Harry/Susan -- More Than a Name

[blaqlives]

Discussion of the Harry/Susan article More Than a Name by Casey Renee.

[jordmundt6]

Okay, this is interesting insofar as it serves as a reality check for Harmonians, Chocolateers, and (I'm ashamed to admit that I don't remember the Harry/Luna ship--Signs is Neville-Ginny, Red Moon is Ron-Luna--isn't it?). Anyway, there's nothing concrete yet and it could all change in the blink of an eye but--um, the six who just "hang around each other" are really nothing like that. They're two groups of three--I think. I don't have the bookis with me. Yup, two groups of three. Anthony, Terry, and Susan are Ravenclaws (in Harry's year, unless Susan is Ginny's age, can't remember). And Ernie, Hannah, and Justin are the principal Hufflepuffs from Harry's year (that we've seen) and two of them are Prefects (Ernie and Hannah). Also of note--between them, those three Hufflepuffs have the combined common sense of the average pixie. In the five years they've been on the scene--they have, in order--

1. Suspected Harry of being Slytherin's Heir and a new Dark Lord that Voldemort saw as competition.

2. Believed Harry was prejudiced against Muggleborns and was a pureblood freak (the guy who hangs around with Hermione Granger and hates Draco Malfoy's guts? Please ).

3. Suspected Harry of setting Draco's snake on Justin--again, see #2.

4. Claimed that Sirius Black could transform himself into a shrub (gee wouldn't that be useful camouflage--transform oneself into an object that can't moove from place to place.)

and

5. Believed with complete conviction that Harry somehow put his own name into the Goblet of Fire to steal Hufflepuff's glory in the selection of Cedric.

Now, I suppose they can be forgiven for #5 because the whole school believed it, but Ernie was the loudest most committed purveyor of #2 and #3 even bellowing "Caught in the act!" at Harry when he saw Harry standing over Justin's body in CoS (and it took him until Hermione was ATTACKED to remember that one of Harry's best friends in the world was a Muggleborn? Even Draco Malfoy--never noted for common sense in spite of his various displays of cunning--didn't forget that for a second).

So the "groups of friends" idea doesn't really mesh well. As for Edgar Bones, um I could be wrong but didn't we get the Edgar Bones story (including culprit) from Moody when he was holding the team photo? If not--my mistake. JKR could be holding that back for a big reveal, but we have to remember that everyone with relatives who were attacked by the Azkaban 10 was getting this treatment (Harry particularly notes Neville). Susan's sentiments, both in the first meeting at the Hog's Head and in the aftermath of the breakout do her credit, but they stand her in no better stead than Luna or Ginny or Hermione. She'd need a LOT more development than she's gotten to this point to become a legitimate contender for the position of Harry's LI.

[ShadowAuror]

I like the idea it has merrit. Looking at your points i think you have made an excellent case for Susan / Harry. Your stongest arguement is the conversation in Herbology where Susan explains about her family and what happened. Another line of thought is that Ameila Bones is portrayed as being a no nonsense law and order type who won't hide from the truth about Voldies return. She was probably an Auror in the first war, so she understands the seriousness of being prepared just in case. I would think that due to her training, knowledge about whats going on and with the death of Susans relatives she has probably taught Susan a few things. Also if Susan grew up around law enforcement she has probably picked up on certain thought process and ways of doing things.

So Susan would make an excellent pairing for Harry. She's sharp, just, loyal & has no question about what reality is with Voldie. She joined the DA to learn to fight and take a stand against the darkness.

[SiriusAttitud]

I found this editorial really well thoughtout. I agree that Hermione might not know how Harry feels but Ginny might since her mom was a Prewett and Fabian and Gideon Prewett (not sure how they were related to Molly) were killed while members of the original Order. (I am a Harry/Ginny shipper) I agree that Susan's not a background character. The Sorting Hat in OoTP states that for them to survive they must unite. Though Harry for the most part has had the support of all the houses except Slytherin, Susan may act as the final seal of approval for her house. I agree that her aunt will be the MoM. I see prefect or head girl for her in the future. Side note. In the movie S/S, during the sorting hat scene we see her character actually get sorted. We know JKR over sees all details on the set. Hmmm! Coincidence or planned?

[ptrut12345]

Originally Posted by jordmundt6

As for Edgar Bones, um I could be wrong but didn't we get the Edgar Bones story (including culprit) from Moody when he was holding the team photo?

Close. They mention that "That's Edgar Bones...brother of Amelia Bones, they got him and his family too...he was a great wizard..." Maybe it will be a big surprise.

