AUTHOR NOTES: second chapter update as promised. Should be another chapter coming next week.
THE DIARY OF A WITCH, VOLUME 5
CHAPTER 4: DECEMBER
Sunday, December 1, Great Hall, Breakfast,
THINGS TO DO:
1)Finish Potions homework
2)Transfiguration equations
3) Practice new spells from Dumbledore
Friday, December 6, Great Hall, Lunch,
Man, it's been a very busy past few days. Since it's the end of the term the teachers are all piling on the work, despite the fact that there has been more work this past year then in the past four years we've been here. I have three essays due next week as well as, two projects, along with all the regular homework we get.
I wrote home and got a letter back saying I was expected home. Once again Grandfather is doing the holiday party that I'm pretty sure his colleagues force him to do because he never seems to enjoy them very much. Oh well, penance for making me go I guess, because if it wasn't for Giselle's apple tarts I would hide in the library through the whole thing.
Due to both of us being busy, Owen and I have put Operation Bring Down Umbridge (now shortened to OBUD) has been put on the back burner. Owen and I have also split up observing duties, he observes her in the morning when he can as that's when he's less busy and I'm not very cohesive until at least eleven o'clock. I then try and observe her in the afternoons. I've got Rowena and some of the pets around tailing her for us when we are in class or club meetings. Between us all, we should get her pattern down by the end of term and see if we can work out something over break via owls.
Saturday, December 7, After Dumbledore Lesson,
Dumbledore doesn't know it, but he just gave me a fantastic thing to use in OBUD. For the past few weeks we've been working on a theory of his about my earth magic connection with stone. He thought that since I was connected with stones and minerals that I could possibly change/manipulate stones structure. In other words make stone become like liquid or be able to change it's shape etc.
Today, for a few seconds at least, I was able to make a stone change! Of course I have a massive migraine right now because the stone fought me the whole way (they tend to be very stubborn) but still, I did it. Which is why Dumbledore let me go early tonight for which I am extremely grateful. It gives me time to make a Ache-Be-Gone Potion. Who knew something Snape taught would actually come in handy?
But still, this could definitely help OBUD. I could press a stone in Umbridge's office wall and she wouldn't be able to see it! Maybe...okay, I might need to fine-tune this idea but still, it's a good development.
Sunday, December 8, Great Hall, Breakfast,
THINGS TO DO:
1) Finish Charms essay
2) Latin translations
3) Work on rune grid project
4) Think of gifts to give everyone for Christmas
Monday, December 9, After D.A.,
Practiced stunning spells today Sadly did not get to practice it on Smith as he was partnered with Fred (who looked like he enjoyed it way too much).
Tuesday, December 10, DADA,
CHRISTMAS PRESENT LIST:
Grandfather: Hell if I know
Angela: Earrings that I'm making now
Jacob: Tea cup/bag set that I saw
Giselle/Gerard: Framed photo of them and their baby that I took after the birth and a scrapbook for them to start putting baby pictures in
Jessie: Guitar strap and picks for her new guitar that she's been gushing about
Owen: That massive scary history books he's been gushing about
Mandy: Jewelry
Hannah: make-up set
Padma: subscription to romance monthly book club
Anthony: book
Terry: music
Quidditch team: candy in bags and cards
D.A.: ditto (yes, even Smith...it's polite)
Also treats for animals...should I give a card to Dumbledore or would that be considered sucking up?
Friday, December 13, Great Hall, Breakfast,
Despite the fact that it's Friday the Thirteenth there was some good news in the morning announcements. No Umbridge is not leaving (sadly), a Hogsmeade visit has been scheduled for Saturday! This saves all the hassle of ordering stuff by owl. Now I don't have to listen to Gandalf grumble to me about owl abuse.
Saturday, December 14, Hogsmeade, Three Broomsticks,
There's nothing like a good day of shopping that is then ended with Butterbeer (that I did not have to pay for myself, hah). I've gotten ALL of my gifts which means I have about six bags next to me of course. I also now have Jingle Bells stuck in my head thanks to all the carolers that are going around Hogsmeade now.
Despite that, it's nice to relax after being swamped with work. I'm now trying not to think about the pile of homework on my desk that has gotten so big I've named it.
