FicWad

That was a very interesting and informative chapter, though appropriately slow in action. I did appreciate the nibblets of back story you dropped and I'm looking forward to more.

The picnic was a nice touch, putting both of them on neutral ground and letting them get to know each other without other influences. I find it interesting that Daphne's early history left her almost as alone as Harry was and I can see how that point helps them connect with each other. I can see them definitely being friends after all this and the potential for something more to develop is there, though I don't expect it to be esp. rapid since both have lots of defenses they have to let the other through.

It's obvious that Harry understands and supports the difficult choices that Ron & Hermione have had to make; it's got to be difficult for him not to have them around, but he seems to be coping (wonder how Ron feels when he sees Neville in the role he used to have?). In the same circumstances, I think I'd respond much the same as Harry has here.

The second date sounds like it should be interesting. That's a nice mini-cliffie you left us with and I'm looking forward to seeing what pleasant surprise(s) Harry has in store for Daphne.

It sounds like the nickname another author's fanfic gave Ron works here for Ginny, the "Ginger whinger". Mehtinks that her reaction to Harry with Daphne should be quite colorful, indeed. As should, when it happens, her reaction to Harry's formal and oh-so-exquisitely polite turndown of the contract.

I suspect Harry, and Neville, have managed to score some major points with the girls at Hogwarts by making certain that their pictures are carefully returned without being scrutinized by anyone else. That's a level of politeness and concern not all guys that age would show.