The Unlikely Pairing of Draco and Hermione: An Analysis and Discussion

Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger's on-screen relationship in the Harry Potter franchise has garnered significant fan attention, despite their complex dynamics and conflicting character traits. Often portrayed as an "enemies to lovers" trope, many fans debate whether the duo could ever genuinely connect as a couple. Here, we explore the reasons why this pairing remains controversial and why it is less believable in the context of the original books.

Character Dynamics and Background

As established in the books, Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger are diametrically opposed in many ways. Draco is a pureblood supremacist who despised and bullied Muggleborns like Hermione, referring to her as a Mudblood

The "Enemies to Lovers" Trope: A Mismatch of Believability

Many fans and writers have tried to develop this "enemies to lovers" dynamic, often resulting in the creation of alternate universes or fanfiction where Draco evolves from his prejudiced ways or where Hermione becomes more submissive, which goes against her established character as a fierce and independent individual. However, these alterations often feel contrived, as they require significant changes to the original characters and their established arcs.

Realism in Character Development

The real Draco in the books is arrogant and self-entitled, as evidenced by his frequent insults towards Hermione. Even in moments of vulnerability, Draco's behavior remains erratic and untrustworthy. This stark contrast with Hermione's intelligence, resilience, and determination is a major factor in why a romantic relationship seems implausible. Hermione’s disdain for Draco's behavior further complicates the idea of them as a compatible couple. Her lack of interest in his insults and her active disapproval of his actions demonstrate that their relationship is more adversarial than romantic.

Real-World Connections and Fan Ship

Some fans argue that the pairing gained popularity due to the real-life relationship between actors Emma Watson and Tom Felton, who portrayed Hermione and Draco respectively. However, the textual evidence within the books themselves presents a far more compelling argument against such a pairing. The social and ethical implications of a Muggleborn witch dating a pureblood who discriminates against Muggleborns are significant and out of line with the themes and values established in the series.

Unlikely Flavor of Oppression

For people who identify as mixed or come from backgrounds of historical or contemporary oppression, the idea of Hermione dating a pureblood who denigrates her identity feels like an uncomfortable form of support or allegiance to an oppressor. This emotional resonance with the founding premise of Dramione adds another layer of complexity to the debate and highlights why it is an unconvincing ship within the narrative framework of the Harry Potter stories.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pairing of Draco and Hermione as a romantic couple is highly improbable within the framework of the Harry Potter books. The characters’ inherent conflicts and dynamics make such a relationship feel forced and unrealistic. While fan fiction and fan ship discussions are valuable, they often require significant alterations to the original characters and stories, thus weakening the core narrative and thematic integrity. As such, Dramione remains a controversial and largely unconvincing pairing, much like other attempts to reconcile Draco and Hermione in a romantic light.

References:

Rowling, J.K. (2005).

Rowling, J.K. (2007).