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963
964

DiscussionJust The Daughter of Dentists (self.harrypotter)

submitted by LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser

My God, just think about her for a second.

She was so different than anyone she knew. She was magical and she didn't know it. How horribly terrifying must it have been to grow up knowing there was something inside of you and not being able to give it a name? To know things happened when you were around but not know why or how. How many books she must have read just trying to find an answer.

And then someone comes and tells you why. Tells you there is this whole other world out there that you belong to. And what you can do and be is nearly limitless. How good must that have felt to know what you felt and did had a name?

And then to leave, to leave your parents and your friends and all you knew to go alone onto that train. How much courage must that have taken? How much bravery to step into the utterly unknown? She wasn't just leaving her family she was leaving her world behind. How must it have felt to know that would never totally be your home again?

And then to go for 6 years on this adventures where you are saving the world, both magical and muggle. And you can't express that to your parents, the people that brought you into this world, because how could they possibly understand? How could they know the terror and the pain and the sense of responsibility? But still she kept on, reading and doing homework and saving the world.

But what else could she do? She was fighting for her parents and her friends back home and herself. Because she was born to muggles. Muggles she sent away, no matter how much it broke her heart. She took them from herself just to make sure they were safe. She took herself from their minds because she knew. She knew if the other side won, if they won she was dead. She was dead and it wouldn't matter if her heart kept beating or not, she was dead. And she suffered so greatly during the war. At the hands of a witch that maybe in another life she could have learned from, such skill was locked in that demented head.

And after it was done, what did she do? Did she go back to the muggle world and shy away from a world that tried to kill her? Oh course not. She rose up and became the Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (at least). She became the second in command of the single largest department in the whole of Wizarding Britain. She rose up and made sure the fight she helped win would never have to be fought again.

She was born the daughter of dentists and she became one of the single greatest forces in the wizarding world.

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[–]banjolier 349 points350 points  (13 children)

Now flip this around and put yourself in Filch's shoes. Imagine growing up in a world where greatness is the norm, and being "normal" puts you well below average to the point where you're almost a second class citizen. BUT he still stays in the magical world and gives back to the children getting what he never had the opportunity to have; even though they point and laugh at him behind his back (or directly to his face) .

I think his defining moments come suring the Battle of Hogwarts. He, with no magical means of defending himself, stayed and helped Madam Pomfrey evacuate the younger students. And after the battle is over he breaks down because much if Hogwarts is in ruins.

He may come off as bitter and resentful (and on a shallow level he probably is), but it takes a different kind of courage to stay and fight for a world that you don't truly belong to.

Edit: screwy sense structure.

[–]crazymcfattypants 78 points79 points  (6 children)

Reading this was so bittersweet. I wana give Filch a hug.

[–]banjolier 76 points77 points  (2 children)

Seriously, I had never thought about it until I read this, but growing up a muggle born has nothing on growing up a squib.

[–]whoatemypie77 42 points43 points  (1 child)

I always thought that calling someone a squib sounds so mean and degrading, though I guess it should have a name, it must be terrible! When they find magic lesson leaflets in his office I almost cried!

[–]Puggerfly 15 points16 points  (0 children)

That scene was heartbreaking :( I imagine that he was not only disappointed in himself, he probably felt pressure and disappointment from his parents as well (don't recall if he had siblings but that would suck too), despite the fact that he had no say in being a squib. Watching everyone around you go to Hogwarts and you have to stay and go to muggle schools...

[–]mogski 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Not after that wedding, no.

[–]Weave77 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And who are you, the proud lord said...

[–]AttackWithHugsI will not take out a life insurance policy on Harry Potter. 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I know what wedding you're talking about.

[–]cassity282Potions Mistress/Kneazle Keeper 31 points32 points  (0 children)

this! this is why I can never hate him. I have gotten in SOOO many arguments about him. he had his cat. my cat was ungodsly important in my life. im exstreamly learning disabled and my cat was my friend through some realy hard times. I have always kind of identified with Filch. and he was brave in his own way. he worked at a place he could never realy attend. and that castle felt like my home. and he broke down as you said. because his home was ruined. they didn't do him justice in the films. because he was more than what they showed. they showed he was upset about his cat being petrified. but they didn't show how distraught he was over it. they didn't show his love for that castle. he was strong in his way. and I respect him for that.

[–]littleotterpoppatronus: great gray owl (0v0) 17 points18 points  (2 children)

The thing is, I feel like filch doesn't really belong to the muggle world either. He doesn't really have a place. And that's depressing as hell, but it's the truth. I don't think there's anything brave about filch staying, I think he just so desperately wants to be a part of the magical world that he'll do anything to be a part of it. That's why he ordered that thing in the mail to try and learn magic (I can't remember what it's called at all, but that's when we learn he's a squib). So I think filch stays in hogwarts because it's his only way to remain in the magical world, and while I don't think anybody can blame him, it isn't really brave. And he doesn't really give back to the children, he hates all of them (jealousy because he can't do magic?), but he would physically punish them if he could. In deathly hallows when hogwarts was being run by Snape and by extension voldemort and the death eaters, didn't they actually give filch permission to physically abuse the students? (I could have made that up in my head but I feel like something like that happened. And he's still a bitter asshole so there's that. Anyway, I see what you're saying but I think filch is way more selfish than brave.

[–]banjolier 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I do think there is some truth in what you're saying. He definitely harbored resentment. I don't think he was trapped in the magical world though. Mrs. Figg lived in the muggle world as a crazy cat lady.

As far as physical abuse goes, did he ever actuality go through with it (can't remember either)? Having permission and acting on that permission are very different things. I think he liked to threaten the students, but if push came to shove, I doubt he would've actually hung anyone by their ankles.

Like I said in my earlier post, I do think there was a shallow level of resentment, but deep down he did care for all of Hogwarts, including the students. He helped them escape during the Battle of Hogwarts.

[–]littleotterpoppatronus: great gray owl (0v0) 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don't think he was trapped, I just think he didn't have a real place in either world. Trying to live as a muggle when your whole family are witches/wizards would suck, but obviously being a squib he couldn't fully integrate with the magical world. So he picked the magical world and tried desperately to be a part of it. Honestly I totally see where you're coming from, but I personally think he really hated them all. Aside from helping evacuate younger students during the battle of hogwarts (which really, what else was he supposed to do? I mean he could have ran away I guess but even then where would he go? Hogwarts was his home more than anything, not necessarily that he cared for the students themselves) he never actually did anything that would suggest he cared about students. If anything the opposite.

[–]Afrobear 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He is an anomaly. Filch appears in every single book, but is one of the characters that we know the least about.

Normally squibs would be integrated into muggle society so that they can live in a place where they fit in. Why was Filch appointed in a position more suited for a magical person? I guess from this is that Dumbledore had some good reason for keeping him there(the same as he did with Trelawney) or he was raised in the magical world and he had no other place he could fit in.

