Harry and Ginny

[author_by_night]

 

Once upon a time, before OoTP, I did not ship - or even particularly like - Harry/Ginny. I'd read it, but mostly because it would end up in every other Ron/Hermione fanfic. And in some cases, it was written too well to really not like it. However, I wasn't sure I could see it.

Then OoTP came out... and I couldn't help but see plausibility.

First, Ginny has changed. Yes, she's gotten over Harry - but, in my opinion, it was more of a "brother's best friend" type of crush to begin with. (I don't have any brothers - I'm an only child - but I had a few friends who definitely had the "big brother's friend" crush). That, and his being famous probably didn't hurt. This may seem selfish, but it's not that unusual for a girl that age; and as she got older (and got to know Harry better), it was probably more that she really did think he was appealing. However, she realized he liked Cho, and went on with her life.

At least, for the time being.

Let's go away from Ginny for a minute, and look at Harry. This is not a good year - he's moody (with good reason) and has bursts of temper tantrum. More than ever, he needs a support system.

Wait - he has one, doesn't he? Hermione and Ron!

Well, not entirely; while I have no doubt in my mind they are extremely loyal, and would give all for him in an instant, emotionally... I don't see them going anywhere. Hermione either yells at him or bosses him, or she gives in as soon as his mouth opens. Ron tends to do the latter. Ultimately, while both can help him fight, and offer him some advice, they don't really know how to handle him.

So when Harry is throwing a fit, Hermione either says  something to the equivalent of "oh don't be a moron", or "oh my gosh I'm so sorry you're right!" Ron often says something to the equivalent of "look, I - fine, you're right."

Ginny? "Lucky you."

Now, I am sure I'm not the only one here who has been given the "one liner thwapper", ie, lines such as this. No ranting, no backing off - just three words or less that states the opinion of the speaker.

And for some reason or another, this often works with people.

Ginny makes it clear that Harry needs to go to her - and displays this in a few ways. In the library scene, she approaches Harry, but doesn't completely confront him. I don't think she is ever bossy or back-offish with him at any point in the book. Blunt? Definitely; but there is a difference.

Harry is going through a time in his life where he needs someone that will be there when he needs someone to talk to - but that will understand when he wants to be alone. (Ron does get this, but Hermione doesn't, and she makes herself heard). Ginny offers companionship - nothing more, so far. However, if it does turn into romance, there will be no infatuation, no need for blushing or beating around the bush - it will evolve naturally, and neither one will be overbearing.

The other thing is, they have seen the core of the war - Voldemort. Neither Hermione or Ron have faced Voldemort themselves; they know that the Death Eaters are evil, and after the Department of Mysteries scene, doubtlessly know just how vicious they can get. (Additionally, Ron has family that waas murdered by Death Eaters, and Hermione feels the hate every time she's called a Mudblood). However, Ginny and Harry have seen Voldemort - and I personally think Ginny saw it in the worst possible way. After all, he caused her to nearly murder fellow students, and if that's not traumatizing, I don't know what is.

Do I think Harry and Ginny will get together in canon for sure? No; I do think, however, that Harry and Ginny will form a unique sort of friendship. It's just a matter of where that goes - and, as JKR would say, if Harry even lives past the seventh book!

 

Comments

[cl1ffhanger.livejournal.com]

I absolutely agree. Though, I've always liked Ginny and hoped she would end up with Harry (mostly because I could relate to her whole unrequited crush thing), but I didn't really see much canon evidence until OotP. There are a lot of things that happen in OotP (something you didn't mention: Ron's "furtive" glance to Harry after he told Ginny to "choose someone better next time") that I think would prevent one from disregarding this ship.

Anyway, in the future, if I come across any H/Hr shippers that need convincing, may I link this to them?

:)

[author-by-night.livejournal.com]

Sure, but only if you're not doing it to argue...

[cl1ffhanger.livejournal.com]

I won't be.

Thanks :)

[briel1e.livejournal.com]

*nods*

I won't start on H/G, because I'd end up writing pages...I'm just a devoted fan of the Orange Crush (although I dislike the fact that there are 87 names and none of them very catchy...)

[likeafox.livejournal.com]

It's Better Than Chocolate for me. Always will be. *g*

[dancing-kumquat.livejournal.com]

I dunno I think "Chocolate Lightening" has pizzazz.

[laizeohbeets.livejournal.com]

Emerald Flame, man. Emerald Flame. ;)

[mafdet.livejournal.com]

Now you know I'm a staunch Ginny/Dean and Harry/Luna shipper but I agree that Harry and Ginny, no matter if they get together or not, will have a unique friendship. (I'm sure Luna and Dean won't mind :D )

[azaelia-culnamo.livejournal.com]

Hehe! :)

[talimeeka.livejournal.com]

Yes! You're absolutely right! H/G all the way!

I know this sounds really stupid, but they just have chemistry.

[genesse.livejournal.com]

I agree. In fact, I kind of prefer H/G to R/H but that's just a recent development.

[author-by-night.livejournal.com]

Hehe, I've heard of a few people who prefer H/G - I can see why, though I think R/H is more likely to happen in canon than H/G.

[prettyveela.livejournal.com]

Thank you for saying this!

It bothers me to no end to hear people complain about how JKR has made Ginny a completely different person, yet the trio have all changed and it's excused with "Yeah but Harry is growing up!" Uh...so what do you think Ginny's doing then? :\

I agree, even if they don't get together, they will have a special friendship. I'm rooting for H/G though.

[delanynder.livejournal.com]

(Here via daily_snitch.) Thank you for this. I'm an H/G shipper for sure, though I'm iffy as to whether or not it'll happen in cannon. I like to think they'll at least have a unique (and important) friendship.

[flyingcarpet.livejournal.com]

well, yeah.

heee. :) *thumbs up*

Via daily_snitch

[lavinialavender.livejournal.com]

...not to mention the whole "like father, like son" thing.

Red hair.

[rosetapestry.livejournal.com]

*icon love!*

[pocketfullof.livejournal.com]

(Directed here by the daily_snitch)

*nods emphatically* As a staunch, sometimes fanatical supporter of H/G it's nice to see others' support of it, especially those who weren't convinced of it all along. (Well, since reading CoS, anyway).

The only thing I don't agree with is that is was selfish for Ginny to have to a crush on Harry. I in no way think it was love or any such nonsense, but she was a little girl and hero crushes are natural, not selfish (especially b/c he truly did become her hero - knight in shining armor, brandishing the sword to save her life:).

Great little essay though.

[author-by-night.livejournal.com]

I was afraid I might come across as saying Ginny was selfish; no, I really meant what you just said - but that the crush was more fascination. I don't think it was selfish in the least, because I had tons of those sorts of crushes that came more from interest and admiration than anything else. For instance, I had a crush on a teacher who I now feel was very nice, but had no idea how to handle a class - and he was far too old for me anyway (obviously).

[pocketfullof.livejournal.com]

Rereading your essay, I see what you meant.

Then, I agree with everything you said!

here via daily_snitch

[http://users.livejournal.com/___marysue/]

me, being the serious harry/luna shipper i am clicked this thinking that it would be some essay with irrelevant connotations and what not;
but you present a very good point.
i still don't see a serious relationship with them,
but you've convinced me of a possible friendship.

Re: here via daily_snitch

[author-by-night.livejournal.com]

aww, thanks! :)

[alyssalina.livejournal.com]

Hey, I ship them because I like an H/G forum so much. How much logic is that. lol

[crystalnova.livejournal.com]

Okay, I have been a H/G shipper since it started, but that was motivational writing, girl! I dunno about canon anything, but they have.... potential for romance. Or at least for a really good friendship.