Becoming Hermione Granger: Toast Deliverer #MNBHP

Hello,” she [Hermione] said, holding up a stack of toast, which she was carrying in a napkin. “I brought you this…. Want to go for a walk?”

“Good idea,” said Harry gratefully.

They went downstairs, crossed the entrance hall quickly without looking in at the Great Hall, and were soon striding across the lawn toward the lake, where the Durmstrang ship was moored, reflected blackly in the water. It was a chilly morning, and they kept moving, munching their toast, as Harry told Hermione exactly what had happened after he had left the Gryffindor table the night before. To his immense relief, Hermione accepted his story without question.

GoF

Harry’s name has just been plucked from the Goblet. The whole school thinks he’s a cheat—though most of the Gryffindors have made him their hero—and so does one of his best friends, Ron Weasley. Not at all looking forward to facing the school, Harry bucks up the courage and heads out of the portrait hole only to find Hermione waiting with a stack of toast for him.

Hermione’s small act—bringing Harry toast—shows how big her friendship for him is. She knows he’s having a hard time. She knows how difficult it will be to walk into the Great Hall and be besieged by nasty remarks. So, she decides to extend a simple and yet profound act of kindness—bringing Harry toast so that he may have a reprieve from the challenges that will lie ahead, and offering her company at a time when Harry feels very lonely. Then, when Harry tells her the truth that he did not enter his name she believes him. She believes the best of her friend and wants the best for him.

Friendship is about more than being there for someone when times are good, or helping when asked. Deep, strong, abiding friendship like that of Hermione and Harry is constantly seeking ways to love the other person. To be kind to them. To watch out for them. To lend a listening ear or encouraging word. To forgive them their follies. To bring them toast to prevent them greater distress.

CHALLENGE

Be the kind of friend who brings their friend toast so they don’t have to choose between ridicule and hunger. Be the kind of friend who listens and believes in the their friends, who is there when no one else is. Be kind and forgiving and protective and encouraging and loving to those whom you call friend. That is, if you want to be the kind of friend Hermione is to Harry.

Next Week: Becoming Harry Potter: Quick to Forgive