Author's Notes:
I abandoned this story. I really did. I last updated it in May 2001. I actually never planned on writing anymore of it just because I never thought of it again. My life got busy and I lost interest in working on this fic again.
I was bored the other night and I went through and reread several old fics that I wrote over the years. This one stood out to me because it bothered me that I left it hanging with a fairly bad cliffhanger.
Well, I doubt that anyone noticed that, but I felt the need to say it anyway. I had 12 chapters out by the time I stopped. I just deleted the 12 chapter and wrote it over. It isn't the last chapter though. There will probably be about two more chapters before I'm done. And, I actually plan on finishing it this time around.
Ok, that's all I wanted to say. Now, without any further ado, here's the much longer, hopefully better chapter 12:
~
March 2-
I can't believe it! I think Spring is finally here. We had Herbology today and none of us fell down on our way to the greenhouses. That has to be a first since, well, last fall, I guess. There are only a couple weeks left until the spring holidays! I can't wait!
March 17-
Sorry I haven't written much lately, journal. I've been really busy. The year's slowly, but surely, coming to an end. So, the teachers are all starting to pile on as much work as humanly possible. I actually have to read two hundred pages for Potions by tomorrow. Ok, I know Snape did give us the assignment last week, but this week has been really busy. Oh well. I better get to reading. I bet we're going to have a pop quiz on the material. All two hundred pages of it!!
March 25-
Guess where I am? I'm on the Hogwarts Express on my way back to London. I can't wait to get there. I'm so excited. A whole week with my dad and Gran. I just hope that they finally tell me what's going on. I don't know if I'll be able to take it if they don't.
Later, still March 25-
Ben is being so annoying. His parents are making him come home for the holidays and he will not stop complaining. I wish that Courtney was here. She'd smack him on the back of the head for me. I sort of wish that I had stayed back at the school, actually. Wouldn't it be my luck that this is sort of the opposite of Christmas? More people are staying behind then coming home. Oh well. I'll be back at school soon enough, I'm sure.
Goodness, if Ben does not shut up, I'm going to smack him myself!!
March 26-
I've been at Grandma's for exactly twenty two hours now and no one has said anything to me about what's going on. Dad isn't even here. Apparently there was some emergency editing job that needed to be done on his latest project. Gran isn't even sure if he'll make it back before I leave for school again. And, to top it all off, Elizabeth's here! Uncle Simon was called away to Japan again, so she got dropped off this morning. Now, I'm just waiting for that nasty Ryan Arnold to show up. That would just be the perfect addition for my wonderful break!!
March 27-
Can you believe it?? I have the best Grandma ever!! She called me down to breakfast this morning, saying that she had a surprise for me. So, I go downstairs, and sitting at the kitchen table was Mandy Payer! I can't believe Gran! She flew my Hollywood best friend all the way over here as a special surprise for me. I am so happy right now! Mandy's only staying for three days, but we're going to do absolutely everything! Well, if she ever wakes up, that is. She has a really bad case of jet lag. Elizabeth keeps threatening to do spells on her in her sleep, but I know she's bluffing. She couldn't possibly know any worthwhile ones, could she? Plus, I'm sure she doesn't even have a wand. I hope not anyway…
Later, March 27-
Mandy's still passed out on the living room couch. Gran's brewing a potion that will wake her up and help with the jet lag. Don't ask me how we're going to give it to her though. Mandy doesn't know that we use magic and it doesn't exactly look (or smell) like a soda. Oh well. I'll leave that to Gran. She's the brains in our family after all.
Still Later, March 27-
Gran took us to the cutest little café tonight after we got Mandy up with that fabulous "herbal tea" of Gran's. The dinner was pleasant enough, but I do think I am getting too spoiled with all of those wonderful meals at Hogwarts! Anyway, after dinner, we went to a show. It was this old musical that Gran says was my father's favorite growing up. It was pretty good, really. I'll have to get Dad the soundtrack for his birthday. Well, I think I'll try to get some sleep now. Gran says we have an early start tomorrow.
