Harry Quote by J.K. Rowling
““Potter! Weasley! What are you doing?” It was Professor McGonagall, and her mouth was the thinnest of thin lines. “We were — we were —” Ron stammered. “We were going to — to go and see —” “Hermione,” said Harry. Ron and Professor McGonagall both looked at him. “We haven’t seen her for ages, Professor,” Harry went on hurriedly, treading on Ron’s foot, “and we thought we’d sneak into the hospital wing, you know, and tell her the Mandrakes are nearly ready and, er, not to worry —” Professor McGonagall was still staring at him, and for a moment, Harry thought she was going to explode, but when she spoke, it was in a strangely croaky voice. “Of course,” she said, and Harry, amazed, saw a tear glistening in her beady eye. “Of course, I realize this has all been hardest on the friends of those who have been … I quite understand. Yes, Potter, of course you may visit Miss Granger. I will inform Professor Binns where you’ve gone. Tell Madam Pomfrey I have given my permission.” Harry and Ron walked away, hardly daring to believe that they’d avoided detention. As they turned the corner, they distinctly heard Professor McGonagall blow her nose. “That,” said Ron fervently, “was the best story you’ve ever come up with.””
About This Quote
Harry and Ron attempt to bend rules to see Hermione, but a stern teacher shows empathy, granting permission while maintaining authority.
In simple terms: Authority tempered by compassion.
Rules can be flexed with sincere intent.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- students seeking a friend
- requesting permission
- navigating school rules
- showing empathy
- avoiding detention
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- granting conditional access
- modeling compassionate authority
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to bend rules for a friend?
- How does empathy change power dynamics?