Ron Weasley is the last wizard (or perhaps the last person in the Wizarding World) to be deemed as a true romantic. However, in the span of his lifetime, he got into two romantic relationships and is married to his childhood friend Hermione Granger. In the course of their friendship, it was truly measured that Hermione is meant to be with Ron.
However, that should not dismiss his other girlfriend Lavender Brown from the brief fling they had during Half-Blood Prince. With that comparison, here are five reasons why Hermione was a better girlfriend, and five others why Lavender was.
Lavender Was Better: Cheerful Personality
Lavender Brown may be somewhat childish and silly in any matter. However, she was very lively to the students around her (particularly to her friend Parvati Patil), even though she was disregarded by most. Nonetheless, her cheerfulness was at its right place.
This was first exhibited in her first greeting to Ron when she started to grow feelings for her. When the two soon developed a relationship, she became a source of joy for the then-Quidditch star player for the Gryffindor team. From her innocent perkiness comes the ideal cheerleader.
Hermione Was Better: Full Awareness of His Antics
Hermione was actually knowledgeable and increasingly tolerant of Ron’s antics since their first meeting. Since she is levelheaded and loyal to her friends, she applied the same patience towards Ron and his immaturity. Whether it be with his humor or his laziness in studying, she tended to go with the flow for his antics.
The highest breaking point however was when Ron accused her of not believing in his abilities as a Gryffindor Keeper and retaliated with his romantic fling with Lavender, causing Hermione to be jealous.
Lavender Was Better: Consistent Support
As mentioned, Lavender was quite the cheerleader for Ron. In his Quidditch training and matches, she was there to support him and be the loudest cheerer. On a time that Ron needed the support for his Quidditch try (and with Hermione doubting with Harry’s Felix Felicis duping), Lavender was there to cheer for him.
Even before she got involved with Ron, she was supportive of the cause behind Harry Potter by taking part of Dumbledore’s Army, despite initially believing the Ministry’s smear campaign against Harry. She proved her unreserved support.
Hermione Was Better: Reliable Help
To be clear, Ron is not half-witted. He has his own kind of intelligence, but is just naturally lazy and slipshod. This is why he always relied on the help of Hermione to either help in his homework or do his homework for him. But to Hermione’s credit, there are some areas that Ron does not need help regarding his academics.
Additionally, Hermione was always a big help to her friends. With Ron’s support, she inspired Harry to form Dumbledore’s Army to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts to his classmates.
Lavender Was Better: Bouncy Humor
If there is something that Lavender has that Hermione has not is her sense of humor. As a person who likes to be the center of attention, she would employ her adoring exuberance towards other students, particularly Parvati. A testament to that is her romantic gesture aboard Hogwarts Express when she drew a love heart on the window of the trio’s cabin.
Even when Ron was in hospital from being poisoned, her unabashed care for Ron makes the situation lighter. On every moment she appeared, Lavender was affectionately funny.
Hermione Was Better: Emotional Support
However, when humor is not her strong suit, emotional support is a great strength for Hermione. More than just a bookworm with high academic standards, she can be empathetic towards others. This is a solid testament from a Muggle-raised student, who was mocked for her Muggle heritage.
In her friendship with Ron, Hermione is reliable in emotional support, whether it may be sitting by his side as he heals or comforting each other after a horrific battle. Hermione was always consoling.
Lavender Was Better: Skill Set
Lavender is not a popular topnotch student in magical skills. However, she was more than able to accumulate amiable skills to fight off against adversaries. She showed aptitude in divination, transfiguration and charms that made her advance to N.E.W.T. levels. Lavender was also competent in casting spells and in dueling, especially during the Battle of Hogwarts.
It goes to show that from her cheerful exterior, Lavender was always a Gryffindor by heart and combat who would carry her skills to fight for her school. Her bravery will always be honored.
Hermione Was Better: Strong Friendship
Again, Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s powerful friendship contributed to Ron and Hermione developing feelings for each other. And their bonding times and moments together solidified their friendship and unbolted revelations that they had together. Since relationships primarily should come from strong friendships, it is needed that Ron and Hermione’s eventual romance should spring from their highs and lows as friends.
Throughout their tenure in Hogwarts, Ron and Hermione’s connection was always tested. From the Scabbers revelation to Yule Ball to Ron’s Quidditch career, they fall out but forgave each other.
Lavender Was Better: Pride For Feelings With Ron
When Ron and Lavender engaged in a relationship, it was primarily for Ron to get some petty revenge after he suspected Hermione of having feelings for Viktor Krum and casting doubts on his Quidditch abilities. But for Lavender, she felt pride that her Hogwarts crush reciprocated her feelings.
During their time together, she was very honored and candid about her relationship with Ron to the point that she had a pet name for him – “Won-Won”. She also gave him presents and was constantly affectionate. It goes to show how much of a proud girlfriend she is.
Hermione Was Better: Polar Opposite Dynamic
Ronald Bilius Weasley and Hermione Jean Granger are polar opposites beyond their heritage. He was a mediocre student and she was a studious schoolgirl. He is laidback and practical, while she is hardworking and logical. Ron would take shortcuts on his studies, while Hermione is by-the-books on any practicality. And Ron would have moments of bravery, while Hermione gives out clever ideas on Harry’s adventures.
Their opposing personalities would clash constantly. However, they also led to good results and understanding for each other. In the end, they became a couple. Truly, opposites attract.