The Diary of a Witch, Volume I

The Diary of a Witch, Volume I

CHAPTER 1: SEPTEMBER, 1991

Sunday, 2:00 P.M., September 1, Hogwarts Express,

             This is the downside to school: getting up early. It’s not the only downside, but it’s on the top five in my book. Right up there with homework, and putting up with the people known as my peers.

            Getting to Platform 9 3/4 was interesting. I thought Mr. Lupin was kidding when he talked about the whole running straight into the wall between Platforms nine and ten thing. But he wasn’t kidding. I think from now on I’ll just take wizards word for stuff about magic. Unless it’s completely unbelievable then I’ll check into it.

             The Hogwarts Express is the name of the train that is taking us to Hogwarts. It’s one of those old-fashioned red steam engine trains with passenger compartments. Like the ones you see in those old movies Giselle likes to watch. She made me sit through Casablanca once. I fell asleep about halfway through it.

             It was kind of hard saying good-bye to Angela. I mean she’s one of the few people who’ve actually cared. Though I’m not going to mess her telling me to:

A) Sit up straight

B) Stop talking fast

C) Stop swearing (which I don’t do THAT much)

D) Stop getting into fights (even though most of the time I don’t start them)

E) Stop biting my fingernails

             I know she’s saying this because she cares and I admit, they are bad habits, but they’re a part of who I am. Thankfully she hasn’t told me to stop running into people, dropping stuff, and to stop tripping/falling because we both know it’s useless. I’m a complete klutz. Always have been, and always will be. Hell, at my old school the kids nick named me DisasterLee.

            Very clever. Annoying. But clever.

             Mom and Dad always told me my clumsiness would go away after a few years. That was when I was four and skinned my knee several times over various incidents. I haven’t improved much. Though I can sometimes catch myself before I trip. That’s an improvement, I think.

             A little while ago a witch with a cart full of magic sweets came by and I couldn’t help but indulge a little. Hey, after two years of smuggling in candy to the manor can you blame me? I might have gone a little overboard buying one of everything, but they were worth it. The sweets weren’t the normal stuff like Mars Bars either, they were wizard sweets which had magic in them.

            First, there was a pack of Chocolate Frogs which have these collectable cards of Famous Witch’s and Wizards. I got Merlin, Morgana le Fay, and Da Vinci who was apparently a muggleborn like me. The moving pictures are funny too. Merlin keeps yawning and Morgana keeps fluffing out her hair.

             After those I had a bag of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans which are like Jelly Bellies only when they say every flavor they mean every flavor. I had one that tasted like lint. Gross, does not begin to cover the flavor. After the Bertie Botts I had some Licorice Wands, Cauldron Cakes, and Pumpkin Pasties which are pretty much what they sound like.

             I’ve got this compartment to myself so I’m bored out of my mind. I’ve already finished that Star Wars book I was reading and have started to read Lord of the Rings for the fourth or fifth time. There isn’t much to draw either because all of the scenery outside is fields. I’ve had my fill of fields, thank you very much.

Thank God, I brought along a lot of CDs.

Late Sunday, September 1, Dorm room,

             I think I over did it on the food today. Oh well, it was worth it. Man, I’ve missed eating meat. And those baked potatoes...yum. Hogwarts food is way better then the food at my old school. Of course, that wouldn’t be too hard.

             You know Hogwarts is an actual CASTLE? Seriously, with towers and everything. It’s a very BIG castle too, from what I could see when we crossed the lake in those boats with Hagrid. Hagrid is the school’s groundskeeper and Keeper of the Keys (whatever that is). He’s way tall and just...big with a long black beard and eyes. He seems nice though. He helped that Longbottom kid find his toad.

             I prefer him to Professor McGonagall, the deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration teacher. Jeez, she’s intimidating. Her glare rivals Angela’s. When she told us, “I hope each of you will become a credit to whichever house becomes yours,” I swear I heard her thinking ‘Or else’. Remind me not to get on her bad side.

             The sorting ceremony was a little embarrassing. Did they have to sort us in front of the whole school? I almost tripped on my way up to the stool but I caught myself just in time. I don’t think anyone noticed except for Headmaster Dumbledore who gave me a wink as I sat down on the stool. It’s really weird having a hat talk in your head. How does he decide it anyway? The hat, I mean. How does he know where I belong? I don’t even know where I belong, so how does he? All I caught during my sorting were a few muttered words from him such as “hmm. Interesting” or “most unusual.” Then he said I wasn’t right for Slytherin or Hufflepuff and took a minute wavering between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. He finally put me in Ravenclaw.

