Hermione Granger's Love Interests Outside of Ron and Harry

The question of who Hermione Granger would be with if she wasn't Ronald Weasley's girlfriend—or if she wasn't with Harry either—is one that has sparked many a debate among fans of the 'Harry Potter' series. For many, the answer is a clear-cut one: Viktor Krum. However, if we examine the evidence and consider different possibilities, the landscape of Hermione's potential suitors becomes much more intriguing.

Harry: The Unspoken Choice

Harry is the obvious choice for many fans. The relationship between Harry and Hermione is filled with deep mutual respect, supporting the idea that a romantic pairing could quite possibly work. J.K. Rowling herself hinted at the potential for this relationship, suggesting that Harry and Hermione would make a good match. Their shared experiences and emotional support have sown the seeds of a strong bond that might flourish into romance. The fact that this is the most common speculative fanfiction scenario makes it a solid assumption that the fans and the author may share this sentiment.

Neville Longbottom: The Reluctant Choice

Neville Longbottom is often considered the "bronze/copper choice." There is no denying that there is a growing friendship between Hermione and Neville. They share a willingness to work through difficult situations and support each other in academic endeavors, making them a more durable platonic relationship. However, many view this as a "pity ship," suggesting that Hermione cares for Neville not out of genuine attraction but out of a sense of pity. She sees his talent and kindness, but the chemistry is not the same as with others on the list.

The Weasley Twins: A Tragic Headcanon

A common headcanon is that Hermione could end up with either of the Weasley Twins, particularly Fred, under tragic circumstances. Fred's death certainly would have a huge impact on Hermione and the dynamics between them. Although this pairing would undoubtedly irritate Ron, it's interesting to speculate that Fred might have been able to handle this situation gracefully. Hermione would likely have romantic memories of him, and she would be more likely to marry a cool older sibling of a close friend than a younger one.

Dean Thomas: The Friendly Crush

Dean Thomas is often seen as a "crush on a cool older sibling of your friend" type of ship. Dean is a well-meaning and good-looking guy, though he and Hermione don't have a lot in common. His sporty personality could clash with Hermione's more bookish nature, but his respectful and kind nature might make him an appealing choice for her. While their compatibility might be less than obvious, Dean's supportive demeanor could win Hermione's heart.

Cormac McLaggen: A Glaring Exception

Cormac McLaggen is mentioned here purely because of the date with Hermione. However, she has strong feelings against him and there's no chance of a romantic connection. McLaggen is a notorious player, and his blunt and often insulting personality renders him unsuitable as a romantic partner for Hermione.

Viktor Krum: A Romantic Toe-Dip

Viktor Krum is a nice thought, as the first boy to really notice Hermione. His feelings for her are unmistakable, but she has firmly established that Viktor is not her type. This romantic interest is more of a "jock with nothing else" archetype than a serious contender, given her own values and preferences.

Justin Finch-Fletchley: A Nuanced Choice

Justin Finch-Fletchley offers a more nuanced option. He has a positive dynamic with Hermione, and his cultural understanding and friendly nature could make him an attractive partner. Though he is non-magically born like Hermione, being from a similarly disadvantaged background, he could provide her with a sense of belonging and support. Despite their initial cordiality, the lack of common interests and potential for miscommunications might hinder their romantic relationship.

Ernie MacMillan: A Lazy Choice

Ernie MacMillan is not a strong contender for Hermione. He is cowardly, selfish, and disloyal, which would make for an uncomfortable and unsatisfying relationship. Hermione's contempt for his behavior and disrespect towards the other characters make this an unlikely pairing. If she were to consider dating him, it would likely be on a practical basis, such as a Slug Club date, due to her knowledge of Ron's dislike for him.

Michael Corner: A Forgotten Choice

Michael Corner is a forgettable character, making him a less appealing choice. While he may have once been a Ravenclaw, his character is underdeveloped, and it's hard to imagine a romantic relationship flourishing with him. His lack of presence in the story makes him a weak contender for Hermione's affections.

Womens' Love Interest: Possible But Not Immediate

If we consider possible female suitors for Hermione, the options become more imaginative and less practical. Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley make the list of popular choices, but relationships with other Slytherin girls such as Cho Chang and Fleur Delacour are often more imagined scenarios, built upon deeper character development in fanfiction. Hermione's strong, independent personality makes it hard for her to connect with other girls in a romantic way, though this dynamic could still be explored in more depth.

Ultimately, the choice for Hermione's romantic interest extends beyond the obvious, providing a rich tapestry of potential relationships. Whether through complex platonic bonds, intriguing romantic pairings, or the imagined connections of fanfiction, the world of 'Harry Potter' offers a wealth of possibilities for Hermione's future.