Hermione/Krum -- Viktor Will be the Victor

Discussion of the Madam Puddifoot's article Viktor Will be the Victor (www.mugglenet.com/editorials/madampuddifoot/edit-rhart01.shtml) by Rosalyn Hart.

This was a pretty good editorial, I can see your points clearly...but I'm a Ron/Hermione shipper ALL THE WAY! :) hehe...so I was kind of biased when I read your editorial. I thought the "Losing the treasured possesion to Mercury" bit was an interesting find and I do respect your opinions. Once again, good job!!

Some good points, but still.............I don't really think that Hermione and Krum were "linked romantically" as you say--Hermione never seemed to think of him as anything but a good friend, RON was the one to mark Krum as a romantic interest of Hermione's. I also think that Ron/Hermione will go together well WHEN they get together--there's too much tension right now.

I am so with you on this, Vikky is hermy's man.

A lot of people like Ron/Hermione because of 2 main points:
1) They are both members of the "golden trio"
2) The whole bickering thing leads to that romantic notion of "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, let's get married"

I have to say that in a realistic sense (and because HP books aren't romance novels) it would make more sense for Hermione to go out with Viktor. They are both intelligent, dilligent readers. They have a similar maturity level and a good rapport. He's pretty devoted to her and she acknowledges him in her own way. True, she probably crushed on Ron for awhile, but Viktor came in and showed her what else there was out there for her. Let's face it, Hermione dating Ron would basically be settling. And with Krum around, she doesn't have to settle. Don't forget, he doesn't like the dark arts much and he isn't a fan of Durmstrang.

The editorial was pretty good, although I think many of the points are coincidences. We've had a lot of hints in the books about Ron and Hermione, and a few things Jo has said make me think they will get together, but, you never know (until the books come out).

I, personally, think that Hermione will end up with Ron. But I also think that Viktor has a chance with her, at least to have a temporary relationship.
I just wanted to comment with detail in your editorial.



One objection that many readers have to Viktor is the fact that Hermione doesn’t seem to notice him until he asks her out. But is this really true? Let’s look at the chapter “The Quidditch World Cup” in GoF.

“He was very brave, wasn’t he?” Hermione said, leaning forward to watch Krum land as a swarm of mediwizards blasted a path through the battling leprechauns and veela to get to him. “He looks a terrible mess…”
(pg. 114, US edition)

At least at this point, Hermione is definitely showing some interest in Viktor.

Very true. And admiration, too.

From this view, her snapping about him spending so much time at the library could be seen not as annoyance towards him, but as jealousy of all the girls who giggle and ask for his autograph.

Now, jealousy... I don't think it's jealousy at all. I think that it's annoyance, yes, but about the giggling girls, that are behaving in a very non-dignified way, and being Hermoine such a dignifying person (forgive my English, I hope this makes sense) she is naturally annoyed to see others girls being so... well... silly.

We need to talk about Ron here. It’s obvious that Hermione is interested in him in PoA and GoF.

But I actually think that she didn't realize that she was. Not in a romantic fashion, at least.

If he’d asked her out to the Yule Ball, things might have turned out quite differently between them. But he didn’t. I think we can take Hermione at her word when she has the big fight with Ron at the end of the “Yule Ball” chapter of GoF. Basically, she says, “It’s too late, Ron.”

I don't think she was saying anything of the sort. But I agree that we can take her at her word: she is saying "if you were upset, next time ask me before someone else does". They are so close physically and mentally that the fact that he didn't invite her to the ball was not that important; more important than that was he considering her a "last resort".

And if Ron and Hermione did go out, they’d probably bicker constantly and the relationship wouldn’t last.

Since they agree in the essentials, and we do know they do - when they talk about harry and the situation, percy's letter, etc - little bickering at that age are a good thing: is it useful to transfer knowledge and share points of view, and this is the way teenagers do that, and believe me, I know it.

Jo told us in the Extra Stuff section of her website that Hermione’s wand has a core of dragon heartstring. In “The Weighing of the Wands” chapter in GoF, we find out that Viktor’s wand, too, is dragon heartstring.

Nice one :) I had never detained myself in that detail.

When Ron and Harry are making up fake predictions for Divination class, Ron writes down that he will lose a treasured possession to Mercury. It’s clear that Hermione is very treasured to him. Mercury, the Roman god of flight, is represented by Viktor, who is great at flying. And Viktor’s last name backwards is “Murk,” which sounds like Mercury.

The god Mercury is called Hermes in Greek mythology. Grawp calls Hermione “Hermy” -- interesting.

And that, I never noticed. Mercury/Hermes is the messenger of the gods and god of thieves and salespersons, with strong diplomatic characteristics. Because he is the messenger, he flies. I don't really think there's something there, I mean, Mercury being represented by Krum. Actually, I think the treasured possession is Harry's friendship. In the same situation, Harry takes Ron's sugestion of "being stabbed in the back by someone who he thought was his friend." It wasn't nearly that serious, but Ron failed Harry somehow, right? But maybe the Hermy/Murk thing was not accidental.

Both of their names are similar to “Hermes.” Hermes was the messenger between the gods and humans. It’s possible that their letters are more than just chat; they might even be communicating about matters related to the Order of the Phoenix.

I doubt it. With correspondance being watched? With Viktor being in Durmstrang? But I think that they are probably establishing bonds that will be useful to the work of the Order.

