Then something rippled through the air.  A sound, but it was unclear and muffled.  I knew it was something bad, something dangerous.  The man slowed to a stop, as if to listen if it would happen again.  But then he continued walking, this time faster.  Running to keep up with him, things kept getting dark, and everything went cold.  The sound rang through the night again, this time louder and closer.  An overwhelming feeling of dread was all around me.  The last thing I saw was his face as he turned around."

Jazz didn't realize it, but throughout her explanation of the vision, she had gradually gripped the armrests as if holding on for dear life.  "He was scared."

An unfinished scene. Maiko recalled having visions with unfinished scenes in the past, and it was always frustrating. She sympathized with Jazelle, especially because what occurred at the scene was nerve wracking. And, in her own experience, the anxiety did not help make the scene any clearer. Frustration tended to lead to more frustration, and too much frustration was not healthy for anyone. She also did not want this stress to cause Jazelle to start falling behind in classes, or have her stop doing things that she once enjoyed. ”Now, would you be opposed to trying a mild calming drought?” The counselor thought it was a good idea, Jazz seemed so tense, judging by the way she gripped the chair.

“It’s only temporary, but when you are relaxed, I want you to focus on the face of this man, and any other part you remember about 'im. When the potion wears off, I would like you to try to do things that calm you down. Do some writing, or sketch and paint. I do not want you to have to rely on potions in order to be 'ealthy.” She gave the student a smile, though she made no move to stand up and grab the potion until Jazelle consented. In her desk drawers, she kept several different potions, carefully labeled. Most of them were single servings of calming droughts, though there was one medicinal one as well. 

And I'm scared for him.

Jazz slowly let go of the chair, pushing the image from her mind to pay attention to what Maiko was saying.  Focus on what he looked like and calm down by writing or drawing.  That was something she could definitely do.  "Sure, I'll try a calming drought," she said softly with a sigh and a nod, looking at Maiko patiently.  "At this point I'm willing to try anything." she admitted, agreeing with the notion of not wanting to rely on potions.  Being under anti-depressants due to her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, she didn't want to be under anymore long-term 'aids' unless absolutely necessary.  Being dependent on anything was not okay in her book.

"So, focusing on him... will help trigger something I might've missed?" she asked, trying to get a good understanding of what Maiko was suggesting she try.  Without planning on it, his face appeared on the forefront of her mind again.  It happened a lot over the weeks and would happen at any time.

A thought crossed her mind, making her mentally laugh.  What if she drew his face and showed it to people, asking if anyone knew him?  That would certainly be the easiest way to go about finding him based on what other options she currently had.  But then how would she explain the picture?  'Oh, I just walked along the city and spotted a beautiful creature and I just had to draw him.'  Between divulging a complete stranger in the vision, it was obvious which excuse she'd go with.  She'd rather be a psycho stalker than admit her ability.

"Is there anything else I can do?  What if the drought doesn't help?"  Jazz was determined to find out everything possible about the boy she saw.  Despite the imminent danger he was in, she couldn't help feeling he was to become more important than previously anticipated.  Though she didn't know how that may be.

With Jazelle’s permission, Maiko grabbed one of the small bottles of calming drought, and handed it to her. Afterwards, she took her place at the seat next to Jazz, though this time she leaned forward. She crossed one leg over the other, rested her elbow on her knee, and leaned against her hand. Her head was tilted upwards, so that she was able to still look at Jazelle. This was a very casual position, and a very comfortable one for the counselor.  It may have looked strange, however. The way she sat, and the ease with which she spoke to Jazelle, indicated that Maiko viewed them as equals, that she didn’t believe that she was of a higher authority than Jazelle, or deserved more respect than the students did. In order to earn respect, she believed, you had to give it.

“I know I already said zis, but using zis drought is only for now. It should not be a cure-all for any anxiety you face. I am of the opinion that it’s not ‘ealthy to depend on external forces to make you feel better on the inside, if you have the option to use internal methods.” She listened to the girl’s questions, and honestly had to think very carefully before answering. “If the drought doesn’t help, we will see if I can manage to get a vision about the same man. Sometimes, if I focus hard enough, I can have a similar vision that another seer ‘ad.” But doing that was strenuous, and Maiko did not want to deal with the horrendous migraine that would be sure to follow afterwards. “We could also attempt to make a picture of ‘im, and ask the staff if they recognize ‘im.”

