Quack!

Today is a day of reflection and also thanks... to all of those in our parents and grandparents generation who basically saved the world. Because it's obvious that Voldemort wouldn't have been content with just Britain, he would have pulled a Grindelwald and expanded his 'empire' given half the chance.

My mum doesn't like to talk about the war, or the Battle - I think she still has nightmares - but I'm proud of her for having the courage to fight for what she knew what right. She and I don't always see eye to eye, but it's because of her I have the courage to stand up for what I believe in.

So I'm glad we get the chance to remember and discuss this and I hope it continues. It's very important to remember, isn't it? And not just for us in Britain, but those in Europe too (actually, I was wondering... do you commemorate the defeat of Grindelwald in Durmstrang and/or Beauxbatons considering the huge effect he had on Europe?).

[Private to Mari]
Mari... are you all right? I just saw your comments to Edwin... and that's not like you.

Want to talk? I have some fresh chocolate chip muffins.
[/Mari]


People are acting a little... strange.

I hope no one slipped a potion into breakfast again. But then why I am I feeling normal?

All this talk of the school year ending makes me sad.

I'm also sad that a lot of the guest students aren't happy.

I like Hogwarts, I like the weird things and being around everyone.

But then I guess I'm a bit weird anyway.

The holidays are ending too soon!!! I'm not ready to go back!

Did everyone have a good break though? I had a fantastic time! Dad made some hot cross buns ahead of Easter so we could all enjoy them together and we even had an Easter egg hunt. Roger pretended he thought it was too childish but I saw him sneaking about, looking for eggs when he thought no one was looking!

Easter is definitely one of my favourite holidays, how couldn't it be when there's chocolate involved? There's some interesting trivia about it as well, like the superstition that hot cross buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or become mouldy during the subsequent year. I haven't yet tried that one to see if it's true or not. Should I?

[Private to Nate]
Having those nights away together was the best thing ever. Especially the one day when we hardly left the room!

Poor Benny, he really wasn't happy the other day, but now he's had his medicine and I rocked him for a while, he was much happier and he's definitely better today. I'm glad, it would have been a shame to give him back when he's 'unwell'.

I'm going to miss him so much.

Congratulations to Scorpius, Penny, Feiyi!! That was some great potion-making!!

[Private to Nate]
It's rather ironic that this project only made me want kids more, and yet my chances of having them are lower than that of the ones who don't want them.

I read the script again by the way, it's beautiful, the best present I've ever received - aside from you.

Okay, so there are a few birthdays over the next few days (me, Ian Corner, the Wood twins and Toby Pucey for those who don't know!), so I'm proposing an informal picnic lunch on Sunday to celebrate. Since the weather is still a bit chilly and soggy, and we have the baby project, it will take place in the Room of Requirement.

Everyone welcome!

[Private to Nate]
I'm feeling a bit better now.

BABY!

He's so cute!!!

Um.

Well.

That was... interesting.

Er, please disregard anything I said from Monday until now.

Because I was mental.

Well, not mental, but under the influence of a love potion.

I have a much better understanding of how dangerous those things are now. Not only do they make you obsessive... but now I have the munchies like you wouldn't believe!!!

[Private to Nate]

Are you... still in love with Charlotte?

Because if not... I still love you.

And I still owe you a Valentine.

Although I did do something that might make you a little cross.

[/Nate]

[Private to Robb]

Er.How are you? I'm sorry about...

Hi.

[/Robb]

[Private to Nate]

Nate, you are my best friend and you will always be my best friend, but I can no longer be your boyfriend. Today it hit me, like chocolate sauce on ice cream, the one for me is Robb. I can't get him out of my head, I feel this overwhelming sense of love and adoration when I look at him. His crooked smile is sweeter than an iced bun. His scowl sends shivers down my spine. If he acknowledges me I feel delirious with joy. I want to share ice cream with him forever.

I'm sorry.

Your friend, Duncan

[/Nate]

Love... it's a wonderful thing, isn't it?

Except when HE has someone else already.



I'm so miserable I want to die....




Robb, I would love you MUCH more than she ever could.


[OOC: strike-outs are readable]

Week one of wearing only contacts has been successful. However, it does mean I have to get up earlier, especially when I'm also brushing my hair properly too. So, not sure how long I'll keep this up since I'd rather sleep more than spend my time grooming myself.

But changes are good now and then, especially when you want to do it for yourself. Doing it for someone else... isn't always so good.

[Private to Nate]

You better not plan anything for Valentine's night.

My cousins never fail me. They sent me some lollipops yesterday. The colours are so pretty it's a shame to eat them, but they taste too good not to!



Anyway, there's so many that I'm giving some away. First come, first served!

