The Spellbook

Chapter Five

I can't believe that it's been almost 2 months since we've arrived at Hogwarts. It felt like just yesterday I had arrived here for my third year. I guess time could've flown by so fast since all I've been focusing on is this spellbook I received at Diagon Alley.

Honestly, I think Ashley and Chris are starting to get concerned. I've basically spent all my time studying it. To their eyes, there's nothing in it. Just a bunch of blank pages in an old-timey book. Honestly, I'm as confused as both of them; it's for the Hewitt family, not Larson. I do want answers to why this weird book is in my possession, but I decided not to focus on it right now. We were only a few days from our trip to Hogsmead and I could hardly wait!

I was sitting with Chris and Ashley during a study period while we worked away. Ashley's younger sister, who was sorted into Hufflepuff, was complaining about not being able to go. Ashley was clearly annoyed by her sister ranting while she was trying to work and kept glancing at Chris and I looking for assistance. We both noticed her frustration and tried to help before Julia got hurt. I quickly placed a spell on my work that I found in the mysterious book and proceeded to help Ashley out. After some time, we were able to calm the young Hufflepuff down (which Ashley was grateful for) when a new topic came up.

"Hold on, Bella. How'd you do that" Chris asked while Bella was reversing the spell she had put on her work a minute ago.

"What are you talking about?" I responded.

"You know. That spell you put on your books. It made them work for you while you weren't doing it." At this point, Ashley had turned her attention from her work to our conversation.

"Oh. Well, it's a spell I found in a book-" I started, but was quickly interrupted by Ashley.

"What book would that be?"

Chris and Ashley began to look at me hungrily as they anxiously waited to know what book I was talking about. I knew I had to feed their curiosity, so I quickly pulled out the spellbook and showed it to them. "I found the spell in here," I told them, and as soon as I did, they both started to laugh.

"Good one!" Chris pushed out, "But seriously, where?"

I looked at them like I wasn't joking and they immediately stopped laughing. They both looked at each other and then back at me, concerned. I couldn't figure out why until I remembered what happened on the train.

"Bella, there's nothing written on that page," Ashley said when I showed them the book. At that moment, I realized, both Chris and Ashley think I've gone mad.

"Bella, I think we need to talk." Ashley said while taking my hand, "You've been acting... off, for the past couple of months. You've been tired lately and having a large obsession over this book you claim has writing in it."

"Ashley and I are getting concerned and we think we should take you to see Madame Pomfrey," Chris added on.

"We don't want anything to happen to you, and this is the best course of action." Ashley finished.

I don't know why but I was angry at them. Me, crazy? I couldn't believe it.

"YOU THINK I'VE GONE... MAD!?" I screamed at the two of them. They were taken aback at the sudden outbreak.

"No. No. Of course not! We just find it really unhealthy this obsession you have with this book." Ashley said, trying to calm me down. Her attempt failed terribly.

"I'M SORRY? OBSESSION OVER A BOOK? DOESN'T THAT SOUND LIKE SOMEONE I KNOW, ASHLEY" her expression changed from concerned to embarrassed in a matter of seconds, "I RECEIVED THIS BOOK AND I CAN READ IT. I HAVE NOT GONE CRAZY, LIKE YOU SAID I HAVE. I'M COMPLETELY FINE. IF YOU WANT TO DO WHAT'S BEST FOR ME, LEAVE ME ALONE!" And with that, I stormed off. After that, I did feel bad. Ashley was just trying to look out for me and I completely blew up in her face. I wanted to talk to her and tell her that I didn't mean what I said but it was too awkward.

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It's finally the day that we get to go to Hogsmead but I decide not to go. I was supposed to spend the day with Ashley and Chris but I blew up in their faces and never confronted them about it again. If I were to walk to the Ravenclaw dormitories like nothing had happened, they most likely wouldn't enjoy having me there. I knew I had to talk to them eventually but today was not the day. I spent the day at the castle, catching up on school work and talking to Ashley's younger sister, Julia. The day went by fast and it was already 4 o'clock. I decided to head up to the dormitories when I received a visit.

"Bella." a mysterious voice from behind me said. I jumped and turned around to see who it was. It was the mysterious witch that gave me the book.

"What are you doing here? What do you want?" I fearfully asked.

"I told you I needed to explain this book and that is what I'm here to do." She responded, "This book is very sacred to the Hewitt family since the first person in their bloodline. It has helped the young girls attending Hogwarts for over a century. As time has gone on, the book became larger and secrets were created along with the many spells.

"These secrets are unknown to every wizarding family except the Hewitt. These secrets lead to something. What it is, I don't know, but I am sure that you are the one to find it. You can do this, Bella. I know you can!"

"A secret I must find? On my own? I'm sorry, I can't do that. It's too risky if I'm sneaking around the school solving... whatever this is." I replied.

"You have the book in your possession, I presume." I nodded, "Good. With that in your hand, you will discover many great things. But you must also be careful. If the possession of the book goes into the wrong hands, there could be a dangerous future headed for you. Stay safe, Bella. You are the right person for this. Don't ever question it, my child." And with that, she was gone.

I sat for a bit, thinking about her words when I received another unexpected visit.

"Bella?" Ashley said quietly, "We need to talk to you."

Ashley, followed by Chris, walked into the room looking apologetic and carrying a bag of sweets.

"We're sorry about what we said in the Study Hall. You've been spending a lot of time studying this book." Ashley started.

"We can't see a thing it says, but if you believe there is something in there, then we believe there is too." Chris finished.

"Thanks guys. You really are the best people I could have for friends." I said to them and hugged them tightly.

"We brought you some sweets since you didn't go to Hogsmead. I hope you enjoy them!" Chris mentioned and handed me the bag. I quickly said thank you and popped one into my mouth.

"We have to get going. Sorry, we have to leave so soon but we have one last stop before heading back to Ravenclaw dorms." Ashley held out an identical bag to the one Chris gave me. I knew it was for her sister. "We'll see you later, Bella." and with that, they both got up and left.

I felt finally relieved that I made up with my friends but I was still confused about what the Hewitt Family Spellbook was. What was the witch talking about? What secrets does Hogwarts hold? I decided to look in the book for a bit to put the pieces together of the witch's message. I reached into my bag to grab it but found nothing.

The book had disappeared.

A big thanks go out to my best friend @Unicorncupcake0405 for writing this chapter. I had no idea what to write next and she really came in clutch. I have a whole bunch of new idea's for this story so hopefully I will be able to update this story sooner rather than later. Word count 1392.