Wednesday December 1 - Library

How does one get drunk on Butter beer? It is completely, utterly ridiculous. There is so little alcohol in butter beer that it hardly lives up to its name at all! Oh, but I did get drunk on it. Perhaps it's because I've never really drunk alcohol before. I do suppose that having ten mugs of the liquid might, perhaps, have impaired my judgment. Yes, dear journal, it was very much impaired.

Do you remember when I swore to never, ever speak to Ronald Weasley again? Do you remember all of those times I have written in here with tear-stained pages because of his hurtful comments? Do you remember how much I vowed to hate him forever?

As much as I loathe him, as little memory of two nights ago as I have, I do know that I found a nice little corner to snog in. With Ron. Oh, I want to just crawl into my bed and hide forever!

I never wanted anyone to find out about Ron and me. I think that it's degrading to show affection in public, and besides that, Ron and I were never really a couple. We were merely two teens exploring hormonal and sexual lust with one whom we trusted. That is all.

If that's it, then why was I so hurt? Here come the tears again.

Everyone saw us, Journal. I am probably being labeled as fast and a whore and-and a tart. My cheeks are flaming at the very notion!

How could he do this to me? I thought, in all those years of friendship, that Ron at least cared about me. However muted his feelings might have been.

. . . But then, I suppose I shouldn't have thought he cared. This year has been one long crazy ride. First, over the summer, Ron and I got together. I spent the last few weeks of my visit all in a Ron-induced daze. Then Harry found out and stopped talking to me. We've had limited conversations since then. At first I was angry with him, but now I'm just miserable all over. This is stupid, really, and my entire fault, too. I'm the smart one. Ron is just one big mess of hormones. He couldn't control himself if he tried. But I can. And I didn't.

Oh, never mind. I know that you tire of me writing the same thing every single boring day. I have nothing else to write about anymore though.

Thursday December 2nd - Girls Dormitory

I spent the whole day with red cheeks. Somehow it leaked out that Ron and I were snogging. A bunch of girls congratulated me. I even saw Ron getting patted on the back several times.

Oh, but the worst possible thing happened. Malfoy found out! He probably has spies or-or something. Something not honest. Well, I'll have you know that I am Head Girl and will have him expelled if I find out what methods he uses.

I'm shutting it now. Mainly because I sound like Ron. There are no conspiracies going on with Malfoy - just blabbermouths at this gossip-hound of a school.

I'll just stick to the facts. It will make me feel more comfortable.

I was sitting at the end of the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall closest to the doors. I usually eat quickly and leave as soon as possible. I was gathering my books together when I heard Malfoy.

"Granger, what a surprise," he said dryly.

I knew what it was that he had come to taunt me with, but I snapped my head up to glare despite my blushing cheeks. "What do you want?" I demanded.

"If you're implying I'd like to take advantage of the services you apparently offer, I will correct you indubitably." Malfoy sneered. "You disgust me."

"We have something in common then," I snapped. I felt anger rising up inside of me. "And in spite of what you may think, I have not become the Gryffindor version of Pansy Parkinson."

"That I don't doubt. Goyle has more going for him than you."

"If that's your cup of tea."

Then Malfoy became angry. His face contorted, and his eyes flashed. "Did Weasley reject you then? Disgusted that he'd been with the likes of you. He may be trash, Granger, but even trash has its standards."

I then swallowed very carefully. I was filled with a mix of anger and hurt. I was hurt because of what he said, and I was angry that I felt hurt. You know that I'm against judging someone by their outward appearance.

"Now that's not true. Look at all of your ex-girlfriends," Ginny said out of nowhere.

I turned to my side to see Harry and Ginny were both glaring at Malfoy. I missed the days when Ron would have punched him before he'd even uttered a word. I suppose it is my fault that everyone is mad at everyone else.

Malfoy smiled at the sight of Ginny and Harry. "Come to protect the Mudblood here?" he snorted and looked around. "Where's the other Weasel? I'm sure he'd enjoy saying some unintelligent things in order to terrify me," he finished mockingly.

