A Light in the Dark

I got a visit late last night from Del, Gretta and little Mary... Mary had a really bad headache and kept crying and saying that something was wrong. Del and Gretta couldn't get her to calm down... At one point she was having trouble breathing... When we finally got her to calm down she couldn't tell me what she meant. She finally fell asleep around four this morning... We put her in my bedroom. Del and Gretta got the spare room and I took the fold out couch.

She's sleeping now... Del and Gretta had to go to work and we didn't want her to be moved until she woke up. I'll be working from home today.

I hope she can tell me what's going on... she tired herself out last night. It's nearly noon and she hasn't woken up yet.

So ice skating last weekend was fun. I might do it again soon, but that's not why I'm so excited. Did anyone see the last Quidditch game?! IT WAS BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So Uncle Liam is taking me to the next Puddlemere game... anyone want to come along? We'll be sitting in the box this time! And there's an after party that we'll be going to as well... soooo...anyone?

I submitted the report that Moody had asked for today... It's a project a long-time coming... But because of this, I'm going to do something crazy this weekend to celebrate!!! I am going ice skating!!! And where better to go than Hogwarts Lake!! Anyone want to join me?! For old-time's sake? It'll be fun! I've already gotten the okay for it from the staff!

( Hexed Heavily Private to Members of the Wizarding Underground, Zacharias Smith, Jack Harper and Alistor Moody )

Murder, mayhem and upcoming birthdays. This week just might be my swansong... I have to ask, has anyone been keeping a running total of how many times I've predicted my demise because of a long and tiring week? Jack? Anyone?

One of these days I think this job might kill me. Now that would be ironic... A homicide auror being killed by the job? No. Not ironic. Amusing. That's probably a better word for it.

Now, on to business. This morning I arrived in my office only to find that the photograph of my father and I was missing... I am asking this calmly. I want the person who took it to put it back immediately. I am not joking. Whoever got through the protections in my office, you have made your point. Now give. It. Back.

His birthday is coming up... Jack, did you see Uncle Liam's entry? I would have done it myself but... well he said it all. Never mind.

[Private to self]
Fred's inquiry is going no where. I visited the sites and reviewed the files... nothing. Something really isn't right here. Needless to say, I trust my gut instinct right now. It might help to actually see the body - the photographs are good but... Something's bothering me about this. The only way to get an exumation is to get the family's consent. And I don't think that that would happen...

I need to talk to someone about this. I don't want to bring up old memories but... Have to wonder if they'd be too hurt by my meddling... again.

I can't believe that this happened... this doesn't make any sense!!!! Bloody hell! Why do people keep dying!

The ball was brilliant! Whoever started that conga line is to be congradulated. Now comes the task of Christmas which is in four days. Merlin, these things just always pile up.

We're having a few people over to the manor for Christmas morning... at least I think we are. Jack? Is your family still coming, and anyone else you wanted to bring. I just need to know what plans are going on.

And then on the 26th, of course, it's the Boxing Day Bash...who gave it that name you ask... well according to Uncle Liam it was Grandmother and Grandfather, but I'm not sure I believe him... At any rate, everyone is invited. There is, however, one stipulation. All interpersonal problems are left at the door. This is a fun day! There will be the time for gift exchange if you have gifts that you haven't given to anyone who's there yet.

On behalf of myself and my Uncle Liam, we do hope to see you there.

And on that note, I have to go and finish wrapping presents. I swear, Uncle Liam is the hardest person to find a gift for...
-Shelly