A valid objection to Viktor is the large age difference between him and Hermione. But as they both get older, the gap won’t seem as huge. When Hermione’s 20, he’ll be 24, and that’s a reasonable age difference. As Jenna notes in What Are We Expecting? the Harry Potter books aren’t romance novels, and besides, the characters will only be in their mid-teens at the end of the series. Age difference or not, we can’t expect anything terribly serious to happen in terms of romance within the books. By the time Hermione and the rest of the trio are old enough for romance to be more important to their lives, the age difference between Viktor and Hermione will seem smaller. In the meantime, if they remain pen pals, Hermione probably likes corresponding with an older boy because her maturity level is much higher than that of either Ron or Harry.

Very true, both points.

What kind of boyfriend is best for Hermione? Judging from the way that she and Ron grate on each others’ nerves, it’s best for her to be with someone who’s somewhat similar to her.

I have to disagree there. On one hand, I feel sorry because I really think that Hermione is a wonderful person: she is upright, intrinsecally good, very, very intelligent and wise, a creative person, a loyal friend and very brave. I think that there is no one near her, except maybe Harry - and we know that they will always be friends and nothing more - that is "good enough for her". But we also know that people tend to chose, in a relationship, someone different in order to profit from it (although unintentionally): to learn, to teach and to be able, as a couple, to face all times in life. This would favour Ron instead of Krum.

We don’t know a great amount about Viktor, but we do know a few things. Judging from his devotion to Hermione, he’s loyal.

I agree with you but for other reason: I judge it from his attitude towards Harry. You cannot judge loyalty from a crush with 6 months of duration, which is not, besides that, entirely corresponded.

He spends a lot of time in the library, and it’s not just because of Hermione: after all, he must have been in there quite a bit in order to see enough of her to like her so much. Although he’s a famous Quidditch player, he’s embarrassed by fame and hates people like Karkaroff who try to butter him up (that’s why he likes Hermione). Although his native language is Bulgarian, he writes long letters to Hermione in English, so he must be pretty intelligent in order to become so competent in a second language.

I agree with the first two points but not with your reason on the last - again. He must be intelligent, yes, to be chosen as a champion from Durmstrang. I really don't think the domain of a second language - unless it was a very difficult one - can vow for that.

The main difference that we know of between their personalities is that he’s embarrassed by fame while she likes recognition. Otherwise, they’re surprisingly similar.

I even think they are similar in that. I am sure that if Hermione was in Viktor situation, she would behave almost exactly like him. To like recognition and to be harrassed by a bunch of people that only do that because you're famous is very different.

I don’t know what J.K. Rowling will decide to do with the romantic relationships of the trio. But I think that we can count fairly reliably on Viktor staying in the picture.

And that was a nice ending. I totally agree with you.


Sorry for the long reply, but I could't help it. I thought you made good points and uncovered interesting things, and you just needed to look at it in a different way. But essencially, I think this is a good editorial.

I absolutely abhor the idea of Ron and Hermione ending up together as to me it seems so American Teen Movie! (10 Things I hate about you, Clueless, that sort of thing!)

As for the age gap c'mon guys this is only three years!

Hermione was FIFTEEN when he asked her out, he was eighteen, that is the same age gap between my mum and dad and they absolutely love each other. So that argument don't hold much water! (On the other hand my sister's boyfriend is my six months older than me and my sister six years older!)

Love is love and should cross all barriers (age and race are the most important!)

Everyone who knows me says that I need someone at least ten years older to keep me in check and I agree. So I am in support of Hermione going for the Older Guy. Besides as you the author so rightly points out Hermione is someone who need someone more in her step and tune, I figure after ten years of marriage with Ron she might get bored! He's not exactly the most intellectually stimulating guy great for a friend but not I fear as anything more.

I personally would like Ron to end up with Luna who will be stimulated by him!

I like the idea of Hermione and Viktor getting together, if only because I don't like the idea of Ron and Hermione.

Someone mentioned that Ron and Hermione agree on the essentials.
Since they agree in the essentials, and we do know they do - when they talk about harry and the situation, percy's letter, etc - little bickering at that age are a good thing: is it useful to transfer knowledge and share points of view, and this is the way teenagers do that, and believe me, I know it.So they only agree on things that involve Harry. That does not bode well for a relationship. They have never once agreed on something that does not affect Harry in someway.

I think that there is no one near her, except maybe Harry - and we know that they will always be friends and nothing moreI cannot believe how you all just immediately assume that Harry does not have a chance with Hermione. Instantly dismissing the possibility when there is no proof that it can be dismissed.

I agree with the first two points but not with your reason on the last - again. He must be intelligent, yes, to be chosen as a champion from Durmstrang. I really don't think the domain of a second language - unless it was a very difficult one - can vow for that.Actually, English is a hard language to learn, considering his native tongue is Bulgarian! So there is no denying Krum is Intelligent and Smart.

It was a reasonable editorial, but it draws it's conclusions very shakily. With regards to your evidence about Ron's prediction, he would lose a treasured possesion because of Mercury, not to.

Lord Kronos

Very good editorial, of course I have to disagree being a Heron shipper myself.
I would just like to point out that when asked
Does Hermione love Ron or Harry? she answered:
"I can't believe some of you haven't worked this one out yet, but I'm not going to answer because that would spoil the arguments, which I enjoy"

and also she said: "Everyone was in love with the wrong person" in regards to the trio in book 4.

I wondered what H/K shippers thought of that.

Someone mentioned that Ron and Hermione agree on the essentials.
So they only agree on things that involve Harry. That does not bode well for a relationship. They have never once agreed on something that does not affect Harry in someway.

The things they disagree about are also about Harry. We see the world from Harry's point of view and they are his best friends, so that's only natural.

I cannot believe how you all just immediately assume that Harry does not have a chance with Hermione. Instantly dismissing the possibility when there is no proof that it can be dismissed.

Well, I assumed it because I read somewhere, and I think from Jo, that Harry and Hermione would never be more than friends. But I may be wrong. Let me check it and I'll get back here with the answer when I find it.

