Why did JKR not explore H/Hr as canon?

[ivogun]

No: HPFGUIDX 168766

Don't underestimate Ron. 

Ron's smart, but afraid to show it. He's a bit of an underachiever. His intelligence comes 
out in his wit, in his statements which are almost prophetic, in the chess game, and in his 
grasp of reality.   His problem is that he is traumatized by the achievements of his elder 
brothers.  He wants to succeed or surpass what his elder brothers.  In COS, his deepest 
wish to be head boy and Quidditch captain, but he's afraid that will do neither.  Ron 
definitely belongs in the smart crowd.  I think that like his father (who was ignored by 
Slughorn) that he is going to be a late bloomer.

Both Harry and Hermione need Ron as a friend.  

With the Dursley's, Harry had always been a loner in school and was always the kid who 
was different from everyone else.  It looked like he would continue to be a loner and 
different until he met Ron. Harry's friendship with Ron is what gave Harry  normal school 
experience. 

Hermione, on the other hand, was trying too hard at first and alienating others.  Deep 
down Hermione was afraid that she didn't belong in Hogwarts.  It is Ron who shows her 
that you don't have to take everything quite so seriously and that some things are more 
important then success in school. In the scene with the Troll in COS, Hermione chooses 
friendship over being teacher's pet.  She needs Ron's wit and humor to balance her 
tendency to be annoying. Hermione pushes Ron to study and work.  She helps him settle 
down at school.

I don't think Harry needs Hermione as much as Ron.  Harry needs someone like Ginny who 
is very popular and active...someone who will pull Harry out of his tendency to be a loner.  
Hermione has too much of the same tendency to be a loner herself.  At least this is how I 
read JKR's intentions.