H/G vs. Trio in DH

[piperx]

Did I mention that I really, really loved DH? Not sure if I did or not. Just wanted that known.

Comments

[angua9]

There's an interesting tension between Ginny-as-fourth-trio-member and Ginny-as-just-Harry's that was introduced as early as Book 3 when Ron told Ginny to get lost on the train. I've never had problems with Harry having an out-of-trio romantic relationship, any more than I had problems with him having a special relationship with people like Dumbledore, Lupin, or Dobby that the other two didn't share. Since he's the protagonist, that can be easily and naturally done.

The interesting thing, though, is that Ginny was always given ties to Ron and Hermione - close ties of blood and friendship. These were briefly "used" at the end of HBP when the four of them "were spending all of their time together" but I think it's real purpose was to set us up for Harry "second life," as Anne puts it, and the epilogue. We don't have to have it explained to us how the two couples are going to get along and maintain close ties, because it's obvious.

It's an interesting choice, because Ginny could have joined the trio at any time past Book 2. It's obvious that Rowling deliberately chose not to do that, and my feelings are telling me she made the correct choice, even though I'm not sure I can justify it with logic. Maybe it's something like Ginny is TOO perfect for Harry - ideal for a happily ever after, but lousy for the day-to-day conflicts that make good drama and show growth and learning.

And then, obviously, how could Harry be miserable if Ginny was around? And it's very important that Harry spend lots of time wallowing in misery!

[piperx]

I've never had problems with Harry having an out-of-trio romantic relationship, any more than I had problems with him having a special relationship with people like Dumbledore, Lupin, or Dobby that the other two didn't share. Since he's the protagonist, that can be easily and naturally done.

Thank goodness he did! All trio, all the time might've gotten boring.

how could Harry be miserable if Ginny was around? And it's very important that Harry spend lots of time wallowing in misery!

Yes. Can't let poor Harry get too comfortable - got to keep that plot moving along. And I believe JKR made a conscious decision to not introduce any internal H/G conflicts in order to make it the most ideal future. He had enough conflicts in his youth to last a lifetime. He doesn't need any in his "second life".

[firoza]

And then, obviously, how could Harry be miserable if Ginny was around? And it's very important that Harry spend lots of time wallowing in misery!

Exactly! A happy Harry does not mesh well with a world that still has Ol' Moldyshorts running loose. But a Harry staring longingly at Ginny's dot on the Marauder's Map adds to the misery of the Horcrux Hunt and living in a tent cut off from the world.