"Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously.... Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us."

Valentines day is tomorrow! Oh joy. Not to mention, my birthday is the 1st so that'll be coming up here soon. Mum and Dad are already trying to get me to tell them what I want. I can't really think of anything though.

"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever in Never Never Land!"

Hook: If I were you, I'd give up!
Peter Pan: If you were me...I'd be ugly!

I suppose I could go through a list of books that I want. My copy of the Iliad did get ruined and I would love to read that again. Think I'll do that after dinner tonight.

Time for class.

PDH

[Hexed to Ernie and Ron]
I think we should get together sometime soon, yes?
[End Hex]

[Hexed to Morag]
I know I'm supposed to make sure we keep these meetings as few as possible, but we will have to get together at some point. Just be nice please.
[End Hex]

So, I think I'm going to start calling Stephen 'Oh Captain! My Captain!' Sounds fitting for him don't you think?

Attention 7th years, I'm counting on one of you to help me understand what we're supposed to do for Transfiguration. I admit, I'm rubbish. Thank you.

Mandy

Well, I thought this was going to be fun.

Didn't realize I was that bad to be around.

[Hexed to Self [Friends could break it]]
Am I really that aweful to be around?

I don't understand why she hates me so much. I don't believe I've done anything to her. At least not that I can think of. I reckon Vaisey isn't to thrilled either.

I'm nice to everyone.

Bloody hell, why should I care so much of what she thinks? I don't even know her. Well if she wants to have a bad attitude about it, I can too.
[End]

Paisley

HEXED AGAINST STAFF/TO GRYFFINDORS

Stupid bloody project. What the hell? Do you see who I got stuck with? The only one in the group I don't mind working with is Mandy. The others? Bloody fecking hell. MacMillan? And MacDougal? How the sodding hell am I supposed to survive this? I fucking hate being a seventh year sometimes. Too much ruddy work.

Why couldn't I have been paired with Hermione? Or Harry? Stupid bloody Snape and his stupid bloody greasy hair.

On another note, when's the next quidditch practise, eh? I want to shape up for the next match. There's no way we're losing. We deserve this cup.

END HEX/PRIVATE

The closer it gets to the end of the year the more I realize that this is actually going to be over, you know? Seven years, gone. Bit strange, isn't it? I reckon I should look into Auror training and applying and all that. Might be a good idea. Maybe Hermione knows about it. Eh, 'Mione, any idea what I'm supposed to do for that?

Yeah, I'd just like to say that I am not and will never be an auror. Same goes for majority of those present at Hogwarts. So, what I'd like to know is why the bloody hell we've got to participate in something like this stupid Defense project?

I suppose it's not surprising that Professor Snape wants to be deemed a fun and creative educator. But, honestly, this new method is not benefiting anyone. If anything it's diverting our attentions and time from other more important things. Example: Slughorn's monopolization on potions apprenticeships! My life.

D'you think the headmistress could have the power to let some of us opt out if we have valid reasons for it? Unlikely, but it's a thought.

. Lisa T

Haha we should be group sextus

I suppose this little defense experiment could be interesting. A bit unorthodox I suppose, but it shows potential at being better than another stack of essays. We'll see yes?

In other news, that Ravensdale chap from the cursebreaking apprenticeship sent me an owl this morning. He wants to have a sit down during the next Hogsmeade trip. Something about a potential job. I don't know what I'd be doing exactly, but things are looking up in that department.

[Ward to 7th year only D.A. Members, Charms Club Member, Ancient Runes Club Members, and other associated friends]

Additionally, I'm looking for a N.E.W.T study group, what with the tests coming up so quickly. I work better in small groups, yeah? So it'd be ace if I could get with people who are better at different things. I'm pretty decent at Runes and Charms so I can help in those department. Figure the more versatile the group the better. If you're interested in getting together let me know. We'll organize something.

[/ward]

- J. Finch-Fletchley

Oh, you have got to be bloody joking. There is no way in hell that I'm working with Macmillan. Or Weasley. I demand-- ugh

How utterly unfunny, Professor Snape. I doubt that whatever I might or might not have done to you in the past deserves this kind of punishment. So thank you, really.

( PRIVATE TO MANDY )

NEXT PERSON TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT ME AND THE COLOUR PINK IN THE SAME SENTENCE GETS A WAND SHOVED UP THEIR ASS. Fucking Creevy.

You've been warned.