             I can deal with Ravenclaw, I guess. Mr. Lupin told me the house was known to have a lot of smart wizards and I guess I’m smart. There’s the photographic memory thing and I always get As and Bs. The only class I’ve ever gotten a C in is math (bane of my existence). At least I’m not ignorant. Which in my opinion is worse then being dumb.

             After me there weren’t that many students left since Johanson is pretty far down the alphabet. Everyone made this big fuss when this one kid named Harry Potter was sorted. Wonder why? It wasn’t his looks, he was scrawny. About my height, with messy black hair, green eyes, and glasses that had tape on them. Oh well, I’ll probably find out soon enough. One thing about schools is that you always find out about people easily.

             We finally got to eat after the sorting and like I said, the food was amazing. After that Headmaster Dumbledore got up. He looks like the way I’ve always pictured Gandalf from the Hobbit. He’s got the long beard (only it’s white instead of gray), blue eyes and half moon spectacles. He made a few announcements which included a warning that the third floor corridor on the right-hand side was strictly forbidden to anyone “who did not wish to die a most painful death.” A Headmaster with a sense of humor. That’s a nice change. Headmistress Sloan didn’t have one. Then again, I’m not entirely sure it was a joke.

             After that we were led to Ravenclaw House by one of our prefects who was named Penelope Clearwater. Ravenclaw House is in this one wing in the back of the castle about a corridor away from the library, which was pointed out to us by Penelope. The entrance to the wing is hidden by a tapestry of moving flying birds and a painting of a witch with a wart on her nose who was dozing on her broomstick. To get in we have to tell her the password which will change every week. This week’s password is ‘Loch Ness’

             The common room runs along the wings first floor and has a huge fireplace at the end and with several blue couches and chairs. There are rows of study tables and a bookshelf of reference books for us to use when we need it. On the opposite end of the fireplace is a big marble staircase that splits in two with one flight of stairs leading to the right for the girl’s dorms and one leading to the left for the boys. There’s also a huge painting of Rowena Ravenclaw who cheerfully waved at us when we came in.

             We each get our own rooms because when she built the house, Ravenclaw felt that having your own room would lead to less distractions from studying so she charmed the wing to divide into rooms according to how many students are sorted into Ravenclaw per year. My room is okay. Kind of small, but I can deal. There’s a nice view of this small courtyard that has all these willow trees in it. My walls are kind of bare though, I’ll have to put a few sketches or something up there.

            But first I’ll get some sleep.

Monday, September 2, Breakfast, Great Hall,

 CLASS SCHEDULE BECAUSE I KNOW I’LL LOSE MINE:

 

CLASS PROFESSOR DAY TIME

 

TRANSFIGURATION: Prof. McGonagall M W F 9:00A-9:50A

CHARMS: Prof. Flitwick M W F 10:00A-10:50A

HISTORY OF MAGIC: Prof. Binns T TH 9:00A-10:30A

POTIONS: Prof. Snape F 1:00P-4:00P

ASTRONOMY: Prof. Sinistra W MIDNIGHT

HERBOLOGY: Prof. Sprout TWTH 1:00P-1:50P

DEFENSE AGAINST DA: Prof. Quirrell T TH 2:00P-3:30P

Lunch Monday, September 2, Great Hall,

             First day of classes is already over. Boy that went fast. My first class was Transfiguration which is changing one object into another. Professor McGonagall started off by saying that anyone caught fooling around in her class would be asked to leave and not come back. After that nice announcement she had us take notes. Lots of notes. Some involving math. And here I was hoping I would be rid of it. Damn.

             After the notes she had us try to turn a match into a needle, a few people got it. I was able to get the match to turn silver. I’ll have to work on it this afternoon. Though when I’m going to need to turn a match into a needle is beyond me.

             Charms was a lot more fun. It’s taught by Professor Flitwick who is Ravenclaw’s Head of House. He kind of reminds me of these gnome statue things that my neighbor Clarisse put in her yard back when I lived in California. He’s also even shorter then I am. He had to stand up on a stack of books so he could see over the podium. Now I feel better about my height.

             We didn’t do much except make special effects which was kind of fun. Too bad they don’t celebrate the Fourth of July here in England. Otherwise, I could have put on a wicked fireworks display at the manor. I don’t have many plans for this afternoon. Just going to unpack my cloths and books and set up my room the way I want it.

             I wish I knew the spell they used on the ceiling in here so I could put it on my ceiling. See, the Great Halls’ ceiling is enchanted to look like the sky outside. You feel like you’re eating outside. It’s really cool.

HOMEWORK:

Transfiguration: solve equations given at the end of chapter one and practice match into needle.

