DH reread CH 4-5

[pippin_999]

No: HPFGUIDX 186258


>  Alla:
> >
> > You know, totally did not remember that Ron's insecurities show up here. And frankly, find it, well annoying. I mean, really Ron it is not like you conduct things like this on the day to day basis. You participated in what? Two battles so far? Hermione isn't allowed to be surprised that you did something that Auror praises you for?
> 

Pippin:
Who saved Hermione from the troll? And who was doing nothing but cowering and shrieking when he did it? Hermione has been patronizing Ron all through the series, and here's where he finally feels secure enough to let her know he's had enough!

> 
> sartoris22:
 You know, it always bothered me that Harry never said anything to the twins about the way they treat Ron, because Ron would have said something if someone was mistreating Harry. 

Pippin:
It's a family quarrel. Ron wouldn't appreciate Harry butting in.

sartoris22:
Ron has to get the basilisk fangs and recognize the elves before Hermione thinks he is worthy. Funnily enough, Hermione doesn't have to do anything extra to gain Ron's love. 

Pippin:
 She had to make the boys look like heroes in the troll episode and she had to stop being such a prig about the rules. She had plenty of growing up to do, she just got through some of  it a little quicker. 

 I think Hermione wanted to believe all along that Ron's heart would get to the right place about the House Elves (I certainly did) but she needed proof before she could trust her feelings about it. And she had to modify her own position as well.

Hermione always understood that most Elves were psychologically dependent on slavery (she says in GoF that they've been brainwashed), but she didn't understand what that meant.  She was sure if they could just be freed they'd get over it. She was like the person who thinks that cutting addicts off from their drugs is the cure, and doesn't realize that if they can't be supported through their recovery, or if they don't want to recover, they could be left worse off. 

The kiss shows us Ron and Hermione's ideas have converged. She doesn't suggest that the Elves be freed so they can decide for themselves what to do.

Pippin