Why I’m still charmed by Ron and Hermione

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s one of the most beloved couples in children’s literature, Ron and Hermione’s journey – from antagonism, to friendship, to burgeoning romance, and finally wedded bliss – bewitched a generation.

However, in a recent revelation that rocked the Twittersphere, J.K. Rowling herself made a startling announcement.

According to the creator of the series, the pairing was a “form of wish fulfilment” for her, there was “too much fundamental incompatibility” between them and “in some ways Hermione and Harry are a better fit”.

These comments provoked many a misleading headline in the press and a downright furore in the fandom. She even admitted her inflammatory remarks were tantamount to “Potter heresy”.

So what should long-time Potter fans to make of this? Does an author’s retrospective opinion of her work, years after publication, necessarily matter more than any other opinion? I would argue not. Once a piece of literature is out there it becomes something more than an author’s brainchild.

For those who have taken her remarks to heart I have to ask: aren’t most successful fictional depictions of romance a form of wish fulfilment? The close friends who become something more and the antagonistic relationship that masks a secret mutual attraction only make us root for Ron and Hermione more.

Aren’t most successful fictional depictions of romance a form of wish fulfilment?

As for “fundamental incompatibility”, I would counter Rowling’s view because, in actual fact, Ron and Hermione balance out each other’s faults. Hermione allows often overshadowed Ron to grow in confidence and realises his potential. By being with Ron, Hermione learns to prioritise doing the right thing over strict adherence to the rules.

Wish fulfilment or not, Ron and Hermione’s relationship provides an essential function. It subverts the common trope that the hero gets the girl. It opens up the space for a strong friendship between Harry and Hermione and dispels (pardon the pun) the myth that men and women can’t be friends.

Now there’s a pairing worth fighting for.

Image Credits: Header (Ilona Higgins/Wikimedia Commons), Image 1 (Flickr/Daniel Ogren)