March 28-
Today was another busy day. My uncle Simon came back from Japan early this morning and took the three of us- Mandy, Elizabeth, and me- on a hiking "excursion" this afternoon. We didn't go very far. Just on a trail about a mile from Gran's. I think the main purpose of the excursion was to give Grandma some time without us. She really is looking awfully tired. I hope we're not making her worse. And, I really do wish someone would just tell me what was going on! Anyway, I was hoping that Simon's return meant that Elizabeth was going to leave, but it didn't. He apparated back to Japan this evening. Apparently, he spends an awful lot of time there. Elizabeth has her own room here and everything. That doesn't mean that she has to act like she owns the place though. This is still Gran's house!
March 29-
I can't believe it. Mandy's going home tomorrow morning- at 3 AM! This is our last day together until I go home for summer vacation. And, I don't even know if I'll be going back to California this summer. No one will tell me how my parents have arranged everything. Gran says Dad might show up tomorrow afternoon. It's about time. He was the one who insisted that I come home this week, after all. Well, I'm not going to waste anymore time writing now. Mandy and I are going shopping with Gran now. Elizabeth's coming too, but we're pretending she doesn't exist. Too bad she can't take a hint…
March 30-
Mandy's gone. I'm actually not that sad though. I still consider her one of my best friends, but I sort of feel like Courtney's my real best friend now. I suppose you can have multiple best friends, but, really, it isn't the same. I'm starting to miss everyone at school now. Only two more days until I get to go back… I almost said home. I guess Grandma was right. Hogwarts is my home now. Well, it's one of my homes anyway. It's more of a home than Gran's house.
Anyway, Dad still hasn't showed up. He called this morning, but Gran wouldn't let me talk to him. She said that he said he's hoping to come by tomorrow morning. He's really wrapped up in this movie of his, she says. It's all he can think about at the moment. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. My father is really a big kid in that sense. His movies are like his toys and, when he starts playing with one, it's impossible for him to stop. Still, you would think he would take a few hours out of his busy schedule to come see his daughter. I know Gran isn't going to tell me anything. Not without him here. Oh well.
March 31-
Still no sign of Dad. I'm leaving for the train station in less than twelve hours and he still hasn't come by. He hasn't called either. This isn't like him. Even when he gets wrapped up in his projects, he still knows what his priorities are. Well, he does most of the time. Who knows? Maybe I'm being dumb and there really isn't a big bomb that they have to drop on me. Maybe he's working on what the new greatest movie ever made. You never know…
Ugh, Elizabeth will not leave me alone. She is standing here, staring over my shoulder. She is so annoying and stupid and-
Stacie is a big, fat, poo head!!!
That was Elizabeth. Not me. I'm going to stop writing now before Elizabeth gives me another reason to want her dead. Have I mentioned recently that I can't wait to get back to school?
April 3-
Was it really just three days ago that I was looking forward to classes starting up again? It seems like ages ago. I'm back in school now, by the way. I was glad to be back, at first. Courtney was thrilled to see me. She literally pounced on me the second I climbed through the portrait hole. She's been going crazy with only Peter to keep her company. I don't see why though. I would much rather be stuck with Peter than Ben. At least, Peter doesn't make fun of my hair and my clothes and, well, me.
Anyway, I never did hear from my father while I was at Gran's. He sent me an owl yesterday with a short letter explaining that he was incredibly busy and looked forward to seeing me when school let out for the summer. I also got a note from Mom. Hers was much longer than Dad's and was all about the latest gossip in her circle of friends. Really, if Mom ever gets tired of being in the spotlight, she would make a perfect gossip columnist.
