Why does Ron have a crush on Hermione?

[unbound_to_the_circles]

No: HPFGUIDX 93898

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Ms Mo Me <fauntine_80 at y...>
wrote:
> 
>    From: "Robert Jones" <jones.r.h.j at w...>
> 
> 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?
> 

*rises from the swamp to put in her two knuts*

I think it might be because Hermione has a talent to see the hidden
strengths in people. While it's going to be the most obvious in the
way she eggs on Harry (we all know her little inspirational speech she
gave to Harry in PS/SS), would she really nag Ron - and Harry - if she
didn't know he had the potential to be as great a wizard that people
think Harry -and Herself!- had the potential to be. She does with others 
as well, although maybe not as obviously - she tries to help Neville,
and I can believe that Hermione would willingly help anyone who asked
for it. For all she's nagging, she's also, in her own lovely, bossy way, telling him that he can do it, if he'd only apply himself. She knows that Ron isn't as
smart as she is, but she also knows that's not all that matters; she
knows Ron will be a great wizard, or has the potential to be. When you
have to share your mother and father with six other kids, and you're the last boy, it's somewhat nice to have someone who believes in you. Ron is already
showing that he will be a talented wizard - he almost managed to make
Malfoy 'eat slugs' (and would have succeeded, to, if it weren't for
that pesky wand!) I, personally, sail on the good ship HMS Pumpkin Pie
(Harry/Hermione), but I could certainly see why Ron would have deep
affection for Hermione. Here is a pretty, talented witch - one of the
most intelligent - and she believes in him, when it seems almost no
one does. Wouldn't that make you fall in love?

*retreats back to the bog to mess with the hinkypunks*

"unbound_to_the_circles"