Later Saturday, December 14, After Dumbledore Lesson,
Didn't really do much in the lesson today as it's the last one before Winter holiday. He just gave me a few books to read over the break and I tried the liquid/shape changing thing again with little luck (only a few seconds more then last time). I probably could've managed more if I had practiced like he asked but well...school work, you know? Between having Dumbledore mad at me or McGonagall mad at me for not finishing my work, I'll take Dumbledore.
Sunday, December 15, Great Hall, Breakfast,
TO DO BEFORE VACATION:
Monday-Potions test, History of Magic essay due, classes
Tuesday-Herbology project due, DADA essay, classes
Wednesday-Divination test, Latin oral exam, turn in Astronomy project journal, D.A. meeting
Thursday-Transfiguration Practical exam, Charms essay, classes, pack
Friday-Leave for home!
Wednesday, December 18, After D.A., Dorm Room,
I'm going to KILL Fred the next time I see him! Also, I HATE MISTLETOE! The stuff should be outlawed!
We had the last D.A. meeting of the term today. Since it's kind of pointless to start a spell on the last week, Potter decided we should review what we've already learned, which made sense to me. Smith, of course, complained and we all ignored him. So all was business as usual until we started to head out. Mandy, Owen, and I walked towards the library (it's staying open later as it's the last week of school and people need to get work done) with the twins and Anthony and Terry following behind. Mandy, Owen, and George were talking about something and I was talking with Fred about pranks to play on Umbridge. Then it happened.
We had reached a stairwell when Anthony suddenly walked up to Fred and I and said, "Hey guys, you're under mistletoe."
We turned and looked at him and then looked up and sure enough, there was the cursed stuff. If I ever find out who hung it there, I'm going to jinx them. Who came up with this stupid tradition anyway?
Well, this caused everyone in the hallway at the time to look at the two of us. George immediately started snickering at us and I took that as a cue to slowly back away because Fred was starting to grin himself. Never trust a grinning Weasley twin; it's hazardous to your health. Unfortunately, I didn't back away soon enough because the next thing I know Fred shrugged, leaned forward and kissed me. ON THE LIPS. Not a chaste one either.
After it ended I just kind of stood there because I don't think I had processed what had happened yet. When it did register, boy was I pissed. I think George had been watching my face for a reaction because I remember him saying, just as I was starting to get really angry, "Uh, Fred? I think you better run."
Which was sound advice because that's when I aimed a punch at Fred that he (unfortunately) dodged. He dodged my other ones too. He glanced over at my friends during this who were all watching us. "Oi! One of you could help me out here!"
In the midst of my anger I heard Owen mutter, "No way am I getting in the middle of this." Hearing his voice though kind of made me angrier. He was the LAST person I would have wanted to see my first kiss. Especially since I've been kind of hoping HE would give me my first kiss. Not that I've been thinking about my first kiss or anything, you know. Much.
But when I HAVE pictured my first kiss Fred Weasley, mistletoe, and other people looking on including the boy I like were SO NOT IN THE PICTURE. So you can understand my anger with Fred and why I felt perfectly justified in drawing out my wand to jinx, curse, or hex him (I hadn't made up my mind on what spell to use yet). It's not my fault that he ran away like a coward and I had to chase him through the halls. Some Gryffindor.
It is, of course, just our luck that we ran straight into McGonagall (or Fred did, I ran into him as a result). She looked at us and then at the wand in my hand and gave us detention on the spot. I tried to protest, starting to go into an explanation of why I was chasing Fred, but McGonagall rolled her eyes and said, "Johanson, I've no doubt that Mr. Weasley started this," she pointedly ignored Fred's indigent hey, "But you did not have to retaliate."
Easy for HER to say. SHE didn't just get her first kiss ruined. I bet she'd have done worse if it was her; McGonagall is famous for her temper. Now I not only got a lousy first kiss (well, it wasn't BAD, it was the circumstances around it that sucked) I got detention too. Life is so unfair.
Thursday, December 19, Great Hall, Breakfast,
I guess I'll spare Fred from my wrath right now. I just heard from Padma, who heard from her sister, who heard from the guys in her house that his father is in St. Mungos. This explains why there is a sudden absence of red hair over at the Gryffindor table. Potter is also significantly absent...hmm...Anyway, as mad at Fred as I am, I'm not going to jinx a guy whose Dad could be seriously hurt. That's not cool. I hope his Dad is okay and after a time when I know his family situation is resolved THEN I'll jinx him. Or at the very least give him a piece of my mind.
