Chapter 93: A Heart-to-Heart
Chapter 93: A Heart-to-Heart
After a practice session, Harry tentatively approached Michael and whispered about what they should do if Ron wanted to join the SSC. Would Wood agree?
Lately, whenever Harry studied and trained at the umbrella shop, he felt happy and fulfilled, even when injured. But as soon as he returned to the dormitory, that happiness seemed to deflate like a pricked balloon, vanishing swiftly.
Ron hadn't spoken to him in over half a month and often pretended not to see him. During classes, Ron sat with Seamus or Dean, the other two boys in the dormitory, instead of Harry. The two friends, once inseparable, had drifted apart.
While Harry enjoyed the SSC, he missed the times he and Ron would skip classes together, play Wizard Chess, and complain about the excessive amount of homework. Ron was the first friend he made after entering the magical world, and Harry cherished this friendship.
He thought that if Ron joined the SSC, perhaps they could go back to how they used to be.
Michael inquired further, and upon learning the situation, mentally wrote Ron off. Once again, he marveled at his own foresight.
"Harry," Michael said thoughtfully, "I understand that you want to make up with your friend. But have you ever considered that friendship is a two-way street? Can he accept your shortcomings as you tolerate his temper?"
Harry hesitated before replying, "I... I did promise to ask about Ron, but I broke my word..."
"That's another issue, Harry," Michael said slowly. "I believe that if someone wants to join an established group, they should take the initiative to demonstrate their abilities and willingness to be a part of it. They should earn everyone's recognition through sincerity, effort, or talent, rather than having their friends speak for them. It puts both of us in a difficult position."
Looking into Harry's eyes, he continued, "First, there's you—I suspect these thoughts have been weighing on your mind for a while, causing you anxiety and worry as you struggle with how to bring it up and fear potential rejection. Then, there's us—if someone doesn't like Ron Weasley, they would be put in a tough spot, wondering whether to reject him and risk appearing petty, or tolerate him for the sake of our friendship."
Initially, when Hermione wanted Harry to join, Michael had wanted to say something similar. However, Wood's words had convinced him otherwise—after all, Harry Potter's parents had died in the war, so their orphan deserved special treatment. Hermione's motherly affection for Harry was understandable.
These Gryffindors, once they set their hearts on someone, became passionately devoted. But Michael couldn't tolerate them constantly pulling people into their circle. If they let Ron in, would they expect Seamus and Dean to join next? And before long, would they want all the other Gryffindors to become members too?
Michael didn't say this directly, but his disapproval was clear. Finally, he added, "Weasley has turned a problem that is his alone into an issue between us. And what has he been doing during this time? Giving you the silent treatment. Harry, if a friend is willing to sever ties over such a minor matter, do they truly value your friendship?"
"Or perhaps he's certain that no matter how he treats you, you'll always be the one to reach out and make amends?"
Harry fell silent, deep in thought.
...
Back in the Ravenclaw common room, Michael mentioned this matter to Wood and asked, "Do you know what Harry Potter's life was like before he came to school?"
"I heard he grew up with Muggle relatives." Wood said; this was common knowledge.
Michael sighed. "His relatives probably didn't teach him properly... Harry might not have had any friends before."
"How do you know?" Padma asked, leaning in. "He seems nice! Surely he had friends?"
Even though wizards tended to be reclusive, Padma and her friends knew that Muggle children often formed large groups. During the holidays, they occasionally played with the children from the nearby villages.
"He seems a bit meek when it comes to dealing with friends." Michael said, puzzled. "Even though his parents are gone, he's still the 'Boy-Who-Lived'! Why is he like this? I thought Harry Potter would be prouder, or even arrogant like Malfoy!"
"Muggles probably can't understand the significance of the 'Boy-Who-Lived'. To them, Harry is probably just a burden left by his relatives," Wood said, flipping through a book.
Padma listened absentmindedly, murmuring, "No wonder..."
"What?" Michael asked.
"Didn't you notice?" Padma said. "Harry Potter's clothes under his robe are always a bit ill-fitting... I thought it was some Muggle fashion trend."
The two whispered their speculations while Wood turned another page, silent.
In his impression, Harry Potter had been abused by his aunt's family when he was young, but as he grew up, the relationship between them seemed to have improved? He wasn't sure if this impression was from the original plot or a fanfiction interpretation.
Recently, Wood had also noticed a strange sign—Harry had suddenly become enthusiastic towards Professor Quirrell, always offering him an encouraging smile when they met, and even actively answering questions in Dark Magic Defense class. Hermione couldn't openly stop him and could only watch helplessly.
Harry's actions made countless people nervous. Snape lurked around Harry more frequently, making Harry think that Snape was stalking him to catch him doing something wrong and send him to detention. This worry even caused Harry to miss two SSC trainings.
On this day, during the SSC training, Neville, whose wand had been knocked out of his hand again, seemed to be greatly discouraged and dazed, worrying everyone. Wood gestured for the others to continue training and walked over to pat Neville's shoulder. "Do you want to talk?"
Neville nodded quietly.
The two sat down on a nearby sofa. Wood didn't speak immediately but poured a glass of water and drank slowly.
Neville remained silent for a long time before asking, "Wood, my disarming spell movement is correct, and the incantation is correct, right?"
"Yes, you're almost as standard as Hermione," Wood affirmed, feeling puzzled.
"But I still keep failing..."
Neville hung his head, his fingers fiddling with the cracks in the table, as if he found it hard to voice his thoughts.
"...Is it because I'm too stupid?" he asked softly.
"I don't think you're stupid. You did well in Herbology class, didn't you?" Wood said. "The reason you haven't mastered the Disarming Charm yet might be because you lack confidence. If you doubt your magic, it won't respond well to you."
"So..." Neville hesitated for a long time before finally asking, "It has nothing to do with my wand, right?"
(End of Chapter)
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