SHIP: Why Ron is wrong for Hermione; NOT!!

[Jim Ferer <jferer@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 48718

Steve, in spirited and eloquent defense of Ron:"So, you think the Ron
we see at 11 or for that matter 14, is the only Ron there will ever
be. That his character and ablilities are fully developed now, and
there is no hope for improvement? I think not."

Ron doesn't need "improvement" in the sense he's behind the curve.  We
have every reason to think he does well at school, he has
accomplishments of his own, and, as you pointed out, he is courageous
and loyal to his best friend.

Steve again:"There is no chance that Ron will get to display
outstanding heroism AGAIN? He's shown outstanding heroism.
selflessness, and nobility in sacificing his life to help Harry
protect the Stone." [Steve goes on to list a variety of
accomplishments Ron might have in his future.]

We have every reason to think Ron will show his heroism again (and
don't forget his resolution and decisiveness).  All the good things
you predict are likely to happen.

BUT:

When we're discussing how these characters might be suited as
significant others for each other, though, we have to take them as
they are now; that's what makes shipping discussions speculative.

The fourteen/fifteen year old Ron, for all his realized and potential
good qualities, has vulnerabilities that I think will cause problems
for Ron and Hermione both in a relationship.  It's not what Ron really
is that's the problem, it's how he thinks of himself, and he's sitting
in the shadow of the top student and the number one celebrity of his
world.  That's a lot to ask of any fourteen year old male psyche. 


"So in conclusion, NO ONE say Ron is 'not good enough' on my watch...
bboy_mn, who thinks Ron too, is hero and champion."

No problem there, brother.

Jim