Why Did Harry and Hermione Not Get Together in the Books or Movies?

The question of whether Harry Potter and Hermione Granger could or should have a romantic relationship has been a popular topic of discussion among fans ever since the Harry Potter series. Many wonder why J.K. Rowling and the film adaptations did not explore their relationship in a romantic capacity. To answer this, we need to delve into the intentions and portrayals of these characters, as well as the intricate plotlines of the series.

Harry and Hermione’s Relationship Dynamics

Some believe that the reason Harry and Hermione did not end up together is because their feelings for each other were not romantic. In fact, Harry has often spoken of how Hermione reminded him of an older sister. After Ron ruined the locket hike, Harry told Ron, “She’s like a sister to me,” emphasizing the familial, not romantic, bond.

The Lack of Romantic Chemistry Between Characters

There is no indication in either the books or the movies that Harry or Hermione showed romantic interest in each other. Hermione, in particular, was known for her casual interaction with Harry, often with no blush or obvious hint of a romantic attraction. Harry, on the other hand, was straightforward in his descriptions, acknowledging Hermione’s shrill voice but still maintaining a strong sense of respect and affection.

In the books, the actual characters are quite different from their movie counterparts, which further distorts the dynamics. and the directors, especially Kloves, created a comedic and often over-the-top version of Hermione as Harry’s best friend, isolating Ron into the role of the “third wheel.” In reality, in the books, Hermione was often the "third wheel" because of her greater interest in studying and books, rather than Quidditch like Harry and Ron were.

J.K. Rowling’s Initial Plans

It is also worth considering that J.K. Rowling’s initial plans may have played a role in not developing a romantic relationship between Harry and Hermione. In a 2005 interview, Rowling stated that Harry was meant to marry the younger red-headed girl, Charlotte Brown. This was part of the original plot she had in mind when she planned the entire series, long before she wrote the first book. However, she never actually developed Ginny Weasley’s character in the way she developed Hermione Granger's.

Character Development and Plot Adjustments

Throughout the series, we see Ginny Weasley develop dramatically, becoming a character who fits more into the ‘Mary Sue’ trope, where a character is deeply flawed and then miraculously becomes perfect. In the books, Ginny:

Appears as mere background in the first two books, with only three lines in the first book.

Vanishes into the background in the third book.

Appears briefly in the Yule Ball in the fourth book.

However, in the sixth book, she suddenly transforms into a superchargeworthy character, becoming the defender of the meek and helpless, smarter than Hermione, prettier than Cho, loyal to Ron, and a superior Quidditch player to Harry. This sudden and unrealistic character development raises questions about the author’s intentions and the impact it had on the original character dynamics.

Criticisms of Character Evolution

The author’s and directors’ decisions to develop Hermione’s character while downgrading Ginny’s to a more unrealistic Mary Sue figure have been heavily criticized. The sudden and dramatic changes in Ginny’s character not only affect the plot but also the perceived relationship dynamics between Harry and Hermione. This showcases the complexity in maintaining character consistency throughout a series.

Conclusion

The lack of romance between Harry and Hermione is more a result of J.K. Rowling's initial intentions and the character development choices made throughout the series than a definitive lack of romantic potential. While fans may continue to debate this topic, it is essential to consider the broader context of J.K. Rowling's plans and the unexpected twists introduced in the later books. It serves as a reminder of the intricate balance authorship and character portrayal require in creating a cohesive and beloved series.