"It doesn't take much to insult you, Malfoy," I said coolly, having gotten hold of myself. I picked up my school bag and stepped out of the bench. I was several inches shorter than Malfoy, but I fixed him with my best stare down. When he didn't say anything, I walked out very calmly.

Did I handle it well? I was quite proud of some of the things I said. I suppose I have Ron to thank for that. I have, after all, spent six years of friendship arguing with him. One can't help but become better with that much practice!

It wasn't as bad as I first thought, come to think of it. We didn't even make a scene. Only the people sitting closest to me even noticed.

That is all. Night is already upon me, and I'm too tired to write another word.

Friday December 3rd, Girls Dormitories

That Ron Weasley! I could strangle him. I do suppose some good comes out of him though. Thanks to him, my relationship with Harry is slowly being mended.

He didn't do anything too drastic this time. He sat next to me in the Common Room. Then he glared at me and asked why I'd broken up with him only to turn around and attack him at the Quidditch victory party the other night. I calmly explained to him that it was he, not I, who ended our lack of relationship, and that I remember very well that he was the one who attacked me, not the other way around. I then asked if he needed to have something in his head checked if he was confusing himself with me.

Ron turned bright red and spluttered for a bit. I ignored him, continuing to do my homework. Then he really got at it. He informed me in a barely contained voice that he was glad we were not speaking anymore. I reminded him that we were speaking at that very moment.

"I wish I never started talking to you again in third year!"

He sounded like such a child. I smiled, trying to hide it behind my homework. When I felt ready, I looked up at him and said, "Ron, you are the one who continues to engage in conversation with me. I merely reply out of politeness."

"W-Well," he stuttered. "If that's what you'd like to think."

Then he up and left.

I was relieved and irritated at the same time. He's such a prat. We all are being prats about this whole thing, and I think I'm the only one who notices!

I understand that Harry was angry with Ron and me for not telling him about us sooner. He is acting like a big baby about it though. He hasn't talked to us for months. Never have we fought about something so stupid.

My feelings on Ron's stupidity are quite obvious, I think. I know Ron well, and I think that something else is going on with him. For some reason he blames me for breaking up for our non-relationship when I was quite content where I was.

That is why I must put these words down. They may be quoted upon later when I am a famous witch. Dating one's best friend is one of the imprudent things in the world to do. Not that Ron and I were ever actually dating. In fact, we did little but snog.

Thinking back on it now, I can hardly believe my behavior. I am no tart!

Hmph. Now that this is off my mind, I will continue on what happened in recent events.

Ron walked off, as I explained. I had barely a chance to glance at my paper again when Harry came to sit down across from me. I was quite surprised. "Harry!"

"Hullo, Hermione," he greeted. He glanced towards where Ron had stalked off. "Is he being a git?"

I sighed. "When isn't he?"

"What happened between you two exactly?" Harry ventured, voice quiet.

I shrugged. "I'm not exactly sure." I felt the need to explain my actions to Harry. I did not want him, of all people, to think I was a scarlet woman. "It was a mistake from the beginning, Harry. But I think as a teenage boy, you might be able to understand hormones."

Harry's cheeks turned a dull red. "Yes."

"That is all that was between Ron and me: hormones," I explained. "I think that we just were letting all of our pent up teenage lust with someone whom we trusted."

Harry rubbed the back of his neck. "That's reasonable."

"No, it's not. He turned into a prat about it. He started acting strangely around me for a few days. Then he just up and broke it off - out of nowhere!"

"Ron turned down no strings attached snogging?" Harry asked doubtfully.

I hate admitting that I might not be as clever as I appear. "I don't know," I repeated. "I think . . . I think what really happened was that we were starting to let our emotions tie into things, and that was complicating matters."

Harry nodded slowly.

I remembered something suddenly. "Harry! Don't you have Quidditch practice?"

Harry smacked his forehead. He stood up with a sheepish smile. "I have to go get my broom." He stopped, looked at me hard, then added, "Do you want to come down to the pitch? Ginny wouldn't mind the company. And I'd-I'd like you to be there."

