Why I Don’t Ship Dramione or Drarry: A Potterhead's Perspective

Aging discussions around Harry Potter's ship preferences often circle back to two prominent pairings: Dramione and Drarry. While some shippers excitedly debate which is more appealing, I find myself in a unique position—asserting that I’m not a fan of either, and why.

Why I Don't Ship Dramione or Drarry

First and foremost, I don't ship either of these pairs because, well, they just irritate me. The constant back-and-forth in the houses of love, and the 'enemy-to-lover' trope, seems to undergird these pairings. Both are canon shippers, yet they revolve around characters who despised each other during their time at Hogwarts.

The Case Against Drarry (Draco and Harry)

Many fans point to the deleted scene in the movies where Draco threw Harry his wand, acting against his usual cold demeanor. But this scene, originally, presented a moment of rebellion against the adult authority rather than a sudden change in character. Throughout the series, Draco and Harry’s rivalry is entrenched, stem-to-stern. In-situ, it defies logic for them to form a romantic bond with each other, especially given the extremely serious and potentially lethal stakes between them. The destruction of Harry's nose with Sectumsempra in their 6th year puts the kibosh on any such idea drastically. The entire relationship in this universe is based on mutual loathing, thus making the idea of them 'together' both fantastical and unappealing.

The Case Against Dramione (Draco and Hermione)

The notion that Draco and Hermione would fall in love is even more convoluted, especially considering Draco's multiple instances of racism and Hermione's evident dislike for him. Her attitudes towards Draco come off as more intense than her apprehensions towards any other Slytherin. In fact, her hatred for Draco surpasses that of any other Slytherin. The history of prejudice and mistrust complicates the idea of them becoming a couple.

The Shippers Debate: Bully x Victim Relationships

Further, the shippers within either category often display a level of immaturity and rudeness toward those who prefer other pairings. This is both disheartening and unnecessary. As a shipper of hinny (Harry/Hermione) and drastoria (Draco/Hermione), I’ve faced ridicule and hostility from drarry shippers. "Fizzing Wizzbees," they say, "Draco and Harry deserved to be together," or, "Drarry for life." The same insults can be hurled by dramione shippers as well. Such hostility serves only to sour the conversation and alienate those who have a different preference.

Respecting the Characters

Respecting the characters, and the relationships they have, is crucial. Bully x victim relationships, no matter how popular, are ultimately toxic and unrealistic. Characters like Draco Malfoy, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter each bring unique aspects to the narrative that do not align with these pairings. Drarry and Dramione are boiled down to two-dimensional stereotypes, missing the depth and complexity of these beloved characters. For example, Harry’s first known enemy at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy, would not make as much narrative sense if they were to fall in love. As the protagonist, there should be a certain level of respect for the development of these characters and their backstories. Dismissing their deep-seated conflicts for the sake of a romantic plot line is, to my mind, nonsensical.

My Non-Shippers Take

For myself, and many who follow the same path, the idea of either Drarry or Dramione seems like a disservice to the richness of the Harry Potter universe. While some shippers stick to their guns, there is a significant group that prefers neither. For me, I am heterosexual and thus don’t ship LGBTQ ships, yet that doesn't negate the complex reasons why I don’t ship either of these pairs. I believe it is crucial to respect the characters' backgrounds and the depth of their relationships, particularly given their history of animosity.

Ultimately, while ship preferences in fan fiction and among community members can and do vary widely, it’s essential to maintain a level of respect and understanding for those with differing opinions. Speculating on the romantic future between characters, as enigmatic and intriguing as it may be, should always take into account the foundational narrative of the story.

Do share your thoughts in the comments! Whether you agree with my stance or vehemently disagree, let's discuss the complexities and layers of these beloved characters.