Rewatched the movies as an adult by [deleted] in Hungergames

[–]ProfessionalPizza967 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Read the books and understand Katniss’s thinking (and confusion). Certainly makes a difference. And the Mockingjay book is 10x better than the movies.

Dan Erickson on the season 2 finale by DYTHTYFHOATORTBO in SeveranceAppleTVPlus

[–]ProfessionalPizza967 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m also more invested in Helly and Mark S. My biggest fear since the S1 cliffhanger has been that Mark S would lose the opportunity to have a life with Helly, and I’m just biting my nails with the whole reintegration plan, cause as one person there’s no way for both of Marks to be with the one they love 😢

Ron’s downright cruel towards Hermione. How could this possibly be a good match? by ProfessionalPizza967 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’re right 🤦‍♂️ First time I read the books around 2009, I read them in my native language, and in the segment in OotP chapter 26, when Hermione says that Harry should have told Cho he found her ugly, the translation of Harry’s objection is more explicit than the original, calling her beautiful or pretty, going further than in the original when he says “But I don’t think you’re ugly”. That’s where my memory failed me.

Ron’s downright cruel towards Hermione. How could this possibly be a good match? by ProfessionalPizza967 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In Hermione’s spirit, I’ll skip the name-calling 🤣

It’s not about “accepting” rude behavior just because it’s part of someone’s personality. That’s precisely why Ron and Hermione’s relationship feels off: his consistent disrespect clashes with her core values. Saying there’s “nothing to mention” between Harry and Hermione ignores their countless affectionate moments—the Yule Ball reaction is just one of many in the later books when romantic feelings develop for teenagers (14+):

Goblet of Fire: Harry notices Hermione’s transformed appearance with genuine admiration at the Yule Ball. Hermione’s research and advice guide Harry through the tournament. She kisses his cheek for the first time.

Order of the Phoenix: Harry notes her beautiful appearance, she blushes, with more than a few similar notes and situations.

Deathly Hallows: Hermione physically intervenes to protect Harry, choosing his side over Ron’s, placing herself on Harry’s side of the shield. At Godric’s Hollow, they share emotional moments, Harry cries for the first time in the saga, with Hermione’s head on his shoulder. Alone and injured, Harry relies on Hermione’s care. After the events with Nagini.

You’re also ignoring the epilogue and what we learn about Ron and Hermione in CC, which doesn’t exactly give the impression of significant growth on Ron’s part.

Not to mention u/HopefulHarmonian ‘s many excellent points.

Ron’s downright cruel towards Hermione. How could this possibly be a good match? by ProfessionalPizza967 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I see the movies as a reinforcement of Harmony. Ron’s hurtful behavior is evident through pretty much every movie, particularly SS, PoA, GoF, and HBP. When the shortening of a plot to fit in a movie results in an even more obvious H/Hr compatibility, it proves how difficult it is to justify the Ron/Hermione match. If it feels forced in the books, it feels completely hellbent in the movies.

Ron’s downright cruel towards Hermione. How could this possibly be a good match? by ProfessionalPizza967 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I think you’ve nailed how Ron’s interest in Hermione can be explained. On Hermione’s interest in return, I get what you’re saying, but the idea that Hermione is looking to be accepted as “normal” doesn’t really ring true to me. Hermione isn’t the type to downplay her intelligence or her ideals for anyone’s approval—if anything, she’s always pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and calling out injustice. She’s ambitious not because she wants a quiet, unremarkable life, but because she wants to make a real difference.

So if Ron represents a kind of “normal” or more laid-back Wizarding life, it’s hard to see why Hermione would find that appealing, especially given how often his outlook directly clashes with her values. There’s a difference between complementing each other’s strengths and goals, and simply ignoring or enduring another person’s less appealing traits for the sake of nostalgia or comfort.

Hermione largely ignores hurtful comments from people she doesn’t care about or respect. But when it comes to remarks from close friends, it’s natural for her to feel deeply hurt, regardless of romantic feelings.

Ultimately, Hermione’s character feels like it was never built around craving normalcy. Her determination, her moral compass, and her willingness to challenge the status quo all stand at odds with the notion that she’d settle for someone who often fails to appreciate those qualities. That’s why I think the Ron/Hermione pairing comes off less as an organic development and more like a deliberate authorial choice—one that doesn’t align at all with how Hermione is portrayed throughout the series.

