Martha's Journal

I can't believe exams are almost here. It feels like only yesterday we had arrived at Hogwarts for the start of the new term. At least we have Career's Day as a buffer in between.

I spent most of the day revising whenever I could. I focused on History of Magic this time, to follow the revision schedule I made for myself. If I keep on track, revising a bit tomorrow as well, I should have covered all my subjects adequately. But somehow I can't help but worry it's not enough.

That I'm not good enough.

Some rumours have been going around about something between Jaxen's sister and a Gryffindor girl too and I haven't had a chance to talk to him about it. Dinner passed by so quickly and afterwards, I was revising in the common room. I did have a nice chat with a first year called Thorne. He seems like a sweet kid.

Hopefully he's not too worried about his own exams. He's just a first year... He has plenty of time... Just like Tobias...

But I was serious about exams, even as a first year, huh?

It's late and I'm tired. I'm looking forward to Career's Day. I'm hoping it will help give me some direction on what to take for NEWTs and what career to consider. I feel like I haven't really thought about that seriously enough.

Exams were a NIGHTMARE.

Alright, that's not entirely fair or true but at least they're over now. Let me give you a run down of how everything went.

As expected (or as I had hoped), my DADA and History of Magic exams were the ones I felt most confident doing. On a scale of one to ten, if ten is 'I definitely aced this', I'd rank them around an nine eight point five. I have a good feeling I've achieved the grades I want to in those subjects.

Potions... I'm not ashamed to admit it but it isincredibly slightly embarrassing - I cried. I was so nervous before the exam even begun that I couldn't stop myself. Luckily, with Sophia's help, I managed to get down to a sniffle and a whimper before Professor Snape had a chance to kick me out of the exam. I'm uncertain how well I did. I'd love to take the subject for NEWT level but we shall see. Of course, as soon as the exam was done, I started bawling again.

Thank Merlin for Sophia.

Transfiguration is one of those subjects that I like to think I have a good grasp on but that exam was tricky. Professor McGonagall certainly knows how to put us through our paces. I'd love to get a good grade, if only to make her proud and to justify the amount of time I spent practising those spells in the dormitory. Sophia was probably sick of me repeating them over and over again. Again, I'm lucky to have such a good friend.

Charms, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures. If there are three subjects I'm uncertain about, it those. Care of Magical Creatures - is it wrong to say I don't care about it? It was a fun subject to take but it's not my future and not something I need to get to where I want to go. Herbology, as well, I don't mind if I get an 'E' in that class. I'm sure Professor Sprout would love for us all to get O's but alas. It's never been my favourite subject. I'm just not great with plants (or creatures, it seems).

But Charms? It would be nice to do well in that subject even though I know I prbobably probably didn't.

At the end of the day, I just want my mum and dad to be proud of me and to get a good career in the future so I can help take care of everyone.

Oh! I almost forgot to mention the best part about today. Sophia arranged a picnic for me and Lucky and it was honestly exactly what I needed after all the stress of exams. It was a lot of fun hanging out with the two of them, I think we make quite a good trio if I say so myself. Sophia has invited Lucky to spent time with her over the summer and the three of us are going to meet up at the Quidditch World Cup & go shopping together for our school things at Diagon Alley.

Well, I need to ask my folks first but I can't imagine they'd say no. I think my parents like Sophia... I certainly can't see them objecting to Lucky either!

Anyway, I've written a lot and I'm tired. I'll update my journal again if anything else happens before the end of term.

Doubt it!

I can't believe I didn't update you all summer! I suppose a lot happened... But that's no real excuse, is it?

Soon I'll be heading back to Hogwarts so I need to write as quickly as possible. I want to get a good night's sleep since tomorrow morning is going to be go go go from the moment we wake up.

To begin with, the QWC was cancelled which I was genuinely sad about. Not because I wouldn't get to see the Quidditch matches but I was looking forward to camping with my family and hoping to see Sophia and Lucky. I wonder what they got up to over the summer? I don't suppose Lucky spent the whole summer there, did he? Well, if he did, I wouldn't be surprised. Sophia and him make quite a nice pairing.

I got my OWL results and I'm relieved to say I got the grades needed to get into the NEWT classes I wanted. I think I'm pretty set on my future career being Curse Breaker -- provided I really can stay within the U.K. like the career's advisor said. Would it be possible to contact them for more information?

Of course, now I have to work hard to get good grades so I can go to the Academy. Especially since it's important to get the higher grades, the ones beyond the normal ones. What did the Academy advisor call them again…? Masterful? Yes, I think that was it. Getting even one Masterful grade would be awesome!

