Sketchbook ~ George Weasley

Chapter 31 - Seeking Help

"Hermione!" I shout across the room in my sunken panic. I didn't even care that all the girls in the room looked over to me.

Hermione, although clearly sensing the distress, comes over to me anyways, despite her getting her orders in affair while getting ready to go to sleep. I immediately grab her wrist and escort her away from the watchful eyes of the other girls. Leading her out into the hall near the top of the stairs, I clutched the note in my other hand.

"My book has been taken," I say. "It's gone."

"Ok, well, let's stay calm," Hermione says, attempting to keep me from my frantic state. "Are you sure you just didn't misplace it?"

I shake my head, thoughts running through it faster than I could keep up with.

"There's something more I need to tell you." Handing over the note I had just found, I say, "I haven't shown anyone this."

Looking down at the small scrap of paper, the girl's eyebrows furrow slightly as she looks back up at me, "What is this?"

"Someone's been leaving them next to my bed for months," I say. "Nothing was happening, so I didn't think much of it. Obviously, it wasn't a top priority as you know, but now. . ."

"You said there's more?" Hermione asks. "Do you still have them?"

"Yeah," I say. "I keep them in the drawer next to my bed."

Hermione nods, "Cleary, they're not all that clever or they would have put a vanishing charm on the paper after you've seen it."

"They might not be clever, but they have a cursed object that I need back or else. . ." I start. "Well, I don't really know what else."

"That's alright, we're going to find it," Hermione says. "No one can get into it right?"

"No, I don't think that's possible," I recall all the charms I placed onto the book, none of which I could think of a counter to unless you were a particularly skilled witch or wizard.

"In the meantime, at least now that it's away from you, you won't be tempted to use it," Hermione says. "The distance can help detach you from the dark magic."

Hermione's calm demeanor did nothing to soothe the nerves bubbling in the pit of my stomach. "You think so?"

"Yes, bring the notes," Hermione starts, "we'll meet in the library tomorrow."

"Right," I say, turning to go back into our dorm before turning back to Hermione. "Should we tell Harry?"

Hermione nods, "I'll bring him. For now, let's just try to get some rest."

I nod, though I wished I could get some type of rest that night. The cravings I had to draw came back full force throughout the evening, although there was nothing this time to stop them. I couldn't pull out the familiar feel of the book and start drawing. Laying there, staring at the canopy of the bed, my hand reaching and sprawling for something to scribble on. I had maybe gotten a combined two hours of sleep total that night and by the time morning rolled around I was already wide awake.

I had gotten a head start on getting ready, changing into some clothes before the rest of the girls had even gotten the chance to wake up. On my way back towards my bed, Parvarti and Lavender stood, gathered by Lavender's bed, grabbing their own items to prepare for the day.

"Hey, Paige, never see you up this early," Parvati says. I stumble near the two girls, keeping my distance and trying to keep quiet so as to not wake who was left sleeping. "We're heading down to the Great Hall in a bit, want to join us?"