Edit: Sentence structure. English is a second language to me.

[–]youractualaccount 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a phenomenal view of that character. Bravo.

[–]rainsonata 199 points200 points  (4 children)

That was a beautiful read. This gives me new appreciation for Hermione Granger.

[–]Silmelinwen 55 points56 points  (0 children)

While this does give me an appreciation for Hermione; I feel more sad for her parents than anything else. It's already hard to relate to your adolescent child without there being a literal world of a difference between the two of you.

[–]whoatemypie77 26 points27 points  (2 children)

And that's why she's not in Ravenclaw! :)

[–]Dale92 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Not really. Replace Hermione with any muggle-born and it's be the exact same. There have been plenty of muggle-borne in Ravenclaw.

[–]whoatemypie77 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Who have chased horcruxes and erased their parents memories? Fair enough they might have had it in them and it not have been called upon, but she was extremely brave aswell as clever compare to others!

[–]lepraphobia"There's no need to call me "sir", Professor." 75 points76 points  (21 children)

I would love to read a chapter by JK that goes over Hermione's introduction to the wizarding world. What was said in her muggle home?

[–]crazymcfattypants 41 points42 points  (10 children)

Kinda makes you wonder though., man comes to your door, says ''I want to take you child of 11 away to another world, where we will teach her magic, you can see her on holidays''. Would you ever send your daughter away with that man?

[–]lepraphobia"There's no need to call me "sir", Professor." 29 points30 points  (8 children)

This is exactly why I'd like to read the chapter. Even at 11, Hermione was a critical thinker. What did this person say to convince her?

[–]crazymcfattypants 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it's not like pulling a rabbit out of a hat or transfiguring something would convince her, I would take something really deep... Godammit Lepraphobia, you have me thinking about things I'll never know the answer to!

[–]kyara_no_kurayami 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I wonder how many muggle-borns never made it to Hogwarts because of this.

[–]Parareda8 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I agree comepetely.

[–]melonzipper 9 points10 points  (8 children)

Definitely! I mean, Hagrid walked Harry through the entire introduction/process and Harry was helped by the Weasleys to get through Platform 9 3/4 - who/what helped Hermione?

[–]book_worm92alohomora! 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I remember reading somewhere (whether it was Pottermore or in the books I can't remember) that members of the MoM or the faculty would go to the homes to help the muggle-borns. We see in HBP that Dumbledore goes to the orphanage to talk to Tom Riddle.

[–]kazetoame 8 points9 points  (6 children)

On that note, why was Hagrid picked to be Harry's introduction and why the hell was Molly loudly speaking about muggles? That was deliberate, Albus' schemes.

I'm sure muggleborns get a full 'tour' if you will. Though what I want to know is her parents' reaction. I mean, who wouldn't ask why the hell weren't they told this information before, like during the first couple incidents, if her name was written down (remember that Harry was told his name was down for Hogwarts since he was born. I'm sure there is a book at Hogwarts or even at the DoM that record this information). I would be horribly demanding of everything, I would want to know and be kept in the loop and if I wasn't well, they would rue the day. (I would also have a back up plan for in case of the asshats removing my memories)

On a different tangent, do you think the Queen knows about the magical world? Wouldn't the magical citizens still be technically under her 'rule' as it were. So Riddle was in fact committing treason against Britain, as were the rest of the Death Eaters.

[–]purplepeach 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Well the Prime Minister knows about the wizarding world so it's possible that she knows and is to pass that information on to her successor (or maybe the Minister of Magic would).

[–]HerbalTeaBunny 8 points9 points  (4 children)

Wasn't Hagrid picked to be Harry's introduction because he was close to his parents and was the one who went and got Harry from his house and brought him to his Aunt and Uncles?

[–]kazetoame 9 points10 points  (3 children)

How close do you really think Hagrid was to Lily and James? Throughout the books you see how childlike Hagrid really is, I'm not blaming him, no, I lay that at no one really taking care of him after his father died and then the expulsion from Hogwarts didn't help matters. Hagrid wouldn't be my first choice, one of the other teachers would be. Proof that he was unsuited for it just look at the pub scene. Any other adult would have shielded Harry, try to get him in and out without much fuss, but Hagrid let out the secret and didn't really shield him, it was ever so obvious that Harry wasn't used to the attention and didn't like it. (who in there right mind would like to be famous for surviving, while his parents did not). If the only criteria for being able to pick up Harry and show him around is to be close to Lily and James, then that honor should have gone to Remus. Harry should have treated like a muggleborn was, but nope. McGonagall knew that the Dursleys were awful, yet she didn't come herself? So many questions that can explained in one word, Dumbledore.

[–]HerbalTeaBunny 2 points3 points  (2 children)

This is true and I don't argue that it should have been someone else who had picked him up. I just think this it was symbolic that Hagrid was the one who took him there and is the one to take him away. I think that in the books Hagrid even says something close to that. Hagrid may be child like but he has always been faithful, loyal and hardworking. I think that Remus coming would not have worked, was he taking the potion that snape made for him at that time? It really should have been McGonagall or Dumbledore but we will never know why.

[–]oky13o 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We do know why. Do you remember why Hagrid was sent to Diagon Alley while introducing Harry to the world? To pick up the Sorcerer's Stone. Chances are Dumbledore was aware of Quirrell's ailment or at least had his suspicions and he wanted to pique Harry's interest a bit. Also he knew Hagrid was a little loose lipped about things because he wanted people to think he was in the know. BUT if he knew all of this why wouldn't he have just sent Hagrid on a seperate trip? Because he wanted Harry to know.

[–]Champion_of_Charms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

IIRC, Hagrid said something about volunteering to pick Harry up in the movies.

[–]shypye[🍰] 37 points38 points  (2 children)

Here, here!

[–]aaronitmar 45 points46 points  (1 child)

Yeah, 'ear 'ear!

[–]iDork622Master has given Dobby a sock! 59 points60 points  (0 children)

The whole world of ear related humor, and you go for "holey"!?

[–]virgiliart 32 points33 points  (5 children)

I was thinking about this last week, actually. It must be incredibly difficult to be the Muggle parent to a witch or wizard. Imagine not being able to talk to your friends about your kid's grades, to discuss where they go to school every year, eventually what job they do, who they married, your grandchildren... It really makes me feel badly for the Grangers and other parents like them.

Thankfully, Hermione and her friends fought for a world where her parents would be better able to mingle with wizard parents! Still, the Statute of Secrecy would keep them from chatting about their kids to fellow Muggles, but they could probably visit the wizard world without fear, make friendships with other Hogwarts student families.

On another note, your description of Hermione's pre-Hogwarts years reminded me powerfully of Roald Dahl's Matilda!

[–]cococococola 11 points12 points  (3 children)

I've been thinking about this a lot as I'm rereading as a pretty established adult for the first time.

