Explanation Regarding Hermione's Character Arc

Some readers have criticized the author for forcibly changing Hermione's character. It should be noted that Hermione slapping Draco is a scene from the original book (Volume 3, Chapter 15). You can call this a cruel plot point, but it's the inevitable development of the story; the protagonist and Hermione's personalities dictated that they would make that decision at that time.

Readers who think Hermione wouldn't hit anyone must remember: Harry Potter is a young adult novel, and the main characters are developmental, with different personalities each year as they grow. In the third year, Hermione would indeed hit Draco.

In her first year, Hermione was a rule-abiding girl; in her second year, Hermione was willing to break school rules for the sake of justice. Do you know how fragile Hermione was in her third year? She first took 12 elective courses, resulting in unbearable pressure; then she faced boycotts and isolation from her friends (because of Scabbers and the Firebolt); and she also endured pressure in Divination Class due to her conflict with Trelawney. In the books, what ultimately caused her emotional breakdown was Hippogriff's death sentence, which brought her into direct contact with the ugly side of the adult world—politics.

It was the accumulation of various negative emotions that led her to hit Draco. Not only were the readers shocked, but even Ron from the original story was taken aback. Chapter 16 of the original text is as follows:

"Hermione, I don't know what's wrong with you lately!" Ron said in shock. "First you hit Malfoy, and then you stormed out of Professor Trelawney's class—"

See? Hermione's emotions had indeed been suppressed for too long. The third year was the moment when she officially broke free from the shackles of being a "good girl" and transformed like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon!

In this story, Hippogriff is rescued by Skylar, but Hagrid finds himself in a different kind of trouble, in some ways even greater trouble, as he drags Dumbledore down and challenges Dumbledore's authority. This means Hermione's fate has returned to the trajectory of the original story. Her emotions will certainly be extremely hostile, and when Draco mocks Hagrid as he does in the original story, Hermione will definitely stand up for him as she does in the original story.

And what about Skylar? On one side is his brother and Slytherin, on the other is Hermione, with whom he has only a shallow connection. Which would you choose?

Moreover, in a sense, Skylar even saved Hermione's life! Can you imagine what would have happened to Harry, Ron, and Hermione (remember, Harry's strength only increased dramatically in his fourth year; he was weak in the first three) when surrounded by an enraged Draco and more than a dozen Little Snakes?

As for readers who like Hermione, the author wants to ask: Hermione isn't dead, so aren't you all looking forward to her future development?