Charms: answer questions at the end of chapter one and practice light effects

Tuesday, September 3, History of Magic,

 

            My God. This is the most boring class I have ever sat through, and I’ve had some pretty boring teachers. I’ve never been a big fan of history. I’m of the theory ‘it’s done and over with, let’s move on’. I know you can learn from past mistakes but obviously that doesn’t apply to our world leaders since there are still wars and conflicts going on. If you ask me, we should make THEM sit through history class. They need it more then a bunch of ten/eleven year olds do. History of Magic is taught by Professor Binns who is a real live (sort of) ghost. He’s not

the only ghost at Hogwarts either. There’s one for each house and several more who just float around. Ravenclaw’s ghost is the Grey Lady who is okay. She helped me find the Great Hall this morning since I couldn’t find it again. I swear everything in this stupid castle moves. That includes the architecture. Anyway, none of the ghosts are scary at all, except for maybe the Bloody Baron (the Slytherin ghost) who’s got blood all over him, major gross. Except for the being dead thing, they’re like normal people.

             Then there’s Professor Binns who is in a category all his own. His voice tone never changes, he mumbles and mixes people up, and I’m not entirely sure he knows he’s dead. He never even looks at people. He’s the very essence of boring.

Tuesday, September 3, Defense Against the Dark Arts,

             Okay, what is up with Professor Quirrell’s turban? Why is it purple of all things? And do I believe that he got it from a prince as a thank you for getting rid of a zombie? Hell, no. For one thing, he wouldn’t tell us HOW he got rid of the zombie. He changed the subject when Terry Boot asked. For another, I have a hard time believing he could actually fight a zombie let alone any dark creature. Professor Quirrell gives whole new meaning to the word nervous. He stutters all the time (a habit I find very annoying), and jumped a mile high when Anthony Goldstein sneezed. I’m pretty sure I heard him muttering when I came into the classroom (I was the first one there) and he smells like garlic. People say he’s terrified that a vampire is going to come after him for revenge so he keeps the stuff around. He seems terrified of his own subject. Him getting rid of a zombie? I don’t think so.

             Herbology was way better then this class was. I could have done without the Slytherins who sure are an unpleasant group of people. For our first lesson we were put into pairs and told to identify several weeds using our books. I got paired with Millicent Bulstrode who is very...large. She just kind of sneered at my combat boots (which have paint spatters on them from my various art projects) and made me do all the identifying because she “has no need for a useless subject like Herbology.” I would have argued but A) we were in class and the teacher was right there, and B) it wasn’t like it was that hard. So I just rolled my eyes at her and did it. Some things just aren’t worth getting into fights about you know? I’m going to make sure I’m paired with someone else in the future though.

             So far all Quirrell is doing is babbling on about vampires. I know all about those guys, I’ve watched like every vampire movie there is. Plus I read the first chapter already and all he’s doing is teaching from the book. Looks like this is going to be another boring class.

HOMEWORK:

History of Magic: essay, The Rise and Fall of Emeric the Evil, one roll of parchment, due Tues.

Herbology: Questions at the end of the weed chapter.

Defense Against the Dark Arts: Habits and Weaknesses of Vampires, twelve feet of parchment.

Thursday, September 5, 3 AM, Dorm Room,

             I just had my first astronomy lesson. Very interesting on the account that it’s the only class that has all the first years in it instead of just two houses or one. Good thing that tower is huge. Professor Sinistra is okay, she’s actually pretty young, in about her late twenties with brown hair and green eyes. I think half the boys in our year have a crush on her. She knows a lot though and I didn’t fall asleep like I thought I would.

            Could have done without the stair climbing though.

HOMEWORK:

Transfiguration: Practice spell learned in class

Charms: Early Charm Development, one and a half roll of parchment, due next Friday. Practice sparkler effects.

Herbology: drawing of magic weed and labeled parts

Thursday, September 5, Dinner, Great Hall,

             I found out why everyone was making a big deal about that Potter kid during the sorting. >From what I gather this dark wizard named Lord Voldemort (or as everyone seems to like to call him You-Know-Who, what’s up with THAT) went after him and his family when he was only one year old. He killed his parents but for some reason (no one’s sure how) he couldn’t kill Potter. Instead whatever curse Voldemort sent at him bounced back to him and he was vanquished. At least that’s the story. Well no one’s survived the Killing Curse so now Potter’s really famous in the wizard world.

             That’s why he has that lighting bolt scar. I wondered about that. I don’t think he’s very happy with his fame. Every time people point or whisper at him he ducks his head and looks away. Can’t say I blame him. I would hate it if people did that around me. Of course if they did do that around me I would tell them shut up and go away or talk to me like a normal person. So I guess it’s a good thing HE’S the famous one and not me.

