I'm really sorry about the delay in updating. I know it's not really an excuse, but I've got a lot on at the moment and don't have much time on my hands.
Thanks again to Zire-7, and also to Amylovesthg and Wonderfully Random. Your reviews really do make a difference to my day :)
Anyway, read and enjoy!
Hermione woke up at 7:30 in the morning, as always, her hand reaching out to stroke her beloved collection of books. It was difficult, transporting them to and from Hogwarts every year, but she normally got them sent by wizard removalists on broomsticks with undetectable extension charms. Of course Hermione could do these charms herself, but she wasn't allowed to do magic out of school yet, and preferred not to have the trouble.
Her fingers touched the wood of the bookshelf, provided by Professor McGonagall, who had sympathised with the young witch who needed somewhere to put her books. The Professor had probably had the same problem when she herself had been at school.
When Hermione reached for the books lining the shelf, her fingers were met with nothing at all, just air. She sat up with a start, eyes wide open. She looked at the brown shelves, and stared for a couple of seconds.
Hermione began to hyperventilate, then screamed. Over and over again, she couldn't be stopped. Pavarti, Lavender and the other girls in the dormitory gathered around Hermione, trying to calm her down.
'My books …' she managed to get out, 'they're all gone.'
Hermione tried to stand up, but felt so dizzy that her knees buckled and she went into a dead faint on the ground.
Two minutes later Professor McGonagall was in the dormitory trying to revive Hermione.
'Hermione!' she said sharply. 'Get up now!' Hermione stirred vaguely. Eyes still shut, she began to sob uncontrollably.
20 minutes later, she was still sobbing. Everyone else had fled to breakfast, she had wanted to be alone. Briefly, her crying was interrupted as she whispered to herself, 'I will find them. Whoever took my books. And they will die a painful death.'
Almost automatically, Hermione's feet carried her off to the library. She began to browse through some advanced books, looking for the right one. There were heaps of books, from appearance changing to cursing to household charms useful in everyday living. Finally Hermione reached a book that looked promising. Pursuing and Perceiving; People, Places and Possessions by J. Tracker. It was perfect. Just what she needed.
After borrowing the heavy tome, Hermione rushed back up to her dormitory and opened the book, smoothing back the pages, swallowing a sob after looking at the sad, empty bookshelf. She flicked through the book to the chapter she needed.
Chapter 8, Tracking Missing Belongings, was the title at the top of the page. The chapter was fairly short compared to the others, but useful all the same. The text on the page was printed in a fancy font, almost condescending. Hermione could imagine the type of person who'd write such a thing.
Are you a careless, thoughtless person? Misplace things easily? Then this is the chapter for you! We will explain how to relocate lost objects. Now first of all, the charm performed here is fairly advanced. Maybe have a bit of a think about where you might have put this object before attempting the spell. It requires at least 6th year Charms knowledge. (Pfff, thought Hermione, she was sure it's not that hard.)
All right. Ready to begin? Great!
Step one: pick up your wand. We find this is a great place to start.
Step two: Guide the wand in two small circles anti-clockwise, starting at the top.
Step three: Say these words, 'Relocatum prestimo (add the word for what you need to find here).'
If this has worked, your wand should be pointing in the direction your object(s) is/are. Follow the direction of your wand, and you should be led to what you need.*
Hermione smiled. It looked easy enough. She picked up her wand from the bedside table, then lifted it, performing two full circles. Then, 'relocatum prestimo my books.' Her wand suddenly shot upwards, pointing directly up. Hermione frowned. This was not what she needed. Her books couldn't be in the air! Then she read the footnote at the bottom of the page.
*If your wand points upwards, this is a bad sign because this means that your object is destroyed beyond repair.
Hermione took a quick breath in. Her books. They were destroyed. Her breathing became deeper. She gripped the book in front of her, the mocking sight of what she needed most. Hermione's fingers unthinkingly turned pages, holding onto her last reminder of what she'd lost. As she glanced down, she saw the title of the page she was currently on.
Chapter 14, Identifying Thieves.
This chapter will teach how to identify thieves and criminals. If your belongings have been stolen, this will help you to find the miscreant who brought about your troubles. Warning: this is advanced magic. If you are unsure of your capabilities as a magician, it is best to consult magical Healers before attempting this spell.
Step one: Make sure you are holding your wand in your left hand, no matter which hand you favour.
Step two: Picture clearly in your mind whatever has been stolen from you. Try to picture as many small details as possible, as this makes the spell work best. Once this is in your head, focus upon it, and every aspect of it.
Step three: Now stare at your wand and imagine your stolen item blossoming from the tip in a cloud of swirly grey mist.
Step four: Say these words while raising your wand slowly upwards into the air, from your legs to as high as your arms can reach: 'Entellus partum.'
Step five: Close your eyes and the face of the person who took your belongings will be clear in your mind.
Eagerly, Hermione performed these actions. As she reached step five, she closed her eyes and at once, a face was present in her thoughts. She gasped.
'Harry Potter!'