Ron's dirt-smudged nose

[ohneill_2001]

No: HPFGUIDX 111392

Melissa wrote:

> I think it's most likely that the dirt smudge is to point out the 
stark difference between Ron and Hermione. Ron had already been told 
about the dirt but doesn't seem to care, and Hermione notices it 
right away. Maybe to lead us to believe these two could never get 
together, but a red herring, obviously :-)  And notice that Harry 
doesn't seem to have been bothered by the dirt smudge, though he's 
been talking with Ron since the train ride began.
> 

Now Cory:

I think that's right, and just to add another thought -- remember 
that this incident occurred at a point in the story where Hermione 
was basically a bossy, annoying know-it-all.  This is our first 
contact with her, and I think her pointing out the smudge was a way 
to introduce those elements of her personality.

--Cory