This is a question that has sparked debate among Harry Potter fans for years! While there's no definitive answer from J.K. Rowling, here's a look at the evidence and different interpretations:
The Textual Clues:
- Early Hints: In the early books, there are hints of a potential romantic connection between Harry and Hermione. They share a strong friendship, often relying on each other for support and understanding.
- Ron's Jealousy: Ron's jealousy of Harry's relationship with Hermione throughout the series is a strong indication that he, at least, sees a romantic possibility.
- The Yule Ball: The Yule Ball in Goblet of Fire is a pivotal moment. While Harry dances with Cho Chang, Hermione attends with Viktor Krum, highlighting their growing awareness of their own romantic feelings.
- The Final Battle: The epilogue shows Harry and Ginny, Ron and Hermione, as married couples with families. This seemingly confirms their chosen paths.
The Author's Intentions:
- J.K. Rowling's Statements: Rowling has stated that she always intended for Ron and Hermione to be together, as their personalities complement each other. She has also mentioned that she saw Harry and Ginny as a natural pairing.
- The "Chosen One" Narrative: Some argue that Harry's destiny as the "Chosen One" wouldn't allow for a romantic entanglement that could distract from his primary mission.
The "Ship" Debate:
- "Romione" vs. "Harrymione": The debate between "Romione" (Ron and Hermione) and "Harrymione" (Harry and Hermione) is passionate and ongoing. Both pairings have strong arguments, with fans pointing to character development, shared experiences, and personality dynamics.
Ultimately, the answer to whether Hermione was "supposed" to end up with Harry depends on your interpretation of the text and the author's intentions. The story provides both compelling arguments for and against the pairing, leaving it up to the reader to decide.
