Character Analysis
Like A Boss
Like Harry, Hermione's also finding her strengths in this installment. Or rather: she's finding more of her strengths. (She was already pretty set when it came to getting it done, academia-wise.)
She's more than just cool clothes and amazing hair. As a thirteen-year-old girl who's smarter than, well, pretty much everyone else, Hermione is subjected to bullying. We expect it from Draco Malfoy, who would harass a toddler to make himself feel better. But Hermione is also insulted by her teachers—adults who should really know better.
One memorably mean instance comes from Snape during the lecture on werewolves. Hermione, who must be the only member of the entire student body who has seen An American Werewolf in London, knows all about werewolves, and she shares her knowledge with the class.
SNAPE: That's the second time you've spoken out of turn, Miss Granger. Are you incapable of restraining yourself or do you take pride in being an insufferable know-it-all?
Another is when she's insulted by Professor Trelawney, which is like having a Oujia Board spell out "UR DUMB" even though you're the only one using it.
TRELAWNEY: You may be young in years, but your heart that beats beneath your bosom is as shriveled as an old maid's, your soul as dry as the pages of the books to which you so desperately cleave.
Saying these comments are harsh doesn't even begin to cover it.
These kinds of comments really hurt, especially because they explicitly insult Hermione's intelligence. From other jealous students, comments like these would still be obnoxious, but understandable. Teachers, however, should be encouraging her smarts…not demeaning her for being bright.
But the movie doesn't explore how these affect Hermione. She takes Snape's comment stoically—maybe because she doesn't expect anything else from Snape. And she simply quits Divination, which she thinks is a crock anyway.
Unable to lash out at teachers, Hermione's able to vent some of her frustration by punching Malfoy in the face, one of everyone's favorite moments in this movie. Everyone wants to cheer when Malfoy crumples like a piece of paper.
Holding Out For A Hero?
Hermione's almost the hero of this story, actually. It's Hermione who uses the Time Turner to go back and save Buckbeak and Sirius. Harry just tags along. Hermione even casts the spell that blows open Sirius's cage. Either she's super powerful, or they should have put someone who has already escaped from the most secure wizarding prison in a sturdier cell.
Hermione's intelligence, quick thinking, and perseverance pays off. Before Sirius flies away on Buckbeak, he gives her a huge compliment.
SIRIUS: You really are the brightest witch of your age.
It doesn't seem like a lot, but it's a priceless remark for Hermione. She is used to being made fun of because of her intelligence, not being praised for it. Like Harry, Hermione also ends this movie with a big boost in confidence and self-esteem. That's something magic alone just can't do.
Hermione's Timeline