I got a note from Gran today with a printed out e-mail from Mandy and a short note from, ugh, Elizabeth. Gran just wanted to check in and make sure I was ok. Mandy's e-mail was actually a joint effort with several of my old classmates. They all sent me little messages and it was just really sweet of them! I think I've changed my mind again. I really do miss my La Anglia friends. Well, there's always this summer. If I make it back to California, that is. I still don't know what's going to happen. I read Elizabeth's letter last. I probably should have read hers first and saved Mandy's for last, but oh well. Elizabeth just wanted me to say that she was staying at Gran's all summer and looked forward to going to school with me next year. This was all dripping with sarcasm. That's Elizabeth for you. Sweet to glance at, sour to taste. Or something like that…
April 9-
I'm in Potions now and I really should be working, but I'm bored. This class is so boring, it isn't even funny. I guess that's why I'm doing badly in it. It might be better if-
April 10-
That is the first and last time I will ever write in my journal during Potions. I now have a detention, Gryffindor is short fifteen points, and my whole class all about Elizabeth, among other things I wrote about recently. Thank God we have Potions with the Hufflepuffs, not the Slytherins. I would never live this down if it was the other way around!
April 13-
I just had my detention. It wasn't that bad, actually. Well, I mean it wasn't that bad in comparison to some of the horror stories I've heard. I just had to dust a quarter of the shelves in the library. Madame Vasta is impossible to work for though. I had detention with three other students, but it felt like she was breathing down my neck the whole time. She can be really creepy when she wants to be!
April 17-
Do the teachers at this school get together and decide the best ways to make our lives as hard as possible? I had a pop quiz in all of my classes today. Plus, Professor Snape assigned us a major project that's due next week. And, we have a fifteen inch DADA paper tomorrow. I only have about six inches done! Well, it could be worse, I suppose. Ben hasn't even started his. He doesn't even know what he's going to write his on. But, it's times like this when I hate Courtney. She has over thirty inches written and says she could still go on for awhile more.
Ugh, Courtney just reminded me that we had to read a chapter for Charms tonight. Professor Flitwick hinted there might be a quiz tomorrow, so I better go work on that. After I finish the DADA paper. Then, I should start thinking about Potions and, then, there's the Transfiguration reading and… I gotta go…
April 20-
I just got back from the funniest Quidditch match ever! It was Ravenclaw vs. Slytherin, so we didn't really care who won, but we figured we'd go anyway. We sat with Justin Taylor and he was so funny! He kept yelling comments at the Slytherins- his own housemates! They looked like they were ready to murder him by the time the game was over. It was hilarious though! Anyway, the game only lasted about five minutes. Ravenclaw is a pretty good team and Rachel Flowers is an excellent seeker, as long as she isn't up against our seeker, Keith Stewart.
April 26-
It's Courtney's birthday today. She's been really hyper all day, but that's ok. I think I'm getting used to her energy. I got her a book on real fairy tales and I'm pretty sure that she liked it. Peter got her a really pretty quill and Ben got her a rubber spider that squeaks like a mouse. I don't think she liked that gift too much. Rachel gave her a really cute t-shirt that says "sisters are forever" and a humor book about sisters. I think the two of them are actually getting along pretty well now. I know I've said that before, but I think it might be true this time. At least, for now.
A group of us first years and a handful of the older students had a small party for Courtney in the library. Well, it wasn't really all that small, but it was quiet. Madame Vasta was staring at us the whole time, just waiting for an excuse to kick us out of her library. We were good though. Well, we were until Ben accidentally sneezed really loudly and we got kicked out. There was enough time for everyone to give Court her gifts though. She now has enough candy to last the two of us until the end of the year!
May 1-
I can't believe it's May. We have exactly a month and a half until school lets out. The teachers are still really piling on the work though. I'm busy most of the time. I haven't even had much time to think about May 15th. Actually, I just remembered that date today. I'm starting to get worried about it again though. It's so much closer now that May is actually here. Well, as Mom always says "worrying causes more harm than anything else in the world." If I ever really get that, I'll be amazed.
May 3-
I hate Potions. I HATE POTIONS!!
Ok, I feel better now.