Actually, English is a hard language to learn, considering his native tongue is Bulgarian! So there is no denying Krum is Intelligent and Smart.

I didn't denied it, I agreed. I've just been checking the description of the Bulgarian language and, apart from the alphabet, it seems to me that it is gramatically more complex than English, which is a nicely straight-forward language - one of the things that make it so popular. And we really don't hear Krum speak much English, do we? But I say again, I also think that he is intelligent.

I think you may be right, Krum might be the best guy for Hermione...but I don't think Ron is going to let her go without a fight!

"When Ron and Harry are making up fake predictions for Divination class, Ron writes down that he will lose a treasured possession to Mercury. It’s clear that Hermione is very treasured to him. Mercury, the Roman god of flight, is represented by Viktor, who is great at flying. And Viktor’s last name backwards is “Murk,” which sounds like Mercury.

The god Mercury is called Hermes in Greek mythology. Grawp calls Hermione “Hermy” -- interesting. Both of their names are similar to “Hermes.” Hermes was the messenger between the gods and humans. It’s possible that their letters are more than just chat; they might even be communicating about matters related to the Order of the Phoenix. "

Isn't this looking a little too deep. These are just plain coincidences and J.K. said that everyone in Gof was in love with the wrong person. Which rules Hermoine/Krum out.

Also while Krum has feelings for Hermoine, she appears to have none (of that sort) for him (or any other boy for that matter.). I think that concerning Krum and Hermoine that what you see (or read) is what you get. They're just pen-pals, there's nothing more (going on behind the reader's backs).

I must when reading GoF Vic worried me.But after a while I felt sorry for the guy.I'm R/H guy,so I must admit I was a little close minded reading this.Honestly though,I realize Victor is a world renowned Quiditch player and Ron is just Harry's right hand man but that still doesn't mean her chooseing Ron would be "settling".
While you did gather some amazing clues,I do beleive on some you were grasping and other were coincident.Before Mark Evens I probably wouldn't have thought this,but that incedent taught me a leasson:We HP fans could find a clue in what Sirius had to eat the last time we saw him if we tried hard enough.
So while it was a well put together editorial,I still think that parts were just a tad off.

While you did gather some amazing clues,I do beleive on some you were grasping and other were coincident.Before Mark Evens I probably wouldn't have thought this,but that incedent taught me a leasson:We HP fans could find a clue in what Sirius had to eat the last time we saw him if we tried hard enough.

exactly my point. looking for clues were there are none. Let's all start reading the books presuming that everything we read is all that happens unless otherwise revealed in the very same book.

Finally a Viktor/Hermione essay! I personally think it's obvious that Hermione likes Viktorin GoF; she blushes whenever she tells Ron and Harry about her relationship with Viktor. Plus, both Ron and Harry seem to think that Hermione likes him. After all, Ron did ask Harry what Hermione sees in Viktor. Plus, isn't there something about Hermione and Viktor kissing in the movie? As far as the age difference, we don't know how old Viktor is. He's of age in the wizarding world, which makes him at least 17 years old. He's in his final year at Durmstrang, which puts him at about 17, not 18. (Harry will be 17 in the last book). So the age differnce between Hermione and Viktor is only 2 years, not 3.

I'm a H/Hr shipper, but I do see Hermione liking Viktor. But hey, the girl has time to changer her mind.

hmm. i dun know. i think she put that hermione-krum thing in for a bit of humor and so we can really see how ron feels about herm-own-ninny. coz all i got out of the scene in the common room ("who are you writing the novel to anyway?") was just a confirmation that ron likes hermione and is still jealous of krum. personally, i am a strong believer in the *ron likes hermione, but hermione deep-down likes harry, and harry is clueless* philosophy.

OK, the joy of reading HP is partly because she does not state obvious facts, but gives tiny details and enjoys watching us squabble. The details have all been heading towards the HMS Heron. But of course she had to introduce somebody with a fighting chance to be Hermione's knight in shining armour... what fun would it be if Ron had no competition and no place to shine of his own. Because no matter which way you see it, Ron is going to have to bowl Herm off her feet at some point... just hanging around isn't going to do it.

Hi everybody: I love this editorial, good job Rosalyn! Personally I am a Hermione/Viktor shipper, why? because there are lots of cluess than show in advance that Ronnie Wheeze (Dobby's dixit) doesn't finish ALIVE the 7th book, and probably Hermy-own-ninny'll need a friend shoulder where crying Ron's death... In other part, Viktor is a powerful young wizard and he'd help the "golden trio" (now "the golden sextet"???), he hates dark arts and he felt so ashamed when he notice he had used an unforgivable curse against Cedric... Hermy-own-ninny needs a mature boyfriend and Ron needs a "strong love rival" the time he still alive, because when Ronnie felt jelous by Viktor he noticed that Hermy-own-ninny is a beautiful girl and his feeling to her are not only friendship...
That all!
Hotaru Snape Riddle (a) or (6)

Wow, I don’t think I could possibly disagree more. There are some people are so different that they are perfect for each other. Neurotic people like Hermione can’t live with someone else that is neurotic they would drive each other crazy. (That’s why most people can’t wait to move out of their parent’s houses, they are too similar) Just like Ron would never be able to live with someone like himself- nothing would get done. I’ll use myself as an example I’m obviously the neurotic one and my boyfriend is the laid back (let’s just have fun) one. He makes me have fun and I force him to be more serious. He plans the fun and I plan the financial issues. Just like a good business partnership it’s better to have someone who thinks the opposite of you so as a team you have all bases covered. We balance each other out and it kind of makes us normal.
I think Viktor is just what Hermione said in OOTP a pen pal. Viktor friendship with Hermione will come in very handy in the future. He went to a school for the dark arts; he can give the trio information about other people that went to the school, his parents, and his travels with the quidditch team.
I think Ron and Hermione’s relationship grew a lot in OOTP with them both being prefects. I think (hope) their relationship will appear in book 6. Oh I can’t wait…7 more days.