I agreed, of course. I miss my friendship with Harry. I miss the three of us, including the daft Ron.

I had an enjoyable time at the Quidditch pitch too. Harry was practicing quite well. I don't know much about Quidditch though, so my opinion might not matter much. Ginny and I talked as we did our homework. I recognized the glowing look on her face. I can tell she has feelings for Harry again. My instinct tells me that he does too, but he hasn't done a thing to prove this. I suppose I shouldn't jump to conclusions like that.

Saturday December 4th, Library

"You would go to the library on Saturday. Willingly."

I used to hear that every Saturday, and now I miss it.

Sunday December 5th, Common Room

The festivities of Christmas are beginning to show. Hagrid has been cutting down pines as if his life depends on it, and each one gets put up in the Great Hall. There are already about twenty. I visited him this morning while he was cutting. I don't why I did it, but I'm glad I did. I've always felt that Hagrid was more Harry's friend than mine. But he means just as much to me, and I'm sure that he doesn't think badly of me. I had a good visit.

He actually told me a secret. For the ball Dumbledore will enchant the trees to come alive and do a jig for part of the entertainment. I have to admit, the idea of a ball was a bit depressing - especially after Ron acted at the Halloween ball. Honestly, come to think of it, it is rather odd, don't you think? Having two balls.

Oh, dear. I'm starting to think like Ron now, aren't I?

I think it would be safe if I switched to a new topic. How about the weather? That's always safe and not easily misinterpreted.

The weather has been brilliant. I love the sudden incoming of cold. Any day now it will start to snow. I know it's childish, but I can't wait until the first annual snowball fight - started by Fred and George Weasley. It is my last year here at Hogwarts, and I do want to have a good one.

Hmph. It doesn't seem like the first few months have gone very well. Well . . . New Years is only a little less than a month away - it is a time of new beginnings. And my friendship with Harry seems to be mending quite well.

Much better than his and Ron's is. I pondered on this today while taking a walk, and I finally came to an answer as to why Harry wishes to make amends with me and not with Ron. I will say it plainly: Harry feels closer to Ron than to me. This doesn't mean that Harry and I are not close - but, well, you remember in the fourth year. It was Ron whom Harry was closest.

Now, Harry does not open up easily. In fact, he uses all of his will power to keep to himself. When he opens up to someone - such as Ron or me - then he has complete trust in the aforementioned person. When that trust is broken, Harry takes it personally - more personally than would any average person. Harry grew up without love, and now that it is offered to him, he does not take it lightly.

I'm quite sure that Harry has shared more with Ron than he has with me. After all, can you imagine Harry trying to talk about girls with me? I can hardly imagine him talking about girls with Ron.

Therefore, I conclude that Harry feels naturally closer to Ron. With this closeness, the fact that Ron kept something important from him cuts more deeply than my keeping something from him.

That means that Ron and Harry should be making up fairly soon. Within the next two months, I reckon. At least, I hope so. I'd be very displeased if it took another six months for Harry to sort this out. That would mean that Ron is six months closer to Harry.

That certainly took a lot out of me. Dusk is approaching, and all of the Gryffindors are pulling out the homework that they should have done on Friday or even the day it was due. Ron's playing a game of Wizarding chess against another set. I'm feeling in the Christmas spirit, so I think I'll go join him.

Later on Sunday December 5th, Common Room

Not surprisingly, Ron won the game. We had a pleasant time afterwards. He finished his homework already, and we were the only two without something to do.

Neither of us brought up anything that had happened this year. We started reminiscing about past Christmases. Then we shared our favorites from before Hogwarts.

I'm feeling quite light, Journal. Harry seems to have forgiven me, and I had a conversation with Ron where I didn't come crying to you afterwards. The Christmas spirit is getting to us all!

Monday December 6th, Potions

Professor Snape is one of the few human beings I literally loathe. I was partnered with Neville today; therefore if our potion turned out correctly, it should have been perfectly legitimate! Snape did not feel this way. He took fifteen points from Gryffindor for cheating. Argh!