May 5-
The weather is actually really nice now. I just got back from taking a walk around the lake with Penny Prickle and it was wonderful. It was actually almost warm, not as warm as I'm used to back home, but nice still. Penny seemed really happy tonight. I haven't seen very much of her lately. She's actually become good friends with the other fourth year girls now. She seems happy about that and I'm glad. I sort of miss hanging out with her everyday though. Anyway, I think she sees me as a sort of little sister. That's cool, I guess. I've always wanted a big sister. It's just, well, she kept trying to give me advice tonight. She said that she thought I needed to stick up for myself more, especially to Ben. She said that I shouldn't let him tease me so much, especially since he's supposed to be my friend. I guess that she's right. I should be more like Courtney that way. Then, no one would dare to bother me.
May 8-
Can you believe it's Ben's birthday today? It was his birthday all day and he never mentioned anything to us? Peter's isn't until August and mine's five days after school lets out, so his was our last chance to celebrate in school. He never told us though. He said he didn't want to make a big deal out of it. We wouldn't have even found out about it if Wendy Tyson hadn't overheard Professor Dumbledore wishing Ben a happy birthday after dinner. Ben begged her not to mention it, but Wendy never could keep a secret. Courtney and I knew within minutes. I didn't have an actual present for him, so I just gave him one of my hair ribbons. I meant it as a joke since he liked playing with the ones I got for Christmas, but he didn't seem to think it was very funny. Oh well. I guess some people just don't get my sense of humor.
May 10-
Five days. FIVE DAYS??? How did it sneak up on me like this??
May 11-
There's no reason for me to panic, right? I mean, it's probably nothing. It was probably just that the castle seems so creepy at night and my mind was playing tricks on me. I mean, what could happen here with Professor Dumbledore and all of the teachers- including the legendary Harry Potter? No one would dare to do something with all of that. I'm probably making a big deal out of nothing. I do that sometimes…
May 12-
Ok, maybe it's just me, but things are starting to change around here. The teachers seem a little… on guard, I guess is the right way to put it. I guess something is going to happen on May 15. I mean, I don't think this is all in my imagination. That is more than possible though. I have been known to have an active imagination, after all. Maybe this is really nothing. I hope…
May 13-
I'm not even going to say it. I'm just going to put this journal down and go play chess with Courtney. That's what I'm going to do. It is.
May 14-
Something strange is definitely going on. I can't deny it anymore. The teachers were acting weird all day. Professor McGonagall was really distracted and let us have a free period. Professor Flitwick let us play games instead of the lesson he had planned. Even Snape was weirder than usual- he didn't give us homework for once. Courtney thinks he forgot. Ben thinks aliens have turned all of the teachers into zombies.
Anyway, I'm starting to get kind of scared. May 15 is just hours away now and if Keith was right, something big's going to happen. Something that involves him proving he's more powerful than that awful woman he was with. Something that possibly involves me.
Maybe it's nothing. It could all be in my mind, right? I mean, I haven't seen that woman around here since then. Maybe she just went back to wherever she came from. Maybe Keith was joking. Maybe he thought I was someone else or really didn't say something about May 15. Maybe he said April 15 and whatever it was has already happened.
Well, there's nothing more I can do right now. I think I'll go to bed. Worrying never does anyone any good after all… Mom would be so proud of me if she heard me say that…
~
More Author's Notes:
I might as well stick with my old tradition and thank with everyone for reading this. Also, there's the usual apology for spelling/grammer mistakes and the request for reviews.
Last year, I was planning to continue Stacy's story after her first year. For awhile, I was even considering writing all seven years. I doubt I'll do that now. I'm starting college in about a week and a half. I know, you wouldn't guess it from reading this fic, but I am 18 and do have somewhat of a life.
Anyway, I'm actually starting to like this story again. That might just be my current boredom speaking, but I think I will write at least a few more short stories about Stacy. I feel like I need to tie up so things with her before I can say goodbye to this fic forever. So, if you are at all interested in hearing more, let me know. Encouragement is always a good way to get me to continue a project. ;)
Ok, well, that's it. I think I have enough notes now...
