It’s been two years since Emma Watson has graced movie screens, but in January 2022, a majority of the cast reunited at Hogwarts for the franchise’s anniversary. In an interview with Vogue, Watson isn’t specific about what projects she’s working on, “but there are projects.” Indeed, fans can ease their worries about her “retirement” rumors. Until Watson announces her plans, fans can enjoy her role as Harry Potter’s best friend. Yes, that claim is written correctly!
While Ron Weasley is Harry’s original best friend, he could sometimes show disloyalty and jealousy — which is human. Still, it doesn’t make for “great” friend material next to Hermione Granger, the savvy, talented witch in the trio. Note: all references are taken from the film adaptions of the Harry Potter series unless otherwise noted.
Hermione In Sorcerer’s Stone
Although her decision to lie about the troll in the restroom is (at best) questionable, she got the trio out of trouble for disregarding warnings about confronting the beast. In Sorcerer’s Stone, she also solves Snape’s potion trap (book), and she advises the boys to relax against the vines to avoid strangulation (movie) during their many trials to find the Philosopher’s Stone.
No matter the many predicaments Harry always found them in, Hermione was quick to help them navigate their way out. She has been by Harry’s side, providing him aid by using her clever mind and immense knowledge whenever needed.
Hermione In Chamber of Secrets
Even though the Polyjuice Potion is complicated and fraught with risks, Hermione takes it upon herself to orchestrate a plan to oust the true heir of Slytherin, despite increasing speculation and evidence mounting against Harry. Although her transformation goes wrong, her friends absolve Malfoy.
She is also the one who deduces how the basilisk petrifies students. Even frozen and unable to speak, Hermione gives Harry a clue to figure out what to do. That tidbit helps lead Harry to defeat Tom Riddle. Plus, she taught him how to fix his glasses! Because of her commitment to uncovering answers, she is usually the first one to puzzle out mysteries for Harry.
Hermione In Prisoner Of Azkaban
Hermione was the true heroine of Prisoner of Azkaban. She shielded Harry when Sirius cornered them in the Shrieking Shack, understood Dumbledore’s message to turn back time (liberating the falsely convicted man), lured Buckbeak away from Hagrid’s hut (sparing the hippogriff from the executioner), saved Harry from the werewolf by howling, and encouraged Harry to produce his Patronus as Death Eaters swarmed around his body.
Sirius observed her talents and complimented Hermione for her wits. She showed poise and calmness under pressure, and she basically saved everyone who was in peril. If anyone deserved a good fortune from Professor Trelawney, it should have been her!
Hermione In Goblet Of Fire
When Dumbledore drew Harry’s name from the Triwizard Goblet, Hermione didn’t get surly and jealous like Ron. She believed that Harry was innocent no matter the “proof” against him, especially when everyone else in the school turned on him. She was one of the only ones in his corner, and Hermione’s public caused some tension with Ron.
During the deadly tournament, she encouraged Harry to work on the clues and confronted Rita Skeeter to stop making up false narratives about Harry (book). After Cedric’s death at Voldemort’s hands, she furthered her friendship with Harry by defending him against slander.
Hermione In Order Of The Phoenix
When Umbridge swoops in and tries to crush the haunting narrative of Voldemort’s return, Hermione buckles down and cements her allegiance to Harry. She even begins to rebel against her typical straight-laced comportment. Rather than doing as she’s told, she helps Harry facilitate their secret version of Dumbledore’s Army.
Part of being a best friend is confronting a friend’s poor behavior. Although Harry is beginning to comprehend the threats around him, he sometimes lashes out at Ron and Hermione. She reminds Harry that they aren’t his enemy; they don’t deserve his ire. She serves as the voice of reason and perspective to Harry when his emotions are all over the place.
Hermione In Half-Blood Prince
Although Hermione doesn’t have a significant role in Harry’s tribulations (compared to her previous feats), when the trio happens upon a talented potion student’s book, they’re curious about who it belongs to and if it could be related to Voldemort.
Hermione urges Harry to appeal to the only professor who would have had a connection to Tom Riddle. Through her counsel, Harry eventually divulges Slughorn’s secrets. Fans see Hermione’s flaws and shortcomings as she develops and matures, but her wisdom and instincts have almost always been sound. Harry shows genuine faith in Hermione while Ron’s in la-la land.
Hermione In Deathly Hallows: Part 1 & 2
When given the option to stay with Harry or leave with Ron, Hermione felt incredibly torn. However, she put aside her personal feelings for Ron to help Harry finish his Horcrux hunt. She had to let Ron go because she understood Harry’s tasks were more significant and all-consuming should they fail. Even though Ron eventually returned and redeemed himself, a true friend would have shown more devotion and trust.
If people don’t know this already, they best confront the facts: without Hermione, Harry would not have been able to destroy – much less find – Voldemort’s Horcruxes. During the events of Deathly Hallows, Hermione was instrumental in escaping Voldemort’s minions, the bounty hunters, and her Slytherin classmates.