Toby's been in a bit of a mood, I think the cancellation of Quidditch didn't help. I'm hoping going to Diagon Alley will cheer him up. Listen, he's my baby brother and I adore him.

Bad moods and all.

Oh! I forgot to say! With the arrival of our Hogwarts letters to go back to school I got a prefect badge! I was so surprised to see it with my letter. I'm so excited to take on the responsibility, however, and nervous that I'll be a good representative of my house. I want to make everyone proud and to show it wasn't a mistake to give me the role!

No pressure... Ha... Ha... Ha...

Getting the position did come with one little advantage -- I was allowed to pick something super special for myself. I picked an Owl since I figured having one would be a very practical choice. Luckily my parents agreed. When we went to Diagon Alley, my dad helped me pick out Bartlebee at the Pet shop. They had an event going on too which was very neat.

I've already sent him out with his first letter. I hope Jaxen will be surprised to see Bartlebee delivering a letter to him. I didn't tell him how I got my owl... Or rather, I've kept being made prefect a surprise for when we meet in person. I can't wait to see his face!

I also can't wait to see who else is Prefect along with me. Will Elizabeth be prefect again? I think this would be a good chance to befriend Doren since we haven't had much of a chance to chat before... She seems a bit distant and cold but nice regardless.

So much is happening this year. I'm excited to go back to school.

Maybe I can sign off here. I don't want to write too much and hurt my hand. No, this will be a good spot to end my ramblings. I'll double-check I have everything I need in my trunk and shine up my prefect badge. Sixth year is here and I'm going to face it head on!

Wish me luck!

Wow, a lot happened today... Let's start at the beginning shall we?

Miraculously, I managed to wake up in time. I was on time for breakfast too! Which is kinda important considering I'm a prefect and all that... The Daily Prophet had an article in it today about the Minister visiting St. Mungo's. I was tempted to write a letter to dad to ask him about it but I didn't want to be a bother. Didn't have too long to think about it, since our first lesson was Apparition.

It's taught by Instructor Himes. She seems pretty no-nonsense and straight forward which is something we need for these lessons. Or rather, I feel better knowing there's someone there that takes it so seriously. It's no joke! I threw up! All that spinning and I barely moved a foot... I really hope it's not going to be money wasted. I know it's a great skill to have so fingers crossed I improve over the year and pass the exam.

I don't want to let mum and dad down. Apparition is a big deal and a very useful skill to have.

I did manage to lay down a bit before our afternoon class. Luckily I have Sophia to share a dorm with, she shared some chocolate with me and I felt loads better. Chocolate IS magic!

Then it was off to Transfiguration. I love this class! I really hope the skill level between fifth and sixth year doesn't hold me back too much. Our lesson was theory, which was great -- though McGonagall didn't go easy on us! I did get to answer a question and earn some house points, which felt good. Bad luck though, Amara Seabrook is in our class, ugh. She seems to be sniffing around Elizabeth Doren a lot too... I wonder what her plan is.

But it's Sixth Year and I can't take it easy. I headed to the DREADED dungeons and asked Professor Snape for permission to use the Student Labs. Apparently I have to find five ingredients to present to him before he'll even consider it. Which, honestly, is fair. Someone who collects five ingredients isn't going to waste time at the labs either. I set out with the scroll he provided (See, he's not as bad as everyone says! Just a bit intense?) and sought out some ingredients.

I think it was a rather productive way to spend my afternoon.

First ingredient I found was Silkmoss. As the name suggestions, it's a rather delicate plant. I located some easy enough in the Private Courtyard and took advantage of the tree there. Took me back to my younger years, playing around at home with my siblings! I was able to get two of them, viable for potions. An auspicious start to my task!

But of course, I think I got too ambitious.

I went for Jippi seeds next. When I saw the murder of crows, I should have turned back. They certainly didn't appreciate me crashing their little party but I really wanted to get the seeds. I guess I thought it would prove to Professor Snape that I didn't mind a bit of a challenge or getting a few cuts and scratches for a potion ingredient. Well, I was victorious and able to get the seeds but I did have to make a trip to the Hospital Wing.

Needless to say, I think Madam Pomfrey was disappointed to see someone so soon -- even if she didn't say it. Still, she did her job and patched me up nicely. I wish I could learn some healing magic from her! Would come in handy...

