[HPforGrownups] Re: Hermione & Handsome guys (Was Hermione...Genius?)

[Erika L.]

No: HPFGUIDX 95036

I'm horribly behind on posts this week but I thought I'd go ahead and add something to the tail-end of this thread...

Joe in SoFla wrote:

>although Hermione has shown a weakness >for handsomeness, and HP has not really >been described as handsome

Arya replied:

>Hermione has a weakness for >haondsomness??? I think Krum was 
>described as only being slightly less >awkward and unattractive than Gabbe 
>and Coyle the human rocks. She was 12(super age for a girl's first baseless 
>crush) when she was on about Lockhart. >AND I think it's important to point 
>out that Lockhart appeared to be much >more than a charming smile.

Joe in SoFla countered:

>I think she does and that it's a natural >thing, HOWEVER, I think I 
>gave the very false impression that she >only cares for that. 
>Perhaps, my views are coloredby what >other characters say about this 
>matter. (Like Ron saying she only liked >Cedric because he was 
>handsome)<snip>

>True, but I don't recall Krum being seen >with a romantic eye by 
>Hermione.

Actually, I think looks aren't what Hermione's attracted to at all; I think it's bravery. I don't think she has any sort of romantic attachment to Krum either, but she was certainly flattered by his interest in her, and accepted his invitation to the Yule Ball, so I think she liked him well enough. What I think is particularly interesting about Hermione and Krum is a short passage during the Quidditch World Cup scene back in GoF. Ron of course is a fan of Krum's, but Hermione only takes any notice of Krum after she's seen him play. Note the particular terms of her interest:

"'He was very brave, wasn't he?' Hermione said, leaning forward to watch Krum (GoF 103 UK)

It's not his Quidditch skills per se which impress her, but the bravery he demonstrated (at least in Hermione's mind) in the way he performed during the match. I think it's safe to say (though I can back it up with quotes if anyone really wants me to) that Hermione has demonstrated a general lack of interest in Quidditch except when her friends are involved, yet Krum's bravery catches her interest.

I think, judging by her reaction to Krum, one might suggest that it wasn't Lockhart's looks that caught her interest, but his reputation for bravery. After all, he was supposed to have faced werewolves and vampires and all manner of other magical beasties. That surely would require bravery, wouldn't it? And what about Ron and Harry? Both are courageous, so no matter which you think she has a liking for, we once again see Hermione being drawn to someone who has this quality.

Just my 2 knuts

Erika (Wolfraven)


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