That ending of chapter nineteen - Harry's outburst at Ron - is really a few steps up in terms of emotional complexity, I thought. Things are not as simple as they used to be, and they're in puberty, alright. I hadn't really realized before that Ron comes down to the common room because he's worried about Harry. Then Harry takes out his frustration on him, even physically attacking him - however minimally - and making that cruel comment about the scar. Though of course, as hurtful as that was and as hurt as Ron clearly is, it does seem to have sped up the reconciliation. Perhaps it was necessary, really hammering the point home of how Harry hasn't asked for his fame and in any case paid a steep price for it.

Of course, Harry is still not the most tactful or thoughtful person, reacting ungraciously to Ron's first attempt at making up even in the euphoria of just having aced the first task. Though once that first cutting comment is made, he can get past it and show his generous side - it does sort of make sense to me. And Ron is sufficiently convinced that he doesn't give up after the poor reception of his first attempt. I'm wondering now if this is really a lasting turning point in Ron's character, the moment where he really comes to terms with the jealousy issue, or as much as one can come to terms with that... we'll see further on how that goes. Hermione's reaction makes a lot more sense to me now than it did at the time I first read it; teenage girls really are a mystery to teenage boys.

Winky is really in a dark place there, having paid the price for something that honestly wasn't her fault, but not allowing herself to appreciate that or to put the blame where it belongs - not entirely, anyway. She still clings to her memory of her master and to defending his reputation, because it's all that still connects her to not only her whole life up to that point, but also her mother and grandmother. Tragic, and no wonder she's going to turn alcoholic. Dobby shows his generous heart in looking after her, even though surely he must know she's not likely to appreciate his efforts much. We discussed analogies with an abused spouse in the relationship between Pettigrew and Voldemort, but there are some aspects of it here too - with Dobby as the third person futilely trying to get Winky to move on. I don't remember if we ever get any indications of romantic feelings on his part, or indeed any romantic feelings between house-elves at all, but it would make sense if we did.

On a totally different topic - and level of depth - Cho does seem to have a soft spot for Harry already. Or else she's just generous and fairminded enough to give him equal support, even though most other Ravenclaws don't. I think Cho kind of gets short shrift in the series, looking not very good all in all because of the mess her relationship with Harry in OotP is, but little things like this show she may well be an awesome gal, and things might've turned out rather differently if not for the trauma of Cedric's death.

Hermione and Krum: the lady doth protest too much? Or not yet?

Mrs. Weasley: I'm not sure if I buy it. Yes, she can be sentimental or at least very emotional, but she's got a talent for and long practice in bullshit-detection, as well. And has cause to be suspicious of anything Skeeter writes. Do her motherly feelings for Harry really override all that? Perhaps...

McGonagall showing her more human side is great, as always.

Fleur Delacour: if one defines courage as the ability to conquer one's fear, she's perhaps the most courageous of the lot, the way Rowling depicts her shaking and trembling.

Hagrid and Olympe: there's something in the air, there, but then we knew that. She does at least encourage him, even if it's not really clear if it genuinely comes from both sides.

Bagman: the man is in serious trouble, but fortunately he's easily distracted by sports and other fancy spectacles, such as the egg-hunting.