Hermione's Jealousy in Half-Blood Prince: When Ron's Interests Were a Source of Conflict

In the Harry Potter series, Hermione Granger is a protagonist known for her wisdom, loyalty, and kindness. However, her character is also nuanced, and there are instances where her feelings of jealousy surface, especially when it comes to Ron Weasley's interest in other girls. This article delves into these instances to understand the complexities of their relationships and the growth of Hermione's feelings over the series.

Jealousy at the Yule Ball

During the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (GOF), Hermione's attachment to Ron is evident when she is visibly upset at the Ball. Ron has shown interest in Fleur Delacour, and Hermione feels that he does not recognize her feelings. Her frustration is palpable:

"It is too ‘eavy all zis ‘Ogwarts food,” they heard her saying grumpily as they left the Great Hall behind her one evening Ron skulking behind Harry keen not to be spotted by Fleur. “I will not fit into my dress robes!”

Hermione's reaction is quick and intense, revealing her deeper feelings:

“Oooh there’s a tragedy,” Hermione snapped as Fleur went out into the entrance hall. “She really thinks a lot of herself that one doesn’t she”

When Fleur then kisses Ron, Hermione is simply furious, indicating a clear display of jealousy:

“And you too—you ‘elped”

“Yeah” said Ron looking extremely hopeful. “Yeah a bit—” Fleur swooped down on him too and kissed him. Hermione looked simply furious.

Growing Tensions with Lavender

The growing friendship between Ron and Lavender Brown in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (HBP) begins to irk Hermione. Though her jealousy is not as overt as in later books, Hermione does exhibit some irritation when she sees Ron enjoying his time with Lavender, especially when he seems oblivious to her own feelings.

“Don’t you get used to her if she’s staying in the same house” Harry asked.

“Well you do” said Ron. “but if she jumps out at you unexpectedly like then….”

“It’s pathetic” said Hermione furiously striding away from Ron as far as she could go and turning to face him with her arms folded once she had reached the wall…

Another instance of Hermione's jealousy involves Ron's interactions with Padma Patil. Ron's exaggeration of his accomplishments in front of Padma, a girl who now pays more attention to him, annoys Hermione. She makes a snide remark, hinting at her feelings:

“But I had my wand hidden up my sleeve” he assured Padma Patil who seemed to be a lot keener on Ron now that he was getting so much attention and was making a point of talking to him every time they passed in the corridors. “I could’ve taken those mer-idiots any time I wanted.”

“What were you going to do snore at them” said Hermione waspishly.

People had been teasing her so much about being the thing that Viktor Krum would most miss, and she was in a rather tetchy mood.

Jealousy in the House

Even in the privacy of their shared dormitory, Hermione shows signs of jealousy. When Ron and Fleur are in the same house, Hermione's feelings come to the surface:

“But it’s got to come off!” squeaked Hermione. “I can’t go around looking like this forever!”

“You won’t dear we’ll find an antidote don’t worry” said Mrs. Weasley soothingly.

“Bill told me Fred and George are very amusing!” said Fleur smiling serenely.

“Yes I can hardly breathe for laughing” snapped Hermione.

And in another instance, Hermione shows her jealousy toward Madame Rosmerta:

“Good idea” whispered Hermione clearly pleased that Harry was calming down. “Ron what are you staring at”

“Nothing” said Ron hastily looking away from the bar but Harry knew he was trying to catch the eye of the curvy and attractive barmaid Madam Rosmerta for whom he had long nursed a soft spot.

“I expect ‘nothing’s’ in the back getting more firewhisky” said Hermione waspishly.

Hermione's actions reveal her underlying jealousy and her struggle to handle her emotions.

Conclusion

These instances of Hermione's jealousy not only underscore the complexity of her character but also demonstrate her growth and maturity over the course of the series. While she initially struggles with her feelings for Ron, she ultimately learns to cope with her emotions and the challenges of relationships.