After a training session, Harry hesitantly whispered to Michael, asking what Ron would need to do if he also wanted to join the SSC, and if Wade would agree.
Lately, every time Harry trained and studied at the Umbrella House, he felt incredibly happy, even feeling a sense of accomplishment when he got injured. But as soon as he returned to the dormitory, that happiness would deflate like a punctured balloon, quickly vanishing.
Ron hadn't spoken to him for over half a month. Sometimes, he'd pretend not to see Harry, and during classes, Ron would always go sit with Seamus or Dean (the other two boys in the dormitory). They were no longer inseparable.
Even though the SSC was great, Harry missed the times he and Ron used to slack off together, play Wizard Chess, and complain about too much homework and difficult lessons. Ron was his first friend since entering the magical world, and Harry cherished their friendship.
He thought that if Ron could also join the SSC, they might be able to go back to how things were.
Michael asked a few more questions, and after learning what was going on, he mentally crossed Ron off his list and once again marveled at his own foresight.
Michael thought for a moment and said, "Harry, I understand you want to reconcile with your friend. But have you ever considered—that friendship requires effort from both sides? You tolerate his temper, but has he understood your difficulties?"
Harry paused, then said, "I... I did promise to ask Ron before, but I went back on my word..."
"That's another issue, Harry," Michael said slowly. "I believe that if someone wants to join an established group, they should actively demonstrate their abilities and willingness, earning recognition through sincerity, effort, or talent, rather than having their friend plead for them—that puts both of us in a difficult position."
He looked into Harry's eyes and said, "First, it's you—I guess these words have been weighing on your mind for a long time, making you constantly anxious about how to bring it up, whether you'd be rejected, and worrying about it all day... Then it's us—if someone doesn't like Ron Weasley, then they'll be in a dilemma of whether to refuse or tolerate? If they refuse, will they seem too petty? Will it harm our friendship?"
Actually, when Hermione first wanted Harry to join, Michael had wanted to say the same thing, but Wade's words had convinced him—Harry Potter's parents sacrificed themselves in the war, so their orphaned child should naturally receive preferential treatment. Hermione always felt a motherly tenderness towards Harry, and Michael felt he could understand it too.
Once these Gryffindors took someone to heart, they became so enthusiastic they'd practically give their all. But Michael couldn't tolerate them constantly bringing more people in—if Ron joined, would Seamus and Dean join in a few days? And then, a few days after that, would all the other Gryffindor students be brought in too?
Michael didn't say it directly, but his disapproving attitude was clearly expressed. Finally, he said, "Weasley turned his own problem into a problem for us. And what has he been doing all this time?—Giving you the silent treatment—Harry, if a friend breaks off relations with you over such a small matter, does he truly value this friendship?"
"—Or is he so sure that no matter how he treats you, you'll always reach out and reconcile with him?"
Harry fell into a long silence.
Back in the Ravenclaw common room, Michael told Wade about the incident and then asked, "Do you know about Harry Potter's experiences before he came to school?"
"I heard he grew up with Muggle relatives," Wade said, which was common knowledge.
Michael sighed. "His relatives probably didn't teach him well... Harry might not have even had friends before."
"How do you know?" Padma interjected, asking, "He's quite nice! It's impossible for him not to make friends, right?"
Although wizards tended to live reclusively, Padma and the others knew that Muggle children always went around in groups. During holidays, they occasionally played with children living in nearby villages.
"He acts a bit subservient when interacting with friends," Michael said, puzzled. "Even if his parents died, he's still the 'Boy-Who-Lived'! Why would he be like this? I thought Harry Potter would be prouder, even arrogant like Malfoy!"
"Muggles probably can't understand the significance of the 'Boy-Who-Lived.' To them, Harry was probably just a burden left by relatives, right?" Wade said, flipping through his book.
Padma listened thoughtfully, murmuring, "That explains it then..."
"What?" Michael asked.
"Haven't you noticed?" Padma said. "Harry Potter's clothes under his robes are always ill-fitting... I thought it was some kind of Muggle fashion trend."
The two discussed various conjectures in low voices, while Wade turned another page of his book, remaining silent.
In his memory, Harry Potter was abused by his aunt's family when he was young, but as he grew older, their relationship seemed to reconcile? He wasn't sure if that was from the original story or a fan interpretation that left him with that impression...
But recently, Wade had also noticed a strange sign—Harry's attitude towards Professor Quirrell had suddenly become enthusiastic. Every time they met on the road, he would give him an encouraging smile. It was said that he had also started actively answering questions in Defense Against the Dark Arts class. Hermione didn't dare openly stop him and could only watch helplessly.
His actions made many people nervous. Snape wandered around Harry even more frequently, making Harry think Snape was stalking him, trying to catch him doing something wrong to give him detention, and even causing him to miss two SSC training sessions for it.
On this day, during SSC training, Neville, whose wand was once again knocked away, seemed greatly affected. He zoned out for a while, making everyone worried. Wade motioned for the others to continue training, then walked over, patted Neville's shoulder, and asked, "Want to talk?"
Neville nodded sullenly.
The two walked to the side and sat on a sofa. Wade didn't rush to speak; he first poured a glass of water and slowly drank it.
Neville was silent for a long while before asking, "Wade, my Disarming Charm gesture is correct, and the incantation is correct, right?"
"Yes, you're almost more precise than Hermione," Wade affirmed, feeling a bit puzzled himself.
"But I still keep failing..."
Neville lowered his head, picking at the cracks in the table, seemingly finding what he wanted to say difficult to articulate.
"—Is it because I'm too stupid?" he asked in a low voice.
"I don't think you're stupid. You do very well in Herbology, don't you?" Wade said. "Not being able to master the Disarming Charm might also be because you lack confidence—if you doubt your own magic, it won't respond to you well."
"So—" Neville hesitated for a long time, finally asking, "It has nothing to do with my wand, right?"