( Hexed Private to Self )

I hope everyone is observing the solemnity of this day. May all our prayers and wishes go with Matsudaira Umeko-sama into the next realm. She was a great and worthy woman.



[Private to Mei]

How have you been? Things have been a bit busy and worisome since the weekend. Perhaps later this week we can have a proper date? We haven't done that in a while.

Is there anywhere in this school that isn't overrun by dramatic overreaction right now? There is, in fact, still studying to be done, and as focused as I am, even I have trouble reading when there's raucous conversation happening at every table in the library. Illusionary spells can be quite challenging, and Tendo-sensei accepts nothing but perfection. I suppose I will simply stick to the dormitory until everyone decides to return to a normal state of affairs. I trust that will be sooner rather than later. Honestly, the rabid nature of this school is truly troubling at times.

( Private to Akasora-senpai )


( Private to Takatoki )

As usual the Newspaper Club has delivered a very amusing poll. It's funny how students see things, but then again, it does come down to the eye of the beholder, doesn't it?

If anyone asks, I will be brewing flasks of Amorentia in the Potions classroom. I imagine the whole of the female population will be desperately in love with me by lunchtime tomorrow.

The news about Asakura-senpai is quite troubling. One hopes for the best, though I am certain our best and most qualified Aurors have been given the task. I realize the situation in China is dire, but the abduction of a Japanese national is crossing lines.

I have some concern for the professionalism of the Kyoto Courier these days. To label Shojiai Masayoshi as a mere member of the clan when he is in fact the Head Potionsmaster is utterly disrespectful. If the reporter cannot even keep track of the positions of the Council of Elders, I'm not sure how reliable the rest of the report may be. It obviously is fact that the Loyalty Oath is indeed in debate, however. It is most certainly a measure that should be considered very seriously.

Ah, but amidst such sobering news, I hope everyone is managing to find some joy in their holidays.

A break from the ever busy social happenings of school is turning out to be just what the doctor ordered. I've gotten so much done in just one week. It's so much easier to focus on studies when your only distraction is the change of the sun's angle. I've worked so hard that I've actually pulled ahead of my scheduled reading, so I'm looking forward now to taking some time to relax and see friends. I hope everyone else is having a similarly productive holiday.

[Private to A3]

Toki, what time should I arrive tomorrow?

What an embarrassment.

Congratulations to the Inari team. You played very well, and I am ashamed to say that our team was quite clearly unprepared for this match. We will have to train even harder for the next match. Certainly we should be able to show the same power that earned us the Cup last year.

[Private to Mei]

Mei, thank you for the sign. I was definitely happy to see it. I'm sorry I didn't play my best for you this time. Will you still cheer for me at our next game?

By the way, what are your plans for the summer break?

Finally, Amaterasu's first Quidditch match of the year is upon us. It seems rather poor planning that it takes place at the same time as the end of term tests, but I suppose we'll simply have to make due. I imagine I won't have much free time between practices and studying. Luckily Potions won't take up much time, so I can focus on my Ritual Casting work.

Let's hope we can finish up the term with no more mishaps.

[Private to Mei]

So how about that lunch now that things have settled back down?

Like I said, karma cannot be ignored, can it? Perhaps there was a point to this madness after all.

[Private to Mei]

I'm sorry. Through all this chaos, I have been remiss in my manners. Thank you for the lovely evening Monday. Have you faired well in this mixed-up magic mess?

Is it just me, or are we having an awful lot of trouble this year with wayward magic? It is truly getting old. I can only hope that people are not taking undue advantage of their situations. We all know how karma works, after all.

[Added later]

WHERE IS MY BROOM?

[Private to A3]

Perhaps this goes without saying, but I will not be doing much socializing until this thing is figured out. However, I am at your disposal if you need me.

Toki, do not do anything rash. If you are in need of love advice, please speak to me first.

[Private to Rie-san]

Rie-san, may I speak to you about something?

Well, the teachers certainly don't let up just because another festival is upon us. There is quite a lot of material on protective wards. It was merciful of Tendo-sensei to limit the essay to the ones on Genkan Gakuen, although those alone are quite extensive. Ah well. Better to get it done early so I can focus on more enjoyable things, such as Tanabata.

Na-san, please let me know what assistance I can give for the study groups you have planned this week. I plan to get in some extra Quidditch practice as well, but I'm certain I'll have time to help.

Also, Ming-san, I assume our training schedule is as usual?

[Private to Mei]

Do you have a viewing partner for the Tanabata hanabi, Mei?

[Private to Toki]

Tokidoki, do you have any particular plans for the festival?

[Private to Xiang Jing]

I have a question to ask of you, Xiang-senpai, if you are willing to hear it.

It seems to me this journal system has some serious flaws. I would like to propose that some rule be made that those who wish to post obnoxious things that would quite possibly annoy other students be made to do so in a privately hexed entry to those who are actually interested. After all, there's no need to pollute an efficient communication system with nonsense.

I am very interested to see how this weekend's Quidditch match plays out. It's quite a boon to be able to study a couple of the teams before we ourselves have to play.

[Private to Yu-kun]

What are your plans today?

Honestly, I am not remotely surprised. Ah well.

( Hexed Private to Team 3 )

( Hexed Private to Mei )

Congratulations once again to both the Hojo and Taira clans. The wedding was spectacular. I greatly enjoyed it, as did my family. As was expressed at the ceremony, the Shojiai clan humbly imparts their best wishes for all members of your illustrious clans.

Alas, it is back to the grindstone. I'm finding the bonsai shaping introduction very intriguing; the connection of branch shape to magical property could have many interesting implications. Potions, as usual, is a disappointment. Asclepius's Antidote, really? I was doing that when I was 6 years old. I suppose I will have to rely on independent study for anything of real value in this area.

Also, I must request that nobody further approach me about events that happened during that strange magic mix-up. I am a man of my word, and as such, find provocations to break that word supremely annoying.

[Hexed Private to Misato]

Misato-san, I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a favor to ask.

[Hexed Private to Mei]

Mei, I was wondering if I could ask you a question.

Susanoo is the House that the samurai class of old called home, or so the stories go. "For honor" is the motto, is it not? How far they have fallen from the values their predecessors held. Men no longer fight their own battles, low blows are celebrated, and those in leadership positions encourage their kohai to play such tricks.

Hmm. "For honor," indeed.

I am not at all pleased with these shenanigans. If anyone needs me, I will be working on an antidote.

I would also appreciate if all questions to me are kept at a minimum, if they are even necessary at all. If you annoy me, I will not share any breakthroughs I make on this with you. Just so we are clear.

[Hexed private to A3]

I'll be making the potion in the morning. It will be ready in plenty of time. How will it be delivered?

Class leader, please remove that eyesore from the dining hall. Glitter is falling in my soup.

I had quite the enjoyable break, though I can't say I'm all too pleased to be back in the humdrum of schoolwork. Potions is a joke, per usual. When will Ishida-sensei actually consider challenging us? Gods forbid his incompetence actually be proven.

Quidditch is fast approaching. I'm looking forward to tryouts. All you underclassmen had best be preparing; Amaterasu will accept no slackers.

This mixer sounds like good fun. Sasuga* Misato-san, coming up with such an idea.





*: as expected of