I maintain a plea of complete innocence in regard to this week's past, present, and future events.



That is not to say that I'm not very amused.

I had absolutely no problem with those leprechauns - quite festive, really, and harmless, or so I thought - until one of them colored the pages of my book a hideous shade of green. I've tried everything I can think of and I can't change them back. I wasn't aware that it was a crime to read Hawthorne on St. Patrick's Day.

Are we sure that we've rounded all of them up?

Being eighteen isn't very different than being seventeen. My birthday was thankfully uneventful; I hate making a huge deal about things like that. A birthday is just another day, really.

The game was a mess. Thank Merlin for the members of the team who actually think to follow rules every now and then. At least one member of the guilty party acknowledges that what he did was irresponsible.

Lily: I've almost finished the book you gave me. We can talk about it tonight at the meeting. So far it's been a fascinating story.

I fear that nothing good can come of his death. This murder will be regarded as a sign, a call to arms, and it will start with a newly empowered leader. All it takes is an incident like this and the Ministry will have free reign to do whatever they please. Not that I don't feel that action needs to be taken, I just worry about the direction of our government. With the murder of such an important man will come increased public support; they have an excuse to take drastic measures. I just hope that some continue to hold the government accountable for their actions, murder or no. Of course they need to investigate the crime, but in a humane way. Unfortunately, our lovely government hasn't been humane for years.

The state of our government isn't the only thing that's worrying me. Everything seems a bit fragile at the moment, ready to shatter at the wrong word or glance, and I'm not quite sure why. Things just don't feel right.

Just a few more inches of summary and I'm done with my work for the night. It's a shame that it's snowing (and that it's against the rules this late at night), because I really could use a long walk outside.

Sirius, I got a letter back from mum and dad (they wrote back so quickly I think they didn't even give it a second thought) and they're really excited to meet you. Mum said, and I quote, "I think it's so nice that you'll have a friend to spend the holidays with," meaning "I can't believe you actually have a friend that wants to visit. Now you won't spend the whole vacation in your room reading books." They also said they would consider letting me go to your place for a few days.

In light of this news, I'm looking forward to the time away from school. It'll also be nice to relax and not have to worry about exams anymore, which have been going decently, I suppose, but could be better if I studied more. I have half a mind to head down to the kitchens for a cup of hot chocolate - I'm having a craving, and I'm also just cold - but I guess I really should look over my Runes notes for a while longer.

It's been a while since I've been able to find the time to write in this thing. I've had more homework lately, and then there was the search for a costume. The ball was wonderful - a most needed night of excitement - and perfectly organized by Lily and James. Lovely job, both of you.

I'm not feeling well again; I'll probably end up going to bed early, despite the large amount of homework I haven't finished. If I don't feel any better tomorrow, I may have to miss classes. That might not be too bad of an idea, really, as it would give me a chance to catch up on the work I'm behind on.

The report on the most recent wizard sent to Azkaban was rather unsettling. He claims innocence, that he was under the imperius curse. I hope the Ministry has strong evidence to the contrary, because if he is innocent they made a horrific mistake. They're obviously desperate to find any scapegoat they can, but imprisoning someone who was under the imperius curse will not do any good. Someone had to put the curse on him.

Sirius' rumors are... interesting. I agree with him that Lily and James have obviously been getting along lately, and that that definitely is a miracle. I really wouldn't be surprised if our Head Boy and Head Girl became at least friends, if not more. Some say that bickering like they do - or used to; things have apparently changed - is often a cover for feelings of a more friendly nature.

Speaking of Sirius - I think we should meet before dinner to go over the rest of my notes. We didn't quite get through all that you missed last time.

Lily, what time is the meeting tonight? I've completely forgotten.

Hallo, everyone. It's nice to see you all back to normal. Did you retain your memories of what happened while you were transformed? Let me apologise again for the mishap, and if anyone needs help catching up on work - in any subject but potions - please ask. Also, thank you to all of you who helped take care of the kids. In my opinion, it wasn't too horrible of an experience. Some of you were actually rather cute fun, interesting children.

