Character Summary: Hermione Granger

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 15197

Hi --

Amy Z wrote:

> Penny wrote:
>
> >Although the readers are limited by Harry's point-of-view in the
> >stories, it is strongly implied that Hermione has developed a
> mentoring relationship with Professor McGonagall.  She excels in all
> her
> courses, but her best subject appears to be the one taught by
> Professor
> >McGonagall: transfiguration.
>
> Can anyone point to specifics about either of these points?  A
> mentoring relationship fits, IMO, but I see only the vaguest hints of
> it; a relationship with Vector seems as likely.  And I don't see
> anything to suggest that Hermione's strongest subject is
> transfiguration.  There are a few examples of her doing particularly
> well there, but ditto for Potions, Defense (as you point out, Lupin
> calls her "the cleverest witch of your age I've ever met" [and he knew
>
> Lily!] even though she got less than full marks on her final for him),
>
> and especially Charms (viz. her 112% on the final in PS/SS and, in
> GoF, her invaluable Charms help in tasks 1 and 3, and to a lesser
> extent 2; the 3rd task stuff shows advanced DADA talent too).

The bit about the mentoring relationship evidence comes from Message
3494 (this group, not Archives), which is actually my own point.  As I
say in that message, I think the fact that McGonagall has gone to alot
of trouble to obtain the time turner for Hermione indicates that there
is some evidence that she's taken a special interest in Hermione.  She
is head of Gryffindor, and it may simply be that relationship & nothing
more special than that.  But, Hermione also appears to be on familiar
enough terms with McG to approach her on several other occasions,
notably to tell her about Harry's receipt of the Firebolt.  Maybe it's
just a gut feeling on my part .... but I feel that there is some sort of
mentoring relationship going on there.

As for Transfiguration, that point came from message #1518 (this group)
-- a message from R/H captain Kathy.  You make some good points about
her performance in other subjects; however, I don't disagree with
Kathy's point that there seem to be more references to her excelling in
Transfiguration than in other subjects.  She's obviously great at them
all .... but it seems she's in a class by herself as far as
Transfiguration goes.  There is more than one mention by McG that
Hermione can do a transfiguration that no one else has mastered.

> My favorite Hermione moment:  bringing Harry the toast.  How many
> 13/14-year-olds have one-tenth this much sensitivity?

I liked that too!  :--)

> >4. Is she a braggart?
>
> No!  Okay, you can cite moments of overenthusiasm in class, but they
> are heavily weighted toward the beginning of the series.

That's my perception too -- this over-enthusiastic streak diminishes
over time.  JKR herself said in an interview that Hermione has already
lightened up alot and will continue to do so.

Penny


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