I've not time to write as thoroughly as I'd like, so bulleted notes will have to do. I apparently have a meeting with the team's publicist and a prospective marketing firm that Rose failed to inform me of until just today. Someone wants me to be their 'face' again. We shall see.

*To note; fill in the blanks on my thoughts when there's time.

*Tristan will use multiple woods for my broom. Look up wood properties.

*I also flew another of his brooms, the Macht. Powerful, not terribly fantastic breaking. German.

*Regan is an absolute delight. She plays the cello, loves ballet, riding, the symphony and is not particularly fond of coffee.

*Tristan has allowed me to correspond with her through owl. Have sent her a book of photographs. She responded with a lengthly owl. Extremely amusing, especially the bit about Joscelin's horse, Odin, being an 'antisocial creature.'

*Her mother, also, is absent. Explains a lot. They're all horrid, the

*Not sure if having Joscelin home is a good thing or not. He drops in at all hours. I'm not kidding anyone. I absolutely love having him home, bastard brother that he is.

*Seriously doubt the wisdom of ever having Joscelin and Tristan meeting.

*Have received an invitation to Sir Frederick William IV's ball next Saturday. I've a game so I'll not be able to attend. A shame; he always has fabulous music. Must look into where his musicians are from.

*Visiting Queen Mab and bribing her with sugar cubes will only keep the saucy creature appeased for so long. I need to make time for a ride.

*The Italian Anthony is a horrid date. No passion whatsoever, no ... fire. He should go home before he embarrasses his countrymen further. Alessandro would be scandalized to know his country was represented so terribile.

*While my mind is on passionate men, a visit to El Fuego is in order for the near future. The fly with Tristan did much to sate the burn that seems to live under my skin, drive me, but a tango in a warmer clime sounds fabulous.

*Tristan has exceptional taste in coffee. Must inform Rose to change the office stock, as well as my flat reserves, to Blue Mountain.

*The weather is beginning to change and a trip to Paris is order for the latest fashions. I believe I'll drag Joscelin along.

To note; the first of Tristan's brooms I flew was called the Blue Dragonfly - quick, excellent handling; perfect for a small, agile flier. I still need to give it to Katie to try. It should suit her perfectly though I'm interested to hear what she has to say.

The second of Tristan's brooms was the Black Dragonfly - for a larger flier; fast and powerful with better than average braking charms. Maneuverability leaves much to be desired for what I need as a seeker. Both brooms were excellent flights, however.

Joscelin says I'm picky. I'd like to think of it as highly selective.

Also to note; was interviewed by The Prophet again. I need to have Rose keep an eye out for the article for the archives. Must also have her send a Harpies schedule toNarcissa Malfoy.

Concerning Narcissa, absolutely lovely woman. I find that I'm glad to have made her acquaintance. I do believe I will continue to take the time to continue our association. She's much more thought and cunning behind the society exterior and I find that more than refreshing considering most the female company to be found in our social class.

Though, she did spill a rather large amount of information without much prodding at all. She's also on first name basis with the Minister. Something to keep in mind when speaking to her.

There's a rabid dog about and did learn his name is Vincent Crabbe, though since our conversation I've seen a few fliers with his face and name on them. I need to be sure to have a talk with the girls about staying safe. We've got a long season ahead of us still.

However, if that beast touched a single hair on their heads, I'd dismember him myself. Fuckall that he's a were. Grandmum made sure I knew some terribly wonderful hexes and curses from the Jones Grimoire.

On a more pleasant note, Joscelin is home to stay. And he's a bloody wanker of a man. And I love him to pieces. Bastard.

Also beat the Magpies on Saturday. A particularly long game as it took me absolutely forever to find the snitch, but the girls played fabulously and we're well on our way to being ready for the Falcons.

Met Tristan for tea and business on Sunday afternoon. He brought along his sister, Regan, a young girl attending Beauxbatons, and she's utterly charming. Her thoughts flit about like the waves and the wind she seems to be fond of and she's completely unassuming - a truly rare thing, and I find that I adore her a little for it.

After spending a long afternoon with Tristan and Regan I can't say that much business was accomplished. We never did get to the broom room, though I did enjoy listening to Regan's dancing thoughts concerning the city below. I do believe she was rather fond of my floor to ceiling windows and pool deck. Perhaps Tristan will bring her over some other time.

Looking back, I'm a bit puzzled as to why we didn't get anymore done. I'll have to owl Tristan later about meeting again. I still have to do some test flights for him.

I do believe I'll bring a broom I think he'd like to try himself - the Romanian Dracul 66. It's a broom that Joscelin favored for many years and I was rather fond of myself. Much too large for more than a cruising flight for me, unfortunately. I think he'll like it though.

League starts in a week. I've been pushing the girls hard at practice, but we'll take Thursday and Friday for tactics and team building. I do believe I'll reserve the private room at Gulliver's Glen for a team lunch on Friday. The girls love to get pretty and be together and that will prepare them emotionally and mentally for the game on Saturday.

None of the other captains understand my methods, really. But none of them lead an all women's team either. When I was in school leading Slytherin, I worked with all men - it's very uncommon for women to be on the Slytherin quidditch team, even more uncommon for a woman to lead it.

Leading men is actually much more simple. First gain their acknowledgment as their leader, and then constantly tell them all in just the right words that they are unfit to play the game and that you doubt their abilities. A man's stung ego will go the extra mile.

Women though ... it requires a fine touch. Women don't work for themselves, they work for the person next to them. Build relationships and you've built a team that will work together to make the fortress impenetrable.

It has presented a challenge over the years to make what many consider to be a weak team - all women - into one of the most traditionally successful teams in the league. I'm glad I stayed with the Harpies despite offers from other clubs. The challenge has stretched me into a deeper understanding of people, never a bad thing and useful in many other arenas.