Nodding in understanding, Jazz took the small bottle and placed it in her left sweater pocket.  "I agree," she said with a half smile, glad Maiko was on the same page.  Listening to Maiko, her eyes widened significantly in surprise.  "Wait, other Seers can force the same visions from others?" she said, her mind blown.  Jazz had no idea that was possible.  There was still so much she didn't know about being a Seer.  Then again, she never met another until now, and literature about them were scarce.

She laughed at Maiko's idea of showing a drawing of him around, just like she thought of moments before.  "I just thought of the same thing, actually.  Maybe he was a student here.  My one concern with that would be the alibi.  How could anyone explain why they had a hand-drawn picture of a complete stranger?  I don't want anyone to know about... me."

After she voiced her concern with that plan, she grabbed the armrests and lifted herself up a couple inches, pulling her legs out and setting them on the floor.  Jazz was going to try the calming drought immediately, in the privacy of her dorm.  The sooner, the better.  If it wasn't secluded, then she'll have to venture somewhere else in the castle, like one of the empty classrooms or out on the grounds.  She had a little more of an hour before Charms.

Now that she thought about it, maybe it would be better to do this without a time limit.  It would certainly ease the added stress.  Perhaps later that night after History of Magic.  It would be late, yes, but she could always charm her fourposter to silence any noise that might happen.

Mai felt a great relief when Jazz verbally agreed with her. At least, there was someone who didn’t think that all problems should be fixed  by external means. And then she was surprised that Jazz did not know that seers could possibly pick up a similar vision, or even the same vision. “It’s very possible, but it’s very difficult to do. I need to have a very good understanding of your vision in order to do it. I do not think it will be necessary, ‘owever.” She explained, “It’s exhausting, and I don’t want to attempt it unless it is the last resort.” She would rather get a drawing out, and ask around about the boy. “I promise that no one will find out about you, unless you tell them.” The counselor said sincerely, giving the Head Girl a large, genuine smile. 

“If anyone asks, I can take credit pour ta prophétisme. I am a seer. It is common knowledge. If it isn’t, I do not mind if it becomes common knowledge.” Maiko understood not being ready to announce something incredibly personal about yourself. When she was Jazelle’s age, she also felt very insecure in her own skin, and she felt like people would judge her for being a seer, for being of French heritage, for being a Hufflepuff. She was just worried about so much, that she did not take time to enjoy her time at Hogwarts, while she attended Hogwarts. “Take the calming drought whenever you feel ready. If you have a vision, do not ‘esitate to let me know. I will be in my office all night.”

Jazz imagined how much strain it would cause a Seer to pick up another's vision.  That must take incredible focus.  Grateful that Maiko would be willing to go through such lengths to help Jazz, she felt a growing fondness for the counselor.  "Thank you, Counselor Biladeau-Yukawa," she said sincerely as she stood up.  Jazz knew Maiko would keep the secret.  After all, counselors were supposed to be people students can trust and come to them with anything.  Feeling significantly more at ease, Jazz made her way to the door, pausing once touching the handle to look back.

"I'm going to do it tonight and I'll come back to let you know what happens.  Thanks again." she added with a small, sincere smile and left the office quietly.  Jazz made a decision: she would try after Transfiguration.  Then she would have two and a half hours free before going to the Seminar.  She figured it would be more than enough time to get it done, and it would leave her time to inform Maiko on the results.

On her way to Gryffindor Tower, she kept a secure hand over the bottle of calming drought and gradually felt the weight of worry lessen on her chest.  There was hope.  Whoever it was Jazz envisioned, she would do anything to save him.

She was glad to see Jazelle so calm, and so… So ready to learn more about the mysterious man who was in danger. In all honesty, Maiko was also very curious about him. “You are very welcome. I am willing to ‘elp you anytime. Now, now—take care, Jazelle. Visit me, whether or not you ‘ave a vision.” Maiko gave the girl a friendly goodbye wave, closed the door behind her, and then sat down at her desk.  “Well,” She said to herself, “Zat certainly made my day interesting.” She didn’t mean interesting in a bad way, purely… Interesting in a good way. Maiko enjoyed meeting young seers, and it made her feel important when they came to her for advice or help regarding a vision, or regarding control of their premonitions.

[End for Maiko]