the beginning: Emma Watson & the Half-Blood Prince

I am what some may call a Harry Potter freak. I prefer Harry Potter educated. I have pre-ordered nearly every book months in advance, gone to Harry Potter themed parties, read each book a minimum of four times, attended almost all of the movie premiers at midnight, and tried charming my light switch in the mornings when I don't want to get out of bed to turn it on. I cried when Serious Black died and then again for Dumbledore. My most recent plight of fandome has been dying my hair red to go to the Half-Blood Prince premier the other night as Ginny Weasley. If I haven't lost you as a reader yet thank God. Anyway, over the years of the movies I have become more and more fond of the heroine Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). She is perhaps one of the most talented actresses in the films (actually I think all the actresses are talented) AND she knows how to dress. Double whammy. In the Half-Blood Prince movie, she is what made the show. Every girl could relate to what Hermione was going through and she provided an interesting relief to the stress all the audience members were subject to before the end credits.

photo courtesy of All Movie Photo

When Emma was first "discovered" in 2001, she was an awkward (but adorable) brunette cast to portray an overly eager witch with frizzy brown hair and awkward teeth. She was brilliant- and not only in character.

photo courtesy of Emma Watson Photo Gallery

Now Emma, along with the rest of the young cast, is a stunning young adult. She is heading off to University this fall with not only the Harry Potter movies under her belt, but a modeling gig as well.

photo courtesy of Emma Watson Photo Gallery

In short, Emma Watson is the woman every girl wishes to be. Featured in magazines such as Teen Vogue multiple times, Emma has gotten her quirky personality out in more ways than one. A few of my favorite Emma quotes are:

"I get sent Bibles. I have a collection of about 20 in my room. People think I need to be guided."

"[On kissing her co-stars]: Oh my God, no, no chance, no chance. That's not in my contract!"

"I love fashion. I think it's so important, because it's how you show yourself to the world."

quotes courtesy of IMDb