This has got to be one of the biggest pieces of tripe ever. First of all, the character portrayed as most foolish in the series (Neville, whom I love, but who is still written as a frightened fool) is a BOY. Second, Hermione is NOT a bitch, she's SMART. People will always resent those of intelligence, and the boys--and everyone else's--reaction to Hermione's work ethic and natural ability is definitely not out of the norm as well as being perfectly illustrated by Ms Rowling. Hermione does what's best while the boys are reckless, but she can still break the rules WHEN IT'S NECESSARY--after all, who bitch slapped Draco? Not Ron or Harry. Who always knows the spells to solve a problem (example--when she made Harry's glasses repel water)? Hermione.

As for McGonagall--she's not cruel, she's FAIR. She's cruel just because she expects people to follow the rules and not make excuses? Because she refuses to show favortism and rarely bends the rules? What is wrong with this stupid writer (who's male, incidentally)? The women in HP are strong and smart--this makes them whining bitches? I think this writer is the chauvinist, here.