OOP: The Shipping News (spoilers, of course)

[sirius_sam1]

No: HPFGUIDX 61451

Long time reader, first time poster, blah blah blah.
Got the book at midnight, finished it by the next midnight, and have 
been waiting to post ever since, so without further ado (but with 
some spoiler space)
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The Ships:

H/R: What a let down. Nothing. After GoF I was sure that we would 
see a kiss in this book. And when they were both made Prefects! The 
stage was set, they would be spending time together without Harry, 
it was bound to happen...but it didn't. The only hint of a H/R ship 
that I could find comes on page 658, when Hermione asks Ron to help 
convince Harry not to communicate with Sirius.
   " ' What do you think about this?' Hermione demanded of Ron, and 
Harry was reminded irresistibly of Mrs. Weasley appealing to her 
husband during Harry's first dinner in Grimmauld Place"
I guess there's still a possibility, but it's looking grim for H/R.

H/H: Here we have some definite improvements (I myself am an H/R 
shipper, so this was disappointing as well). The whole deal with Cho 
just brought Harry and Hermione closer, such as when Harry is forced 
to admit he doesn't think Hermione's ugly (which is a big deal for a 
15 year old boy). The other big hint comes at the end, but could be 
interpreted two ways. On the train ride home, when the kids are 
talking about relationships, Ginny mentions breaking up with 
Michael, and then (pg. 866):
     " 'Well, I always thought he was a big of an idiot," [Ron] 
said...'Good for you. Just choose someone -- better -- next time.' 
He cast Harry an oddly furtive look as he said it."
This can go two ways. Either he is saying "Harry, Cho wasn't right 
for you, choose Hermione next time," or he is saying "Ginny and 
Harry, you two should be together, you're good for each other."

So we have the Harry/Ginny ship: This is my favorite of all. I 
really think they belong together. There were a few things in this 
book pointing to an H/G ship in the future. The quote above, 
although the H/G interpretation is dubious, since it seems a bit 
unlikely Ron wants Harry dating his sister (since he flips out when 
she dates anyone at all). Also, at the beginning of the book, it 
seemed like Harry and Ginny were starting to connect, especially 
when she points out she has been controlled by LV. Also, Ginny is a 
Seeker, and a right good one at that, and I'm betting Harry would 
find that attractive, I know I do ;). The truth is, I think this is 
more likely than H/H, simply because that would cut Ron out of the 
trio, where as H/G, H/R lines up very well. Of course, Harry might 
have some competition...

Ginny/Neville: Let's face it, Neville is not the wimpering little 
sissy he used to be. I think you could even say he's a badass. He 
would win Most Improved Character award for OOP hands down. And hey, 
Ginny did go with him to the Yule ball, so this could happen, watch 
out.

Harry/Cho: This is over, clearly, but I had to mention how much I 
HATE Cho. She is not right for Harry at all. Here's the thing, 
there's so much potential for daring romance, imagine Harry and 
Ginny (or Hermione, if you must) defending Ron's unconscious body as 
LV draws near, and they declare their love for each other, fearing 
they could die at any minute. That's a lot more exciting than Cho 
crying all over the place.

Ron/Luna: I dunno why, but this seemed like it could happen. Of 
course, Harry/Luna could also happen, he really seemed to share 
something with her, it was especially clear with the Thestrals. But 
I'd say she is more Ron's type. Just a feeling.

Well, I think those are all the likely ships, feel free to add any 
more OOP quotes supporting one, or to introduce a new ship entirely.

Oh yes, and the last thing I want to say, I was hoping Malfoy would 
come around, and show hints of being a good guy, but no luck. If 
only JK would create a sympathetic Slytherin character...sigh. 

All right, that was a long first post, and I plan to have more! 
Happy reading everyone!

Sirius Sam