In an interview for Wonderland Magazine, J.K. Rowling admits that Harry should have ended up with Hermione instead of Ron.
The heart of every goofy, nerdy, second fiddle everywhere just broke.
In the interview Rowling said:
“I wrote the Hermione/Ron relationship as a form of wish fulfillment. That’s how it was conceived, really. For reasons that have very little to do with literature and far more to do with me clinging to the plot as I first imagined it, Hermione ended up with Ron.
“I know, I’m sorry, I can hear the rage and fury it might cause some fans, but if I’m absolutely honest, distance has given me perspective on that. It was a choice I made for very personal reasons, not for reasons of credibility. Am I breaking people’s hearts by saying this? I hope not.”
Rowling’s revisionist ravings don’t irk my nerd ire. She created Harry Potter and she can say whatever she wants about her characters. However, Hermione and Ron’s relationship was easily one of my favorite parts of the entire series.
I loved all of Hermione and Ron’s interactions. Their “will they/won’t they” relationship perfectly modeled the drama and tension of the adolescent relationships I see all the time. Their relationship also provided some of the most hilarious moments, especially during the fourth year’s Yule Ball.
I don’t know what personal reasons Rowling had for putting Ron and Hermione together. As the goofy, nerdy, second fiddle, though, I was happy to see Ron end up with the best girl in the school. It would have been like my nerdy, drama geek self ending up with the homecoming queen. I can’t even remember who our homecoming queen was, but it would have been sweet to be her date.
Whatever her reasons, Rowling wrote her books how she wanted to write them. And, as more time passes and as she gets more perspective, she may cause more “rage and fury” among her fans. Regardless of what she says, though, her story and characters are still amazing. And we can continue to enjoy them no matter how many changes Rowling says she wishes she could make.
Did Rowling fire up your nerd rage with her comments?
Not mine. If anything, Ron and Hermione worked out so well in the books, Rowling should have just left well enough alone and not said a word.
Nah. I always felt a little weird that they were together in the books, but not in the movies. As I was reading, I kept going, "wait, isn't she going to end up with Harry?" But that was never in question in the movies. I dunno. I'm not surprised by her comments, but slightly miffed, as I like to think of myself as a Hermione-type who married a goofball.
I'm sure Solomon is thrilled to know that he's a goofball. I'm sure he's also thrilled by your humility. 😉
Hey, he's proud to be a goofball! And I just meant I'm a nerdy bookworm.