HOMEWORK:

HoM: essay

Herbology: Ways to keep Weeds From Growing, 12 feet of parchment

Friday, September 6, Infirmary,

             Okay, so I’ve learned something today: Potions is NOT my subject.

             For starters there’s the Potions teacher, Professor Snape, who creeps the hell out of me. He’s tall with greasy black hair, black eyes (that remind me of those dark corridors you always see in horror movies), and a hooked nose. He also wears these billowy black robes and has really pale skin. I wonder if he’s a vampire? Wouldn’t surprise me if he is.

             I could overlook his creepiness if he was a good teacher. I try not to judge people by their looks, but his attitude...just gets on my nerves. He started off the lesson by pretty much calling us dunderheads to our faces. Yeah, really appreciated being called stupid. Then he started asking questions from the END of the book. No one knew of course because they hadn’t read that far. He kept calling on Hufflepuffs (who we take potions with) and completely ignored me when I raised my hand after it was clear none of them knew the answer.

             I hate it when teachers ignore you when you raise your hand.

             So after he informed us that asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping draught called the Draught of Living Death, a bezoar was a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and will save you from most poisons, and that monkswood and wolfsbane were the same plant (all of which I could have told him if he had called on me, but whatever) he had us make this boil cure potion.

 I got paired up with Lisa Turpin. Lisa is one of those really girly girls. You know, she wears Mary Janes with her uniform, hoop or pearl earrings, has perfectly blond straight hair and teeth and blue eyes. I’m almost positive she doesn’t own a pair of jeans because even though we can wear whatever we want after five o’clock she wears skirts.

            In other words she’s the complete opposite of me. Her room is right next to mine and she’s always blasting this pop music stuff. I nothing against pop music but there is only so much of it I can take before I start blasting ACDC in retaliation. Not that I’ve done that. I’m about to ask someone if they know any silencing charms for my door so I don’t have to hear it.

             So Lisa and I don’t really have all that much in common. She hasn’t exactly gone out of her way to make friends with me either. But I have nothing against her. If she likes pop music, that’s her business. However I don’t think we’re going to be friends after today because it was her cauldron I melted. She was glaring at me when I left the room to go to the Infirmary. Never mind that it was A ACCIDENT.

            See, I sort of tripped and stumbled (still not sure over what) and accidently dropped the porcupine quills I was carrying into the cauldron. Only it was way to soon for them because the cauldron was still on the fire. So it melted and some of the stuff spilled onto my legs and I now have a set of very unattractive boil covered legs.

             Professor Snape was NOT happy with me. He took off ten points from Ravenclaw and sent me to the Infirmary. Now I’m waiting for the nurse, Madame Pomfrey, to cure the boils. She’s now fixing this kid named Neville Longbottom, a first year Gryffindor, who had the same thing happen to him this morning. Only his is worse because all of the stuff got onto him so he’s covered from head to toe.

Poor guy. At least I’m not the only one.

HOMEWORK:

Transfiguration: Early Transfiguration Spells, one roll of parchment

Charms: essay, practice water effects

Potions: ask Terry Boot

Saturday, September 7, Library,

             Okay, people in Ravenclaw need to lighten up. All the first years are mad at me because I lost those ten points yesterday. Never mind that it was a accident and I got boils because of it. Lisa Turpin is particularly mad because I melted her cauldron, BY ACCIDENT! Why is everyone forgetting this little detail? I’m going to buy her a new one so what’s she complaining about?

And it’s not like she can’t afford another one. She tells anyone who will listen that her family has been pureblood for several centuries and that her father and mother are both very important wizard diplomats who make a lot of money. So really why is she making a big deal about this?

Sunday, September 8, Dorm Room,

THINGS TO DO:

1) essays

2) Put in order for new cauldron

3) Laundry

4) Write letters to Angela, Jacob, Gerard, and Giselle

5) Find out where owlery is so I can send letters

6) Finish sketch of Hogwarts

7) Angela’s birthday on September 22! Find present!

8) Get a planner so I don’t have to write assignments in here.

Monday, September 9, Transfiguration,

             Okay, how unfair is this?

             It was not my fault that I was late. Okay, maybe it kind of was. I forgot to set my alarm clock and overslept because of it. By the time I woke up it was twenty minutes until my first class. So I ran around my room pulling on my uniform, robe, combat boots etc. Then I grabbed my wand and my bag and ran to class which of course is on the other side of the castle.

I was making good time too, I would have made it if I hadn’t run into (literally) Filch.

