SHIP Re: Christmas present pattern...

[John Kearns]

No: HPFGUIDX 131813

A collection of theories regarding Hermione's 5th year Christmas 
presents (ahem):

> Tonks (theory #1):
> I think that it just shows how obsessed Hermione is with the exams
> coming up. And she is concerned that Ron and Harry are not 
> organized enough. She is worried that they will not pass. <snip>

After all, they are her best friends, and she cares deeply about 
them.  So she's worried.  This is the one fully platonic explanation 
I can think of, and it's a good one.  But the shippy ones are where 
it gets FUN...

> Pippin's thoughts:
> It sounds like the present a teenage girl might give who is frantic
> to avoid anything with the slightest boy-girl connotations and
> who wants to treat both boys the same, the one who's her old
> friend and the one with the not-so-secret crush on her.

JohnK:
No matter what shippy explanation you want, I think this is true. So 
the question, then, is WHY is she frantic to avoid such connotations?

> Marcela's got a couple good reasons:
> 2) Hermione likes Harry.
> So, what does a girl give to her two best friends when she 
> harbours feelings for one and the other one is harbouring feelings 
> for her?  She gives them the exact same present, no preferences 
> and feelings revealed.

JohnK:
Just like Pippin said.  This was the explanation I jumped to upon 
first reading the book, but then I was a H/Hr shipper at the time.

> Marcela again:
> 3) Hermione likes Ron.  
> What I find difficult to explain is that if she really liked Ron, 
> why wouldn't she give him some other present, a bit more 'personal'
> perhaps? in OoTP, just when Ron started showing his interest in 
> her?  Harry was already involved with Cho, so what was stopping 
> her from showing a bit more preference for Ron in the gift 
> department?

JohnK:
This possibly evidence for her *not* liking Ron.  She knows he likes 
her and is pretty sure Harry doesn't, so what's the risk in showing 
it if she likes him?  (I can only think of two reasons, #6 & #7 
below).  

I'll add a few theories to the mix as well.  Combine as you see fit:

4) Hermione doesn't like Harry *or* Ron, but thinks that one (or 
maybe both!) like her, and doesn't want to lead anybody on.

5) Hermione doesn't like Ron, and is terrified that if she gets 
Harry and Ron different gifts Ron will freak out with jealousy 
again.  This works whether she likes Harry or not.

6) Hermione likes Ron, but doesn't want to do anything about it 
because Harry's friendship is too important to her and she's worried 
about alienating him.

7) Hermione likes Ron but worries a relationship could end her 
friendship with *him*.

8) Hermione likes Harry, but is scared to show it since she's pretty 
sure he doesn't share the sentiments.

9) Hermione likes Harry *and* Ron, and is so confused about how she 
feels that she throws her hands up in the air and gets them both 
something platonic (I had a friend in this situation once).

10) No matter who she likes, she feels so comfortable around them-
like a husband and wife after many years- that she's totally cool 
with getting them something PRACTICAL.

11) Hermione likes and/or doesn't like Harry and/or Ron, but 
regardless is sick of people (like us) thinking she does and so 
tries to avoid all connotations and put the whole thing to rest.

I wonder what she'll get them *next* year?  Or, for that matter, 
what she'll get Harry for his birthday when Ron's not around. ;)

JohnK, who just had way too much fun with speculation.