An essay on Harry/Ginny and some fic recs
One of my favorite pairings in the Harry Potter fandom is Harry/Ginny. I love reading about their time at school together, their early post-war relationship, their life as adults with children, etc. However, one of the few drawbacks to this complex, interesting relationship is not the characters themselves, but how they are sometimes portrayed in fandom as generally well-adjusted characters who have earned their happiness and freedom. And while this is a picture that I don't necessarily disagree with, it doesn't always make for my favorite type of fiction.
Central to the plot of any story is the conflict, and I'm sure that most of us are familiar with the various types. The conflict, struggle, or change within a story is what makes it interesting, it's what separates a really great story from just really great writing. As characters, both Harry and Ginny have been through their share of conflicts and struggles, and I don't think that trend would somehow dissipate after their youth, even with Voldemort defeated. I don't think any of us would have noticed Ginny if she had merely remained Ron's Little Sister throughout the series and never had her experience with Tom Riddle's diary or the sixth year nightmare she underwent alongside the Carrows, and I doubt any of us would see Harry as such a strong, dynamic character if he hadn't witnessed the horrors of Cedric's death, Sirius's murder, or Dumbledore's abandonment. Their struggles make them human, and--essentially--transform them into the characters we love.
As such, we have the great fortune to use these well-crafted individuals in our own work, but why do we--as H/G enthusiasts--generally shy away from further character development? Why do so many stories featuring Harry and Ginny focus on the fluff, romance, and happy endings? Not that these things are necessarily bad or less worthwhile, but there is a massive array of genres and themes that can be explored with these characters as the centerpiece, and as authors we don't do justice to ourselves or our readers by disregarding those possibilities.
It's a trend that's been mentioned before, and I'd say it extends not only to the Ron/Hermione ship but also to many other cannon couples. Perhaps the explanation can be found in the nature of fanfiction itself: it exists to fill the gaps that aren't compensated by the series, and because the Harry Potter novels are mostly mysteries with a heavy dose of action and adventure, we see little romance in JKR's cannon. As fanfiction writers and readers, we're exploring the stones that have largely been left unturned, and it just so happens that many of those stones reveal the romances that are usually glossed over or left out completely in the original HP world.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good romance. I have a lot of appreciation for the fluffy missing moments between our protagonists of the sexy escapades that are sure to lie ahead for Harry and Ginny, if the existence of their three children is any indication, but why stop there? Why not incorporate a mini whodunnit along with a romantic storyline? Why not write an auror-style adventure that focuses on the romantic relationships among Harry, Ron, Neville, and their girls? Why not pen a high-action Ginnycentric Quidditch match and toss in some romance/fluff/smut as a post-game treat?
I'm sure there are large numbers of fabulous stories that feature these elements and more, but we should remember that sometimes drama, angst, mystery, action, comedy, and adventure have their place within a well-formed romance, and vice versa. Harry and Ginny are such brave, intelligent, dynamic characters, and I'm sure they will go through as much change and development after Death Hallows or the epilogue as they did before, and I'm more than eager to read about it. Personally, my favorite fics encompass elements from all genres, not just one, although there is much to be said for a breath-taking smut piece or a beautiful, well-paced romance.
We all fell in love with Harry and Ginny for their quirks, triumphs, faults, and experiences. Lets continue to share and develop them.
And now, on to the recs!
I'm not the first person to write about this (by far) and flyingcarpet actually has a fantastic rec list entitled "Harry/Ginny is Not Just Fluff" that I encourage everyone to check out. There are some real gems there.
Compromise: a Love Story by femmenerd
Summary: Canon-compliant. Takes place during the first five years after the Battle of Hogwarts in DH. She needs to be something other than the hero's girlfriend.
Why you should read this: This fic portrays Harry and Ginny in a very realistic post-war light, attracted to one another and possibly in love but still licking their wounds. Ginny's voice in this fic is clear, funny, and stubborn, just the way I like her. The author incorporates bits of fluff, angst, humor, character analysis, and all-out romance.
Said the Spider to the Fly by maple_mahogany
Summary: Harry takes Ginny on a private assignment.
Why you should read this: Maple develops unique characterizations of both Harry and Ginny in this fic, not to mention including several interesting plot ideas that you won't find in many other stories. This piece definitely features smut, but I wouldn't really pin it as a romance. There are elements of mystery, a slightly darkish feel, and an open ending that is perfect and frustrating.
Of This Cup by parakletos
Summary: When you no longer have to fight the monsters in front of you, how do you fight the ones inside you? Sometimes the road ahead is very troubled and very dark especially when the one you’ve asked to share it with you doesn’t really understand what’s going on.
Why you should read this: This features a maladjusted Harry, and boy is his voice spot-on. There is definite angst, but the writing is more than enough to make up for it if it isn't your usual thing, and more romantic H/G fans will love the role that Ginny has in this Harrycentric piece.
Interested by whirl_gig
Summary: “He’s brooding,” Ron explains to Ginny, as though she doesn't already know.
Why you should read this: Because this fic isn't necessarily fluffy or romantic in the conventional sense, but you get the idea that there is something much deeper going on between them. It's a slightly angst missing moment set just before DH, and Harry and Ginny are just so them that you can't pass this up.
Hunters and Prey by northumbrian25
Summary: Harry Potter has a mission, to track down the Death Eaters who escaped after the Battle. Nothing is more important, is it?
Why you should read this: This fic has got it all--action, adventure, plot, romance, mystery, angst, everything. It's a WIP that takes place within a multi-fic world created by the author, but you don't necessarily have to read any of the other fics to understand this one. If you like great fight scenes, suspense, and a well-thought-out romance, then give this story a go.
