The Kiss

[Susan McGee]

No: HPFGUIDX 7365

For the record, I don't believe that Harry and Hermione will ever
have a romantic relationship, and that Hermione and Ron will. However,
I'm only a shipper of caviar, not any other kind of shipper.

Hermione is the quintessential adolescent girl who is far more 
emotionally mature than the boys her age. Harry is her friend.
(Harry to Victor Krum...That's because we're FRIENDS. She's NOT my 
girlfriend. CLEARly indicating to her AND to Molly Weasley that he 
has no interest in Hermione except as his FRIEND)

Harry's just been through an unbelievably traumatic experience. Lord 
Voldemort -- he who must not be named -- has taken his blood in an 
obscene black magic ritual to restore his body. He has seen Cedric 
murdered. He has seen his parents' ghosts, and has communicated with 
him. A trusted teacher turns out to be the enemy. He has seen Albus 
Dumbledore's true nature. Snape has been revealed to be on his side.

In the U.S. Hermione might have said "Harry, I love you. Take care of 
yourself." without one ounce of anything but love and friendship.

An aeon ago, when I was 14, it was highly significant when a boy put 
his arm around you. BUT, a kiss on the cheek was the sign of 
affection, not passion.

Susan