( See, Amy? I was right. )

Someone please explain to Charlie why dating Hufflepuffs is such a bad idea? He's all germs-ridden right now and it's so fucking disgusting. He never listens to me, so someone else, please make him understand that when you date Hufflepuffs, bad things happen?

And before anyone gets their knickers in a twist, I know what I'm talking about, okay? Charlie's NEVER sick and now that he spends all his time with that 'puffie girlfriend of his, he's caught a cold from hell. There's snot everywhere, you should see it.

I LOST MY JOURNAL! No, really! The last time I saw it was when I packed it to go back home and then when I was looking for it there, it was gone! Mum said it would turn up eventually, but it never did and after a while we kind of forgot about it because we were having so much fun! Then I came back here and I looked all over my dorm but it wasn't anywhere, so I just asked mum to buy me a new one, but the manager at Flourish & Blotts told her there was a way to get it back? I don't know how, but she did and I'm so glad because it wouldn't have been the same with a new one! You know what I mean? It would feel really weird, like using a second piece of parchment after you've filled up the first one? Exactly like that!

Anyway, anyway! This question comes terribly late, but how was everyone's holidays? Mine were GREAT but I've already talked to some of you about them so I'll spare the rest the details and just say that I had such a great time; my aunt Esme ended up joining us after all, which was great, because she's so awesome, and skiing is really, really fun and I can't wait to do it all again. Like, sliding through the snow while singing Christmas carols at the top of your lungs and having people give you funny looks is... well, FUN! There's just no other word to describe it!

I'm going to show you pictures now! Charlie took most of them, but I managed to take a couple myself... whenever I could steal the camera from him, because he would never let the thing go!


( This is where we stayed! A little skii centre in Glencoe, Scotland. )


Well, that's it, I guess! I should go now, I need to start organising the next Muggle Lovers' club meeting, but I need to talk to prof. Flitwick about it first so I can't tell you what I have in mind yet, but I will soon, I promise!

Brilliant Quidditch match. Absolutely brills. Can't wait to get out there again myself... been too long since we've played a match, eh? Harry's got us practising as usual so we're doing good. I'm thinking of going out tonight and practising a bit myself. Anyone else in?

Was patrolling last night for prefect rounds and came across couple of Slytherin boys, probably fourth year, didn't check, tormenting a young Hufflepuff girl. Poor thing look terrified. So, took points, gave detentions all that rubbish and took the poor girl down to Pomfrey for a calming draught. Pretty damn cruel picking on a little girl if you ask me.

Think I'm gonna take a bit of a nap. I feel a cold coming on and I don't fancy being sick. I'd rather not spend any more time with Pomfrey than needed.

FIGURES THIS SHIT WOULD HAPPEN WHEN I FINALLY GET TO PLAY.

Fuck this shit and fuck you all. Just... fuck. We still beat Gryffindor, so whatever.

How is it exactly that you beat Slytherin but you let Hufflepuff win over you? No, seriously. I want a logical explanation to how this all works.

And what does that say about the Slytherin team?

Congratulations on winning, anyhow. I heard it was a good match.

Excuse me for a moment while I perform my happy dance.

Bloody hell, I'm tired but too excited to take a nap.

[Ravenclaw Quidditch Gods]
Brilliant game!

Again, I say brilliant!
[End Private]

Mandy

Quidditch match today. It seems to be the only thing people are talking about. Don't get me wrong I like quidditch, I do I'm just...not really in the mood to go. But I will...since I'm a nice, supportive, caring friend who does things even if she doesn't want to. Plus, if I don't go - Ravenclaw will lose. And we wouldn't want that! We'd never hear the end of it, the common room would be drenched in tears, then it would mildew and smell and be very unpleasant. It wouldn't be pretty.

Seriously, though, if Ravenclaw doesn't win today - I'm disowning the entire team and voting them out of the cool kids club. So make it happen, people. Make it happen!!

- L. Turpin.

P.S. In other news, I think Jackson's sick - he won't come out from under the bed. I'm tempted to take him to see Pompfrey just to be a total bint. But I don't...because I'm a nice, caring, person...... Hem.

Ravenclaw for the win!

This is all.

[Private to the RQT]
Let's kick some Slytherin arse yes?
[End Private]

Mandy

Ginny Weasley! One of my best friends. I wrote you a story.

There was once a little mouse named Desmond Michael Carman Jr. He lived in a cave by the ocean. Every day little Desmond Michael Carman Jr. would go out and watch the seagulls fly the thermals of the ocean air. Poor Desmond Michael Carman Jr. was a jealous mouse, he wished he could fly like the seagulls.

