Shippers and Non-Shippers

[bbennett at joymail.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 28154

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

> Kanna Ophelia wrote:
>  
>It's not any mention that concerns me, it's the "forcing it down our 
throats" that I'm dubious about.  What's wrong with wanting to keep 
the focus on the books on the magic of Hogwarts, friendship and
fighting the baddies than on pre-adult fumblings?

Penny wrote: 
> I'm not sure where the "forcing it down our throats" notion comes 
from. Is it that people believe JKR was heavy-handed with the romance 
subplot in GoF (Ron's developing crush on Hermione)?  I trust that 
she'll handle that aspect of the books with her usual finesse and I 
doubt that anything will seem forced.  I've never said that I expect 
or even want the *focus* to be romance-related.  I just think it will 
be there in some measure, and I welcome this.  It would seem 
unrealistic for it to be otherwise.  >

I agree with Penny; I'm not sure where the idea of "forcing down our 
throats" originated in regard to romance. JKR has, IMO, been 
beautifully subtle with what she's written so far, and I 
have no reason to believe that she'll do likewise in coming novels. I 
also agree with Penny in that it would be unrealistic to avoid some 
aspect of romance; this is part of growing up, regardless of whether 
your first date comes at 14 or 10 years later.

As to the original thread on shipping, I don't support the notion of 
Ron and Hermione potentially being in a relationship simply because I 
like the pairing; I support this theory because I interpret that this 
is where JKR is going in canon (yes, Ron obviously likes Hermione, 
but I believe it's also there that Hermione likes Ron back). If JKR 
decides not to go in this direction, far be it from me to criticize 
my favorite author - although I would expect to see some sort of 
explanation as to what I would perceive as a characterization switch 
in her future writings. 

Best,
B