Now, this is nothing against shippers of every sort. I just feel sometimes that we overanalyze Rowling's intentions. In this case, I think she was attempting to a) show how widespread Voldemort's pain has gone, b) show us something about Amelia Bones, and c) demonstrate the changing mood of the wizarding world.

a) We have seen in the past that Rowling has crafted Harry's world to give him glimpses of the suffering of others. The scene with Neville in St. Mungo's never ceases to bring tears to my eyes. I cannot remember where, I think it is in GoF, but Harry thinks something that sums up what I believe she is trying to get across. Found it (bless my memory!)! "He often got sympathy from strangers for being an orphan...Neville deserved it more than he did...Harry felt a rush of anger and hate toward the people who had tortured Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom..."

Harry's propensity for pity (see the end of OotP with Luna) is only enhanced by these little moments. I feel Susan is just an example of someone he doesn't know - give it a better reach in scope.

b) I have been thinking lately that Amelia could be the new minister. She reminds me of McGonagall, actually. We've seen her lead the school, so maybe it will parallel. The fact that she spread the news about the Corporeal Patronus to her niece says something. It shows her mindset is very different from Fudge. She may have a greater part to play as a result. She seems fair in judgment, too. That is always helpful in government.

c) We hear from Susan about her family at the time when the 10 escape Azkaban. Students begin to doubt the ministry's story at that point. Soon, Harry would give his interview. This could just be another indication of changing attitudes. Someone understanding his feeling of constant danger is something.

Oh, and I believe the Prewetts were her brothers. I think Rowling said that somewhere.

[jordmundt6]

The comparison between Ameilia and Minerva is apt. She seems like a good (as in both plausible AND competent) candidate for Fudge's old job. She's tough, she's experienced loss, but she's fair. This means two things.

1. She's unlikely to kowtow to rich Purebloods in a crisis (No Malfoy resurgence through Galleons, definitely a good thing).

2. She's unlikely to go berserk ordering Inquisition-style security measures during the war (like Crouch Sr. did). That's also a good sign because it means there'll be less chance of someone innocent getting swept up in the cry for revenge or "justice" (like Sirius or Hagrid) and a greater chance that the wealthy DEs won't be able to hide behind the Imperius defense.

I tend to agree with your take on Susan's history.

[NemorosaKnopp]

After reading your ed. I have to agree with you on that Susan/Harry is as plausible as anny other ship. Don't get me wrong, I still ship Ginny/Harry, but Susan makes a good runner-up, and I can easly see her with Harry.

[jopotter]

Ya know, I think this is a fair editorial. I suspect there is more to Susan Bones than meets the eye. For instance, we know that she hangs out with Ernie, Hannah and Justin and she shares a class with Harry (Herbology). But how come Harry has never talked to her before OotP? Curious, just curious (channeling Ollivander, hehh). I think Harry will end up with Ginny, to me there are some significant clues pointing to it and my gut feeling says that too but Susan Bones is also a good possibility. Hmm... I think Harry may have a fling with Susan but the final and (at the risk of sounding cheesy) one true love will be Ginny. We'll have to see. But all in all, nice editorial. Opened up my mind a bit

[EEEvergood]

Side note. In the movie S/S, during the sorting hat scene we see her character actually get sorted. We know JKR over sees all details on the set. Hmmm! Coincidence or planned?[/quote]

I thought the presentation of Susan in the S/S Movie was odd. Not only was the realtively unimportant character singled out for mention, but the background music for her was significantly different - gentler, more sympathetic - a foreshadowing of romance or untimely death? I actually expected her to be more prominent in that film - but figured any further development was abandonned on the cutting room floor. At first I thought the thread had been an invention of Kloves/Columbus - but when she reappeared with significant dialog supporting Harry at critical points in OOTP, I thought, perhaps not?

I don't mean to be degenerate, and I very rarely read shipers, but this ship just ain't gonna sail(pardon the pun). The whole her supporting him at the D.A. thing is invalid, due to the fact that Ginny suppported him as well and it was Hermione's idea to even have it. As for her 'understanding' him there has to be something deeper than death. I mean come on. Look what happened to Harry/Cho, whose relationship was based upon a sick mixture of appearances and death, Cedric's.

I am a Harry/Luna shiper, if I ship at all. She is so clearly for him. Look at the end of OotP. Harry needs to be more like her, he wants to be more like her:

"They looked at each other. Luna was smiling slightly. Harry did not know what to say, or to think. Luna believed so many extraordinary things"

I think Harry admires Luna and wants to be more like her.

[Menzothabest]

This girl can be freaking right :P I read it and I really thought:

Why haven't I noticed?

I'm a Harry/Ginny shipper but Harry/Susan seems more obvious to me now.

[Draco Spirit]

Ok i'm putting susan/harry on my list of possible ships that could set sail.

But as yet.... we don't know enough about her to say how likely.

Originally Posted by I_Heart_Hermy

I don't mean to be degenerate, and I very rarely read shipers, but this ship just ain't gonna sail(pardon the pun). The whole her supporting him at the D.A. thing is invalid, due to the fact that Ginny suppported him as well and it was Hermione's idea to even have it. As for her 'understanding' him there has to be something deeper than death. I mean come on. Look what happened to Harry/Cho, whose relationship was based upon a sick mixture of appearances and death, Cedric's.

