The subject today is chance meetings.

They’re odd things, aren’t they? When you strike up a conversation with a random stranger, usually about something inane and insignificant. Small talk, I believe it’s called. It’s easy enough to do it at dinner parties, if you go to those sort of things. You’re sort of forced into it them -- like being cornered into talking because if you don’t you’ll look like an idiot for just sitting there saying nothing. Or you’ll look like a complete ass, depending on your expression. (Which is worse, I wonder? Being compared to an animal that kicks or bites at random is perhaps a reputation easier to overcome than that of the completely stupid -- though I admit there is probably some advantage to being underestimated. At least, you can never be accused of letting anyone down. It was never expected of you to come through in the first place.) The kind of meeting I am talking about however, is the ones that kind of make you appreciate the human race a little better than you had a few moments prior. Gives you a new perspective on life, so to speak. Let’s you see through the eyes of another person for a brief moment of clarity. Not that any of these things would cross your mind in the moment of such a meeting, of course. That would be strange, would it not? But afterwards, it leaves you thinking. Really thinking. Instead of the mindless drone of absent thoughts about things that have no meaning in the great scheme of things. Like, the state of your shoes or what kind of candy you want to purchase at the time. Those things are still there, still present, but not as prominent. More like afterthoughts, if that makes any sense at all? Maybe I am the only one to look at such things and actually put this much thought into it. It would be the first time I’ve over-analyzed and romanticized something from nothing. Made a mountain from a mole hill. I don’t even know what has me thinking of fortuitous encounters. Well, that’s a lie isn’t it? I don’t normally put so much thought into something unless I’ve experienced it, usually. I’m just too all over the place to contemplate things without having a first hand knowledge. If only I had so much empathy, you know? So I supposed the real subject of this entry is my chance meeting and the subsequent thoughts and opinions formed as a result.

I met a boy today.

That sounds so much more…something than is the truth, oddly. I don’t mean that I met a boy in a sort of story book romance and now I have some unfathomable obsession and/or repulsion. I simply mean that I met someone who happened to be male. (It feels rather strange to be defending myself to a journal that, in essence, is already on my side anyway.) He was…different. But in a good way. Unlike most of the other boys in our year, I didn’t feel the impulse to preen and impress, to try to be someone I’m not. To play off my neuroticism. To be honest, I didn’t feel like such a mad hat in the first place. He was the helpful sort, too. His sister’s have probably made him that way. He reminded me of Eoin more than once -- I guess it’s just that aura of being an older brother that made me compare them. I’m sure that’s probably weird and somehow I wish I could see Eoin now. And Diana and the twins, of course. (Even though they’ve been married a good while now and have children, it still feels weird to think of my brother all grown up.) Anyway, he -- the boy, Frances I should probably call him, I mean -- helped me out with my shoes because I was a doofus and left my wand here in the dorm and we ended up having a good bit of conversation down at The Three Broomsticks. Turns out we’re both staying here over Christmas. At least I’ll have someone to talk to, yeah? Interesting conversation is always a good balm for the bruising boredom of being alone for the holidays, I think. He’s a Ravenclaw though and I’m afraid I might bore him rather quickly. Maybe if I keep him talking he won’t notice my lack of contribution…I’m so conniving, aren’t I? Is it terrible that I really don’t want to be left to my own devices. I find lately that when I am, I end up contemplating my future and worrying myself sick over this summer internship with St. Mungo’s. I know that it isn’t the be all end all, they have a second term that begins in September but if I can get in for the summer I can start early on my healer training. I suppose time is really the only difference -- but I’ve read that early admitted trainees end up with more lucrative careers at the hospital than the typical trainee. I want to help people more than anything else and that desire takes precedence, but I would also like to do well in my chosen profession.

Ah, but I digress and now that I’m back on subject I find that I have nothing more to say. I’m looking forward to the break now -- more than I was before, anyway -- and I suppose that’s a change from my last entry. Put positive energy into the universe and the universe will give nothing but positive things back, right?

For now,
-Emma