[Private to Nate (FAILED)]

Sucking on these makes me think of you where you're not around. Heh.

Almost broke your rule last night, didn't we? I confess I'm a little sorry... because I can't help craving it, but it's probably a good thing we came to our senses.

Still, next hols I'm looking forward to being shagged senseless. Several times.

I slept through the mock Wizengamot. It must have been the lack of sugar. I wasn't allowed to bring in any iced buns.

Or it could be a lack of sleep.

Anyway, I was thinking about personal boundaries for about, um... an hour now. It's interesting what some people consider too close and what for others is nothing, isn't it? For example, I don't mind being touched/hugged etc, and I'm a physical person myself, but there are others who radiate that 'do not touch' vibe and dislike physical affection.

There's a book called 'Coping With Infuriating, Mean, Critical People - The Destructive Narcissistic Pattern' (one of my cousins gave it to me after I came out, he thought I might need it). It is there was a discussion of boundaries and it came up with the following types:

"Soft - A person with soft boundaries merges with other people's boundaries. Someone with a soft boundary is easily manipulated.

Spongy - A person with spongy boundaries is like a combination of having soft and rigid boundaries. They permit less emotional contagion than soft boundaries but more than rigid. People with spongy boundaries are unsure of what to let in and what to keep out.

Rigid - A person with rigid boundaries is closed or walled off so nobody can get close to him/her either physically or emotionally. Rigid boundaries can be selective which depend on time, place or circumstances and are usually based on a bad previous experience in a similar situation.

Flexible - This is the ideal. Similar to selective rigid boundaries but the person has more control. The person decides what to let in and what to keep out, is resistant to emotional contagion, manipulation and is difficult to exploit."

I think I'm Flexible, but I could be Soft sometimes?

[HUFFLEPUFFS]

My cousins have just sent me a package full of assorted sweets and chocolates including a HUGE box of chocolates and some peanut brittle. I'm putting half a third out for every one to have some, so enjoy!

[/Hufflepuffs]

[Lucy]

I have some sweets and chocolates, so naturally I have saved some for you!

I'll give them to you after dinner.

[/Lucy]

[Feiyi]

In a week's time it will be Chinese (and Korean) New Year. I was wondering... how about making that the theme for the next cooking club meeting? I could show how to make Tteokguk, which is the traditional Korean rice cake soup.

[/Feiyi]

"We are not put on this earth to see through one another, but to see one another through." (Unknown)

So, sex education classes, huh?

Does it encompass ALL sexualities?

Not that I need any further education (and frankly there's definitely no risk of me getting a girl pregnant anyway) since I had the 'talk' ages ago and everything else I did my own research on. I'm not against the idea over all, but it seems to be like this is putting out the fire after the dragon burned down the house.

Roger says this is all my fault.

Speaking of which, I was prepared and brought family photos with me, even though it's been ages since everyone was sticking them up.

( Lee family - we're not mad, really )

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

Already this has been an amazing year for me and it's only one day gone. This has got to be a good sign, right?!

However, most importantly, this has to be written (even though I've told him a dozen times already):

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE!!!

( Private to Nate )

Hmm, seems I need to do a bit more work on improving air freshening charms. Occupants and any visitors to the 6th year Hufflepuff boys dorm, I apologise for the strong smell of pine. I'm working on getting rid of it.

The Potions exam was fun, and I didn't blow anything up this time.

Nate, I have everything ready for study session tonight. Except, I've misplaced one of my books.

[Private to Mari]

Did you get the food parcel? How is the study going?

Can you believe it's the first day of Winter already? And less than a month until Christmas! Pesky exams to get out of the way first, but eh...

What is everyone looking forward to over the holidays? And those of you from the foreign schools - are you staying here? Or going home?

And finally, but most importantly...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORCAN AND LYSANDER!!!!

This has a been a week of excess.

First Thanksgiving put on by the lovely Salem people. That spread actually managed to fill me up. This is rare, but after six platefuls I was stuffed! Or was it seven? I know I had quite a lot of the banoffe pie. Whoever made that, I love you forever.

Then I used the voucher I won at Serendipity. IT WAS WORTH IT! The food there is FANTASTIC! I really recommend the desserts. The chocolate mousse is... out of this world.

However, I'm hungry again. Too much exercise after lunch I guess.

Hey - so I got an invite to Essie's gala thing. And it would be wonderful if you came with me, because it would be so much more fun with you.

Sadly I am not pregnant. There goes my excuse that I'm eating for two. But then again, when ever have I needed an excuse?

I am so excited about next Hogsmeade weekend!!! 25 Galleon voucher! I can take Nate to Serendipity!!

Not so excited about exams. Will try not to blow things up this time.