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We see how Harry receives great joy from his flying ability. That he has received a world-class racing broom, and is able to put it so lightly through its paces, is very heartening for him. Flying and Quidditch are quickly becoming his centering point; he can retreat to the air or the pitch when things become too confusing or stressful to bear.
This chapter marks when Hermione's personality begins to change, and we see her transforming into a sympathetic character whereas, previously, she was an annoying, two-dimensional goody-two-shoes grind who seemed likely to become yet another Harry nemesis. Another character could have allowed Harry and Ron to be punished when they were actually trying to help, but Hermione immediately steps in to protect them by placingtaking the blame on herself, lying to Professor McGonagall. Slowly, she is learning that sometimes rules must be broken in order to make things right; we can see there is hope for her. Harry and Ron are so surprised by Hermione's generous act that they immediately lose their past animosity for her. This is also the first time the three work together and successfully combine their skills, indicating how powerful and vital this friendship will become in the greater story. The "Trio" has been born.
Once again, Harry breakshas broken the rules, though he believesbelieved it iswas justified, this time to save Hermione. However, even though he and Ron only wanted to warn Hermione, their good intentions overruled their logic and judgment when, rather than inform a teacher or a prefect that a student is in danger, they instead take it upon themselves to alert Hermione about the mountain troll. The situation turns far more serious than they anticipated when, running headlong into the creature, they are forced to subdue it; Ron, despite his insecurities regarding his abilities, shows budding magical talent and quick thinking here when he uses a charm that disarms and disables the troll. McGonagall once again rewards Harry (and Ron) for his actions, and it ispunishes Hermione who is punished, even though she is the innocent party. Harry meanwhile, is even more suspicious about Snape after seeing him sneaking away, and suspects he set the troll loose, perhaps as a diversion to allow him to enter the forbidden corridor. That Snape is later seen limping could be evidence that the three-headed dog prevented him from getting past the corridor. Considering the many magical charms and spells in place to secure Hogwarts castle, it is indeed questionable as to just how a troll could have penetrated those protective barriers, making it seem unlikely that it merely wandered in. The troll not only reinforces the notion that the wizard world is a dangerous place and it is filled with fearsome creatures, but that Hogwarts itself is vulnerable; this may foreshadow more sinister threats invading the castle later in the series.
According to JK Rowling: "When we were editing 'Philosopher's Stone' my editor wanted me to cut the scene in which Harry, Ron and Hermione fight the troll. Although I had accepted most of the smaller cuts he wanted me to make I argued hard for this one. Hermione, bless her, is so very annoying in the early part of 'Philosopher's Stone' that I really felt it needed something (literally) huge to bring her together with Harry and Ron." [http://www.jkrowling.com/textonly/en/extrastuff_view.cfm?id=8 Reference]
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