Hermione/Krum -- Viktor Will be the Victor

[blaqlives]

Discussion of the Madam Puddifoot's article Viktor Will be the Victor 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!!

[Ieyre]

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.

[red_dragon311]

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

[Harley_Bogues]

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).

[The_Wise]

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.

[Hermione Snape]

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!

[kronos2785]

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 more

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.

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

[LozGolden21]

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.

[The_Wise]

Originally Posted by kronos2785

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.

[FishEByrd]

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!

[vick86]

"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).

[Chad101]

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.

[vick86]

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.

[mochajava]

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.

[xEnchantressx]

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.

[Africanmuggle]

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.

[hotaru]

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.