In defense of Ron

[Brian]

No: HPFGUIDX 5013

I wrote:
>Since I haven't seen anyone else give examples for the "Hermione's 
>an obnoxious braggart" issue, I would like to bring up her statement 
>that she got something like 112% on Flitwick's test and her 
>following statement "they're not going to throw *me* out after 
>that!".  I think the fact that she scored so high would not effect 
>any decision to expel her if the circumstances called for it so the 
>statement must have been simply to let someone know exactly how good 
>she did

eggplant wrote:
>Let's put that remark in context. She said she should be the one to 
>actually steal the ingredients for the polly juice potion from 
>Snape, a pretty gutsy thing to do by the way. When asked why she be 
>the one to do this dangerous job she explained, accurately I think, 
>why she was less likely to be expelled if caught than Ron or Harry. 
>I like Hermione and she has no need to apologize for being smart. 
>The only time I was mad at her was during the Scabbers incident, she 
>should have shown more consideration towards Ron.

Penny wrote:
>Yep -- that was going to be my point but Eggplant beat me to it.   
>She's *still* not bragging in my mind.   I have yet to see any 
>evidence of her "bragging."   But, I'm working on the Hermione 
>character FAQ this morning & will be going through the books with a 
>fine-tooth comb.   Will be on the lookout, I assure you. 

   Actually, the incident I referred to came at the end of SS/PS when 
they were discussing going through the trap door.  Harry reminded 
Hermione and Ron that they could be expelled if they went along with 
him and she was explaining how she could go along free from the 
danger of expulsion.  She seems to be rubbing it in a bit that she 
did so well and it could be seen that her comment was aimed at Ron 
who was included in Harry's warning.
   As I mentioned, I don't have anything against Hermione.  I think 
she gains her self-esteem from academic success and I can easily 
identify with that but in this case she doesn't use good judgement by 
disguising a boast as a reason to risk being thrown out.  I still 
don't believe that if all 3 were caught, the professors would choose 
who to expel based on their grades.