Krum, Hermione

[dfrankiswork at netscape.net]

No: HPFGUIDX 26845

Cynthia:
> 
> > (wanting to hear more about the Krum-is-stupid
> > theory)

Really, there wasn't much to it - just that Hermione would eventually 
lose interest in him over time.  But why can't he repeat her name 
properly after she says it?

Rowena:
> Nor for that matter would Hermione be attracted
> to an idiot who isn't even good looking, (she does
> have a weakness for a pretty face as we see with
> Lockhart).   
> 
I have been wondering (still thinking about sticking in my 
twopennyworth (pronounced two-penneth for those following the UK 
currency thread on OT Chatter) about the Romantic Pairings FAQ) about 
Hermione and Krum anyway - why does she go to the ball and what is 
the nature of the relationship afterwards.  In particular, if she is 
starting to feel anything for either of Ron or Harry, how does she 
hold it all together in her mind?  She is not the type, IMO, either 
to toy with someone (despite Rita!) she does not care about, nor to 
settle for second best.  But Krum is definitely more than just a one-
off date (note modish US expression) for the ball.

The explanation has to be that at the time of the ball no-one else is 
in the frame for her, and she happily accepts his invitation.  If 
there is any change, later events (either Ron's jealousy, if H/R, or 
the Rita Skeeter article in Witch Weekly, if H/H) trigger her self-
understanding as the book goes on.

She spends time with Krum, as he famously mentions that she talks a 
lot about Harry (what this means about H, H and R would take too long 
to go into here - another post for another time), so I find it hard 
to believe she is pining for either of the other boys.  Yes, some 
girls might seek solace in a Krum-figure as a way of running away 
from their true feelings, but I think that would be out of character 
for Hermione.  At the same time there is a sense of distance in the 
way she treats Krum - as if she also knows that while she enjoys his 
admiration, she has no intention of letting it go very far.  Think of 
the moment after they all come out of the lake.  They really have 
little in common - he only goes to the library for her sake, she is 
at the Wonky Faint level of Quidditch understanding and is not 
confident in broomstick riding.

Anyway, this is all rambly stuff not getting anywhere much except to 
say that the existence of her relationship with Krum over much of the 
school year implies that she has no serious intentions towards anyone 
else at this stage.  Which probably most of you thought anyway.

But going back to Rowena's comment above - I don't think Hermione 
would be swayed by Krum's looks.  I believe it's his affection for 
her that she responds to.  After all, stupid or not, he is able to 
tell the difference between girls and trolls - unlike others in the 
story.  I also think his celebrity carries little weight with 
Hermione - but she does remark his bravery at the QWC.

enough

David