Later Thursday, December 19, Dorm Room,
McGonagall has NO holiday spirit. She made me do my detention tonight with Filch who made me inspect every single Christmas decoration and fix/clean whatever wasn't in order. First off, Hogwarts is HUGE and they tend to crazy with the decorations around here and second, students ALWAYS mess with stuff just because it annoys Filch it's like a tradition among us. So it naturally took me hours to get this done and in the meantime I had to listen to Filch grumble about unruly students and Hogwarts in general. If he hates his job so much, why doesn't he just quit?
Friday, December 20, Manor, Bedroom,
Wow, it's weird being back.
Three and a half months doesn't sound like a lot of time in the long run but while I was away a baby was added to the scene. This tends to change stuff. Luckily, Gerard and Giselle have their own place so I don't have to hear little baby Antoinette scream her butt off at night. But she comes with her mom and dad to work because she's a little young for baby-sitters (at least her parents think so) and since Grandfather doesn't really care and neither does the staff, she hangs out here during the day. This is fine, she's kind of cute in that weird way all babies are cute, but again...she's LOUD. Grandfather and I could hear her crying in the dining room during dinner all the way from the kitchen tonight.
Another weird thing? Grandfather actually came with Angela today to pick me up! Seriously! I came out of Platform nine and three quarters with my friends and there he was looking very out of place in his suit. Talk about weird. I actually had to introduce Owen, Mandy, Padma, and Hannah to him. Believe it or not he's never met my friends before. When Owen and his Mom came to get me for the Quidditch World Cup he wasn't home and Angela has been the one to take me to Diagon Alley to get my supplies before so she knows my friends and their parents fairly well.
My friends were pretty fascinated by him I could tell. They've heard stories about him from me but as I've said, have never seen him in person. I can just imagine what Grandfather thought of my friends what with Owen and his spiky hair; Mandy and her reading and walking at the same time; Hannah and Padma who had been chatting about (as is the norm these days) boys. Then as we came forward to greet our families Max and Terry shouted good-bye to me as they went past to greet their parents (or in Max's case his gaggle of sisters).
I have no problem with my friends but Grandfather (who STILL frowns repeatedly at my colored bangs while my teachers, aside from Umbridge, have gotten over it a long time ago) probably had no clue what to make of them. But then they had no idea what to make of him either so it was general weirdness all around. Even their families kind of gave Grandfather weird looks. Owen's Mom looked at his suit, looked at me and then raised an eyebrow as if she was having a hard time believing the two of us were related. Believe me, I have a hard time believing that too sometimes. In fact when I first arrived in England I strongly suspected that Dad had been adopted because he had been so different from Grandfather. But while searching the manor one day I found his birth certificate and it confirmed that he was indeed a blood relation.
The car ride back to the manor was even weirder because I had no clue what to talk about with him so I ended mostly talking too Angela while he listened on. When I was talking about the Quidditch match he looked like he thought I was insane. Well whatever, HE'S the one who decided to come along. If he thinks I'm weird I'm certainly not going to care.
Saturday, December 21, Manor,
I spent today helping out with decorating for the party tomorrow. Since the manor is so big, this took a lot fo work. Girard and I had to go around hanging garlands, placing holiday decorations around the place and then put up the large tree for the ballroom. I just finished helping him hanging up the lights outside. This is a timely task and Gerard always puts it off till the last minute because he hates the job.
We all just finished having a small decorating party for the Christmas tree and I'm currently in the middle of wrapping presents. Gandalf just took off with my presents for my friends (and with a lot of grumbling in between) so I won't see him for awhile. Rowena is also now enjoying all the ribbon on the floor. I've never understood cat's obsession with things like ribbon. I asked Rowena once about it and she said, "Humans have their quirks, we have ours."
