Books and Cleverness: 6 Important Life Lessons Hermione Granger Taught Us

On September 19, 1979, the brightest witch of her age was born. In 1991, she attended Hogwarts, bright-eyed, eager to learn, and unaware of the future hurdles and life-threatening encounters she'd have to face. She was just her merry muggle self.

Throughout seven books and eight movies, I always looked up to Hermione. There were plenty of life lessons I learnt from Hermione Granger, such as being outspoken, standing up for what I know is right, and definitely knowing when to throw a great punch.

1. Being Smart is Good

“Are you sure that’s a real spell?” said the girl. “Well, it’s not very good, is it? I’ve tried a few simple spells just for practice and it’s all worked for me. I’ve learned all our course books by heart, of course."

Even if you get mocked for being studious, outspoken and coming off as a know-it-all, no matter what people say about that, just keep doing it. You're really just being a good, hardworking student, and hard work comes in handy pays off in the long run.

2. Always Have a Witty Comeback

“At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in, They got in on pure talent.”

A girl has to keep her wits about her if she wants to be heard in a man's world. Being the only female child in my family, I know this to be true.

When Hermione finally became friends with Harry and Ron, she stood by them, became their brain whenever they seemed to have misplaced theirs, gave them sound advice and occasionally knocked some sense on them. On top of that, even when Malfoy and his gang of Slytherin bullies always went out of their way to give her a rough time, she almost always had a witty comeback. Malfoy wasn't the only victim of her sass — cross Hermione Granger, and incur the wrath of her sharp tongue.

3. Books are Powerful Tools

“One day, you’ll read Hogwarts, A History, and perhaps that will remind you that you can’t Apparate or Disapparate inside Hogwarts.”

The Harry Potter series is one of the greatest literary works of this generation, and without a doubt, it also encouraged a whole generation to read more. Harry and Ron are influential, yes. Hermione however, was truly the one who emphasized the value of reading. Hermione's extensive knowledge and wits got her and the boys out of countless scrapes across the series.

Whether it's reading to swot up for class or just reading good books for fun, Hermione's passion for reading is a habit many of us should adopt, because knowledge is power.

4. Speak and Stand Up for Those Who Can't

“Oh for heaven’s sake! Listen to me, all of you! You’ve got just as much right as wizards to be unhappy! You’ve got the right to wages and holidays and proper clothes, you don’t have to do everything you’re told — look at Dobby!”

S.P.E.W. (Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare) demonstrated the extent of Hermione's kindness and advocacy. After witnessing the harsh treatment of Winky, Hermione was prompted to take action against the slavery of house elves. Because if not her, who would? Though SPEW didn't achieve the results Hermione hoped for (the house elves even saw it as an insult to their kind), we knew Hermione always had all magical creatures' best interests at heart.

Like the actress who portrayed her, Emma Watson's advocacy and what she works to achieve is truly admirable and worthy of support and attention.

5. Learn How to Fight

Fighting is necessary for survival — especially when the Dark Lord was at large and in control of everything! Being a muggle-born and best friend to Harry Potter, no less, Hermione needed to train in order to defend herself.

Even during her (relatively) quieter times at Hogwarts, we all erupted in thunderous applause when Hermione punched the foul, loathsome, evil little cockroach, Draco Malfoy. The git certainly deserved what he got, and more.

Don't forget that she also didn't hesitate to catch and blackmail the abominable Rita Skeeter when she was bugging them in her animagus form! Talk about being unafraid to get your hands just a little dirty!

6. Loyalty and Conviction

Above all, Hermione is loyal. She's loyal to her friends, she's true to her beliefs, and to herself. She's selfless and brave, and she'll always provide a shoulder to cry on. Hermione's loyalty is uncompromising, because she's always had her priorities straight. She is loyal to her mission, and to Harry & Dumbledore, and committed to defeating the Dark Lord. Had it not been for Hermione's loyalty, constant support, and intelligence, Harry might not have survived their grueling Horcrux hunts.

Although she's just a fictional character, Hermione Granger is a real role model for me and millions of others around the globe. She has influenced us to be the best versions of ourselves. She's definitely up there as one of my heroines.

You can't spell Hermione without 'heroine', which is what she will always be to us. You're the real MVP, 'Mione.