How we cite our quotes: (chapter.paragraph)
Quote #7
It was really lucky that Harry now had Hermione as a friend. He didn't know how he'd have gotten through all his homework without her, what with all the last-minute Quidditch practice Wood was making them do. (11.4)
If Harry thinks he's "really lucky" to have Hermione around now, just wait until they're fighting for their lives in the forbidden third-floor corridor. This is welcome praise from Harry, but he doesn't realize how lucky he is to have Hermione reminding him of the importance of focusing on the academic side of Hogwarts. (This goes for Ron too.)
Quote #8
Ron and Hermione joined Neville, Seamus, and Dean the West Ham fan up in the top row. As a surprise for Harry, they had painted a large banner on one of the sheets Scabbers had ruined. It said Potter for President… (11.41)
While the book focuses mainly on Harry's relationships with Ron and Hermione – and to some extent Neville – it's nice to see that he has a much larger friend group, and that so many of the Gryffindor first years support and encourage him. This scene shows how Harry has become part of a real community and can count on his friends to root for him.
Quote #9
"But will it cover all three of us?" said Ron.
"All – all three of us?"
"Oh, come off it, you don't think we'd let you go alone?"
"Of course not," said Hermione briskly. "How do you think you'd get to the Stone without us?" (16.92-95)
This kind of thing is how you tell who your friends really are. Luckily for Harry, his friends are just as brave (and foolish, maybe) as he is. There's no question here of either Ron or Hermione letting Harry go by himself. Despite their best intentions, though, they can't accompany him all the way.