Tuesday December 7th, Common Room

I am irrepressibly bored. Can you believe it - none of the teachers today assigned any homework! What am I supposed to do now?

I think I'm going to write an owl home.

Later on Tuesday December 7th, Common Room

I wrote a long letter home to Mum and dad. I mentioned nothing to do with Ron, though, as you may have expected. What kind of a daughter would I be? I'm already ashamed of my actions as it is.

When I got back to the common room, Neville invited me to play a game of chess. I beat him the first time, and he looked so miserable that I insisted we play again. The second time I let him win. It was quite hard, mind you! Every time I gave him a perfect opportunity to check me, he'd fumble his pieces around someplace else!

Neville, the dear, does get on my nerves. But I know that he can't help it - that's just the way he is. I try to be perfectly nice to him, and I think I'm the only one.

Thursday December 9th, Common Room

I just finished a refreshing amount of homework. Honestly, I just don't understand those that wait until Sunday to do a whole week's worth. It's utter madness.

You know, I used to think that being alone was wonderful. Sometimes Ron and Harry got to be too much: Ron with his stubbornness; Harry with his silence. I craved going to the library and to just sit and read a good book. At least for an hour I would get them out of my hair and be able to spend time with myself.

Now I have too much time to myself. Ironic, really.

Friday December 10th, Girls Dormitories

There is only one more week of school left before Christmas break. I'm trying to decide whether I should go home or stay at Hogwarts. It has become a tradition for me to stay at Hogwarts every year, but it was always different before. Before I had Ron and Harry. Don't worry; I won't tire you with another entry about how I miss the good old days or how I've come to terms or anything else of that nature.

I will, however, say that in sheer brilliancy I have decided to stay at Hogwarts. I am quite sure Harry will at the very least. And if Ginny stays to visit with him, then Ron will most definitely stay to make sure they keep it under wraps. If, indeed, there is anything to keep under wraps, which I highly doubt.

This is a win-win situation. If I stay and it's just Harry, we might be able to bridge the already shrinking gap between us. If I stay and Ron does too, then I'm convinced all three of us will have it out. If I have to force it out of my boys!

Sunday December 12th, Girls Dormitories

I had a most delightful day yesterday. It was a Hogwarts weekend, and Ginny invited me to walk with Harry and her. At first we all three stayed together. Then all of us broke up to find gifts for the others.

I bought Ginny an assortment of Wizard-charmed hair things. Some sparkle or proclaim messages. There's even one that does your hair on its own in whatever style you want! You just say one of the incantations listed in the directions, tap the twisty once with your wand, and it's doing your hair while you have other things to worry about. She has such long, gorgeous hair that I thought she might like it. I'm not really sure though, so I'm a bit nervous.

Finding a gift for Harry was hard. It always is though. I wanted to go beyond the usual book and a handful or two of his favorite sweets. I did, of course, buy enough candy to give everyone a handful - even my dentist parents. I spent a good twenty minutes in Hogsmeade looking for something for Harry, and I didn't find anything. I came up with a brilliant notion though. I bought one of the Quidditch catalogues that the boys adore to pour over. I know nothing about Quidditch, as you know, so I had to find Ginny to ask her what Harry might like.

Ginny looked through the catalogue with me. Then she pointed out a book of spells legal to use when playing professional Quidditch. She smiled shyly and said, "He'll need to learn a few if he wants to make it in the pros."

Last on my list was Ron. I had everyone taken care of but him, and I wasn't even sure if I wanted to get him anything. But six years of friendship can hardly be called nothing - especially since he gave me my first kiss. But I hadn't seen anything all day that he might like.

I traveled lonely through the streets, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the Hogwarts students. Then I saw a shop that I'd never noticed before. It was grungy and small, the equivalent of a Muggle flea market. I figured this was my last chance, so I walked in.

There were piles of junk! It was the most unorganized shop I'd ever been in. I was desperate though, so I began digging through a shelf of Quidditch things. That's when I found it.

