RE protecting the DA with a little bit of evil Hermione

[katssirius]

No: HPFGUIDX 155044

I think this is where we run into Harry et al's greatest
flaw, "Teenage Arrogance".  The trio believe they are smarter than
all the adults and the first to consider every possibility.
Hermione goes even farther and believes she has the right to deliver
justice and punishment.  Keeping the DA list posted at all was ego.
Look at us, we are brave enough to flaunt Umbridge and the MoM.
Surely they did not need it to remember who was allowed in or to
take attendance.

Permanent disfiguration is not an appropriate punishment for
anything, anywhere and certainly not in the hands of a teenager.
Umbridge is one of the good guys.  We may not like her but when
teams are drawn up pro and con Voldy then Umbridge is on the correct
side.  Sirius points this out as one of his few moments of great
wisdom.  It is not about pro and con Harry.  He is our hero, not the
wizarding world's hero.  In the fifth book he made a lot of terrible
mistakes including one that cost Sirius his life.  Just as
Dumbledore chose not to take full credit for his death neither
should Harry.  But if Marietta gets to be permanently disfigured for
almost having Harry expelled then what should happen to Harry for
actually luring Sirius to his death?  Both of these were kids trying
to do the right thing.

katssirius