Good editorial but... come on it Ron and Hermione!!! Also that editorial didnt make any since at all just a bunch of hey those kinda go together types of things.

Ron and Hermione all the way!!!!!

I liked this editorial because it made me think about something that I had dismissed, but I'm still a Rom/Hermione shipper!

Also, I have a question about one of J.K. Rowling's statements that I've never seen anyone talk about before (but that's not saying much as I'm sure I've only read a miniscule amount of the Harry Potter stuff out there on the web).I would just like to point out that when asked
Does Hermione love Ron or Harry? she answered:
"I can't believe some of you haven't worked this one out yet, but I'm not going to answer because that would spoil the arguments, which I enjoy"

When she said arguments I first thought she meant our arguments about it. The shipping wars! But then I thought, what if she meant Ron and Hermione's arguments? Doesn't that support a R/Hr relationship?

Despite being resolutely R/Hr, I believe your editorial was good, it showed good points that did sort of ring true, like Hermione being 'interested'(in apostrophes because I don't really think she is) in Krum before the Yule Ball, and I especially liked your connection to Ron's prediction of losing a treasured object to Mercury. It's something I highly doubt many people but those who are learned in that sort of thing could spot. Biased I may be, but it was an interesting read.
I admit I really only read this because I wanted to laugh at some stupid suggestions made by a desperate shipper, but I must now hang my head in shame. However someone has already said something which I thoroughly agree with ... where was it? Oh, yeah ... J.K. said that everyone in Gof was in love with the wrong person. Which rules Hermoine/Krum out.
You do seem to be grasping at straws a little, but not so much that you become the 'desperate shipper' I first expected you to be. Maybe not enough to turn people, but well written.

When she said arguments I first thought she meant our arguments about it. The shipping wars! But then I thought, what if she meant Ron and Hermione's arguments? Doesn't that support a R/Hr relationship?

You know, that's a really ingenious idea. Jo always twists her words in her <a href='http://consumeralertsystem.com/cas/zx-hclick.php?hid=64' target='_blank'>books</a> - why not in real life? Cool idea.

omg, i thought i was the only hermione/krum supporter in the universe! im glad some people, though few, are with me!

just like to point out, irrelevant as it is, that when hermione is 20 krum will actually only be 23, since she is 15 in GoF while he is 18. so its actally just a three-year gap:D much more realistic than bill and fleur's 6-year one... (fluer is 17 in GoF, percy is 18 and jo informed us that charlie is 3 years older than percy, making him 21, while bill is 2 years older than charlie, so he's 23. 17 and 23, thats 6 years).

much as i support hermione/krum though, i have a horrible feeling shell end up with ron (sigh...:() its just that jo put so much clues there that theyll end up a couple. but in my heart i still vote for krum!

oh dear, i'm going to attempt to be as unbiased as possible...

it was a very well written editorial, i'll give you that. i totally agree with the fact that hermione needs a guy at the same maturity level as her. which is why ronald needs to grow up before he can win hermione over.

where did jk rowling say that "everyone was in love with the wrong person in gof"? i'd love to find that quote. although it may seem like it goes against a r/hr romance, i would say that ron didn't realize (and still doesn't, in my mind) that he loves hermione.

great, now i'm turning my reply into an r/hr shipping article...back to unbiased-ness...

honestly, i think hermione and viktor only have a platonic relationship. ron's the one who is making it into something more. i personally believe that hermione uses viktor as a confidante (much like she has ginny). wouldn't it be ironic if hermione was writing to him about all her troubles with ron (possible fanfic idea...)?

grr, again with the r/hr. ok, i swear, i'm gonna stop now.

although intriguing, i believe it was a bit of a stretch with the whole mercury/hermes thing. although jk is all about subtle clues, i somehow can't picture her sitting down in front of a laptop, saying to herself "ok, so his last name has to sound somewhat like mercury when spelled backwards...mercury...merc...murk...krum!" i think it's just a coincidence. like someone said (i forget who, sorry!), hp fans can find clues in anything (i.e. pulling a mark evans).

all in all, good points, good editorial, couldn't disagree with you more (lol).

a single rose - i don't know where she said that, as you can see I quoted it off someone else, but I definitely remember her saying something like that and QuickQuotesQuill is an excellent site to find all JK's interviews. It'll be in there somewhere, and if I remember rightly they have a search so you should be able to find it.

Although I think there is definitely "something" between Hermione and Viktor, I believe that it's only a fleeting thing and she'll end up with Ron in the end. Nice points though.

...and besides, the characters will only be in their mid-teens at the end of the series.

I beg to differ... I would consider 18 to be late teens!

interesting theory, but we won't really know until HBP or even Book 7. I believe that Hermione is flattered by all the attention she is getting from Krum. But, i also think that somewhere between GoF and OotP, they snogged (hooked up, made out, whatever you crazy kids are calling it), Hermione doesn't tell Harry or Ron about it... so we don't know. I have this suspicion because in OotP she tells Harry that she's sure he's not terrible at kissing, then Ron asks her how she would know about this. not because she's made out with Harry (because we would know about it), but because Krum probably kissed her. She immediately gets all flustered and embarassed by this accusation, which leads me to believe she is guilty of something here, like kissing Krum.
I also think that Ron is jealous of the relationship Hermione has with Krum, because he was obsessed with him first, as a Quiddich Player. He is trying to get in there as well as all the girls to get his autograph in GoF. I thought that was intriguing.

