Man I can't believe there is such a gap here. I mean I remember writing over the summer and all, but always notes never in here. For that my friend you have my apologies!

Summer is over. Spent time with family and friends. Even stayed in the dreaded castle. No matter what, even with HER gone, I can't feel calm there. But then maybe I never will. All I know is the summer seemed to fly and be gone

OK so that was a short summary of sorts, but now school has started again. Fifth year means OWLs! Yikes can the teachers load on the work. Granted it is not the same with Payton and Rachel gone, but I'll make it through. My only real worry is Mr Cuddles. Some have said she may be at the end of her nine lives. If that proves true what ever will I do without her?

Then the Dark Mark appeared over the village. That is just to close for comfort. I kept busy talking to and helping other younger students. Trust me it was for the best. I mean my brother is out in the world now. Yes seeing that above the village did frighten me! But burying it was for the best. Tried to keep my worry from everyone, there are others to see to.

OWLs will keep me busy though. Just have to not let my mind wander. Or let my dreams make me worry more. But surely the Dark Mark so soon in the year can't be a good omen.

location: Ravenclaw girls 5th year dorms mood: blah

Can't believe we are almost at the end of April. Soon Summer will be here and Payton and Rachel will have graduated. This year seems to of gone so fast. Luckily it's not OWLS this year, as I would so not be ready.

The other night in the commons met this older boy named Lucas. It was a quiet night, and reading near the fire. Mr Cuddles came in and decided to take her normal place, in my lap. She is starting to worry me some. She seems a little slower now then she was a year ago. I know she is getting older, but would be so lost without her. OK so everyone else thinks the cat is crazy and such, but well they don't know her like I do!

So any way about Lucas...he's alright but has a high oppinion of himself even for a 5th year. He kept looking at me strange and stretching alot. I played ignore it game, and kept the subjects about school and reading. Comfortable stuff. Yet it was late so I then excused myself and went to bed. It was strange.

I so need to talk to Rachel, whenever I can locate her and she is NOT swamped. That will be a miracle in it's self. Hrms Also need to try and catch Kyle. Perhaps he will stop finding other things to do when I'm around. If I didn't know better I'd say he was avoiding me, and if that's the case .... well it is time for answers. And so help me if I find out that Payt has scared him off...

location: 4th year Ravenclaw Girls Dorm mood: thoughtful

Last night Payton ran a potions review for OWL level. We were talking about sleep potions and how to modify and why. It was so easy, but then we talk about this stuff all the time. But would you believe Patrick had some of the answers and ideas? I mean Patrick taking potions seriously? Maybe the need to study is sinking in.

I left a note for Rachel yesterday, asking her for time to talk with her. Hopefully she can give me some Guidance on cursebreaking. Also go shopping with me so I can get more organized like Payton.

Only 7 more days until Valentine's Day. I don't even know why it is bothering me so much. Will I be the only one without someone to share it with? And does seem that their are more boys now at the school then before. Or maybe I'm just noticing now.

Hogsmeade weekend is right around the corner. It will be good to get out. I love to study and love magic, but fresh air really does more to envigorate a person at times. Papa is supposed to be meeting us there. Payt says we have to tell him things and make him understand. I do so love him, I hope he'll understand things better after we talk.

It's only February now, and yet I find myself hoping for spring. I mean taking your books and study under a shady tree. Although I have to admit I'm not really sure how I feel about next year yet. I mean both Payton and Rachel are graduating this year. It will be kind of odd being here at Hogwarts without them.

Well back to homework. Maybe I'll start writting again one day soon. I sort of miss it being that I haven't done any since before the holidays. Yet some things like studies take precedence.

Went down to the potions lab this morning to work on some pepperup potions. Payton was there, have been so busy lately I've not gotten to see him much. I so have to change that! We talked about the potions we were working on and stuff in general. Not to bad for an early morning on a Sunday.

Then Rachel came in. Payt likes her! They talked allot. I worked on my potion. No need to cause problems right? Well then we all started talking and I was telling him that yes, despite my not liking the matter, I got shipped off after Christmas dinner to Murdoch Castle. Yeah I got to spend way to much time with Grandmother!! Then these nannies that papa keeps hiring, I mean I am -almost- 15! But they each carry two backup wands, I'm not that stupid! Payton, Rachel and I agree that there was another purpose for the nanny.

I had to get away. Couldn't leave as Grandmother sealed me in with another of her wonderful charms. So why the nanny freaked out when she couldn't find me I'll never know. I went into the lower levels of the castle. Alright so yeah it is creepy down there.....but I needed some peace!!

At times I wonder just what these lower walls are hiding. I mean ok we read the family history for fun Payton and I. We all know there is a darker side to our family. But I so want to know....you know?

Well then we got to talking and Rachel and Payton asked me if Grandmother gave me anything, of the family's you know. Well she had, as soon as I got there almost. Said it was past time that I had it. It was my birth rite. The front of it was oval and looked almost exactly like the signet ring Payton wears, accept my version has a sapphire set in it.

Then they both asked for it. They wanted to see it. So well I handed it over, and rachel managed to get it before Payton (You know I really am beginning to like her!) Well then she wanted the signet ring. Well then she took out her wand and started doing things, I sure didn't understand. Suddenly she started cursing a blue streak! I was so surprised, not because of what she said...but the anger that she said it with. Turns out their were charms and stuff on both. BAD charms! Feal...y something or other. Anyway she fixed whatever grandma Dylis did to them and gave both back to us. I told my brother right then and there I never wanted to go back to that place alone! I took the locket off the chain that it was on, and put it on the chain with the dragon tooth that I wear. Figured the dragon's tooth could watch it and make sure nothing funny happens.

Oh yeah during all of this my potion EXPLODED! That's when they found out I no longer had the timer that Payton gave me for Christmas. It was a mess. But it all cleaned up. Man I would of hated not being able to use magic to do that *ICK*

We were all talking again and then I remembered I had this star chart due that I hadn't even started. So I went back to the dorms to work on that.

location: RavenClaw 4th year Girls Dorms mood: annoyed