SHIP Ron/Hermione

[Joe Goodwin]

No: HPFGUIDX 151584


Betsy Hp:

The easy answer is Harry.  Ron is, generally, much more aware of how 
Harry is feeling and (possibly more importantly) knows what Harry 
needs from moment to moment.  For example: Knowing that Harry would 
prefer to go flying than sit around talking about his feelings.

<snip>

And actually, I think I've figured out why this particular bickering 
couple just doesn't work for me: They have so very little in 
common.  Which actually goes against, I think, the bickering couple 
template.

I mean, look at Benedick and Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing".  
They're both very witty, and incredibly independent.  They banter 
with each other *because* there's a connection.  Even if they don't 
see it at first.
   
  Joe : I have to strongly disagree here. Both of them being witty and very independent seems like a very weak foundation and sort of shallow as well. We know both Ron and Hermione are smart (she more than him but not by leaps and bounds), brave, loyal with a strong sense of what is right and wrong. Myabe it's me but that sounds like a far better foundation than Benedick and Beatrice had. I'm not saying they should be together. What I am saying is that they have as good a foundation as any. I think the real problem is from giving far too much importance to their surface traits (reads a lot, loves sports etc) and not enough to those traits that make people who they are. 

BetsyHP:
   
  And then there's (ahem) *Liz* and Mr. Darcy in "Pride and 
Prejudice", who both have a strong sense of their own dignity and 
worth.  Which again, causes their conflict but also guarantees their 
compatability once they both realize that they each value the other.
   
  Joe:
   
   Can't comment on this Jane Austin makes me ill.

BetsyHP:
   
  Princess Leia and Han Solo also spark more because of their 
similarities (independence and drive) rather than their differences.
   
  Joe:
   
  As much as I hate star wars analogies I have to say I think Ron and Hermione are a great deal like Han and Leia. IMHO Han and Leia only work because they aren't a like. They compliment each others weaknesses.

BetsyHP:
   
  But with Ron and Hermione, they fight because they really *are* 
different.  They have completely different ways of approaching 
problems, and completely different goals.  Their differences aren't 
a falsehood that needs to be destroyed so they can finally get 
together.  The differences are real and won't go away.
   
  Joe:
   
  No their differences aren't falsehoods but they are mostly superficial. As I said before IMO if you want a carbon copy of yourself for a mate you have big problems.
   
  

BetsyHP:
   
  Which also explains, I think, why readers are so split over who's 
the weak link.  I doubt any of the above listed "bickering couples" 
had such polarized fans fighting over whether Mr. Darcy was 
potentially abusive or if Beatrice really cared.

Joe:
   
  Well Han really didn't have another option and I wanted Mr. Darcy and the others to drown before that book was over. Also all of the other couple above are adults. Expecting Ron and Hermione(or any other of the students) to not have any bump along the road to understand each other is a bit much.
   
  For me the most telling thing would be to see how the two of them relate when Harry isn't around. 
   
  Joe