SHIP:Hermione's reaction to...

[ohneill_2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 106017

Del wrote:

> I agree. But I doubt that Harry *felt* Hermione's friendship on that
> one. If I remember correctly, he never once acknowledged that 
Hermione
> did the right thing, much less thanked her for caring that much 
about
> him. Since we were originally talking about who was a unwavering
> friend for Harry, I thought it was worth mentioning that on this
> occasion (which lasted several weeks), Harry did *not* feel like
> Hermione had been a good friend (and as far as we know, he still 
feels
> like that). 

Now Cory:

You're right that he never thanked her, and he should have.  I think 
we can agree that Harry is not always the most thoughtful or 
considerate person.  

However, from the text, I think it's clear that deep down, he did 
appreciate what she was doing on that occasion, even if he did not 
express it to her.  The first line of Chapter 12 (right after the 
broom was taken away) is "Harry knew that Hermione had meant well, 
but that didn't stop him from being angry with her."  

Then to Ron, right after he had gotten the Firebolt back from 
McGonnagal: "You know what...we should really make up with Hermione.  
She was only trying to help..."  p. 249, U.S. paperback.

Now granted, I agree that this acknowledgement might seem a little 
hollow, given that it didn't come until after he had gotten the 
Firebolt back, but nonetheless the fact is that he did acknowledge 
it, and I believe that deep down, Harry understood all along that 
Hermione had his best interests at heart.  

--Cory