Thinking Back

Distinct Destinies

Responsibility

I'm not really too worried about exams, though I rarely show my confidence on my sleeve like certain people I'm acquainted with. I study like a madman and only get slightly better grades than them as well. And how much do they study? In addition to my studies, I've got my responsibilities as prefect to keep up with. The position sometimes makes me feel like an outsider in my group of friends, but sometimes it makes me feel superior. I am entitled to give them all hell if they annoy me, so it's made my life just a little bit easier. Unfortunately, the amount of which I have control over them in any other area is minimal to none. I didn't expect any when I got my badge, so it hasn't been a disappointment. I try not to think about it. More important things than catching James snorting Floo Powder.

- Moony

Belonging

There are times when I feel like a complete idiot around my friends. All right, that's not entirely true. It's most of the time. Sometimes they emphasize my stupidity and make me feel like an even greater idiot. 'Course they tease me. It's what they do. And of course I'm going to pretend like it doesn't hurt. I'm their friend. Well...so that's not true either. It's because they'd take the mickey out of me if they found out I was sensitive. Blokes aren't supposed to be sensitive about their intelligence. So when my voice cracks or I attempt to make a joke that turns out to be a lot less funny than it was in my head, I get laughed at. Guess that's the way it is. Never saw any other guys complain about it. I'm just different, I suppose. Whether that's good or bad, I've yet to find out.

- Wormtail

Annoyance

Stupid Evans. Stupid bloody too-good-to-spare-me-a-glance Evans. She just plain ignores me now. I could understand before, when I used to poke fun at her, but I've been really well-mannered lately. I snuck up behind her yesterday and offered her a few lilies. I might've ruined the moment by saying, "Hey, you match," but she didn't have to roll her eyes and shove them away like that. Ever since I became Head Boy she's been acting all straitlaced and priggish, as if she'd rightly earned her title and I'd somehow stolen mine. I honestly haven't a clue as to why Dumbledore gave me the job, but I'm not 'abusing my powers,' as they say. Those bloody flowers were nothing but a pile of petals when I was through with them...but I couldn't help but notice she'd kept one.

- Prongs

Independence

It feels weird to step into my house, knowing that this is where I'll be living come September. Knowing that I've graduated school and I've got everything I need to make it alone in this world. I keep thinking I'll be going back to Hogwarts in the fall, like I haven't learned enough yet. What am I supposed to do with myself now? I'm thinking about a job. McGonagall said I could be an Auror, but she hadn't suggested it, what with my reckless habits. I'd probably kill the wrong person. No, I've decided on a less problematic area of work, preferably just as time-consuming. I don't want to waste away in this house. It's great that I have it, that I don't have to listen to anyone, that I'm on my own, but...nope, it's pretty much great.

- Padfoot