Hermione In Trouble?

[Kate]

No: HPFGUIDX 120660


> GEO: How does that make Hermione and co. different from Umbridge and 
> co.? From the perspective of the book, both have done things in 
> order to further their respective cause. Umbridge may be wrong, but 
> how exactly does that make Hermione right? Trying to get her killed 
> by the centaurs, blackmailing reporters and cursing her fellow 
> students isn't any better than Umbridge using her authority except 
> maybe for the fact that Hermione is the underdog while Umbridge has 
> the establishment behind her,
> 
> Furthermore are we going to see Hermione get her comeuppance just as 
> Umbridge get hers and probably Draco, Voldemort and Lucius will get 
> theirs. Rowling can't spare Hermione and punish the others for their 
> various offenses especially when Draco was practicaly brainwashed by 
> his father's ideology.

I think that there is a definite difference in Hermione & Company 
and Umbridge & Company.  It lies in their INTENTIONS.  Hermione is 
trying to protect people, help her friend and save Sirius while 
Umbridge is a lot like Voldy in the fact that she is power hungry 
and will go to any lengths to get it.  I don't think that it was 
Hermione's intention for the centaurs to kill Umbridge, just provide 
enough of a distraction for them to escape.  Umbridge represents 
ignorance, blind obedience, and evil.  I think that JKR is showing 
us that "I was just following orders" is no excuse for bad 
behavior.  I also think that Umbridge serves as a way to show us 
that while sometimes unfair and mean spirited, Snape is not EVIL.  
In addition, I think you are right about Draco.  He has been 
brainwashed by his father's prejudices and I really think that he 
has a good possibility of redemption.  He is just a child after 
all.    
-katie