Malcolm came to visit me today!
Well, honestly he came to Gorgaryle to buy some potion ingredients, but he stopped in to say hello. He was super nice and invited me out for a little snack.
We had butterbeer. I used to love that stuff, but I've drunk so much of it since we've been here. I'm getting kind of tired of it.
Most of the refugees have left. Some of them went back to the UK and some are settling in Australia.
I don't know what's going to happen to us. My parents still want to return to the UK, but they don't want to leave without Julia.
I don't want to leave without her either. Then another point of me asks, what difference does it make? We're in the same city and we barely see each other.
Anyway, I thought I was over Malcolm; but now I'm totally back to not being over him.
05 August 1998
24 July 1998
Still Here
Hello!
Sorry I haven't written in awhile.
As I said before, it's hard for me to get on the internet.
Life here is pretty nice.
Actually, no it's not.
I feel like a prisoner.
Everyone's really nice, but the last time I was outside of Gorgaryle was on June 29. That's 26 days ago! I feel trapped.
I shouldn't complain though. We're eating. We're drinking. We have shelter.
We're not being tortured or abused.
I may have memorised every item in every shop around here.
I've read a whole series about a witch named Penelope Plattersmush. It was cute. Have any of you read it?
Julia's come to visit us twice the whole time we've been here. I think she's trying to forget I'm her sister.
Malcolm came one of those times. I guess I can give up my delusional fantasies that he might be interested in me.
I met this girl who might have become my friend. We had lunch together one day. She was really nice.
She left on Wednesday. Her family is moving to Broome. It's very far away from here.
Oh well. She said she'll sound me an owl....or parrot.
That's about all that's going on in my life.
I hope I'm not stuck here forever.
I'm trying to read the new Ministry newspaper when I have a chance. That should keep me entertained. The only problem is right now I can only get the newspaper off the internet; and I don't have much internet time.
My dad is going to talk to the bookstore and see if they can get copies there.
Sorry I haven't written in awhile.
As I said before, it's hard for me to get on the internet.
Life here is pretty nice.
Actually, no it's not.
I feel like a prisoner.
Everyone's really nice, but the last time I was outside of Gorgaryle was on June 29. That's 26 days ago! I feel trapped.
I shouldn't complain though. We're eating. We're drinking. We have shelter.
We're not being tortured or abused.
I may have memorised every item in every shop around here.
I've read a whole series about a witch named Penelope Plattersmush. It was cute. Have any of you read it?
Julia's come to visit us twice the whole time we've been here. I think she's trying to forget I'm her sister.
Malcolm came one of those times. I guess I can give up my delusional fantasies that he might be interested in me.
I met this girl who might have become my friend. We had lunch together one day. She was really nice.
She left on Wednesday. Her family is moving to Broome. It's very far away from here.
Oh well. She said she'll sound me an owl....or parrot.
That's about all that's going on in my life.
I hope I'm not stuck here forever.
I'm trying to read the new Ministry newspaper when I have a chance. That should keep me entertained. The only problem is right now I can only get the newspaper off the internet; and I don't have much internet time.
My dad is going to talk to the bookstore and see if they can get copies there.
11 July 1998
Cold!
Hello!
I'm so sorry I haven't written in awhile. It's really a pain to come to the Muggle Centre. Plus, it's cold. Maybe in the spring it will be easier for me.
We've been in Gorgaryle for almost two weeks now. It's not too bad. My mum has met a few friends. Most people here don't mind at all that we're Muggles. They're very nice.
The other day I went to the potions shop (just for the fun of it). This elderly woman started talking to me about the stuff she was buying. She thought I was a witch! I was too shy at first to tell her I wasn't. Plus....well, she talked a bit much and didn't give me much of a chance to say anything.
Finally I let her know I was a Muggle. I prepared for her to scold me for being there or to lose interest in talking to me. Instead, she was very excited. She lives up north in Sydney. She said there's beautiful beaches near her, and she said we should visit her. I hope we can! The council here says we have to have permission to leave. I hate that! We haven't left yet. My dad says we should wait to ask because he doesn't want to get them annoyed with us.
I guess I understand his point. I feel like a prisoner here. Well, that's stupid of me to say. It's not like we're in Azkaban. Everyone is nice here. We have a nice big tent. We have good food.
I haven't met any real friends yet, but that might happen eventually. Probably?
The Cawoods + Julia are coming this afternoon. We're going to celebrate Julia's birthday. Well, it's not her birthday today. It was last Tuesday. But they were "too busy" to come here until now. I'm a little mad about that, but I'm not going to go into it. It's better not to dwell on things. Right?
Yes, I still have a crush on Malcolm. I'm hoping to get over that soon though. Maybe I'll meet someone interesting in Gorgaryle.
I'm so sorry I haven't written in awhile. It's really a pain to come to the Muggle Centre. Plus, it's cold. Maybe in the spring it will be easier for me.
We've been in Gorgaryle for almost two weeks now. It's not too bad. My mum has met a few friends. Most people here don't mind at all that we're Muggles. They're very nice.
The other day I went to the potions shop (just for the fun of it). This elderly woman started talking to me about the stuff she was buying. She thought I was a witch! I was too shy at first to tell her I wasn't. Plus....well, she talked a bit much and didn't give me much of a chance to say anything.
Finally I let her know I was a Muggle. I prepared for her to scold me for being there or to lose interest in talking to me. Instead, she was very excited. She lives up north in Sydney. She said there's beautiful beaches near her, and she said we should visit her. I hope we can! The council here says we have to have permission to leave. I hate that! We haven't left yet. My dad says we should wait to ask because he doesn't want to get them annoyed with us.
I guess I understand his point. I feel like a prisoner here. Well, that's stupid of me to say. It's not like we're in Azkaban. Everyone is nice here. We have a nice big tent. We have good food.
I haven't met any real friends yet, but that might happen eventually. Probably?
The Cawoods + Julia are coming this afternoon. We're going to celebrate Julia's birthday. Well, it's not her birthday today. It was last Tuesday. But they were "too busy" to come here until now. I'm a little mad about that, but I'm not going to go into it. It's better not to dwell on things. Right?
Yes, I still have a crush on Malcolm. I'm hoping to get over that soon though. Maybe I'll meet someone interesting in Gorgaryle.
30 June 1998
Hello
Hello!
I can't talk for long because they don't want me using the internet too much here.
They accepted us into the refugee program and we're living in Gorgaryle.
We got here yesterday.
I don't know if I like it or not.
I hope all of you are okay.
Harry's with me. I'm happy about that. He's my best friend right now.
I guess maybe I'll meet other friends later. I feel worried that no one here's going to like me because I'm a Muggle.
That's kind of silly because no one has been mean or anything. A girl waved to me this morning. She was friendly enough.
Maybe I feel unwelcomed here because they had to vote to decide whether we'd be allowed in or not. I heard it was pretty close...11-10. That means almost half the people didn't want us here. Well, it's not like all the wizards voted. It was only the refugee committee, and many of them don't even live in Gorgaryle.
I think the other refugees are probably okay with us being here. Maybe?
My mum talked to some of them today. They told her they're going to return to England soon. There's no war anymore, so why not? But now they're kind of attached to being here. They're not in a huge hurry to leave. They said there's other people like us....ones who don't want to return to England. They're going to leave the tent area and find a place to live in Australia. They won't have a proper visa, but they don't care. They're part of the magical world, not the Muggle one.
I guess that's us now too. It's just we're Muggles, so it's kind of strange.
Well, I have to go. They close this Muggle centre at 9 pm.
They really don't want any of us using too much Muggle technology in Gorgaryle.
I can't talk for long because they don't want me using the internet too much here.
They accepted us into the refugee program and we're living in Gorgaryle.
We got here yesterday.
I don't know if I like it or not.
I hope all of you are okay.
Harry's with me. I'm happy about that. He's my best friend right now.
I guess maybe I'll meet other friends later. I feel worried that no one here's going to like me because I'm a Muggle.
That's kind of silly because no one has been mean or anything. A girl waved to me this morning. She was friendly enough.
Maybe I feel unwelcomed here because they had to vote to decide whether we'd be allowed in or not. I heard it was pretty close...11-10. That means almost half the people didn't want us here. Well, it's not like all the wizards voted. It was only the refugee committee, and many of them don't even live in Gorgaryle.
I think the other refugees are probably okay with us being here. Maybe?
My mum talked to some of them today. They told her they're going to return to England soon. There's no war anymore, so why not? But now they're kind of attached to being here. They're not in a huge hurry to leave. They said there's other people like us....ones who don't want to return to England. They're going to leave the tent area and find a place to live in Australia. They won't have a proper visa, but they don't care. They're part of the magical world, not the Muggle one.
I guess that's us now too. It's just we're Muggles, so it's kind of strange.
Well, I have to go. They close this Muggle centre at 9 pm.
They really don't want any of us using too much Muggle technology in Gorgaryle.
20 June 1998
Another Parrot
I got a parrot message from Julia. She and Malcolm are coming here tonight
It wasn't Harry who sent the message. He's still here (in Kiama) with me, and refusing to send any of my messages.
I expected this new parrot to refuse to send my message too. But he didn't. That's good.
I think Harry's just going to be my pet parrot and not a wizarding message bird. It's fine with me. I love him, anyway.
Julia has Malcolm now. I have Harry.
Maybe I'll marry him someday.
It wasn't Harry who sent the message. He's still here (in Kiama) with me, and refusing to send any of my messages.
I expected this new parrot to refuse to send my message too. But he didn't. That's good.
I think Harry's just going to be my pet parrot and not a wizarding message bird. It's fine with me. I love him, anyway.
Julia has Malcolm now. I have Harry.
Maybe I'll marry him someday.
16 June 1998
Where is Home?
We're heading back to Kiama today.
The inn is a bit expensive, and my parents figure we might as well stay in our house since it's already paid for. Then we'll either come back here in a few weeks or return to London. I guess it will depend on how the voting goes. The refugee group is going to vote; and if the vote passes they're going to talk to the Ministry of Magic in New South Wales.
If we live here, we'll have to live in tents. That's where all the refugees are living. It's not so bad since they're magical tents and fairly big.
Some people though aren't happy about the refugees. Before the war, there were only about 75 wizards living in the village. Now that's doubled. It's gotten a bit crowded.
The most difficult thing is the entrance way to the village. It's in a puppet shop for Muggles. I told you guys that before, right? There's security against apparating so it's difficult for wizards and witches to get in and out. Before the war, they were talking about lifting the apparating ban. But now the Ministry is thinking of keeping it. Since it's crowded in here, they feel there needs to be more security.
My mum says they should let people go in and out freely and just have security in the individual shops.
Mr. Cawood says he thinks there'd no reason to keep the ban; but certain people aren't happy with the refugees and it's their way of making the refugee program look bad. They want all of them to go back to London...not just us. I kind of understand their point even though it's annoying. The war is over. It's probably safe for us to go back. But I think a lot of people want to stay because they're happy in Australia.
I want to stay in Australia, but I'm not too excited about living in a refugee camp. Most of the refugees will slowly move out of Gorgaryle and into the regular Sydney neighborhoods. That's where most wizards here live. But we won't be able to leave since we're supposed to be hiding from the government...not the magical one, but the Muggle one.
It's all too crazy!!!!!!!!
And the worse thing is Julia's not going back to Kiama with us. She's staying with the Cawoods. It makes me mad because she knows how I feel about Malcolm, and here she's going to be staying in the same house as him. I think she's doing it just to be mean to me.
I hate that Malcolm asked her in the first place.
The inn is a bit expensive, and my parents figure we might as well stay in our house since it's already paid for. Then we'll either come back here in a few weeks or return to London. I guess it will depend on how the voting goes. The refugee group is going to vote; and if the vote passes they're going to talk to the Ministry of Magic in New South Wales.
