Excellent news. I have a date, and he is only thirty years older than me. I'm positively thrilled.

Thank Merlin I can hide these scars. They're hideous. Druella's been going on and on about how I won't possibly find a suitable husband now, and she can't bloody stop saying 'I told you so'.

Really, Grandmother? Did you? Because I distinctly recall you mentioning that becoming an Auror under dear Aunt Bellatrix's care would be a positive thing to do, showing a future husband I'm independent and capable.

I'm not complaining, but I will not bother to hide these hideous marks while she is around.

Grandmother bought me a corset. A bloody corset. Have you ever worn a corset? Well, I have, and now I want to hang myself by the strings.

If she weren't so concerned with respectability, I would be out on my own in my own flat and a cat.

Eight days in, and already my dear Muggleborn is all trained. He's quite sweet and smart, and I do enjoy getting to talk to him. It isn't so lonely here anymore.

On the plus side, now that Grandmother is busy with everything, she's stopped bothering me about a husband. I might slide by without having to deal with it for the rest of the year after all.

I do love the smell of a good auction in the morning.

I read a delightful little book this afternoon called The Prince, and it's by a man named Machiavelli. Is there any evidence he was a wizard?

I think I'll head down to the pub tonight. It makes Grandmother's ears turn red, and I haven't had a pleasant drink in ages.

( -Private to Sirius- )

Marrying an old man would be worth getting out of this house. She is driving me mad.

It seems I will be participating in the auction after all.

As much as I don't like the idea of being responsible for another human life, It would be nice to have company every once in a while.

I've been avoiding Grandmother all weekend. She's set me up with this bloke from the Ministry, and he is sixty. Not sixteen, which might be better, but sixty. Over twice my age. No bloody thank you. Besides, he's destitute. Not that money matters, but you have to have something going for you.

I refuse to be sold to the highest bidder when the only people bidding are the likes of this.

Things are utterly mad around here all of the sudden, and don't get me started on the Dementors. Horrid things. But I suppose if they do the job right, so be it. Just don't expect me to get mixed up with them.

( -Private to Sirius- )

Werewolves and vampires are hardly anything to worry about. Say what you want, but werewolves are only dangerous once a month, and vampires are quite easily disposed of if they get too close.

Creatures who need fear to gain power aren't the least bit worth it.

It has been such a boring summer so far. Not that I'm asking for anything hideous to happen, of course, but I certainly wouldn't say no to livening things up a bit, however one wants to do it.