Twelve Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches
2. Be aware. Be up on current events and learn the difference between feelings, emotions, and thoughts.
Witches are sensitive beings, right? They tend to think matters through and they have opinions on the things happening around them. This means that they're attracted to men who are as smart – or smarter – than them, men who have keen insight and a perception that will allow them to have intelligent conversations. Your knowledge of worldly matters will surely demonstrate your aptitude – and this means more than cracking open the Quidditch section of the Daily Prophet.
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Ronald's Tip: Don't allow Quidditch to absorb all your time.
Wednesday, March 1999
"Season tickets!" I crowed, ripping the wrapping off of Oliver's present. "Season tickets for the Cannons!"
"He figured you'd like it," Ginny said dryly. She and Harry had stopped by to deliver the presents and say happy birthday.
"First match next week," I said excitedly to Harry and Ginny, showing them the calendar. "Look at that. There's at least two each month until October!"
Ginny grinned. "They're going to kick some arse this year, now that Oliver's signed on with them."
Harry nodded. "I've heard they actually have a chance of winning this time."
"Over a century," I said, shaking my head as I flipped the tickets over and over in my hand, still marveling at them. "Last time they won the league was in 1892, back when – "
"Back when Aaron Corker was Chaser and Dack Rory was manager, we know," Hermione said, rolling her eyes. Harry and Ginny looked mildly impressed, but she just shook her head. "It's the only thing he talks about when the season starts."
"It was a brilliant team!" I said indignantly.
Harry laughed and put his arm around Ginny's shoulders. "Well, I won't say they don't have a good team this year," he said, "but I'm still rooting for the Harpies."
"So long as you don't go for the Tornados, I'm happy," I said, nudging Hermione in the ribs.
"Anyway, we're both free for the second match three weeks from now," Harry was saying. "We were planning on going with Dean and Seamus, so if you want to come with us…"
"Excellent!" I said, clapping Harry on the back. "Thursday, right? We'll be there!"
"I can't go," Hermione said flatly.
I turned on her incredulously, my jaw hanging open.
"Things don't just revolve around Quidditch, Ronald," she said sternly. "Just because you don't have anything to do doesn't mean everyone else is free."
"Come on, Hermione!" I said exasperatedly. "You've got meetings the whole week after, so think of it as a day off!"
Hermione had adamantly set her jaw. "I can't," she said stubbornly. "I've got so many papers to file and reports to finish, and I have to get the crime files organized and submit it to Corwin Knickle by that following Tuesday, and I just can't. Maybe people like you who just go to Auror training every day for three hours wouldn't understand."
"Hey!" Harry protested.
I had fallen meekly to that tone of mixed accusation and finality many times before, but this wouldn't be one of them.
"Well, your loss, then," I said off-handedly, sliding my hands in my pockets. "I, for one, heard that Kingsley was going to the first couple matches with the French and Spanish Ministers, seeing as they both like the Cannons. They're apparently going to be discussing the new international security policy. Would've been great for you, I suppose, but since the rest of us don't know politics we'll just have to ask for their autographs." I turned to Harry and Ginny. "Isn't that right?"
They both nodded, their eyes laughing uproariously at the look Hermione was giving me.
"How do you know that?" she said dubiously.
I waved my hand airily. "Oh, I read it in the paper yesterday," I said smugly. "Evening edition. And I heard Kingsley talking about it with Mad-Eye and Tonks in the office the other day."
Hermione raised an eyebrow, but she seemed to be reconsidering her plans. I knew I'd won this time, though, especially with Harry and Ginny backing me up.
"Well, all right then," she conceded. "I suppose it's a good opportunity."
"See? I do know more than Quidditch," I said.
"Do you two want to stay for tea?" Hermione asked, ignoring my comment.
"We actually have to get going," Harry said apologetically. "I promised I'd meet Neville at Hogsmeade by three."
"And Fred wants me to help out for a bit at the shop," Ginny said. "We're still on for Saturday though, right Hermione?"
Hermione nodded as she opened the door for them. "Yes. Outside Flourish and Blotts."
"All right. We'll see you later then!" They waved before Disapparating from the doorstep.
"Well?" I demanded as soon as she'd closed the door. "Weren't you impressed?"
"Yes, Ronald," Hermione said with a sigh, but she was smiling. "Terribly impressed."
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