Sunday, December 22, Manor, Library,
Okay, I showed up. I wore a dress and flats (no way was I wearing heels) and I said hi to all of Grandfather's business friends (the new ones in the company had no idea I even existed, I could tell) so he or Angela cannot say I wasn't polite. After making sure I was seen enough to appease the adults I grabbed a plate of apple tarts and food along with a cold Diet Coke from the fridge (or England's version of Diet Coke, I personally don't think it's as good as the US one but I take what I can get) and am now hiding out in the library. It's close enough where I can hear what is going on in the Ballroom and know when I need to go and tell everyone good-bye (I asked one of the birds on the tree outside the window to tell me when it looks like the party's dispersing also).
Oh crap, I hear footsteps, I think I've been discovered.
Later Sunday, December 22, Manor, Bedroom, After Library,
Either I had a very elaborate hallucination or Grandfather and I had an actual conversation tonight. Those footsteps I heard was Grandfather himself coming in to do (believe it or not) the same thing I was: hide. He seemed surprised I was there, though I don't know why, where else does he think I go when I escape these things? The balcony is too cold; the kitchen is too obvious (and Giselle has long since forbid me from going in there during parties because interrupt the serving process or something like that); the library is really my best option. Plus, you know, books are here so it gives me something to do in the meantime.
To my further surprise he did not leave after seeing me, he actually sat down on the sofa across from the armchair I was sitting on (with a plate full of food might I add). He then noted the books and parchment I had smuggled from my bedroom beforehand (yes, I planned on coming to the library, sue me) and raised an eyebrow. Then the following conversation/weirdness took place:
GRANDFATHER: Schoolwork?
ME: Uh...yeah-I mean, yes. (he hates the word yeah)
GRANDFATHER: Interesting?
ME: (shrugs) It's a potions essay.
GRANDFATHER: (after pausing at that and noting the distaste in my voice) Not a fan of...potions?
ME: It's not my favorite, no. Plus, I'm not crazy about the professor; he's kind of a jerk (which is a gross understatement of Snape but how could I begin to explain the man to someone who's never met him?)
GRANDFATHER: I see.
(awkward silence)
ME: So what are you doing here?
GRANDFATHER: Just escaping for a bit. Do you mind? (he gestured towards the books and I realized he was asking if I mind if he read. I shook my head because...well, it IS his library, he can do what he wants)
The rest of the party was spent with the two of us in silence, him reading his book and me trying to make a fifty inch essay out of forty inches worth of material (I swear Snape does this on purpose so he can torture students). It was actually kind of nice just sitting there together. Then Angela came and found us to say the guests were leaving and that was the party in a nutshell. So looking back it wasn't much of a conversation but still...we actually sort of talked. Without him making some sort of comment on my behavior either because I was expecting a big lecture on hiding out in the library when you have guests etc.
I'm beginning to wonder if he's been taken over by pod people or something...
Monday, December 23, Manor, Bedroom,
I think I have discovered the reason for Grandfather's weird behavior.
Since I think he's been acting weird (no one else seems to have noticed oddly enough.) I decided to go looking for answers. In other words, I asked Jessie if anything has been going on while I've been gone. Why Jessie? Simple: she's a notorious gossip. Seriously, she could put Mandy, Padma, and Hannah to shame. This girl knows everything that goes on in the manor. I think she knew Gerard was going to ask Giselle to marry him before HE even did because she hinted at it in a letter and sure enough, I'm getting an engagement announcement for the two like two weeks later.
So I innocently asked Jessie if she wanted help with the laundry and she said yes and then I got her talking. I've learned that in my absence two extra maids were hired and only one is still here because rumor has it Angela made her cry. I also learned that about a week before I came Angela actually told Grandfather off! I'm serious! If it were anyone else she would've been out of here, but from what I understand Angela has been with the family forever. She started out here a little while after my Grandmother died to take care of my father when she was in her early twenties and has been basically here ever since. How she hasn't lost her mind in all this time I do not know; it's a mystery to everyone how she can put up with my Grandfather.
Anyway, because of this amazing ability to actually put up with Grandfather, he hasn't fired her and has basically left the manor in her charge which is fine since aside from being very stern and formidable with maids she's very good at what she does. This is probably also the only reason she hasn't been fired for her temper which she does have in spades. But oddly enough, she's never gotten angry at Grandfather, or at the very least, she hasn't told him off in all the years I've been here. So it must have been something serious to set her off on the guy who is basically her boss. So I asked Jessie what she was mad about and apparently the argument was about me!
