Ch. 9- Why We Have The Internet
The days remaining until the weekend passed in the blink of an eye and soon Ed was waking up to the bright, mid-morning sun. He rolled out of bed at ten thirty, having caught up on his lack of sleep. He all but skipped down to breakfast, despite the scenario two days ago, and then to the library with his mind soaring and free; it felt good to be rid of classes so he could finally search for a way home.
He began tearing apart the library, subject-by-subject, relocating any promising titles to the farthest table in the farthest corner for close inspection. An hour passed when he was found by Hermione, who informed him that the Quidditch game was about to begin.
"I'll meet you down there," he replied, never looking up from the book he was skimming; soon he'd forgotten her.
Another hour passed and now Ed was out of books. He double-checked the shelves he'd scoured before moving on to the next row. Most of this aisle was about potions, but Ed looked anyway; who knew, there might be a potion specifically designed for jumping dimensions. All of the books were worthless to him, however one caught his eye. He tucked it under his arm and continued along the shelf until he finished the row, then brought the book back to his table to read it.
"Magical Power Sources," he read the title aloud to himself, then continuing to the table of contents. He wasn't afraid of anyone overhearing him, as he was the only person in the library. It took one glance for a particular phrase to jump out at him.
"Magical Batteries," he muttered, scanning the sub contents and then grinning ear-to-ear, "Philosopher's Stone." Eagerly, he turned to the correct page and began reading. "The Philosopher's Stone is an ancient artifact…" Ed skipped the paragraphs explaining the Stone's uses and continued.
"Creating the Philosopher's Stone is very difficult, even for the most skilled wizards. Many have died trying and those who didn't either failed to create it or were nearly killed. The Philosopher's Stone acts as a magical battery, a storing place for a wizard's magical energy that can then be used later for their wants or needs. It takes an immense amount of magical energy to be put forth into—"
Ed turned the page and gaped at the desecrated text; the rest of the chapter was missing, torn out by some unknown person. Edward could feel the anger rising in him instantly.
"Damnit!" he bellowed, throwing the book down with disgust, "Not again! Son of a bitch!"
"Mr. Elric! I will not tolerate that sort of language in my library! Either settle down or leave at once!" Madame Pince came from behind the bookshelves with a red face and a waving finger.
"There's nothing good here anyway," retorted Ed, storming out of the library and making for Gryffindor Tower.
Half way there his anger dissolved and hopelessness and nostalgia set in. Even what the book had explained hadn't sounded promising, but Ed didn't want to admit another defeat. He'd keep looking, even though he expected disappointment. The common room was empty when he arrived and he vaguely remembered the Quidditch game, but continued to the dorm anyway. There he took refuge in his tapestry kingdom and wrote down everything he could think of in his journal.