Of course Petunia and Vernon want to keep the sectet because they hate the idea of magic (each for their own reasons), but what about other muggle family members? There seems to be a great deal of concern in the ministry to keep the magic world secret, but the Granger's are allowed to go to Diagon Alley. I imagine it wouldn't be illegal for Hermione to, say as an adult, prepare them a meal using magic. So, how does the ministry ensure that muggle family members don't spill the beans? Where do they draw the line? Could Hermione's grandparents know?

So many questions!

[–]virgiliart 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I imagine that the Statute of Secrecy only applies to witches and wizards? After all, Fudge and Scrimgeour don't forbid the Prime Minister from speaking of their world, they just assume nobody would believe him.

[–]denarii 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That doesn't mean they wouldn't start handing out memory charms if they thought there was a risk of exposure.

[–]Snolarin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think muggle borns would be allowed to move most of their immediate family into the wizarding world, seeing as how their children will most likely be magical as well.

[–]wanderluxe 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I like to think that the Grangers met some other muggle parents in Diagon Alley and they have dinner parties regularly where they talk about their kids and all the weird and wonderful things they do.

[–]EUPRAXIA1 84 points85 points  (15 children)

I would be quite surprised to discover that Hermione Granger had many friends before Hogwarts. Think about it; before Harry and Ron she was basically friendless at Hogwarts (and not without reason, being a know-it-all). She did develop a few more friendships at Hogwarts and beyond, but those were after she gained some maturity from growing older.

[–]floatingzeroWit Beyond Measure 109 points110 points  (13 children)

I'm willing to bet none of the three characters had any/many friends before hogwarts.

  • Harry was outcast at school because of his clothes and his bully of a cousin
  • Hermione for being a know-it-all
  • Ron (probably had at least a few) lived in the shadows of all of his family members, especially his funny twin older brothers. Also probably because he was "just another Weasley"

All three of them came to Hogwarts as outsiders in their own right.

[–]dsjunior1388 51 points52 points  (0 children)

I grew up in a family of five boys, when you have that many siblings that close in age, you don't really feel the need for other friends until you're a teen.

[–]invaderpixel 44 points45 points  (5 children)

I could see Ron just not getting out of the Burrow much before he was 11. Molly was pretty overprotective and it seems like they were out in the middle of nowhere. Plus how much can you really trust a kid to go out and be careful about not mentioning anything magic if they ran into muggles? Probably easier to just keep him busy picking gnomes.

[–][deleted] 20 points21 points  (4 children)

I'm actually curious why Ron didn't know who Luna was until 5th year when they were basically neighbors for years.

[–]Eevolveer 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I don't think Luna got around too much. they probably just never bumped into each other. Even if he knew the Lovegood home I imagine it wouldn't be hard to never notice a young girl there. Although now that I think about it Ginny probably did spend at least a little time in Luna's company over the summers.

[–]gabetheredditor 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It would be entirely within Ron's nature to pretend not to know Luna out of fear of association.

[–]wishitwas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of my best friends lived ~5 houses away from me growing up. We didn't become friends until 9th grade, despite living so near each other for practically our whole lives. You live in your bubble you create for yourself.

[–]EUPRAXIA1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you can travel instantly by fire maybe whether your neighbors or not is less of a friendship factor.

[–]EUPRAXIA1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very true.

[–]rdmfGobbledygook 24 points25 points  (1 child)

Exactly! One of my favourite Hermione lines is when she becomes prefect and says "at least this is something my parents can understand." It always made me sad, to think she did all this wonderful stuff but she couldn't share it with her parents. There must have already been so much distance between them by time she wiped their memories.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I think Hermione had to live two very different lives. On one had she was their little girl and they were her protectors. On another hand she was a protector of the wizarding world. And she couldn't share that with them.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 53 points54 points  (24 children)

I'm willing to do other character profiles like this if y'all have suggestions.

[–]Willow536 13 points14 points  (1 child)

Malfoy

[–]rainsonata 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Wait until his father hears about it.

[–]RainieTuesdayyou'll find me at the Hog's Head 28 points29 points  (7 children)

Neville or Luna!

[–]rainsonata 27 points28 points  (5 children)

Second for Luna!

[–]mogski 12 points13 points  (3 children)

Third for Luna.

[–]nightshade209 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Fourth for Luna!

[–]iDork622Master has given Dobby a sock! 19 points20 points  (1 child)

Loony for Luna!

[–]bendall1331 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I'm Loony for Luna-Puffs!

... no? Okay. I'll go now.

[–]nightfanreally needs to sort out his priorities 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Luna's my favorite HP character, so I third and fourth and fifth this suggestion!

[–]bob_condorLoads of Wizardy Goodness 10 points11 points  (5 children)

Is Charity Burbage out of the question?

[–]knotalot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

why on earth charity burbage??

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

It would be extremely short.

[–]rainsonata 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Think of all the potential you can do with her for fanfics! I just don't have the motivation to look for it. It's hard to find a decent fanfic out of all those hundred and thousands of fanfics accumulated over the years.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've written quite a lot of fanfics over the years. Only a few are still around but I always loved getting inside of her head.

[–]dsjunior1388 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Challenge accepted. Maybe.

[–]JeCsGirl 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Tonks! I am sure she had a very interesting life!

[–]equationevasion 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Let me summarise all the answers you've received to this question: every character from the books.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not quite that wide but close.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ron!

[–]Clark-Kent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin

And this post was amazing

[–]dela_angeloOracle of Delphi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Malfoy!

[–]HerbalTeaBunny 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Luna!!

[–]Is_A_VelociraptorRavenclawesome 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hagrid!

[–]infamousboone 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Maybe her appetite for learning was born from trying to find answers about her special abilities.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would believe that without any trouble.

[–]saltytreyHagrid's Clever Cousin 14 points15 points  (0 children)

She was braver than you can imagine and well deserving of being in Gryffindor.

[–]Stangstag 12 points13 points  (2 children)

Harry pretty much grew up the same way, except his "caretakers" hated him. At least Hermione had loving parents.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Until Hogwarts maybe. After I think they had very different experiences.

[–]Stangstag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well obviously I was talking about what OP wrote about Herm groing up not knowing anything about magic. Harry was the same

[–]Old_MonkeyRavenclaw is so fetch 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This and more is why she's my favourite character.

In my opinion she was by far the best out of the group, and she doesn't always get the recognition that she deserves for it.

[–]opiate46 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This....this makes me want to go to the library.

[–]HPbish 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I just wonder how close was she to her parents when you think about it she didn't saw her parents at all full year thanks to Hogwarts and when summer comes she goes to spend time with her parents but you would've tought she would spend full summer with her parents,she goes to Weasley place like month before the school starts

[–]zorgtron 3 points4 points  (5 children)

This made me realize that I don't know what happened to Hermione's parents. I know she modified their memories and sent them away, but did she ever bring them back after the danger was gone?