- Hope
I abandoned this story. I really did. I last updated it in May 2001. I actually never planned on writing anymore of it just because I never thought of it again. My life got busy and I lost interest in working on this fic again.
I was bored the other night and I went through and reread several old fics that I wrote over the years. This one stood out to me because it bothered me that I left it hanging with a fairly bad cliffhanger.
Well, I doubt that anyone noticed that, but I felt the need to say it anyway. I had 12 chapters out by the time I stopped. I just deleted the 12 chapter and wrote it over. It isn't the last chapter though. There will probably be about two more chapters before I'm done. And, I actually plan on finishing it this time around.
Ok, that's all I wanted to say. Now, without any further ado, here's the much longer, hopefully better chapter 12:
~
March 2-
I can't believe it! I think Spring is finally here. We had Herbology today and none of us fell down on our way to the greenhouses. That has to be a first since, well, last fall, I guess. There are only a couple weeks left until the spring holidays! I can't wait!
March 17-
Sorry I haven't written much lately, journal. I've been really busy. The year's slowly, but surely, coming to an end. So, the teachers are all starting to pile on as much work as humanly possible. I actually have to read two hundred pages for Potions by tomorrow. Ok, I know Snape did give us the assignment last week, but this week has been really busy. Oh well. I better get to reading. I bet we're going to have a pop quiz on the material. All two hundred pages of it!!
March 25-
Guess where I am? I'm on the Hogwarts Express on my way back to London. I can't wait to get there. I'm so excited. A whole week with my dad and Gran. I just hope that they finally tell me what's going on. I don't know if I'll be able to take it if they don't.
Later, still March 25-
Ben is being so annoying. His parents are making him come home for the holidays and he will not stop complaining. I wish that Courtney was here. She'd smack him on the back of the head for me. I sort of wish that I had stayed back at the school, actually. Wouldn't it be my luck that this is sort of the opposite of Christmas? More people are staying behind then coming home. Oh well. I'll be back at school soon enough, I'm sure.
Goodness, if Ben does not shut up, I'm going to smack him myself!!
March 26-
I've been at Grandma's for exactly twenty two hours now and no one has said anything to me about what's going on. Dad isn't even here. Apparently there was some emergency editing job that needed to be done on his latest project. Gran isn't even sure if he'll make it back before I leave for school again. And, to top it all off, Elizabeth's here! Uncle Simon was called away to Japan again, so she got dropped off this morning. Now, I'm just waiting for that nasty Ryan Arnold to show up. That would just be the perfect addition for my wonderful break!!
March 27-
Can you believe it?? I have the best Grandma ever!! She called me down to breakfast this morning, saying that she had a surprise for me. So, I go downstairs, and sitting at the kitchen table was Mandy Payer! I can't believe Gran! She flew my Hollywood best friend all the way over here as a special surprise for me. I am so happy right now! Mandy's only staying for three days, but we're going to do absolutely everything! Well, if she ever wakes up, that is. She has a really bad case of jet lag. Elizabeth keeps threatening to do spells on her in her sleep, but I know she's bluffing. She couldn't possibly know any worthwhile ones, could she? Plus, I'm sure she doesn't even have a wand. I hope not anyway…
Later, March 27-
Mandy's still passed out on the living room couch. Gran's brewing a potion that will wake her up and help with the jet lag. Don't ask me how we're going to give it to her though. Mandy doesn't know that we use magic and it doesn't exactly look (or smell) like a soda. Oh well. I'll leave that to Gran. She's the brains in our family after all.
Still Later, March 27-
Gran took us to the cutest little café tonight after we got Mandy up with that fabulous "herbal tea" of Gran's. The dinner was pleasant enough, but I do think I am getting too spoiled with all of those wonderful meals at Hogwarts! Anyway, after dinner, we went to a show. It was this old musical that Gran says was my father's favorite growing up. It was pretty good, really. I'll have to get Dad the soundtrack for his birthday. Well, I think I'll try to get some sleep now. Gran says we have an early start tomorrow.
