In defense of Hermione (was: Almost normal)

[delwynmarch]

No: HPFGUIDX 115431



Feklar wrote :
" Ron takes his understanding of the world (house elves want to be
slaves, all slytherins are evil, Harry purposely put only his name in
the goblet of fire, etc.) as the only understanding of the world.  He
has demonstrated no interest in even hearing about the alternatives,
much less in reaching compromise. "

Del replies :
As far as I can see, so do Harry and Hermione. It's a common trait in
teenagers. If we take your examples :
House elves want to be slaves : well, Hermione thinks that all
house-elves want to be free, and won't listen when someone tries to
tell her otherwise.
All Slytherins are evil : Ron is not the only one thinking that way,
far from it ! Even Harry thinks like that. In fact, Hermione stands
out among all the Gryffindors *precisely* because she thinks that
there might be some good Gryffindors.
Harry purposely put only his name in the GoF : what about Cedric is a
useless pretty-boy ? Harry refused to see the truth on that one.
They are teenagers, they think they know better than everybody else
and that they understand the workings of the universe best. It's not
Ron, it's teenagers.

Feklar wrote :
" How would Ron react to having his wife promoted above him and
earning more money?"

Del replies :
One could say that he's got good training in that area. His brothers
are all "better" than he is and his best friend is richer, more famous
(for the better and the worse), more talented and more powerful than
he can ever dream of becoming. Moreover, he's learned in his youth
that poverty is annoying, but that money don't make happiness. He's
seen his own father being dominated by his mother and not being
bothered by it. All in all, I'd say Ron is probably better equipped
than most to stand being dwarfed by his wife. He would probably
rejoice in the money she would bring back home, and he would bask in
her glory just like he's used to basking in his brothers' and Harry's
glory.

Feklar wrote :
" I really think he would expect to be taken care of much as his
mother took care of him and his father."

Del replies :
But who said that Hermione would mind that ? In fact, we've repeatedly
seen her "mothering" the boys. She seems to enjoy it immensely, and
Ron seems to not mind it : either he allows her to do it and he's
happy she's there to help him, or he just ignores her.

I'm not saying that all would necessarily be perfect if Ron and
Hermione ended up together. But I do think there's a reasonable chance
of that relationship working and being enjoyable for both sides.

Del