Ultimate Plot Twist: Romoine Was the Biggest Mistake in Harry Potter
Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are two of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter series.
They are often seen as a perfect couple: a match made in Hogwarts and sealed with a kiss in the Chamber of Secrets. (Er… don't worry, that's not a euphemism for anything dirty).
However, some fans have argued that the relationship between Ron and Hermione probably wouldn't stand the test of time… and even JK Rowling has admitted that she might have gotten this one wrong.
From their initial meeting, Ron and Hermione have a complicated relationship.
Ron is prone to annoyance over Hermione's high-strung personality, and his teasing is sometimes affectionate but more often exasperated or even bullying.
Meanwhile, Hermione is frustrated by Ron's lack of ambition and focus. This tension only grows over the course of the series, with Ron often resenting Hermione's driven, serious nature and Hermione repeatedly exasperated with Ron's immaturity.
Their relationship is also plagued by a lack of communication: both characters are stubborn and proud, often struggling to express their true feelings.
This leads to misunderstandings, arguments, and sulking (think of Ron's jealousy and sullenness after the ball in The Goblet of Fire).
This lack of openness can also lead to resentment and anger, as neither character is willing to take responsibility for their mistakes.
Of course, it's not all bad. In some ways the two characters complement each other wonderfully: Ron's acerbic wit could be seen as a good counterweight to Hermione's sometimes overbearing seriousness, while Hermione's ambition and drive is sometimes needed for Ron to live up to his potential.
Healthy romantic couples help balance each other out, but in order for that to work partners need to appreciate the qualities that their spouse brings to the table.
Instead, Hermione doesn't often enjoy Ron's wit, and he doesn't seem to fully appreciate her brains.
Hermione and Ron are ultimately always there for each other in times of need. Hermione turns to Ron for support after her cat is attacked in The Chamber of Secrets; Ron turns to Hermione for comfort after his brothers are injured in The Half-Blood Prince.
While the 'shipping' is understandable, it might have been healthier for Ron and Hermione to remain friends, rather than forcing a relationship.
JK Rowling admitted this herself in 2014, telling an interviewer that perhaps Hermione should have ended up with Harry instead. (I, a diehard Ginny fan, reacted to this statement by rioting and looting in the streets. I am writing this article from Azkaban.)
Later, Rowling backtracked and said that Ron and Hermione's relationship could work, perhaps with some couple's counseling to work on their communication issues.
At the end of the day, it's canonical that Ron and Hermione went on to have a healthy and successful marriage.
So perhaps, some time between the Deathly Hallows and Cursed Child, they found ways to be supportive, loving, and connected in a way that was often missing in their friendship.