If we live here, we'll have to live in tents. That's where all the refugees are living. It's not so bad since they're magical tents and fairly big.
Some people though aren't happy about the refugees. Before the war, there were only about 75 wizards living in the village. Now that's doubled. It's gotten a bit crowded.
The most difficult thing is the entrance way to the village. It's in a puppet shop for Muggles. I told you guys that before, right? There's security against apparating so it's difficult for wizards and witches to get in and out. Before the war, they were talking about lifting the apparating ban. But now the Ministry is thinking of keeping it. Since it's crowded in here, they feel there needs to be more security.
My mum says they should let people go in and out freely and just have security in the individual shops.
Mr. Cawood says he thinks there'd no reason to keep the ban; but certain people aren't happy with the refugees and it's their way of making the refugee program look bad. They want all of them to go back to London...not just us. I kind of understand their point even though it's annoying. The war is over. It's probably safe for us to go back. But I think a lot of people want to stay because they're happy in Australia.
I want to stay in Australia, but I'm not too excited about living in a refugee camp. Most of the refugees will slowly move out of Gorgaryle and into the regular Sydney neighborhoods. That's where most wizards here live. But we won't be able to leave since we're supposed to be hiding from the government...not the magical one, but the Muggle one.
It's all too crazy!!!!!!!!
And the worse thing is Julia's not going back to Kiama with us. She's staying with the Cawoods. It makes me mad because she knows how I feel about Malcolm, and here she's going to be staying in the same house as him. I think she's doing it just to be mean to me.
I hate that Malcolm asked her in the first place.
14 June 1998
Gorgaryle
Hello!
We're in Sydney.
We're not staying in a Muggle hotel. We're staying in Gorgaryle, the Sydney wizarding village. There's a nice little inn here above the restaurant.
I'm not in the inn right now because the internet doesn't work in most areas of Gorgaryle. There's one little centre for wizards who need/want to use Muggle technology. It has special walls so the magical stuff won't interfere with the electricity.
We met with the refugee people. Some of them are really nice. One woman said of course we can be part of the program. But another wizard said it's for wizards only, and we're a threat. In between that, there's all types of opinions.
The refugee organisation is going to discuss our situation and then vote on it in a week or two.
I want to stay, for the most part. We'd live here...in Gorgaryle. It would be so cool.
Okay, but there's a part of me that is nervous about the whole thing. I'll miss our Muggle life...silly things really, like the telly and my video games. There's one small telly in the whole centre. That's it. Everyone has to share it. Although I'm not sure if there's a huge demand for it.
When they were discussing the situation, some of the wizards said if we are allowed to live here, they don't want us to leave often to go to the Muggle world. They feel it's not safe for us to go back and forth. It's not really fair because the wizards go back and forth.
Oh well.
In other news, last night I dreamed about SC Mather. She came here and we went surfing together. I don't know what she looks like in real life, but in my dream she was really beautiful.
We're in Sydney.
We're not staying in a Muggle hotel. We're staying in Gorgaryle, the Sydney wizarding village. There's a nice little inn here above the restaurant.
I'm not in the inn right now because the internet doesn't work in most areas of Gorgaryle. There's one little centre for wizards who need/want to use Muggle technology. It has special walls so the magical stuff won't interfere with the electricity.
We met with the refugee people. Some of them are really nice. One woman said of course we can be part of the program. But another wizard said it's for wizards only, and we're a threat. In between that, there's all types of opinions.
The refugee organisation is going to discuss our situation and then vote on it in a week or two.
I want to stay, for the most part. We'd live here...in Gorgaryle. It would be so cool.
Okay, but there's a part of me that is nervous about the whole thing. I'll miss our Muggle life...silly things really, like the telly and my video games. There's one small telly in the whole centre. That's it. Everyone has to share it. Although I'm not sure if there's a huge demand for it.
When they were discussing the situation, some of the wizards said if we are allowed to live here, they don't want us to leave often to go to the Muggle world. They feel it's not safe for us to go back and forth. It's not really fair because the wizards go back and forth.
Oh well.
In other news, last night I dreamed about SC Mather. She came here and we went surfing together. I don't know what she looks like in real life, but in my dream she was really beautiful.
10 June 1998
Surfing
I asked my mum and dad about the surfing trip up north. My mum says no, and my dad says maybe, but probably not.
I definitely want to go, but we're just a bit stressed right now.
We had a long talk about going back to London. Julia said she's definitely not going back, and reminded my parents that a) she's going to be 18 soon....a legal adult b) she can easily get into the wizard refugee program.
Now my parents are trying to decide if we leave Julia here or find a way to stay.
They don't want to leave her, and I don't want to leave her either. So we're trying to find a way to stay.
This weekend we're going to Sydney. Mr. Cawood has arranged for us to meet with the people running the refugee program. They don't usually allow Muggles into the program, but he thinks maybe they'll make an exception for us.
We shall see.
Anyway, I'm sorry about the surfing!
But hopefully we'll stay in Australia and you guys can come to visit us then. We'll probably be living in Sydney if that's the case. They have good beaches here. It would be great if you guys could visit in the summer (December-February)
I definitely want to go, but we're just a bit stressed right now.
We had a long talk about going back to London. Julia said she's definitely not going back, and reminded my parents that a) she's going to be 18 soon....a legal adult b) she can easily get into the wizard refugee program.
Now my parents are trying to decide if we leave Julia here or find a way to stay.
They don't want to leave her, and I don't want to leave her either. So we're trying to find a way to stay.
This weekend we're going to Sydney. Mr. Cawood has arranged for us to meet with the people running the refugee program. They don't usually allow Muggles into the program, but he thinks maybe they'll make an exception for us.
We shall see.
Anyway, I'm sorry about the surfing!
But hopefully we'll stay in Australia and you guys can come to visit us then. We'll probably be living in Sydney if that's the case. They have good beaches here. It would be great if you guys could visit in the summer (December-February)
06 June 1998
Winter
I'm cold and bored!
And my clothes are starting to feel too tight. I should probably stop eating so much; but for now I really want a hot cocoa.
Malcolm isn't visiting this weekend. He's busy with school work.
Busy with school work. Yeah right.
I need to stop imagining he might have feelings for me.
Well, at least I have Harry. He keeps me company. I wonder if I can take him to London with me. Probably not.
And my clothes are starting to feel too tight. I should probably stop eating so much; but for now I really want a hot cocoa.
Malcolm isn't visiting this weekend. He's busy with school work.
Busy with school work. Yeah right.
I need to stop imagining he might have feelings for me.
Well, at least I have Harry. He keeps me company. I wonder if I can take him to London with me. Probably not.
04 June 1998
I Don't Want To Go Back
We're still talking about what to do with our lives.
My parents both think it's best for us to go back to London.
I don't want to go, mostly because of Malcolm. It's stupid because he's not even my boyfriend. At least Julia was dating the guy she didn't want to leave. Never mind that he turned out to be a psychopath.
I'm happy here though.
I wonder if Malcolm would miss me if I left.
My parents both think it's best for us to go back to London.
I don't want to go, mostly because of Malcolm. It's stupid because he's not even my boyfriend. At least Julia was dating the guy she didn't want to leave. Never mind that he turned out to be a psychopath.
I'm happy here though.
I wonder if Malcolm would miss me if I left.
02 June 1998
Refugees
Hello out there!
Sorry I haven't written in awhile.
I hope all of you are doing all right. I'm wondering what life is like over there without Voldemort. The other day my mum was saying another evil person will probably take his place eventually. I hope she's wrong about that.
As for my life....
Harry still won't take my letters, but I still love him. He's my baby. Sometimes he'll sit on my shoulder while I walk around the house. I love that.
He delivers Julia's letters, but he won't sit on her shoulders. It kind of works out.
Actually it works out well for me. Since I can't talk to Malcolm via phone or parrot, he feels the need to visit quite often. He's here almost every other day. I want to believe he's here because he's secretly madly in love with me. But I think coming here gives him an excuse to partake in "foolish Muggle customs". He loves Friends, even though he tries to deny it. And he's gotten quite addicted to Mario Kart 64.
In other news, our tourist visa is running out in a few weeks. Then we have to decide what to do next. I thought since my dad was Australian, we could just stay here. But there's stupid rules here that say if you move to another country, then you lose your citizenship.
There's a group of wizards in Sydney who have started a refugee program. It's secret and seperate from the Australian government. British wizards are here; yet they're not here. If you know what I mean. The problem is we're not wizards. Julia is. They can definitely take her into their world. We might have to go back to London. Several months ago, I would have been happy about that. Now I'm not. No offence.
The thing is none of us can work without a proper visa. It was fine for awhile because my parents had a lot of money saved. But that's not going to last forever.
I'd like a job someday too. I don't want to be an illegal hiding person.
Sorry I haven't written in awhile.
I hope all of you are doing all right. I'm wondering what life is like over there without Voldemort. The other day my mum was saying another evil person will probably take his place eventually. I hope she's wrong about that.
As for my life....
Harry still won't take my letters, but I still love him. He's my baby. Sometimes he'll sit on my shoulder while I walk around the house. I love that.
He delivers Julia's letters, but he won't sit on her shoulders. It kind of works out.
Actually it works out well for me. Since I can't talk to Malcolm via phone or parrot, he feels the need to visit quite often. He's here almost every other day. I want to believe he's here because he's secretly madly in love with me. But I think coming here gives him an excuse to partake in "foolish Muggle customs". He loves Friends, even though he tries to deny it. And he's gotten quite addicted to Mario Kart 64.
In other news, our tourist visa is running out in a few weeks. Then we have to decide what to do next. I thought since my dad was Australian, we could just stay here. But there's stupid rules here that say if you move to another country, then you lose your citizenship.
There's a group of wizards in Sydney who have started a refugee program. It's secret and seperate from the Australian government. British wizards are here; yet they're not here. If you know what I mean. The problem is we're not wizards. Julia is. They can definitely take her into their world. We might have to go back to London. Several months ago, I would have been happy about that. Now I'm not. No offence.
The thing is none of us can work without a proper visa. It was fine for awhile because my parents had a lot of money saved. But that's not going to last forever.
I'd like a job someday too. I don't want to be an illegal hiding person.
23 May 1998
Discrimination
I love Harry. I really do. But he's a bit annoying.
This is the thing. He'll let me feed him. He'll sit on my shoulder. He'll even sit on top of my head and chew on my hair. He's very cute.
But he won't take my letters!!!
I wrote one and tried to attach it to him. He tried to bite me, and he flew away. Julia thought it was hilarious. Later she was nice though, and tried to attach the letter. He wouldn't let her do it either.
Harry will take her letters. And if she writes what I want to write, he'll take that. But I don't want Julia to write my letters for me. What if they're private?
It's like Harry knows I'm not a wizard; so he refuses to cooperate.
I told Malcolm the story and said he should go back to using a phone so I can talk to him. He refuses. He says I shouldn't let Harry get away with his behavior. He's here now....well, not right with me right this minute. He's in his tent. He's staying here for the weekend, mostly to help us with bird training.
This is the thing. He'll let me feed him. He'll sit on my shoulder. He'll even sit on top of my head and chew on my hair. He's very cute.
But he won't take my letters!!!
I wrote one and tried to attach it to him. He tried to bite me, and he flew away. Julia thought it was hilarious. Later she was nice though, and tried to attach the letter. He wouldn't let her do it either.
Harry will take her letters. And if she writes what I want to write, he'll take that. But I don't want Julia to write my letters for me. What if they're private?
It's like Harry knows I'm not a wizard; so he refuses to cooperate.
I told Malcolm the story and said he should go back to using a phone so I can talk to him. He refuses. He says I shouldn't let Harry get away with his behavior. He's here now....well, not right with me right this minute. He's in his tent. He's staying here for the weekend, mostly to help us with bird training.
