but never did i talk, and talk and talk,

[jake]

I’m supposed to put “stay out” here
or something like that, right?

[jake]

Entry 1

So, this is what it’s like to have a journal. Guess I’ve already messed up, since I didn’t begin with “Dear Diary…” Oh well. I feel kind of silly talking to paper. It’s just like an assignment or something. Paper doesn’t give you eye contact. It doesn’t move, it doesn’t pay attention, but many people believe spewing your inner thoughts onto the page is somehow therapeutic. I guess I can give it a shot. Mum’s usually right about most things, so maybe tracking my days isn’t such a bad idea. Least she picked out a nice color; not some girly pink or royal blue – nothing against blue, but I’ve got enough of that in my eyes. A rich maroon is sophisticated enough without looking too pretentious. Of course, I’m pretty sure she just drifted towards that color because of me being in Gryffindor and all, but it was a nice gesture nonetheless. I still don’t quite understand it, or why she chose now to prompt the hobby (“happy summer,” I guess?), but if my history can help out an ancestor some day or whatever… Journals are a bit contradictory in and of themselves, I’d say. If they’re meant to be private, where you can speak – write – your honest thoughts without fear of anyone ever finding out, then why would you write down what happens to you with the purpose of helping future generations? What do I have to offer to the future, anyway? I’m all for optimism, but this whole thing is ridiculous. Huh. Well Mum, I hope you’re right about this.

[jake]

Entry 2

I had to get up extra early today. Max is definitely more of the early bird type, which I secretly find amusing given his shape and all. Wolves strike me as more keen to the night. But, I suppose it all boils down to preferences. If he likes working in the morning, not much I can do about it anyway. He was nice enough to at least come over here this morning instead of making me go to his house. He said he had to talk to Mum after our session. I didn’t ask anything further from him. He’s always been a man of few words. I don’t understand why. It’s not like he isn’t in the running for one of the most knowledgeable wizards on the planet. How many people out there can be a gifted animagus and fluent in both Occlumens and Legimens? Remarkable. It’s a real fortune Mum’s friends with him, otherwise I doubt I would have ever met him. Today we went over more thought exercises. If I’m going to try and help Jackie out with all of her, mmm, “issues,” I don’t want to screw it up. Max seemed doubtful that I can even perform the procedure well. I don’t know if he’s just trying to use reverse psychology on me or if he really is worried. I would like to think if he thought I was doing something potentially devastating, he would stop me. Then again, he’s more of a “learn from your mistakes” guy. But to risk Jackie’s literal sanity? I’m hoping he’s just playing mind games. (No pun intended.) I’m still not very good, but it’s getting better. If I just keep practicing, I might really be able to help Jackie! I hope so, anyway. She’s terribly disheartened about the entire subject. I don’t know what anyone is suppose to do with her if she tries for another time. I’m just hoping there never is a round two. That’s why I’ve got to keep practicing with Max. Anything to help.