When Did Ron Finally Realize He Loved Hermione?

In the vast and complex tapestry of Harry Potter, the relationship between Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger is one of the most cherished and enduring. Fans have long debated at what point Ron truly realized his feelings for Hermione.

Jealousy and the Yule Ball in Goblet of Fire

One of the earliest indications that Ron was developing feelings for Hermione is during the Yule Ball in Goblet of Fire. When Hermione attended the ball with Viktor Krum, it triggered a surge of jealousy in Ron. This was the first real indication in the canon that Ron had feelings for her, but it is likely that subtler signs had already been present.

Pre-Canonical Subtle Signs

The earlier books also hint at Ron's feelings for Hermione, particularly as they matured. Ron had likely harbored an interest in Hermione since their second year, but it took the Yule Ball incident to thrust these feelings to the forefront.

The Yule Ball Fiasco

The turning point in Ron's realization of his feelings for Hermione came during the Yule Ball fiasco. One particular moment stands out: Hermione's assertiveness in telling Ron he should “pluck up the courage and ask me yourself!” This incident marked a significant step in Ron's journey to acknowledge his feelings. However, it still took several more years for him to fully embrace his love for her.

Ron's Love Began in Book Two, Grew in Book Six

According to many fan interpretations, Ron's interest in Hermione likely began as early as Book Two, but he was not fully certain about his feelings until the events of Book Six. The series culminates with Ron not just liking, but loving Hermione Jean Granger.

There are poignant moments throughout the series that underscore this growth. For instance, during the final battle in Deathly Hallows, Ron's actions—beggaring a Death Eater to torture him in her place and kissing her back during their first kiss—demonstrate the depth of his love for Hermione.

Conclusion

In retrospect, it's clear that Ron's love for Hermione started long before the events of Goblet of Fire. It was a journey that included moments of jealousy, assertiveness, and finally, profound love. Their relationship is a testament to how love can evolve and mature over time, making their story one of the most celebrated in the Harry Potter universe.

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