19 May 1998
Our New Pet
Malcolm came by today for a surprise visit. I was very glad to see him, because I hadn't heard from him since last Tuesday. It turns out I was right. Their phone was disconnected. But instead of getting the bill sorted out; they decided to encourage us Muggle families to get into the whole bird-mail thing. They got us a parrot!
It's a Gang-gang Cockatoo. He's so cute!!! I love him. He's well-trained, so we don't need to keep him in a cage. Well, at least that's what Malcolm says. My mum's complaining a bit about the noise he makes. I don't think it's too bad though. My dad is going to buy him a perch thing so he can rest on that.
We haven't sent him out on a delivery yet. Well, we really just got him a few hours ago.
Malcolm didn't stay long. He had to get back to school. It's so amazing to me that he can get here and get back again in a few minutes. And well...that probably proves he doesn't have feelings for me. If he really liked me that much, he'd be coming here all the time.
Oh well. I'm not going to whinge about that now.
The parrot is fantastic. We haven't given him a name yet. My dad suggested Potter...for obvious reasons. I kind of like that. Julia didn't seem thrilled with the idea. Harry Potter is a hero to us, but to Julia I think he's just one of many classmates who barely noticed that she existed.
Maybe we should name him Malcolm since he gave us the parrot.
Or would that be creepy?
It's a Gang-gang Cockatoo. He's so cute!!! I love him. He's well-trained, so we don't need to keep him in a cage. Well, at least that's what Malcolm says. My mum's complaining a bit about the noise he makes. I don't think it's too bad though. My dad is going to buy him a perch thing so he can rest on that.
We haven't sent him out on a delivery yet. Well, we really just got him a few hours ago.
Malcolm didn't stay long. He had to get back to school. It's so amazing to me that he can get here and get back again in a few minutes. And well...that probably proves he doesn't have feelings for me. If he really liked me that much, he'd be coming here all the time.
Oh well. I'm not going to whinge about that now.
The parrot is fantastic. We haven't given him a name yet. My dad suggested Potter...for obvious reasons. I kind of like that. Julia didn't seem thrilled with the idea. Harry Potter is a hero to us, but to Julia I think he's just one of many classmates who barely noticed that she existed.
Maybe we should name him Malcolm since he gave us the parrot.
Or would that be creepy?
17 May 1998
Telephones
I never felt nervous ringing Malcolm before. It wasn't a big deal.
Now I'm nervous.
I kept picking up the phone this morning, and then I would hang it up again.
Finally, I was brave enough and dialed his whole number.
No one answered except an operator.
It's been disconnected!
They had been talking about disconnecting it before, because you know they hate using Muggle technology. But they have Muggleborn/Muggle friends, and it's the easiest way to talk to us. Plus, Malcolm liked watching our Muggle telly, and he also had fun playing with our Nintendo 64. I thought he had changed and liked the Muggle world more.
Oh well.
Maybe they didn't mean to disconnect the phone. Maybe they just forgot to pay the bill or something.
Now I'm nervous.
I kept picking up the phone this morning, and then I would hang it up again.
Finally, I was brave enough and dialed his whole number.
No one answered except an operator.
It's been disconnected!
They had been talking about disconnecting it before, because you know they hate using Muggle technology. But they have Muggleborn/Muggle friends, and it's the easiest way to talk to us. Plus, Malcolm liked watching our Muggle telly, and he also had fun playing with our Nintendo 64. I thought he had changed and liked the Muggle world more.
Oh well.
Maybe they didn't mean to disconnect the phone. Maybe they just forgot to pay the bill or something.
15 May 1998
A Crazy Thing
I've been worried that Malcolm likes me more than a friend, because I really didn't like him more than a friend. And I thought maybe there was something between me and Jason.
Now....guess what.
I sort of have a crush on Malcolm. So, I want him to be interested in me. But he's not.
Or at least I don't think he is. I think he just likes me as a friend. That's all.
Why would he be interested in me? I'm a Muggle. Sure, Malcolm isn't against Muggles. He's not hateful like some people. But that doesn't mean he wants one as his girlfriend.
Well, actually he probably wouldn't mind a Muggle as his girlfriend. But I don't think he'd want me.
I'm not beautiful.
Julia is the pretty one. He probably likes her.
I don't know why I ever imagined he might have feelings for me.
I guess I was delusional.
Oh and Jason's definitely not interested in me either. He emailed me and started talking about his girlfriend. It's not like I mind. It's fine because I'm not in love with him or anything.
I guess I just feel a bit rejected.
In other news.....
My parents are fighting. About what? I don't know. I'm trying not to pay attention.
Now....guess what.
I sort of have a crush on Malcolm. So, I want him to be interested in me. But he's not.
Or at least I don't think he is. I think he just likes me as a friend. That's all.
Why would he be interested in me? I'm a Muggle. Sure, Malcolm isn't against Muggles. He's not hateful like some people. But that doesn't mean he wants one as his girlfriend.
Well, actually he probably wouldn't mind a Muggle as his girlfriend. But I don't think he'd want me.
I'm not beautiful.
Julia is the pretty one. He probably likes her.
I don't know why I ever imagined he might have feelings for me.
I guess I was delusional.
Oh and Jason's definitely not interested in me either. He emailed me and started talking about his girlfriend. It's not like I mind. It's fine because I'm not in love with him or anything.
I guess I just feel a bit rejected.
In other news.....
My parents are fighting. About what? I don't know. I'm trying not to pay attention.
09 May 1998
Friends
I was wrong about Joanne. She does like other things besides sport. And she's really nice. I have a new favourite show on the telly because of her. It's this American show called Friends. I heard of it before, but we never watched it. It's her and Agatha's favourite. They told us about it when we visited Sydney, and were all bothered by the fact that we never saw it. They brought some videos of it. We watched two episodes on Thursday night after dinner, five episodes yesterday, and two today. We're like addicts here.
And guess what....
Malcolm watched it too.
He was horrified by the thought of watching "a stupid Muggle show on a stupid Muggle invention." He pouted about the whole thing, and gave us a hard time. The next thing we know, he's hooked. Leave it to Ross and Rachel to show Malcolm the beauty of our Muggle world.
You probably don't know what I'm talking about. Ross and Rachel are from the show. Ross is this guy who studies dinosaurs, and he's been in love with Rachel for a really long time. Then there's Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey.
It's hard to explain. But if you have a chance you should try to watch it.
I hope all of you are okay. I haven't heard from anyone. I figure you're all busy with after-war type activities.
I don't even know if anyone is reading this.
And guess what....
Malcolm watched it too.
He was horrified by the thought of watching "a stupid Muggle show on a stupid Muggle invention." He pouted about the whole thing, and gave us a hard time. The next thing we know, he's hooked. Leave it to Ross and Rachel to show Malcolm the beauty of our Muggle world.
You probably don't know what I'm talking about. Ross and Rachel are from the show. Ross is this guy who studies dinosaurs, and he's been in love with Rachel for a really long time. Then there's Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey.
It's hard to explain. But if you have a chance you should try to watch it.
I hope all of you are okay. I haven't heard from anyone. I figure you're all busy with after-war type activities.
I don't even know if anyone is reading this.
07 May 1998
Visitors
Agatha and Joanne got here a few hours ago. They drove with their family. Malcolm's going to apparate tomorrow after he's done with school. Then he's going to set up one of those tent things in our backyard.
Julia's hanging out with Agatha at their holiday park right now. I was there for awhile, but I left because Joanne wanted to watch some sport thing on the telly. She invited me to watch it with her; but I am so not interested in sport stuff.
I don't know if Joanne and I have anything in common except that we both have sisters that are witches.
Oh well. I'm happy for Julia at least. She's been sort of depressed the past few days...but NOTHING like she was a few months ago. Anyway, she seems happier now that Agatha is here.
Jason rang last night and I had a hard time thinking of things to say. What was on my mind? The end of the war, and Rhyden being killed. I can't tell him that though.
I'm trying to decide what to do now. I'm sort of bored.
I should probably help my mum make dinner. We're having Joanne, Agatha, and her parents over. Our house is small, so it's going to be a bit squished.
I hope all of you are doing okay. What are you doing now that the war is over? What's life like at Hogwarts? Are you at Hogwarts still, or did everyone go home? Is there a new headmaster yet?
Julia's hanging out with Agatha at their holiday park right now. I was there for awhile, but I left because Joanne wanted to watch some sport thing on the telly. She invited me to watch it with her; but I am so not interested in sport stuff.
I don't know if Joanne and I have anything in common except that we both have sisters that are witches.
Oh well. I'm happy for Julia at least. She's been sort of depressed the past few days...but NOTHING like she was a few months ago. Anyway, she seems happier now that Agatha is here.
Jason rang last night and I had a hard time thinking of things to say. What was on my mind? The end of the war, and Rhyden being killed. I can't tell him that though.
I'm trying to decide what to do now. I'm sort of bored.
I should probably help my mum make dinner. We're having Joanne, Agatha, and her parents over. Our house is small, so it's going to be a bit squished.
I hope all of you are doing okay. What are you doing now that the war is over? What's life like at Hogwarts? Are you at Hogwarts still, or did everyone go home? Is there a new headmaster yet?
05 May 1998
Death and Confusion
Malcolm's dad knows people in London and he had them look up Rhyden.
They found out that he's dead. We're not sure of the details, but it happened a few weeks ago. All we know is that his sister killed him. She's in Azkaban now. Their mother is missing. That scares me a bit. I worry she's going to come and blame us for what happened. It's not our fault, but sometimes that doesn't matter.
Julia's very upset and confused. She wants more answers. I understand that; and our parents do too. But we all hope she drops the whole thing.
Agatha and Joanne are coming to visit in a few days. I'm hoping that will keep Julia's mind off of things. Malcolm might come too. I wonder what we're going to do. Maybe just hang out? It's getting too cold to go swimming. Winter's coming soon. This will be our first Australian winter. It will be really weird to have it in June-August.
They found out that he's dead. We're not sure of the details, but it happened a few weeks ago. All we know is that his sister killed him. She's in Azkaban now. Their mother is missing. That scares me a bit. I worry she's going to come and blame us for what happened. It's not our fault, but sometimes that doesn't matter.
Julia's very upset and confused. She wants more answers. I understand that; and our parents do too. But we all hope she drops the whole thing.
Agatha and Joanne are coming to visit in a few days. I'm hoping that will keep Julia's mind off of things. Malcolm might come too. I wonder what we're going to do. Maybe just hang out? It's getting too cold to go swimming. Winter's coming soon. This will be our first Australian winter. It will be really weird to have it in June-August.
04 May 1998
GOOD NEWS!!!!!!
Lynette told me the good news!
I am crying and laughing. I just told my parents. They didn't know. They usually read the news in the morning. But they had a fight last night and took a walk on the beach to try to patch things up.
My dad cried when he heard. That's what made me cry.
I think Julia was about to cry, but she went off into her room. I'm not sure what's going on with her. We haven't been getting along very well lately.
I'm going to ring Malcolm and see if he knows yet.
Oh....
And I just found out that we're all going to go out for a special dinner tonight.
Thank you for being my friends through all of this. I love you guys!
I hope all of you are still alive.
I am crying and laughing. I just told my parents. They didn't know. They usually read the news in the morning. But they had a fight last night and took a walk on the beach to try to patch things up.
My dad cried when he heard. That's what made me cry.
I think Julia was about to cry, but she went off into her room. I'm not sure what's going on with her. We haven't been getting along very well lately.
I'm going to ring Malcolm and see if he knows yet.
Oh....
And I just found out that we're all going to go out for a special dinner tonight.
Thank you for being my friends through all of this. I love you guys!
I hope all of you are still alive.
02 May 1998
Good-Bye
I read the Ministry news today, and I think the right thing to do is stop with this website. I don't want to get any of you in trouble for talking to me. I have a feeling that all of you are the type who would ignore that law and be my friend anyway. But I would feel horrible if I got you into trouble.
Please don't be mad at me.
I think in a few years this war will end...hopefully. Then we can all be friends again.
Love always,
Alex
Please don't be mad at me.
I think in a few years this war will end...hopefully. Then we can all be friends again.
Love always,
Alex
19 April 1998
Hello
Please let me know if you're okay.
I'm worried about all of you.
Julia says SC Mather is dead and I need to face that. My mum agrees with her. My dad says it doesn't hurt to have hope. He says maybe she's just hiding.
Jason was here for his Autumn holiday. It was really nice. I stopped worrying so much about my big secret and just enjoyed being with him.
He's left this morning to go back to Sydney. I'm going to miss him.
I'm worried about all of you.
Julia says SC Mather is dead and I need to face that. My mum agrees with her. My dad says it doesn't hurt to have hope. He says maybe she's just hiding.
Jason was here for his Autumn holiday. It was really nice. I stopped worrying so much about my big secret and just enjoyed being with him.
He's left this morning to go back to Sydney. I'm going to miss him.
08 April 1998
Worried
Have any of you heard from SC Mather?
I'm very worried about her.
I hope she's okay.
I'm trying not to think bad things. Luna ended up being okay, right? When I remember that, it makes me feel better.
I am hoping all of you stay safe too.
I'm very worried about her.
I hope she's okay.
I'm trying not to think bad things. Luna ended up being okay, right? When I remember that, it makes me feel better.
I am hoping all of you stay safe too.
03 April 1998
Sorry
I'm VERY sorry for my bad mood yesterday.
I really appreciate all of your friendships. I hope no one is too mad at me.
I really appreciate all of your friendships. I hope no one is too mad at me.
02 April 1998
Jason and Malcolm
Hello!
I'm sorry I haven't written in awhile. We went back to Sydney last weekend. Jason was there this time. Last time we were there he had been in Perth so I didn't have to worry about visiting him.
It's not that I don't want to visit him. I like him. But I felt it would be weird visiting him in Sydney without being able to tell him why we were there.
And you know what....it was weird. Actually, it was weird and stressful. On top of my big secret, I had to lie because I didn't tell Jason I had been in Sydney before. That was really stupid of me. Well, I didn't really lie exactly. It's more like I kept quiet when he showed me places. I acted as if it were the first time I ever saw it. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and blurted out that I had been to Sydney in February.
Of course Jason was totally confused about why I'd not say something in the first place. I told him it was because I felt bad that we came when he was in Perth. That made me look really daft.
Then Jason wanted to spend all this time with me, and I also wanted to spend time with Malcolm and my other new wizard friends. But I couldn't take Jason with to that, and I felt like I kept ditching him.
I told Malcolm how I was feeling about Jason and he said "Oh, you don't need that Muggle as your friend.". I got really mad and we got into a huge fight. I ended up crying. He said he didn't mean it in an offensive way, and was just trying to make me feel better.
How could that make me feel better?
My dad says Malcolm is probably jealous of Jason.
He might be right. I emailed Malcolm yesterday and told him my Jason news. Jason is coming here for his Autumn holiday. Then Malcolm wrote me back and asked if I wanted to come and stay with them for a few weeks; the same weeks that Jason will be in Kiama. Malcolm said we could practice my magic together.
I am not magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is he ever going to believe me about that?
I wish I was excited about Jason coming because he's one of the nicest people I know. He's so sweet. But I'm not excited, because every time I see him I feel guilty about the wall that's between us.
My mum says I should just go ahead and tell him the big secret. She says she's going to break the secrecy thing soon. She's writing down all this information and is going to send it to the Australian government. Why? Because she thinks you-know-who is going to win, and she thinks he won't stop with England. She says we need Muggles to band together with good wizards to fight against the evil wizards who plan to take over the world.
My dad has been begging her not to do this. He still thinks Harry Potter will save the day. He says if the secrecy thing is broken, Julia will be in danger. Will she be? I don't know. Some people might be scared and try to hurt her, but I think other people will help protect her.
My dad had an idea for me. He says if I want to tell Jason everything, why don't I just change the names of everyone and turn it into a fictional story. That way I can be honest with him, and.....
It's not really honest though. Is it?
I guess it's half-honest.
I don't think I'm that good at writing stories though.
I'm sorry I haven't written in awhile. We went back to Sydney last weekend. Jason was there this time. Last time we were there he had been in Perth so I didn't have to worry about visiting him.
It's not that I don't want to visit him. I like him. But I felt it would be weird visiting him in Sydney without being able to tell him why we were there.
And you know what....it was weird. Actually, it was weird and stressful. On top of my big secret, I had to lie because I didn't tell Jason I had been in Sydney before. That was really stupid of me. Well, I didn't really lie exactly. It's more like I kept quiet when he showed me places. I acted as if it were the first time I ever saw it. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and blurted out that I had been to Sydney in February.
Of course Jason was totally confused about why I'd not say something in the first place. I told him it was because I felt bad that we came when he was in Perth. That made me look really daft.
Then Jason wanted to spend all this time with me, and I also wanted to spend time with Malcolm and my other new wizard friends. But I couldn't take Jason with to that, and I felt like I kept ditching him.
I told Malcolm how I was feeling about Jason and he said "Oh, you don't need that Muggle as your friend.". I got really mad and we got into a huge fight. I ended up crying. He said he didn't mean it in an offensive way, and was just trying to make me feel better.
How could that make me feel better?
My dad says Malcolm is probably jealous of Jason.
He might be right. I emailed Malcolm yesterday and told him my Jason news. Jason is coming here for his Autumn holiday. Then Malcolm wrote me back and asked if I wanted to come and stay with them for a few weeks; the same weeks that Jason will be in Kiama. Malcolm said we could practice my magic together.
I am not magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is he ever going to believe me about that?
I wish I was excited about Jason coming because he's one of the nicest people I know. He's so sweet. But I'm not excited, because every time I see him I feel guilty about the wall that's between us.
My mum says I should just go ahead and tell him the big secret. She says she's going to break the secrecy thing soon. She's writing down all this information and is going to send it to the Australian government. Why? Because she thinks you-know-who is going to win, and she thinks he won't stop with England. She says we need Muggles to band together with good wizards to fight against the evil wizards who plan to take over the world.
My dad has been begging her not to do this. He still thinks Harry Potter will save the day. He says if the secrecy thing is broken, Julia will be in danger. Will she be? I don't know. Some people might be scared and try to hurt her, but I think other people will help protect her.
My dad had an idea for me. He says if I want to tell Jason everything, why don't I just change the names of everyone and turn it into a fictional story. That way I can be honest with him, and.....
It's not really honest though. Is it?
I guess it's half-honest.
I don't think I'm that good at writing stories though.
27 March 1998
Mia's Story
Hello! Mia sent me the story of what happened to her the night Luna, Neville, and Ginny tried to steal the Sword of Gryffindor.
Here it is......
It was nearly midnight; the other Ravenclaw girls in my year were fast asleep. I climbed out of bed and dressed as quickly and silently as possible. The common room was empty - except for the blonde-haired girl waiting for me.
“Are you ready?” Luna asked in her dreamy voice.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied.
We left our common room and slipped quietly through the corridors. It was dark, and the castle was dead silent. I felt as though any second we would get caught. Despite my misgivings, we made it to the Room of Requirement undetected.
Neville, Ginny, and Seamus sat waiting for us. They all gave us sad smiles as we entered. Neville immediately got to business. “So, do you all know the plan?”
Of course we knew the plan. Seamus and I were to make a ruckus downstairs to bring any teachers awake to us. Meanwhile, Neville, Ginny, and Luna would go up to the Headmaster’s office and take the sword. It was simple. But there was only a slight chance of success.
“I still think we need to plan more,” I muttered.
“And what good will that do? We already have a plan, Mia. Now, it just has to work,” Ginny told me.
“And the odds of that are not great,” I shot back. I sighed. “Let’s just do this.”
Ginny nodded, and the five of us left the room. We headed towards the Headmaster’s office, where the trio would hide until Seamus and I were ready. We parted company; the three of them hide near the entrance, and Seamus and I began to make our way down to the dungeons.
Seamus and I planned to get caught trying to free anyone in the dungeons from detention tonight. We had a long walk, and it was cold. I shivered, and Seamus gave me a sympathetic frown. He took me by the hand and began to lead the way. I was surprised, but not displeased.
Finally, we reached the dungeons. We found two first years, and a third year trapped. They all looked in horrible condition. I felt a pang of guilt knowing we wouldn’t actually get to free them tonight. Seamus and I played our parts well, though. We began to unchain the kids, and I “accidentally” shot off a spell that made a loud bang.
Only minutes later, both Carrows had run down to see what was happening. When they saw Seamus and I, I once again felt the pain of the Cruciatus Curse. I glared up at Amycus Carrow, my eyes full of hatred. He smiled gleefully back at me.
The Carrows decided to take us up to Snape, have him decide what to do with us. I tried to walk slowly, but it was no use. There wouldn’t be enough time.
As we reached his office, Snape was walking up the stairs and caught Neville, Ginny, and Luna. Alecto asked Snape what they were supposed to do with us, but he was glaring at the other three. He waved us off, telling us to go back to our dormitories. I sent an apologetic look to Luna as I left with Seamus.
I left horrible. We had failed, and who knew what Snape would do to them. Seamus walked with me all the way to Ravenclaw Tower. I was about to go in, but Seamus spoke.
“It’s not your fault, Mia. We couldn’t help it. We did all we could.”
“There must have been something I could have done,” I whispered back stubbornly.
“There wasn’t,” Seamus replied, putting a hand on my shoulder.
Suddenly, Seamus stepped towards me and kissed me, just for a second.
“Night Mia,” he said, turning away.
“Night Seamus,” I whispered.
Here it is......
It was nearly midnight; the other Ravenclaw girls in my year were fast asleep. I climbed out of bed and dressed as quickly and silently as possible. The common room was empty - except for the blonde-haired girl waiting for me.
“Are you ready?” Luna asked in her dreamy voice.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied.
We left our common room and slipped quietly through the corridors. It was dark, and the castle was dead silent. I felt as though any second we would get caught. Despite my misgivings, we made it to the Room of Requirement undetected.
Neville, Ginny, and Seamus sat waiting for us. They all gave us sad smiles as we entered. Neville immediately got to business. “So, do you all know the plan?”
Of course we knew the plan. Seamus and I were to make a ruckus downstairs to bring any teachers awake to us. Meanwhile, Neville, Ginny, and Luna would go up to the Headmaster’s office and take the sword. It was simple. But there was only a slight chance of success.
“I still think we need to plan more,” I muttered.
“And what good will that do? We already have a plan, Mia. Now, it just has to work,” Ginny told me.
“And the odds of that are not great,” I shot back. I sighed. “Let’s just do this.”
Ginny nodded, and the five of us left the room. We headed towards the Headmaster’s office, where the trio would hide until Seamus and I were ready. We parted company; the three of them hide near the entrance, and Seamus and I began to make our way down to the dungeons.
Seamus and I planned to get caught trying to free anyone in the dungeons from detention tonight. We had a long walk, and it was cold. I shivered, and Seamus gave me a sympathetic frown. He took me by the hand and began to lead the way. I was surprised, but not displeased.
Finally, we reached the dungeons. We found two first years, and a third year trapped. They all looked in horrible condition. I felt a pang of guilt knowing we wouldn’t actually get to free them tonight. Seamus and I played our parts well, though. We began to unchain the kids, and I “accidentally” shot off a spell that made a loud bang.
