SHIP: H/H, H/R or other?/Harry gaining Independence

[Risti]

No: HPFGUIDX 44693

May I first say that I love the discussion that is being brought up 
here, but I don't feel that I have anything to say that exactly 
corresponds with what has been said, instead, I would like to give my 
thoughts from a purely stylisticly analyzed look at the series and 
literature in general.

Harry Potter is clearly the main protagonist, and the key focus of 
this series.  Already, he is faced with the fact that he is an orphan 
due to tragic circumstances, he's grown up in a non supportive 
family, and most of the world counts on him to save them from certain 
peril.  There's alot resting on the shoulders of this teenage 
character.

Keep in mind that Harry is the narrator, which means that whatever is 
on his heart is what we read.  In my opinion, if a love interest 
starts to be the thing most on his heart, we are going to lose focus 
of what's really important.

I am of the opinion that Harry will have girl problems-crushes, 
awkward dates, maybe even a first kiss or two, but a serious, full 
hearted love relationship?  Even if it's feasible in real life(which 
I doubt, with everything going on), its not feasible within the 
story.  I believe that as Ginny's character grows, she will be their 
as support for him, maybe a symbol of the innocence of what he is 
trying to save.  While I believe that one day their could be love 
between them, I hope that it is something that is only hinted at in 
the later books(i.e. 6 and 7...yes, I'm the only fan out there who 
doesn't want this issue resolved in OotP).  If it doesn't happen, 
then so be it.

I guess I take my influence for this from the character of Frodo 
Baggins.  He to is someone who is thrust into a position where alot 
rests on him, and has alot of issues to settle.  Notice that never 
once do we even hear of Frodo desiring a romantic relationship with 
anyone.  Yes, I know the situations are different, but I think that 
part of the reason Tolkien kept him single was along the same lines 
as this:He's already been through enough.

Keeping up with a Lord of the Rings analogy, you'll notice that there 
are several romantic subplots that go on in the background.  In my 
opinion, that's what the Ron/Hermione relationship is.  Its something 
that will remind the reader of love, and the power and peace that 
resides within it.  Aside from the obvious bickering leads to romance 
theories, I have a different one.  

Ron and Hermione are their to support Harry.  Many relationships come 
from two people who both care deeply about one person.  This is why 
so many widow(er)s end up involved with the close friends of their 
former spouse.  There's something to be said about a strong mutual 
interest.

I also think that as the story progresses, and Harry matures into a 
more powerful wizard, the time will come when he will need to be more 
independent.  We've already seen him shedding the support of 
Dumbledore, in my opinion, he will come to rely less and less on Ron 
and Hermione as well.  Before you all go yelling at me, remember that 
the series is all about Harry.  He's the narrator, the one in the 
titles, and the one in whom all the plot points ultimately revolve 
around.  So far, in all the books, despite any help he may get, 
ultimately, it is Harry who has the final say.

In PS, Ron and Hermione help him through the tasks, but it is Harry, 
ultimately, who must 'go on.'

In CoS, Hermione is paralyzed, Ron is injured, Ginny is unconcious, 
(Gilderoy is clueless, if he counts), and Harry is the one who 
defeats Tom Riddle.

In Prisoner of Azkaban, first of all, Harry is the one who makes the 
ultimate decision to spare Wormtail's life.  Then, while Ron is in 
the hospital wing, and Hermione is unsure of what to do, it is Harry 
who casts the Patronus that saves them all.

Goblet of Fire is where we really start to break away, and what makes 
me feel very strong that this will only be stronger in future books.  
While Ron and Hermione help him prepare, Harry is then placed alone 
into a situation much like the climactic scenes in PS.  Once we reach 
the graveyard, I don't even need to say that Harry was all on his 
own.  Even Dumbledore said he proved himself there.  Ahh yes, 
Dumbledore, another sign that Harry is breaking off into 
independence.  In the first three books, Dumbledore also plays a key 
role in the ultimate 'battle scene.' (He came and got Harry in PS, it 
was his Phoenix that came in CoS, and in PoA he told them to use the 
time turner.)

But now I have completely digressed, and must get back to my original 
point.  Ron and Hermione may have reason to sing their own version of 
the prelude to Disney's 'Can you feel the love tonight.'('Our trio's 
down to two.')  While Harry is off finding his independence and his 
place within the wizarding world, the two of them are going to have 
to be doing something, aren't they?

~Risti

p.s. Anyone want to start a seperate discussion on my digressions?