we can't afford to be innocent

My last several exams went very well, and I don't think I'll be quite as anxious as I was after fifth year to receive my scores. Still, it was nearly difficult to turn in my Head Girl badge and leave my House and my rooms and those hallowed halls after seven years.

It's somewhat surreal to be completely finished with Hogwarts and on to the next great "adventure", so to speak, in my life. Seven years of growth, finished just like that with exams, a feast and a train ride.

There is some good news, though. I'm very pleased to be back in Italy. I've been quite homesick for a good while and although I do miss Hogwarts terribly, I'm so glad to be back. Sandro and I are scheduled to go out for drinks and dancing this evening. ( Private to Self )

And for the real news: I've been offered a job! It's "the family business", of course, but there's not much else that I've ever truly wanted to do. Perhaps it's in my blood, or some other such nonsense, but liaising for the Ministry has always been at the back (alright, maybe the middle) of my mind as a career plan. Of course, it's all contingent upon my NEWT results, but based on my OWL scores and my Hogwarts marks, they've offered me the job and I've taken it. I'll be shadowing Mother for the first two or three months, but after that they plan on cutting her workload back, which she's been hoping to do for a while now so that she and Father can spend more time together. I'm quite excited.

( Private to Self )

Two down, six to go.

Thursday: Defence (13:00)
Friday: Charms (09:00)
Monday: Muggle Studies (13:00)
Tuesday: Arithmancy (09:00)
Thursday: Herbology (09:00); Transfiguration (13:00)
Friday: Runes (09:00); Potions (13:00)

NEWTs are very nearly upon us. I hope everyone is prepared. I know I've been sequestered away to study, but as always, I am available at (practically) any time.

The weather is beginning to get quite lovely. Still, the climate isn't exactly comparable to Messina at this time of year, but at least it's not as soggy as London usually is. It's practically a shame to be cooped up in the castle sitting exams, but I suppose that's how it has to be.

I truly can't wait for the end of term, when I can return to Italy. My winter hols are usually spent at my paternal grandparents' estate in Britain, but I always miss Italy terribly.

( Private to Self. )

I hate this rain. Can't it just be spring? The entire castle is restless, no-one wants to go outside into the sogginess, so everything is more crowded than usual. Someone was sitting at "my" table today when I went to the library--a Gryffindor who I feel sure has probably never been in the library before.

At any rate, I'm through with classes for the day, but I have a Potions essay due on the Draught of Living Death on Monday. Since my table was occupied, I had planned on trying to do it in my rooms, which is nice, quiet, and comfortable (one of the perks of being Head Girl, I suppose), but there are so many distractions here as well, some far more effective than having to share space with someone, or whispered conversations going on all around me.

There are some days when I feel like I could stay at Hogwarts forever, and others when I can't wait to get out into the world, to do something with my life.

( Private to Self )

Hermes is restless...this weather is certainly very peculiar. Could this have something to do with

At any rate...I have a Potions essay to write.