Ron and Hermione�s relationship is both complex and beautifully simple. These two characters were introduced by Rowling as the mere side-kicks to Harry Potter, but some of Hermione�s first words to Ron (��You�ve got dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?��) showed us immediately the kind of tension these two people could possess.
We see how much Hermione really cares for Ron in Book 1, when she overhears Ron bitching about her behind her back (��She�s a nightmare, honestly!��). We know almost for certain that Hermione has had to take this kind of insult before, seeing as she is the most intelligent and cocky girl of her year, but these words, when uttered by Ron, upset her so much that she spent the entire day in the bathroom crying. Now if that doesn�t show you how much she likes him, I don�t know what does!
The most enjoyable and fascinating part of Ron and Hermione�s relationship are their constant squabbling arguments. They are often about such small things that I am constantly reminded of an old married couple!
But Book 4 is when things start to get juicy. Rowling cunningly brings in love interests for both characters, simply to test out how the other will react. Both Ron and Hermione fall hook, line and sinker for the green-eyed monster! Here are some examples:
Fleur, a beautiful part Veela girl from Beauxbatons, believes that Ron helped her sister, and so, to reward him, she gives him a kiss (much to Ron�s enjoyment). Rowling points out that: �Hermione looked simply furious.� Then if things weren�t obvious enough, she points out Hermione�s obvious jealousy yet again:
�[Fleur says] �I am �oping to get a job �ere to improve my Eenglish.�
�It is very good already,� said Ron, in a strangled sort of voice. Fleur smiled at him; Hermione scowled.�
Now all this proves Hermione�s protective nature over Ron, but Ron shows his jealousy even more. Rowling emphasises this by showing how much Ron loves Viktor Krum at the start, and then contrasts it to his behaviour towards him when he starts taking a liking to Hermione.
��Vare is Herm-own-ninny?� said [Krum].
�No idea,� said Ron, mulishly, looking up at him. �Lost her have you?��
In fact Ron�s behaviour throughout the entire Yule Ball simply proves his love for Hermione. There are so many examples, but here are just a few:
��How�s it going?� Harry asked Ron.
Ron didn�t answer. He was glaring at Hermione and Krum who were dancing nearby.�
��Viktor�s just gone to get some drinks,� [said Hermione]. Ron gave her a withering look.
�Viktor?� he asked. �Hasn�t he asked you to call him Vicky yet?��
Then of course came the famous post Yule Ball argument, which simply spelt out the feelings they both blatantly had for each other.
��Well if you don�t like it, you know what the solution is, don�t you?� yelled Hermione.
�Oh yeah?� Ron yelled back. �What�s that?�
�Next time there�s a ball, ask me before someone else does, and not as a last resort!��
�Well�� he spluttered. �Completely missed the point..�
..Harry somehow thought that Hermione had got the point much better than Ron had.�
This proves that even Harry can see how suited the two are to each other, eliminating any Harry/Hermione theories.
Rowling then plants a very obvious clue (I think) that Ron is in fact in love with Hermione.
��How could Rita Skeeter have known�?� [said Hermione]
�Known what?� said Ron quickly. �You haven�t been mixing up love potions have you?��
Ron is obviously worried here that Hermione has been using love potions on him, and this would explain his strong feelings for her!
Hermione�s feelings for Ron have obviously grown, as shown by this excerpt:
��Viktor asked me to visit him over the summer.� Hermione blushed scarlet when she said this and determinedly avoided Ron�s eyes.�
Ron then constantly asked Hermione: ��What did you say?�� and �pounded his pestle down so hard that it dented the desk�. Jealousy, Ron, jealousy!
Of course throughout the entire Harry Potter stories, Ron has always stuck up for Hermione (awww!), threatened to hurt anyone who insults her (namely Malfoy), and also runs to her when she is in trouble. He really does care for her!
�Hermione, whimpering in pain, was clutching her mouth.
�Hermione!� Ron had hurried forwards to see what was wrong with her.�
And when Snape insulted Hermione, Ron was �shaking with anger�. The guy loves her!
Lastly, nothing shows your love for someone than noticing a very small change in her. Don�t forget that Ron, not Harry, was the first to notice Hermione�s changed teeth � he obviously pays a lot of attention to her!
All of this shows the love going on between Ron and Hermione. Of course if you want to really get a feel of their relationship then just read the whole of Book 4. Anyone who�s read it should be as much of a RHipper as I am!
All the characters mentioned here and the Harry Potter books are property of J.K. Rowling. The opinions stated here are merely my opinions and not those of J.K. Rowling. All words written in italics are quotes from the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling.