Relationships

[davenclaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 132282

I've never been much of a "shipper," but I'll throw in my two cents.

I think that JKR will keep things relatively straightforward and 
simple. We can interpret what we want from the interactions of the 
characters, and come up with all kinds of theories about who 
Hermione likes or respects more, etc.  But I think that if you want 
to know what's really going to happen, consider that JKR is making 
this aspect of the story accessible to young teens.  Consider Cho... 
we knew for awhile that Harry had a thing for Cho.  JKR made this 
obvious.

In GoF we have a very obvious message that Ron and Hermione like 
each other: He is angry that she is going to the ball with Krum, and 
she is mad at him for not noticing her already.  I was actually 
really surprised that this wasn't developed further in OotP, but we 
can see with some comments that Hermione makes to Harry about his 
and Ron's thickness at understanding girls, that she continues to be 
exasperated by Ron's emotional immaturity.

As their characters currently stand, I see a relationship between 
Ron and Hermione as a huge mistake - at this point, she is just too 
bossy, nitpicky, and critical.  In a relationship, they would either 
fight all the time like they do now, or Ron would become subservient 
to Hermione.  She's really too much like his mother for their 
relationship to work well - at THIS point.

But I can see their characters developing in a way that this could 
change, beginning with the self-confidence that Ron will build as a 
successful Quidditch player, and by not having to deal with older 
brothers at Hogwarts anymore.  Hermione may start treating him with 
more respect.  What's more, she may become less of an over-expectant 
nag, loosen up herself, and learn to accept Ron for who he is.

I see any relationship between them starting slowly... I can foresee 
some sort of party/dance/ball and Harry asking who Ron plans to 
take, and he sort of embarrassingly says he is taking Hermione... 
things start off awkwardly and probably end in an argument that 
evening, but eventually they make up and have more mature 
interactions.

As for Harry, the hints about Ginny are obvious, and I think 
something will happen there eventually - I just don't know if it 
will last.  And, I think there may be a different love interest in 
the meantime.

I think Luna may reveal a crush on someone (I think Ron) but get 
over it and either be a non-romantic character or have an 
unimportant (story-wise) relationship with some minor character, 
like Colin Creevey.  I don't think she will play a major role in the 
romantic lives of our main characters.

- davenclaw