From Alyson Morla's Record of School Hilarities:

It's been a while since I wrote in this thing. Two weeks. New record.

The last thing I wrote was a bunch of crap. Right now, the little pieces left over of the parchment I ripped up and thrown to the wind should be resting comfortably somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean.

But I don't want to talk about that. It was stupid, I was drunk. What I do want to talk about is what happened today in the Quidditch Game.

It was hysterical!

It is the middle of November, which is the beginning of Quidditch season. Potter has been pushing us for the last few weeks, five practices a week, in every weather. And today, it all paid off. We kicked the Slytherins into next year, which is the only time when they'll ever have a chance to win the Cup again. The new tactics we thought up worked perfectly. The end score was 420 to 160, Gryffindor at the lead.

The game was long. Almost five hours, I mean. It was LONG. But so much fun. Lily and Coral made a huge sign for our teem, with a huge lion drawn biting a snake's head. They charmed it to move and roar every once in a while- God, if I could only never forget the look on the Slytherins' faces!

But the greatest part of the day- meaning, except the incredible win, great support, and unbelievable exhilaration of the whole thing- was when Potter and Norman had that fight over the Quaffle. You'd think, since his girlfriend's the keeper for the enemy team, Potter would go easy on her. Being the lead chaser and all. But no- it seemed that, probably trying to impress her with a spectacular, fully worth it win, he was playing at his prime. Really. Some shots were just plain unbelievable, done from impossible angles under some unbeatable defense. But once, near the end of the game, right before I spotted the snitch near the bottom of the Hufflepuff sits, (and did a brilliantly quick, silent, and satisfactory dive to get it,) Potter got a little too close to the Slytherin hoops. He was carrying the Quaffle, ready to bomb it right past Norman- a move that is daring, impressive, and very stupid. But we were winning by about a hundred points, and, well, Potter is- to put it in Lily's words-a bigheaded git. While he steadied his aim to shoot, Norman did something even stupider- she left the hoops, unguarded, to pull a surprise attack on the whole bloody school. She flew right up to Potter, at full speed, showing no signs of stopping.

I think it's right to say no one has ever tried what she tried. Ever. Maybe it's because it's too risky; too unpredictable. Too weird. Or- maybe-because it's too bloody brilliant.

She stormed up to him. The whole audience was holding their breath. One of the Bludgers hit Black, him not paying any attention to the other Beaters or the game itself. (Idiot.)

And when the two finally connected, their brooms moved together backwards- upwards- and very, very far away from the hoops. I don't know what they were doing, but by the end of it the Quaffle was in Slytherin hands, Potter was blushing harder then I thought possible, while grinning like a drunk monkey, and Norman was smirking to herself, gracefully making her way back to her hoops.

I caught the snitch a minute later.

And it's said in the hallways that Potter and Norman were seen running into a broom closet right after the game.

You know, it's strange, how James Potter- the known Slytherin prankster- ended up with one of them. The school has been buzzing for weeks, with unlikely gossip about the new couple. New? They've been dating for a few weeks now- a definite record around here. After Remus and Coral, of course. And a few of the more… trusting Hufflepuffs, too.

Everyone's either happy for them, or ready to kill them. I mean, the James Potter Fan Club has been going strong for years now, with that bulletin board in the girl's bathroom detailing every aspect of the star Quidditch player's life. And Jessica Norman's stalkers are still looking at her longingly in the library and between classes, as Potter walks her to lunch or everywhere else. So many hearts have been broken by this new relationship.

Though most of them will get over it very quickly, I predict.

Not so with our Lily. She's been sulking a lot. She's hiding it well, of course, but Coral and I? We can tell. We are able to be good friends when we try.

It's just that I, personally, don't regularly try.

She's broken inside. Really. All she's been doing for the past two weeks is work on a Christmas Ball, to make up for the Halloween dance she didn't help with, and studying. And tutoring, of course, though Coral's been telling me how Lils' discouraged by the growing number of students asking for Potter's help over hers.

