He could understand all the other students abandoning him now. Fear and uncertainty and jealousy. He understands. He is a freak not like them. He understands that, but he doesn’t understand Ron and Hermione. Ron is gone with jealousy and anger, and Harry watches, not knowing what to say, how to mend the break. Hermione goes with him. Why? Harry does not know. (Part of him sits and watches and says it is part of the building fear they hold for him. The supposed slight of not including Ron is an excuse. He is simply afraid. Hermione too was looking for a way out. Harry ignores this part of himself and the increasingly angry thoughts. Why him?)