What Was Ron Upset with Hermione About?

Ron and Hermione's relationship in the Harry Potter series has been tumultuous, filled with moments of tension and understanding. While Ron was often insecure and prone to putting others down, particularly those who surpassed him, this raises the question: What was Ron really upset with Hermione about?

The Dispute between Ron and Hermione

One of the most notable instances where Ron was upset with Hermione occurred during their third year at Hogwarts, in the book Prisoner of Azkaban. A significant source of tension arose when Hermione brought her new cat, Crookshanks, to Hogwarts. From the moment Crookshanks was introduced, it was clear that he had it out for Ron's pet rat, Scabbers.

Crookshanks's aggressive behavior towards Scabbers caused Ron's frustration to grow. He noticed a significant weight loss and an increase in nervousness in Scabbers, which he attributed to Crookshanks. Despite this, Hermione insisted that Crookshanks was merely doing what all cats do, without acknowledging his harmful behavior.

The Climax of the Dispute

The situation reached a boiling point when Ron discovered that Crookshanks had killed Scabbers, leaving his bedsheets splattered with blood. Ron became exceedingly upset and the event seemed to end their friendship, with Ron choosing to no longer talk to Hermione. However, their relationship quickly healed, and it was later revealed that Scabbers was actually Peter Pettigrew in disguise.

Reflections on Their Disputes

Despite Ron's frequent episodes of unhappiness, it is crucial to note that Hermione was often the one upset with Ron. She would typically have strong and valid reasons for her irritation, while Ron's reasons often stemmed from his insecurity rather than concrete issues.

Conclusion

In analyzing Ron and Hermione's disputes, it is clear that their relationship has been complex and filled with misunderstandings. While Ron's insecurities and jealousy often led to conflicts, Hermione's dedication and knowledge often set the stage for these disputes. Understanding their dynamic can provide valuable insights into their development throughout the series.