"It" happens to be the most exclusively perfect gift for Ronald Weasley. I do not believe in buying others' affections, but this will surely cure what ails our relationship. I can hardly wait to give it to him! Oh, right, I almost forgot to tell you what it was! It's a Snitch autographed by the Seeker of the Chudley Cannons. When I bought it - for a dirt cheap price too - the old man working the register told me that it was from the only game in the past twenty years that the Cannons actually caught the Snitch in. Won't Ron just die when he sees it? I'm sure he could quote the exact day - the exact time and second - that it was caught, so it must mean more to him than it does to me.

I'm bad, aren't I? I have hardly a Knut to my name now. It's all going to be worth it when I see the look on Ron's face though. There are only twelve more days until Christmas Eve!

Monday December 13th, Girl's Dormitories

Ginny asked to borrow my 'CB' player. I was utterly confused. Then she explained to me, and I realized what she was talking about. She's fascinated with the personal CD player I got from Mum and Dad when I got back from Hogwarts last year. I have quite a collection of CD's too. My Grandmum and Granddad gave me a large sum of money when they found out that I have the top marks in my year. Of course, they hardly know what type of school I go to, but they were proud all the same.

After dinner I took Ginny up to my room, and we sat on my bed and listened to CD's all evening. That's right - instead of doing my Potions essay, I had fun. Ron would be so proud.

We were trying to find songs that fit certain people, and we didn't stop laughing the whole time. Ginny decided that the Paula Abdul song 'Opposites Attract' was very Ron and me. She also decided that 'Trouble With Me' by Lucy Woodard described herself. I told her that I didn't get the song. She explained that that was why it described her.

We came up with a few others. The one we chose for Snape was mean, so I won't put it down.

Here are the lyrics to Ron's and my song. Not that he knows it's our song yet. And not that we're together at the moment. Right now I feel so girly that anything could happen!

Opposites Attract

Baby seems we never agree

You like the movies

And I like T.V.

I take things serious

And you take 'em light

I go to bed early

And I party all night

Our friends are sayin'

We ain't gonna last

Cuz I move slowly

And baby I'm fast

I like it quiet

And I love to shout

But when we get together

It just all works out

I take - 2 steps forward

I take - 2 steps back

We come together

Cuz opposites attract

And you know - it ain't fiction

Just a natural fact

We come together

Cuz opposites attract

Who'd a thought we could be lovers

She makes the bed

And he steals the covers

She likes it neat

And he makes a mess

I take it easy

Baby I get obsessed

She's got the money

And he's always broke

I don't like cigarettes

And I like to smoke

Things in common

Just ain't a one

But when we get together

We have nothing but fun

Baby ain't it something

How we lasted this long

You and me

Provin' everyone wrong

Don't think we'll ever

Get our differences patched

Don't really matter

Cuz we're perfectly matched

Isn't that perfectly Ron and me? I'm glad Ginny pointed it out. As soon as Ron and I are speaking again, I'm going to make him listen to this song. Because I like it, I'm going to expect him to hate it in true Ron fashion.

Tuesday December 14th, Common Room

I was wondering . . . Not for the first or last time . . . Why did Ron even decide to break it off with me? Harry brought up a valid point the other day. Ron, turning down a free snog? Ludicrous. But he was right. It all had to end eventually. It's just . . . I didn't want it to, y'know? I was enjoying myself. And I was starting to wonder what it would be like to date him completely - as a boyfriend. I won't even bother denying that I was falling for him.

That's all going to change. I firmly believe that I can do anything I want to, and right now I want to have Ron again.

Wednesday December 15th, Girls Dormitories

You're going to think I'm positively wicked, but I've been having fun all day. Why? Because I've been messing with Ron's mind all day.

It started innocently enough. I bumped my knee against Ron's during breakfast on accident. It affected us both, and we met each others' eyes. That's what inspired my brilliant plan: to disconcert Ron as much as possible. I kept doing it throughout the day: bumping him, smiling at him, winking, the such. It was hilarious! He looked so flustered that by the time we came back to the common room after dinner, he did his homework quickly and rushed up to his room.