Hermione and Krum will absolutely not get together at the end of the series.

It's this simple(I know thousands before me noticed it): Ron had a crush on Fleur. Hermione went out with Krum to get back at him.

Generally, I am expecting Ron and Hermione to get together romantically, but what you write here is cogent.

And wouldn't it be just like Jo to have the fans running around screaming "Heron"! and "Harmony!" when she's going to end up with Krum. What would we scream then? "Crazy about a Mercury!"?

And wouldn't it be just like Jo to have the fans running around screaming "Heron"! and "Harmony!" when she's going to end up with Krum. What would we scream then? "Crazy about a Mercury!"?


Well she said we should have worked "it" out by now. Which makes Hermoine/Krum even less likely. (unless 95% procent of us are blind)

Here is the link to the "everyone is in love with the wrong person quote" and others about shipping by JKR.
http://www.madamscoop.org/themes/ships.htm

I really liked this editorial, because it puts things in a more simpler way. Hermione does actually have a better reason to be with Krum. The only thing is I remember in an interview JKR did, she said she loved Goblet of Fire because everyone was with the wrong person then (romantically). Seeing as Hermione was with Krum, Harry liked Cho and Ron liked Fleur, I think she's basically saying that perhaps those won't be the dominant ships. Now, off to find that quote....

Edit: Ok, nevermind, the link to the interview is posted above. :cool:

I really liked this editorial, because it puts things in a more simpler way. Hermione does actually have a better reason to be with Krum. The only thing is I remember in an interview JKR did, she said she loved Goblet of Fire because everyone was with the wrong person then (romantically). Seeing as Hermione was with Krum, Harry liked Cho and Ron liked Fleur, I think she's basically saying that perhaps those won't be the dominant ships. Now, off to find that quote....

Edit: Ok, nevermind, the link to the interview is posted above. :cool:
Yeah everyone WAS drooling or paired off with the wrong person:

Ron was infatuated with Fleur
Hermione went to the ball with Krum
Krum REALLY liked Hermione
Harry liked Cho (which we all saw fail)

I liked this editorial, it definitely brought up things I hadn't thought of. Having said that, I think that if two people are TOO similar, that can lead to boredom. I don't think the bickering between Ron and Hermione comes from annoyance; it could come from romantic tension. I can understand how people see Ron/Hermione as too "teen movie," but this sort of thing happens in real life, too.

For HG/VK, I don't think the age difference is such a big thing except for the level of experience he may have had versus Hermione. I agree that in the future, the age difference is not a big thing, but in the formative teenage years, it can be huge. I will also admit that, as of right now, Harry and Ron seem too immature for Hermione. But I think they will catch up soon enough-- everyone is going to mature in the coming books. Kids don't stay kids for long when they're dealing with a wizarding war.

I don't think that having Hermione end up with Ron would be "settling." It's already been said that they have very differing points of view about some things, and doesn't that keep things interesting? Whereas, if you agree about everything with someone, that can be... dull. And people simply can't choose who they're attacted to.

I think Hermione was flattered by the attention Krum gave her, but I don't think there's a whole lot of potential in the long run.

Still-- this was a really interesting article.

Good editorial. There are some hints here for Hermione & Victor

Lets be honest, Jo has given plenty of hints but they are just hints she could make any of the trio end up with anyone and because she is such a great writer we would end up agreeing with her. Personally I favour H/G & R/H

First off, I would like to say that I agree with you entirely! I also have another point. In one of the unofficial guides to the Harry Potter books, it states that JKR admitted to getting Hermione's name from Shakespeare's "The Winter's Tale". She also said that Hermione's fate could also come from "The Winter's Tale". Let me give a brief plot of the story. King Leontes of Sicilia is married to Queen Hermione. They are hosting a guest: their friend Polixenes. When Polixenes is on the verge of leaving, Hermione convinces him to stay. The two of them spend a lot of time together. Leontes believes that they are lovers and is insanely jealous. A lot more happens (it ends in Leontes sending Hermione to jail because in his eyes she has had an illegitimate child, but it really belongs to him), but that's all that really matters for the point I'm trying to make. Ok. We can play this 2 ways

Way 1

Leontes is Ron. He is angered that Hermione and Polixenes (Krum) are spending time together. Polixenes fits Krum's character because Krum is a guest at Hogwarts. In the Harry Potter books, Ron is very jealous of Hermione and Krum. The only way that this does not fit is that in "The Winter's Tale", Hermione and Polixenes' relationship is nothing more than friendship (where Hermione and Krum have a romantic relationship), and Queen Hermione does love King Leontes (and Hermione and Ron aren't in love).


Way 2

Leontes is Krum. He is angered that Hermione and Polixenes (Harry) are spending time together. There is loads of evidence for this. In the books, Krum corners Harry and asks him if there is anything going on between him and Hermione. Harry tells him that it is just friendship, but Krum appears to still be suspicious. Unlike way 1, Harry and Hermione are friends, just like Polixenes and Hermione, and Krum and Hermione, like Leontes and Hermione, are in love. Let's just hope that Krum doesn't send her to prison in the end!

