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You know, I think all this blathering on is doing me some good. I think I'm subconsciously dealing with my problems and it's manifesting itself in some sort of vibe I'm putting off that is actually inciting change in those around me.
I guess that didn't make any sense out of context, did it?
Well, see, something phenomenal happened today.
Two things actually.
I have to say the first before my head explodes, it's making me *that* happy.
Hermione kissed me.
Sure, it was on the cheek again. But she's only done that that one other time. And this time I hadn't just been through a life-threatening ordeal. All I'd done was get top marks on an exam she'd helped me study for. The funny thing is, I didn't even need her help studying. I knew that material cold. It was just another one of my brilliant plots to spend more time with Hermione. And whaddya know? It worked. Class ended, she bounded over to me and asked (in that lovely voice of hers) how I'd done and when I told her, she squealed in happiness, proclaiming "Oh, Harry! I'm so proud of you!" And promptly kissed me on the cheek.
Not to brag, but I handled that like one smooth fella. Yeah, I blushed. And stammered a "Uh, thanks, Hermione."
And if that weren't enough, Ron actually showed interest in another girl today. All right, maybe "interest" is too strong a word, but he definitely checked out a 6th year Ravenclaw. Looked her up and down, he did. I can't remember the last time I saw him do that. Fleur in 4th year maybe?
And wonder of wonders, he finally turned off the damn Joy Division. If I had to hear Ian Curtis bemoan how love will tear us apart one more time I was going to start taking hostages. That's fine if you want to drown your sorrows in music, I guess it's better than drowning them in butterbeer, but at least switch it up once in a while or pick something that isn't going to make everyone around you kill themselves as well. I swear to god if I ever have cause for a break-up song it's definitely going to be 'Train in Vain.' There's no beating The Clash. See how I've thought this out? I can wallow in my depression and other people can dance to it. Ron wasn't so thoughtful. But, that's neither here nor there, because it's over now. Thank god.
So, progress has been made. Not much, but some. A kiss and some blessed silence.
And you know what progress calls for, don't you? Everybody say it together now - a plan!
Now I'll be the first to admit, I'm not the most analytical thinker. I do a lot of following my gut. But I can't very well approach this whole 'in love with Hermione/dealing with Ron' thing the same way I do when I dart off after a snitch. So once I realized a plan was in order, I didn't hesitate to spend the rest of the day thinking about it. I sacrificed paying attention in Potions AND Transfiguration, all in the name of love. What can I say? I'm a martyr for the cause. And what have I come up with so far?
Very little.
I've decided my next move is to return one of these cheek kisses to Hermione. The next little thing she does that deserves even the slightest pat on the back, she's getting a kiss from yours truly for. Maybe a hug too. I'll see how she responds to that. There's also this idea I have to try and take her hand when I'm not inebriated. That may be pushing it a little though. I like to have an out in case someone calls me on all this shit.
"She perfected one of the hardest spells we've learned this year! *That's* why I kissed her!" (Yes, yes, exactly that, not because I love her more than Crabbe and Goyle love cake).
Of course, I don't think it would be devastating if it was actually Hermione who called me on it. It would give me an opening to feel out where she stands on this whole issue. If she's like, "Harry! What ARE you doing?!" I'd take that as a bad sign and back off (. . . a little), but if she says, "Harry, I can see you and I are having similar thoughts as of late and I was wondering if I could interest you in a lifelong commitment and some heavy snogging?" Well, that would be a good thing. (A completely implausible thing, but a good thing nonetheless. What are fantasies for if not to get your way?)
I hate to admit it, but I think Hermione's going to be the easy part. It's Ron I'm dreading. The only idea I have where he's concerned is to try and push him in the direction of that Ravenclaw (and obviously to keep him from seeing this upcoming cheek kiss). I'm going to broach the subject of him talking to the Ravenclaw tonight in the dorm and feel out the situation.
I'm just hoping I won't get clocked upside the head for my efforts.
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The bands mentioned - Joy Division and The Clash (and The Buzzcocks in Chapter 1) are definitely worth checking out. I think I remember seeing Daniel Radcliffe say he liked the Buzzcocks (and The Clash too, for that matter) in an interview once, if that gives anyone incentive. Trust me, you'll be glad once you've seen the light that is vintage punk rock.
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