March 28-
Today was another busy day. My uncle Simon came back from Japan early this morning and took the three of us- Mandy, Elizabeth, and me- on a hiking "excursion" this afternoon. We didn't go very far. Just on a trail about a mile from Gran's. I think the main purpose of the excursion was to give Grandma some time without us. She really is looking awfully tired. I hope we're not making her worse. And, I really do wish someone would just tell me what was going on! Anyway, I was hoping that Simon's return meant that Elizabeth was going to leave, but it didn't. He apparated back to Japan this evening. Apparently, he spends an awful lot of time there. Elizabeth has her own room here and everything. That doesn't mean that she has to act like she owns the place though. This is still Gran's house!
March 29-
I can't believe it. Mandy's going home tomorrow morning- at 3 AM! This is our last day together until I go home for summer vacation. And, I don't even know if I'll be going back to California this summer. No one will tell me how my parents have arranged everything. Gran says Dad might show up tomorrow afternoon. It's about time. He was the one who insisted that I come home this week, after all. Well, I'm not going to waste anymore time writing now. Mandy and I are going shopping with Gran now. Elizabeth's coming too, but we're pretending she doesn't exist. Too bad she can't take a hint…
March 30-
Mandy's gone. I'm actually not that sad though. I still consider her one of my best friends, but I sort of feel like Courtney's my real best friend now. I suppose you can have multiple best friends, but, really, it isn't the same. I'm starting to miss everyone at school now. Only two more days until I get to go back… I almost said home. I guess Grandma was right. Hogwarts is my home now. Well, it's one of my homes anyway. It's more of a home than Gran's house.
Anyway, Dad still hasn't showed up. He called this morning, but Gran wouldn't let me talk to him. She said that he said he's hoping to come by tomorrow morning. He's really wrapped up in this movie of his, she says. It's all he can think about at the moment. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. My father is really a big kid in that sense. His movies are like his toys and, when he starts playing with one, it's impossible for him to stop. Still, you would think he would take a few hours out of his busy schedule to come see his daughter. I know Gran isn't going to tell me anything. Not without him here. Oh well.
March 31-
Still no sign of Dad. I'm leaving for the train station in less than twelve hours and he still hasn't come by. He hasn't called either. This isn't like him. Even when he gets wrapped up in his projects, he still knows what his priorities are. Well, he does most of the time. Who knows? Maybe I'm being dumb and there really isn't a big bomb that they have to drop on me. Maybe he's working on what the new greatest movie ever made. You never know…
Ugh, Elizabeth will not leave me alone. She is standing here, staring over my shoulder. She is so annoying and stupid and-
Stacie is a big, fat, poo head!!!
That was Elizabeth. Not me. I'm going to stop writing now before Elizabeth gives me another reason to want her dead. Have I mentioned recently that I can't wait to get back to school?
April 3-
Was it really just three days ago that I was looking forward to classes starting up again? It seems like ages ago. I'm back in school now, by the way. I was glad to be back, at first. Courtney was thrilled to see me. She literally pounced on me the second I climbed through the portrait hole. She's been going crazy with only Peter to keep her company. I don't see why though. I would much rather be stuck with Peter than Ben. At least, Peter doesn't make fun of my hair and my clothes and, well, me.
Anyway, I never did hear from my father while I was at Gran's. He sent me an owl yesterday with a short letter explaining that he was incredibly busy and looked forward to seeing me when school let out for the summer. I also got a note from Mom. Hers was much longer than Dad's and was all about the latest gossip in her circle of friends. Really, if Mom ever gets tired of being in the spotlight, she would make a perfect gossip columnist.
