author_by_night | Harry and Ginny

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!