Becoming Hermione Granger: Courageous #MNBHP

by · January 23, 2015

What did you go running to McGonagall for?”

Hermione threw her book aside. She was still pink in the face, but stood up and faced Ron defiantly.

“Because I thought—and Professor McGonagall agrees with me—that that broom was probably sent to Harry by Sirius Black!”

PoA

In their first year, Neville won his first points from what Dumbledore labeled a great act of courage: Standing up to his friends. Here, Hermione displays that same courage. She knows Harry and Ron will be furious with her, but she cares more for their safety than for their good graces. And, might I add, she ends up being correct. Sirius did send the Firebolt.

To become Hermione Granger we need to care more about people than we do about how those people feel about us. We need to be courageous enough to stand up to our friends when they are doing something that may very well hurt them. Even if it means they will be mad at us for a period of time, or may never speak to us again.

Have you ever heard the song by Third Eye Blind, Jumper? The song is about one friend urging another to step back from the ledge. Here are some of the lyrics:

I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

You could cut ties with all the lies, that you’ve been living in

And if you do not want to see me again

I would understand, I would understand

The friend singing this song cares more about their friend than they do about how their friend feels about them. They are willing to lose the friendship to save their friend’s life. To be courageous like Hermione, and even Neville, we have to care about our friends more than we care about their friendship.

CHALLENGE:

Be courageous. Care more for your friends than for your relationship. Be willing to suffer their displeasure or give them up in order to do what is best for them.

Whom do you know that has shown courageous friendship? Share your answer with us using #MNBHP.

You know what—we should make up with Hermione…. She was only trying to help….”

Harry, PoA

Next Week: Becoming Remus Lupin: Voice of Reason