I guess the whole Crow Incident was enough to make me see sense. I went for an easier ingredient next, a Tarrow from the House-Elves in the kitchens... Seems there was a Gryffindor in there already cooking something! I think he might be a friend of Tobias' and he seemed very involved in his task. I was able to get the Tarrow from a very friendly House Elf called Dippy. Maybe I'll make another trip back to the kitchens sometime -- they're very welcoming in there.

The evening brought dinner which isn't very exciting, honestly. I talked to Joshua and his friend Caine and they seemed excited about potion ingredients and Quidditch. At least the first subject I could chime in on, having spent some of my day collecting my own ingredients. I really should knuckle down and find some more. Getting my kit as quickly as possible seems like a good idea.

Quidditch Try-Outs weren't as bad as I had thought they would be. Joshua tried out for Hufflepuff's team and I thought Toby was trying for Gryffindor but he didn't show up?? I hope he's okay.

I had full confidence Joshua would be accepted but I was still worried while watching. There's a lot of talented students who are taking part in this sport! Especially the younger set -- what did they grow up on? They're formidable. Sophia was helping out with the try-outs and it was wonderful to see her in her element.

I could tell she was struggled with some of the chasers but I also think she was just holding back a bit so they wouldn't feel so bad about going up against her.

It did make me worry about Lucky. He wouldn't miss something like this for the world, being our house's Quidditch Captain and all. I hope it's just a weird bug that's made him rest for the night and nothing major. I should ask Sophia about it but we're both pretty tired after the excitement of the day. I'll see if I can ask her about it tomorrow.

I hope tomorrow is a good day too.

I keep thinking about what happened at the beach yesterday. It probably doesn't help that Sophia had bad dreams last night. I tried to stay up and comfort her but it seems like I ended up falling asleep on her bed. When I woke up in the morning, she was gone! I didn't see her at breakfast and she's not even taking apparition lessons so... Where did she go?

I'm worried about her and a few other things that have happened today.

I guess the most important news to report is dad! He was admitted into St. Mungo's either last night or this morning, I'm not too sure on the details. I couldn't skip my lesson to find out either... It was Joshua who told me and I didn't know what to think. Josh didn't say anything else but the letter came from Mum along with his broom so... It can't be taht that bad, right?

Ugh my hands are shaking right now...

And then I had to decide between going to the Frog CHoir Choir practice or going to my Apparate Lesson. I think you can tell which choice I made there. I paid money for those lessons! I only have a few chances to do well enough to even be allowed to take the test. I'm so worried, I want to cry.

Everything is so stressful and weird today. I have no classes in the afternoon at least but there's an event happening at school and today was our Hogsmeade trip too. I don't think I'll have a chance to go and there's no point going without Sophia anyway. Then there's the feast AND Prefect Duty.

I'm paired up with Elizabeth Doren... I wonder what she'll be like -- at least she has experience doing patrols, I can learn a thing or two from her.

Listen, I'll update you more later, I gotta run to lunch now. 

---

I didn't go to the Treasure Dig. I thought it would be better to do something else with my time than dig around in more sand. I went to the Student Greenhouse to take care of my plant from Professor Sprout. I collected the berries and I think they'd be good for some potions. I planted more seeds and I'll be sure to check on them whenever I can.

My next plan didn't turn out so well. I had heard that Natalie offered Tarot Card readings and thought it would be a good chance to see someone who knew what they were doing, working the cards. I went to the Main Courtyard since I knew she liked to hang out there and ran into Duncan.

Him and his mates were balancing a spoon of honey on their noses and I got goaded into trying. It was fun and I even ate the honey when the spoon dropped in the dirt. When you grow up with the siblings I do, being dared to eat a bit of dirt honey isn't the worst thing ever.

Duncan's friends seemed impressed too.

Natalie was working on some stuff when I finally found her. She was... Well, I know we've shared a dormitory for years and she's normally a bit snobby but wow. She's really cranking up the mean girl vibes today. I just didn't want to deal with it -- and she's charging FIFTEEN GALLEONS for a card reading?

I know she's good but that's more than my Apparate Lessons! Mental!

I had to walk away. Maybe I'll find time to try again once I wrap my head around the fact she wants so much money for it lol I ended up going to the Astronomy Tower instead to use my silver key on the chest there. It ended up being a fun little game and really helped improve my mood.

Note to self: Ask Joshua, or Dad (if possible), if they remember what the Muggle game is called.

It's dinner time now, I better run. I'll update again later after the feast and everything.