Ginny knew what I was up to, and she giggled along with me after Harry'd gone to bed. I must say that I'm quite glad we've mended our friendship. Ginny's the only girl worth talking to. She's much more conscientious than any other girl I know, and she's also a lot of fun to be around.

Thursday December 16th, Common Room

I went to visit Hagrid again. I do enjoy his visits. He may seem naïve and unintelligent at first, but his heart is bigger than Europe, and his humor sparkles like a diamond.

He let me cut a tree down with him. I lectured him the whole time about how cutting down trees is wrong, especially if we're only going to use them for one night. He told me that trees had little to look forward to, and that he imagined we were giving them a nice end to their long life. I couldn't help but laugh.

I saw Ron watching again. He does that a lot, though he thinks we don't notice. I know Hagrid wants to give him a good talking to, as I've told you before. I told Hagrid that I reckoned Ron wasn't as bad as I thought. Hagrid didn't say anything.

I just wanted to jot that down fast. I still have an essay due, after all!

Friday December 17th, Common Room

The Christmas holidays are here - finally! The Christmas Ball is going to be tomorrow night. Most students are leaving on Sunday to spend actual Christmas day with their family. As you already know, I've decided to stay on. Ginny told me that she and Ron are, so that means that we four will be here nearly alone.

The Ball is what everyone is talking about. It sounds like it will be a delightful ordeal, truth be told. I'm going with Neville, as I told you. That, actually, makes me consider whether or not I should go. I went with Neville to the Halloween Ball, and that stemmed Ron's jealousy. What will he say if I go to this one with him too? Eh . . . Let him overreact.

Lavender and Parvati have put sprigs of mistletoe above the entrance into the common room from the hallway. Everyone is taking full advantage of it. It's rather annoying when Lavender does it, because she strives to go through at least three times a day with Seamus. Then they snog for a good minute or two - right there in front of everyone! I may not be a complete prude, but I do believe that public displays of affection are just plain rude.

I wonder what's going to happen for me - for all of us - this Christmas. Wish me luck tomorrow. I'm going to need it if I'm going with Neville, bless his heart.

Saturday December 18th, Girls Dormitories

I just wanted to jot down a quick note before I go to the Ball. I decided not to bother slicking my hair - especially not for Neville. Besides, I think that it's pointless to make myself look beautiful. I'll attract the wrong sort that way. I'd rather think that someone appreciates me for what's inside than what's outside. Oh, hush. I know. I'll tell you about the Ball in my next entry!

Sunday December 19th, Girls Dormitories

I had a nice time last night. My feet are a bit sore from dancing with Neville. I did learn from my mistakes, and I only danced with him three times.

Ginny went with Colin. She said she did it because she was tired of waiting for Harry to ask her. I think she might have waited a few more days, because Harry certainly seemed upset. He sulked in the corner all night, his eyes glued to Ginny. Ginny spent time with her friends in her year, which I think is good for her. She can't just have friends for five years, befriend someone new, and forget all about them! I never see her spend time with them anymore.

I danced with Harry once, when I finally got away from Neville. We chatted for a bit, and I told him that I think it's good that Ginny's talking with her friends. He grumbled something about not caring. I just smiled. It's rather endearing. Sometimes I wonder if Harry is as clueless as I think or if he's just pretending.

Today nearly all of the school left. There are only sixteen in total staying. Ginny, Harry, Ron, Dean, and I are all staying from Gryffindor. Although Dean permanently moved himself in with a seventh year Ravenclaw during Christmas break. He won't be back until the last possible moment, if I know Dean. (Which I don't, truth be told.)

Neville kissed my on the cheek before he left. I resisted the urge to be repulsed. Neville is a nice fellow, but maybe I'm leading him on by being kind to him. I think he thinks we're dating or something. No offense, but my heart belongs to someone else. Perhaps that someone else is an annoying git, but I still love him.

