H/L - Why I Became a Harry/Luna Shipper

[darkBlue]

Originally Posted by IrishPhoenix711

Hey! This is Jenna the author. I enjoyed reading all of your thoughts on the editorial.

Anyway - I literally stumbled upon my new found ship only a few hours ago. I had been quite torn over who Harry was going to end up with.

Remember I'm considering not only the facts at hand, but the information that Jo gave us saying that Harry will have some romance, and by process of elimination, I see Luna as most likely.

Hi, I'm a late reader of this article i know, but I thought it was excellant.
I am not at all a shipping person, so I liked how Jenna began by saying, "I've never really considered Harry's romantic prospects much. I haven't been for or against any of Harry's ships..." I thought, me too! And I kept on reading...

But I think a key point in the debate is the one jenna made in the above comment: Luna is the frontrunner in my opinion by process of elimination. The editorial did a great job of showing, I thought, why Hermione is unlikely. Ginny is also unlikely because romantically she is, as I see it, a bit like Cho in that they always have boyfriends, and are serial daters to an extent. I guess I have trouble accepting the fact that Harry will be one, or even the last, in a long chain of prior relationships for any girl. As the hero of the books, he has somewhat of a "chosen one" quality, and any serious relationship he would have must be intensely special to both involved. i hope this makes sense...

I have to add, i love the idea of Ginny and Dean Thomas. Does anyone else hope that they will make it through?

While I am not totally invested in a L/H ship whatsoever, I agree that it seems most likely. Of course, the books have a tendency to favor unlikely outcomes, so we'll have to see...

[Krumpet]

Originally Posted by darkBlue

Ginny is also unlikely because romantically she is, as I see it, a bit like Cho in that they always have boyfriends, and are serial daters to an extent. I guess I have trouble accepting the fact that Harry will be one, or even the last, in a long chain of prior relationships for any girl. As the hero of the books he has somewhat of a "chosen one" quality, and any serious relationship he would have must be intensely special to both involved. i hope this makes sense...

I have to add, i love the idea of Ginny and Dean Thomas. Does anyone else hope that they will make it through?

I bolded and underlined the sections that I'm commenting on.

One is that dating one boy for over a year doesn't make Ginny a serial dater. In order to be a serial anything you have to have more then one of it, E.I. if a serial killer had one killed one victim he would only be a killer. (Yes I'm a H/G shipper )

We really don't have any proof (yet) that Ginny has dated, or wants to date Dean Thomas. All we have is an off handed remark she made when Ron was being embarrassingly obvious about trying to set up Ginny/ Harry. When dealing with one statement from Ginny it is important to remember that she can lie unblushingly to her family when she wants to.

But as for a Dean Thomas/ Ginny match, I actually like the idea of it. I think personality wise Dean and Ginny would get along very well. I've always liked Dean a lot, and am kind of sad that his back-story was permanently sacrificed. He seems like he could definitely be more then a match for a fiery little fox like Ginny. After Harry, Dean is my second choice for her.

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Jeanna I was rereading this article, and again I have to complement you on it. The part I like the best of the enter thing is the section where you talk about what Harry can offer Luna. I think that is an important part of shipping that is often neglected, love is a two way street.

[Zora Lupin]

I must say I agree whole-heartedly with Nicole's conclusions. I was surprised at first, but realized that's what I have been thinking all along, but just couldn't voice it very well. Luna would be like the balancing side of libra (which, if anyone wants to, someone should match their zodiac signs and follow along with their horoscopes ).

As for Ginny/Harry- I was a downer of this relationship from the start. First of all, no offense, but Ginny is not as, well, down to earth as Harry is. She's obviously swimming in and out of relationships (she had Michael and Dean this year!), and she needs someone who can hold her down. Harry is too busy with other stuff, like the fact that Voldemort wants to kill him, he's about to find out Hr/R like each other, and Snape is a total hornet to him. He cannot deal with silly little girls such as Ginny.