Only minutes later, both Carrows had run down to see what was happening. When they saw Seamus and I, I once again felt the pain of the Cruciatus Curse. I glared up at Amycus Carrow, my eyes full of hatred. He smiled gleefully back at me.
The Carrows decided to take us up to Snape, have him decide what to do with us. I tried to walk slowly, but it was no use. There wouldn’t be enough time.
As we reached his office, Snape was walking up the stairs and caught Neville, Ginny, and Luna. Alecto asked Snape what they were supposed to do with us, but he was glaring at the other three. He waved us off, telling us to go back to our dormitories. I sent an apologetic look to Luna as I left with Seamus.
I left horrible. We had failed, and who knew what Snape would do to them. Seamus walked with me all the way to Ravenclaw Tower. I was about to go in, but Seamus spoke.
“It’s not your fault, Mia. We couldn’t help it. We did all we could.”
“There must have been something I could have done,” I whispered back stubbornly.
“There wasn’t,” Seamus replied, putting a hand on my shoulder.
Suddenly, Seamus stepped towards me and kissed me, just for a second.
“Night Mia,” he said, turning away.
“Night Seamus,” I whispered.
15 March 1998
Luna
I just finished reading the news and saw that Luna Lovegood is okay. I'm so happy to hear that!
This is horrible to say. Please don't hate me. But I took a few days break from reading news from the UK. I don't know. I guess I was trying to be in denial about what's going on over there. It makes me feel bad because my life is so normal and okay; and over there it seems like the world is ending.
It was selfish of me. So, I'm sorry. It's not fair that I can shut it all out, and you guys are stuck living in it.
Anyway though, this morning I felt really guilty about being avoidant. I figured I should read the news. I braced myself for something horrible. I guess what really scares me is that one day I'll read that one of you has been killed or captured. I don't know how I'd handle that.
It was okay though. I mean I see Ron Weasley is wanted by the Ministry. That's kind of bad news, but not extremely surprising. On the bright side....at least he doesn't have that Spattergroit disease thing.
I was so happy to see the news from a few days ago. Luna's alive and okay. It feels like it might be a good omen.
Lynette, Mia, and Sophie....I hope you're doing okay at Hogwarts.
Proud Mudblood, did you ever find a way to get into the school? Is it possible?
Aoife, I am wondering how your friend is doing? Are you adjusting to your one eye and the patch?
SC Mather, I'm worried about you, and please know that you're in our thoughts.
This is horrible to say. Please don't hate me. But I took a few days break from reading news from the UK. I don't know. I guess I was trying to be in denial about what's going on over there. It makes me feel bad because my life is so normal and okay; and over there it seems like the world is ending.
It was selfish of me. So, I'm sorry. It's not fair that I can shut it all out, and you guys are stuck living in it.
Anyway though, this morning I felt really guilty about being avoidant. I figured I should read the news. I braced myself for something horrible. I guess what really scares me is that one day I'll read that one of you has been killed or captured. I don't know how I'd handle that.
It was okay though. I mean I see Ron Weasley is wanted by the Ministry. That's kind of bad news, but not extremely surprising. On the bright side....at least he doesn't have that Spattergroit disease thing.
I was so happy to see the news from a few days ago. Luna's alive and okay. It feels like it might be a good omen.
Lynette, Mia, and Sophie....I hope you're doing okay at Hogwarts.
Proud Mudblood, did you ever find a way to get into the school? Is it possible?
Aoife, I am wondering how your friend is doing? Are you adjusting to your one eye and the patch?
SC Mather, I'm worried about you, and please know that you're in our thoughts.
09 March 1998
Scotland and Stuff
I just read what happened in Scotland a few days ago. I hope all of you are okay.
I haven't heard from Proud Mudblood in awhile. I hope he wasn't one of those captured.
I also hope the rest of you are all still alive.
Has anyone heard anything about Luna or Harry Potter?
My dad and I were thinking of forming a group here for Muggle family members who want to help in some way. We're not sure how we can help though.
Malcolm says we need to worry more about the war coming here. He says it's only a short time before you-know-who wants to make his conquest worldwide instead of just the UK. And he says he knows of wizards who completely support what's happening in England. They're really mean to Malcolm and his family for being friends with my family. Fortunately they're a minority here. Most wizards in Australia are pretty friendly towards Muggles, even if they're like Malcolm and dislike the Muggle way of living.
I haven't heard from Jason in a few days. I hope he's not mad at me. I was in a blah mood the last time I talked to him on the phone. My dad says I should call him. I'm not against that at all. I just feel a bit shy about it.
Maybe I'll just email him. I emailed him last though, and he hasn't written back yet. I'm afraid I'll look desperate.
I know. I'm being silly.
I'm still practicing with the Magical Muggles book. Still no luck there......
I haven't heard from Proud Mudblood in awhile. I hope he wasn't one of those captured.
I also hope the rest of you are all still alive.
Has anyone heard anything about Luna or Harry Potter?
My dad and I were thinking of forming a group here for Muggle family members who want to help in some way. We're not sure how we can help though.
Malcolm says we need to worry more about the war coming here. He says it's only a short time before you-know-who wants to make his conquest worldwide instead of just the UK. And he says he knows of wizards who completely support what's happening in England. They're really mean to Malcolm and his family for being friends with my family. Fortunately they're a minority here. Most wizards in Australia are pretty friendly towards Muggles, even if they're like Malcolm and dislike the Muggle way of living.
I haven't heard from Jason in a few days. I hope he's not mad at me. I was in a blah mood the last time I talked to him on the phone. My dad says I should call him. I'm not against that at all. I just feel a bit shy about it.
Maybe I'll just email him. I emailed him last though, and he hasn't written back yet. I'm afraid I'll look desperate.
I know. I'm being silly.
I'm still practicing with the Magical Muggles book. Still no luck there......
02 March 1998
Secrets
My two best friends right now are Jason and Malcolm. I like them both a lot. By the way, Jason hasn't said anything really boyfriendish lately. Maybe the snogging was a one-off kind of thing. That's fine.
Anyway, back to what I was saying. I feel I'm keeping secrets from both of them, and it puts this huge wall between us.
The secret with Jason is huge. He has no idea about one of the most important things in my life. I hate that. I feel I can never be truly close to him. It's like when I was little and we went on a weekend holiday to Canterbury. There was this toy store. My parents said we could go in and look, but we couldn't buy anything. We had just celebrated Christmas a few weeks before, and they thought I had enough new toys. And to be fair, that was true.
Going to the toy store wasn't as fun though because I couldn't get anything. It's not fun to just look.
It's hard to explain, but that's how I feel about Jason. I feel if I didn't have this secret, we could be great friends. I wish it didn't have to be a secret, but I understand why it needs to be this way. It sort of makes me wish I was someone else. I love my life though, especially the wizarding part.
Maybe what I wish is that Jason was a wizard. Then I wouldn't need to keep things a secret. I've had this fantasy (more than once) where he confesses that he's a wizard. Wouldn't that be funny if he was keeping the same secret all this time?
No, but then I'm sure he would have said something when Julia mentioned Harry Potter.
Oh well.
I don't have to keep things a secret from Malcolm. That's the good thing. The thing with him is he acts totally bored when I talk about anything Muggle related. He won't say anything or he'll change the subject.
So with one friend I have to keep my Muggle life quiet and with the other friend I have to keep my wizarding life secret.
I guess that's fine. I know there's worse problems in the world. I read about Luna, and how she's still missing. I heard about the the Creevey parents being found dead...and Ted Tonks as well. It's so depressing and I'm very worried about all of you. I wish you would come here to live. I know you want to fight and make things okay, but what if they never become okay? Maybe it's better if all the good wizards come to Australia. Leave England to the bigoted evil wizards.
I know. I know. It's not that simple. Sorry.
Anyway, back to what I was saying. I feel I'm keeping secrets from both of them, and it puts this huge wall between us.
The secret with Jason is huge. He has no idea about one of the most important things in my life. I hate that. I feel I can never be truly close to him. It's like when I was little and we went on a weekend holiday to Canterbury. There was this toy store. My parents said we could go in and look, but we couldn't buy anything. We had just celebrated Christmas a few weeks before, and they thought I had enough new toys. And to be fair, that was true.
Going to the toy store wasn't as fun though because I couldn't get anything. It's not fun to just look.
It's hard to explain, but that's how I feel about Jason. I feel if I didn't have this secret, we could be great friends. I wish it didn't have to be a secret, but I understand why it needs to be this way. It sort of makes me wish I was someone else. I love my life though, especially the wizarding part.
Maybe what I wish is that Jason was a wizard. Then I wouldn't need to keep things a secret. I've had this fantasy (more than once) where he confesses that he's a wizard. Wouldn't that be funny if he was keeping the same secret all this time?
No, but then I'm sure he would have said something when Julia mentioned Harry Potter.
Oh well.
I don't have to keep things a secret from Malcolm. That's the good thing. The thing with him is he acts totally bored when I talk about anything Muggle related. He won't say anything or he'll change the subject.
So with one friend I have to keep my Muggle life quiet and with the other friend I have to keep my wizarding life secret.
I guess that's fine. I know there's worse problems in the world. I read about Luna, and how she's still missing. I heard about the the Creevey parents being found dead...and Ted Tonks as well. It's so depressing and I'm very worried about all of you. I wish you would come here to live. I know you want to fight and make things okay, but what if they never become okay? Maybe it's better if all the good wizards come to Australia. Leave England to the bigoted evil wizards.
I know. I know. It's not that simple. Sorry.
25 February 1998
Our Time in Sydney
Hello!
We just got back from Sydney. We ended up staying there for almost two weeks! It was so much fun. I'm kind of hoping that we move there. I do like Kiama because it's peaceful. But it can get a bit boring at times. Plus bad things happened to us around there, so there's some bad memories attached.
I don't think we're ever going to move back to London. Julia is dead set against it. She associates it with Rhyden. I don't think she ever wants to step foot in the UK again. My parents seem happy in Australia, so I think we're here to stay.
I'm fine with that.
I met new friends in Sydney. Malcolm is probably my favourite. We went to his house for dinner when we first got to Sydney. Then a couple of days later we all went to the wizarding village. The entrance is in this puppet shop in The Rocks. There's a hidden wall behind some puppets. But you have to wait until Muggles are not in that part of the shop, so they don't see you disappear. Well see....the type of Muggles who like shops full of weird puppets are often the type who likes weird things and notices weird things. It's not like the train station where people are too busy to notice a bunch of wizards are disappearing into the wall.
The Muggles who own the shop are aware of the wizarding world because they have wizard relatives. Sometimes they'll help keep the other Muggles occupied, but other times they'll be too busy. They'll get annoyed if wizards ask them to try to keep Muggles out, because they don't want to lose business. That's understandable.
We went to the wizarding village three times. And we did other stuff. We went to Bondi Beach. We did a day trip to the Blue Mountains. We had picnics at Royal Botanical Gardens. We went to the Sydney Aquarium. All this we did on our own (my family). The Cawoods didn't come with us. They like to do wizarding stuff only. They're kind of weird about Muggles. They're very welcoming, and not prejudice at all against people who are Muggle-born wizards or relatives of wizards. They consider people like me as being sort of honorary wizards. They figure that since we have wizards in our immediate family, we should be seen as part of the wizarding world. It's kind of nice. But then they don't much like the Muggle world, and they can't understand why we'd have any interest in being part of it. I kind of got the idea that they think we should give all of it up.
I like the wizarding world, but I also like the Muggle world. They're both great.
Malcolm is very nice. I kind of worried that he might like me more than a friend. Then I'd be all confused because I have Jason. But nothing ever happened between us. We spent a lot of time together. We went to their house several times after the first dinner. They came with us to the wizarding village each time we went. Malcolm introduced me to all kinds of wizarding candy. I knew of some already because of Julia.
