(1)Hermione Jean Granger
I like Dumbledore. A lot. But Hermione's relationship with Harry is the best in the series bar none, and I'm no Harry-Hermione shipper. Just the little touches.. it's what is missing from so many of Harry's relationships. In fact I think Hermione may be one of the best written characters in the series. Hermione bringing Harry breakfast the morning after his name is pulled from the Goblet of fire? THAT is a perfect little moment. Unlike Ron, she never turns on Harry. She sticks by him -- but she also stands up to him when she feels it necessary. Which is something Remus couldn't do with his friends.
And her staying with Harry after Ron leaves? She's almost like a big sister to Harry throughout the books. And it's a role she just naturally fits into.
Dumbledore is a great chessmaster. The master of the Xanatos Roulette. He's wicked powerful, and awesome. But when it comes down to... if Harry had died in the forest... he'd have been setting him up to die. Willing to sacrifice for 'The Greater Good" Which goes against his character. I don't think he WANTED Harry to die. The hint of triumph in his eyes... shows that he DOES care. But I think he was just willing to sacrifice too many people. Too many people to give Harry peace of mind, and Harry to save many lives.
Both are great characters. Both are easily Top 5 material. But I have to give the nod to Hermione, who through it all doesn't have all the answers (even if she provides most of them), and yet still sticks by Harry out of loyalty -- similar loyalty that Dumbledore gets from the Order of the Phoenix. An unwavering trust. And we see the reasons behind the friendship so much better than anything we really see involving Dumbledore.
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See You In Another Life, Brother.
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