Jessie only heard part of it but from what she gathered Angela had been angry for quite some time about the way Grandfather behaves around me and so finally told him exactly what she thought about it. From what I gather it wasn't very complimentary either. I expressed surprise that Angela did this. I mean I know she likes me and everything and she's been sort of a surrogate Grandmother since I've been here but I never actually expected her to say anything to Grandfather.
"I'm not that surprised," Jessie said.
I looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"She's worried."
"What about? I'm used to Grandfather behaving like that."
Jessie frowned at me. "That doesn't make it right, but she's not worried about that. She's worried that because of his treatment of you, you won't come back after you finish school and stay completely in the magical world."
"Oh."
Wow, I guess I never realized that...I admit, I had been planning a future in the magical world. I've been saving up a bit in my account in Gringotts so I could get an apartment somewhere. Not that I was going to completely stop communication to the everyone here, I just wasn't really planning on sticking around here or the town because I've never really felt like I've belonged here. In the magical world, I feel like I belong (as cheesy as that sounds). I told Jessie that I hadn't been planning on stopping communication and Jessie smiled sadly at me.
"You say that now, but you never know."
I felt uncomfortable then and then blurted out, "Why is she worrying about that now anyway? I mean, it's more then two years from now!"
"You'd be amazed at how quickly two years can go by," Jessie said. "Do you realize I've been here four years already? I graduate from college this term."
I blinked and realized that yeah...it had been four years since Jessie came here. It seems like she's always been here too...I didn't even realize she was going to graduate this year! Then I had a horrible thought, "Are you going to quit when you graduate? I mean, I thought you only got this job to pay for school."
Jessie smiled. "Sorry, you guys aren't getting rid of me that easy. Music isn't really a lucrative career when you start out. The band has a few gigs lined up here and there but I'm still going to be working in between to pay for my flat. Rent costs a bit you know."
That made me feel better. I would miss Jessie if she left; she's about the only person in this house I can talk music with, none of the adults are really into the Ramones.
Tuesday, December 24, Manor, Christmas Eve,
Disgusting eggnog: check
Soda for people (me) who don't like eggnog: check
Delicious sugar cookies: check (although with the way Gerard is eating them, they won't be here long)
Christmas carols playing on the radio (wireless, whatever): check
It's officially Christmas Eve.
Wednesday, December 25, Manor, Christmas Day,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
My Christmas Presents:
GRANDFATHER: check for cash and a pair of earrings that I actually kind of like (huh)
ANGELA: Art book
JACOB: new sketchbook with charcoal pencils (which is good because I was low)
GERARD/GISELLE: New scrapbook to use and some pretty paper (yes we both lauged at the irony of giving each other scrapbooks)
JESSIE: CD set
OWEN: A Definitive Guide to Runes and Their Uses! (where did he find this??? I've been looking for this book for ages!)
MANDY: Careers for the Creative and Imaginative
PADMA: Monday-Sunday magic nail polish set
HANNAH: new Black Cauldrons CD!
TERRY: collectable set of Quidditch Leaguers cards
MAX: Quidditch League t-shirt
ANTHONY: Cute pencil box
MISC: lots of cards from various members in the D.A. and Quidditch team, the occasional Chocolate Frog or other candy with them. In my stocking I got an orange, some chocolate coins, a chocolate santa, and a pair of earrings. All the cards were put in my stocking as well.
Thursday, December 26, Boxing Day,
Spent the day cleaning up as per usual and then sent thank you cards to everyone. Nothing much went on today.
Tuesday, December 31, New Years Eve,
Half way through my homework which is what I've been doing for the past week (well, that and reading my new books; that career book Mandy gave me actually has some good ideas). I've also come up with the following New Years Resolutions:
NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS:
1) Stop procrastinating on homework
2) Either get over this crush on Owen or tell him how I feel (wasn't this a resolution last year?)
3) Write home more.
4) Get at least ten O.W.L.s even if an artist doesn't really need O.W.L.s because it never hurts to be prepared if you have to go into another field or if (god forbid) you have to get a job at the Ministry.
Wednesday, January 1, 12:01 A.M.,1996
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!