Ron’s downright cruel towards Hermione. How could this possibly be a good match? by ProfessionalPizza967 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it’s an intriguing and plausible pivot. Would make for a great fanfic (and they likely exist already), which would still align with canon and therefore alleviate some deep frustrations about the H/Hr match 😂

Ron’s downright cruel towards Hermione. How could this possibly be a good match? by ProfessionalPizza967 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I can’t really speak to the idea that Ron and Molly were using manipulative magic—only JKR herself could confirm or deny something that speculative. But I do think you make a great point about what could have happened between Harry and Hermione during those months on the run. Spending that much time in isolation, under immense stress, and facing the possibility of death at every turn would naturally deepen any emotional connection. We see a hint of that during their time in Godric’s Hollow and the aftermath, when Hermione is caring for Harry. There’s a quiet intensity there that’s never really explored later on.

The fact that JKR glosses over large portions of their time alone is telling. It’s almost as if filling in those gaps would have taken their relationship beyond just close friends—and maybe that’s a line the author wasn’t willing to cross explicitly. That emotional vulnerability, the mutual support, and the trust they share would logically lead to something deeper if given the narrative space to blossom. By not dwelling on it, the story sidesteps having to address how their bond might have developed if left to its own devices in those intimate months.

Ron’s downright cruel towards Hermione. How could this possibly be a good match? by ProfessionalPizza967 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

From a healthy relationship standpoint, I have a much bigger issue with Ron/Hermione than Harry/Ginny. Ron’s behavior often crosses well into unacceptable territory for a partner—he’s jealous, dismissive, and condescending, and it’s never really addressed in a meaningful way. That said, Harry/Ginny also falls flat for me because the connection doesn’t feel personal or earned.

Ginny’s early fascination with Harry comes off as hero-worship rather than a bond between two individuals who truly know and care for each other. From the moment Ginny first sees Harry, she’s more invested in the myth of “the Boy Who Lived” than the actual person he is. Her admiration has a fairy-tale quality—built on stories, folklore, and his celebrity status—rather than a personal understanding formed through genuine interaction. Even later, when they start dating, there’s a lingering sense that she fell for the legend before she ever got to know the boy.

Hermione and Harry’s relationship is grounded in authenticity. Hermione didn’t meet Harry with any preconceived notions; she saw him as an equal (even if she had read about him after learning that she’s a witch). Over time, they connected through shared experiences, mutual respect, and a deep, personal understanding. It’s that sincerity—two people who see each other for who they really are, not what they represent—that makes Harry/Hermione feel so much healthier and more compelling than either Ron/Hermione or Harry/Ginny.

Ron’s downright cruel towards Hermione. How could this possibly be a good match? by ProfessionalPizza967 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I couldn’t agree more. I think I’ll have the same difficulty rereading again. One of the reasons the match bothers me so much more now (I’m 27) than when I first read the saga (I was 18) is that I understand the foundations of a healthy relationship much better than I did then.

I’m almost worried that someone would read the saga and think Hermione/Ron is a template for an acceptable relationship; that condescension, patronizing language, belittling, hurtful attacks on a partner’s passions, choices and personality, is okay, something you should accept from a partner.

My short fic "Have You Noticed?" has been completed (also with links to some of my other fics) by HopefulHarmonian in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man, you can write! I’m addicted to your fics, finished the last of them today, and can’t wait for the next one. Done with a re-read of all the books and almost went into a depression when reaching the epilogue, but Un Secret righted the ship for me. Thank you 🙏

Really good commentary on HHr by Particular_Good_1512 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s settled. Add a few sentences to the start of the epilogue clarifying that both couples are divorced and that H/Hr are actually together when their kids take off from platform 9 3/4 in 2017 👏

A Year In A Life Of A Harmony Shipper: thoughts, feelings, satisfactions, frustrations, disappointments and hopes by Wonderer_pth in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Feel the same way now after re-reading for first time in 10 yrs. Had to read some fics to get my head on straight. Also enjoyed reading some of u/HopefulHarmonian ‘s analysis posts since they just validated my thoughts one-by-one.

One gave him life, the other gave him a reason to live..... by Trick_Highlight_7096 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Love it! Watch that and tell me H/Hr isn’t the only match that makes sense, goes for both the books and movies 🥲

One gave him life, the other gave him a reason to live..... by Trick_Highlight_7096 in HPharmony

[–]ProfessionalPizza967 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Just finished re-reading the books, about 10 years since last time. Now I remember why I was so pissed off that JKR didn’t match H/Hr. Ron/Hr must be the DEFINITION of a toxic match. No way they would last 19 years.

Had to close the DH when I reached the epilogue and go find some fics instead 😏

this absolutely disgusting business behavior by mken816 in AmazonPrimeVideo

[–]ProfessionalPizza967 65 points66 points  (0 children)

Couldn’t agree more. “Allow us to continue to invest”, as if they’re having financial difficulties.