To no one in particular, as there is no one in particular to write to about this particular subject,

This is ridiculous. I think the whole lot of us are mad, as we continue on each day with little to no apparent regard for the fact that there are those of us in the castle being kidnapped and injured, and that there's, you know, the whole Dark Lord REVIVAL GOING ON OUTSIDE THESE WALLS. Maybe it's that I haven't got someone to write gooshy love notes to. Or that studies are becoming increasingly difficult to sit down and mull over. (Who bloody cares what I get in Charms at this point?)

Don't you find this all just a bit odd?

If you do, hurrah. We should converse and become fast friends.

If you don't, you're most likely an idiot and I ask that you please leave this note for someone else to find.



- Megan Jones

FINCHY!,

Obviously it was a stocking! Since when have you taken up knitting?

Yes, isn't that just too bad! (Really.)

A Get Out of Exam Free card, maybe.

Sparkles?

What are you asking for for Christmas?

- MJ

PS - No.

Terry Boot,

It wouldn't of been right to get you a book or something related to chess. I was tempted to get a muzzle for your friend Michael, but decided to pass on that, too. I hope you'll get some use out of this, in any case.

I wish you a very Happy Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) to you and your family.


- Megan Jones, Hufflepuff.


[Enclosed: A small, handsome wooden box three fingers wide and a bit shorter than a hand long, containing a sleek bookmark with Terry's name embossed in flourished text on one side. The border is decorated with fine, blue lines and curves, similar to the sort of excess detail shown in medieval texts. The back is left blank where the name was on the other side; a small note comes with to explain its use -- it's a small, accurate curse/charm detector. Hold the bookmark to the binding of the novel in question and any offending spells (or magical alterations) on the book will be listed in the space provided. If unable to identify the magic, the place-holder will simply notify of its presense.]

Joey!!

Don't worry, I don't think Michael is the sort to punch people. I hear he's a softy. Plus, there's that unspoken insurance policy that comes along with sacrificing a portion of your life (and soul) for Zacharias Smith's Qudditch Crusade. That is to say that the Fro'd one would probably strangle Corner if he damaged you permanently. I'd help, of course.

Yes! I've never been to your house, I would love the excuse to visit. You'll fill me in about your family, won't you? On the train, if I can find you. And I'm sure there are a few people in our year planning some sort of get together some time during the 'interlude.' I'll ask around.

We really don't, isn't that a scary thought? I'm sure it will all slow down well enough to bore us all to tears sooner rather than later, however. Especially once the bulk of the NEWTs projects finish. What's it your have to do for yours? (Mine's going just fine, though I often find myself wishing I could work with someone else. Slughorn is constantly fawning over her, it's disgusting. She has no talent, honestly, she Plus she smells foul at a short distance.)

What did you get for Michael, anyway? I had Terry. That's sort of funny, isn't it? I could have had him write a novel of things he'd like, most probably, based on the amount he wrote about his best mate for me. I'll have to show you on the train. It was cute, Joey, as odd as

See you tomorrow!

- MJ

What were you just holding?

Exploding Snap after supper?

Person,

Chocolate.


- Megan Jones

Are you planning on buying your Secret Sorcerer gift this weekend?
- MJ

You're actually agre Brilliant. I'll let you know when.

Wow. Thank you, Zacharias. Coffee would be great.

Sorry if my last owl sounded a bit stroppish.


- MJ

Zacharias,

You agreed to help me with my NEWT project. Are you going to be free this coming weekend? I only need to practise some spells and take a few notes.

If you're not available Saturday or Sunday,
be available the weekend after next. Please.


- MJ

Tracey,

Draco Malfoy came to his senses? I wonder how much of that particular commodity he has left. Colour me surprised. Good thing he did, though. The more girls on that field the better. That might actually mean he

Perfectionist is certainly the best way to describe Zacharias. From what I've heard he turned some people away as soon as he caught sight of them due to their height. May not be true, though it does sound like something he would do.

Not jealous? Yeah, I'll bel That's good, then. Nothing more important than a mu friendship.

Yes, she did. Though, be sure not to mention that you know to her, I'd bet she'd write to him or me about it.


- MJ

Mandy Brocklehurst,

Would you mind tossing this at that sleeping boy in front of you? He's beginning to snore and I can't accurately reach him from over here.


- The girl waving to you from the back if you care to look.



[Attached: An oddly coloured plastic parchment-weight.]