We went to the bookshop together. They have a whole section for Muggle relatives! I thought that was cool. I got a book called So Your Sister is a Witch. Some of it is a bit daft, but other parts are helpful. They talk about how you should stick up for yourself if your sister is using you to practice her spells. I told this to Julia and she rolled her eyes. She said, what can you do to stop me? I have a wand. So I threw my butterbeer in her face. Okay. I usually don't do crazy things like that. And plus I did it in the middle of a restaurant with the Cawoods right there. They were all laughing so hard. My dad laughed so hard he had tears. I thought Julia might be mad and embarrassed, but she wasn't. She thought it was funny too. Oh...it was so much fun, but hard to explain. I think it's one of those things where you have to be there.
Back to the bookstore....I sort of wanted to get this book called Dating Complexities: Finding Love in the Magical or Muggle World. But Malcolm was right there, and I felt too embarrassed. He wanted me to get this book called Magical Muggles. The idea behind the book is that if you're a sibling or child is a wizard or witch, you must be a little magical too. They don't say you're going to be a full-fledged wizard or anything. But they think if you really try, you'll be able to do a tiny amount of magic. I've been doing the exercises in the book. I work on them about an hour a day. So far, I haven't noticed anything magical about myself. My mum thinks it's a scam. She might be right.
This post is getting long, but I have more to say.
SC Mather, I met Jalena! She's really nice. But you're right. She's a bit serious. Unlike the Cawoods, she doesn't mind the Muggle world, so she met us at a Thai restaurant in the CBD.
I met other people too; friends of Malcolm. Some were wizards, but there was another girl like me who's a sister of a wizard. She was really nice, but was a bit too much into sport. That's all she wanted to talk about. Her sister got on well with Julia. They became pretty close. That was really nice. She's Julia's first wizard friend. Oh! And they're homeschooled like us. When her parents found out Agatha was a wizard, they refused to send her off to school. They wanted to keep her at home. They asked if she could get a tutor instead. I think Julia was a bit resentful that my parents didn't do that for her.
Okay. I'll shut up now.
I hope all of you are doing well. Please update me on your lives!!
We just got back from Sydney. We ended up staying there for almost two weeks! It was so much fun. I'm kind of hoping that we move there. I do like Kiama because it's peaceful. But it can get a bit boring at times. Plus bad things happened to us around there, so there's some bad memories attached.
I don't think we're ever going to move back to London. Julia is dead set against it. She associates it with Rhyden. I don't think she ever wants to step foot in the UK again. My parents seem happy in Australia, so I think we're here to stay.
I'm fine with that.
I met new friends in Sydney. Malcolm is probably my favourite. We went to his house for dinner when we first got to Sydney. Then a couple of days later we all went to the wizarding village. The entrance is in this puppet shop in The Rocks. There's a hidden wall behind some puppets. But you have to wait until Muggles are not in that part of the shop, so they don't see you disappear. Well see....the type of Muggles who like shops full of weird puppets are often the type who likes weird things and notices weird things. It's not like the train station where people are too busy to notice a bunch of wizards are disappearing into the wall.
The Muggles who own the shop are aware of the wizarding world because they have wizard relatives. Sometimes they'll help keep the other Muggles occupied, but other times they'll be too busy. They'll get annoyed if wizards ask them to try to keep Muggles out, because they don't want to lose business. That's understandable.
We went to the wizarding village three times. And we did other stuff. We went to Bondi Beach. We did a day trip to the Blue Mountains. We had picnics at Royal Botanical Gardens. We went to the Sydney Aquarium. All this we did on our own (my family). The Cawoods didn't come with us. They like to do wizarding stuff only. They're kind of weird about Muggles. They're very welcoming, and not prejudice at all against people who are Muggle-born wizards or relatives of wizards. They consider people like me as being sort of honorary wizards. They figure that since we have wizards in our immediate family, we should be seen as part of the wizarding world. It's kind of nice. But then they don't much like the Muggle world, and they can't understand why we'd have any interest in being part of it. I kind of got the idea that they think we should give all of it up.
I like the wizarding world, but I also like the Muggle world. They're both great.
Malcolm is very nice. I kind of worried that he might like me more than a friend. Then I'd be all confused because I have Jason. But nothing ever happened between us. We spent a lot of time together. We went to their house several times after the first dinner. They came with us to the wizarding village each time we went. Malcolm introduced me to all kinds of wizarding candy. I knew of some already because of Julia.
We went to the bookshop together. They have a whole section for Muggle relatives! I thought that was cool. I got a book called So Your Sister is a Witch. Some of it is a bit daft, but other parts are helpful. They talk about how you should stick up for yourself if your sister is using you to practice her spells. I told this to Julia and she rolled her eyes. She said, what can you do to stop me? I have a wand. So I threw my butterbeer in her face. Okay. I usually don't do crazy things like that. And plus I did it in the middle of a restaurant with the Cawoods right there. They were all laughing so hard. My dad laughed so hard he had tears. I thought Julia might be mad and embarrassed, but she wasn't. She thought it was funny too. Oh...it was so much fun, but hard to explain. I think it's one of those things where you have to be there.
Back to the bookstore....I sort of wanted to get this book called Dating Complexities: Finding Love in the Magical or Muggle World. But Malcolm was right there, and I felt too embarrassed. He wanted me to get this book called Magical Muggles. The idea behind the book is that if you're a sibling or child is a wizard or witch, you must be a little magical too. They don't say you're going to be a full-fledged wizard or anything. But they think if you really try, you'll be able to do a tiny amount of magic. I've been doing the exercises in the book. I work on them about an hour a day. So far, I haven't noticed anything magical about myself. My mum thinks it's a scam. She might be right.
This post is getting long, but I have more to say.
SC Mather, I met Jalena! She's really nice. But you're right. She's a bit serious. Unlike the Cawoods, she doesn't mind the Muggle world, so she met us at a Thai restaurant in the CBD.
I met other people too; friends of Malcolm. Some were wizards, but there was another girl like me who's a sister of a wizard. She was really nice, but was a bit too much into sport. That's all she wanted to talk about. Her sister got on well with Julia. They became pretty close. That was really nice. She's Julia's first wizard friend. Oh! And they're homeschooled like us. When her parents found out Agatha was a wizard, they refused to send her off to school. They wanted to keep her at home. They asked if she could get a tutor instead. I think Julia was a bit resentful that my parents didn't do that for her.
Okay. I'll shut up now.
I hope all of you are doing well. Please update me on your lives!!
14 February 1998
Sydney
Hello!
Sorry I haven't written a post in a few weeks. I hope all of you are all right. Everyone has to stay alive so we can all go surfing together. Well, I mean all of you will go surfing, and I'll watch!! Seriously though, it's really nice here. I hope you come to visit sometime.
We're in Sydney now. We left Kiama late this morning. The drive was shorter than I expected; less than two hours. We're in the lobby of the hotel; waiting for check-in time. I don't have time to write much because my dad wants us to do some sight-seeing. We're going to balance wizars stuff with Muggle stuff. This afternoon we're going to see the Opera House and take a ferry ride to Manly. Then tonight we're having dinner with a wizarding family my dad's been talking to on the internet. They have a son who's Julia's age, and a daughter who's eight.
We're having dinner at their house. I'm excited about that. I've never been to a wizard's home before. We've been trying to figure out how to get there. They live in the suburbs. We could just take the bus or train; but they suggested we use a Portkey in the Royal Botanical Gardens. That's not too far from our hotel. The problem is the Portkey is a tree, and there are many trees in the garden. They've given us details about the tree, but I'm thinking it's still going to be hard to find it.
Well, I'm kind of excited to try it anyway. They said as long as we hold onto Julia while she touches it, we should make it through okay.
Tomorrow, we're all going to go the wizarding village. I found out that there's not a lot of wizards that actually live there. It's mostly business rather than residential. The entrance is in this puppet shop right next to our hotel. I'm excited to see it. The wizard family is going to help us enter. They said it's a bit complicated because the place gets quite a few Muggle tourists. Someone has to distract the tourists so they don't see wizards suddenly disappearing. Sometimes things get messed up, and magic is needed to alter the Muggle's memories.
The wizards told my dad there's bit of controversy over the whole thing. Many in the wizarding community want to move the entrance to a place not visited by Muggles, so there doesn't have to be any worries about that. But a lot of wizards see the puppet shop as part of their heritage, and they don't want to give it up. My dad's new friends want to have the puppet shop closed to Muggles so it just looks like an abandoned shop to them. That's a good idea, but maybe not fair to the Muggle tourists.
Who knows what will happen.
All right. We just got word that we can check in now, so I better go. One quick thing. I might sort of have a boyfriend. Do you remember that guy I mentioned in my last post....Jason? Well, he kissed me when we said good-bye! I didn't expect that. We had been hanging out a lot together...mostly with Julia too. I didn't know he liked me in that way. I didn't like him in that way. But then he kissed me, and now I sort of maybe do like him in that way. We've been writing to each other every day. He's really nice. I get sort of annoyed though because it turns out he really loves fantasy stuff. He likes books about magic and aliens. He's open-minded about all of it. Sometimes, he'd say things like "Do you ever wonder if there are real witches and vampires?" It's so tempting to say, Yes, because there ARE real witches and vampires. My sister is a witch...a real one." But I'm good, and I keep my mouth shut. I hate the lying though : (
Oh...I need to run. Now I'm getting evil looks from my mum.
Please say hello and tell me what's going on in your lives. SC Mather, if you're reading this....I hope you've gotten away from the Snatchers. Oh! And we're going to try to find your friend tomorrow. My dad's friends don't know her, but they said they'll ask around for us!
Sorry I haven't written a post in a few weeks. I hope all of you are all right. Everyone has to stay alive so we can all go surfing together. Well, I mean all of you will go surfing, and I'll watch!! Seriously though, it's really nice here. I hope you come to visit sometime.
We're in Sydney now. We left Kiama late this morning. The drive was shorter than I expected; less than two hours. We're in the lobby of the hotel; waiting for check-in time. I don't have time to write much because my dad wants us to do some sight-seeing. We're going to balance wizars stuff with Muggle stuff. This afternoon we're going to see the Opera House and take a ferry ride to Manly. Then tonight we're having dinner with a wizarding family my dad's been talking to on the internet. They have a son who's Julia's age, and a daughter who's eight.
We're having dinner at their house. I'm excited about that. I've never been to a wizard's home before. We've been trying to figure out how to get there. They live in the suburbs. We could just take the bus or train; but they suggested we use a Portkey in the Royal Botanical Gardens. That's not too far from our hotel. The problem is the Portkey is a tree, and there are many trees in the garden. They've given us details about the tree, but I'm thinking it's still going to be hard to find it.
Well, I'm kind of excited to try it anyway. They said as long as we hold onto Julia while she touches it, we should make it through okay.
Tomorrow, we're all going to go the wizarding village. I found out that there's not a lot of wizards that actually live there. It's mostly business rather than residential. The entrance is in this puppet shop right next to our hotel. I'm excited to see it. The wizard family is going to help us enter. They said it's a bit complicated because the place gets quite a few Muggle tourists. Someone has to distract the tourists so they don't see wizards suddenly disappearing. Sometimes things get messed up, and magic is needed to alter the Muggle's memories.
The wizards told my dad there's bit of controversy over the whole thing. Many in the wizarding community want to move the entrance to a place not visited by Muggles, so there doesn't have to be any worries about that. But a lot of wizards see the puppet shop as part of their heritage, and they don't want to give it up. My dad's new friends want to have the puppet shop closed to Muggles so it just looks like an abandoned shop to them. That's a good idea, but maybe not fair to the Muggle tourists.
Who knows what will happen.
