Speaking of the ball, I'd just like to say that I've really been looking forward to this one all summer. Not only will it be our last, but I have a pretty good feeling about it, too. With that said, who wants to go with me?

Don't be shy, ladies.

I read a horrid article in the Prophet today. Things outside of Hogwarts keep getting worse. I wonder what my brother thinks of all of it. I know why Bellatrix left so suddenly after her seventh year, and I know exactly what is going to be expected of Regulus, because it was expected of me, too. It just makes me uneasy that Reggie's so concerned with everyone but himself.

Aside from that, it's been getting harder and harder to sit through Transfiguration with him across the room. I'm sure Snivellus feels like he's made some fantastic point and that we'll all just let him alone from now on. He never did see things very properly. Reckon it has everything to do with the git's head being so far up his arse.

Speaking of arses, James seems to be making more of an effort. In his own ways.

It just really gets me that we can't do anything without causing even more problems for Remus. We can't even go to Dumbledore -- he's risking enough as it is. If I didn't know better, I'd drag Snivelly out by his greasy hair, then hex him until he couldn't see straight anymore.


( Note open to MWPP )

HAS HOOCH GONE BLIND? I can't believe you let them win, James. Even if Hooch wasn't calling all their dirty bleeding fouls. Antonin is more than a rotten blagger, and if I've got anything for Bagman, it's a meeting with a Gryffindor bat. He may get away with that on the pitch, but he sure as Merlin won't get away with it off.

And Avery, you can shove it. Everyone in the school knows James could fly cauldron-circles around your ugly little head. That goes for you, too, Rosier, even though all our chasers, even John Brown made that painfully clear today. He's a third year, you know.

He hid the wolfsbane under a loose floor board in the Shack. Snape had some bloody nerve. Mark my words, he'll never make it that far again. I don't know what he was getting at, if he honestly wanted to kill someone, it'd have to be me. Remus has been nothing but civil with the bastard.

Maybe he thought he'd let the secret out, though I really don't know why he doesn't just come out and say it if he has the bullocks to even try it. I wonder if Moony thinks this is my fault -- or if James will...


So, who's seen Snivelly around? I hear he needs help studying his Defense Against the Dark Arts.

I couldn't care less which sodding house you were sorted into. Not everyone's problems are as petty as worrying which house is better than the other. You get what you give, and it's as simple as that.

A tea cup nearly took my nose off at Zonko's, but then the prettiest little witches walked by. I'm sure I saved myself a few galleons, Zonko's usually does a good job of emptying my pockets before I even make it to the Three Broomsticks. Didn't have any problem making it to the pub this time, though -- all the girls were headed in that direction.

Out drank Remus and Peter. Again. Usually James offers some kind of decent competition, but you know, he must have been too busy with Lily -- I mean -- too busy being Head Boy and all. It's a real tough job, I hear.

[Private]
I managed to snatch Snivelly's notes the other night. Gave them to Moony yesterday. I'm still not sure what he thinks about the wolfsbane, but he knows I don't like it. James still doesn't have a clue, but as long as he's more concerned being Head Arse, he doesn't need to.

I don't know what he was thinking, taking those points from Gryffindor.
Honestly, like I care.

Anyone lucky enough to get a load of Filch in the halls this afternoon? Haven't seen him that distraught since the last detention I let him give me. Reckon he couldn't figure what to give; he's just about used every treatment for bad behavior there is.

Aside from hanging me by my thumbs or toes, that is.

Anyway, his cat went missing and came back running from its own tail -- you would, too, if you had one spitting sparks right out your rear. The mangy animal must have been snooping where it shouldn't have. You'd think they'd learn, but they never do.

I caught another mangy creature doing the same in the library last week. Maybe he wants sparks out his arse, too.


( Private )

After seven years I'm quite used to things going to his head, but if Prongs parades that bloody badge around me one more time, I'll shove it where...

You know, I'd almost think he's enjoying it now.

But, then again, why shouldn't he? He's making a right arse out of himself and he's always enjoyed that. Hell, they might as bloody well made me Head Boy. We've always gotten into everything together. I'm still not sure what's worse, someone like Prongs being Head Boy, or a werewolf.

He's just not around half as much as he used to be. Sure, we still have Flying together. And COMC. And all those boring classes, like Transfiguration and Potions -- but that's not the point.

