Peter's Journal

I can't get the smell of old food off my hands no matter how many times I wash them.

I want a new job.

I've got this sudden craving for Battenburg cake, but there doesn't seem to be any here. Wonder if I could make some.

Hexed really really private
I've been spending a lot of time with Snape lately, which is something I never thought I'd say. Occlumency isn't as hard as I thought. I think Snape thought it would be harder for me, as well, but I had to do all that mind-clearing stuff when we were learning to do the Animagus transformations. It's basically the same thing. I actually accidentally transformed a couple of times. I don't like Snape rifling through my memories, but I suppose there's no helping that. I'd rather him than that Tom.

I decided to leave the hospital. It wasn't working anyway.

I didn't realise how hard it would be to walk. Maybe I should have practised first like Fabian said.

So... um... I don't recommend coming to the Whizzer any more. Really. I'm the only cook there now, and I'm not any good, because bloody Snape never used to let me do anything when he was in charge. And there aren't many servers there now, and the House Elves aren't really good at that either - they would be if they used magic but they're really stubborn.

New arrivals make me nervous, so I'm lying low for a bit, or as low as I can. School is not quite as fun as it used to be, not that it ever was and I have more work to do than ever and in general, not improving.

House is a mess. No time to sort it out.

Hope I get fired.

So my one friend in this place is gone and I have to look after her rat. Can't remember what Lily named it either.

I think it's FINALLY going away, thank Merlin. My singing was ruddy terrible.

Bad luck chaps. Bet you hoped I'd get one of the really awful ones, didn't you?

Oh... god.

I'm halfway through Before He Could Walk, and...

It's horrible.

Who DOES that? Who - with the knife, and the cauldron, and the thing

I can't

I'm going to throw up. Right now.

Someone tell me this is as bad as it gets.

I am okay at my job, I guess. Mostly because Snape won't let me do anything except chop the occasional vegetable. Suits me - less chance of me being blamed for any major disaster. The new lady (Molly) is nice though.

Got Lily a new rat. It is all right except it keeps me up with all its rustling in the night. And it gives me weird looks.

Haven't been yelled at for at least three days (except by Snape).

Madame Hufflepuff is a good teacher even if I can't understand every third word she says. The Hogwarts curriculum has changed a lot since the 1100s and a lot of the last six years seems to be irrelevant. Even though some of the people in the class are only 16, we are all pretty much in the same boat in that none of us have a clue except Lily who seems to catch on regardless or perhaps it is just enthusiasm.

Still haven't seen James.

I'm confused.

Well, I'm well sick of this.

Anyone else want to come to my house and yell at me? Threaten me? Really, be my guest. Come on by, anytime. I could use a distraction from all this homework.

Come by my place of work and beat me up. Go on. See if I care.

Well, here I am.

My head is killing me. There are probably bone splinters boring their way into my brain. And I look like a splotchy atlas. Under different circumstances it would be the most impressive bruise ever.

People needed worry, you won't see me. I've barely left my room, let alone the house.

So much for seventh year being the best year of my life. I should have known it was all too good to be true.