Listen to the music

Does anyone know a good way to get rid of the smell of rotten eggs?

Aside from deodorising charms (not working), scented candles (ditto), throwing spices around the room (also negative). So far these methods have only resulted in spice powder everywhere, almost burning a curtain and a mingling of a lavender scent with the rotten egg smell - which actually seems to make it worse.

Received an hysterical owl from Dad today (the owl wasn't hysterical, the letter was). Seems my vain hope that this would be the one Prophet article he wouldn't read was wrong. Now he's convinced Bart and I are going to get riddled with holes.

I wish there was some way to convince him that we're fine, there isn't any danger and this integration isn't going to cause the world to implode.

Eh. Parents.

Anyone up for trivia at Quaffles?

Open mic tonight at the Serpent's Coil, which is very convenient as it means there's not far to go. Gilly says Usher's Well should perform, which suits me as I had nothing planned for tonight.

So far the world hasn't ended so I reckon the Muggles haven't brought about Armageddon yet.

Dad is apparently stockpiling food though, and he told me to stock up on immunity potions. I guess Bart and I won't be seeing him in Diagon Alley for a bit.

( Nate Oglethorpe )

:::: GAME CHANGE :::::

It was a good ceremony, even though it was a bit odd not being in charge of the filming this time. It was nice to be asked to present an award, but I really hate sticking to a script - which gives me greater admiration for you actors who have to learn all those lines.

Bart - you and the boys did a great set up there. See? It's not so bad once you get up there. Enjoy the after-party?

'The Muggle Life' is wrapping up filming so I'll be around town more, aside from the obligatory family visit where Mum once again tries to throw every available woman of marriagable age at me. Oh goody (he says sarcastically).

Happy Birthday, Cait! And well done on tackling that pitch marauder! Neems is a twit... did he really expect people to sympathise with his 'cause'?

Bart - I saw the announcement and will avidly await 7 September.

I didn't really wish to leave Australia, I still haven't explored the Outback properly, but Mum was rather insistant about me returning to help Dad out with the QUABBLE ball. Since I did promise to assist I could hardly turn down her request - the Outback can wait a little while longer.

Also, with 'Flatmates' renewed for another season I suppose I need to be here to earn my wage.

Sometimes it would be nice to be paid to wander.

London is just the same as ever, I'm away two months and nothing really has changed. Although the posters of the half-naked wet bloke plastered all over Diagon Alley were a surprise - and the three teen girls I watched carefully removing a couple of said posters and also squealing/kissing the posters were hilarious. Perhaps we are in a the grips of a decline in morality?

Bart, congratulations on the Potter Day concert. Sing out if you need any assistance.

( Nathaniel Oglethorpe - call me Nate )

The album has been a success. Apparently the sales are very strong and even without that information, the increase in audience numbers at last night's gig was a sign. Not to mention all the signings. It's really tiring actually and I seem to have picked up a cold as well, but I can't complain about the success when it's what we've all been hoping for...

Hogwarts tomorrow night! We'll be playing some of the numbers from the new album as well as some requests.

Bart, are you going to be joining as to help set up?

Congratulations to Teddy and Victorie. I'm sorry to be so late saying so, but I hope you understand! I hope to visit and see baby Max soon.

Bailey is awake and well, which is a relief. No nasty side-effects.

Now I can be nervous about the release of the album this Wednesday instead! I don't think Gilly has any nails left, she's been biting them for a week. We're all confident about our music, but that doesn't stop the nerves. I suppose that's normal.

For those who don't know, Usher's Well will be playing at the Hogwarts dance this Saturday. Any requests, let me know.

Teddy, mate, I hope you're remembering to breath. I was three days past my due date so really, don't worry that Max hasn't made his arrival yet. Besides, what's the saying about being fashionably late? Victoire, I hope Teddy isn't driving you demented.

Bailey was hurt in the match today. I'll be in St Mungo's, please check on the Hogsview flats for me and let Gilly know I won't make it to rehearsal tonight.

Usher's Well have been busy lately and preparing for the launch of our album. I think it's February 10, I can't find the letter at the moment, it's buried under a pile of books. But either way, it'll be out before Valentine's Day (that rhyme was unintentional) and I'll actually be able to think about other things instead of lyrics 24/7. Not that thinking of lyrics is a bad thing, except when I get writer's block and the Hat of Thinky Thoughts fails me.

Bailey, I'll be there for your game tomorrow.

So what's this about telephones in Hogwarts? My father sent me an owl spluttering about it (Dad spluttering in his letter, not the owl). What he thinks I can do about it, I have no idea. I expect poor Mum is getting a huge vent about the dangers of using Muggle tellyphones.

Great game, Puddlemere!

Dad is beyond happy that I've been going to more Quidditch games, I had to do some fast talking to get out of being dragged into doing work for QUABBLE.

Bart - remember we're required to pop over to help with hanging the decorations this weekend.

Was fun getting behind the camera again the other day, and good to keep my hand in.

( Private to Bailey )

[Warded against Ada and her rabid fans]

Thank Merlin, Ada's single works. It doesn't sound like yowling cats when she's 'speaking' the lyrics and all the added backing vocals and music hides the worst when she is singing. My faith in my own musical skill is vindicated.

[/Ward ends]

No Christmas album from Usher's Well this year, but we are planning one for sometime in February. Gilly's a perfectionist and there's one track that Loren keeps having a hissy fit about - hence the delays. Still it'll be good when it's out. We've got a lot of gigs scheduled until after New Year anyway, so I'm glad we're not killing ourselves trying to get something released before Christmas.

Bailey lass, when's your next game? And have you done your Christmas shopping yet? We likely need to discuss what we're doing over the holiday season as well.

The Three Broomsticks have booked Usher's Well for five pre-Christmas gigs and there are more requests coming in from other venues. Yet another reason to enjoy the holiday season. I know many feel Christmas fatigue, but this is always one of my favourite times of year - there's egg-nog, mistletoe, carols, Christmas trees and Dad's tradition of going out at midnight on Christmas Eve to wassail the old oak tree. Good stuff.

( Private to Bailey )

Ada, I've completed it.

Thank Merlin that's over. I don't think I've felt so sick in my life. Not even after I ate the 'special delicacy' in Brazil. Shrinking and growing played havoc on my wardrobe as well, I have only one good shirt left.

It's a good thing I managed to get to my parents' home before I was too badly affected. Doesn't matter whether you're six or 27, no care is better than a mother's, especially when she makes the best chicken broth known to man, and her curd tarts are to die for. I could have done without the extremely broad hints about how I needed to find a 'nice girl' though. One of these days I'll show up with Ada for a laugh and give her a shock that'll stop all that talk

Teddy, how are you feeling?

Bart, you haven't been infected?

Ada, I'm working on the project we discussed.

Thank Merlin I'm not seventeen anymore.

Colin and Matt, how is Emily doing? Heard any news?

Bart, Dave, I'd like to talk about the play list for the dance. I've set up rehearsals every night this week.

Melting a house is certainly one of the more unique forms of protest I've seen over the years.

Creates a mess though.

I declined taking a camera from the Real Magic people, despite being one of the more qualified people to use it. If they want me to film something then they have to pay for my services.

( Private to Usher's Well and Bart )

Usher's Well will be playing at the Hogwarts Harvest Dance!

Any requests from those attending, speak up! We've got our own music, but if there's some demand for certain songs we can do a few covers.

Band members - there'll be a lot more practice over the next two weeks. Don't plan any excursions.