SHIP: Comments on Various Shipping Posts

[bbennett at joymail.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 15448

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer <pennylin at s...> 

<sigh> I've got a deadline, but just a few points I wanted to make...

> SEMI-COLON DEBATE: Thanks to ship-mate Heidi for making a new &
 insightful point.  We don't know that Hermione wasn't already 
scowling when Harry notices this.  Excellent point!>

I think we're getting confused on the scene we're discussing. Heidi 
did make a good point on the scene where Harry notices that Hermione 
looks furious; she could very well have already been furious and he 
just hadn't noticed yet. The semi-colon scene is different; it reads 
as follows:

"It's very good already," said Ron, in a strangled sort of voice.  
Fleur smiled at him; Hermione scowled." (GoF, UK ed, p. 628)

If, from Harry's POV, Hermione had been already been scowling when he 
noticed her, it would have read something like "he noticed Hermione 
was scowling". Using past tense of the verb, as well as the semi-
colon indicates that the second part of the sentences relates to 
Fleur smiling at Ron. Exactly what the scowl means is certainly open 
to debate.

<There *are* people out there who read the books through, aren't 
obsessed & haven't read a lick of fanfic & *still* come to the H/H 
conclusion. My sister is one of those types.  I asked her over 
Christmas what her intepretation of the Kiss was.  She shrugged & 
said, "Hermione likes Harry."  I explained the R/H position in 
brief.  She looked at me incredulously and said, "There are *really* 
people who think Ron & Hermione are going to get together?  Pshaw!  
Hermione likes Harry; it's as clear as day.">

I just convinced two friends to read the books (that brings my total 
up to 3 I've hooked this year alone!), and as they finished CoS, PoA, 
and GoF, I asked each if they thought Hermione liked either of the 
boys more than the other. Both said no until they finished GoF, at 
which they both said it was obvious she liked Ron (and I promise I 
didn't lead them). I also explained some of the points H/H'rs make, 
and like you sister, both were incredulous that some people think 
Hermione likes Harry. I love this about Harry Potter. Half the books 
on the bestseller list hit you over the head with the obvious; it's 
rare to come across books as deliciously subtle as these. 

B