OVERANALYZING THE TEXT

An American reader's initial impression of Hermione's ethnicity, followed by an analysis of the dialogue in PS/SS and an explanation of how it does not support JKR's later assertion that Hogwarts is the only wizarding school in Britain.

Speculation on whether Neville or Hermione would ever betray Harry or his cause. My own reader desire for Neville's role in future canon, and my distaste for the spectre of "DE-butt-kicking Super-Neville."

Discussion of whether people noticed SHIPping "evidence" in the early volumes on first read, or only through hindsight. Evidence for Draco having a "nasty twisted little crush" on Hermione. Suggests that the Malfoy family has been established as both Ron's and Hermione's nemesis, and that this may indicate that Hermione will have some role to play in Draco's future development in canon.

Blackmail subplots in GoF, and pride-in-knowledge as Hermione's own particular spiritual temptation.

Yes, of course Fred and George are "really" engaging in blackmail! And it would seem to be illegal in Wizarding Britain, too. But more to the point, why all that emphasis on blackmail in GoF? (A question no one ever answered, alas.)