Chapter 89 – Enlightening Hermione
"Ah, this is quite complicated," Hermione said, listening to George. She felt that his reasoning made sense, though she hadn't thought it through so deeply. She just felt that the punishment Harry and Ron received had been a bit too light.
"Think about the relationship between Snape and Harry," George tried, offering an example to help Hermione understand better.
"Harry's father saved Professor Snape's life, so Snape really hates Harry," Hermione said, scratching her head as she recalled things Harry had mentioned.
"But Snape doesn't actually want to hurt Harry. He tries to protect him—on the Quidditch pitch, with the Philosopher's Stone," George guided Hermione to recall these incidents, showing just how unique Snape's relationship with Harry really was.
"But he still hates Harry. He constantly makes Harry's life difficult, and Harry hates him too," Hermione reflected on the complicated, tangled relationship between the two. "He even told Harry's father… his hatred for Harry remains. It's unfair and unbecoming."
"Exactly. You see, people want to protect others. That doesn't mean they have to be friends; sometimes, they can even be enemies," George said, spreading his hands. The relationship between Harry and Snape was complex beyond explanation.
"On the other hand, if someone genuinely wants to help another person, they don't have to be kind and respected all the time," Hermione replied thoughtfully. She was very smart—always knowledgeable and perceptive.
"You're always so clever, like yesterday, when you cared so much for others. You just need to show it a little, and people will understand. But if you keep reminding them, they'll feel mocked," George said gently. He helped Hermione understand that a smart and kind person was often the most vulnerable—they overthink and get hurt easily.
"Ah… so complicated," Hermione shook her head, a little annoyed. "You can't be both sincere and perfectly rule-abiding."
"Have you ever thought about studying less, doing fewer exercises, learning a little less, and still being able to get top marks?" George asked skeptically, then gave an example related to Hermione.
"It's different," Hermione said, surprised at how complicated the issue was.
"Is it really that different? Studying and getting good grades both require time, energy, and practice. Why do you think your friends seem to do it so easily?" George asked seriously.
He strongly opposed people who treated friendship and feelings as one-sided. If you love me, you must accept everything about me. If you're my friend, you must trust me unconditionally. Did that mean kidnapping, murder, or arson was acceptable? Emotions were never one-way, and they were never an excuse for total indulgence.
True feelings required cooperation. One-sided advice could help, but condescending blame could not. Only suggestions that were practical and achievable counted as real guidance.
If Hermione had been able to find a way yesterday to shield Ron from his mother's scolding, he wouldn't have seen her concern as nagging.
But when Hermione could only repeatedly remind them of mistakes, her care eventually became criticism. Ron and Harry disliked this type of concern, and others found it hard to accept. Perhaps only George appreciated it.
"Do you know what happened when Malfoy first met Harry?" George, of course, knew Hermione didn't. The first time Malfoy and Harry met, it was just him and Malfoy's two cronies present.
"I just remember they argued," Hermione frowned, recalling the events. Her memory was excellent; she remembered everything on the train.
"Malfoy wanted to be friends with Harry from the start," George leaned forward, lowering his voice so no one else could hear.
Hermione's eyes widened, her mouth falling open in disbelief. The hatred between Malfoy and Harry was as strong as Snape's—perhaps even stronger—but Malfoy had actually wanted to be friends from the beginning? "How is that possible?"
"Exactly," George said, spreading his hands in disagreement. "This is how annoying people mess things up. Malfoy is a bit irritating. He wanted to make friends, but he doesn't act like a normal person."
"That's exactly how he talks," Hermione murmured, thinking of certain people who always annoyed her, no matter what she did. "Like Snape—he clearly wanted to protect Harry, but we all thought he might kill him."
"Exactly," George said, liking the example too. Snape was a classic annoying case. "Malfoy found Harry in the car, even spied on him in Diagon Alley. But when he said he wanted to be friends, his tone and manners made you want to punch him."
"I can imagine," Hermione said, covering her mouth and chuckling softly. That annoying Malfoy—no matter what good he had—just by being near, you could feel it like contamination. He carried a kind of toxic energy.
"Good intentions aren't enough," George said bluntly. "Even if Malfoy wanted to make friends, he's still irritating. He's trouble, an annoying person. His actions, tone, and mannerisms prove it. His true thoughts and intentions are almost irrelevant."
"Oh… what a terrifying truth," Hermione said, thinking about how complicated and troublesome life could be. She made a mental note: she never wanted to be like Malfoy.
At that moment, Professor McGonagall approached, handing Hermione her timetable. She didn't ask why Hermione had come to Ravenclaw; she simply gave it to her. Good students always earned teachers' favor.
Hermione looked down at the timetable. Soon, she would have Herbology with Hufflepuff.
"Looks like I'd better go. I have Herbology in a bit," Hermione said, hastily grabbing a few sandwiches and washing them down with some milk.
"Focus on class, explore the students' talents, and don't worry about what Harry and Ron do later," George said, winking at her.
"Got it, George," Hermione smiled. She liked that nickname—"Chaser of the little master."
By the time Hermione reunited with Harry and Ron, she got along with them perfectly. Together, they left the castle, crossed the fields, and entered the Herbology greenhouse. Various magical plants grew there, often serving as materials for potion-making classes.
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