don't hate me because I'm beautiful

( feeling like a freak on a leash )

[Ginger]

Just wanted to let you know that the fact I haven't so much as spoken to you since the ball has nothing to do with you. I had a wonderful time. I hope you did too.

And I've finished reading that archaic book of spell theory we've discussed previously. I was wondering if You could borrow it. If you wanted.

[Piper]

I just thought you should know that I'm writing to Mother this week, sending back the ring and letting her know that you and I are no longer... whatever. That she should rearrange her expectations.

I don't know if she'll refuse to believe it or instantly contact your mother, but on the offchance, I thought I'd give you the chance to brace yourself for whatever potentially arises.

[Rhys]

Having fun, are we?

Such a charming rash of recent ridiculousness that I can only assume stupidity is contagious and spreading at a rate that would be alarming if I could summon any sort of surprise at the susceptibility of the general populace to infection.

And I include in that sweeping generalisation our dried-up librarian and her officious habits. It seems I will now be ordering my own more interesting reading matter in so I can peruse it at my own damn leisure, not hers, so if anyone else wants to be involved in that, let me know.

[Piper Flint]

Since I don't intend to engage in any extraneous and frivolous school socialising unless provided with a compelling reason - like, say, your company - I assume I won't be attending this appalling Ball, which is frankly something of a relief. Care to confirm?

The very notion of going back to school is even more appalling than usual. Thank Merlin this will be the last time. I have no expectation that 2024 will substantially improve until June at the earliest.

At least I have some edifying and educational reading matter for the train, courtesy of my late grandfather's personal library, apparently. One of an array of irritating presents, but at least the season wasn't all bad.

Canterbury is obnoxiously festive at the moment. I'd prefer not to go near the place, but Mother had some manner of something that required sacrificing an evening to mulled wine and small children warbling. The one was slightly more enjoyable than the other, but only slightly. To cap it all off, she's declared that our Christmas Eve high tea will be intimate - or more specifically, family only. Someone better be having the interesting parties, because Kent's the new capital of tedium.

[Piper]

Though apparently you are "practically family" and I should bring you along. Frankly I shouldn't blame you if you didn't fancy it - it's almost a certainty Uncle Martin will be there - but bearable company would be welcome.

[Rhys]

Finishing my Christmas shopping early seems to have left me with some free time. Whatever shall I do with it?

Some answers to questions that are apparently enthralling a small but highly irritating percentage of the school population:

• Yes, Ginger Belby did win our chess bout last week.
  
• No, I am not particularly bothered about being beaten by a girl, since chess is hardly a discipline where gender bestows any advantage. Miss Belby is an excellent player. As should be obvious.
  
• Yes, I will be seeking a rematch at the coming club meeting; if you're that interested, why don't you just come along?
  
• No, this is not a matter of honour, it's a challenge of skill.
  
• Suggestions that I will seek some unfair advantage, whether magical or otherwise, cast aspersions on my actual skill and will be treated accordingly.

[Pipe Rhys Flint]

Where are you? The commonroom's full of fourth years engaged in some cross between an orgy and exploding snap; if I stay here much longer, I'll have to take my NEWTs in Azkaban.

[Piper]

Ball?

"Caught in the doorway with fit, so must be nervous." Nine letters.

And if that isn't sufficient educational content, I can contribute to the sum of knowledge the fact that cats are, actually, excellent for quoits once you've petrified them.

Roommates

I know this comes rather after the fact, but if any of you have hung onto your slip of parchment from the incident of forced intimacy, I'd like it. For research purposes.

Savannah

Still interested in joining me in a spot of revenge? Got any leads?

The compulsion was definitely in the notes, but I'm having trouble pinpointing anything further. Ninety percent sure it's a charm, but even that might be more complicated. I'm trying to get hold of some more examples to use for cross-referencing, so if you know of anyone who's still got theirs, let's try to get it. Quietly. I'd be just as happy if whoever was behind this didn't know we were coming for him (or her) before we carved his kidneys out.

I've found a few books that might have useful information, but Pince won't let them leave the library. If you're free - say this evening - your assistance in sifting through them would be most welcome.

Gave the wider student body it's one usual chance per school year. Squandered by a bundle of fifth years arguing about where Brazil was. Three of them had the right longitudinal hemisphere, at least, but that's hardly sufficient. However it did take an hour and thirty-three minutes before that happened, which is a good seventeen minutes longer than last year. Congratulations, Hogwarts. You're either getting marginally less stupid or better at hiding it.

Not that my own house is precisely leading any sort of valiant charge. Whoever left that paperback in the common room? You won't be getting it back. It has such a paucity of anything resembling merit that I've intervened for your own sake.