Why Were Ron and Harry ‘Bad Friends’ to Hermione?

Have you ever wondered why Ron and Harry sometimes seemed to treat Hermione as 'bad friends'? Some people might argue this is due to a misalignment between the books and the movie adaptations of Harry Potter. This perception can often stem from seeing Ron as a less-than-perfect supporting character who lacked depth, only to realize that the movies failed to capture the dynamics of the Harry Potter trilogy accurately.

Canon vs. Adaptation

What is often missed is that in The Harry Potter series, none of the trio was perfect. Their relationships were complex, with each member having their own flaws and struggles. The relationship between Ron, Harry, and Hermione, known as the 'Golden Trio,' is a prime example of this complexity.

Seeing Hermione Through Her Strengths and Flaws

It is important to remember that Hermione is not the only one to have flaws. She is outwardly bossy, possibly as a way to mask her insecurities, especially when adjusting to the magical world of Hogwarts. Similarly, Ron and Harry, despite being young and navigating new emotions, sometimes said and did things that can be seen as unkind and unforgiving. In the books, Ron refers to Hermione as a 'nightmare' and accidentally cuts her off from communicating with Harry for an undisclosed reason. These actions, viewed through the lens of literary analysis, do not necessarily make them 'bad friends'; instead, they reflect the emotional turmoil of pre-teens and teenagers.

Pre Teen and Teenager Challenges

The trio faced numerous challenges, including dealing with new emotions, social dynamics, and the broader world of wizards. At times, their interactions were tense and filled with misunderstandings, which is a common experience for young people. Hermione's temper, when she discovers that Ron refused to speak to her because of her cat Crookshanks (who appears to have eaten Ron's pet rat, Scabbers), is a vivid example of how these young people struggled with each other.

Reconciliation and Growth

Despite their disagreements, the trio's friendship was resilient. Over time, they were able to reconcile their differences, demonstrating the strength of their bond. This resilience is a testament to the depth of their friendship and the complexity of their interactions, which are richer and more nuanced in the books than in the movie adaptations.

Conclusion

The idea that Ron and Harry were 'bad friends' to Hermione is a misconception that often stems from the differences between the books and the movies. All three members of the Golden Trio had their flaws and experienced moments where they fell short as friends. However, this did not mean their friendship was 'bad' or doomed to failure. Instead, it highlights the human nature of the characters, making them more relatable and realistic.

In the grand scheme of things, the struggles they went through as friends are a part of their journey. Real friends, as illustrated by the trio, go through thick and thin, making their bond stronger and more enduring.