Why *does* Hermione like Ron?

[Lyda Clunas]

No: HPFGUIDX 20670

Jenny wrote:

> If you were Hermione, why would you want to get involved with Ron?  
> Why would Ron be interested in Hermione as well?

Well, with Ron, I think it's almost a territorial issue (for lack of 
a better word). Ron *does* like Hermione, but it takes someone else 
(Krum) for him to actually take notice of that fact. He gets insanely 
jealous, then, although he still won't really admit it ("completely 
missed the point"). Why does he like her? He might tease her about 
it, but I think he really admires her intelligence. She has some 
humour, she laughs at his jokes. She has a ton of loyalty and skill. 
She is willing to give everything in order to help Ron and Harry when 
they need it.

As to Hermione liking Ron: I'm of the opinion that she *didn't* like 
Ron until she figured out that he liked her. Then, it sort of became 
a case of "Oh, well, if he likes *me*, then..." There's a lot to Ron 
that a girl could like though. Great sense of humour. Determination. 
Friendliness. The downside, of course, is the emotional maturity 
factor and the lack of communication skills, both of which would 
cause Hermione a great deal of trouble.

Lyda