10 Most Satisfying Harry Potter Movie Moments

Hermione Granger is known for her intelligence and magical prowess. Throughout the series, she demonstrates her impressive abilities by rising above her classmates and routinely saving her two best friends. However, her best moment doesn’t involve any magic at all.

Just before Buckbeak’s execution, Malfoy and his Slytherin cronies stroll through the grounds to get a good vantage point. Harry, Ron, and Hermione turn up soon after, hoping to support Hagrid through this distressing ordeal. Malfoy’s look of glee soon vanishes when Hermione points her wand at his throat. After resisting the temptation to jinx him, she decides to punch him in the face instead.

As well as being an amusing spectacle, Hermione’s punch is loaded with satisfaction. For years, Malfoy has taunted Hermione because she’s a Muggle-born witch and called her a Mudblood on numerous occasions. But with one punch, Hermione puts Malfoy in his place, reminding him just how pathetic he really is.

This iconic moment then ends with a terrific bit of dialogue between Hermione and Ron:

“That felt good.”

“Not good. Brilliant.”