Perfume vs. Book

[Berit Jakobsen]

No: HPFGUIDX 89320

Helen wrote:

Ah! But I think Hermione's gift to the boys is really more telling 
than their gifts to her. Hermione gave both boys identical gifts. Not 
playing favorites? Still hasn't made up her mind? Only time will 
tell ;)
Helen (LizardLaugh), who thinks Hermione harbors romantic feelings 
for both.

Berit replies:

Well, if one should only judge from Hermione's identical gifts to the 
two boys, I'd say Hermione doesn't care for any of them the romantic 
way :-) Would you say her gifts were what you'd call "romantic"? 
Several posters have complained that Ron is giving Hermione a gift 
that sucks. If Hermione really likes both Ron and Harry romantically 
but doesn't know how to choose between the two, her gifts doesn't 
really bear witness to good judgment, does it... Why; homework 
planners?!? Come on! At least I'm quite sure Hermione did not 
consider what the boys would LIKE to get for Christmas; it rather 
looks like she got them something she thought they NEEDED (poor 
Hermione; I can understand her though; always having to do their 
homework when they fail to do them themselves :-) Harry seems to be 
the only one giving gifts the recipient actually wants :-)

bboy_mn wrote:

So Ron screwed up in a very typical 'guy' sort of way, but come on, at
least the poor boy is trying. At least he has figured out that
Hermione is a girl and is trying to do things that acknowledge the 
fact.

Berit replies:

I loved your post bboy_mn :-) Even though I'm of the opposite sex I 
understand your point perfectly well :-) Poor Ron is doing the best 
he can, and I believe Hermione appreciated the thought behind the 
gift, even though she pointed out how "unusual" the perfume was. 
Actually I think there are subtle hints in canon that Hermione has 
been hoping and waiting a long time for Ron to "wake up" and realize 
he likes her more than just being a friend. Because I think Hermione 
likes Ron more than a friend as well. Let me point to a few incidents 
that might support this:

Hermione's annoyance at Ron not "discovering" she's a girl till their 
third year, and her telling him to ask her first next time there's a 
ball.....

Hermione saying 'Harry, you're worse than Ron ... well, no, you're 
not.' (OoP p. 505)

In GoF, it's even more obvious that Hermione cares for Ron. Just look 
at how she reacts whenever the stunningly beautiful Fleur is around 
Ron...this quote's very telling:
Quote: "[says Fleur:] 'I am 'oping to get a job 'ere,to improve my 
Eenglish.'
'It's very good already,' said Ron, in a strangled sort of voice. 
Fleur smiled at him; Hermione scowled."

Getting a bit jealous perhaps? :-)

Also, I don't think Ron and Hermione's constant bickering is an 
argument they won't get together; quite the contrary. Opposites 
attract each other...

Berit
http://home.no.net/berjakob/snape.html