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 9 points10 points  (4 children)

According to JKR, Sometime after the war ended in 1998, Hermione found her parents and restored their memories back to their original state.

[–]zorgtron 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Ah okay, thanks! I thought I might have missed something in the books.

[–]jrl2014 1 point2 points  (2 children)

In the books it was left ambiguous as to whether or not Hermione would be able to reverse the charm.

[–]zorgtron 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hmm, that's interesting. It would be horrible to never see your family again even when there isn't danger anymore, but I guess it would be worth it to keep them safe.

[–]jmg83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ethically speaking, it's highly questionable. Mr and Mrs Granger are adults. I think they should have been given the facts rather than be treated in a such a patronising way.

[–]bitchSprayAsh & unicorn, 13 3/4 in, hard 7 points8 points  (0 children)

And that's why she's my favourite character in the series.

[–]TRB1783 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I would really liked to see what Hermione's life at home was like between years at Hogwarts. We know what a happy magical family looks like (Weasleys), and what a crappy Muggle family looks like (Durselys). We even kinda know what a crappy wizarding family looks like (Longbottoms and Malfoy). But we never get a good glimpse at a happy Muggle family with a magical member, or a mixed magical/Muggle family. I'd be fascinated to see that.

[–]purplepeach 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The only glimpse I can think of we get of mixed muggle/magic family is Lily and Petunia and it wasn't pleasant. I'd like to see Hermione's too.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (7 children)

You make it sound like she was just a simple girl born to a lowly family of dentists. Having two parents who are dentists probably offered her a lot of advantages in early life: access to excellent education, excellent role models teaching her to work hard, and the parents clearly valued education. So she was all set to work hard when she got to Hogwarts, and was financially secure and had loving, doting parents. So she fought to keep.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (6 children)

I don't know where you're from but where I'm from a pair of dentists would be middle class. Not even upper middle. Yes I do agree they would value education and they are shown helping her. But I think just as if she became president or prime minister coming from the background she did would be seen as extraordinary.

[–]boomberrybella 2 points3 points  (5 children)

Where are you from? I'm not sure what the class cutoffs are, but (in the US at least) a family of two dentists would definitely be upper middle class and could even be upper.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

I'm from the US but I'm also from Upstate New York. Changes the income levels.

[–]boomberrybella 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I think New York falls under the national average, but about $150,000 per dentist is nothing to sneeze at.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

They would be lucky to make $95,000 together where I am before taxes.

[–]boomberrybella 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Huh, that's weird-my halfhearted googling gives about $140-150,000 for various places in NY. Doesn't matter.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mostly down state I would think or near one of the major cities. New York is a very big state.

[–]GracieBalloon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Welp, it's time for me to re-read the books.

[–]NoForReally 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Chills... totally gave me chills!

[–]usmcahump 2 points3 points  (0 children)

JK put so much time and thought into these characters. It's just amazing to me that she created this world that is so foreign and yet so relate-able to so many people world wide.

[–]Division_Of_Zero 2 points3 points  (3 children)

If we assume a world where muggles have no fairy tales, then sure. But there's evidence that they do (potentially based on the magical world itself), so while it would be terrifying, it would also be exciting. Mom, Dad, I can do magic! Of course she would have a name for it.

Yes, Hermione is a very powerful character. But don't melodramatize it by saying she grew up horribly terrified of her abilities. Most kids would be thrilled by the uniqueness, especially ones with her obvious intelligence.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I'm not sure I agree. In fact I know I don't.

I think us as outsiders can think we'd do this or that. But most of us are older, we're not 4 or 5 or 6 and having weird and possibly scarry things happen that we can't control. I don't think it's as simple as I can do magic! Yay!

I think it's far more complicated than that.

[–]Division_Of_Zero 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Except that the picture painted for Lily wasn't like that at all. And don't say Snape came into the picture and made it better. Lily pre-Snape was fine other than Petunia ostracizing her.

Many kids don't know the full "norm". Hermione, if her childlike self was anything like her 11-year-old self, would be more interested in seeing the extent of her magical abilities than being scared of them. Especially with her bravery.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You and I are perfectly able to have different ideas of the events.

I think they scared her to some extent. I do think that's why she was so focused on reading all she could.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Everyday I find new reasons to love the HP series. Today you gave me one. Is it okay if I share this (with due credit given to you, of course!) ?

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course. :-)

[–]HPbish 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Harry and Hermione's relationship is completely inspiring to me.they really have something beautiful.Hermione is so loyal to harry,one of most loyal characters in hp series actually.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's why she's my favorite

[–]RobbieNewtonSlytherin/Thunderbird 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was a brilliant read

[–]WeAreLegion1863 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing that!

[–]flyingpancakesauceRavenclaw 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just one of the many side effects of flossing everyday.

[–]totes_meta_bot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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[–]dontfearthecowbell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This made me tear up a bit. Hermione is, and always will be, my greatest hero.

[–]chimpwizardKeeper of the Keys 0 points1 point  (1 child)

25 POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!!

For this post, the Ginny one and for winning the inaugural Gryffindor trivia tournament.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you kindly. ☺

[–]koobear 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My personal head canon is Hermione was a very average student in her muggle life, but she stepped up to the challenges presented to her as a young witch.

[–]THeMedics 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I'm sure it was an honest mistake, but a Briton is a British person. Britain is the land.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my. I didn't catch that one. Thanks.

[–]jrl2014 -1 points0 points  (1 child)

"At the hands of a witch that maybe in another life she could have learned from, such skill was locked in that demented head."

Why bring Bellatrix into this at all?

Sorry, I guess I'm just sick of Bella-sympathesizers.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I wrote that line because of a set of gifs of EW and HBC I saw before writing this.

It started to make me think that maybe if Bellatrix's mind hadn't been so twisted, hadn't been so poisoned, she would have been a fantastic mentor to Hermione. Someone who was just as smart and just as driven to succeed.

And on another level I think Hermione never forgets the torture she suffered at Bellatrix's hand. I think that takes her innocence in a way nothing had before that.

It's not about being a Bella-sympathesizer. It's about seeing the structure in place that robbed the wizarding world of a witch who could have given them so much and how she impacted another witch who did give her greatness to that world.

[–]quinpon64337_x -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

she is also bangin

[–]manchking -1 points0 points  (1 child)

So I know that Brits couldn't care less about their teeth, but it always bothers me that Hermoine has abnormally large front teeth. Her parents are dentists -I know, not orthodontists, but still- why would she not have perfect teeth?

[–]jmg83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What a stupid thing to say. We care about keeping our teeth clean, we're just not obsessed by "perfection" as some countries are. Maybe her parents thought she should love herself the way she is. Do all plastic surgeons get their daughters breast implants?

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DiscussionJust The Daughter of Dentists (self.harrypotter)

submitted by LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser

My God, just think about her for a second.