It's upsetting. Lily can be real fun when she doesn't have her secret love not talking to her. She's funny, she's sweet, and she's brilliant to have in a conversation. But lately she doesn't wanna join any conversation. She doesn't even talk. And it's not like the hysteria she gets into before a big test, while, if she's not reading, she's driving everyone nuts with quotes and details she's got memorized. Now she's just… quiet. I find myself wishing for a remark- any remark- about how Quidditch it a dangerous sport that shouldn't be played in a school, or a how house elves aren't animals and we can't behave to them like slaves.

And that's saying something, right there.

But no. She stays in her room in the dorm she shares with Potter, sitting in her bed all day, reading or studying or looking out the window, thinking. She only comes down to grace us with her presence at meal times and during class. And it's not that she won't let us come in her room, or ignores us, or anything like that, but it's like… it's obvious that she's not interested in talking. About anything.

Anything. Including schoolwork, and future careers, life beyond Hogwarts- she won't even complain about her grades, or talk about what she's planning as head girl. Not without former questioning.

It's really quit horrible.

The worst thing is, I no longer feel like she's listening to me. I mean, I need Lily- and Coral- to get myself through school. If I was left unguided, I wouldn't do any homework, wouldn't study for any tests, won't care what so ever what the hells going on with my own life. They bring me down from the clouds- they've always done that. And I've known Lily forever. I'm used to sharing everything with her. No- I relay on sharing everything with her.

It's not that I'm selfish, thinking aout myself- not worried about her in her time of need, only about my own problems and hardships with her so depressed. I worry. I do. But I need her to talk to me about this really big thing going on in my life now. The TWH Society sent me an acceptance letter- I'm going into an interview soon to the part I'll play in it. Meaning, what my job would be. It's all about volunteer work, helping wizards in Britain and everything. Teen Wizards Help. It's obvious enough.

I've always liked volunteer work. I don't enjoy being tied down by a one truck sort of career- like Lily with her Healings, Coral with her Ministry thing. I like having my possibilities open. I enjoy the freedom of choice.

And TWH can give me that. I might work in the ministry, might be traveling, and might be working on construction. There's even journalism as an open possibility. And of course, I can always do it on a smaller or larger scale- if I wanna go into, lets say, auror training, then I can do both. Or if I go into Professional Quidditch. Man, I can go and teach at a Wizarding school in Antarctica while searching for the Yeti and still contribute to the TWH.

And, if I get high enough at the company, it'll stop being volunteer work. I'll get paid from the government for being a great help to Wizards everywhere.

Plus, it's a great way to meet new people. For example, if I get what I want to get as my first assignment- managing a charity event for eleven year old orphans all over Europe to have money fro supplies and acceptance to wizarding schools (not all school are like Hogwarts, supporting their own students) - then I'll be a part of a team of- like- ten people. We'll all think up what to do (a dance? A race? A big picnic?) And then do our best to do it. The money collected will be my first contribution to wizarding society.

The interview will be scheduled soon. I really can't wait. And i want lily to join me. I think she's planning to, but what I really want is for her to join the TWH, too.

It's the perfect thing for her. She loves helping people even more then I do, and i'm sure she'll realize soon that being a healer- while a really good way to help- doesn't really touch that many people. Really. Mainly old people.

Unless there's a war or something. But that's not gonna happen.

So really, she has to...

Oh, who am I kidding. This has nothing to do with it. I'm worried about her. She's not eating, and I don't think she's sleeping so well. What if she gets sick? She's my best friend. I can't lose her. Not her. We've known each other for too long for me to get over losing her now.

And if she joins the TWH, she might meet some other, nice guy or something. I don't know, Merlin knows I'm not an expert in romance. It'll take her mind off things. I wanna see the spark back in those emerald eyes.

Don't tell anyone I said that.

Remus Lupin:

"Wait. Wait a second. I… the unicorns- they're mammals? I always thought- in all the stories I heard they were 'born from the light' or whatever. No by… well, parents."

Remus smiled to himself. Muggleborns. Always confusing fantasy with reality.

He was sitting in the tutoring room, looking down at a small third year looking at him with big, imploring eyes. Her lost expression reminded him of a small kitten. He imagined McGonagall looking at him like that.

He chuckled.

"You need to forget those old fairy tells, " he told the young girl. " 'Care of Magical Creatures' is a science, not a bunch of legends. Did you see the unicorns?" she nodded, adopting a slightly unfocused gaze, smiling at the memory. "well, you saw- they're living, breathing creatures. You gotta understand that they're not much different then a… cat. Or a lion. Only they have some remarkable adaptations- some fantastic magical abilities. That's the only difference. Get it?"

