In following a group of kids throughout their formative years, TheHarry Potterseries saw its characters develop various friendships and dynamics, with many evolving quite a bit as the story progressed. Soon, couples began to form between some of the most beloved characters, not every pairing as well received as the next. However, the series missed one perfect opportunity for one expectation-subverting romance althoughthe Harry Potter remake might fix a lot of old complaints.
Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy were never romantically involved intheHarry Potterbooks; Rowling stayed away from this pairing and instead stuck Hermoine with the more expected and safe love interest, Ron Weasley. Yet, context from the books suggests thatpairing Hermoine with Draco instead of Ron Weasley would have created a far more interesting and dynamic romancestoryline.

Harry Potter Should Have Taken A Chance On A Hermione & Draco Romance
This Risk Would Have Paid Off In The End
Hermione Granger was such an iconic herowhen these books were first being released for her bold, intelligent, brave, determined personality. With ambition matched by almost no one, Hermione is a strong character in her own right;seeing Hermione paired with a character that doesn’t seem to match her abilities is simply disappointing. Yes, Ron is a sweet character, but he lacks the drive, ambition, guts, and grit that Hermione and Draco both possess. Rowling could have instead written a romance between Granger and Malfoy, a pairing that would push each other and create so many possibilities for the future plot.
Harry Potter: The 20 Most Popular Draco & Hermione Fics On AO3
Dramione is one of the most popular ships in the Harry Potter fandom with tons of fanfic content, exploring the romance between Hermione and Draco.
Ron never compared with Hermione in terms of intelligence, bravery, or magical ability. However, Draco and Hermione’s dynamic would have been competitive and exciting to read due to the tension of a push-and-pull between them.A slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance plot would have made both characters more complexand three-dimensional, while also weaving very natural conflict into the story. This romance might have been shocking at first, but that’s what would make it work; these two characters could have defied all odds and fought to be together. Had Rowling included this pairing, the entire series would have had a more intense undertone.

Draco and Hermione Have Shockingly Complementary Personalities
The Similarities Between These Two Are Always Overlooked
If the couple was explored within the text, canon evidence from the series would show that they were indeed compatible. While it’s not mentioned often, it is stated in the story thatHermione and Draco are the first and second-brightest students at Hogwarts. This goes to show how closely aligned their personalities must really be. Both characters are incredibly daring and ambitious, and suggest they could potentially accomplish great things together if their romance ever made it off the ground. Draco even detests Harry for his lack of intelligence, suggesting his own.
“He’s not even that good, it’s just because he’s famous … famous for having a stupid scar on his forehead…everyone thinks he’s so smart, wonderful Potter with his scar and his broomstick…”

Further, Hermione and Draco were outsiders at Hogwarts in their own ways, likely feeling somewhat alone or outcast at times. Hermione’s muggle-born, leading her to explore the wizarding world without the guidance of parents. Similarly, Draco (while being of pure magic descent) had evil parents that only led him down dark paths. Both students came to Hogwarts without the safety of parental guidance. This could have given them reasons to bond and rely on each other for inspiration. Instead, the complementary aspects of their drive, intelligence, and backstory was never explored by Rowling.
This Romance Could Have Fixed Glaring Problems With Draco’sHarry PotterArc
This Redemption Arc Should Have Been Way More Anticipated
Always a character torn between the light and the dark side, Draco Malfoy eventually did make the right choice at the Battle of Hogwarts when he sided with Harry Potter. However,Draco’s character arc could have been so much better if it was building for longer. If his internal struggle was a bigger deal throughout the series, andDraco really appeared torn between the good and bad side, his character arc would be so much more satisfying. The possibility of his romance with Granger could have been the plot device that caused Draco to question the Death Eaters far sooner.
Without romance or tangible connections to the main trio (Harry, Ron, Hermione) Draco’s redemption arc moment inThe Deathly Hallowsfalls flat.

A romance between Draco and Hermione would have encouraged his change of heart across the span of various books,and built to an epic reveal when he finally sided with Harry Potter and Hogwarts. Without romance or tangible connections to the main trio (Harry, Ron, Hermione) Draco’s redemption arc moment in The Deathly Hallows falls flat. There is not much to cause Draco to question his allegiances to Voldemort without a reason to want to be good. Hermione could have been that reason. Building this romance would have had a hugely positive effect on Draco, and given Hermione more emotional depth.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2
Cast
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 concludes the epic saga with Harry, Ron, and Hermione embarking on a perilous mission to defeat Voldemort. As their journey grows increasingly dire, Harry encounters three magical items that provide him powers to confront the dark wizard’s formidable strength.