Why does Ron have a crush on Hermione?

[Robert Jones]

No: HPFGUIDX 93837

I didn't mean to insult shippers with my earlier post about "a 
little romance."  And to placate you all, here's a shipping related 
question:

Why does Ron have a crush on Hermione?  She's "plain" looking, so 
it's not her looks.  It's not jealousy since Harry hasn't shown 
interest in her (or vice versa).  Her main character traits seem to 
be that she is bookish and bossy — why would he be attracted to 
that?  She has proven herself to be brave and talented on their 
adventures with Harry — but is that all?

I'm not saying that no boy could be interested in her (Krum is), but 
why is Ron?  Given what we know about his personality and his family 
life, I just don't see why a boy like Ron would be attracted to a 
girl like her.  Could someone please explain it?