"I think so," she said carefully, looking down at the book again.

Leaving her to battle with the essay, he stretched, glancing around. They were deep into the tutoring session, and the usual, low murmur of students teaching and learning filled the large room. Remus smiled at seeing Coral, sitting by one of the wooden round tables, three kids, raging from 12 to 15, seated around her, listening intently to her explanation of magical theory. He waved to a few of his fellow prefects, who each had a group of confused looking students looking up to them admiringly in various locations in the room. Looking back at his own flock of youngsters, he pointed out a few pointers to a fourth year struggling with dragon blood uses.

Merlin, did he love teaching. Many times he had considered aiming to be a teacher, but he knew that his illness would never allow it. Too many people feared werewolves to trust their children with one for seven long years.

He sighed, looking at the setting sun outside the window. The moon would be up soon. His mortal enemy… stranded up there, mocking him. Day after day… night after night, growing brighter and retreating again. Always whispering of the near coming day when they'll meet again.

A hint of a grin passed through his lips, as he remembered of the last full moon. For the first time in a few very long months, Prongs had joined them in their midnight flee. Flee of the school, the responsibility, the things that always tied them down… the normal, day by day schedule that really did get old at times. Even for him, the nerd that he was.

And having Prongs with them again was like the sun rising after a century long storm. Padfoot was barking excitedly every once in a while, offering no explanation of the random act of happiness. Wormtail has been stepping around their feet, squeaking delightedly. Remus would have been annoyed- all the tripping the small rodent caused!- if he wasn't too busy howling at the top of his lungs, running around like a crazed pup. Prongs stood there, almost smiling, as proud and magnificent as they remembered. There was no memory of his past pains- the healers took good care of his injuries. It was like old times.

Almost.

Shooting a glace at his friend, Remus studied the smiling face of James Potter. Who would have guessed that their silly prankster of a friend was such a great teacher? At least a dozen kids were sitting on the floor around him in a half circle, staring at him, opened mouthed. One fifth-year Ravenclaw was even taking notes, probably already getting ahead for his OWLs. And there was James, his eyes sparkling, explaining the complications of Transfigurations. He moved his hands wildly, took his wand out to demonstrate a certain gesture, an angle, something even Remus wasn't aware of. It was amazing, how good both James and Sirius were at Transfigurations. They never needed any help with homework in that class, and even had to explain some staff to Remus through the years. But this, this was beyond anything Remus could think of. James didn't even need notes. He just knew everything- naturally. Easily. Without opening a book.

Jessica Norman was staring at him longingly from a char in the corner, where she was reading the Potions book, finishing up an essay. It was rare, nowadays, to see James Potter or Jessica Norman more then a few steps away from each other. During some classes, Quidditch Practice, and at night.

To say the truth, it was a little frustrating. It was like James had little time left for the marauders, even after they made up any everything. During the full moon he revealed, finally, how many ideas he actually had for pranks, and improvements of the map. Normally they barely had a chance to talk to him alone. And though Jess was incredibly nice and fun to be with, she wasn't a marauder. She wasn't- could never be- one of them.

It was strange, even, he admitted to himself, rather hesitantly. Judging others wasn't something he enjoyed much, though Alyson told him time and again that he was very good at it. But James and Jess were almost inseparable. James kept on with his life- classes, tutoring, even marauder time- which he didn't miss, ever. But Jess came along with him. everywhere.

It wasn't the same.

But he's happy, Remus reminded himself. He's more then happy- he's ecstatic. The old James was back.

Sort of.

From the Fantasy of Jessica Norman:

The Princess is worried.

She is very concerned. Things are going so well with her Prince- so perfect. She loves him more then the morning sun, and he loves her back just as hard. Did he not, only the moon rise before, tell her that he wished he could pull a star out of the sky and give it to her in a necklace she could always wear, to remind her of his endless love to her?

Love. How lucky was she, to be loved by someone so open with his feelings, his emotions. So loving, so caring, even a tad jealous where it was necessary. Not that he should be. Not him. Let the others rot- James Potter was hers, now and forever.

