So much has happened since I last wrote anything...

Jones and Goldstein got life. I...I don't know how to feel about the verdict. I know a lot of people are angry, but do they really deserve to lose their souls? That's so terribly inhumane, it's lowering us, as a society, to beneath the level they stooped to. There's a difference between justice and fairness though, if you ask me. And since you're my journal, you have no choice in the matter. If you're not careful, I'll start channeling Plato.

Reactions seem pretty polarised. I know Brown doesn't think it was fair; I heard the unholy screams from her office after Barny turned down her article. Doubt he approved the one that printed but still, good on her. So long as nothing happens to Trev, that is. I always liked him.

Speaking of Brown and Trev, we've got some plans for dear Ticky. Pity Parkinson loathes me so, I'm sure she'd have a myriad of masterful ideas. Do we know any other people with plotting prowess? Something to look into, I guess.

Oliver's birthday is Friday. He said it's bad timing, but I have an idea. Must shop on my lunch break tomorrow, see what I can find.

Right. Realised I haven't written anything in here for a bit, and there have been lovely dates and nefarious plots afoot.

Work
- Boxman bollocksed up the article. No surprises there. He may've used accurate quotes, but they were so far out of context it barely mattered. Did hear strange noises coming from his office on Friday, but it's better for my mental health if I don't ask.
- He bailed me up on Thursday to add a gloat to the usual come-on. Lavender Brown turned up, barbs were traded, etc. Now, we suddenly have a nefarious plotting date for Tuesday, seeing if we can't get rid of the git somehow. I think I'll save any "hooray"s until after I've met with Lavender. Wonder if she's as surly over dinner as she is at the office?

Parents
- Had breakfast with Mum and Dad. No real reason for the invite, it seemed, just catching up. Dad showed off his breakfast skills (since he can't cook anything else, not that we tell him this) and let Mum and I catch up a bit. Haven't told them anything about boys beyond that I've seen someone a few times. I thought maybe she'd be a bit wary, but I got the "as long as you're happy, Mandy" spiel.

Oliver
- He took me to Paris last Friday. PARIS!  It was beautiful and...it was Paris! Ended up back at mine eventually, snogging on the couch. I think he's quite fond of that couch, actually. Still, great night, fantastic food, and he looked glorious.
- Owled me early Monday morning (grrrr) with coffee things, so he's forgiven. And Quidditch passes, and an invitation out on Sunday. I feel like maybe I should organise a date? But he's very good at them.
- He took a beating from those Appleby bastards and still managed to win. So proud.
- Took me on a picnic today! With no prior prompting about my love for them. He's some kind of romantic genius, maybe? Gorgeous little spot with a lake, and he rowed us across to the other side. I very nearly swooned. Took off his shirt, not that I minded, to show his bruises. OUCH. Was powerless to resist the urge to kiss them better. Again and again and again.

 Hello, journal of mine.
It's my birthday! 

Most people aren't over the moon about getting older, but life's not too bad at the moment, so I shall simply enjoy the fact that I got presents and a FRONT PAGE article within 48 hours. Yay, me.

Had a good day at work, despite death glares for scooping Potter's first interview - thank you Cormac, your sins are forgiven, and went to Mum & Dad's for dinner. She might nag, but no one roasts a chicken like my mum. They got me