Do I? I was wondering about that today. Do I love Ron? I mean am I in love with Ron. I know that I love him. I'm not so sure. Even if I am in love with him, there's nothing I can do about it. His feelings aren't the same as mine. We were just two teenagers. I, personally, didn't mean to complicate matters with my feelings. At the time, I didn't even know I'd done that. But looking back, I did. What other excuse is there for the way I've acted about Ron in the past few months? Never before did his harsh words hurt me. I always brushed them off before. But suddenly I care what Ron says. I care what he thinks.

Well, Christmas is next Saturday. I just have to put up with a week with no classes. And I'm cooped up with two people I'm currently fighting with. (Well, I think Harry and I have made up. But we were fighting.)

Monday December 20th, Girls Dormitories

I got Harry's present by owl today. I've been flipping through it, and I think I have just about every spell memorized. I know I can't play Quidditch - I can't even learn to fly a broom! - but it's nice to know that I have knowledge about it.

Honestly? I'm just bored out of my mind!

Tuesday December 21st, Common Room

I managed to drag Ron into a game of chess. I was sitting and reading when he came in, presumably from the kitchens. I begged him until he finally started playing to shut me up.

It was rather nice. At first it was awkward. Then we both started to relax and joke around. I laughed more than I have in ages. While I'm complaining about Ron, I forget what a wonderful person he is. If no one can cheer me up, he can always manage to make me laugh.

When the game was over, we called a truce. We both agreed that if we don't talk to each other, we'll go absolutely mad! I didn't mention that I did have the option of Harry and Ginny. I decided that Ron might not appreciate that comment too much. Especially because Harry and Ginny haven't been spending much time in the common room these past two days. They even skip meals sometimes. Even I wonder what they're up to.

Wednesday December 22nd, Common Room

The Houses all engaged in a snowball fight today. I hate snowball fights. At least they've cleaned up a bit since Fred and George left. Back when they were at Hogwarts, snowball fights were just awful.

Nobody really knew who won. We just played from lunch to dinner. We all went into the Great Hall, dripping wet, breathing hard, but with smiles on our faces. The faculty looked like they wished they could have been out there with us.

If you care, Harry and Ginny were present at the fight. I think Ron cared. A great deal. He seemed happier than usual, and he didn't hit me with one snowball. Well . . . Make that he didn't hit me with two. Maybe three. You know what? He just didn't hit me with very many. Less than he ever did before. Oh, I'll stop.

Friday December 24th, Girls Dormitories

It's Christmas Eve, and I'm exhausted. I've stayed up quite late with Ginny. We sat up on her bed until nearly one in the morning! We talked about everything. Ginny has assured me that she's quite positive Ron holds the same feelings of possible love for me. This made me a great deal happier. I can hardly wait until tomorrow morning when he finds the snitch. I'm positive things will be better for all of us.

Ginny said that Harry's still angry with Ron. She said that she asked him why he wasn't mad at me, and he replied that it was because I was the victim. Ginny rolled her eyes at this point. "He's utterly mad," she muttered.

I laughed. "You must enjoy his company though," I hinted, nudging her with my elbow.

Ginny grinned. "Whatever are you going on about?"

"It's just that I've noticed you two haven't spent much time in the common room this past week."

"Oh, that."

"Yes, that."

Ginny shrugged. "We've just been going to different places around the castle. We snuck into Hogsmeade on Tuesday and had a Butter beer at the Three Broomsticks."

"Sounds romantic."

"I wish," Ginny said, laughing. Then she sobered. "I dunno." She scratched the back of her head and looked deep in thought. "D'you think . . .?"

"Yes," I said simply and firmly. Because I do. I do think that Harry has more than friendship on his mind when it comes to Ginny. Sometimes when I looked up in the common room and see him looking at her, I can't help but feel a sting of jealousy. I think Ginny knows it too, but she's insecure.

Maybe I should talk to Harry about this. He'd better not do anything to hurt, Ginny. She cares about him too much. And while I know Harry would never hurt a fly intentionally, he might hurt Ginny without realizing it.

