Upon approval of the theme for September, I knew exactly what I wanted to write about. Hermione Granger as a Slytherin? I'm all in.
Now, I know that it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but what out there is? I personally do believe that Hermione was missorted, but not from Ravenclaw as the Sorting Hat considered. I like to think that Hogwarts is a lot less segregated and antagonistic amongst the Houses in this day and age. Pureblood or Muggleborn, what does it matter so long as you are actively helping to restore honor and glory to our illustrious House? This formidable witch would have been a boon for Slytherin back in the day. I certainly wouldn't have wanted to be on the other end of her wand. To paraphrase Rubeus Hagrid; they haven't invented a spell that Hermione can't do.
Hermione was just as devious and cunning as any other Slytherin. She didn't go out of her way to protect everyone around her, providing for a great sense of self-preservation that only extended to Harry and Ron. As we've all been told time and again, all magic is very grey---intent is what makes it 'light' or 'dark'. I'm going to give y'all a few examples of how this 'Gryffindor' pulled the wool over all of our eyes throughout her Hogwarts years.
Talk about doing something that doesn't seem quite so evil or malicious... at first. Sure, it didn't really harm poor, little Neville Longbottom, but home-girl froze her friend in their very first year. There was no cushioning the fall, just a meagre apology before leaving the Common Room. Hermione wanted to go and do something so badly that she didn't allow anything to get in her way. Sound familiar? We Slytherins often do things that are a bit less than savoury to make things happen and get what we want. This proves that this spell could be both dark and light.
Next we move on to the jinx that was most likely a personalized variation of the Pimple Jinx, Furnunculus. No one knew what exactly they were getting into when signing the Dumbledore's Army registry. None of them thought that uptight, no-nonsense, Muggleborn extraordinaire Hermione Granger was capable of such deceit and viciousness. This curse was enacted only if someone gave away information about the group, and was way beyond vicious. No cure was given, no knowledge of the curse at all, not even to Madam Pomfrey. Now, I personally don't mind this sinister part of her nature, but some felt that it went too far. Did Marietta deserve some sort of revenge for giving all of the others up? Probably. A prank or two at the very least. But did she deserve to have permanent scarring along with the gossip and probable bullying that went on afterward? Again I don't mind it, then again I have questionable morals. Try asking Marietta.
Lashing out at another, even a close friend, when our feelings are hurt is most likely a trait common in all Houses. I'd wager, however, that it is usually done in a verbal format or a very minor hex at most. In her sixth year, we see Hermione finally snap when it comes to Ron's insensitivity and ignorance. Despite the obvious feelings that both of these people had for each other at the time, Ron chose to jump at the chance to date Lavender Brown. He craved attention and the spotlight, both of which Lavender provided for him along with a couple of snogging sessions. The Pureblooded wizard made the mistake of letting Lavender drag him off to snog in front of his other love interest and he paid for it dearly. Whether afraid or aloof of Hermione's feelings, he ended up on the wrong end of her wand. Combining the use of the Avis and Oppugno charms, we find our Slytherin in Gryffindor robes sending a vicious warning to her close friend. A flock of birds dive-bombing your face, over and over again? Torturous, simply torturous.
Now, I know it feels as if I am writing a novel at this point. xD I haven't even gotten into other spells Hermione used that could be both dark or light. There are numerous others throughout the series that could be construed as shady, if not completely dark, if her intent had been anything but what we were told. Spells like Obliviate, Bombarda, or even Alohomora... I'll let you ponder that one. Perhaps situations such as using the Confundus against poor, unsuspecting Cormac to aid Ron Weasley's tryout or the use of the Protean Charm on the coins for D.A. (super similar to what the Dark Lord used for his Dark Marks). What do YOU think? Is Hermione Granger 'Slytherin' enough for you?
I'll be back next month as we dive deep into more spells, potions, or magical aspects from the Harry Potter series. In the meantime? I'm going to go take a catnap.