Hannah, look behind you. Kevin Entwhistle (the one who always wears those ugly orange pull-overs) seems about ready to kip down into his breakfast.

Hannah,

You're welcome. I do try to resemble a friend every once in a while.

How was I supposed to know everyone was aiming to look as naked as possible?

He got excited when I said I'd play Quidditch and kissed me. You know how completely insane he is. It was not at all bad, though. Can't wait to see what he'll do at first practise.

Oh, you weren't there? Where were If I recall, he said something about 'Dark hearts, dark minds and dark thoughts'. He warned us to not remain with eyes closed.. You know, be wary of ignorance. I can't remember it exactly, but I wrote it down. Afterwards, he danced his way out of the portrait.

Going to put my mask on and try to meditate. See you whenever you decide to come up!


XO - MJ


PS - When are you going to tell me about your date, Han? Better be soon, things are becoming dull around here.

Tracey,

It was quite unsettling, wasn't it? I wish I knew what was going on, no one seems to have an idea, not even the staff. But I think if he were to have passed on, we would be told. There is s

'Keen on me' is one way to look at it. Keen on having a full Quidditch team is more like it, but Zacharias was kind enough. Congrats on making the team, Tracey. It's surprising to hear Slytherin has girls on its team, you'd It looks like we'll be playing one another! I didn't have to do much, Zacharias wouldn't let it go. How were try-outs for you, breaking through long-standing barriers and all that? That sounds infinitely more exciting.

That's mature of you. Are you seeing each other again?

Have you tried talking to her about it since? It could just be jealousy. I don't know Theodore very well, aside from what I hear. None of which is very flattering but he seems tame enough. He certainly is pleasant on the eyes. I would be more than a little envious, myself.

No no, he didn't say that. And he is, not that he puts it to use, going stag to the Ball. Not that I blame him, I would rather Peeves over Millicent.


- MJ

Dark times are upon us. ..Dark hearts and dark thoughts. (?)

Do not keep your eyes closed much longer.

Eloise told me you were having a rough time of it tonight. Cheer up, Han, your dress is gorgeous and you're going to look stunning. If you get bored we can play Staked or make fun of all the ridiculous costumes from an aptly placed, appropriately overlooked corner.

I've got to run, the loo's opened up, finally. See you in the Great Hall.


- MJ

Jaeee!

He probably is.

Peeved Milkmaid? How can you come up with this sort of thing, Jae, and then not be able to think of a menacing costume for yourself? .. Better yet, how do you not have a date? Didn't you fancy someone last year? I'm sure they would have gone with you, if you can catch the attention of girls in a different house without lifting a finger or batting a lash.

You could be a spiky Flobberworm. Or a porcupine? I don't know. I could transfigure you some scales if you're willing, once we meet up.


- MJ

Tracey,

I hope this reaches you in good timing!

Of course I'm excited! I'm finishing getting ready as I'm writing this, actually. All this activity is really contagious. It's difficult not to be excited for a night that could help relieve some of the charming dooms-day feel that's been hanging about. And to get to see everyone in a setting outside the classroom again.

Theodore? Ooh, Trace, anything I ought to know?

Oh. Zacharias Smith asked me the other day. You should know him, I think. Blond, curly hair. Loud. Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain. Unintentionally attractive at times. He wants me to I suppose we're going to end up talking about Quidditch before the night is over. He's certainly dead-set on it. Who's playing on Slytherin this year? There were several seventh years on the team last year, yeah?

Well, almost time to go. I'll be seeing you shortly, I'm sure you'll be wearing something far more stunning compared than what I've got on.


- Megan

P.S. What's this with you and Joey? You aren't harassing him any, are you?

If you can't write back in time I'll talk to you later.

Joey,

Hmm.

You could always just say you're going with someone else Jae, you don't have to go with one of them if you don't want to. They can't make you go. It's not like either of them would do anything to you. Tracey ought to be fine with one date, and Millicent must surely be used to going to things like this alone. It's not like she'd actually consider you anything other than an accessory.

No he hasn't, I thought he was going to ask Hannah. Speaking of Han I would go with you, but I'm already going with Zacharias. All on business, I'm sure, but he was a good sport about dressing up. I didn't think he'd take to Mad Cow so quickly. He really must be des But anyway. If you want you can hang around me and Smith (if he isn't going to be going on about Quidditch the whole night), or just let them know you're going by yourself. .. Or plan C, dress in something so.. bizarre they won't think you have any taste. Ie, go as a Flobberworm or something. I could help you with a costume.


- M.J.