I got a note from Gran today with a printed out e-mail from Mandy and a short note from, ugh, Elizabeth. Gran just wanted to check in and make sure I was ok. Mandy's e-mail was actually a joint effort with several of my old classmates. They all sent me little messages and it was just really sweet of them! I think I've changed my mind again. I really do miss my La Anglia friends. Well, there's always this summer. If I make it back to California, that is. I still don't know what's going to happen. I read Elizabeth's letter last. I probably should have read hers first and saved Mandy's for last, but oh well. Elizabeth just wanted me to say that she was staying at Gran's all summer and looked forward to going to school with me next year. This was all dripping with sarcasm. That's Elizabeth for you. Sweet to glance at, sour to taste. Or something like that…
April 9-
I'm in Potions now and I really should be working, but I'm bored. This class is so boring, it isn't even funny. I guess that's why I'm doing badly in it. It might be better if-
April 10-
That is the first and last time I will ever write in my journal during Potions. I now have a detention, Gryffindor is short fifteen points, and my whole class all about Elizabeth, among other things I wrote about recently. Thank God we have Potions with the Hufflepuffs, not the Slytherins. I would never live this down if it was the other way around!
April 13-
I just had my detention. It wasn't that bad, actually. Well, I mean it wasn't that bad in comparison to some of the horror stories I've heard. I just had to dust a quarter of the shelves in the library. Madame Vasta is impossible to work for though. I had detention with three other students, but it felt like she was breathing down my neck the whole time. She can be really creepy when she wants to be!
April 17-
Do the teachers at this school get together and decide the best ways to make our lives as hard as possible? I had a pop quiz in all of my classes today. Plus, Professor Snape assigned us a major project that's due next week. And, we have a fifteen inch DADA paper tomorrow. I only have about six inches done! Well, it could be worse, I suppose. Ben hasn't even started his. He doesn't even know what he's going to write his on. But, it's times like this when I hate Courtney. She has over thirty inches written and says she could still go on for awhile more.
Ugh, Courtney just reminded me that we had to read a chapter for Charms tonight. Professor Flitwick hinted there might be a quiz tomorrow, so I better go work on that. After I finish the DADA paper. Then, I should start thinking about Potions and, then, there's the Transfiguration reading and… I gotta go…
April 20-
I just got back from the funniest Quidditch match ever! It was Ravenclaw vs. Slytherin, so we didn't really care who won, but we figured we'd go anyway. We sat with Justin Taylor and he was so funny! He kept yelling comments at the Slytherins- his own housemates! They looked like they were ready to murder him by the time the game was over. It was hilarious though! Anyway, the game only lasted about five minutes. Ravenclaw is a pretty good team and Rachel Flowers is an excellent seeker, as long as she isn't up against our seeker, Keith Stewart.
April 26-
It's Courtney's birthday today. She's been really hyper all day, but that's ok. I think I'm getting used to her energy. I got her a book on real fairy tales and I'm pretty sure that she liked it. Peter got her a really pretty quill and Ben got her a rubber spider that squeaks like a mouse. I don't think she liked that gift too much. Rachel gave her a really cute t-shirt that says "sisters are forever" and a humor book about sisters. I think the two of them are actually getting along pretty well now. I know I've said that before, but I think it might be true this time. At least, for now.
A group of us first years and a handful of the older students had a small party for Courtney in the library. Well, it wasn't really all that small, but it was quiet. Madame Vasta was staring at us the whole time, just waiting for an excuse to kick us out of her library. We were good though. Well, we were until Ben accidentally sneezed really loudly and we got kicked out. There was enough time for everyone to give Court her gifts though. She now has enough candy to last the two of us until the end of the year!
May 1-
I can't believe it's May. We have exactly a month and a half until school lets out. The teachers are still really piling on the work though. I'm busy most of the time. I haven't even had much time to think about May 15th. Actually, I just remembered that date today. I'm starting to get worried about it again though. It's so much closer now that May is actually here. Well, as Mom always says "worrying causes more harm than anything else in the world." If I ever really get that, I'll be amazed.
May 3-
I hate Potions. I HATE POTIONS!!
Ok, I feel better now.
