So how did the questioning with Raz really go? (It would seem others are too busy welcoming Ginny Weasley to ask for more details.)

Any idea what he'll do to him? Teddy, that is. Because I can't imagine he's pleased about the whole thing. And as genial as Raz typically is, he's still not someone to cross.

Anyone catch who started up the "Take to the Sky" chant? We Take To the Sky and Never Say Die! Oi Oi Oi! - if you listen to any of the old Falcons matches from the 1970s, you'll hear it. And Professor Dolohov's definitely got the quidditcher's patter down, which is dead impressive, considering he's never walked the Pitch. Anyway, it all makes me wish I'd been born earlier so I could have seen the Razzer in a real professional match, especially that one against the Tornados when--

Oh, looks like they're putting up the final set of wards. Why do they need stupid Crouch for it I think it'll be starting soon!

I was sorry to hear about Abbott; I didn't know her well but she seemed a good sort, and it's obvious that all of Hufflepuff was fond of her. All who knew her have my condolences.

Really though, I don't know about the rest of you lot but most of us in Slytherin are tired of having to sort through rumours and speculation about what happened. We heard here that it was Macnair or Snape, at first, but then by late last night the news was that Professor Carrow did it, and its because Hannah and Hydra (!?) tried to use Imperius on him for some reason, and he resisted it. I'm not sure how the Razzer ended up in the Transfiguration classroom at all, since it's not in the same corridor as Defence. I guess the Head Boy probably had something to do in the classroom, since he takes Advanced Transfig.

What have the rest of you heard?

I have to say that I think it's mad that a student could die here, of all places, but I guess it's happened before. Isn't that why that girl's ghost haunts the loo?

Hey, I had originally planned to track you down and tell you this in person, but with everything that happened last night it's been pretty impossible. I'm writing this on the way to lunch, so it might be a little messy, sorry.

Yesterday when you lot were all at Hogsmeade, Harry and I went and had a visit with Professor Lestrange in his quarters. We had tea and talked about quidditch and things - that bit isn't really important, though. What's important is that eventually, he got around to talking about his own school days and was showing us pictures of all his mates when he was at Hogwarts, who almost all came together later and started fighting for the Lord Protector's cause. That Snape was in some of the pictures, and the Raz said that he was sort of an outcast at first, because he wasn't pur was sort of peculiar and an embarrassment, but then he really shocked everyone later by turning out a genius at Potions and the Dark Arts. And then the other bloke who was in loads of pictures was Evan Rosier. Mr Rosier's son. He and the Raz were best mates, did you know? I think talking about what happened to Evan made him sad and distracted, and he ended up telling us more than he probably would have normally done.

So get this: Aurors killed Evan, back when both the MLE and the Aurors were all corrupt. And not just any Aurors, but Longbottoms parents. Them and some other one, named Moody.

I just wish there was a way to let everyone know the truth. Then maybe the next time people run across that plodding idiot, they'll think about what his parents have done, and think about how everyone dismissed Snape before it was too late, too.

Lots of people lost friends and family to the MLE during the War. I wonder if any of them know that it might've been Longbottom's parents who did it?

I'm telling you because Mr Rosier's your guardian now, and I know you respect him and I think that you deserve to know. You probably shouldn't tell too many people, though - only the people you trust the very most.

People keep asking in their journals how our holiday is going so I thought I'd best write about it. (No, Blaise, I don't know that chip girl's name, and I don't plan on asking for it.)

This town is a pretty snitch place, and all the cottages (ours, I mean) have views overlooking the water. They're not large, but there's definitely enough room for all of us, and we see each other a whole lot more than we would if we were just pottering about New London. Speaking of New London, it's loads quieter here, very peaceful. Except the people can be fun and boisterous, too. Last night they were all lighting bonfires on the beach and turning the smoke into giant coloured animals. We were watching from the windows until Uncle Razzer said it would be safe to go down and join them. One of the men saw Harry and started turning the smoke in his fire into massive, swooping snakes. It was pretty wicked. The animals turned out to just be a warm-up, too; they used the smoke to tell the whole story of Orpheus, and how he became a seer and star-gazer and used magic to speak with all creatures of the magical world. A collection of harps were charmed to play throughout the whole performance, too. After the show a lot of people left but some lingered behind and told ghost stories around the bonfires. The man who made the smoke snakes told us about the Black Hounds. He said they appear in a flash, out of the mist, and just as fast they vanish. They're supposed to be the manifestation of evil, wicked muggles who still want to bring about misfortune. Some people even say that the Hounds can tear people apart with their claws, and then bury your body where it will never be found again. It might've scared Hydra a little but Harry and I thought it was great. The Razzer said it was a good bit of local colour and that it him reminded him of old stories about the Grim.

We ended up staying up very late, because Hydra had only been there a day and there was lots to talk about. I still can't believe some of the things she told me.

Father and I (and sometimes Harry) have been taking beach walks after breakfast. We've been discussing what's going to happen next year at Hogwarts, mostly--regarding both electives and other matters. It's good. I really thought he might have to go away a lot to do things back in New London, but he hasn't done at all. Mother doesn't seem to want to go out much, though; every time we venture out to explore she finds some reason to stay in. And then Mr Crouch has to keep her company.

Flying along the shore line is amazing. Sometimes if the wind is just right you can feel a bit sea water spray on your face. No one will let us fly out very far over the water, though. If you fly a little ways outside the village there are all sorts of mouldering boat houses and dilapidated cottages where the wizards used to live back when the town was a muggle fishing village. I can't imagine how depressing it would have been to have to hide yourself away on the fringes of some isolated countryside, living in a heap of rubble that's on the verge of collapse. What a dreary life that must be.

Anyway, I think we're having pudding soon so I'd better finish up. Teddy, I've owled off the beach pebbles you've asked for. Four of them.