23 June

Mum,

I'm sorry I haven't written in so long, but I really haven't had time. Thank Merlin that finals are almost over. I don't mind studying and tests, but my brain I about fried. The ones I've taken so far went well. Except for History of Magic, all of the finals have had a practical component. Usually they go well, but stress can result in interesting effects. In transfiguration, Jason managed to make his mouse disappear completely. I'm not sure how he did it, because we don't learn vanishing for awhile yet. I managed to turn mine completely into a snuffbox. Several people's still had whiskers or a tail.

Herbology, on the other hand, has only reinforced my overwhelming disgust of the subject. I managed to take care of the plants we were supposed to, but I came away with too many bites. I really want to take weedkiller and salt to the greenhouses.

Defense Against the Dark Arts was easier than the name of the class would suggest. I'm sure I've mentioned before that Professor Moody is the ultimate paranoiac, and his tests and grading reflect this. So long as you fill your essays with phrases like "constant vigilance" and "a minion of the dark hiding in every corner," you get a good grade. I wish he'd stay for next year.

The Potions final is tomorrow. I'm sure I'll do well, but I bet Matt will melt another cauldron. He doesn't do well under pressure. At least Snape can't give us extra homework.

I'm ready to come home. Right now, I even miss Lin, though I expect that will change quickly.

The third task of the Triwizard Tournament is tomorrow evening. I'm curious about who will win, but I don't think that sitting there staring at a wall of hedges will be that exciting.

I am about ready to strangle every Viktor Krum fan. They are, for the most part, giggly, prissy, third through seventh year girls. They just realized they only have a few days left to snag him. Their school uniforms are often modified to show a lot more skin. They follow him everywhere just giggling. I wouldn't mind if they could just keep quiet when he was in the library!

The sad thing is, he's kinda dating a fourth year Gryffindor. They don't have a chance.

-Liss

P.S. Orla invited Dee and me to spend a week at her house this summer. Can I go? Please? Her parents said it's okay. Dee's asking her parents now too.