Ship predictions(scenarios)

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 90691

Erika Wolfraven:
"That's very much how I feel about H/H. I can use canon for my 
arguments, but for me it all started with a "gut feeling". I, too, 
see hints of my ship throughout the series. As for Hermione, I think 
she too is a formidable character. She is clearly talented with 
magic, though in different areas than Harry perhaps. She has the 
courage to stand for what she believes in and is willing to stand up 
to her friends if she has to."

Actually, the amazing story of transformation and growth in this 
series is Hermione's, not Harry's. He's learning and becoming great, 
of course, but he's on a path he was set on before birth, while 
Hermione was on a path to become another Percy.  No character has 
changed more.  I've sometimes wondered how Percy, a disgusting 
sycophant, feels when looking at Hermione, a true Gryffindor heroine.

I think the clues are in canon, but not in the way some use it. When 
I look, I see Harry and Hermione becoming more attuned to one 
another; Harry identifying with Hermione, and what she would say; her 
high degree of empathy - Hermione, empathy! - with what Harry needs, 
even when he's pretty unlikeable. IOW, don't go to canon looking for 
data points that will prove a ship, look for who the characters are 
becoming. That, IMO, is far more dependable than JKR's love of 
misdirection. The gut feelings that come from reading canon this way 
are more dependable that trying to play CSI:Hogwarts on the text.

Erika:
"As for being able to deal with Harry's tantrums, she {Hermione] 
weathered her fair share in OoP."

Yes, and more than that.  She's able to deal with Harry's fame and 
the spotlight without it screwing up her head; she's even smart about 
using it.  Of course, Ginny might well be able to do that, too.

The one thing you can't do with H/H is to promote it by running down 
Ginny. I really like the way she's growing up, integrating her 
brothers into herself without becoming a female version of them, 
brave, and seemingly self-assured.  If Harry ended up with her, I 
wouldn't shed a single tear. She's a great girl.