I'm not going to be sharing detention with the Head Boy, am I?

Reckon not.


Rem, wouldn't imagine you'd be willing to do my paper for Skeffington while you're at it? And Peter, what is this Secret of Life business he's going on about? He's starting to sound like Longbottom.

I promise I won't hex your pudding, Petey.

Did I hear someone mention Jigger and a Potions assignment coming up? I must have fallen asleep again.

Tryouts are early in September. I reckon between double AF&T James can already tell I'd give him a run for his galleons on the pitch. But don't worry, I'm not going to bother this year. Wouldn't want to steal someone's glory, or anything. I bloody love that class, though. Advanced Flying & Techniques, I mean. I'm waiting for the day that Hufflepuff girl, McKinnon, knocks Rosier right off his broom.

I'm taking bets. If anyone would like to make a wager, I'll be in the common room for the rest of the afternoon. And Gideon, if you or your house mates are interested, you can find me in the Great Hall. Same goes for you, Hufflepuffs, or any Slytherins who agree Evan's a git.

The first Hogsmeade trip is the eighteenth. If any ladies would like to wager, I'll consider taking the winning bettor.

Well, it sure is good to be home! Remus has been sick, and considering James has somehow managed to acquire responsibilities over the summer, I've been finagled into note taking. Peter, yours were useless, so I went ahead and made an extra copy for both of you.

No offense, mate, I've just got a knack for those subjects. And your script is a tad messy. And... Err, actually, how about you just let me handle his notes from now on?

Oi! Jamie, I don't reckon you'll let me have a go on your broom, will ya? Do you know when practice'll start this year? Being Head Boy hasn't turned you into Head Girl yet, has it? You're still on the team, right? If you're too busy this year being lawful, maybe I should try out for your position?

Peter's bloody fallen asleep and all I've got is this ruddy journal to keep me entertained. A lot of good he's been. One of the gals stopped by earlier, but she couldn't stay long. One day I know I'll find a girl who appreciates a good dungbomb as much as my best mates do.

I wonder what sort of Head Boy travesties Lily's forced James to do already. Knowing Remus, he's already done enough good deeds for the both of them. Unfortunately we haven't taught him anything over the years. That's perfectly all right. He's one of us, he just doesn't know it yet.

I just found my deck of Exploding Snaps! Bet that'll wake Petey up.

Between Remus and his folks, I've already gotten all my books, supplies, robes, everything. A little more productive than I'm used to being, I'll say, but it looks like Rem's been nothing but good for me. I wonder if James has even left his room yet.

Oi! James, we need to get our hands dirty before our friend here forces me to repent. What a bloody mess that would be.

Speaking of messes, I had a few lasses approach me on the subject of chauvinism. You said it, Skita Reeter. If you have a problem with my upbringing, you can take it straight to the front doorstep of your most respectable House of Black. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

Remus and I went to Diagon Alley this afternoon to pick up school supplies. We ran into a strange little witch at the apothecary named Skeeter. I hear she usually has the most awful things to say, but today she made a point in telling me I was the most eligible man in Gryffindor.

Sorry, James, I guess that rules you out. Not that you'd ever be interested in what a hag like Skita Reeter thinks. Although, I can't say I don't agree with her about my eligibility...

Anyway.

I've spent a little over a week here with Moony. His parents are great to me, just like Mr. and Mrs. Potter were. I wonder what it was Rem complained about -- then again, he's never met my mother. My father wasn't exactly the most admirable person, either, but at least he spent most of the time out of the house.

I really shouldn't compare, but sometimes I can't help it...

Finally, it's my last year at Hogwarts. Come this time next summer and I'll have myself a job; hopefully one where I can twist some pants and get paid doing it. I'll have my very own flat, too. The boys'll have to ask to come over to my place, for a change. I owe a lot to that school, I know, but so long, suckers.

We just had better take the Cup, that's all.

Remus and his family will be taking me in shortly. I reckon a break will do James some good -- even he can get sick of me. Too much of a good thing can turn someone rotten, you know. Remus is nothing like James, though. At least his parents were well prepared by the time I came around causing trouble. I better be on my best behavior, then. Whatever that is.

So this is the newest craze? A journal that gabs back?


-- Sirius Black