Why did Hermione have the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black?

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Hermione Granger, one of the central characters in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, is well-known for her intelligence, resourcefulness, and loyalty to her friends. Throughout the books, she often plays a crucial role in uncovering the secrets that drive the plot forward. In the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, one of the more interesting and lesser-discussed aspects of Hermione's resourcefulness is her decision to bring along the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black. This portrait proves to be a valuable source of information for the trio in their quest to defeat Voldemort.

Phineas Nigellus Black: A Brief Background

Phineas Nigellus Black, a former Hogwarts headmaster and an ancestor of Sirius Black, is a rather unlikable and sarcastic character. However, his portrait serves as a link between the events occurring within Hogwarts and the outside world. As a former headmaster, his portrait is also displayed in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts, allowing him to move between the two locations and gather vital information.

Hermione's Acquisition of the Portrait

Hermione's decision to take the portrait from 12 Grimmauld Place is an example of her foresight and strategic thinking. In Chapter 9, "A Place to Hide," Hermione grabs the portrait while the trio is fleeing from Death Eaters, who have discovered their location. Knowing that the portrait could reveal information about Harry to the Death Eaters if left behind, Hermione takes this unusual yet wise step.

Instances of the Portrait's Use in the Deathly Hallows

Throughout the Deathly Hallows, the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black proves to be quite useful to the trio in several instances:

In Chapter 15, "The Goblin's Revenge," the portrait reports on Severus Snape's actions at Hogwarts. Phineas informs the trio that Snape has been appointed headmaster, giving them a better understanding of the situation at the school.

Lastly, in Chapter 30, "The Sacking of Severus Snape," the portrait provides the trio with valuable information about the situation at Hogwarts before the Battle of Hogwarts. This information helps them make the decision to return to the school and fight alongside their friends and allies.

In summary, the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black is a testament to Hermione Granger's strategic thinking and resourcefulness throughout the Harry Potter series. Although the portrait is a seemingly minor aspect of the story, it plays a crucial role in providing the trio with vital information that aids them in their quest to defeat Voldemort. Hermione's decision to bring the portrait along highlights her ability to think outside the box and utilize unconventional resources, ultimately contributing to the trio's success.