---

Had a quick dinner and then shot off for Prefect Patrol. It was my first one and pretty much what I expected. Professor Rivera explained what we had to do and it was then up to me and Elizabeth to watch over the Main Courtyard.

Which was honestly fine until we saw a weird mysterious figure with a light. We made an attempt to track them down but I think they disappeared into the forest... And then it was time for us to head into the Castle.

I really hope it wasn't someone dangerous.

If something bad happens, I'd feel bad or somehow responsible.

I'll try not to think about it and head to bed now. Fingers crossed I can get some sleep...

Potions this morning... Amara was there, of course but thank Merlin! Jaxen is taking this class too! Duncan Babble is also in the NEWT class which??? Puzzled all of us (Including Professor Snape) but it's kinda cool there is one of us from each house. We had to brew the Hiccuping Cure... Well, let's just say I did my best and class wasn't as bad as I had imagined it would be. Amara will always be a pain to deal with but luckily Potions doesn't leave much room for interaction with her.

But the best part about this morning? I got to spend time with Sophia! I found her down at the Front Gates and it was just nice to spend time together. I hope she's feeling better but more than that, I hope she knows I will always be here for her. No matter what -- she's my best friend forever!

She was a great help when the DRAGON appeared. I know, I know, I should have written about this already but it's only proper to do things in order. Sophia was more calm and collected about the whole thing and helped us to get to safety. It was a big wake-up call for me. Apparently I'm not great in a crisis, ugh. Is there a way to fix this...?

I thought I'd be better at that sort of thing because I enjoy DADA so much and yet...

Ugh.

Well, I have a charms field trip this afternoon but lunch now, I'll write more later! Oh! And my first Academics class tonight, exciting! I'm so curious about this class and I hope I do okay. I want to get good grades to be allowed to go onto the Academy. I have a plan for the next five to ten years of my life and I'm determined to see it through. Some people might think I'm crazy for it but I'm so determined to become a curse breaker.

If I believe in myself then, nothing to worry about it -- right?

As long as the dragon doesn't return...



Honestly, I forgot all about the dragon by the afternoon, is that bad? I had a field trip with Charms class and spent the time with Caleb. He's a boy in my year and he seems nice, just a bit quiet. At one point I thought I was scaring him by talking to him but he seemed to stick by me... Maybe I'm not as off-putting as I thought haha! The class trip was... Interesting.

I do appreciate the new spell we were taught and I think I can put it to good use (between my siblings and Sophia, more than likely). Also, how did Duncan end up hurting himself?! I swear...

The rest of my afternoon was spent either duelling or playing Gobstones! I helped a second year Gryffindor learn how to duel and even though she didn't win any matches against me, I think she has a good knack for it. Well, being determined is a good start.

We also played a game of Gobstones together and then she went back to duelling.

Luckily for me, one of Tobias' friends stopped by the Alcove Courtyard so I played a game against him. It was a lot of fun and it seems he is having some issues with Peeves. I'm definitely going to try and help out, if I can. Without breaking any rules of course. We finished just before dinner which is good since I needed a lot of energy for the evening.

First Academics lesson and I'm both nervous and excited!! I hope it goes well! I think the Founder's Frivolity is this evening too, so I hope my younger siblings have fun with that. I'll finish updating before bed! Wish me luck!



Had Academics class this evening after dinner. I have to say, I rather enjoyed the class! I do like Professor Shaydwin and I'm curious about her background... But the class was about Art! Which was fun for a number of reasons.

I found it challenging but also satisfying to create my own art piece about a place around Hogwarts I like to spend time at. I picked my dorm room (specially, mine and Sophia's beds~). I did a mix-media piece so I did paint the background but used textiles and other items to create the other elements.

I even sewed a little mini version of my backpack to stick next to my bed! But it was fun to see Sophia doing her piece and also Jaxen too.

Honestly... I know this is probably terrible to say but I was so surprised that Duncan was in our Academics class? He never seemed like the kind of person to take school seriously. I wanted to talk to him about it but I didn't get a chance. Maybe the next time I run into him I can find a way to bring it up...?

Also, Lucas Mardling sat near me for some reason. I'm sure (and hope) it was a mistake on his part but ugh, I'd rather be as far away from him and Amara as possible. I don't trust either of them very well.

Nothing much else to say! Tomorrow is a Quidditch day so I'll be there... Supporting Sophia and Joshua since it's OUR house playing! We're against Ravenclaw though and they have some insane Chasers. Sophia's got this though, I know we'll win!