Running

There is a strong sense that for Hermione, running represents another aspect of her determination to get on with her life, and not spend her time either waiting for things to change or feeling like a victim.

In the novel's prologue, and later in Part 3 (which contains a fuller version of the narrative sequence from which the prologue is taken), protagonist Hermione describes herself as taking up running as a way of distracting herself from her difficulties, and / or filling time.

Cheerleading

Cheerleading represents a core part of Hermione's identity, something she might say is the best part of her. Throughout the narrative, competitive cheerleading is the focus of much of Hermione's attention and energy. At a key point in the narrative, she defines it as something she loves, something she is good at, something she feels pride in, and something that gives her strength. In...