Apollo.

I am most certainly not looking forward to my NEWTs next year. I have faith that I won't be one of those whom ends up in the Hospital Wing, but I think the antics would be what get to me. I can't concentrate as it is with a bunch of girls crying and moping about their exams. It just isn't productive. I tried the library to study and it was still crowded...

Does anyone else wonder, or feel, as if the ridiculous stories put into the Prophet as of late are just a distraction to shield us from the worries and concerns of what is really lurking out there?

I am beginning to wonder if that is, indeed, the case. Because -- in all honestly and I say this without as much offense to the Shacklebolt family as possible -- it seems that they are pointing too much attention at them, or rather all of their attention at them... instead of the situations at hand. I apologize, but is it our business if they divorce? I'd rather not know that, I'd rather hear the updates on who or what is dying or being attacked.

The Daily Prophet is turning into another gossip rag.

What is wrong with you people? Why do you feed into Scandal Witch's attention seeking posts? Why do you dive into Rita Skeeters pathetic attempts at riling up the public. The Fudge interview was probably scripted and purposely portrayed the way it was to piss everyone off.

Really what this all comes down to is the fact that people want someone to blame for things going wrong. No offense to the Shacklebolt's or anything, but blaming the Minister is the most logical choice when looking for someone to blame other than the Knights. It doesn't mean it's right, but that's the way it goes. Just don't buy into it.

[PRIVATE TO MELODY]

Why is everyone losing their mind at this bloody school?

[/PRIVATE]

People really need to stop panicking over these absurd claims. Really.

It never feels any different.

[Private to Melody]

Good Merlin, woman. Thank you! You're the best I will definitely wear that on my throne or when I am kicking arse in Quidditch.
Maybe not that since I'd get yelled at.

Thanks again.

[Private to Ravenclaw Quidditch Team]

Lets kick some Slytherin arse tomorrow, alright?

... I feel strangely defiled having had my name be in that Scandal post. Violated, even. Makes me shiver with disgust.

[Private to Aurora]

Are you going to the ball? And if so... with whom? I just want to make sure you're with someone respectable.

I know you're going to be upset I didn't tell you about the thing with Mallory, but don't worry... Our "relationship" (If you can even call it that) was pitiful.

I am, however... going to the Yule Ball with Melody Tremlett, you know her, right? That really pretty lovely nice Ravenclaw Seventh Year? I figured you'd rather hear it from me, rather than someone else...

[/private]

I'm sorry to have to inform you all that Ravenclaw does not suck at Quidditch. Our strategy was just as good as Hufflepuff's. We were ahead for a good part of the match and they managed to catch up and pass us. It was a very close game, so I'm unsure how that is able to classify us as "bad".

Immaturity at it's finest.

Also, I really wish someone would get rid of that bleeding Poltergeist. I've had about six girls run up to me and ask if I've seen their things. I'm not helping anyone look for anything, that includes you Aurora. Just give it some time and all your belongings will find it's way back to the lot of you.

The shouting is killing my head.

Twin Day? ...really? Well, Aurora and I don't even have to try for that. Unless, we need to find someone else for us to get the extra credit... But I doubt that.

Darling sister of mine -- do you want to wear matching clothes tomorrow?

Oh, brilliant. More filthy cats to roam around Hogwarts. As if I'm not allergic enough as it is. Madame Pomfrey should start charging me galleons for all of the Allergy Potion I use during my time here. I'm sure she'd make quite a hefty bit of money off of me. But, honestly... who wants kittens from the womb of Mrs. Norris? Have any of you really looked at that thing? She's ancient, crotchety and just downright ugly. I can't picture her demon spawn being any better.

Aurora; what on Earth did you do to land yourself in that gossip mill? You better not have been doing anything inappropriate in the kitchens. Seriously, I hope to Neptune's Thirteen Moons, there are no pregnancy rumours involving you, sister. I'll crush that Cadwallader if he even so much as thinks inappropriately about you.