Chapter Five: In Which Gossip Is Encouraged
"Oh, for heaven's sake, you can do better than her," said Hermione. "Ginny's told me all about her, apparently she'll only believe in things as long as there is no proof at all. Well I wouldn't expect anything else from someone whose father runs the Quibbler."
Harry stared at Hermione like she had just grown another head.
"Are you seriously bad-mouthing her behind her back? Who are you and what have you done with Hermione Granger? More importantly, where did you find Polyjuice Potion?" said Harry incredulously.
"Oh, shut it."
"I'm serious. First, you gossip about her behind her back with Ginny, and now you are gossiping with me about her! What's gotten into you lately? This isn't you. . . ."
"I want you to know, Potter," he said in a loud carrying voice, "that it's not only weirdos who support you. I personally believe you —"
"Don't call her a weirdo!" snapped Harry.
"But she is one."
"I am a weirdo too. Many people say so. You believe in me, therefore you are weirdo by association. Is that any way to talk about our community, Macmillan?"
AN: Hermione was never one to support gossip because of her inherent nature and the incident with Rita Skeeter. Now it seems as if she is fine with it as long as it isn't about her. Definitely out of character.
Harry finds Luna relatable — he is currently being called a liar, attention seeker, crazy, and much more. Watch out, people, Harry is going to stand up for oppressed people!