CHAPTER DISCUSSION: PS/SS 14, Norbert The Norwegian Ridgeback

[Geoff]

No: HPFGUIDX 188566

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Jean Lamb" <tlambs1138 at ...> wrote:

> > 2. "We wondered who Dumbledore had trusted . apart from you" Hermione flattering
> > Hagrid. Is this the only time Hermione uses flattery?

Jean Lamb: 
> --I don't think so; though when somewhere in canon she tells Harry that bravery is everything, and much more important than intelligence, you have to wonder exactly how much she really meant it, and how much she wanted Harry to feel better. 

Geoff:
I think in the instance you mention, Hermione is *encouraging* Harry when 
he believes that he is about to face Snape and possibly Voldemort. It is *not*
flattery. This is Hermione in an unusual mode:

'"No listen - get back and get Ron - grab brooms from the flying key room, 
they'll get you out of the trapdoor and past Fluffy - go straight to the owlery
and send Hedwig to Dumbledore, we need him. I might be able to hold Snape
off for a while, but I'm no match for him really."

"But, Harry - what if You-Know-Who's with him?"

"Well -I was lucky once wasn't I" said Harry, pointing at his scar. "I might get 
lucky again."

Hermione's lip trembled an she suddenly dashed at Harry and threw her arms
around him.

"*Hermione!*"

"Harry - you're a great wizard, you know."

"I'm not as good as you," said Harry, very embarrassed, as she let go of him.

"Me!"said Hermione. "Books! And cleverness! There are more important things 
- friendship and bravery and - oh Harry - be *careful*!"'

(PS "Through the Trapdoor" pp. 207/08 UK edition)

This is quite an epiphany for Hermione - more important things than books??
:-)