Benjamin Montgomery Fenwick

It's been a long week. Weeks are longer with very little to do.


To the Girls, the ones he usually talks to
Bloody hell, I—I don't really have an blokes to talk to about this. How depressing is that? But honestly, I'd need to have this conversation with the rest of you anyway.

I don't need tears and gushing over this, all right? Sirius broke up with me even though it never really became anything so just, please, no wibbling and minimal hugging. All right? All right.


Remus
Is he—are the two of you—he wouldn't tell me—do you hat—

Didn't see you in the library today. Feel like I usually see you on Thursdays. Hope you're well.

That was lame

Yeah. I gave up on my correspondence course. Physics was—intense. Too intense. I feel sick to my stomach saying that, but—my dad said it's character building to find things that I'm completely lousy at. I thought I already had enough of those in my life. And not just Astronomy.

This still leaves me with too few classes and not enough else to do. Who wants to help me find a new hobby?

Private
I seem to have ignored this thing since I broke up with Mel, using my journal. There's no guilt involved in that at all. None at all.

Liar. Bloody liar.


Lin
So I went and commented on your newer journal entry, but I apparently completely ignored the one before it.

You and Mel? Really? I—I thought she wasn't interested.


Sirius
I never answered your question, partially because I didn't know how to.

What do you want us to be?

It's too cold outside to get on a broom. This makes me sad.

Mel
I need to talk to you....I think. Yeah. I do.

Anyone have a better fix for keeping their feet warm than just casting a warming charm? It's not doing the trick tonight.


Mel
Hey, how are you? You've been pretty quiet since this weekend.


Sirius
So, our talk. It helped. Thanks for that, mate.

I decided on a correspondence course. Introductory Physics. Before Hogwarts, when I was still in public schools, Physics was a completely foreign idea, simple as it was for us ten-year-olds. I didn't think it made much sense in conjunction with magic then, and the same is probably true now. Which is why I'm taking it correspondence. So, my parents will receive a lesson in the mail via post, they'll owl it to me, I'll complete the work, owl back to them, and they're send it off via RM.

It couldn't be more simple. Physics. Heh.

Has anyone else had a very peculiar start to the year, or is it just me?


( Private )

Dear Hogwarts,

I missed you. And schoolwork. And prefect duties. And Quidditch.

By Merlin, I may have even missed the people. And that one suit of armor that always kicks me.

Sincerely,
Me

--

Last term. Exciting times, aren't they? Scary ones, too.


Kingsley
Where have you been? Seems like the only times I see you are when you're snoring. Shape up, man, I need to hear about your hols.

For the love of Rowena.

I think the gods were against me. I had one of the easiest exams sessions of my life, smooth sailing into the holidays, and what do I do? I get home and catch the bloody flu. And not that 48 hour nonsense. No, this has been a week long helping of agony. Fever broke on Thursday, but I still can't seem to find anything that sounds good to eat. After mum and dad both attempted to make me a healing potion (I was going to try, but the aroma was too rank) and a trip to the apothecary for a pre-mixed potion, my dad made an executive decision to take me to the family physicians. Muggle drugs are goooooood.

I should be back in tip top shape by start of term. But I can't believe it. Missed Sirius's holiday party and missed the chance to help my dad on his latest restoration project. A racing model Bugatti Type 35! It's from 1926 and it's a beat up hunk of junk, but he's putting some nice work into it. He says he's doing it all the elbow grease way, but I saw him walk out to the garage last night with his wand in his back pocket. Liar.

Oy, Sirius, that car air freshener is actually—useful. My room's a disaster with being sick and all, and that little thing is helping.

Can't wait to get back to work. One more term left, 7th years. One more left. Here's a good final term and a new year!

I never thanked everyone for their birthday presents. They were, every last one, lovely. My teeth do not thank all of you who sent treats. My taste buds, however, loved them.

• Lin - I still have some cupcake pops left. I'm having a hard time parting with the last couple.
  
• Mary - When are we going to kick around that football? I can't tell you how nice it is to have a real, not one I conjure that disappears after a few hours. This one is always there. Thank you so much.
  
• Charity - Best cupcakes I've had in a long time. Did you bake them, or get some help from the house-elves? Doesn't matter, they were fantastic. I've been wearing the beanie to Quidditch practice. Thanks so much.
  
• Gilderoy - Thanks for the shout out, mate. I'm still in a sugar coma as it is; I appreciate that you didn't get me anything.
  
• Melissa - I love the compass! Thank you so much. Less need for it right now, but when I get home at the hols I'll definitely use it.
  
• Emme - Nothing like the football and wizarding worlds colliding in a styling patch. Thanks.
  
• Sirius - Thanks for the birthday kiss.

It was a brilliant birthday all things considered. And thanks to everyone, again.

For the record, though, no one get me any football gifts for Christmas. You've overstocked me for my birthday.


Remus
Are you ready for Arithmancy? It's the only exam I'm still worried about.

Was your kiss with Sirius ser—did you hear that we—do you—


( Private - In which Benjy freaks out with himself )

Bloody exams. I wouldn't mind them so much if I didn't over-stress about them. Then I stay up too late. Then I don't get enough sleep. Then I'm not in a good state of mind to take them.

More importantly, I probably drive the whole of Ravenclaw House mad with all my pacing and quill tapping.

At least my schedule could be worse.

Exams Schedule
Arithmancy - Written Exam - Monday, 12th - 1:30 to 4:00 PM
DADA - All Sections - Practical Exam - Tuesday, 13th - 1:30 to 4:00 PM
Potions - All Sections - Practical Exam - Friday, 16th - 1:30 to 4:00 PM

Charms - All Sections - No Exam
Care of Magical Creatures - No Exam

So, I know there's snow on the ground, but I figure, it's was just a light dusting (okay, so maybe a little more than that, but we can help it melt), and it'll be extra thin by tomorrow afternoon. I've been having good luck conjuring a football lately—right pressure and weight, good outer texture. Anyone interested in a friendly match? They usually last about four hours before the ball starts to deflate and dissolve. Figured down by Hagrid's hut would be a good place. Fairly flat, healthy grass.

I've just been in need of some foot exercise lately that isn't my usual run around the lake. Football should be just the ticket. Besides, if I keep looking at Arthimancy homework I'll just obsess over it more when I already know all the answers and theorems are right.

So, once the snow's melted off a bit, who's in for some Muggle sport?

( Benjamin Montgomery Fenwick )