While the series as a whole provides a lot of opportunity for both genders, it is usually blood-status that prevents characters from prevailing in the Harry Potter books. While there are few moments in the series when Rowling pointedly ensures that Hermione is working to overcome gender inequalities, these inequalities are present especially in Harry Potter in the Order of the Phoenix.
One of the most obvious moments of gender inequality in Order of the Phoenix is the one in which Hermione asks Harry to be the leader of Dumbledore’s Army, a group that she came up with the idea for and keeps running behind the scenes. While she understands that Harry will be seen as a great leader for surviving Voldemort’s attack in Godric's Hollow, the context is there for the reader to understand that Hermione is always going to be the brains behind the operation. Along with coming up with the idea for Dumbledore's Army, she is the one to create the coin communication system; this system proves to be very important to many other characters in the following book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
When recalling all of the moments that Harry shone throughout his previous adventures, the Dumbledore’s Army members are neglecting the fact that Hermione lies at the crux of why Harry was able to accomplish everything. She is the main reason the trio was able to survive events such as Devil’s Snare in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, or solve the mystery behind the Heir of Slytherin in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
With Hermione admitting that Harry would be a better leader for Dumbledore’s Army, she admits further that he is able to take credit for a lot of her brilliance and leadership. Without Hermione’s guidance and intelligence, it would not be possible for Harry to continue his battle against Voldemort.
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