Well, I wasn't risking them - I mean, I took your advice and I made sure that Page and I were always in groups and no one could say anything improper. Only Page didn't much care for that. He said he thought I didn't fancy him or I'd have found ways to be alone with him and snog and stuff.

But I think he really just wanted to ask Bell out, because it's been barely a week since he told me he didn't want to see me anymore - like that, anyway - and he was in Madam Puddifoot's with Bell today. Snogging each other's faces off, practically.

It's so unfair. I explained why we couldn't do anything and he took it all wrong anyway. I dunno. I just think they're more trouble than they're worth. Boys, I mean.

Anyway, I probably won't get to marry because of something like love. I guess I'll just have to do what Zabini's mum's done and take lovers once I'm married. Only I shan't get caught like Mrs Rowle!