She was so different than anyone she knew. She was magical and she didn't know it. How horribly terrifying must it have been to grow up knowing there was something inside of you and not being able to give it a name? To know things happened when you were around but not know why or how. How many books she must have read just trying to find an answer.

And then someone comes and tells you why. Tells you there is this whole other world out there that you belong to. And what you can do and be is nearly limitless. How good must that have felt to know what you felt and did had a name?

And then to leave, to leave your parents and your friends and all you knew to go alone onto that train. How much courage must that have taken? How much bravery to step into the utterly unknown? She wasn't just leaving her family she was leaving her world behind. How must it have felt to know that would never totally be your home again?

And then to go for 6 years on this adventures where you are saving the world, both magical and muggle. And you can't express that to your parents, the people that brought you into this world, because how could they possibly understand? How could they know the terror and the pain and the sense of responsibility? But still she kept on, reading and doing homework and saving the world.

But what else could she do? She was fighting for her parents and her friends back home and herself. Because she was born to muggles. Muggles she sent away, no matter how much it broke her heart. She took them from herself just to make sure they were safe. She took herself from their minds because she knew. She knew if the other side won, if they won she was dead. She was dead and it wouldn't matter if her heart kept beating or not, she was dead. And she suffered so greatly during the war. At the hands of a witch that maybe in another life she could have learned from, such skill was locked in that demented head.

And after it was done, what did she do? Did she go back to the muggle world and shy away from a world that tried to kill her? Oh course not. She rose up and became the Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement (at least). She became the second in command of the single largest department in the whole of Wizarding Britain. She rose up and made sure the fight she helped win would never have to be fought again.

She was born the daughter of dentists and she became one of the single greatest forces in the wizarding world.

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[–]banjolier 349 points350 points  (13 children)

Now flip this around and put yourself in Filch's shoes. Imagine growing up in a world where greatness is the norm, and being "normal" puts you well below average to the point where you're almost a second class citizen. BUT he still stays in the magical world and gives back to the children getting what he never had the opportunity to have; even though they point and laugh at him behind his back (or directly to his face) .

I think his defining moments come suring the Battle of Hogwarts. He, with no magical means of defending himself, stayed and helped Madam Pomfrey evacuate the younger students. And after the battle is over he breaks down because much if Hogwarts is in ruins.

He may come off as bitter and resentful (and on a shallow level he probably is), but it takes a different kind of courage to stay and fight for a world that you don't truly belong to.

Edit: screwy sense structure.

[–]crazymcfattypants 78 points79 points  (6 children)

Reading this was so bittersweet. I wana give Filch a hug.

[–]banjolier 76 points77 points  (2 children)

Seriously, I had never thought about it until I read this, but growing up a muggle born has nothing on growing up a squib.

[–]whoatemypie77 42 points43 points  (1 child)

I always thought that calling someone a squib sounds so mean and degrading, though I guess it should have a name, it must be terrible! When they find magic lesson leaflets in his office I almost cried!

[–]Puggerfly 15 points16 points  (0 children)

That scene was heartbreaking :( I imagine that he was not only disappointed in himself, he probably felt pressure and disappointment from his parents as well (don't recall if he had siblings but that would suck too), despite the fact that he had no say in being a squib. Watching everyone around you go to Hogwarts and you have to stay and go to muggle schools...

[–]mogski 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Not after that wedding, no.

[–]Weave77 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And who are you, the proud lord said...

[–]AttackWithHugsI will not take out a life insurance policy on Harry Potter. 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I know what wedding you're talking about.

[–]cassity282Potions Mistress/Kneazle Keeper 31 points32 points  (0 children)

this! this is why I can never hate him. I have gotten in SOOO many arguments about him. he had his cat. my cat was ungodsly important in my life. im exstreamly learning disabled and my cat was my friend through some realy hard times. I have always kind of identified with Filch. and he was brave in his own way. he worked at a place he could never realy attend. and that castle felt like my home. and he broke down as you said. because his home was ruined. they didn't do him justice in the films. because he was more than what they showed. they showed he was upset about his cat being petrified. but they didn't show how distraught he was over it. they didn't show his love for that castle. he was strong in his way. and I respect him for that.

[–]littleotterpoppatronus: great gray owl (0v0) 17 points18 points  (2 children)

The thing is, I feel like filch doesn't really belong to the muggle world either. He doesn't really have a place. And that's depressing as hell, but it's the truth. I don't think there's anything brave about filch staying, I think he just so desperately wants to be a part of the magical world that he'll do anything to be a part of it. That's why he ordered that thing in the mail to try and learn magic (I can't remember what it's called at all, but that's when we learn he's a squib). So I think filch stays in hogwarts because it's his only way to remain in the magical world, and while I don't think anybody can blame him, it isn't really brave. And he doesn't really give back to the children, he hates all of them (jealousy because he can't do magic?), but he would physically punish them if he could. In deathly hallows when hogwarts was being run by Snape and by extension voldemort and the death eaters, didn't they actually give filch permission to physically abuse the students? (I could have made that up in my head but I feel like something like that happened. And he's still a bitter asshole so there's that. Anyway, I see what you're saying but I think filch is way more selfish than brave.

[–]banjolier 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I do think there is some truth in what you're saying. He definitely harbored resentment. I don't think he was trapped in the magical world though. Mrs. Figg lived in the muggle world as a crazy cat lady.

As far as physical abuse goes, did he ever actuality go through with it (can't remember either)? Having permission and acting on that permission are very different things. I think he liked to threaten the students, but if push came to shove, I doubt he would've actually hung anyone by their ankles.

Like I said in my earlier post, I do think there was a shallow level of resentment, but deep down he did care for all of Hogwarts, including the students. He helped them escape during the Battle of Hogwarts.

[–]littleotterpoppatronus: great gray owl (0v0) 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don't think he was trapped, I just think he didn't have a real place in either world. Trying to live as a muggle when your whole family are witches/wizards would suck, but obviously being a squib he couldn't fully integrate with the magical world. So he picked the magical world and tried desperately to be a part of it. Honestly I totally see where you're coming from, but I personally think he really hated them all. Aside from helping evacuate younger students during the battle of hogwarts (which really, what else was he supposed to do? I mean he could have ran away I guess but even then where would he go? Hogwarts was his home more than anything, not necessarily that he cared for the students themselves) he never actually did anything that would suggest he cared about students. If anything the opposite.

[–]Afrobear 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He is an anomaly. Filch appears in every single book, but is one of the characters that we know the least about.

Normally squibs would be integrated into muggle society so that they can live in a place where they fit in. Why was Filch appointed in a position more suited for a magical person? I guess from this is that Dumbledore had some good reason for keeping him there(the same as he did with Trelawney) or he was raised in the magical world and he had no other place he could fit in.

Edit: Sentence structure. English is a second language to me.

[–]youractualaccount 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a phenomenal view of that character. Bravo.

