Molly/Arthur and Hermione/Ron

[Robert Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 94802

Many R/H shippers say that their relationship is like Molly and 
Arthur's based on the remark by Harry in the one scene in OOTP where 
Hermione turns to Ron for help in trying to convince Harry.  I think 
the shippers are partially right but for the wrong reason.

Ron and Hermione argue frequently, and Ron usually starts the 
arguments.  Neither says "I'm sorry" to the other.  They exchange 
insults and things are often left unresolved.

On the other hand, Molly and Arthur do not insult each other.  Molly 
nags Arthur and he doesn't argue back but in effect just says "yes, 
dear."  They apologize and make up quickly.  (They have also shown 
affection in the books, but we can't expect that yet from Ron.)  
They do not battle anything like Ron and Hermione.  There is a whole 
different dynamic in their relationship.

But maybe Ron is attracted to Hermione because she treats him like 
Molly treats Arthur?  That would be at least part of the reason Ron 
is attracted to her.  Based on his family life, that is what he 
expects a wife or girl friend to be like.  (I shamelessly stole this 
point from another post.)

But it doesn't work the other way: there bickering doesn't indicate 
that Hermione is at all interested in Ron.  Instead, in OOTP she 
just seems genuinely annoyed with him.

The constant fighting certainly doesn't mean that they were made for 
each other, nor is it any sign that they should be together or will 
end up together.  It doesn't have anything to do with "sexual 
tension."  The two do not agree on anything.  They are each just too 
stubborn and opinionated and too different in interests and values 
to ever get along.

None of this look promising for a lasting relationship.  I'm 
thinking that maybe Ron will work up the courage to ask Hermione out 
in Book 6, and she might say "yes" because she doesn't have anything 
better to do.  But I doubt if they can build a lasting 
relationship.  Once they start going out, they will see they don't 
have that much in common or any emotional connection of a romantic 
type.   "Opposites attract" — maybe if they are complementary, but 
not if they are antagonistic like Ron and Hermione.  Also being 
Hermione's boyfriend is going to be a challenge since she is such an 
impressive person (at least to me).  (I also think Ron is going to 
die at the end of Book 7, so in any case I wouldn't plan on buying 
any wedding presents.)