RON + HERMY FOREVER!!!

o ya one more thing, rons parents bicker ALL THE TIME and they have a wonderfully happy marrage full of love(plus 7 kids), just look Molly's bogart scene

I find it hard to believe that Jo would make one of her main characters to "hook up" with a character that isn't another main character. So unless Krum somehow comes back into the picture I don't see this happening. One extremely long shot is that Krum is the HBP and he becomes a prominent figure in book six. Very long shot, but wouldn't we all be shocked?!
I think it is much more likely that Vicky, who is quite shy and doesn't crave attention, notices Hermy because she didn't flock to him like most girls do. She is modest, intelligent, and has that "she doesn't know she's beautiful" thing going for her. So Krum builds up the confidence to ask her out.
From Hermy's side, she's a brain who doesn't attract a lot of attention from boys, and yet has a keen eye for how boys' attractions work -- she picks up on Harry and Cho right away, and while it makes sense for the plot to reveal that she picks up on this, Jo makes sure to point out that no one ELSE does, thus showing she's quite in tune with how boys affections work, even if none have feelings for her, yet. She is flattered that Krum takes an interest in her -- and why not, doesn't everyone enjoy disconvering someone has a crush on them?! Especially since Krum is so popular and could successfully go after any girl -- Hermy clearly feels she's inferior to most pretty girls! Not to mention she's naturally intrigued by him, being from another school -- think of all the wonderful discussions about culture they could have! (I'm sure she sneakily found out if his family has a house elf, and how they treat it!)
Lastly, Jo has made it clear in interviews and on her website that Hermy and the Weasel King are meant for eachother. Anyone not picking up on this is lying ot themsleves. But that DOES NOT mean that they won't date others before they hook up, or hook up, break up, date around, and realize they were meant for eachother in the end!
Perhaps Vicky and Hermy did have a little crush, and she could have even had one on him and was able to disguise it from Harry -- and REMEMBER -- we only know what's going on through HIS perspective and he doesn't seem too interested in ANY other romantic pairings. In the end, Ron will wind up with Hermy -- but will he be the first or only? Perhaps not.

(sorry this was so darn long!)
:-)
Jesse

i like that idea they seem to be together now and stuff so it works :cool:

Great editorial Rosalyn. Something you didn't mention that I find VERY significant is the fact that in the 2nd task, Hermione is what Krum would miss the most. Now, did that happen just by staring at her in the library? No. They have a much deeper relationship than we realize, I think. Why does Hermione fight with Ron so much? Could it be that she knows he likes her and she is trying to discourage him so he won't get hurt? Finally, we know that wizards are old-fashioned. In the old days, writing letters to each other was VERY SIGNIFICANT, as they didn't have email or telephone's and stuff. Just my $.02

I'm going to be frank and short with my response to this. I am an admitted R-Hr shipper (though not fanatical in the least). I just believe that ship has more clues pointing towards it. That said and bearing it in mind, let me comment on what I see for the H-K ship discussed here.

I cannot see this ship as having future life. My reasons are a) how Hermione acted during their time together in GoF and b) the distance and time since last meeting. a) Hermione did not act like a schoolgirl with a crush or even a more serious and mature individual with any relationship turmoil or really deep emotional attachment at all in GoF. Just from the way she was described in the few scenes we see her interacting with Krum, it felt as though it was all part of her way to further international student relations or make a good friend. Unlike the editorialist, I saw no definitive evidence that she had ever seen him as something more than a Durmstrang student with too much attention levied upon him before he asked her out. Her concern and/or admiration at the end of the Quidditch Cup was more on the spirit of his actions, ending the game on his terms, as they said. She admires that sort of action, taking control, as that is what she attempts to do with everything at school. Remember, too, the scene where Harry came out of the water and she was paying much more attention to him and Ron than Krum, despite his efforts. Also, when Krum was leaving, he called her over to talk and she looks flustered, like she did not really look forward to speaking or what she would have to do. I'm pretty sure she broke it off there. It was quick and easy. She came back impassive which is undoubtedly a well-developed mask for the relief she was feeling at having taken care of that. They broke as friends, I suspect, as they continued writing the next year, but in practical terms, it could not have worked. b) That leads me into the second part. They live very far from each other. Their only correspondence for a year is in a letter or two. Having had a long-distance relationship, I can tell you that will not cut it. They didn't meet in the summer and had one letter that we know of. Now, I'm sure you will say they could revive it after she's out of Hogwarts, but I really don't think she wanted a lasting relationship out of it. As has been said, I don't think she was willing to settle at 15 years old. She'll be turning 17 in this year, so we'll see what happens.

Regardless of all anyone says, Rowling has the final word...we'll see soon! 6 days!

Good edditorial eventhough there isn't much Hermione/Krum interaction to go on. We all know Hermione admires bravery, we learn it from the hug Harry receives during the potions riddle and her crush on Lockhart. She learned that all the brave things Lockhart did were lies though he only took credit for other peoples acts of bravery. So that's why Hermione immediately noted Krum being brave. It seems Hermione is attracted to bravery.

I agree that Krum, being a couple of years older than both Harry and Ron, was nice to talk to for an older (in age as well as in maturity) girl now and then. But I think Krum noticed where Hermione's true affections are, with Harry. That's why I find it strange that Harry is never mentioned in this edittorial seeing he and Krum share some striking similarities.

Hermione and Krum will absolutely not get together at the end of the series.

It's this simple(I know thousands before me noticed it): Ron had a crush on Fleur. Hermione went out with Krum to get back at him.
rofl you people make up the strangest theories.

Hermione's reaction to Ron's fit at the Yule ball was clear enough, she had no clue what his problem was. Are you sure you aren't confusing HP with some sordid soap opera.

In response to tara_black--

I don't think Hermione's the type of person who would date someone just to make someone else jealous. She's too mature for that, and she values people's feelings too much to try to hurt someone in that way.

When she's shown writing a long letter to Krum and Ron gets jealous, I think that was nothing more than her writing a letter to a friend. True, Hermione didn't seem to like Fleur at all, but that doesn't mean she'd reply in a way that would hurt Ron.

