SHIP: Why Ron is wrong for Hermione

[Jim Ferer <jferer@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 48708

We shippers (or those of us who like to get under the characters'
skins) never tire of this topic.

I've thought of Ron and Hermione as a bad mismatch.  The reasons have
more to do with Ron, IMO, then with Hermione.  His issues make a
successful relationship with her really unlikely.

Ron is struggling to find a place for himself.  He started out as
laboring under the shadow of his brothers, Head Boys and Quidditch
captains; so what does he do? Become buddies with the most famous
wizard of his age.  Add to that his self-consciousness about being
poor, and this is a young man with an already fragile self-image.

Now take his part in the Trio.  He's Harry's best friend, but already
we see signs of a Harry/Hermione team that has less time for Ron in
it.  Hermione is Harry's coach and personal trainer, the intellect who
prepares him for the challenges he faces. Hermione teaches Harry
spells while Ron acts as the Stunning dummy. When the Trio discuss
events and theories with Sirius and "Moody," Ron doesn't quite keep up.

There's no reason to think Ron is dim; he gets good grades, or at
least did in PS/SS.  His problem is that he's friends with an
intensely hardworking intellect and a phenomenal natural talent. Does
becoming romantically involved with  the intellectual half of this
dynamo sound like something that would succeed in the long term?

If this picture of Ron continues, his role in the Trio will become
more and more of an issue in any relationship he has with Hermione. 
This is what Ebony had to say about the kind of female that would suit
Harry:

"I think that if Harry survives canon, if he is to be in a
relationship it absolutely *must* be with a woman who will either be
a) content to stand in his shadow or b) shines brightly enough so
that she isn't overshadowed."

Ron, OTOH, only seems suited for (a), the supportive, background
person whose loyalty will make him feel he has a safe base,
*someplace* where he's Number One.  Hermione could no more hold
herself back for the sake of Ron's feelings than she could be
Gryffindor's Seeker.  It would be completely unnatural for her.  The
stress of it on both sides would tear them apart.

Of course the caveat here is the one Penny reminds us of; they're 14.
 It seems to be written, as the seers say, that Ron and Hermione are
going to be involved for some time at some point. It's also clear that
Harry has no romantic feelings for Hermione now or the least jealousy
about a Ron/Hermione ship. 

Goodness knows everyone has baggage, but I believe Ron's is the exact
wrong baggage for a long-term romance with Hermione.