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Hermione Granger may not be the title character of the Harry Potter book series (1997-2007), but for years avid fans have cried for the intelligent witch to finally get her due. One of the three main characters (known to fans as the “Golden Trio”) since the first book, Hermione’s quick wit, and determination help her best friends, Harry and Ron, survive many near brushes with death and danger on their quest to save the wizarding world from the imminent return of the Dark Lord, Voldemort.
\Hermione’s long list of positive traits caused her to become a favorite among the Harry Potter fanbase. Some might say that while the other two-thirds of the Trio couldn’t have survived the series without Hermione, she definitely could’ve survived the series without them. Indeed, with her long list of heroic qualities, is Hermione Granger actually the real protagonist of the series?
Hermione’s Heroic Qualities
Sorted into Gryffindor during her first year at the magic school Hogwarts, Hermione Granger embodies many of the key traits of the house: bravery, guts, and a fierce sense of determination. Not only that, but her keen sense of intellect also helps Hermione throughout the course of the series, and she often saves the day due to her own resources.
Intelligence
Hermione’s capable mind and quick thinking often help the Golden Trio solve the problems they encounter on their quest to stop Voldemort. Hermione is one of the brightest students in her class at Hogwarts, so much so that Professor McGonagall secretly gifted her a Time-Turner during the events of The Prisoner of Azkaban (1999) so she could take on a larger-than-average course load by literally being in two places at once. Had McGonagall not given her the Time-Turner, Harry would not have been able to turn back time to save his godfather, Sirius Black, and prevent the execution of Hagrid’s hippogriff, Buckbeak. So hopefully, she got a really big “thank you” for that one.
Hermione’s intelligent thinking often sets the wheels in motion for the ultimate resolution. For example, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1998), she managed to help reveal the truth of the Basilisk while incapacitated from the Petrification Curse. While many students understandably feared for their lives, she had the clever idea to use a mirror, so she could see the Basilisk without looking directly into its death gaze. Even in the face of danger, she is quick on her feet, and this true Gryffindor will always rise to a challenge.
Devotion
Consistently, Hermione is a devoted and loyal friend. Oftentimes she is the one who helps her best friends out of situations. The first book shows her loyalty by blaming the troll for getting into Hogwarts, demonstrating her gratitude to Harry and Ron, and cementing their burgeoning friendship. Hermione is willing to help with little things – like using magic to secure Ron his coveted spot on the Quidditch team over arrogant Cormac McLaggen – and big things too. In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003), she co-founds Dumbledore’s Army to train the students of Hogwarts in self-defense, knowing she might be punished if they are caught. She also participates in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, resulting in her near-fatal injury. Her unwavering devotion never falters, even when her life is on the line.
When Harry, Ron, and Hermione set off on their dangerous mission to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007), Hermione is the one who plans all the details, even going so far as to pack their clothes and various supplies. Throughout their journey, she chooses to stay with Harry despite the continuous difficulties they face and the emotional toll of being around a Horcrux for so long. Hermione proves herself to be one of the best friends a person can have.
Selflessness
Perhaps one of Hermione’s most heroic characteristics is her ability to put the needs of others before her own. The most obvious and heart-breaking example is when she chooses to wipe her parents’ memories to protect them in the forthcoming war with Lord Voldemort.
Though it pains Hermione knowing her parents will not remember her, she is willing to do what it takes to keep them safe, even if it hurts. A hero has to think about the greater good, and that is something Hermione definitely does.
Hermione’s Backstory
Every hero needs a good origin story, and while Hermione may not have the same tragic roots as Harry does, readers have often sympathized with her character due to her roots in the Muggle (aka, non-magic) world. Despite the discrimination she faces as a Muggle-born, she has the resiliency to keep going and prove her naysayers wrong.
A Self-Made Woman
Hermione did not grow up knowing about the magical world, but it’s hard to tell sometimes considering how much she knows about it. Despite her Muggle origins, she has a natural skill at magic, and her love of learning means she is constantly educating herself on wizard culture, spells, and other things she needs to know as a witch. Though she initially comes off as a bit of a know-it-all in the first book – spouting facts she read in Hogwarts: A History to the other students — it is impressive how much Hermione taught herself before even arriving at school.
Having not grown up in the magical world and with no family members to teach her magic, it is impressive how much Hermione was able to pick up so quickly. She not only has a natural gift, but also the determination and self-discipline to succeed.
Blood Status
Throughout the series, Hermione faces prejudice from “blood purists,” who believe that children like her are “impure” due to their origins and should not be welcome at Hogwarts. Like the Malfoys or the Blacks, followers of Voldemort claim to have no Muggles in their family trees and believe themselves superior to half-blood or Muggle-born witches and wizards. In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, fellow student Draco Malfoy calls Hermione an offensive slur. When Bellatrix Lestrange tortures Hermione in The Deathly Hallows, she brutally carves the word into Hermione’s arm. Many others would not have survived Bellatrix’s torture with their sanity intact.
Despite the prejudice Hermione faces, she is proud of her Muggle heritage and manages to become one of the most skilled witches of her age. As an adult, she eventually becomes the Minister of Magic, the political leader of the wizarding world. Hermione’s resiliency in the face of hatred has inspired many fans, and, in particular, fans of color, who identified with Hermione due to the racism the character faces. Fanworks have reimagined the character as Black, and throughout the theatrical run of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (2016), several Black actresses stepped into the role of Hermione. Her struggles are reflective of real-world issues, which makes her a more relatable and impressive character.
Is Harry Potter the Story Of One Hero?
Ultimately, Hermione is a character the many readers adore and can look to as a source of inspiration. There is no doubt that Hermione is heroic. So, perhaps the real question we should be asking is not “is Hermione the hero of Harry Potter,” but “is she one of the many heroes?”
Even the Best Heroes Can’t Do It All Alone
The Harry Potter series is a story of many heroes, Hermione Granger included, and readers should remember that anyone can be a hero under the right circumstances. Hermione might have saved Harry and Ron many times, but they also saved her quite a few times too, dating all the way back to the first book when they saved her life from the troll, and an iconic friendship was born. Hermione’s heroism is clear, though perhaps her most admirable qualities are her unwavering loyalty and strength, and how she – like many other characters in the series – can summon the courage to do what is right, instead of what is easy.
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has received a plethora of justified criticism in recent years, but that doesn’t mean readers who grew up loving the books can’t fondly remember perhaps their most important lesson: that anyone can be a hero as long as they have the bravery to stand up for what is right. Looking at the state of the fandom now, it seems like that’s a lesson Potterheads have taken to heart.