And, about Hermione: No. FYI, I used to be a H/Hr shipper, but realized it could not be so about two years ago. It was obvious that an obvious more-than-friendship bond had been growing between R/Hr (thank you PoA for all your plot bunnies!). Don't get me wrong, they would be an aborable couple, but like Nicole said, just no real connection.

This brings me to Luna Lovegood. Unpredictable, mysterious, full of love Luna. The girl is wise beyond her years, though not a show-off about it (Ms. Granger........). She obviously is somewhat shy about some things in her life, the way Harry is sometimes shy about his parents or the incident with Cedric (and even more when Sirius is dealt with in #6). I find that they will be able to talk to each other about things that cannot be told to even close friends. Harry and Luna are on the same level. Their emotions (though Luna's doesn't seem so) I think are fragile, and their spirits are heavy with thoughts. Luna and Harry are just perfect for each other, that's all!..........

Zora Lupin

[Snorkack80]

Originally Posted by snapesmyguy3

Oh, I completely agree with Jenna about H/L if only for one critical reason: it would make for a very interesting read, with all sorts of great reactions from Ron and Hermione. Harry/Ginny would be, IMO, boring by now, and I do not foresee H/H at all, never have, actually. We as readers must be kept entertained and I for one fully look forward to some more interaction between Harry and Luna for all the reasons that Jenna cites. It may be a lukewarm "romance" that ends quickly but will cause problems and propel the sub-plot along better than one with Harry and Ginny, let's say. Funny that in such a fantasy world as the Wizarding world, JK creates a character that is looked upon by her fellow fantasy-wizards as "loony".

I agree 100%. I see a possibility for H/G, but IMO H/L is the most likely. I just voted for it in the new poll (mugglenet home page), and I was looking at the other options. If it's not Hermione (ridiculous IMO) and not Ginny (boring, as stated above), it has to either be someone we've met (i.e. Luna, Cho, Katie, Parvati, Lavender, Susan, Hannah, etc.) or someone new. We KNOW there will be some romance, even if Harry doesn't find his one true love.

Could it be someone new (someone being introduced in book 6)? If so, Harry would probably meet her on the train, get a first impression that is substantially different from what she's really like, slowly get to know her better throughout the book, become friends, and come to establish a relationship. Wait a minute! That's exactly what happened with Luna in book 5! I think the setup of Luna's character is a sure-fire clue that she's the next love interest for Harry. I also think that she is actually quite different from Harry's first impression ("distinct dottiness") and that he will come to know her better as time goes on.

[Lady Elven]

I love reading the articles about the relationships, but the H/L one caught me & and made sense to me at least...which doesn't say alot. but H/L to me have the makings of a great relationship to wherever it may lead. As most people know communication is the key to a lasting relation. now if you read between the lines like i do, ( i'm obsessed with getting into peoples head & figuring them out) harry feels like he doesn't have to prove himself to luna like he might have with Cho or even hermione. yes harry can talk to hermy, but it still feels like he has to prove his worth around her. luna understands the workings of harry. but all & all its just my opinion.




All is for love & all is forever.

I am an avid supporter of the Harry-Luna relationship because I think Luna is the only girl we've met so far that can connect to Harry more deeply because she has dealt with death as he, and I don't think Jo would bring in a character like her so late in the series who's not important especially to Harry.
Ginny sure has been possesed by Voldemort and she is on her "I no longer am in my brother's shadow anymore" kick. I think she is over Harry. He was more of the unattainable crush for her.
Hermione and Ron are "together" and if you don't see that by their fighting and hints here and there (case in point, the hand holding in PoA, Buckbeak scene). You don't do that with just a friend. Not to that degree.
So this is why I think Harry and Luna seem the most plausible.
And don't forget who Harry talked to about Sirius. It wasn't Hermione, or Ginny, or Ron, NOR DUMBLEDORE! It was Luna. That speaks loads to me. Loads.

