I just realized today how much more meaningful this quote is when you remember Dumbledore’s backstory. For years, Albus remained at Gellert Grindelwald’s side even as Grindelwald became more and more corrupt, simply because he was his friend. He turned a blind eye to the immorality of Gellert’s plans. He couldn’t bring himself to stand up to Grindelwald because he didn’t want to jeopardize their friendship. Even as an adult, he didn’t confront Grindelwald until it was nearly too late. Those ten points weren’t awarded to Neville just so Gryffindor would win the house cup. They were awarded because Dumbledore recognized that Neville, at the age of 11, was far braver than the young Albus had ever been. (via cobbledstories)
This is legit as hell.
And you know, Lily did the same thing with Snape too, really. She made excuses for his behavior for ages but still wanted to maintain a friendship with him until the Mudblood incident and their subsequent fight was the last straw. This is why I get really irritated when people act as though that scene showed Lily being some sort of petty bitch, when really she finally plucked up the courage to say ENOUGH.
Confronting friends is tough, okay. Especially when it doesn’t end well.
(via offbeatorbit)