Character Analysis
There has always been a boatload of fandom love for Hermione's smarts, and some people even like to argue that she (and not Harry) is the real hero of all the books/movies.
And we have to say…this Hermione fan club definitely has a point. In this installment, she proves she's still the smartest kid in class even when she's not going to class.
Always Three Steps Ahead
Hermione's first heroic act: making sure that she, Harry, and Ron have all the stuff they need when they have to flee the Burrow with basically a moment's notice (almost literally). She's enchanted a bag so it appears to be a normal size but contains basically everything they would need for their Horcrux journey: books, clothes, etc.
HERMIONE: We need to change.
RON: How the ruddy . . .?
HERMIONE: Undetectable Extension Charm.
RON: You're amazing, you are.
HERMIONE: Always the tone of surprise.
Well, we're not surprised—but we are impressed. That magic bag full of supplies speaks to a whole bunch forethought—and definitely some serious magical skills.
Grown Up Before Her Time
In this film, Hermione also shows us that Harry hasn't cornered the market on making tough decisions or being way more mature than anyone has a right to be at her age. The film opens with Hermione basically wiping herself from her parents' memories, presumably to protect them if nasty Death Eater types come around looking for her.
We're getting choked up just thinking about it. Imagine choosing to make sure your parents don't remember you. That takes some serious guts, if you ask us (and, again, some serious chops in the magic department).
Will They/Won't They Continues
Hermione's love life remains a focus in this film—and arguably, a pretty tired one. Seriously, are she and Ron ever just going to get together? Guess we'll have to wait for Part 2 for a full resolution to that question.
Anyway, she and Ron are definitely still circling each other, romance-wise, but it's far from smooth sailing, especially when Ron seems to think that something is going on between Hermione and Harry. Even when they're having an innocent convo about (what else?) Horcruxes, he somehow sees an attempt to leave him out:
RON: Yeah, I'm still here. But you two carry on. Don't let me spoil the fun.
HARRY: What's wrong?
RON: Wrong? Nothing's wrong. Not according to you, anyway.
With that kind of behavior, it's a wonder Ron is still in the running with this amazing, powerful girl.
Loyal and Steadfast—Always
Hermione seems to understand where Ron's frustrations with Harry are coming from in this film, but she never loses faith in Harry or their friendship. Even when Ron peaces out for a little while (and expects his kinda-ladylove to follow), she sticks with Harry so they can keep moving toward their goal—however slowly.
RON: And you? Are you coming or you staying? Fine. I get it. I saw you two the other night.
HERMIONE: Ron, that's…that's nothing. Ron—Ron, where are you going? Please, come back. Ron. Ron!
Don't get us wrong: she's devastated without Ron. But leave Harry? Not a chance. She's a true friend and super strong. We know Harry is the protagonist and all, but Hermione pretty much always shows herself to be a heroine.
Hermione Granger's Timeline