Definitely a delightful bit of Malfoy and Snape baiting, that forced "holiday" has done Harry a world of good and methinks Hermione quite likes what she sees. I don't think Ginny's too happy, though - though, she's got no verifiable claim on him, just her fantasies; I suspect she's going to find herself in for a very rude awakening, even before the diary starts to take her over. I wonder if Harry will notice the nature of the diary as soon as he seems it? Oh, it's definitely too bad Harry didn't get to finish saying Voldie's original name, Ginny might have gotten clued in.
I can see this is going to be quite the interesting year for this new Harry. I do wonder how long Ron is going to remain his best friend, given the way he so easily descends into prat-hood.
Author's response
Thanks for noticing the importance of Harry NOT saying the name. Ginny has her little fantasies, and as they are crushed more so than in canon, her good friend tom will comfort her. Ron is Harry's best student male friend, but he has male role models for big brothers and mentors, and is more in tune with Hermione and Luna than with Ron.
"T"