All right. We just got word that we can check in now, so I better go. One quick thing. I might sort of have a boyfriend. Do you remember that guy I mentioned in my last post....Jason? Well, he kissed me when we said good-bye! I didn't expect that. We had been hanging out a lot together...mostly with Julia too. I didn't know he liked me in that way. I didn't like him in that way. But then he kissed me, and now I sort of maybe do like him in that way. We've been writing to each other every day. He's really nice. I get sort of annoyed though because it turns out he really loves fantasy stuff. He likes books about magic and aliens. He's open-minded about all of it. Sometimes, he'd say things like "Do you ever wonder if there are real witches and vampires?" It's so tempting to say, Yes, because there ARE real witches and vampires. My sister is a witch...a real one." But I'm good, and I keep my mouth shut. I hate the lying though : (
Oh...I need to run. Now I'm getting evil looks from my mum.
Please say hello and tell me what's going on in your lives. SC Mather, if you're reading this....I hope you've gotten away from the Snatchers. Oh! And we're going to try to find your friend tomorrow. My dad's friends don't know her, but they said they'll ask around for us!
27 January 1998
New People
Hi!
I hope all of you are doing okay.
We're having fun here.
We haven't gone to the wizarding village in Sydney yet. I think we'll go in a few weeks. I'm excited for the wizarding stuff and the Muggle Sydney stuff. We might stay a few nights there.
Yesterday was Australia Day. There were lots of people on the beach.
Julia and I took a walk in the morning and we met someone. It was kind of funny...well, because Julia was carrying her wand. She was kind of quietly practising with it. It was a bit early and we didn't expect anyone to be around. Anyway, this guy walked past us and he was very friendly. He asked us if we were staying at the holiday park. We said no and asked him the same thing. It was that kind of conversation. Then he asked about Julia's wand. My heart kind of stopped.
Guess what Julia said. "I'm a witch. This is my wand. We're from London, but we're hiding here in Australia because there's an evil wizard who has taken over the Ministry of Magic. It's a huge mess and we're waiting for the great Harry Potter to save the day".
I thought Julia had lost her mind. But she didn't. She just knew that no one would believe it. The guy laughed and said she was very creative. He then said he came from a distant planet and had mind-reading skills. Okay, call me gullible but for a moment I believed him. We tested him though and he said I was thinking that all three of us should go swimming together later. That proved to me he didn't have mind-reading skills because what I was actually thinking is I need to use the loo.
Anyway, we did go swimming with Jason later. That was a lot of fun.
He asked for our phone number and we might get together again today.
I hope he calls.
I think hanging out with him is making Julia feel happier too. She says she will never let herself fall in love ever again, but I think Jason just wants to be friends with us. Anyway, he's leaving in a few days to go back to Sydney. The school holiday is ending soon.
So, that's what's going on in our life. What about all of you?
I heard Luna Lovegood is still missing. I hope they find her and she's still alive.
I hope all of you are doing okay.
We're having fun here.
We haven't gone to the wizarding village in Sydney yet. I think we'll go in a few weeks. I'm excited for the wizarding stuff and the Muggle Sydney stuff. We might stay a few nights there.
Yesterday was Australia Day. There were lots of people on the beach.
Julia and I took a walk in the morning and we met someone. It was kind of funny...well, because Julia was carrying her wand. She was kind of quietly practising with it. It was a bit early and we didn't expect anyone to be around. Anyway, this guy walked past us and he was very friendly. He asked us if we were staying at the holiday park. We said no and asked him the same thing. It was that kind of conversation. Then he asked about Julia's wand. My heart kind of stopped.
Guess what Julia said. "I'm a witch. This is my wand. We're from London, but we're hiding here in Australia because there's an evil wizard who has taken over the Ministry of Magic. It's a huge mess and we're waiting for the great Harry Potter to save the day".
I thought Julia had lost her mind. But she didn't. She just knew that no one would believe it. The guy laughed and said she was very creative. He then said he came from a distant planet and had mind-reading skills. Okay, call me gullible but for a moment I believed him. We tested him though and he said I was thinking that all three of us should go swimming together later. That proved to me he didn't have mind-reading skills because what I was actually thinking is I need to use the loo.
Anyway, we did go swimming with Jason later. That was a lot of fun.
He asked for our phone number and we might get together again today.
I hope he calls.
I think hanging out with him is making Julia feel happier too. She says she will never let herself fall in love ever again, but I think Jason just wants to be friends with us. Anyway, he's leaving in a few days to go back to Sydney. The school holiday is ending soon.
So, that's what's going on in our life. What about all of you?
I heard Luna Lovegood is still missing. I hope they find her and she's still alive.
21 January 1998
Changes
My family is changing, and I'm trying to keep up with all of it.
Julia never showed much interest in magic. Right? I hardly ever saw her open a school book. She's been studying them like crazy the past few days. And she's practising! I have to admit it. I'm impressed.
Since she wasn't kicked out of Hogwarts for bad grades, I'm guessing she knew how to do them at least a little bit. My guess is she didn't have enough confidence before. Maybe?
Anyway, she's become really good at Accio. She thinks it's hilarious to pull things out of my hand. "Accio book!" "Accio toothbrush!" "Accio chocolate bar".
She practised Diffindo on one of her old dresses several times. She had no success. She tried it on my shirt as a joke, and it worked. To Julia's credit, she was very apologetic....well, at least when she was not laughed. I think she was actually proud of herself. I have to admit. I was proud too. And it's not like I really loved that particular shirt.
She's practised flying a bit with the new broom that Proud Mudblood gave her. She's a bit scared of heights though. And I get scared as well, so I probably end up making her even more nervous. There's a lot of "Be Careful! Be Careful! Hold on tight!" Okay, and you'll probably laugh...but she's only flying in the house. So, it's not even that high. We're too nervous to do it outside because the neighbours might see.
Don't worry. We always make sure to turn off the ceiling fan during practice time.
Julia isn't the only one who's changed. I thought the incident would make my mum even more paranoid and overprotective. I was wrong. It's totally changed her. She says there's no use hiding. If someone wants to find us, they'll find us. So her new thing is to be prepared for confrontation. We're all soon going to be signing up for self defence courses. Is there any type of martial arts that will work against a wizard? I don't know. But I guess we're going to try.
My dad is pretty much the same. He's still a huge Harry Potter fan. Now that my mum has relaxed a bit about hiding, he wants us to seek out other wizards here in Australia. He did some research and found out there's a small wizarding village in Sydney. We might go there soon.
I hope all is well with you guys.
Julia never showed much interest in magic. Right? I hardly ever saw her open a school book. She's been studying them like crazy the past few days. And she's practising! I have to admit it. I'm impressed.
Since she wasn't kicked out of Hogwarts for bad grades, I'm guessing she knew how to do them at least a little bit. My guess is she didn't have enough confidence before. Maybe?
Anyway, she's become really good at Accio. She thinks it's hilarious to pull things out of my hand. "Accio book!" "Accio toothbrush!" "Accio chocolate bar".
She practised Diffindo on one of her old dresses several times. She had no success. She tried it on my shirt as a joke, and it worked. To Julia's credit, she was very apologetic....well, at least when she was not laughed. I think she was actually proud of herself. I have to admit. I was proud too. And it's not like I really loved that particular shirt.
She's practised flying a bit with the new broom that Proud Mudblood gave her. She's a bit scared of heights though. And I get scared as well, so I probably end up making her even more nervous. There's a lot of "Be Careful! Be Careful! Hold on tight!" Okay, and you'll probably laugh...but she's only flying in the house. So, it's not even that high. We're too nervous to do it outside because the neighbours might see.
Don't worry. We always make sure to turn off the ceiling fan during practice time.
Julia isn't the only one who's changed. I thought the incident would make my mum even more paranoid and overprotective. I was wrong. It's totally changed her. She says there's no use hiding. If someone wants to find us, they'll find us. So her new thing is to be prepared for confrontation. We're all soon going to be signing up for self defence courses. Is there any type of martial arts that will work against a wizard? I don't know. But I guess we're going to try.
My dad is pretty much the same. He's still a huge Harry Potter fan. Now that my mum has relaxed a bit about hiding, he wants us to seek out other wizards here in Australia. He did some research and found out there's a small wizarding village in Sydney. We might go there soon.
I hope all is well with you guys.
17 January 1998
Out To Sea
Julia didn't change her mind about throwing her stuff out to sea. We pleaded a bit, and we even asked if maybe she could sell or donate the stuff instead. She says she would never give anything to a wizard because how do we know they won't use it to kill a Muggle someday.
My mum stayed home, but I went with them. I pretended to myself and everyone that I was there for moral support. That's a lie though. I really was there because I was hoping somehow I'd get Julia to change her mind.
My dad hired a fishing boat. That was a bit scary because he doesn't really have boat experience. He claims he used to go boating with his dad around here. But that was over twenty years ago! And he was just a teenager. So I wasn't just sad. I was terrified. I figured we'd either drown or get eaten by a shark.
We went out to sea just before sunset. My dad kept us moving. I think he hoped if we didn't stop, Julia couldn't drop the trunk over the edge. But then she asked him to stop and we did. She opened the trunk and slowly threw each thing overboard. She dropped her books, her robes, a cauldron, her Hogwarts uniform, a dragon stuffed animal, a small book of photographs, the trunk, and then her wand. Each time she dropped something she said I hate him. I hate him. We just watched. When she was done, she stared into space like she was in a trance. My dad and I put our hands on her and tried to be comforting. Then she started sobbing. She cried and cried, like a small child. I didn't cry, but I felt this dark hovering cloud over my whole life.
My dad started the boat up again and we headed back to the dock.
It was depressing.
And then....
It all came back. Well, not the dragon stuffed animal. That stayed in the sea. But suddenly everything else was back in the boat. We all stared at it, wondering what to do. Then Julia slowly reached down and picked up One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi.
She whispered. This... is mine.
"Yes", my dad said. "It's yours."
"It's all mine," Julia said. She picked up her wand and held it close to her chest. Then we headed back home.
My mum stayed home, but I went with them. I pretended to myself and everyone that I was there for moral support. That's a lie though. I really was there because I was hoping somehow I'd get Julia to change her mind.
My dad hired a fishing boat. That was a bit scary because he doesn't really have boat experience. He claims he used to go boating with his dad around here. But that was over twenty years ago! And he was just a teenager. So I wasn't just sad. I was terrified. I figured we'd either drown or get eaten by a shark.
We went out to sea just before sunset. My dad kept us moving. I think he hoped if we didn't stop, Julia couldn't drop the trunk over the edge. But then she asked him to stop and we did. She opened the trunk and slowly threw each thing overboard. She dropped her books, her robes, a cauldron, her Hogwarts uniform, a dragon stuffed animal, a small book of photographs, the trunk, and then her wand. Each time she dropped something she said I hate him. I hate him. We just watched. When she was done, she stared into space like she was in a trance. My dad and I put our hands on her and tried to be comforting. Then she started sobbing. She cried and cried, like a small child. I didn't cry, but I felt this dark hovering cloud over my whole life.
My dad started the boat up again and we headed back to the dock.
It was depressing.
And then....
It all came back. Well, not the dragon stuffed animal. That stayed in the sea. But suddenly everything else was back in the boat. We all stared at it, wondering what to do. Then Julia slowly reached down and picked up One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi.
She whispered. This... is mine.
"Yes", my dad said. "It's yours."
"It's all mine," Julia said. She picked up her wand and held it close to her chest. Then we headed back home.
14 January 1998
Proud Mudblood
We moved into our new house. It's lovely, but small.
