The Role of Ron and Hermione in the Final Book of Harry Potter

Many readers have speculated that J.K. Rowling deliberately left Ron out of the final graveyard scene in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 to create a hurt/comfort moment for Harry and Hermione, thus sowing the seeds of the Harry/Hermione fan drama. However, is this theory supported by the narrative and fan history of the series?

Understanding J.K. Rowling's Intentions

Rowling has been clear about her intentions regarding Ron and Hermione's relationship. In interviews, she has explained that she wrote the Hermione/Ron relationship as a form of wish fulfillment, reflecting her younger self's admiration for Harry's best friend. She also stated that she wanted Hermione to be more recognized for her intelligence and strength, as she is a formidable character that often remains ignored or derided in literature.

Key Scenes and Relationships

There are numerous instances where Hermione and Harry share emotionally intense moments, often without Ron's presence or without his central role. Some of these moments include:

Philosopher's Stone (PS): In PS Chapter 16, Hermione hugs Harry after he prepares to face Voldemort. Order of the Phoenix (OotP): Chapter 4: Hermione engages in a hug with Harry, and Hermione's intense emotions are evident in how she reacts to Harry's story about entering the Chamber of Secrets. Chapter 9: Hermione's excitement about becoming a prefect is evident, and her reaction to Harry shows that she is a close friend and confidant. Chapter 10: Hermione's protective nature is seen in her sharp rebuke of Malfoy after he taunts Harry about being the second-best. Chapter 25: Hermione's belief in Ron but her intense emotions are reflected when she speaks about Harry being the Chosen One.

These scenes emphasize Hermione's role as Harry's confidante and support system, even when Ron is absent. Hermione's dedication to Harry is evident in her willingness to stand up for him and protect him, as seen in her confrontation with Malfoy.

The Graveyard Scene and Fan Drama

The graveyard scene in Deathly Hallows: Part 1 involves a moment of emotional and physical closeness between Harry and Hermione, but this scene was written long before the fan drama began. The scene is a moment of shared threat and vulnerability, which likely deepened the existing relationship between the two characters. However, it was not created solely for the purpose of fan drama.

Rowling has discussed this scene in interviews. She mentioned that the dance scene in the film was a personal choice, considering Hermione's recognition in literature. The dance scene, while controversial, was a way to spotlight Hermione's intelligence and heroism, aligning with Rowling's intentions for her character. She also stated that the scene was a reflection of what could have been, a testament to the complex relationship between Harry and Hermione.

Rowling's comments reveal that the fan drama pre-existed this moment. Harry and Hermione's pairing was a natural progression of their relationship, which had been building throughout the series. Ron and Hermione's relationship also evolved, with Hermione eventually acknowledging her feelings for Ron.

Conclusion

The graveyard scene is a significant moment in the series, but it was not written merely to create fan drama. Instead, it reflects the deep bond between Harry and Hermione, while also highlighting their individual journeys. Rowling has been transparent about her intentions, and these intentions align with the natural progression of relationships within the series. The dance scene, while controversial, was a personal choice to spotlight Hermione's role as a hero and to align with her character development.

Understanding J.K. Rowling's intentions and the natural progression of the story helps to contextualize the emotional moments between the characters, enriching the overall narrative of the Harry Potter series.