SHIP: Harry and Hermione together per JKR chat?

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 92829

> Pippin previously
> > > Hermione worked awfully hard to get Ron and Harry back 
> > > together in GoF.  
> 
> Great Elder One:
> > Possibly because she understood that the three of them were 
> stronger  together than apart.<
> 
Pippin:Then surely Ron has some redeeming qualities in her eyes <g>

That will never be in dispute from me.  Ron and Hermione are close
friends and always will be. I hope.

> Great Elder One: 
> > And being friends with Harry is what changes her in my frank 
> opinion.  Who does she lie for? Who does she break the rules( 
> including brewing a dangerous potion, helping with an illegal 
> club and breaking into  the headmaster's office"

Very much so. It's Harry and his quest that's given Hermiione a larger
purpose, that's transformed her from a potential Percy into what she
is today, a heroine who is rapidly mastering herself.  Harry is the
glue that holds the Trio together.  Would Ron and Hermione have become
and stayed friends without Harry?  I'm not at all sure.

Great Elder One: If it wasn't for Harry she would be a  very different
person ditto for Harry if Hermione wasn't there.
> 
Pippin: True. But you could say the same about Ron.

Friends influence one another, but to me there's no comparison between
the degree of effect Harry has had on her and the effect Ron has. 
Ron's been the native guide to the wizard world for both of them.

HERMIONE'S UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS FOR HARRY:

** Hermione has an uncommon understanding of what Harry needs and an
empathy with him.  The Rita Skeeter interview and the DA were
brilliant ideas that helped Harry personally at the same time it did
their bit in the War.  Ron's sturdy friendship and loyalty are
tremendously valuable, but it was Hermione who acted (and she can be
ruthless, can't she? Bless her heart.)

** Hermione knows Harry better than anybody else, even Ron.  She
sensed Harry's rescue complex and called him on it, for example.  She
seems to know what's going through his mind more often than not.  She
will be abe to challenge Harry back to health when it's needed.

** Hermione knows how to handle Harry's notoriety.  She's the one who
counsels Harry to ignore the negative publicity he's gone through, and
takes her own advice.  She shows she can bear up under that stress.

** Hermione makes up for what Harry lacks.  She's deliberate where
Harry is the man of action; she prepares him for trials; she holds him
back (or at least tries) when he needs it.  She's not 100% right every
time in that, but she does prevent him going off half-cocked. 
Hermione Granger and Harry Potter are yin and yang.

WHY I DON'T BELIEVE IN R/H

** I believe Ron and Hermione have different expectations.  I believe
Ron is the Weasley most like Arthur; if he's like Arthur in many ways,
than home and family will be important to him.  I don't think he'd be
happy with Hermione in the long run, who will always seek challenges.

** Ron's and Hermione's thinking and behavior styles are different and
lead to the tension they often have. Ron's a good guy and a priceless
friend, but he jumps to conclusions and thinks with his gut, which
often leads him astray and irritates Hermione no end. Harry thinks
with his head and his heart, while Hermione is an intellectual -
again, yin and yang.

** I wouldn't bet the rent on this one, but Ron and Hermione prove the
point that "nothing propinks like propinquity."  Would they be that
close if it wasn't for their Trio-hood?

** If this R/H romance is going on or just around the corner yet
again, what's she doing writing to Viktor? You could say the same
about Hermione and Harry, but their "romance" hasn't started yet.

** The Harry Factor.  How can Hermione and Ron concentrate on
developing their relationship if so much time is spent keeping Harry
in one piece?  Hermione's time, attention and heart get pulled back to
Harry frequently.

Of course Hermione tried hard to keep Ron and Harry friends.  She's
friends to both, always will be, and knows how important Ron's
friendship is to Harry - it's the Trio, after all.

The decision might be made for us by one of the Trio's death. Hope
not.

HINTS AT HARRY'S FEELINGS THAT HE MIGHT NOT EVEN BE AWARE OF

** The Yule Ball Scene.  He notices Hermione, really notices her as a
girl, and hasn't forgotten it.  It can easily surface again, and I
think it will.

** He spontaneously blurts out "but I don't think you're ugly!" to
Hermione.  I think we should notice that and take it for a hint at
Harry's feelings.

** Harry is integrating parts of Hermione into himself. He hears her
voice, feels her presence.

The wild card? Ginny. I really like the way she's growing up, being
able to integrate Fred and George while keeping her self control.  She
would be supportive and loyal, but she wouldn't bring all the things
to Harry Hermione has and does.

Luna?  Who knows?  Harry has an empathy for her, and she's there where
Ron is, but I saw no hint at anything happening between her and Harry
or Ron.  (I have a soft spot for eccentrics)

Jim Ferer