[IrishPhoenix711]

I agree 100% with 100% of what you said

[Corbin Dallas]

Originally Posted by TrelawneyFool

I am an avid supporter of the Harry-Luna relationship because I think Luna is the only girl we've met so far that can connect to Harry more deeply because she has dealt with death as he, and I don't think Jo would bring in a character like her so late in the series who's not important especially to Harry.
Ginny sure has been possesed by Voldemort and she is on her "I no longer am in my brother's shadow anymore" kick. I think she is over Harry. He was more of the unattainable crush for her.
Hermione and Ron are "together" and if you don't see that by their fighting and hints here and there (case in point, the hand holding in PoA, Buckbeak scene). You don't do that with just a friend. Not to that degree.
So this is why I think Harry and Luna seem the most plausible.
And don't forget who Harry talked to about Sirius. It wasn't Hermione, or Ginny, or Ron, NOR DUMBLEDORE! It was Luna. That speaks loads to me. Loads.

Wait, when did Harry talk to Luna about Sirius, harry merely asked who Luna saw die, it's not like Harry went on about how much it hurt, or how he'd miss Sirius or anything deep like that's being out forth. I agree the lessening in Harry's stomach, or whatever, is important but honestly, Luna is not the only person who can reach Harry about lost loved ones. I have been of a firm belief that Molly would comfort Harry about Sirius' death. she almost did in Goblet in the Hospital wing before Hermione broke it up and I'll think we'll see Harry finally cry thanks to Molly, the good way and Molly lost her brothers Gideon and Fabian so she knows exactly how Harry feels.
This comfort because of similar death is not unique to Luna, Jo's anti-Hermione comment about Luna has me believing that Luna's purpose is elsewhere for Harry and I'm thinking Veil here folks.
I have nothing against Harry/Luna except that there is no real canon to vaguely support shippyness here,
Cheers

[Chrysalis]

Although I'd hate to classify myself as a shipper I've been supporting H/L ever since OotP. H/Hr never worked for me and somehow H/G seems so predictable. A Harry & Ginny match is exactly what all of Harry's friends and the Weasleys would be hoping for. We all know that Jo's plots take the most unexpected twists and turns, she is never predictable. Therefore I *hope* that Harry will end up with Luna. I've never really taken a liking to Ginny anyway.

Originally Posted by Corbin Dallas

Wait, when did Harry talk to Luna about Sirius, harry merely asked who Luna saw die, it's not like Harry went on about how much it hurt, or how he'd miss Sirius or anything deep like that's being out forth. I agree the lessening in Harry's stomach, or whatever, is important but honestly, Luna is not the only person who can reach Harry about lost loved ones.

I don't disagree with you that Molly and the scores of other characters in Harry's life can help him with Sirius. I'm not debating that. What I'm saying is that: Even if his conversation with was miniscule and she only mentioned what she saw beyond the veil, Harry did not go to anyone else. He didn't really go to Luna either, but has he discussed this with others? No. Simply. I love Luna. She has become my favorite female character because of her aloofness. I think Harry finally has someone at the school within his core group of friends who can understand what it feels like to lose people so close to you.
Yes, everyone else will be there for him about Sirius. This is all to true. But it wasn't them with whom he had this small (seemingly insignificant) conversation. It was Luna. Why Luna? Why not someone else? Because of these last two questions I'm still pushin for Luna.

[IrishPhoenix711]

Oh - I LOVE Ginny! But I still don't think that her and Harry will be together - if at least not YET.

I think there is more canon evidence supporting H/L then either H/G or H/Hr.

All H/Hr has is evidence of a strong bond, and a interdependence - which only proves a meaningful relationship rather than a romance. Harry already gets everything he needs from Hermione without being romantically involved. Also, he cannot afford to lose hermione through a breakup; he needs to be able to contantly turn to her for advice and help, and if they're in a developing romantic relationship, that would be too difficult.

For H/G, there's only evidence that Ginny fancied Harry, not the other way around, and that now she might not feel that way anymore. That's all.

Luna, however is a new character who had to be introduced for some reason. At the Gryffindor match versus slytherin, he is heartened because of her lion's hat.

And yes, she's not the ONLY one Harry can talk to about Sirius, but she is the only one he has even slightly opened up to. And suggesting Molly? First of all that was GoF, when he saw Cedric die, not his godfather. Plus, as a mother figure she is great to talk to, but we're talking about romantic interest here...