 Filch is the meanest adult in the world. I am not kidding, Snape has nothing on this guy. Snape is only mean to kids who aren’t in Slytherin, Filch is mean to every kid in the school no matter what house you’re in. He just hates kids. Why he’s working here when he hates kids I don’t know. It’s one of those weird things. He has this creepy cat named Mrs. Norris who goes around school spying on the kids. If she catches you doing something you’re not supposed to do you can bet Filch will be there in like two minutes. I swear they have a mind link or something. There’s this rumor that Mrs. Norris is a alien. I have my doubts but that would explain the red eyes.

 Anyway I turned the corner and ran smack into Filch and frankly I’m surprised I’m still alive because that’s like suicide if you’re a student. To say he was mad was a understatement. He gave me detention then and there. By the time I was able to finally get away for class I was late and McGonagall took off five points for my tardiness.

             If that wasn’t bad enough, Turpin leaned over to me when I sat down and was all “are you TRYING to lose us the House Cup?” First off, it’s just a trophy. Second of all, it’s the beginning of the year and it’s not like we can’t make it up. Third, if I wanted to lose the trophy I could do a lot worse then being late to class. Fourth, GET A LIFE. I didn’t say that to her though. I think I’m getting better at watching what I’m saying. Good thing. My mouth has gotten me into enough trouble over the years.

Tuesday, September 10, Common Room,

             All everyone can talk about now is flying. That’s because our first flying lesson is Friday at 4:30 P.M. with the Hufflepuffs. It’s not just Ravenclaw either. All the first years have suddenly turned into flying nuts. Padma Patil goes on and on about these lessons she had with her twin Parvati (who is in Gryffindor) when she was little. Mandy Brocklehurst says her parents let her fly on broomsticks with them when she was younger. If you listen to Turpin it sounds like she was born on a broomstick. The boys are even worse, Terry Boot and Anthony Goldstein have Quidditch discussions like every night. They all think I’m strange because I’ve never been near a flying broomstick.

             This one Slytherin kid named Draco Malfoy (and I thought Jubilee was bad) keeps complaining about that rule where first years can’t have brooms. He claims to have almost flown into helicopters. Considering that helicopters are mostly used in the city and from what I understand the Malfoys live in a big manor like the one Grandfather has out in the country I doubt this is true. Wouldn’t surprise me if it was. Malfoy reminds me a little too much of Alyssa Sloan. Hell, if Sloan had been a boy, they would have been twins. Their both blonde, both have light colored eyes (though Malfoys’ are this weird silvery color) and both have major ego sticks up their butts. If I have to hear Malfoy go on about how great he is one more time I’ll puke. The Slytherins, of course, all treat him like he’s some sort of god. His two friends Crabbe and Goyle act more like his bodyguards then his friends.

             Luckily, I don’t have to put up with him that much since he’s in Slytherin and I’m in Ravenclaw and our houses don’t exactly hang out that much. Man, this place is too quiet. I’m going up to my room and cranking up the Ramones.

Wednesday, September 11, Dorm Room,

             Well that wasn’t too bad.

            I just had my first detention, you know, the one Filch gave me on Monday. I figured detention would be like it always was at my old school: me and a bunch of other kids sitting in a room not being able to talk. Or copying something like ‘I will not run into Filch again’ over and over again. I personally never figured out how this was a punishment, except for maybe getting writers cramp after all that copying.

             I guess the Hogwarts staff felt the same way because instead of doing that they make you do work. Real work. I had to help Hagrid plant the pumpkin seeds for a pumpkin patch so there would be some pumpkins for Halloween. Hagrid’s an okay guy, it turns out he’s not crazy about Filch either. He told me Mrs. Norris always follows him around whenever he goes up to the castle. See Hagrid doesn’t live in the castle like the rest of the staff. He lives in this hut near the edge of the Forbidden Forest. His hut is actually very homey, he invited me in for tea after we finished the planting.

             I swear all they drink in this country is tea. I have yet to be offered a Diet Coke over here. I have yet to offered a soda period. It’s like they think the worlds only drink is tea. There are other drinks out there, HELLO.

Thursday, September 12, Dinner, Great Hall,

             I just heard that Longbottom broke his wrist at Gryffindor and Slytherins’ flying lesson this afternoon. Ouch, I broke my wrist once when I went roller-blading. It’s not fun, and very painful. Kid sure seems to have rotten luck. From what I gather his broom went nuts and he fell off. Hope that doesn’t happen to me. Though with my luck, it will.

Friday, September 13 (dum, dum, dummm), Common Room,

             Despite the fact that it is Friday the thirteenth I did not fall off my broom! Oh yeah, I rock. Actually, flying was a blast! Kind of wished we could’ve gone higher but after Longbottom’s accident yesterday Madam Hooch was taking no chances. Going really fast would have been cool too but we were using the schools brooms and they’re are these ancient things that Fred and George Weasley from Gryffindor claim a butterfly could beat in a race.