[–]rainsonata 199 points200 points  (4 children)

That was a beautiful read. This gives me new appreciation for Hermione Granger.

[–]Silmelinwen 55 points56 points  (0 children)

While this does give me an appreciation for Hermione; I feel more sad for her parents than anything else. It's already hard to relate to your adolescent child without there being a literal world of a difference between the two of you.

[–]whoatemypie77 26 points27 points  (2 children)

And that's why she's not in Ravenclaw! :)

[–]Dale92 5 points6 points  (1 child)

Not really. Replace Hermione with any muggle-born and it's be the exact same. There have been plenty of muggle-borne in Ravenclaw.

[–]whoatemypie77 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Who have chased horcruxes and erased their parents memories? Fair enough they might have had it in them and it not have been called upon, but she was extremely brave aswell as clever compare to others!

[–]lepraphobia"There's no need to call me "sir", Professor." 75 points76 points  (21 children)

I would love to read a chapter by JK that goes over Hermione's introduction to the wizarding world. What was said in her muggle home?

[–]crazymcfattypants 41 points42 points  (10 children)

Kinda makes you wonder though., man comes to your door, says ''I want to take you child of 11 away to another world, where we will teach her magic, you can see her on holidays''. Would you ever send your daughter away with that man?

[–]lepraphobia"There's no need to call me "sir", Professor." 29 points30 points  (8 children)

This is exactly why I'd like to read the chapter. Even at 11, Hermione was a critical thinker. What did this person say to convince her?

[–]crazymcfattypants 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yeah, it's not like pulling a rabbit out of a hat or transfiguring something would convince her, I would take something really deep... Godammit Lepraphobia, you have me thinking about things I'll never know the answer to!

[–]kyara_no_kurayami 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I wonder how many muggle-borns never made it to Hogwarts because of this.

[–]Parareda8 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I agree comepetely.

[–]melonzipper 9 points10 points  (8 children)

Definitely! I mean, Hagrid walked Harry through the entire introduction/process and Harry was helped by the Weasleys to get through Platform 9 3/4 - who/what helped Hermione?

[–]book_worm92alohomora! 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I remember reading somewhere (whether it was Pottermore or in the books I can't remember) that members of the MoM or the faculty would go to the homes to help the muggle-borns. We see in HBP that Dumbledore goes to the orphanage to talk to Tom Riddle.

[–]kazetoame 8 points9 points  (6 children)

On that note, why was Hagrid picked to be Harry's introduction and why the hell was Molly loudly speaking about muggles? That was deliberate, Albus' schemes.

I'm sure muggleborns get a full 'tour' if you will. Though what I want to know is her parents' reaction. I mean, who wouldn't ask why the hell weren't they told this information before, like during the first couple incidents, if her name was written down (remember that Harry was told his name was down for Hogwarts since he was born. I'm sure there is a book at Hogwarts or even at the DoM that record this information). I would be horribly demanding of everything, I would want to know and be kept in the loop and if I wasn't well, they would rue the day. (I would also have a back up plan for in case of the asshats removing my memories)

On a different tangent, do you think the Queen knows about the magical world? Wouldn't the magical citizens still be technically under her 'rule' as it were. So Riddle was in fact committing treason against Britain, as were the rest of the Death Eaters.

[–]purplepeach 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Well the Prime Minister knows about the wizarding world so it's possible that she knows and is to pass that information on to her successor (or maybe the Minister of Magic would).

[–]HerbalTeaBunny 8 points9 points  (4 children)

Wasn't Hagrid picked to be Harry's introduction because he was close to his parents and was the one who went and got Harry from his house and brought him to his Aunt and Uncles?

[–]kazetoame 9 points10 points  (3 children)

How close do you really think Hagrid was to Lily and James? Throughout the books you see how childlike Hagrid really is, I'm not blaming him, no, I lay that at no one really taking care of him after his father died and then the expulsion from Hogwarts didn't help matters. Hagrid wouldn't be my first choice, one of the other teachers would be. Proof that he was unsuited for it just look at the pub scene. Any other adult would have shielded Harry, try to get him in and out without much fuss, but Hagrid let out the secret and didn't really shield him, it was ever so obvious that Harry wasn't used to the attention and didn't like it. (who in there right mind would like to be famous for surviving, while his parents did not). If the only criteria for being able to pick up Harry and show him around is to be close to Lily and James, then that honor should have gone to Remus. Harry should have treated like a muggleborn was, but nope. McGonagall knew that the Dursleys were awful, yet she didn't come herself? So many questions that can explained in one word, Dumbledore.

[–]HerbalTeaBunny 2 points3 points  (2 children)

This is true and I don't argue that it should have been someone else who had picked him up. I just think this it was symbolic that Hagrid was the one who took him there and is the one to take him away. I think that in the books Hagrid even says something close to that. Hagrid may be child like but he has always been faithful, loyal and hardworking. I think that Remus coming would not have worked, was he taking the potion that snape made for him at that time? It really should have been McGonagall or Dumbledore but we will never know why.

[–]oky13o 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We do know why. Do you remember why Hagrid was sent to Diagon Alley while introducing Harry to the world? To pick up the Sorcerer's Stone. Chances are Dumbledore was aware of Quirrell's ailment or at least had his suspicions and he wanted to pique Harry's interest a bit. Also he knew Hagrid was a little loose lipped about things because he wanted people to think he was in the know. BUT if he knew all of this why wouldn't he have just sent Hagrid on a seperate trip? Because he wanted Harry to know.

[–]Champion_of_Charms 2 points3 points  (0 children)

IIRC, Hagrid said something about volunteering to pick Harry up in the movies.

[–]shypye[🍰] 37 points38 points  (2 children)

Here, here!

[–]aaronitmar 45 points46 points  (1 child)

Yeah, 'ear 'ear!

[–]iDork622Master has given Dobby a sock! 59 points60 points  (0 children)

The whole world of ear related humor, and you go for "holey"!?

[–]virgiliart 32 points33 points  (5 children)

I was thinking about this last week, actually. It must be incredibly difficult to be the Muggle parent to a witch or wizard. Imagine not being able to talk to your friends about your kid's grades, to discuss where they go to school every year, eventually what job they do, who they married, your grandchildren... It really makes me feel badly for the Grangers and other parents like them.

Thankfully, Hermione and her friends fought for a world where her parents would be better able to mingle with wizard parents! Still, the Statute of Secrecy would keep them from chatting about their kids to fellow Muggles, but they could probably visit the wizard world without fear, make friendships with other Hogwarts student families.

On another note, your description of Hermione's pre-Hogwarts years reminded me powerfully of Roald Dahl's Matilda!

[–]cococococola 11 points12 points  (3 children)

I've been thinking about this a lot as I'm rereading as a pretty established adult for the first time.

