Harry Potter: 10 Worst Things Hermione Has Ever Done

8. Defended Lockhart’s Incompetence

Harry’s Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers are a mixed bag. Some – like Professor Lupin – are wonderful, whilst others – like Professor Umbridge – are total nightmares.

Professor Lockhart falls in between these two extremes, but he’s still a pretty useless teacher, all things considered. He has an unhealthy obsession with his own appearance, and his magical abilities are well below average.

As well as releasing a horde of angry pixies, he somehow manages to remove all the bones in Harry’s arm at the end of a Quidditch match. Ron is quick to notice how pathetic he is, but Hermione defends him to the hilt:

'How can you stick up for Lockhart now, Hermione, eh?...If Harry wanted de-boning he would have asked.'

‘Anyone can make a mistake,’ said Hermione. ‘And it doesn’t hurt anymore, does it, Harry?’

Hermione’s supposed to be the cleverest student at the entire school, yet she refuses to see past Lockhart’s hollow exterior.