             See, I kind of have this thing about speed. I LOVE to go really fast. I don’t know why, I just do. I adore roller coasters and fast rides of any kind. When Dad would sometimes go over 80 on the open highway I was always going “Faster, Dad!” while Mom was always going “Slow down”. I’ve always wanted a motorcycle for this reason. I’m even saving up for one so I can buy it when I get my license.

             I still want one, even though now I can fly broomsticks. I saw this one enchantment that allows you to make muggle vehicles fly. How cool would that be to have a flying motorcycle?

Saturday, September 14, Dorm Room,

 

            What a bunch of creeps.

             Who wants to be friends with a bunch of uptight study freaks anyway? I should be used to this, but it still hurts to hear people make fun of you when you haven’t done anything to deserve it. At least I’m pretty sure I don’t deserve it.

             I was walking up the stairs, minding my own business when I heard Padma, Mandy, and Turpin gossiping in the hallway. Well, this was nothing new. Those three turn gossiping into an art form, I swear. What was new was that they were gossiping about ME.

             Turpin was cackling about my “horrid potion making skills” and how I am a absolute disaster because I’m always running all over the place, tripping, falling, and running into people. Okay, I know I’m a klutz but I’m hardly a disaster. Also, my potion making skills are just fine thank you, it’s Snape who thinks I stink at it. Of course he thinks everyone who is not Draco Malfoy stinks at potions so I hardly think his opinion counts for anything. Plus, I BOUGHT her a new cauldron, which I know she got because it arrived yesterday morning, so why is she being so bitchy?

             Padma was making fun of how I’m “completely unrefined” and always have my nose in a book or sketchbook. What’s wrong with enjoying literature other then textbooks? And if being refined means acting like those snobby upperclass Englishmen that Grandfather associates with, I’ll pass. Mandy was making fun of my American accent and slang, my paint-spattered combat boots, and my taste in music (which includes everything from rap to classical). Excuse me for listening to something other then the Weird Sisters (who aren’t even that great, if you ask me). But what have I ever done to Padma and Mandy? Turpin, I can kind of understand why I’m not her favorite person in the world, but I’ve never had any problems with Padma and Mandy. What have I done to make them not like me?

             Nothing, that’s what.

             Well, who needs them?

             I’ll find friends somewhere else. If I don’t...well, that’s nothing new.

Sunday, September 15, Flitwick’s Office,

             I should have known. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I mean, two weeks and I’ve barely even gotten into trouble. I don’t count being late, running into mean adults, and melting a cauldron as trouble. Besides, it’s like some sort of rule that I get into a fight with a bully at least once a month. It’s been four months since my last fight. It’s a new record.

            I would like to point out that I TRIED to solve the conflict by reasoning. But it was Malfoys lackeys Crabbe and Goyle (or Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber as I like to call them) and reasoning just doesn’t work with guys who are...not the sharpest tool in the tool chest, if you get my meaning. I totally wasn’t even trying to get into a fight. I was just trying to get them to leave the Hufflepuff kid alone. I mean the guy was my size and Crabbe and Goyle are like two mini WWF Wrestlers, he didn’t stand a chance. Though I got to hand it to him, he was standing his ground and trying to punch them back despite his black eye and bleeding nose.

             I guess I don’t need to point out the obvious when I say that Crabbe and Goyle did not listen. So I had no choice but to kick Crabbe in the shins (or was it Goyle? I can never keep them straight), for a big guy, he sure squeals like a girl. The next few minutes are kind of a blur that involved me and the Hufflepuff kid throwing as many punches as we could while trying to get past them so we could make a run for it. I got hit at one point in my left eye and jaw (they both really hurt right now). I was finally able to get my wand and hit them with the Jelly Legs Jinx. The kid kind of stared at me and said “where’d you learn THAT?”

             Hello, we’re in a magic school, where’d he think I learned it? It’s in the back of this one book called Curses and Counter Curses that I leafed through at Flourish and Blotts. I figured out how to do it after reading how to do jinxes. But before I could tell him where to find the spell Snape showed up and to say he was unhappy when he saw what we did to Crabbe and Goyle would be and understatement. He came out of no where from the shadows. I’m seriously beginning to think he IS a vampire.

             He bellowed at the two of us for a minute and refused to listen to our side of the story. He took off twenty points from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw and Slytherin (though they should get forty points taken off because there was two of them, Snape neglected to notice that detail) and gave all four of us detention and sent the Hufflepuff kid (who’s name turned out to be Owen Hollins) to Professor Sprout (who is the Hufflepuff Head of House) and me to Professor Flitwick because he’s the Ravenclaw Head of House.