Finally he decided he was going to build a machine that will let him fly. He gathered twigs and leaves to make wings that he would wrap around his little mouse arms and back. He climbed a rock and took a giant leap. But sadly his invention did not work and he fell into the sand.

Poor Desmond Michael Carman Jr. wept because all he wanted was to fly. As a seagull flew by, he paused hearing the poor mouse. The seagull asked Desmond Michael Jr. what was wrong and when the mouse told him, the seagull formed an idea. He told Desmond Michael Jr. that he would return shortly and to stay put. When the seagull finally returned, Desmond Michael Jr. looked up and saw that the seagull had a small harnest with string that tied around the seagull's body. Desmond Michael Jr. strapped himself into the harnest and the next thing he knew, the seagull and carried him into the air. Happy Desmond Michael Jr. spread out his little mouse arms and looked down at the ocean below. He finally got a chance to feel what it was like fly.

The end.

Hurry back Ginny!

Paisley D. H.

So much homework. The professor get a sick joy out of this don't they? I think they do. They sit up there during dinner and talk about what they can do to make us crack.

My head is starting to hurt, I really need some fresh air.

Who wants to join me?

Mandy

I think we should go back onto Holidays, I do not like school anymore. And this time I am going to demand that I be able to go back home. I am of age, they need to stop treating me like a 5 year old with a temper problem.

Back to school... what rubbish. Let's all skive off and go to Hogsmeade, yeah? Doesn't that sound loads better than dragging ourselves back to class after class after we've been stuffing our faces and getting all kinds of presents for weeks? Stupid school, why does it have to start up again, anyhow? Why can't vacation last forever? Bloody annoying.

Ginny's got Dragon Pox which means, St. Mungo's yes, but an extended holiday for her. Reckon I could get McGonagall to let me go visit her. She'll be asking for sweets and stuff anyhow and what kind of brother would I be if I didn't bring her any?

Least Quidditch is starting up again. Missed that over the hols. Speaking of hols... everyone have a good one? Jolly Christmas and all that?

So...I admit it. I left my journal here at Hogwarts all break. Yes, on purpose. No, I didn't miss any of your fantastic handwriting. I hope everyone got the junk stuff I sent for Christmas. The wizarding post office clerk in Leeds....hated me. He tried to charge me extra for sending the stuff out two days before Christmas. Which is a load of rubbish! And he didn't get away with it, mind.

Anyway, my holiday was decently spent. Details are hardly important....seeing as I didn't catch any near fatal diseases or win any musical contests or travel abroad. I did have to entertain a rather snotty house guest though. I mean Merlin, no one ever told me Gryffindors were awful to have in your house for longer than a day. Thank Rowena she was toilet trained and got on with the animals. Hahaha. KIDDING!!

For the record, I owe my life and sanity to Katherine. If you hadn't come, love, I'd probably be in azkaban for hexing my brother dumber than he already is. And Lydia would still be stuck out by the pond - to which I'd likely have been blamed for. Ha-ha!

Oh! And attention Michael Corner: I have your birthday present in my trunk. Remind me after classes to get that to you.

On with Study Hall!

~ Lisa M. Turpin

I owe everyone on these journals an apology for my misconduct in a certain entry posted in the early mornings of January 1, 1998. I'd obviously had far too much to drink and was dealing with some personal issues that should have never been made public. It got really bad rather quickly and - I don't remember writing in this damned thing at all. I was in the middle of packing when I found it and well- I apologize for any insult that may have been the product of my irresponsible alcoholic intake.

I am incredibly sorry and completely understand if this situation causes you to want to physically harm me. I'd appreciate it if you didn't, but if it's the only way to make things even we'll talk technicalities later.

Anyway, this is my public apology and admittance that I am in fact an idiot. Take it or leave it - there it is.

Sincerely,
Justin Finch-Fletchley

Finch-Fletchley, I swear to Merlin, you're going to be the first person sent to Azkaban and sentenced to the Dementor's kiss for sexual harassment, if you don't stop being an absolute, perverted creep RIGHT. NOW.

This page has been ripped out of the journal along with all of the comments made on it.

( PRIVATE TO MELINDA )

Merry Christmas, I guess.

Last night, I had this horrible dream where my daughter cut people's hair for a living. She was a hairstylist, and didn't even charge much for it. I'm never having kids if that's the future I have to put up with.