May 5-
The weather is actually really nice now. I just got back from taking a walk around the lake with Penny Prickle and it was wonderful. It was actually almost warm, not as warm as I'm used to back home, but nice still. Penny seemed really happy tonight. I haven't seen very much of her lately. She's actually become good friends with the other fourth year girls now. She seems happy about that and I'm glad. I sort of miss hanging out with her everyday though. Anyway, I think she sees me as a sort of little sister. That's cool, I guess. I've always wanted a big sister. It's just, well, she kept trying to give me advice tonight. She said that she thought I needed to stick up for myself more, especially to Ben. She said that I shouldn't let him tease me so much, especially since he's supposed to be my friend. I guess that she's right. I should be more like Courtney that way. Then, no one would dare to bother me.
May 8-
Can you believe it's Ben's birthday today? It was his birthday all day and he never mentioned anything to us? Peter's isn't until August and mine's five days after school lets out, so his was our last chance to celebrate in school. He never told us though. He said he didn't want to make a big deal out of it. We wouldn't have even found out about it if Wendy Tyson hadn't overheard Professor Dumbledore wishing Ben a happy birthday after dinner. Ben begged her not to mention it, but Wendy never could keep a secret. Courtney and I knew within minutes. I didn't have an actual present for him, so I just gave him one of my hair ribbons. I meant it as a joke since he liked playing with the ones I got for Christmas, but he didn't seem to think it was very funny. Oh well. I guess some people just don't get my sense of humor.
May 10-
Five days. FIVE DAYS??? How did it sneak up on me like this??
May 11-
There's no reason for me to panic, right? I mean, it's probably nothing. It was probably just that the castle seems so creepy at night and my mind was playing tricks on me. I mean, what could happen here with Professor Dumbledore and all of the teachers- including the legendary Harry Potter? No one would dare to do something with all of that. I'm probably making a big deal out of nothing. I do that sometimes…
May 12-
Ok, maybe it's just me, but things are starting to change around here. The teachers seem a little… on guard, I guess is the right way to put it. I guess something is going to happen on May 15. I mean, I don't think this is all in my imagination. That is more than possible though. I have been known to have an active imagination, after all. Maybe this is really nothing. I hope…
May 13-
I'm not even going to say it. I'm just going to put this journal down and go play chess with Courtney. That's what I'm going to do. It is.
May 14-
Something strange is definitely going on. I can't deny it anymore. The teachers were acting weird all day. Professor McGonagall was really distracted and let us have a free period. Professor Flitwick let us play games instead of the lesson he had planned. Even Snape was weirder than usual- he didn't give us homework for once. Courtney thinks he forgot. Ben thinks aliens have turned all of the teachers into zombies.
Anyway, I'm starting to get kind of scared. May 15 is just hours away now and if Keith was right, something big's going to happen. Something that involves him proving he's more powerful than that awful woman he was with. Something that possibly involves me.
Maybe it's nothing. It could all be in my mind, right? I mean, I haven't seen that woman around here since then. Maybe she just went back to wherever she came from. Maybe Keith was joking. Maybe he thought I was someone else or really didn't say something about May 15. Maybe he said April 15 and whatever it was has already happened.
Well, there's nothing more I can do right now. I think I'll go to bed. Worrying never does anyone any good after all… Mom would be so proud of me if she heard me say that…
~
More Author's Notes:
I might as well stick with my old tradition and thank with everyone for reading this. Also, there's the usual apology for spelling/grammer mistakes and the request for reviews.
Last year, I was planning to continue Stacy's story after her first year. For awhile, I was even considering writing all seven years. I doubt I'll do that now. I'm starting college in about a week and a half. I know, you wouldn't guess it from reading this fic, but I am 18 and do have somewhat of a life.
Anyway, I'm actually starting to like this story again. That might just be my current boredom speaking, but I think I will write at least a few more short stories about Stacy. I feel like I need to tie up so things with her before I can say goodbye to this fic forever. So, if you are at all interested in hearing more, let me know. Encouragement is always a good way to get me to continue a project. ;)
Ok, well, that's it. I think I have enough notes now...
- Hope