             Flitwick isn’t here yet. His office is interesting, he’s got piles of books all over the place and some them look pretty cool. He also has several weird instruments that I don’t recognize and his desk (unlike mine) is neat and tidy. He’s got a pile of scrolls on one side that I’m pretty sure are the essays we had to turn in on Friday. Wonder what grade I got?

Uh oh. Here he comes.

Late Sunday, September 15, Dorm Room,

             Flitwick was pretty understanding considering the circumstances. He actually asked to hear my side of the story. That’s a new one. All the teachers I’ve encountered when I get into fights always believe the bullies side of the story, who incidently were usually the popular kids. Coincidence? I think not. But I think Flitwick believed me. Though he couldn’t do anything about the detention and the lost points. Bummer.

             He also mentioned that while he was proud that I was willing to help others he wished that in the future I try to do help without my fists. I told him I’ll try. Which I will. But if someone takes a swing at me then I’m kicking their butts. Thank God for those martial arts lessons Dad gave me when I was little. Though I don’t think he meant for me to use it against bullies.

             I went to Madam Pomfrey after I talked to Flitwick. She gave me a lecture about getting into fights and told me she didn’t want to see me again for at least two weeks. You know, she kind of reminds me of Angela.

 

Monday, September 16, Library,

             I could be wrong but I think I just made a friend. I got a study partner anyway.

             After I had lunch I was all set to head for my favorite climbing tree that is next to the lake. It’s very peaceful and no one bugs me, except for the Giant Squid who sometimes tries to splash me when I’m reading or drawing. If I tell him to quit it and go away he usually complies. There’s this one branch in it that’s perfect to sit in.

            Anyway, I started heading over there when Owen Hollins (the guy I helped yesterday) came up to me to thank me for helping him yesterday. Sad as it is, he’s the first person who’s actually thanked me for helping them fight off bullies. I found out that the reason they were beating him up was that they were trying to get him to do their homework for them, well he apparently hates cheating of any kind (not crazy about it myself) and refused so they started to beat him for it. I think I’ll avoid Slytherins in the future.

             Then he asked me if I could help him with spells because he’s horrible at them (his words, not mine) and after watching him try to cast some, I have to agree. His main problem is pronunciation which is a big thing with spells. He also has trouble getting the gestures right. Nice thing about this is that he said he would help me with Potions and History of Magic which are his best subjects. Though he’s more interested in the myths and legends part of history then in goblin wars. But really who is interested in goblin wars? So we’re really helping each other out.

             Owen also knows a lot about the wizard world because he grew up in it thanks to the fact that his mom is a witch. His Dad was a wizard also but he was killed by a dark wizard when Owen was one. So he didn’t look at me all weird when I mentioned my parents were dead. Which is nice because I hate it when people do that, like you’re not normal just because your folks are gone.

             So now we’ve agreed to study together every day after classes. I hope it won’t always be in the library. While it is a nice one I prefer to study outside where I can play rock and roll music and not get glared at by Madam Pince.

Late Tuesday, September 17, Dorm Room,

 

            My arms are majorly sore.

             Filch had Owen and I sweep then mop the entire floor of the Great Hall. Do you know how HUGE that floor is? He wouldn’t even let us talk or turn on music. This is cruel and unusual punishment. Though Owen did do a funny impression of Filch behind his back. Finally, someone with a sense of humor.

Friday, September 20, Dinner, Great Hall,

             It’s been a boring past few days.

             Owen and I have been meeting regularly for study time or just to hang out. We don’t always go to library because it turns out Owen isn’t too fond of Madam Pince because she once whacked him with a broomstick for eating a Chocolate Frog.

             The two of us have been pretty much spending all our time together. I’d forgotten how nice it was to have a friend. We can always find something to talk about because he has a similar taste in music and also likes to read muggle books that his Mom sends him. She’s a muggleborn witch it turns out so she tries to get Owen to respect muggles, which he does. He says he likes muggle literature better then wizard literature. This is also how he knows about muggle bands like Aerosmith. He’s constantly cheerful, I don’t know how he does it. Plus, he wasn’t kidding when he said he was decent at potions. I bet he’s better at it then Malfoy, though it would be like asking a mountain to move to get Snape to admit it.

             It’s actually kind of funny that we get along because really we’re very different. We even look different. While we’re both short, Owen has spiky blond hair and blue eyes and has reading glasses that he sometimes wears. He’s also kind of gawky looking. He’s a lot more patient then I will ever be, and he has no interest in art though he can appreciate it. He’s also a vegetarian. Voluntarily, weird, I know. He also tends to think better of people then I do. I admit, I’m a bit cynical sometimes about human nature. I’m trying to be better about it, I swear. He also, is not clumsy.

