"What I can't stand the most," Hermione said, sneering slightly at George, "is that they don't understand remorse and think they've done nothing wrong. They even think I'm nagging—and take pride in it." She was only concerned about Harry and Ron, yet Ron seemed to see her concern as nagging.
"Do they really think I'm trying to lecture them? Do they think I'm unreasonable, courting disaster? I'm only worried they should be held accountable." This made Hermione feel deeply wronged; she thought she was being unfairly judged. And yet, those who were the most innocent and most worried—like Ron and the others—had cheerfully taken risks, ultimately growing weary of her constant scolding.
"Ron saying that is terrible. Being cared for by a girl is such a wonderful thing," George immediately switched into gentlemanly mode, his face full of righteous indignation. He lectured Ron on how precious it was to be cared for by a girl and how unreasonable his behavior had been.
Hermione's face turned red. "No, I'm not that good. I should be more understanding—they didn't mean it that way."
George continued, describing Ron's behavior as unforgivable, everyone very angry about it. Hermione felt a bit embarrassed at being praised as considerate, gentle, and understanding. George even began pointing out some of his own flaws so Hermione wouldn't see him as too perfect.
"Ron hurt a girl who cares about him. He will be punished—Madam Weasley will scold him severely, not to mention being caught by Snape. Let him face it." George suddenly changed his mind, thinking about Ron's punishment; he had only said this to comfort Hermione.
"I hadn't thought about it that way before. Now that I think of it, Ron is also a victim." Hermione certainly didn't want Ron to be punished; she worried about him and Harry, fearing she might be too sensitive or too angry.
Because of this concern, she had grown even angrier at Ron's recklessness—but now, knowing he would immediately face strict punishment, she began worrying for both him and Harry.
As she spoke, her fears began to unfold.
The post arrived, and a swarm of owls poured into the hall. They circled above, dropping letters and parcels from midair.
"I wish they could be a bit more orderly—or that there were a reception area," George complained, watching the chaotic flock.
These flying creatures were completely unreliable. Besides being easily intercepted, they dropped feathers and scattered things everywhere. Every time they arrived, George had to be careful, lest he become as foolish and unlucky as they were.
Today's unlucky target was Neville. A large package hit him on the head. At the same time, a gray, hefty owl landed in his bowl, splashing milk and feathers all over him.
"That's Ron's dying owl," Hermione noted, watching the events unfold on the Gryffindor side of the hall.
"See? Ron's about to get punished," George said, winking at Hermione.
Hermione smiled but immediately grew worried for Ron. "He'll be fine, right?" she asked anxiously.
"Being scolded is good for him. Luckily, the school isn't planning to expel him, and Madam Weasley won't throw him out," George said lightly. "Everyone makes mistakes."
Hermione and George watched Ron's dramatic performance with a mix of concern and amusement.
Ron wasn't relaxed at all. Yesterday's pride, yesterday's relief at seeing his owl—it was all gone. He received a sharply worded letter and could already imagine his mother's fury.
"Oh my goodness, this is terrible." He just wanted to find a quiet corner to stitch and repair, thinking that if he ignored the scolding, maybe none of this had actually happened.
But reality was always cruel and unpleasant. He shook his hand, carefully picked up the letter that buzzed and rumbled, and tore it open—only halfway. The explosion knocked him back; the letter burst apart.
"…If you stole the car, I'm not surprised you'd be expelled. When you get back from Hogwarts, you'll see how I deal with you. You probably won't even remember this. Your father and I found the car. How does it feel to have lost it… you… you…"
Madam Weasley's voice, amplified as if by the most terrifying magic, was hundreds of times louder than usual. Tables and chairs trembled slightly in the hall; the booming voice echoed off the stone walls. The entire hall was stunned. What kind of magic was this?
Ron dove under a table, completely invisible.
"Last night, we received a letter from Dumbledore. We were ashamed. We raised you with so much care and never expected you to do such a thing. You and Harry almost died…"
Harry, sitting nearby, was startled by the voice as well.
"…I'm losing my mind! Your father was under examination last night, and this is all your fault. If you're not honest, we'll bring you back!"
The shouting finally ceased. Silence fell over the hall. After a long moment, voices began again.
Hermione watched Harry and Ron standing there, dumbfounded, feeling an unbearable awkwardness. "Madam Weasley is too strict."
"Do you think Ron would dare make such a mistake again?" George tilted his head, indicating Ron's current predicament.
"I think he really wouldn't," Hermione said, worried. "Mr. Weasley will also be scrutinized. He's a good man."
"Don't worry. In Mr. Weasley's department, it's just him and one other senior wizard. The Ministry won't easily find someone better. And he's not exactly diligent about Ministry work anyway," George said softly to reassure her. Secretly, he thought, If Mr. Weasley were ever fired, he'd have to serve me fully.
"Let's hope so." Hermione, unlike George, didn't know the full Weasley family situation. She knew George wouldn't be overwhelmed, which reassured her.
"Are you still angry at Ron?" George redirected the conversation, reminding Hermione of her original concern.
Hermione groaned for a moment and thought. "I'm not angry anymore. He wouldn't dare do it again."
"Yes, exactly," George said admiringly. He hadn't expected this little girl to be so understanding. "You were angry because you cared about them, afraid they'd risk getting hurt. Now they won't, and they've been punished. Reminding them now would only make them resent the punishment."
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