Of course Petunia and Vernon want to keep the sectet because they hate the idea of magic (each for their own reasons), but what about other muggle family members? There seems to be a great deal of concern in the ministry to keep the magic world secret, but the Granger's are allowed to go to Diagon Alley. I imagine it wouldn't be illegal for Hermione to, say as an adult, prepare them a meal using magic. So, how does the ministry ensure that muggle family members don't spill the beans? Where do they draw the line? Could Hermione's grandparents know?

So many questions!

[–]virgiliart 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I imagine that the Statute of Secrecy only applies to witches and wizards? After all, Fudge and Scrimgeour don't forbid the Prime Minister from speaking of their world, they just assume nobody would believe him.

[–]denarii 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That doesn't mean they wouldn't start handing out memory charms if they thought there was a risk of exposure.

[–]Snolarin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think muggle borns would be allowed to move most of their immediate family into the wizarding world, seeing as how their children will most likely be magical as well.

[–]wanderluxe 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I like to think that the Grangers met some other muggle parents in Diagon Alley and they have dinner parties regularly where they talk about their kids and all the weird and wonderful things they do.

[–]EUPRAXIA1 84 points85 points  (15 children)

I would be quite surprised to discover that Hermione Granger had many friends before Hogwarts. Think about it; before Harry and Ron she was basically friendless at Hogwarts (and not without reason, being a know-it-all). She did develop a few more friendships at Hogwarts and beyond, but those were after she gained some maturity from growing older.

[–]floatingzeroWit Beyond Measure 109 points110 points  (13 children)

I'm willing to bet none of the three characters had any/many friends before hogwarts.

  • Harry was outcast at school because of his clothes and his bully of a cousin
  • Hermione for being a know-it-all
  • Ron (probably had at least a few) lived in the shadows of all of his family members, especially his funny twin older brothers. Also probably because he was "just another Weasley"

All three of them came to Hogwarts as outsiders in their own right.

[–]dsjunior1388 51 points52 points  (0 children)

I grew up in a family of five boys, when you have that many siblings that close in age, you don't really feel the need for other friends until you're a teen.

[–]invaderpixel 44 points45 points  (5 children)

I could see Ron just not getting out of the Burrow much before he was 11. Molly was pretty overprotective and it seems like they were out in the middle of nowhere. Plus how much can you really trust a kid to go out and be careful about not mentioning anything magic if they ran into muggles? Probably easier to just keep him busy picking gnomes.

[–][deleted] 20 points21 points  (4 children)

I'm actually curious why Ron didn't know who Luna was until 5th year when they were basically neighbors for years.

[–]Eevolveer 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I don't think Luna got around too much. they probably just never bumped into each other. Even if he knew the Lovegood home I imagine it wouldn't be hard to never notice a young girl there. Although now that I think about it Ginny probably did spend at least a little time in Luna's company over the summers.

[–]gabetheredditor 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It would be entirely within Ron's nature to pretend not to know Luna out of fear of association.

[–]wishitwas 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of my best friends lived ~5 houses away from me growing up. We didn't become friends until 9th grade, despite living so near each other for practically our whole lives. You live in your bubble you create for yourself.

[–]EUPRAXIA1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you can travel instantly by fire maybe whether your neighbors or not is less of a friendship factor.

[–]EUPRAXIA1 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very true.

[–]rdmfGobbledygook 24 points25 points  (1 child)

Exactly! One of my favourite Hermione lines is when she becomes prefect and says "at least this is something my parents can understand." It always made me sad, to think she did all this wonderful stuff but she couldn't share it with her parents. There must have already been so much distance between them by time she wiped their memories.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I think Hermione had to live two very different lives. On one had she was their little girl and they were her protectors. On another hand she was a protector of the wizarding world. And she couldn't share that with them.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 53 points54 points  (24 children)

I'm willing to do other character profiles like this if y'all have suggestions.

[–]Willow536 13 points14 points  (1 child)

Malfoy

[–]rainsonata 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Wait until his father hears about it.

[–]RainieTuesdayyou'll find me at the Hog's Head 28 points29 points  (7 children)

Neville or Luna!

[–]rainsonata 27 points28 points  (5 children)

Second for Luna!

[–]mogski 12 points13 points  (3 children)

Third for Luna.

[–]nightshade209 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Fourth for Luna!

[–]iDork622Master has given Dobby a sock! 19 points20 points  (1 child)

Loony for Luna!

[–]bendall1331 23 points24 points  (0 children)

I'm Loony for Luna-Puffs!

... no? Okay. I'll go now.

[–]nightfanreally needs to sort out his priorities 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Luna's my favorite HP character, so I third and fourth and fifth this suggestion!

[–]bob_condorLoads of Wizardy Goodness 10 points11 points  (5 children)

Is Charity Burbage out of the question?

[–]knotalot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

why on earth charity burbage??

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

It would be extremely short.

[–]rainsonata 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Think of all the potential you can do with her for fanfics! I just don't have the motivation to look for it. It's hard to find a decent fanfic out of all those hundred and thousands of fanfics accumulated over the years.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've written quite a lot of fanfics over the years. Only a few are still around but I always loved getting inside of her head.

[–]dsjunior1388 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Challenge accepted. Maybe.

[–]JeCsGirl 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Tonks! I am sure she had a very interesting life!

[–]equationevasion 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Let me summarise all the answers you've received to this question: every character from the books.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Not quite that wide but close.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ron!

[–]Clark-Kent 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sirius Black, and Remus Lupin

And this post was amazing

[–]dela_angeloOracle of Delphi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Malfoy!

[–]HerbalTeaBunny 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Luna!!

[–]Is_A_VelociraptorRavenclawesome 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hagrid!

[–]infamousboone 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Maybe her appetite for learning was born from trying to find answers about her special abilities.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I would believe that without any trouble.

[–]saltytreyHagrid's Clever Cousin 14 points15 points  (0 children)

She was braver than you can imagine and well deserving of being in Gryffindor.

[–]Stangstag 12 points13 points  (2 children)

Harry pretty much grew up the same way, except his "caretakers" hated him. At least Hermione had loving parents.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Until Hogwarts maybe. After I think they had very different experiences.

[–]Stangstag 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well obviously I was talking about what OP wrote about Herm groing up not knowing anything about magic. Harry was the same

[–]Old_MonkeyRavenclaw is so fetch 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This and more is why she's my favourite character.

In my opinion she was by far the best out of the group, and she doesn't always get the recognition that she deserves for it.

[–]opiate46 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This....this makes me want to go to the library.

[–]HPbish 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I just wonder how close was she to her parents when you think about it she didn't saw her parents at all full year thanks to Hogwarts and when summer comes she goes to spend time with her parents but you would've tought she would spend full summer with her parents,she goes to Weasley place like month before the school starts

[–]zorgtron 3 points4 points  (5 children)

This made me realize that I don't know what happened to Hermione's parents. I know she modified their memories and sent them away, but did she ever bring them back after the danger was gone?