            The Ravenclaws all think I’m weird for wanting to hang out with a Hufflepuff. Like their so much better then Hufflepuff House is. The ones I’ve talked too are pretty decent. Hannah Abbot is okay, though she gossips a bit, but it’s never anything mean, just stuff like who’s dating who. Though I have no interest in that sort of thing. At least I know Owen won’t talk about me behind my back.

             Which is what I told Turpin when she sneered at my choice of friends. She was all “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I just raised my eyebrow at her and said “oh, I think you do. In fact, I think all three of you do,” I looked at Padma and Mandy, who were sitting next to her as usual, when I said that. The three of them caught on and started to look uncomfortable. But I was done by then. I really don’t care what they think of me now. If I want to be friends with a Hufflepuff, that’s MY business.

             They’ve gone back to discussing whether or not that rumor about Potter getting a broomstick this morning is true. If that’s true he better hope none of the teachers find out about it, though secrets never stay secret for very long in this school.

Sunday, September 22, Common Room,

             I just sent Angela her birthday present. I made her a eyeglass case for her reading glasses which she is always misplacing (I once found them in the kitchen). I sewed two pieces of black felt together and used fabric paint to paint on flowers. I hope she likes it.

             Owen let me borrow his owl, Tinkerbell (she’s a small girl owl, he had just finished reading Peter Pan when he got her), to deliver the present. I think I might get my own owl next year so I don’t have to keep using the schools’ or Owens’. Now I have to finish yet another History of Magic essay. Hope I don’t die of boredom.

Tuesday, September 24, Tree by the Lake,

             I just got letters from everyone back at the manor (minus Grandfather of course, he’s in Switzerland now). Angela loved her present and said she hoped I was staying out of trouble. Good thing I didn’t tell her about the Crabbe and Goyle incident, as Owen and I have come to call it. Funny thing is they’ve been avoiding the two of us ever since then. Guess they’re embarrassed about getting beaten by a girl and boy who are half their size.

 Everything is pretty much the same except Gerard finally asked Giselle out for date. I hope it goes well, I think they’re perfect for each other-HEY!

 The Giant Squid just splashed me! Jerk.

Thursday, September 26, Dorm Room,

 

            Could Mandy BE any more of a wuss? Now I know why she wasn’t sorted into Gryffindor, which is a house noted for brave wizards (rumor has it Headmaster Dumbledore was in there when he attended school). I mean if she’s scared of a beetle that wasn’t even bothering her then I doubt she would last long against something larger and scarier. Turpin and Padma weren’t much better. Their shrieking woke me up. I would have preferred my alarm clock. Just to shut them up I levitated the beetle outside Mandy’s window.

I’m seriously beginning to wonder if I was put in the wrong house.

Friday, September 27, Library,

             I’ll be damned.

             Mandy just gave me a Chocolate Frog as a thank you for getting rid of the beetle. That was nice of her, I guess. Maybe she’s not as bad as I thought. Maybe.

Sunday, September 29, Dorm Room,

             WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?

             Maybe I’ve lost it.

            Or maybe I AM a freak like Sloan always said I was.

             Because how many normal people hear a voice when they’re ALONE in an EMPTY corridor? NONE, that’s how many. There has to be a explanation for this. Maybe Peeves was being his normal annoying self and was playing a joke? Yeah, that’s it. I’m sure of it. Or maybe it was a spell set up by one of the staff (probably Filch or Snape) to scare the students away from the third floor corridor.

             For the record, I was not IN the third floor corridor. I was at the entrance. I was not attempting to open the door and the only reason I was near it was because the stupid staircase moved and trapped me there for ten minutes. May I just say moving staircases suck? Why does the architecture move anyway? Who designed this castle and why did they make the staircases have stuff like trick steps? Don’t they know that’s dangerous? Plus, it really hurts when you forget and fall flat on your butt. Not that I’ve done that.

             Anyway, I was just standing there when this loud, very creepy, very angry sounding voice came out of no where. It was almost like I was hearing it in my head. It started off by growling and then went on going “intruder! Let me at them! I’ll tear them apart!” I looked around and was the only one there. It was like those disembodied voices you always hear on horror movies. So I had a reason to freaked.

            Needless to say the minute the staircase came back I pretty much ran out of there.

You know, it was late when this happened. Plus, I’d been reading one of my mystery books so maybe my imagination (which is sometimes a good thing, and sometimes a bad thing) got carried away? Or it was a spell, that only comes on during the night or something. I hope it was something like that because if it isn’t that means I’m hearing voices and that can not be a good thing.

Monday, September 30, 3 AM,

             You know what? I’m not going worry about it.

Because I didn’t hear anything.

No scary voice coming from no where.

             I am completely normal.

             Sort of.