SHIP: R/H, H/H & our trio's escapades

[elfundeb]

No: HPFGUIDX 34097

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "katrionabowman" <gingerorlando at h...> 
wrote:
> Just to throw something into the mix here: the thought 
> occurred to me this morning that Harry getting involved with anyone 
> other then Hermione (e.g. Ginny, Cho, or some yet undiscovered 
other) 
> would fundamentally alter the dynamic of our trio. 
> 
> > Such an addition goes against JKR's portrayal so far of the trio 
> getting into cahoots and proving a potent DADA force to be reckoned 
> with when combining their individual skills (although, GoF was much 
> more centred on Harry's singular success - so perhaps here JKR is 
> foreshadowing the removal of the trio's dependence on each other 
and 
> thus paving the way for an alteration in the trio's relationship 
> dynamic?).
> 
> If JKR is intent on maintaining the trio however, then I would 
> personally say that - if a romantic element is going to play a 
major 
> part in the series' conclusion - Harry, as the chief protagonist, 
> will end up with Hermione.
> 
> Much as it pains me to say so!
> 
> KT in Seattle

It never ceases to amaze me how people have such different views of 
the same material!  I have the exact opposite reaction to what ship 
would maintain the trio:  I think H/H would ruin it but R/H would 
not, for 2 reasons.  First since Harry and Hermione have at least 
some picture of Ron's feelings, an H/H relationship would put 
enormous strain on Harry's and Hermione's relationships with Ron and 
seem like betrayal (unless Ron gets over his crush, which IMO has 
been building for a long time and will not disappear easily).  I 
think he would effectively be out of the trio and alone with his 
jealousy (well, I suppose this would be an opportunity for Ron to get 
a grip on his many jealousies and insecurities. . . ).  On the other 
hand, there is no indication to date that Harry has romantic interest 
in Hermione so R/H should not create jealousy for him (e.g., he 
doesn't seem disturbed at all by the R/H Yule argument, seeming to be 
very neutral in his observation that Hermione had "gotten the 
point.")  Second, at some point in each book Harry has had to go it 
alone (in GoF he had to face all his major challenges alone, though 
he had preparation assistance from the others) and an R/H 
relationship would be a convenient way to get them away from him 
periodically and let us as readers focus on Harry's personal 
challenges.

However, in my view the best way to maintain the Trio intact and to 
create beneath-the-surface tension would be for some or all of them 
to have feelings for one another but to try to keep them under 
wraps as much as possible.  I agree that bringing in a fourth person 
would alter the dynamics dramatically.  
But, as you point out the dynamics are beginning to change anyway and 
there are 
3 more books for JKR to develop another character (and hopefully such 
character would serve a purpose other than to provide a love interest 
for one of the Trio, since IMO the series needs more good female 
characters).

Debbie (who swore she would not respond to shipping posts but who 
really wants the Trio to keep their hands off one another at least 
until Voldie is under control again and perhaps longer than that)