Oh, what am I on about? I'll stop, really. This is my journal, and I should fill you with thoughts about me.

Saturday December 25th, Common Room

Today was lovely. I was woken up by someone barging into my room. Before I knew what was happening, Ron was hugging me. "Thank you," he whispered, squeezing me hard. "It really means a lot to me."

Ron rarely shows emotion, so I felt my heart constricting. I love him dearly; I'm sure of that.

Then he sat on my bed and ate some of the candy he'd gotten while I opened my presents. He bought me a charm bracelet with two charms on it: a book and a wand. The Wizard's versions of charms are ever so much more delightful than Muggle charms. The wand has a little drizzle of sparkly purple magic that shoots out of its tip. The book has little pages and everything. It's adorable.

I told Ron so, and his ears turned cherry red. He offered me a Bertie Bott bean. It wasn't a bad one either - it was apple pie, one of my favorites.

It was then that we both realized how awkward it was to be in the same dormitory, on my bed, at that hour of the morning. I grabbed a chocolate frog to nibble on, and we went down to the common room. Ginny wasn't in her room, and we saw that she was laughing with Harry on one of the couches in the common room.

I felt Ron tense beside me. I shot him a look, and he seemed to calm down. We both sat across from them. I kissed Harry on the cheek in thanks for the book he bought me, and he kissed me on the cheek in return. He said that the spell book was perfect.

Ginny loved her hair kit, and I know that she did by the sparkle in her eyes. And she had her hair up in a lovely, intricate twist. I inspected it, and I'm actually rather jealous. That hair kit seems wonderful. But I was happy that she enjoyed it.

Ron even talked! He told Ginny thank you for her gift to him. Then he started bragging about the snitch! Harry's eyes lit up, and Ron shyly offered to show Harry it. They went up the boys dormitory together.

Ginny and I exchanged a look. We're obviously more mature than the boys, and we're glad that they're finally getting a clue. Then Ginny went to get her hair kit, and she let me put my hair into a lovely braided bun. My hair didn't even look that puffy!

The boys came down about twenty minutes later, and we all went o the Great Hall for breakfast. Every meal we ate today was delicious! Christmas dinner really topped every other year. There were so many different choices that I couldn't begin to name them all.

I forced everyone to go down to the kitchens to thank the House Elves. They went willingly since they're brains were muddled from so much delicious food.

The Elves insisted that we take something with us, so we agreed on a bag of marshmallows and Butter beer.

We spent hours roasting marshmallows and drinking Butter beer. I made sure not to drink too much. I didn't want to get drunk again, after all! (Although I do wonder just how clouded my mind was that night. I don't think it would be very hard for Ron to convince me to kiss him.)

Everyone chatted like we never fought. I was right when I said that Christmas would bring us together.

I love being right.

Monday December 26th, Girls Dormitories

I kissed Ron.

Bold of me, I know. But what else would you expect from Hermione Granger? I kissed him while Harry and Ginny were out. We were coming in from lunch when I noticed we were both under the mistletoe. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him long and hard. He kissed me back of course.

Now I'm going to go back downstairs to snog with Ron again. We're going to our closet. I'm filled with Christmas spirit! And I think I just might have to thank Lavender and Parvati for their ingenious idea of putting mistletoe up.

Wednesday December 28th, Boys Dormitories

I think that I'm officially located here for the rest of break. I spent the night with Ron last night. Not like you're thinking! We only kissed. I told Ginny to keep Harry out of here though, because I know that he has issues with Ron and me together.

I didn't let him touch me. Very much. I don't want to be back where we were before.

Can you imagine! I asked Ron why he broke it off in the first place. He told me it was because he though I wanted to break it off!

That's what happens when boys complicate things.

I've had a nice Christmas, and you can imagine that it's probably going to just get better for me. Don't feel bad if I neglect you for awhile. I'm going to be awfully busy.

* * * * *

Author's Notes: Thank you for all of your lovely reviews! Stay tuned for Ginny's journal next month.