Finding Happiness

Chapter 11

GEORGE'S POV

I want to cry every time I see Maia. Her hair is now roughly cut to her shoulders, she has dark bags under her bloodshot eyes, her skin is pale and she has lost a lot of weight. I am genuinely worried for her. She has shut out everyone and barely attends classes anymore. She keeps to herself in the corner of every room. Hermione told me she would sometimes hear her crying in her sleep. I hadn't talked to Maia since the night she came in crying. Every time I make an attempt she manages to come up with an excuse to escape before any words have left my mouth.

Umbridge is just about driving Fred and I to madness. We are banned from Quidditch and all of our prank items have been confiscated. I say, Fred and I will either be expelled or we'll leave, because we certainly aren't staying till the end of the year.

"George!" A female voice called from behind me. I spun around to see Hermione rushing towards me.

"What's wrong?"

"We have to do something. I just bumped into Maia, she's drunk and-" She paused and sighed, "stoned."

"No she wouldn't do drugs...she wouldn't". I shook my head in disbelief, "Why can't she just talk to us?"

"She's broken and probably too embarressed to admit what she's doing to herself."

"What do we do?" I asked.

Hermione looked up at me, "I think we should speak to Remus."

(A/N so I'm switching back to Maia because I find it hard to write in a boy's pov XD )

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MAIA'S POV

I fell down onto the couch in front of the fire, in the Gryffindor Common Room. Everything felt so amazing right now, everything is perfect. I am alone in here and have the couch all to myself, no little first years claiming it's their spot. The heat radiating from the fire was nice and comforting, it was quite cold outside and my clothes are wet from the damp grass. I feel utterly wonderful.

~~~

"Maia?" Someone shook my shoulders. I groaned and peeked through my eyelids. At first my vision was slightly blurry but it eventually settled.

Neville was standing in front of me, his face held a stern but worried expression.

"Neville, I haven't seen you in ages, are you well?" I sat up quickly, my head started to spin, "Woah."

"I'm fine thanks, although you seem...off?"

"Psh no, I'm just a little sick." I lied, rubbing my eyes.

"Well I just wanted to let you know, Professor McGonagall wants to see you in her office. Do you want some help getting there or are can you manage by yourself?"

I stood up shakily and regained my balance, "I think I can manage Neville. Thanks."

He gave me a nod and I rushed out of the Common Room. Professor McGonagall's office is thankfully not far from the Gryffindor Tower. Once I reached the door, I knocked.

"Come in."

I pushed open the door and stepped into the office. Uncle Remus was sitting in the chair opposite McGonagall's desk, he face was full of disappointment.

"Uncle Remus!" I gasped.

"Maia. Come have a seat." Remus said pulling a chair over for me.

"Miss Black, some of your friends have reported to me that you are, alone and...not using your spare time wisely, as I may put it."

"I...I..." I was lost for words.

"Maia need I remind you that Hogwarts is a place for learning to control and extend your magical abilities? It's not here for skipping classes and abusing muggle substances." McGonagall snapped, her eyes piercing into mine.

I dropped my gaze to my feet.

"So you do not deny this?" McGongall added.

I shook my head.

"Maia." Remus groaned. I could see him bury his face into his hands.

"I'm sorry." I whispered.

"Miss Black until you are able to switch off these addictions, you will need to leave Hogwarts."

I snapped my head up, "What?"

"Maia, I'm taking you home." Remus said.

"No. I can't, you can't, what about all my classes and exams?"

McGonagall snorted, "You haven't been attending most of your classes anyway, so I doubt it will be a problem, however I will owl your work that you need to catch up on. Maia, before you started Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore and I recognised your higher level of magic and bumped you up a grade. Don't make me regret that."

I sighed, "I guess I should go get my stuff then?"

"I have arranged a house elf to do that. He should be done any minute."

"Is that all?" I growled.

Professor McGonagall nodded, "Just remember that if you do not complete the work I am owling to you, it is likely you will have to repeat this year. Remus I suggest you apparate out of Hogsmeade, Professor Umbridge is monitoring all fireplaces."

"Thank you Minerva." Remus smiled. There was a crack and my trunk appeared, Remus handed it to me and led me out of the office.

"I can't believe it Maia." Remus sighed.

I rolled my eyes and walked further ahead of him. Someone bumped into my shoulder, Anthony. Anger bubbled in my stomach.

"What would your parents think of you now, Black?" He smirked.

"YOU ARSE!" I exploded, turning around and punching him straight in the face, "I THOUGHT YOU WERE MY FRIEND!" I screamed.

"Maia!" Remus struggled to pull me away from Anthony, whose nose was now bleeding.

"I hate you!" I spat at the Anthony and gave into Remus who pulled me away from the scene.

"Get a hold of yourself Maia!" Remus snapped, walking quickly through the crowd of students, many who had stopped their conversations to watch.

We made it out of the castle doors and down to the village, it was dark and empty, the shops were closed and the only light was from the cresent moon, "Hold on." Remus said gruffly.

I grabbed his arm and I was sucked into the black hole.

~~~

I landed heavily and took in my surroundings. They weren't the familiar surroundings of Remus's London home, there were no cars or buses beeping their horns, no city lights or planes flying over our heads. It was dead quiet and there was a small house, lit, in the distances.

"I have arranged with Mrs Weasley that you will stay with her until you're back to your normal self." Remus began walking towards the house.

I dragged my trunk, "Why?"

"Because she's a mother of seven children and can put up with anything. This is no holiday Maia." We reached the door and he knocked. The door flung open,

"Remus! Maia!" It's so good to see you." Mrs Weasley greeted, ushering us into her house, "Tea or Coffee Remus?"

"Thank you Molly, but I'm in a hurry." He replied.

"No worries dear."

"Maia, I will come and get you in June. Behave for Mrs Weasley." Remus instructed, like I was a child.

"June? That's in three months!" I blurted out angrily.

"Behave. I love you." He gave me a kiss on my forehead and hurried out. I heard a crack and he was gone.

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