I take a moment to look at the cover of the book. Aside from the title, the cover was plain. It is mostly faded, and you can barely read the author’s name. The first couple of pages were about the different kinds of magic, like conjuring, illusions, and general magic. There were pages on the types of spells there were, such as healing and the ability to use the elements on command. The book seemed to be a large list of what spells can be used. However, there seemed to be a small section about how to use them. It talks about using one’s own energy to make the magic work.

What does it mean about one’s own energy? The book does not explain that much. How does a person use their energy? Should I try talking to someone who already does magic?

I start to head back over to where I last left Jason, with the book still in my hands. Jason must have already read about magic, right? I hope so, because it does not make sense, and it is something I want to further explore in. It may prove useful. I arrive at the table Jason was at, but he is not there along with the stacks of books that he had. Where could he have gone this time? Did he go back to his bedroom? Why is he not telling me where he goes? I may have to set some ground rules saying that we stay together, or that we tell each other where we are going. I do not want to run around a strange place all day just to keep up with him.

I leave the library and start walking down hallways to get to Jason’s room. He has to be in his room now. Where else would he go? When I have walked up to his door, I knock on it, fully expecting an answer. To my frustration, no one answered the door. I put my ear up to the door, trying to hear what could be going on inside, but there were no sounds. I decide to peek inside, again. I check my surroundings first to make sure no one would startle me again, and then slightly open the door. Unsurprisingly, Jason is, yet again, not in there. I walk further into the bedroom to look around. His room is, actually, very plain. Brown walls and floor, and his furniture is unpainted wood. His bed is a plain white, and he had his school uniform folded on it as well. Also on his bed were all the books that he had in the library. There were about twelve books in total. Is he going to read all of them? It is quite a lot for one person to try to retain all of that information, especially since we are not from here. Comparing my book to all of his, there wasn’t a title that seemed to be about magic, except for one titled “Witches and Warlocks”. They probably use magic. Should I take the book and find out for myself?

Before I got closer to the book, I hear a voice speak from behind. “Are you looking for your brother again?”

Startled again, I turn around and see the same elderly man that spoke to me before. “Oh, yes, I am.”

“It is almost time for the evening meal. I believe he is in the dining hall. I would suggest that you head there as well, as to not miss the meal.”

“Yes, I’ll go there soon. I would like to take all of the books here, though.”

The man looked confused. “May I ask why?”

“He’ll figure out that I took them, so he’ll come to me to get them.”

“You want him to talk to you?”

“I want him to see that there are more important things than books.”

The man seemed to not know what to say next. I turn back around and started gathering all of the books. He came up to my side and started reaching for a book. “Please, let me help.”

“Oh, thank you, but I got them.” I take the books from him and stacked them on top of each other in my arms. The man did not seem too happy about what I was doing. After counting twelve, excluding my own book, I head out of Jason’s room. On my trip to my own bedroom, several people have asked me if I needed assistance, to which I always turn down. The man followed behind me, constantly asking me if I was sure that I did not need help. Why does he care so much?

I arrive at my bedroom, and the man opened the door for me, which I thanked him for. I walk in and set the books down on my bed, and the books on the top topples over onto the bed. One fell to the floor, but the man picked it up. “I do not understand why you are doing this. You could talk to him during the evening meal.”

“This will have more of an effect.”

“Alright then. Do you have any questions before I leave?”

“Yes. What is your name?”

The man seemed surprised, but answered nonetheless. “My name is Griffin.”

“Thank you.”

Griffin slightly bows his head and starts out the door. Before he left, I call out to him. “Griffin?”

He turns around. “Yes?”

I point to the book that he picked up. It is still in his hands. “I would like that, please.”

Griffin looks down at the book in his hands. He let out a nervous chuckle before walking back over to me. “My apologies.”

He hands me the book before turning back around and walk out of the room. Strange, why did he forget that he had one of the books?

I shrug and set the book down on my bed. It was probably just an honest mistake. However, I got this feeling that it was something else, although I am not sure what. I take the book and place it under my pillow along with my magic book, to keep it safe.

I probably should have asked Griffin another question. Where is the dining hall?