A Different Path

by Michael in Arizona

When Harry supports Hermione after Ron is an asshole to her in POA despite literally having NO right to be angry at or upset with her, it leads Harry and the world down a different road. Always remember that Hagrid was right on the money with his correct perspective that Ron should value his friend more than rats. FRIENDS SHOULD ALWAYS BE VALUED ABOVE PETS! NO EXCEPTIONS!

1. Supporting Hermione

Harry Potter couldn't believe what he'd just seen and heard.

Ron Weasley had just been a COMPLETE asshole to Hermione Granger.

Sure, there had been incidents before, but this was inexcusable.

Ron had just meanly shaken bedsheets in Hermione's face and yelled at her at the top of his lungs in one of the most public settings of Hogwarts, the Gryffindor Common Room.

"That's it," Harry told Ron firmly, "I've had enough of you and your act. Unless and until you apologize to Hermione for shaking sheets in her face and yelling at her in front of the whole common room, you are no longer a friend of mine."

"I was your first ever friend and you're siding with her?" spat Ron.

"Yes, I am," replied Harry fiercely, "Until you learn how to respect people's feelings and treat people properly, I don't want you as a friend."

"Piss off!" snarled Ron as he walked away.

Harry now turned to Hermione.

"Hermione, would you please come up to my dorm for a few minutes?" requested Harry.

Clearly understanding that Harry was supporting her, Hermione followed Harry up the staircase.

Harry sat down on his own bed and Hermione sat down on Ron's bed and they faced each other.

"Hermione, I'm really sorry about the way Ron just treated you. It's completely unacceptable behavior to shake materials in someone's face or yell at someone in such a public setting."

"Thank you for your support, Harry," said Hermione, "Can I make a request?"

"Sure," answered Harry simply.

"You may have forgotten about it after our disagreement over the Firebolt, but we promised to help Hagrid with Buckbeak's trial."

Harry felt a nasty pang of guilt. He had indeed promised to help with Buckbeak's trial and his argument with Hermione over the Firebolt had driven it out of his mind.

His guilt must have shown on his face because Hermione said quickly, "It's not too late Harry."

"Your request to me is that I assist you in helping find information for Buckbeak's trial?" guessed Harry.

"That is correct, Harry," said Hermione.

"Of course, I will, it's something I should have been doing all along," said Harry matter of factly.

"I know you have Quidditch this weekend, so maybe you can start helping me on Monday?" suggested Hermione.

"Fair enough" replied Harry.

Come Monday. Harry got up a couple of hours before breakfast to do some reading for Buckbeak's trial.

And in one book, he came across a piece of information that would alter his fate, and the world's, forever.