Had the most pleasant surprise this week. The handsome man I met at the Ministry ball, Tristan Bole, is actually a broom designer. Phillipe recommended him for a personal commission and after having talked to him ... it was a very agreeable notion to work with him.

I assented to let him come observe practice on Friday. A sizable example of the favor we spoke of as it's not my custom to let many people into the stadium. Ever.

It was more than refreshing to find that he is as knowledgeable as Phillipe suggested and riding his brooms was ... invigorating. I do believe that Tristan will be able to create my broom.

I've ... I've other things I had wanted to note and remember, but the last thought has completely distracted me.

It's dark out already, but the sky is clear. I'm going for a fly. I still have the broom Tristan gave me for Katie to test ... I'll have to ask him what it's called for my own records, but that is what I want tonight.

I'm restless.

Joscelin was here for a few weeks, longer than normal really, but I loathe all the time the league takes off for the holiday. I miss the competition. Flying is what I love best, but it's like an aphrodisiac to add the game.

As ever, the search continues for my broom. I'm satisfied enough with the Firebolt model I have at the moment, but it has much to be desired. Quality Quidditch didn't have anything remarkable in their new release display either. I'll have to make an excursion to Paris. Phillipe usually has some that I don't see anywhere else.

I ran into Oliver Wood as well. He's a nice heat to him, and very enjoyable to play with. Should make our acquaintance interesting, among other things. We've tentative plans to lunch though we've yet to settle on a date. I'm interested to see how their new chaser is coming along though I know he won't share any details. Good on him, really. He's a puppy, but he learns quickly.

Have gone to a few society events, but I've not heard anymore whispers of what Sebastian mentioned at the Christmas Eve Ball - not even a tell of a lie or evasion in the people I've subtly prodded about it.

We've a new Minister now though and I do believe it best to keep listening to see what comes up. Sebastian is rarely misinformed and things happening within the Ministry right now are very interesting. I wouldn't hurt to keep a thought on political events moving.

Received an invitation to Narcissa Malfoy's birthday celebration. It was a surprise to get the missive as I've never been thought of before for her more exclusive affairs. Many of the people there I see on other occasions, but it's good to have been seen there. It didn't hurt that Narcissa was enjoyable to talk to and I was more than surprised that she seemed to have an appreciation for Quidditch. She mentioned tea together for the future and I do believe I will accept the offer.

As much as enjoyed Narcissa's company, I was unimpressed with her 'son,' Blaise Zambini. Too friendly, too familiar, especially on a first meeting. Makes one wonder what exactly went on in Slytherin the years after I graduated. I suppose that route works on a Hufflepuff, but the echelons of society and power are not composed of Hufflepuffs.

Though...

As much as Blaise made me cast doubts on our House, Tristan Bole was a more than welcome surprise. An attractive man with whom I had a common understanding with on first look, only to be improved upon once we spoke at length. A double-edged sword, indeed. A droplet of blood for every misstep with this one and I find that he only intrigues me more.

I need to owl Joscelin. Bastard hasn't let me know if he arrived at the reserve in one piece yet. I miss him.

I'm getting soppy about it again. It happens every time he leaves and it never fails to irritate me. I need to get my damn broom. My broom. Then I can test the fates properly when I'm cross.

Christmas was quiet, just me and Joscelin. The most entertaining gift to date? - a miniature live set of the Falmouth Quidditch team. Only from Joscelin would this be amusing. Though, the little bug of a Chaser, Larson, had to be put back in the box because he kept flying around my head trash talking. None of that, even from a toy. Joscelin kept letting him out though. Stinging hexes are fabulous reminders that little sisters bite too.

Well, except for the fact that he resorted to tickling me and then pulling me down to snuggle by the hearth. Reminded me of when we were young ... things were never simple, but ... there's something about a big brother's arms that make you feel safe and like nothing bad could ever happen. I don't need that kind of reassurance, but ... it's nice to feel those things, not have to worry about everything yourself for a few minutes.

I love and loath seeing Joscelin so much. Love it because he's one of the only people that can make me happy just by being in the room, but I loath seeing him because it ... hurts every time he leaves.

He's not even leaving for a few weeks and I'm already starting to get mopey about it. No one knows ... it's not safe to show these things to anyone, but I'm at least allowed to feel here.

I need to go flying. Now. The Bulgarian Sliven 2500. Built for a larger seeker - fast, powerful, entirely too much for me.

...

And exactly what I need right now.

Joscelin's coming today.

Joscelin's coming today!!!

I finished the decorations last night. I could have had Lulu come from Tretower and make it nice, but I've always loved doing it myself for him. That way it's just right.

We've a Christmas Eve ball to attend tonight. Sebastian's party. I've always been fond of him and it's been much too long since I've seen him last. Plus, if there's anything at all of interest to know, he knows it.

Oh, and the Puddlemere boy owled me. I thought he might, but really, Germany in the winter? It's cold enough here as is.

Speaking of flying, I need a new broom. The Firebolt I'm on just isn't responsive enough to me when I need it the most. Dives and hard turns are taking more strength and concentration than they should while I'm trying to catch the damn snitch.

I need speed and agility on par with any broom made for a person larger than myself. The brooms designed for women just don't have the power I need and the ones designed specifically toward a male athlete are just a bit too much for me to handle in the heat of things as much as I hate to admit it. I don't want to have to think about what I'm flying at all when I'm out there.

Alas, the search continues. My broom room is gorgeous though, full of all of the best out there. Unfortunately they're only good to me as a pleasure fly.

Must get beautiful now. Have a fabulous red ball gown to wear tonight. Joscelin will probably gloat that I'll be wearing his house colors, but it really is gorgeous and it's the holiday, after all.