Hermione SHIP question

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 79741

Susanne, quoting me:' Without Harry's quest, she would not have the
higher purpose she has now.'

And then Susanne responded," And this is what sometimes makes me
wonder how well Harry and Hermione go together.

"Take that quest away, and what is there to keep them together? What
would they do and talk about?"

Actually, this is going to be Harry and Hermione's problem as
individuals, no matter who they end up with. Many people who have gone
through extremely intense experiences have trouble dealing with
ordinary life afterwards – nothing seems important compared with The
Experience.  Harry hasn't been able to discover himself, what he
likes, or what interests him, besides Quidditch. He seems to be
interested in being an Auror at least partly because it's most similar
to what he's doing right now.

Susanne;' Maybe in the next two books JKR will show us Harry and
Hermione talking about other things besides Harry's problems.. They
just don't seem to do anything together that isn't somehow connected
to the latest problem or mystery."

Sad but true, and I don't see relief for them soon.

Susanne:" I'm also hoping that Harry will develop a little more common
sense and use his brain to solve some of his problems himself.. It's
getting a bit tiresome to wait for Hermione to once again have the
solution to whatever comes up ;)"

That's a little harsh, and the only observation you've made I disagree
with. (Although I suspect your tongue was *slightly* in your cheek.)
Harry is a "man of action," someone who makes decisions instinctively
– stabbing Riddle's diary is the best example.  While Harry is a great
talent, a "natural," Hermione demonstrates what hard work and
application can do.  She prepares Harry for many of his challenges and
tempers his instinct to action, while he tempers her tendency to
overprocess things and look for a perfect solution.

So I agree – the H/Hr road is not perfect.  You've made the best
argument yet, IMO, on the problems that the H/Hr ship presents for the
participants.  I'm optimistic they can overcome it.  In this I believe
Hermione will lead the way; she will approach her relationship with
Harry with the intensity and commitment she brings to everything. 
She's going to need that, because Harry is going to be beat to hell by
the time this is over.

Jim Ferer