This is a horrible mess. I'm very, very sorry that my ineptitude caused all of you to either become children or babysitters. I hope that the children you're watching aren't causing too much chaos. Thankfully, Dumbledore reassured me that this isn't permanent, so everything should be back to normal soon. As long as they don't do any damage they're not so bad, right?

How are you kids enjoying Hogwarts? It sounds like you've been having a lot of fun.

I shuold shouldn't have gone to that bloody party. Honestly, how Sirius got me to wore a toga I'll nevr nver never know. God. How he got me to drink this much, though... I mean, it takes a lot to get me this wasted. A lot. Really. Not that I, uh, do this often, or anything. Y'know. I decided that it'd be best to give up and head to bed, but now I can't sleep. I'm just sitting here on my bed. Thinking. I've done too much of that lately, and I'm sick of that. Probably why I didn't say no to what must have been my millllion millionth bottle of firewhisky. God. Now I'm stuck on my bed in a toga with too many thoughts and all I want to do is go back downstairs and snog Sirius until he's dizzy. No, I'm not that drunk, thanks.

I enjoyed the summer, but it's always good to return to this school. There's something comforting about coming back to the same building and the same people. I can't imagine where I'll be around this time next year.

Tomorrow is the first day of classes. I'm worried, especially about Potions. I really have to concentrate this year or I won't do well on that exam. I suppose it doesn't really matter, as I'm sure that whatever job I manage to find won't even care about my NEWT marks. Ancient Runes, too. Hopefully I'll find more time to study than I have in the past, though if my summer work ethic is any indication, no amount of time in the library will help me.

I really shouldn't go shopping by myself. I ended up spending about half an hour getting actual supplies for school and almost five hours in the bookstore; I just couldn't help myself. There was a little cafe next door that had divine hot chocolate. I barely got through a quarter of the store's shelves. Anyway, I found everything on the list and a set of new dress robes. I think Mum told me to buy them because she felt guilty about leaving me alone.

My aunt still hasn't had her baby, but Dad swears that it'll be any day. It's strange to think about going to the platform tomorrow alone. I haven't been completely lonely - Lily dropped by a few days ago. We had tea and talked about a number of things. It was a very nice break from the silence, because no matter how much one enjoys being alone, I don't think it's possible for one to want to be alone forever. Silence becomes too silent after a while.

Well, I suppose I'll see all of you at the station tomorrow.

My Aunt Christine is supposed to be having her baby in two days and since Dad is a doctor she wanted my parents to be there. Therefore, I am home alone.

Mum offered to let me stay at the Leaky Cauldron since they probably won't be back until after I've left for school, but I didn't feel the need to spend the money. I will have to go in to get my things for school, of course. Maybe tomorrow. Now I'm just enjoying the luxury of having the whole house to myself. I can spend a whole day at that bookstore without Mum worrying or convincing me to come home early. Oh, I misspoke. Make that 'can' a 'will.'

I had a wonderful time with Lily at lunch yesterday. She offered me some advice that I'm very grateful for and introduced me to what has to be the most amazing bookstore in all of Britain. Needless to say, we spent hours in it, and I'm planning on returning when I go to pick up school supplies.

A philosophical poll of sorts: which is better to do, what you think want or what you believe to be the best course of action?

I finished the Potions essay, anyway. It's not my best or my most coherent work, but it's finished. It's hard to believe the summer is almost over and even harder to think that we are so close to starting our last year at Hogwarts.

So I'm back home and have almost fully recuperated from staying at Sirius'. It was nice to see everyone again but a big change from my quiet house. Things with Sirius Sirius was Bugger. Summer hols really aren't for partying. They're my time to rest up for the partying that will inevitably happen during the school year.

I can't believe the summer is almost over. I really should finish that Potions essay; I just can't seem to force myself to concentrate on it. It's the only assignment I have left, though, so I think I'll be fine. Has anyone finished it yet?