Although Hermione used magic to help secure Ron a place on the Quidditch team, she has apparently fallen back into her usual "follow the rules" way and rebukes Harry for cheating (or so she believesthinks) by giving Ron the Good Luck potion to enhance his game skills. Ron playsplayed brilliantly in the game because he was certainbelieved the potion would improve his performance, but Harry never actually gave it to him. When Ron believes in himself, he ishas capablethe ofability to performingperform well in many things.
While Harry wants his two best friends to be happy, he also has concerns. If Ron and Hermione doshould become a couple, it could mean he would be left behind or be forced to choose sides if they break up. Harry is beginning to realize just how much he relies on each for their friendship and support, a fact Dumbledore has subtly been impressing upon him for some time. Harry also wrestles with budding romantic feelings for Ginny Weasley, although he brushes this off as "brotherly" concern.
Harry's skillsskill at utilizing people's flaws and habits is improving; he knows Hermione will intervene inif there is any unethical behavior, and that Ron's will tends to resist her. This is why, we believe, he allows Hermione to see the phial of Felix Felicis as he passes it over Ron's pumpkin juice; Harry knows that if Hermione assumeassumes Ron's drink was spiked, she will object. It is uncertain whether Harry is counting on thisthat to motivate Ron into drinking it; it is certain that Hermione's protest will lead Ron to believe that he has been given a chance at some liquid luck. This is somewhat similar to how [[Muggles' Guide to Harry Potter/Characters/Lord Voldemort|Voldemort]] manipulates people and their thought patterns to his own advantage. Unlike Voldemort, however, Harry's aim is to help his friends rather than for his own selfish ends.
Also, Harry is working on two fronts simultaneously. The first, mentioned above, is to restore Ron'sinstill confidence in himselfRon by showing that he canis able to perform well (here, keeping goal at Quidditch) when he believes in himself. In this endeavor, Harry will be successful. Harry's other battle is to reconcile Ron and Hermione. This has failed so far, possibly due to Ron's emotional immaturity relative to the other two, leaving Harry again having two good friends who are not on speaking terms.
Readers should take note of the small girl in the seventh-floor hallway who drops the jar containing frog-spawn.
