Words have consequences

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 150456

> >>Betsy Hp: 
> > Forcing Draco out of their compartment would have been one 
> > option.  Threatening him if he refused to leave was another.

> >>Alla:
> Okay, so you would allow Gryffindors to use SOME kind of physical 
> force against Draco? Because "forcing" means forcing physically,   
> no, since Draco did not leave when Harry told him to get out.

Betsy Hp:
Sure.  Though I think Harry could have intimidated Draco into 
leaving by merely standing up and drawing his wand, especially if 
Ron and Hermione followed his lead.  I don't recall Draco ever 
willingly taking part in a physical fight up to this point, and I 
doubt he was ready to start then.

> >>Alla: 
> Don't you see how subjective it is? Not only Gryffs are in no     
> shape to listen to Draco threats, they cannot make Draco leave by 
> words, because he does not erm... leaves.

Betsy Hp:
I agree.  I think Draco was prepared for a war of words, and he'd 
have stuck around for that.  Once wands were drawn though, I'm 
betting he'd have left. If he'd been given the chance.

> >>Alla: 
> Let me just say again. I don't consider what Gryffs did to be some 
> sort of justice against Draco. I just consider it a reaction. Not 
> a perfect reaction maybe, but perfectly justifiable. Moreover,     
> after rereading the scene, I don't see that Gryffs had much choice 
> to react differently, unless of course they wanted to subject 
> themselves to continue listening to Draco's monstrocities.

Betsy Hp:
I can understand why Harry and his friends reacted the way they 
did.  (I think I've said as much upthread.)  And, once their side of 
the story was heard, I'd imagine any authority figure would let them 
off rather lightly.  It doesn't change the fact, however, that Draco 
was the victim of their attack.

> >>Alla:
> <snip> 
> So, thank you for your answer, I am just still not quite clear as 
> to how "forcing Draco out" helps Gryffindors to keep high moral    
> ground, but hexing him ( independently from each other if I may ) 
> does not.
> <snip>

Betsy Hp:
I suppose it goes back to your original question.  Forcing Draco out 
of the compartment, either physically (pushing or shoving him out) 
or threats (drawing a wand) does not make Draco a victim.  By 
attacking without warning, Harry and his friends made Draco and 
Crabbe and Goyle into victims.  That's how moral high ground is lost.

Betsy Hp