[Jabberwocky]

I think so too. JKR is very clever and she allwys gives us hints about those things.
There must be a good reason why Luna has been introduced to us . And as you seee, she isn´t realy someone you know that exixts she even plays a big role.
She went together with the friends to the deparment of mistery. Why she?
It could also have been Thomas Dean, Pavarti Patil or whoever. they were charakters we knew much longer than her.
But she is the one who joins the friends. And there has to be areason for that.
The chat with Harry was the last thing that convinced me to become H/L shipper. Feeling sorry for someone can change into love quickly.

[Chrysalis]

Actually, I am of the opinion that JKR hasn't told us enough yet for us to even have a clue about whom Harry will end up with. She seems to be setting up Harry with Ginny, and yet the sudden introduction of Luna is highly puzzling.

[SnorkackCatcher]

Good editorial. I too think H/L is a likely bet for HBP at some point, mostly for structural reasons - she pops up out of nowhere in OotP and ends up part of the group, and strikes some sort of chord with Harry. It's vaguely reminiscent of the way Cho was introduced in PoA, and that sort of put up a big sign saying "watch out for her in GoF". It's not the only possible use for Luna's character in Books 6/7, but it would be interesting. H/G is still looking the most likely by the end of the story arc, but that's a different question.

[Shewoman]

I think male-female friendships are really important; not every sign of closenes or respect between a man and a woman means they're becoing a couple. I see this with Harry and Hermione; they have both brought out good things in each other but don't seem interested romantically.

I like Luna, but I don't see Harry taking up with her. And I think he has a lot to offer Ginny, too. Ginny needs to be seen as an individual and not just as another Weasley; she's clearly stronger now than she was in CoS. She has grown in ways that make her and Harry closer than they were then. She's gotten over her crush on Harry, but that doesn't preclude a more mature sort of relationship. And, besides, if she and Harry wind up together he'll be part of a big family . . . I'd love to see that!

[sanmi]

I love this editorial very much. It is the shortest I have read and it does not have any excerpts from the books (thank god) but it still manages to make some sense. It give enough reason why Harry/Hermoine Or Harry/Ginny ships should not happen. But the problem is "CAN LUNA HANDLE HARRY". Harry come with a lot of baggage, which is probably why things couldn't work with Cho as she tried to bring in her own problems. Luna just hasn't done anything to prove that she can take care of Harry.

[spazophrenic]

i am on the verge of becoming a H/L shipper, simply because i think they would make a cute couple, i haven't really had a chance to go into detail about their relationship, but they do have potential. (then again, so do most of the the [conventional] ships that people have come up with.)
feel free to bombard me with emails telling me why i should or should not be a H/L shipper, i want other peoples opinions! (punkyfish.girl@gmail.com)
although i do think at this, point, nothing is clear about harry and Luna's relationship, because the very end of OotP is when the relationship really started.

[Lunalike]

I quite enjoyed this editorial. I must admit that by the end of OOTP I had become a Harry/Luna shipper. I would like to add to the collection of reasons for this match. Luna is totally unaffected by popular opinion. She is completely comfortable in her own skin. She does not need to conform or fit in. She simply is. This is a quality that Harry would benefit greatly from. He has been so affected throughout books 1-5 by public opinion. It seems to weigh him down and costs him energy he could better spend in other ways. I truly think that we will see their relationship flourish in Book 6.

[Chrysalis]

I've actually never liked Ginny much and I've always seen her as one of the more 'popular' girls, especially in OotP. I'd like Harry to end up with Luna, a very unusual girl who is not very well liked, because it just shows that she really is a beautiful person. (Trust me, I know what it's like to be considered a freak!)

[spazophrenic]

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

I've actually never liked Ginny much and I've always seen her as one of the more 'popular' girls, especially in OotP. I'd like Harry to end up with Luna, a very unusual girl who is not very well liked, because it just shows that she really is a beautiful person. (Trust me, I know what it's like to be considered a freak!)

i have to agree with you... i never really liked Ginny much either. She just doesn't seem very interesting to me...