I am a Harry/Luna shiper, if I ship at all. She is so clearly for him. Look at the end of OotP. Harry needs to be more like her, he wants to be more like her:

"They looked at each other. Luna was smiling slightly. Harry did not know what to say, or to think. Luna believed so many extraordinary things"

I think Harry admires Luna and wants to be more like her.

I'm, a moonlighter too

I don't think harry wants to like luna, but i do think his repect for her is increasing dramanticly. I love that scene at the end of ootp! It's prety obvous why luna's smiling, harry is finaly starting to listen to her!

[emmsyg]

I agree with Draco Spirit, I think that bit at the end of OotP sums up Harry having a new found respect for Luna - he sees her as someone he has something in common with, and he sees past her kookiness to a bit of fragility, and finds comfort. I can't see a Harry/Luna ship though, just don't think that having death in common is a good way to start a relationship. Plus she's a bit wierd for him.

Susan Bones, on the other hand, is a possibility, but is her prominant appearance in the films not because the actress is related to Chris Columbus? Sorry, could be way off the mark with that, but sure I read it somewhere. She's got as good a chance as any, but I've somehow got a feeling that romance may be out of the picture for Harry now - he's gonna have more on his mind with forthcoming events....

I like your ship, but I think you need a bit more evidence to back it up, it just seems a bit unlikely at the moment. Then again I could be eating my words come book six.

I have been saying this for so long, and finally someone else agrees with me. Something that wasn't mentioned is that at the DA meeting JK describes her physically, before identifying her by name. It seems like this could mean that Harry was noticing how she looked.

The other option are too weird. Ginny is over Harry, Hermione is clearly going to be with Ron (quickly ducks head away from Harry/hermione people) and the idea of Harry and Luna is ridiculous. The biggest comment about Harry/Luna is that Harry pitied her. That's not a good basis for a relationship.

Hurray for Harry/Susan

Originally Posted by I_Heart_Hermy

I think Harry admires Luna and wants to be more like her.

He wants to wear butterbeer corks or radishes as earrings? OOTP says that the feeling he had was pity. That's not a basis for a relationship.

[Georgie]

I think this is very likely! Until about three months ago, I was just a Ron/Hermione shipper. I didn't think that Harry with Ginny, Hermione or Luna was right. Ginny just seemed too predictable, Hermione is like his sister, and Luna just doesn't fit to me. I thought to myself that Harry needed someone who was able to understand what he has to go through, and that is where Susan would come in. The other three understand that, but he would also need a break sometimes from all the Order stuff, he would want to think about something else occasionaly! Susan needs to be developed more as a character, but I think that could be coming. And emmsyg, Chris Columbus's daughter does play Susan Bones, but maybe Susan was already in the script, and was then Chris's daughter was made her!

Great Editorial!

[catkin]

You've obviously put a lot of thought into your article. I certainly had never paid that much attention to Susan Bones. I don't think she is likely as a potential romantic candidate for Harry though. In my opinion there hasn't been any kind of personal connection between Harry and Susan so far which would foreshadow a future romance. If JKR develops Susan's character more, I think it will be just as a strong supporter of Harry, someone who knows better than many others just what Voldemort can do. I think the six kids who were at the MOM, and Draco, will remain the most important student characters in the last two books, and that Luna and/or Ginny are the most likely ships for Harry.

Then again, I could be all wrong and you could be right!

[Egla]

Well I don't know, the LI for the hero needs more buildup to make it believeable. People need to see the bond between the hero and his LI developing and the character needs some importance otherwise it will just be like Cho. I mean who cares Harry isn't with Cho anymore, we never saw them interacting much and when they did it usually turned out to be a complete failure.

The only character that has enough buildup sofar is Hermione, Luna was just introduced in the 5th book and Ginny basicly the same because she never said a word to Harry before OotP. Harry's romance need to be the most important one in the books and must not be overshadowed by another which some people seem to forget (it's Harry's story!).

[Mad_Person]

Actually Harry/Susan can definately happen, we have just very little canon interaction, chocolate is likely and is predictable but it still can happen because isn't ron/hermione predictable, so I don't think thats a valid argument against chocolate, IMO. and about moonlight, thats the best thing, the whole relationship is too weird, right? JKR can definately prove us wrong, I am looking forward to that, if that happens, because it makes us like Lunas character, as in we still have the view that luna is weird, therefore she can't have any love interest, so she definately cannot get harry, thats why I want this ship to happen, but yes I agree, right now chocolate is more likely, and moonlight is still likely, I think the pity is there to base a friendship and with that friendship, you can have a relationship. But all this is my opinion ofcourse.

[Carolyn Black]

I had this suspision since I last watch SS. They do make a point of Susan getting sorted it is things like this that JKR loves to do. I orginally thought it would be Harry and Ginny. But now I am not so sure! I just can't wait until July! The suspense is killing me.