There are loads more, but these are the recs for today. If you have any suggestions or recs of your own feel free to let me know!
Central to the plot of any story is the conflict, and I'm sure that most of us are familiar with the various types. The conflict, struggle, or change within a story is what makes it interesting, it's what separates a really great story from just really great writing. As characters, both Harry and Ginny have been through their share of conflicts and struggles, and I don't think that trend would somehow dissipate after their youth, even with Voldemort defeated. I don't think any of us would have noticed Ginny if she had merely remained Ron's Little Sister throughout the series and never had her experience with Tom Riddle's diary or the sixth year nightmare she underwent alongside the Carrows, and I doubt any of us would see Harry as such a strong, dynamic character if he hadn't witnessed the horrors of Cedric's death, Sirius's murder, or Dumbledore's abandonment. Their struggles make them human, and--essentially--transform them into the characters we love.
As such, we have the great fortune to use these well-crafted individuals in our own work, but why do we--as H/G enthusiasts--generally shy away from further character development? Why do so many stories featuring Harry and Ginny focus on the fluff, romance, and happy endings? Not that these things are necessarily bad or less worthwhile, but there is a massive array of genres and themes that can be explored with these characters as the centerpiece, and as authors we don't do justice to ourselves or our readers by disregarding those possibilities.
It's a trend that's been mentioned before, and I'd say it extends not only to the Ron/Hermione ship but also to many other cannon couples. Perhaps the explanation can be found in the nature of fanfiction itself: it exists to fill the gaps that aren't compensated by the series, and because the Harry Potter novels are mostly mysteries with a heavy dose of action and adventure, we see little romance in JKR's cannon. As fanfiction writers and readers, we're exploring the stones that have largely been left unturned, and it just so happens that many of those stones reveal the romances that are usually glossed over or left out completely in the original HP world.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good romance. I have a lot of appreciation for the fluffy missing moments between our protagonists of the sexy escapades that are sure to lie ahead for Harry and Ginny, if the existence of their three children is any indication, but why stop there? Why not incorporate a mini whodunnit along with a romantic storyline? Why not write an auror-style adventure that focuses on the romantic relationships among Harry, Ron, Neville, and their girls? Why not pen a high-action Ginnycentric Quidditch match and toss in some romance/fluff/smut as a post-game treat?
I'm sure there are large numbers of fabulous stories that feature these elements and more, but we should remember that sometimes drama, angst, mystery, action, comedy, and adventure have their place within a well-formed romance, and vice versa. Harry and Ginny are such brave, intelligent, dynamic characters, and I'm sure they will go through as much change and development after Death Hallows or the epilogue as they did before, and I'm more than eager to read about it. Personally, my favorite fics encompass elements from all genres, not just one, although there is much to be said for a breath-taking smut piece or a beautiful, well-paced romance.
We all fell in love with Harry and Ginny for their quirks, triumphs, faults, and experiences. Lets continue to share and develop them.
And now, on to the recs!
I'm not the first person to write about this (by far) and flyingcarpet actually has a fantastic rec list entitled "Harry/Ginny is Not Just Fluff" that I encourage everyone to check out. There are some real gems there.
Compromise: a Love Story by femmenerd
Summary: Canon-compliant. Takes place during the first five years after the Battle of Hogwarts in DH. She needs to be something other than the hero's girlfriend.
Why you should read this: This fic portrays Harry and Ginny in a very realistic post-war light, attracted to one another and possibly in love but still licking their wounds. Ginny's voice in this fic is clear, funny, and stubborn, just the way I like her. The author incorporates bits of fluff, angst, humor, character analysis, and all-out romance.
Said the Spider to the Fly by maple_mahogany
Summary: Harry takes Ginny on a private assignment.
Why you should read this: Maple develops unique characterizations of both Harry and Ginny in this fic, not to mention including several interesting plot ideas that you won't find in many other stories. This piece definitely features smut, but I wouldn't really pin it as a romance. There are elements of mystery, a slightly darkish feel, and an open ending that is perfect and frustrating.
Of This Cup by parakletos
Summary: When you no longer have to fight the monsters in front of you, how do you fight the ones inside you? Sometimes the road ahead is very troubled and very dark especially when the one you’ve asked to share it with you doesn’t really understand what’s going on.
Why you should read this: This features a maladjusted Harry, and boy is his voice spot-on. There is definite angst, but the writing is more than enough to make up for it if it isn't your usual thing, and more romantic H/G fans will love the role that Ginny has in this Harrycentric piece.
Interested by whirl_gig
Summary: “He’s brooding,” Ron explains to Ginny, as though she doesn't already know.
Why you should read this: Because this fic isn't necessarily fluffy or romantic in the conventional sense, but you get the idea that there is something much deeper going on between them. It's a slightly angst missing moment set just before DH, and Harry and Ginny are just so them that you can't pass this up.
Hunters and Prey by northumbrian25
Summary: Harry Potter has a mission, to track down the Death Eaters who escaped after the Battle. Nothing is more important, is it?
Why you should read this: This fic has got it all--action, adventure, plot, romance, mystery, angst, everything. It's a WIP that takes place within a multi-fic world created by the author, but you don't necessarily have to read any of the other fics to understand this one. If you like great fight scenes, suspense, and a well-thought-out romance, then give this story a go.
There are loads more, but these are the recs for today. If you have any suggestions or recs of your own feel free to let me know!