I hate christmas. It gives me nightmares.

Is it weird that I'm on vacation but I'm completely bored? Seriously. Harry's disappeared and Ginny's gone... off shopping apparently and I'm all by myself. Hermione's not coming until Christmas day so I'm on my own. And it's bloody annoying. Fred and George aren't even around to torture me. I went for a fly, I read all the quidditch magazines I own, I even helped Mum with some baking.

Someone entertain me. Please.

( Private to Hermione )

At least tomorrow's Christmas Eve. Off to Hermione's for dinner if I don't come back, Harry you get all my Quidditch stuff. Then Christmas Day, finally! Happy Christmas to everyone I won't have a chance to see.

( more about him )

[Ward to Friends and Customers excluding Smith]

Attention: Zacharias Smith is a fucking idiot. Whatever went wrong with his ugly mug had nothing to do with the product I sold him. I used the exact same batch of Blemish Be Gone I'd given him myself and it's been distributed amongst some of you before break as well. There is nothing wrong with it! I'm not even going to waste my ink on the matter considering he's a slanderous bastard who's obviously not as careful with his evening process as he likes to think. But I figured I should clarify this matter before I started getting more asshat's sending me recall requests.

I don't do refunds when my products have nothing wrong with them. And those of you who did send me letters already fuck off I don't appreciate your accusations. Consider yourselves on the purchaser's probation list. I don't have the time this term to bother with idiots.

The fucking end,
Lisa M. Turpin.

( PRIVATE TO LISA, READABLE BY KAT )

Who took my copy of Theories of Transubstantial Transfiguration? Give it back now.

WE'RE GOING HOME TOMORROW!

Finally! I'm so excited. I love Christmas and decorating, even though we won't get to enjoy the decorations this year because we won't even be home, but I hope we stay in one of those cabins on top of a mountain like in the movies and we get to decorate it and even put up a fake Christmas tree like grandma does and that grandpa pretends he's allergic to, so he doesn't have to help us decorate. Matthew tried to pretend once, too, but he's not a very good liar, and how do you fake sneezing, anyway? So he's always been stuck with roof decorations, which isn't even a big deal, because he's old enough to use magic without getting in trouble, but he still complains and whines and is a general pain in the arse, but when isn't he?

Anyway, what are your plans for Christmas, Hogwarts? And why are people staying? Don't you see this castle enough as it is?

( PRIVATE TO BOOTH && CHARLIE )

( PRIVATE TO GELSEY )

( Ward to Garrick Summerby )

Well, I'm ready to get the bloody hell out of here!
I'm thinking I'm so ready I might just pack tonight.
Or someone should pack for me. I'll pay.....in hugs.

- J. Finch-Fletchley.

P.S. ( Ward to Hufflepuff Boys )

Who's going to the meeting tonight then? Ginny, is it alright if I sit with you? Not sure who else I will know that'll be there.

I'm bored.

Why does your stomach always growl when it's time to be quiet? Sorry for the ones that had to sit by me during Charms today.

I need food.

The end.

Paisley Dawn Howell

Sorry it's been a while since I've written in this. I forgot that I placed it underneath my pillow so it's been laying there for a while now. So I haven't asked many people this, but who's all planning on staying here? More specifically, who's planning on staying here that I can hang out with? Just so I know I'll have someone to talk to while I'm here.

Speaking of the holidays, now would be the time to tell me what you want or else risk me trying to find a gift you might like. I'm not always 100% right when it comes to getting gifts for people, so if you want to give me a hint, now's your chance.

Mandy

I think I failed my Potions exam. I hope you're not disappointed in me, Professor Snape.

( PRIVATE TO MELINDA )

HEXED AGAINST SLYTHERINS, STAFF AND NON-FRIENDLY FOLK (AKA MORAG MACDOUGAL)
Everything's gone to hell. What the fuck is going on lately? Seriously. There's bloody drama everywhere in the damn castle. Does this usually happen before the holidays or something? I mean, shouldn't we all be rejoicing that we're getting off school soon? That's what we should be doing, partying it up and having fun, not having fights and yelling at each other and being all moody and depressed. I'm one to talk, aren't I?

I'm sodding sick of it. I just want to be happy again. Christmas is coming soon and all I can think about is if all my friends will actually want to be around for it. Fucking hell.

( Private to Self )

( Private to Harry )

( Private to Ginny )

( Private to Hermione )

Cheer up everyone, please? What's Christmas if everyone's bloody depressed?