The bigger news is Proud Mudblood came to visit! It was so exciting for me. I couldn't get over the fact that there was a real wizard with us. Yes, I know Julia is a wizard, but it's different when it's your own sister. And she doesn't want to be a wizard anymore, anyway. So it's a bit depressing. Actually, it's a lot depressing. I was hoping seeing Proud Mudblood would be helpful to Julia, but it wasn't. She was sort of polite, but kept her distance. She didn't even want to see the inside of his tent...which was fantastic, by the way. I am amazed by the whole Undetectable Extension Charm thing. I also loved seeing Proud Mudblood transform from a bird into a human. That was fantastic. You know, it's probably not a big deal for all of you. But for me....well, it's the type of things I read about. It's not like I often get to see it.
Anyway, Julia was not happy to have him around, and didn't keep her feelings especially hidden. That's probably why Proud Mudblood didn't stay very long.
Oh well.
Proud Mudblood put protective charms on our house. That made us all feel a lot better.
My Mum and I cooked him lunch one of the days, and we took him out to a Muggle Chinese restaurant. I hope he enjoyed all that.
We wanted to swim in the beach a bit, but there were too many blue bottles. We all took a walk on the beach...well, all of us except Julia. She stayed home. I hope she feels better someday.
Thank you, Proud Mudblood!
P.S-Julia said to tell you sorry and please don't take it personally. She just doesn't like any wizards period : (
The bigger news is Proud Mudblood came to visit! It was so exciting for me. I couldn't get over the fact that there was a real wizard with us. Yes, I know Julia is a wizard, but it's different when it's your own sister. And she doesn't want to be a wizard anymore, anyway. So it's a bit depressing. Actually, it's a lot depressing. I was hoping seeing Proud Mudblood would be helpful to Julia, but it wasn't. She was sort of polite, but kept her distance. She didn't even want to see the inside of his tent...which was fantastic, by the way. I am amazed by the whole Undetectable Extension Charm thing. I also loved seeing Proud Mudblood transform from a bird into a human. That was fantastic. You know, it's probably not a big deal for all of you. But for me....well, it's the type of things I read about. It's not like I often get to see it.
Anyway, Julia was not happy to have him around, and didn't keep her feelings especially hidden. That's probably why Proud Mudblood didn't stay very long.
Oh well.
Proud Mudblood put protective charms on our house. That made us all feel a lot better.
My Mum and I cooked him lunch one of the days, and we took him out to a Muggle Chinese restaurant. I hope he enjoyed all that.
We wanted to swim in the beach a bit, but there were too many blue bottles. We all took a walk on the beach...well, all of us except Julia. She stayed home. I hope she feels better someday.
Thank you, Proud Mudblood!
P.S-Julia said to tell you sorry and please don't take it personally. She just doesn't like any wizards period : (
10 January 1998
Life Goes On
Sorry for my depressing post the other day. I was being a bit dramatic...well, because I was feeling a bit dramatic. I'm a little better now.
We left our holiday park, and we're staying in a hotel right now. We won't be there long though. We're moving into a house. It's lovely and near a beach. The only problem is it has only two bedrooms so I have to sleep with Julia. Maybe that's not a problem though. I've been kind of scared to sleep alone lately.
Julia's not doing so well. I don't know if I can blame her for that. She really loved this Rhyden guy. It's bad enough to be rejected from your boyfriend, but to have him try to kill you? I keep trying to cheer her up, but sometimes I think to myself, what's the use? If that happened to me, I'd be really depressed too.
She's put all her books and her wand into her trunk. She says she wants nothing to do with the wizarding world ever again; and she asked my dad to take her out on a boat so she can drop all her stuff at the bottom of the sea. That makes me feel so sad. I know it makes my dad feel horrible too. He loves the wizarding world. Still we want to respect her wishes. We just kind of hope she changes her mind. My dad said to give it a week, and then if she still wants to do it, we will.
How are all of you doing? I've been kind of wrapped up in my own life. Sorry about that.
We left our holiday park, and we're staying in a hotel right now. We won't be there long though. We're moving into a house. It's lovely and near a beach. The only problem is it has only two bedrooms so I have to sleep with Julia. Maybe that's not a problem though. I've been kind of scared to sleep alone lately.
Julia's not doing so well. I don't know if I can blame her for that. She really loved this Rhyden guy. It's bad enough to be rejected from your boyfriend, but to have him try to kill you? I keep trying to cheer her up, but sometimes I think to myself, what's the use? If that happened to me, I'd be really depressed too.
She's put all her books and her wand into her trunk. She says she wants nothing to do with the wizarding world ever again; and she asked my dad to take her out on a boat so she can drop all her stuff at the bottom of the sea. That makes me feel so sad. I know it makes my dad feel horrible too. He loves the wizarding world. Still we want to respect her wishes. We just kind of hope she changes her mind. My dad said to give it a week, and then if she still wants to do it, we will.
How are all of you doing? I've been kind of wrapped up in my own life. Sorry about that.
06 January 1998
Pain
Well....so....I can now say I've had personal experience with the Cruciatus Curse. That was fun.
No, actually it was not.
It turns out that unfortunately my dad and Julia were wrong. Rhyden did send the hateful horrible note, and he did not simply ignore Julia's next owl.
He appeared at our cabin while I was eating breakfast with my parents. And he wasn't alone. He was with his sister and mother. They were very scary. I can't get their faces out of my mind.
I will admit that Rhyden was pretty hot, but not so much so once he opened his mouth and said "Hello soon to be dead Muggles". Then he waved his wand, said something, and broke pretty much everything in the kitchen. His mother and sister helped.
While they were breaking stuff, Julia came out of her bedroom. Was she scared or angry to see these wizards terrorising us? No, she happily ran to Rhyden. I think she planned to give him a hug.; but the hatred on his face put a stop to that. I knew then that she knew that Rhyden had really sent her the note. And the look on Julia's face was the worst thing I have ever seen in my entire life.
Rhyden's sister then said to Julia.. "Before we give you up to someone who will have a lot of fun with you, we're going to have our own fun." (Note: This might not be the exact dialogue that occurred. It's not as if I had a pen and paper for transcribing all the melodramatic interactions. But I think I've captured it fairly well.)
Rhyden laughed and said, "we're going to kill your whole family. You get to watch."
Rhyden's sister said. "Who gets to go first?"
Julia started crying. Seeing her cry made me cry.
My dad said, "Please don't do this. We'll give you anything you want".
Rhyden's mother said, "You should have taught this piece of worthless rubbish that it's wrong to use love spells".
Julia said she didn't use a love spell. I believe her.
Rhyden's mother said, "Of course you did, you little liar. It's impossible for a Pureblood Slytherin... whose family can be traced back six generations.... to even be friends with a filthy mudblood." (it might have been five generations. Or seven? I forget)
Rhyden said, "I could never love anything like you." Oh, I hate that guy.
My mum then went crazy brave. I won't try to write what she said, because I couldn't even begin to give it justice. But it was something along the lines of magic doesn't make all wizards superior to muggles. It makes some of them very inferior. She said anyone who can't manage to break up with someone, without resorting to murdering them and their whole family, is pathetic.
The sister got very angry and she raised her wand. She started to say you-know-what at my mum. I thought that was the end. It's not a nice feeling to think you're about to watch your own mum be killed.
Then the mother stopped her and said, "No, kill her children. Let her watch".
I waited to die. I really don't know what I was thinking at this point. It all happened so fast.
Anyway, as you can guess I'm still alive....obviously. We're all alive.
For some reason, we were shown mercy. I don't know why. Did they have a change of heart at the last minute? Did they never plan to kill us? Maybe they just wanted to scare us?
They pointed the wands at us and I waited for the end of me. Instead I felt horrible horrible horrible horrible pain. Then it was all over and they vanished. I was so happy to have no pain. And I was happy to be alive. But then later I was less happy because I started thinking what's the point of living in a world where people can be so mean to each other. Maybe it would be easier to just die. And what if they come back to hurt us again? Or what if someone else comes back to hurt us?
I'm okay I suppose. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Right?
I don't know.
It turns out they did it to my mom and dad too, so we all got to experience the exciting Cruciatus Curse. What did my mum say about it? It was almost as bad as childbirth. Okay. Yeah. I think I'll be adopting my kids.
In other news, we're being kicked out of our holiday park. My dad paid for the damages, but they don't want us around anymore. Lots of people heard our screams, so they say we're too disruptive.
Anyway, I hope all of you are okay. I can't say I've been in the best of moods lately. There are moments where I wish they had just killed us. That's probably a stupid thing to feel.
Oh well.
No, actually it was not.
It turns out that unfortunately my dad and Julia were wrong. Rhyden did send the hateful horrible note, and he did not simply ignore Julia's next owl.
He appeared at our cabin while I was eating breakfast with my parents. And he wasn't alone. He was with his sister and mother. They were very scary. I can't get their faces out of my mind.
I will admit that Rhyden was pretty hot, but not so much so once he opened his mouth and said "Hello soon to be dead Muggles". Then he waved his wand, said something, and broke pretty much everything in the kitchen. His mother and sister helped.
While they were breaking stuff, Julia came out of her bedroom. Was she scared or angry to see these wizards terrorising us? No, she happily ran to Rhyden. I think she planned to give him a hug.; but the hatred on his face put a stop to that. I knew then that she knew that Rhyden had really sent her the note. And the look on Julia's face was the worst thing I have ever seen in my entire life.
Rhyden's sister then said to Julia.. "Before we give you up to someone who will have a lot of fun with you, we're going to have our own fun." (Note: This might not be the exact dialogue that occurred. It's not as if I had a pen and paper for transcribing all the melodramatic interactions. But I think I've captured it fairly well.)
Rhyden laughed and said, "we're going to kill your whole family. You get to watch."
Rhyden's sister said. "Who gets to go first?"
Julia started crying. Seeing her cry made me cry.
My dad said, "Please don't do this. We'll give you anything you want".
Rhyden's mother said, "You should have taught this piece of worthless rubbish that it's wrong to use love spells".
Julia said she didn't use a love spell. I believe her.
Rhyden's mother said, "Of course you did, you little liar. It's impossible for a Pureblood Slytherin... whose family can be traced back six generations.... to even be friends with a filthy mudblood." (it might have been five generations. Or seven? I forget)
Rhyden said, "I could never love anything like you." Oh, I hate that guy.
My mum then went crazy brave. I won't try to write what she said, because I couldn't even begin to give it justice. But it was something along the lines of magic doesn't make all wizards superior to muggles. It makes some of them very inferior. She said anyone who can't manage to break up with someone, without resorting to murdering them and their whole family, is pathetic.
The sister got very angry and she raised her wand. She started to say you-know-what at my mum. I thought that was the end. It's not a nice feeling to think you're about to watch your own mum be killed.
Then the mother stopped her and said, "No, kill her children. Let her watch".
I waited to die. I really don't know what I was thinking at this point. It all happened so fast.
Anyway, as you can guess I'm still alive....obviously. We're all alive.
For some reason, we were shown mercy. I don't know why. Did they have a change of heart at the last minute? Did they never plan to kill us? Maybe they just wanted to scare us?
They pointed the wands at us and I waited for the end of me. Instead I felt horrible horrible horrible horrible pain. Then it was all over and they vanished. I was so happy to have no pain. And I was happy to be alive. But then later I was less happy because I started thinking what's the point of living in a world where people can be so mean to each other. Maybe it would be easier to just die. And what if they come back to hurt us again? Or what if someone else comes back to hurt us?
I'm okay I suppose. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Right?
I don't know.
It turns out they did it to my mom and dad too, so we all got to experience the exciting Cruciatus Curse. What did my mum say about it? It was almost as bad as childbirth. Okay. Yeah. I think I'll be adopting my kids.
In other news, we're being kicked out of our holiday park. My dad paid for the damages, but they don't want us around anymore. Lots of people heard our screams, so they say we're too disruptive.
Anyway, I hope all of you are okay. I can't say I've been in the best of moods lately. There are moments where I wish they had just killed us. That's probably a stupid thing to feel.
Oh well.