SHIP: JKR Interview (what she said and what she didn't say)

[marinafrants <rusalka@ix.netcom.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 52081

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "pippin_999 <foxmoth at q...>" > 
<in response to Penny's comments about Ginny's lack of relevance in 
the previous books>:
> So no background character of little importance who disappears 
> from the narrative after Christmas can have an major role in 
> future books? Scabbers the rat's  last appearance in 
> CoS  is on page 211 of the US hardcover --it's Christmas 
> morning, and Hermione shifts Scabbers aside so she can sit on 
> Ron's bed. He disappears 2/3 of the way through the book. A 
> stylistic weakness? Or do you think JKR wanted the readers to 
> forget about him, so they wouldn't be paying much attention to 
> Ron's rat troubles in PoA. 

First of all, I don't ship anybody with anybody, so I'm barging in 
here as a totally disinterested outsider.  Hope that's okay.

Second of all: yes, I definitely think JKR wanted the readers to 
forget about Scabbers, and to attach no importance to him.  His true 
identity was sprung on us all in one shot, as a huge, plot-turning 
revelation.  That's a terrific way to unmask a villain.  It's a 
*horrible* way to introduce a love interest.  I mean, is anyone 
really expecting Harry to go, "My gosh!  All this time I've been 
suspecting Cho Chang of being my true love, but thanks to this 
stunning last-minute information, I now realize that it's been Ginny 
Weasley all along!  What a shock!  I never suspected *her*!"  A 
central love interest needs a personality, and a history of 
meaningful interaction with the hero.  Ginny has neither of those 
yet, and JKR has bypassed numerous opportunities to provide them.  
So based on what we've seen of her so far, I'd say Ginny stands a 
better chance of being revealed as the villain of a future book than 
as a love interest.  Can this change? Yes, of course.  JKR is 
perfectly capable of building Ginny up into a compelling character 
and a suitable match for Harry, should she decide to do so.  But 
that logic applies to every single minor female in the books, from 
Cho Chang to Millicent Bulstrode.

Come to think of it, Harry/Millicent has the advantage of an 
interesting built-in conflict, and the potential to introduce us to 
a non-evil Slytherin.  Hah!  I think I've found my SHIP!

Marina
Proud Harry/Millicent shipper
rusalka at ix.netcom.com