Merlin, Weasley. Even your boyfriend thinks you're a whore? That's... sad.

( Ward to Garrick Summerby )

I'm sick of ----

( Ward to Katherine Spinks )

( Ward to Morag MacDougal & Katherine Spinks )

( Warded Private )

Exams this week.....are going to be murder.

- J. Finch-Fletchley.

P.S. 8 more days till freedom!!

P.P.S. Who's walking with me to Defense?

Am I the only one who thinks that women are a right pain in the arse? They're all whiny and high maintenance and bloody complicated and they steal your best friends. Bloody nuisances is what they are.

No offence, of course.

( PRIVATE TO MELINDA )

Poetry from the second floor girl's restroom:

Dear Mindy Finklehorse,
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I bloody hate your face
And your mother hates it too.

It astounds me that such intellect is being molded here. Hogwarts is clearly very much stuffed with class. I had to share.

- Lisa

P.S. I'm not going to Smith's "I'm A Big Ponce Party." Someone entertain me instead. Cards or something?

( Private to Self/Against Professors )

( Private to Harry/Against Professors )

Who invented big brothers? Seriously. I'd like to have a talk with him or her.

[Against Professors & Prefects who'd rat]

Who: You
What: Zach Smith's Birthday Celebration
When: December 5, 1997 | 19:00-00:00
Where: TBA (If interested let me know and I'll cue you in)

There'll be free food, booze, entertainment and general hoorah.

[Against the above & Zacharias]

I know some of you aren't keen on my mate - but I've got a lot of food & beverages coming and it'd be a shame for it to go to waste. If you must, think of it as a Pre-Exam party before we all implode. Gifts are optional.

[/Wards]

The apprenticeship ends this friday.... What happens if no one cracks the challenge?

( Ward to Hufflepuffs minus Zacharias )

( Ward to Zacharias )

- J. Finch-Fletchley

HEXED AGAINST PROFESSORS
Bloody fucking hell. I've sodding sprained my knee! I got caught on the staircase last night in that trick step, stupid bloody thing wouldn't let me go for almost an hour, and when I was trying to reach my wand that fell on the step below, I twisted my ruddy knee. Woke up in a lot of pain this morning so I sucked it up and went to see Pomfrey. Says I sprained it! Can barely walk. She couldn't even heal the damn thing because it wasn't broken. I've got to let it "heal naturally".

Means I won't be able to play quidditch for a few days, Harry. Sorry, mate. Not my fault really. I'll just have to miss a practise or two. I'll still come though, yeah? Watch and all that. Should be good as new in a few days. I'm in a foul mood though. Stupid sodding trick stair! I don't wanna miss quidditch!

( Private to Self )

Reckon I'm stuck doing homework until I can fly again. Well, at least Hermione will be happy.

Proud to report my toes are healed! Course they're still a little bruised. Didn't realize a bruise could get that dark shade of purple. But I reckon you guys didn't need to know that.

Enjoy this!

'Twas noontide of summer,
And mid-time of night;
And stars, in their orbits,
Shone pale, thro' the light
Of the brighter, cold moon,
'Mid planets her slaves,
Herself in the Heavens,
Her beam on the waves.
I gazed awhile
On her cold smile;
Too cold- too cold for me-
There pass'd, as a shroud,
A fleecy cloud,
And I turned away to thee,
Proud Evening Star,
In thy glory afar,
And dearer thy beam shall be;
For joy to my heart
Is the proud part
Thou bearest in Heaven at night,
And more I admire
Thy distant fire,
Than that colder, lowly light.

Edgar Allen Poe. Brilliant. Slightly insane but brilliant.

Paisley

Well at least a few good things happened after the Quidditch match. Lisa, I'm glad you like your charm! I was told it brings good luck, so I hope it works for you!

For the record, I'm never playing hide-n-seek again.

Now to my most exciting news.

I've finally finished my paint that I've been working on!

( Painting )

I haven't figured out a name for it yet, but tell me what you guys think? Personally I just love looking at the colors.

Mandy

Quick!! I need to borrow a camera.

And a volunteer to fly about on a new Skytopper5 broomstick for awhile.

It's for a little project I'm doing.

- Lisa T.

( PRIVATE TO KAT AND VERY, VERY AGAINST LISA )

( PRIVATE TO RAVENCLAWS (KAT CAN SEE THIS, TOO) AND STILL AGAINST LISA )

( PRIVATE TO LISA )