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 9 points10 points  (4 children)

According to JKR, Sometime after the war ended in 1998, Hermione found her parents and restored their memories back to their original state.

[–]zorgtron 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Ah okay, thanks! I thought I might have missed something in the books.

[–]jrl2014 1 point2 points  (2 children)

In the books it was left ambiguous as to whether or not Hermione would be able to reverse the charm.

[–]zorgtron 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Hmm, that's interesting. It would be horrible to never see your family again even when there isn't danger anymore, but I guess it would be worth it to keep them safe.

[–]jmg83 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ethically speaking, it's highly questionable. Mr and Mrs Granger are adults. I think they should have been given the facts rather than be treated in a such a patronising way.

[–]bitchSprayAsh & unicorn, 13 3/4 in, hard 7 points8 points  (0 children)

And that's why she's my favourite character in the series.

[–]TRB1783 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I would really liked to see what Hermione's life at home was like between years at Hogwarts. We know what a happy magical family looks like (Weasleys), and what a crappy Muggle family looks like (Durselys). We even kinda know what a crappy wizarding family looks like (Longbottoms and Malfoy). But we never get a good glimpse at a happy Muggle family with a magical member, or a mixed magical/Muggle family. I'd be fascinated to see that.

[–]purplepeach 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The only glimpse I can think of we get of mixed muggle/magic family is Lily and Petunia and it wasn't pleasant. I'd like to see Hermione's too.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (7 children)

You make it sound like she was just a simple girl born to a lowly family of dentists. Having two parents who are dentists probably offered her a lot of advantages in early life: access to excellent education, excellent role models teaching her to work hard, and the parents clearly valued education. So she was all set to work hard when she got to Hogwarts, and was financially secure and had loving, doting parents. So she fought to keep.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (6 children)

I don't know where you're from but where I'm from a pair of dentists would be middle class. Not even upper middle. Yes I do agree they would value education and they are shown helping her. But I think just as if she became president or prime minister coming from the background she did would be seen as extraordinary.

[–]boomberrybella 2 points3 points  (5 children)

Where are you from? I'm not sure what the class cutoffs are, but (in the US at least) a family of two dentists would definitely be upper middle class and could even be upper.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

I'm from the US but I'm also from Upstate New York. Changes the income levels.

[–]boomberrybella 1 point2 points  (3 children)

I think New York falls under the national average, but about $150,000 per dentist is nothing to sneeze at.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

They would be lucky to make $95,000 together where I am before taxes.

[–]boomberrybella 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Huh, that's weird-my halfhearted googling gives about $140-150,000 for various places in NY. Doesn't matter.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mostly down state I would think or near one of the major cities. New York is a very big state.

[–]GracieBalloon 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Welp, it's time for me to re-read the books.

[–]NoForReally 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Chills... totally gave me chills!

[–]usmcahump 2 points3 points  (0 children)

JK put so much time and thought into these characters. It's just amazing to me that she created this world that is so foreign and yet so relate-able to so many people world wide.

[–]Division_Of_Zero 2 points3 points  (3 children)

If we assume a world where muggles have no fairy tales, then sure. But there's evidence that they do (potentially based on the magical world itself), so while it would be terrifying, it would also be exciting. Mom, Dad, I can do magic! Of course she would have a name for it.

Yes, Hermione is a very powerful character. But don't melodramatize it by saying she grew up horribly terrified of her abilities. Most kids would be thrilled by the uniqueness, especially ones with her obvious intelligence.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I'm not sure I agree. In fact I know I don't.

I think us as outsiders can think we'd do this or that. But most of us are older, we're not 4 or 5 or 6 and having weird and possibly scarry things happen that we can't control. I don't think it's as simple as I can do magic! Yay!

I think it's far more complicated than that.

[–]Division_Of_Zero 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Except that the picture painted for Lily wasn't like that at all. And don't say Snape came into the picture and made it better. Lily pre-Snape was fine other than Petunia ostracizing her.

Many kids don't know the full "norm". Hermione, if her childlike self was anything like her 11-year-old self, would be more interested in seeing the extent of her magical abilities than being scared of them. Especially with her bravery.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You and I are perfectly able to have different ideas of the events.

I think they scared her to some extent. I do think that's why she was so focused on reading all she could.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Everyday I find new reasons to love the HP series. Today you gave me one. Is it okay if I share this (with due credit given to you, of course!) ?

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course. :-)

[–]HPbish 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Harry and Hermione's relationship is completely inspiring to me.they really have something beautiful.Hermione is so loyal to harry,one of most loyal characters in hp series actually.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's why she's my favorite

[–]RobbieNewtonSlytherin/Thunderbird 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was a brilliant read

[–]WeAreLegion1863 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing that!

[–]flyingpancakesauceRavenclaw 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just one of the many side effects of flossing everyday.

[–]totes_meta_bot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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[–]dontfearthecowbell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This made me tear up a bit. Hermione is, and always will be, my greatest hero.

[–]chimpwizardKeeper of the Keys 0 points1 point  (1 child)

25 POINTS TO GRYFFINDOR!!

For this post, the Ginny one and for winning the inaugural Gryffindor trivia tournament.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you kindly. ☺

[–]koobear 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My personal head canon is Hermione was a very average student in her muggle life, but she stepped up to the challenges presented to her as a young witch.

[–]THeMedics 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I'm sure it was an honest mistake, but a Briton is a British person. Britain is the land.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my. I didn't catch that one. Thanks.

[–]jrl2014 -1 points0 points  (1 child)

"At the hands of a witch that maybe in another life she could have learned from, such skill was locked in that demented head."

Why bring Bellatrix into this at all?

Sorry, I guess I'm just sick of Bella-sympathesizers.

[–]LionOfGryffindorGryffindor Chaser[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I wrote that line because of a set of gifs of EW and HBC I saw before writing this.

It started to make me think that maybe if Bellatrix's mind hadn't been so twisted, hadn't been so poisoned, she would have been a fantastic mentor to Hermione. Someone who was just as smart and just as driven to succeed.

And on another level I think Hermione never forgets the torture she suffered at Bellatrix's hand. I think that takes her innocence in a way nothing had before that.

It's not about being a Bella-sympathesizer. It's about seeing the structure in place that robbed the wizarding world of a witch who could have given them so much and how she impacted another witch who did give her greatness to that world.

[–]quinpon64337_x -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

she is also bangin

[–]manchking -1 points0 points  (1 child)

So I know that Brits couldn't care less about their teeth, but it always bothers me that Hermoine has abnormally large front teeth. Her parents are dentists -I know, not orthodontists, but still- why would she not have perfect teeth?

[–]jmg83 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What a stupid thing to say. We care about keeping our teeth clean, we're just not obsessed by "perfection" as some countries are. Maybe her parents thought she should love herself the way she is. Do all plastic surgeons get their daughters breast implants?

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