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Bleak ‘Harry Potter’ theory suggests why Hermione was such a gifted witch from a young age

One of the most boneheaded fan theories we've heard in some time.

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'
Photo via Warner Bros. Pictures

Harry Potter wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without Hermione Granger. She was the brains of the core trio, pulling Harry and Ron out of an endless series of magical situations, constantly coming up with complex plans, and making sure her friends kept up with their wizarding studies

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As a Muggle-born witch, Hermione began her journey on the back foot, having spent her early years in the Muggle world without any knowledge of the fantastical reality bubbling away behind the scenes. But a new (and rather depressing) fan theory presupposes.. what if she wasn’t just an extremely talented and hard-working muggle?

Harry Potter Reddit post
Image via Reddit

Well, it’s an interesting theory. The only problem is that it completely undermines Hermione’s entire character arc and the story’s themes of proving that talented witches and wizards can be born to Muggles, while supporting the “blood supremacy” idea that she spends practically the entire series fighting against.

Or, as one user puts it, “well, you’re definitely a Slytherin”.

The whole damn point of Harry Potter was showing exactly why the Magic Death Eater Nazis were completely wrong about the preservation of magical bloodlines and soft eugenics, so making Hermione into the secret daughter of a “powerful and heroic” witch is a terrible idea.

We’ve always liked stories where heroes prove themselves through their actions and talents rather than resting on who their parents were, so let’s toss this in the bin. Besides, there are enough nepo babies in Harry Potter, and we don’t need any more clogging up the corridors of Hogwarts.