I just think neither Ron nor Hermione know how to communicate effectively with one antoher, YET. Ron does need to grow up, but it's been shown that boys mature at a later age than girls. Which could be why Hermione values her friendship with Krum so highly. Personally, I just don't see them being romantically serious in the future of the books.

It seemed a little stalker-esque that Hermione was the one that Krum would miss the most, because they hadn't known one another that long. It's such a short span of time to get attached within, and for a young girl like Hermione, it seems a little too committed.

Well, that's only my opinion. I still really liked this editorial!

Well, this was a very interesting and well written editorial but I have to disagree with your conclusions. For one thing Hermione does not say "you're too late" to Ron. She says "if you don't like it then you should ask me before anyone elae does, not as a last resort". She's not saying "go away it's over", but "if you stopped acting like a stupid prat, I might go out with you."

Another point: after the second task Hermione ignores Viktor pulling on her arm and trying to attract her attention. He's just asked her to go to Bulgaria with him, told her he's never felt this way about another girl. But she isn't going starry eyed or weak at the knees, she's too interested in her friends. To me JKR is telling us that Hermione isn't really all that interested. Even if concern for her friend prevented her from talking to Viktor then, she could have answered him about Bulgaria etc when they were being seen to by Mme Pomfrey etc. But no she hangs around to look furious when Fleur kisses Ron.

In OotP its clear Hermione considers Viktor as only a friend "I can have a pen friend if I-". If she was, as you suggest, over Ron and his jealousy and his attention was unwanted it would be easy to say. "Yes, Ron. I'm writing to my boyfriend. OK?". Hermione would not want to lead her friend along by letting him hope that her heart was free if she actually liked Viktor. It was clear in GoF that Viktor was very stuck on Hermione, and that he wanted to be her boyfriend. And yet Hermione does not seem to have visited him over the summer, and only talks about him once in terms of friendship. If they're not going out it's because she said no.

First to post after HBP, woohoo!
So, as H/K was nowhere seen, I think their relationship was just in GoF (with snogging, as Ginny said). And I think Hermione didn't mean to make Ron jaleous, it just, well, happened.

i'm a harry/hermione shipper, but in GoF, i was totally for Viktor Krum. He has this-bad-boy-facade- who's- actually -a- teddy-bear-inside thing going on. As a H/H shipper, it comes with an acceptance that harry and hermione won't end up together (which i was well aware of even before book six, though book five raised my hopes up). but i really couldn't get onto the ron/hermione ship coz i don't get their chemistry. i've seen a lot of love-hate relationships palyed out that i found adorable (pacey/joey of the creek, seth/summer of the oc) but ron/hermione...na-ah. so i really want to see hermione end up with krum, they're gonna have great kids together and less disturbed.

and in addition to the editorial, all triwizard champions palyed a big or important part. cedric died, fleur is marrying bill, and viktor...will be the victor. ^_^

We need to talk about Ron here. It’s obvious that Hermione is interested in him in PoA and GoF. If he’d asked her out to the Yule Ball, things might have turned out quite differently between them. But he didn’t. I think we can take Hermione at her word when she has the big fight with Ron at the end of the “Yule Ball” chapter of GoF. Basically, she says, “It’s too late, Ron.”

If she had meant to say that, she would have said that. She wouldn't have lead him on by telling him in no uncertain terms that the next time there is a ball, he will ask her before anyone else does, not as a last resort. These are clear, unambiguous instructions. She is to be his first choice for ball dates, period. These words do not imply her indicating that he is too late in the least. Her word was "Next time, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort". We can take her at those words, not a serious misinterpretation which contradicts her statement completely.

And if Ron and Hermione did go out, they’d probably bicker constantly and the relationship wouldn’t last.

This was probably written before HBP, but note that there is not one smidgen of bickering after Ron is poisoned. They are on the same page now. More importantly, the tension of the unadmitted attraction has finally been defused. They both know, and just need to make it official. However, they are more comfortable with each other now than ever, and have no need to bicker ot hide their attraction and fear of rejection.

Jo told us in the Extra Stuff section of her website that Hermione’s wand has a core of dragon heartstring. In “The Weighing of the Wands” chapter in GoF, we find out that Viktor’s wand, too, is dragon heartstring.

When Ron and Harry are making up fake predictions for Divination class, Ron writes down that he will lose a treasured possession to Mercury. It’s clear that Hermione is very treasured to him. Mercury, the Roman god of flight, is represented by Viktor, who is great at flying. And Viktor’s last name backwards is “Murk,” which sounds like Mercury.

The god Mercury is called Hermes in Greek mythology. Grawp calls Hermione “Hermy” -- interesting. Both of their names are similar to “Hermes.” Hermes was the messenger between the gods and humans. It’s possible that their letters are more than just chat; they might even be communicating about matters related to the Order of the Phoenix.

Wand cores being the saem does not equal romance, or Harry would be dating Voldemort. The Mercury reference is offpage and irrevelant. Using Viktor's last name backward and Grawp's mispronunciation to indicate romance is a new high for stretcing it. Implying that they talk about matters which neither have access to says nothing for romance.

What kind of boyfriend is best for Hermione? Judging from the way that she and Ron grate on each others’ nerves, it’s best for her to be with someone who’s somewhat similar to her.

Judging from the way she goes back to Ron, time and time again, and spends more and more time at the burrow, she obviously likes the way they interact. Show me one line of her complaining about the way the interact. She complains to him, it's part of their communication. Never, though, does she say to someone else, "Oh, here comes Ron again, he does so get on my nerves..." Never. If Hermione doesn't want someone bothering her, she lets them know. Witness her ditching McLaggen with no qualms.

I don’t know what J.K. Rowling will decide to do with the romantic relationships of the trio. But I think that we can count fairly reliably on Viktor staying in the picture.

