What Harry will miss the most

[lupinesque]

No: HPFGUIDX 38759

Cindy wrote:
 
> > When I step back and view things from a bit of a distance, I'm 
> also left with the impression that Ron is The Best Friend for 
> another reason: the emotional impact on Harry when he has conflict 
> with Ron vs. Hermione.  

Penny responded:

> We've not yet seen a true conflict between Harry and Hermione; a 
> conflict where Ron isn't involved.  The Firebolt incident really 
> can't count because Ron involved himself in that matter too 
> heavily.  I predict that is the next one to occur.  We had Ron and 
> Hermione in PoA; Ron and Harry in GoF.  Next up is Harry & Hermione 
> IMO.  Then, we'll have a true basis for evaluating whether Harry 
> will miss her terribly too, when the dispute really involves *him* 
> and not primarily Ron.

I don't see how any of this addresses the issue of emotional impact 
that Cindy raised.  The fact is that for several weeks in PA Harry and 
Hermione weren't speaking to each other, and he didn't seem to miss 
her.  Some of it was due to her conflict with Ron, but five weeks 
of it were Harry not talking to her because she got his Firebolt 
confiscated.  (I'm not clear on why he would be less emotionally 
affected by separation from her just because the cause was a fight 
between her and Ron anyway.)

Now, it might just not have been JKR's particular interest in that 
book to show the pain of a falling-out between friends, whereas in GF 
she is very concerned to explore that, but it is quite a contrast.  I 
like to think that Harry's just being an adolescent twerp in PA, but 
all in all it's rather depressing that he takes separation from one of 
his best friends so cavalierly.

I wrote:

> > > It's upsetting, and it's out of keeping with various references 
> to > his  "two best friends" and the apparent equity between them in 
> most places, but it is the way I heard that line when I first read 
> it and on every reading since.  

Cindy wrote:
 
> > But . . . but . . . why is it upsetting?  I mean, it doesn't 
> bother me at all if Ron is the Best Friend and Hermione is . . . 
> something else.  Why is it so important that Hermione rate with Ron 
> on this issue so that the Trio is perfectly in balance?

Well, it isn't as important to me as it is to Penny.  Part of it is 
undoubtedly painful memories from being in unbalanced trios.  I also 
just like to see a strong friendship between an adolescent boy and 
girl.  That would still be there, of course, even if Hermione were 
*distinctly* secondary.  What's particularly nice is seeing a 
friendship among two boys and a girl in which all three pairs of ties 
are equally strong--and that's where Penny and I seem to part ways.

I realize it's irrational, but hey, I read myself into the stories and 
there's a certain amount of wish-fulfillment going on.  (Guess 
what--I'm not as wonderful as Lupin either, my Yahoo ID 
notwithstanding.)

> But, I do think JKR has gone out of her way to 
> demonstrate that Harry has *two best friends.*  I'm just ... 
> just ... just *astonished* that anyone would suggest a prioritizing 
> within the Trio.  

You mean like thinking that Ron and Hermione aren't as close as Ron 
and Harry or Harry and Hermione?  ;-)

The same wish that makes me want to see Hermione and Ron as equally 
close to Harry makes me want to see Hermione and Harry as equally 
close to Ron, and Ron and Harry as equally close to Hermione.  I'm 
rather surprised to hear that you of all people share this wish, 
Penny.

> there are certainly plenty of no-shippers and 
> others who've opined that the friendships within the Trio should 
> remain romance-free, because the overwhelming appeal of the series 
> is tied to The Trio and the inviolable friendships within the Trio. 
 
> I don't agree with that so much (obviously), nor do I think it's 
> realistic. 

Me either.  Romance doesn't have to kill friendship.
 
> JKR was *appalled* ... absolutely 
> *appalled* that noone seems to ask her about Hermione.  I think it's 
> more that people assume Hermione will make it.  I definitely do not 
> think it's because people would prefer to see her bite the dust than 
> Ron.  I think most people just figure Ron has "big target" written 
> all over him and Hermione doesn't.

I think this is true, and I think JKR knows it too.  As far as I can 
tell, she isn't appalled that no one asks about Hermione; she seems to 
think, and I agree with her, that it has nothing to do with whom kids 
*prefer* to die but simply reflects the perception by many kids that 
the hero's best bud (who is usually a guy) has a big target on his 
back.  Uh, make that his chest.  Ron would never turn and run.  <g>  

The relevant quotes I found via the Goat Pen were:

*********
from http://www.scholastic.com/harrypotter/author/interview.htm 
(Scholastic, Fall 2000)

Any hints you could share about what to expect in future Harry Potter
books?

The theme running through all seven books is the fight between good 
and evil, and I'm afraid there will be casualties! Children usually 
beg me not to kill Ron whenever I tell them this; they seem to think 
he is most vulnerable, probably because he is the hero's best friend! 

***********
from 
http://slj.reviewsnews.com/index.asp?layout=articleArchive&articleId=C
A153024&publication=slj (School Library Journal)

How have kids responded to your books?

Talking to children about the books is actually just about the most
enjoyable thing you could possibly do. They are great. 

What are they most curious about?

They are very keen to know whom I'm going to kill. Very, very, very
keen. That fascinates me. I think I understand why. They are all
really worried about Ron. They've seen so many films where the
main character's best friend died [that] I think they have become
incredibly wise and know the storyteller's tricks, basically. They
know that if Ron died, Harry would have such a grudge, that it would
make it very personal. 
**********

I also think there's an unspoken sense that if there are two boys and 
a girl and someone has to die, it's going to be one of the boys; it's 
more symmetrical.  It's illogical, and I don't for a moment think that 
JKR will be governed by it, but when kids ask if Ron's going to die 
but don't even think to ask about Hermione, I think this is part of 
the reason.

Incidentally, one could read both quotes as yet more suggestions that 
in her heart of hearts JKR thinks of Ron as Harry's bestest best 
friend, which makes it hard to see GF 20 as just a case of sloppy 
editing.  But I'll be charitable and assume that she's borrowing kids' 
language and assumptions, especially because she frequently refers to 
them as Harry's two best friends in interviews, or refers to one or 
the other as "Harry's other best friend."

Amy Z