The Princess couldn't help but smile at his incredible teaching skills. Sitting there, by the window, where the sun was setting over the beautiful lake. Hiding behind a Potions book, she looked at his deep hazel eyes, shining with excitement and heat as he talked to the students spread around him. His hair, a wild mess of black softness, flew around him as he gestured and pointed out different, and unusual, perspectives. Ingenious. He was amazing.

She felt her lips curl to a gentle smile, placing the last touched on the doodle covering most of her homework. J+J AMONG THE CLOUDS it said with big, bold letters. She added a Quaffle, hoops, and a cloudy, blue sky.

The Prince's gaze caught the Princess's. She blushed, sending an air kiss his way. He winked at her.

But something was bothering their perfect fairytale. The Princess's father, the Great King Muggle, who wouldn't agree to his youngest daughter being with a magical being.

Christmas Break was few suns away. Mid November is long gone, December closer then ever, and the last days of pure joy spent with her Prince were at an end. The Princess was returning to the castle. And there, with the four elder Princesses looking down at her because of her gift, the Queen talking to her with that cold, almost angry tone for two whole weeks… and the King, investigating, always with his questions… demanding to know everything about her school, her life. Could they not see that she wasn't like them- wasn't chained down by their lack of magic? Her gift was… it was good. Not a mutation- nothing to be ashamed of. Why could they not understand that?

Why did they fear her?

The Princess put her quill down. The soft tingle of tears in her eyes made her dive back behind the pages of the book. In a few months she would be eighteen, and could leave home forever. But until then, would she be forced to take her sister's horrible taunts, let their words sting her like the coals in a fire?

Would she let herself be that little helpless child again, standing alone among people who hate her, taking all their curses, all the humiliating things they said, with no one to stop them? How long could she look away from those letters, filled with the leering memories of her family?

She didn't want to go back to the castle. The Princess wasn't sure if she could… not… tell them about her Prince- her love- her world. Could she hide such a thing from the King? With his burning questions, that left harsh, painful marks all over her soul?

Could she?

From Alyson Morla's Record of School Hilarities:

This is so not funny.

This is so incredibly not funny.

Actually, it's so far from being funny, it might just be really, really sad.

And upsetting. And frustrating. And- and- and---

SO NOT HAPPENING!!!

GOD! I am going to murder him! That stupid, sexist, egomaniac! Lunatic! Over hyper idiot prankster!!! That freaking son of a b-

Coral said I should stop cursing. Especially on paper, since then there's evidence left over. She took away the recorder, and gave me this disapproving look.

Well. Fine. No cursing. (cough) no bad words. No name calling. Fine.

I left the common room, and am sitting comfortable in the library. Here I can curse.

Yay.

Merlin, he just got me so frustrated! I mean, God! Doesn't he have a life? Why does he have to keep on messing up mine?!!

I had the TWH interview today. It was perfect. Three people sat there and asked me questions about my school life, intentions, my hopes and all about myself for the future. I'm pretty sure they liked me, probably because I refused to break eye contact, refused to back down. They said they like my attitude. I told them I liked it, too.

And then they laughed, told me I have a good chance at becoming something in the TWH, and asked me to leave and call the next girl up.

It was strange. They had the girls and the boys in different rooms. I wasn't sure why. One of the people sitting there said that they wanted to have it equal, as in five boys and five girls in each team. That was fine by me- the TWH had a lot of older guys in it, guys that I wouldn't mind meeting.

Soon they were done. There are three teams, ten people in each. Most of us would get into a team, but some would have to go home and hope for a second chance. It was all rally exciting, and some of the girls were giggling nervously.

I rolled my eyes.

Finally, a guy came out with the list of names and positions. We all crowded around it, and the room was soon filled with squeals of happiness and hugging people. It was embarrassing.

Though I really wished Lily or Coral were there, so I could do the same thing.

See, I didn't just get into a team- I was names Captain! Co-captain, but still, a great honor. I would be working with some guy for the next month or so, through Christmas break, which will start in two weeks, until we'll be ready to put forth the event for the school supply-buying thing.

The guy who brought the list our smiled at us, and then, acting like a dramatic fool, posted the boy's list- so we could see who we'll be working with fro the next few months.

And you know who my co captain is?

Of course you do.

Sirius Black.