Yep. He's the catalyst for them to get together.

I liked your editorial, and even though i'm a Ron/Hermione shipper, it still had nice points.

One of the main parts I didn't agree with was when you said that it probably wouldn't work out between Ron and Hermione because they're aren't enough similarities between them. But there are actually quite a few reasons I think they would do well together.

Hermione is looked down on by some people because she's muggleborn.If Hermione was as bossy as she can be as she was before Hogwarts, imagine what people in the muggle world thought about her! As far as we know (or we can assume) she's an only child, not to mention the only witch in her family, and oh yeah, don't forget, there's a mean, crazed wizard out to kill her best friend, and possibly her since he's againct her "Kind". It's not like she can open up to her parents about it, because they wouldn't understand; they'd probably just try to put her on lockdown and make her stay home. In my opinion, Hermione really doesn't have a good way to express what she feels about everything. And I can DEFINETELY say that I know that bottling up your feelings isn't very helpful.

Ron is the opposite, yet the same. He comes from an all wizard family, not being an only child, but having six other siblings. He's always been exposed to the wizarding world, and his parents understand what's going on, so that's taken care of. but he's the sixth of seven children, which means he can't make a name for himself because everyone's already done everything. Bill: Head Boy, Charlie: Quidditch star, Percy:(Poopface) also head boy, Fred and George: Joke shop... Ron's funny too, but now he can't even go into the comic business without it already being taken! Since there's so many of them and not that much money, most of his things are hand me down, and there is nothing worse than hand me downs from your overshadowing brothers. Not to mention a best friend that is practically a walking media drawer.

That's why I think when It comes to their relationship, similarity doesn't matter, because they can help each other out and give the other what they've been looking for anyway. Hermione needs some sense of humor in her life to cheer her up. Ron. Ron needs someone to encourage him, and help him believe in himself when others are against him so he can carry on. Hermione.

Hermione needs someone to be able to confide in or to let her know that someone IS there for her no matter what happens, and Ron needs someone to let him know that there is something that sets him apart from his other overshadowing brothers.

The only thing they need to do is sort out all the feelings they're having inside in order to be able to progress in their realationship. At least that's what I think.

But hey, I'm not a psychiratrist, so who's to know?

Lol, i'm also a heron , but i just love Hr/k, Check out my sig, i made a new ship !!

Well I certianly like it more than R/Hr. :)

Well I certianly like it more than R/Hr. :)
Heehee! I like it more than... erm.. Harry and Ginny!

If you are against Harry and Ginny as much as I am, then we're on the same page. I would much rather see H/Hr before H/G.

Just felt like sharing that with you.

Lol, i'm also a heron , but i just love Hr/k, Check out my sig, i made a new ship !!
I like your sig.

Heehee! I like it more than... erm.. Harry and Ginny!

If you are against Harry and Ginny as much as I am, then we're on the same page. I would much rather see H/Hr before H/G.

Just felt like sharing that with you.


I like your sig.
lol, thanks !!

This is surprising because of all the possible boys that Hermione could pair up with, Viktor is the only one that she clearly has some kind of romantic relationship with.
:no: Viktor is not the one with whom she has a relationship with. What about Ron? Some may disagree with me on this, but still: Hermione has no "clear" romantic relationship with anyone. But Ron.
At least at this point, Hermione is definitely showing some interest in Viktor
Yes. Because he's hurt. And a good Quidditch player. The eyes naturally flick to the star of the team. The interest, if it can be called an "interest" is in his Quidditch performance.
And if Ron and Hermione did go out, they’d probably bicker constantly and the relationship wouldn’t last.
I disagree. I think true love (:angel:) could overcome their arguing. Half of book four Ron is bickering with Hermione because he is j e a l o u s.
“The Weighing of the Wands” chapter in GoF, we find out that Viktor’s wand, too, is dragon heartstring.
This is irrelevant.
Ron writes down that he will lose a treasured possession to Mercury. It’s clear that Hermione is very treasured to him.
Um . . . Ron does lose Hermione. As a date to the Yule Ball.
he characters will only be in their mid-teens at the end of the series.
Wrong. The characters will be in their late teens. I think most of us would consider "seventeen" out of the "mid-teen" section.
we can’t expect anything terribly serious to happen in terms of romance within the books.
True, so wouldn't a romance like Hr/V, fall under "terribly serious"? Especially since there's still an age difference. In fact, in my opinion this makes it even more "serious".
Judging from the way that she and Ron grate on each others’ nerves, it’s best for her to be with someone who’s somewhat similar to her.
See Hinoema'sresponse to this statement (which I agree with :clap:) Besides, Hermione won't care what's best for her. If she wants Ron, she will try her best to get him. And Viktor? Similar to Hermione? He's 18, a Quidditch star, and famous.
Judging from his devotion to Hermione, he’s loyal.
Loyal? We don't know whether or not Viktor is a "womanizer" or whether he just likes Hermione. I can't see him liking Hermione as "loyal".
Otherwise, they’re surprisingly similar.
If they are similar, which I don't think I'm seeing, this could be why Hermione likes him as an acquaintance.

this was a really good editorial and you argued your points very well, but i see v/hr as unrequited love. i believe that victor is completly in love with hermione but that she now only sees him as a friend.(hint:r/hr here we come!) also did anyone else notice that hermione did not mention krum once in HBP? just wonderin anyway great editorial!

Interesting view, but, imo, unlikely. Hermione didn't seem to show any romantic interest in Viktor what-so-ever and constantly maintaned this, so I honestly couldn't see it actually happening. If it did, seems it would be a very one-sided relationship. She showed an interest (she was interested in his school, Bulgaria, etc), but not in hin in a romantic nature.