Lockhart, Krum & Harry
This essay details the evolution of Hermione Granger's interest in the opposite sex, and why Gilderoy Lockhart + Viktor Krum must = Harry Potter.
Gilderoy Lockhart
Gilderoy Lockhart first 'appears' in the second book, CoS.
Three questions need answering in this section: who is Gilderoy Lockhart? Why did Hermione have a crush on him? And finally, how are Lockhart and Harry the same?
Who is Gilderoy Lockhart?
A lying coward and a complete fraud! But what’s more important here is not what Lockhart was underneath, but rather who he appeared to be on the surface…
'Awfully brave chap. Have you read his books? I'd have died of fear if I'd been cornered in a telephone box by a werewolf, but he stayed cool and - zap - just fantastic.' (CoS; pg 73)
Lockhart’s ‘celebrity' - his perceived image, was of an "awfully brave” hero and glorified expert in “the eradication of the Dark Forces”. (pg 123) Lockhart also looked the part of the hero, helping him carry off the facade…
There was a big photograph on the front of a very good-looking wizard with wavy blond hair and bright blue eyes. As always in the wizarding world, the photograph was moving; the wizard, who Harry supposed was Gilderoy Lockhart, kept winking cheekily up at them all. (CoS; pg 32)
Gilderoy Lockhart came slowly into view, seated at a table surrounded by large pictures of his own face, all winking and flashing dazzling white teeth at the crowd. The real Lockhart was wearing robes of forget-me-not blue which exactly matched his eyes… (CoS; pg 49)
I’m betting, if we ever learn more of the character's birthdays, that Lockhart is a Leo, or at least has a Leo ascendant. In astrology, your ascendant or rising sign is how you present yourself to the world. In other words, the mask you wear. Read the following description on how Leo’s typically appear in relation to Lockhart's profile...
‘Sunny’ face, sparkling eyes. Strong teeth. Mane of hair … Puffed up/concave chest, protecting heart. Stance forward and projecting. Dress well, ‘look good.’
The major characteristics of the Leonine appearance is gloriously abundant hair often reddish or tawny coloured, a true mane, wavy and untamed. Leo’s have ‘big hair’ to match their personalities.
Notice that Leo’s appear to protect their heart – ‘Lockhart’ i.e. ‘Locked Heart’. The name ‘Gilderoy’ also connects him to gold - the metal ruled by Leo (as does his blonde, “tawny” coloured hair).
Leo traditionally rules heroics and nobility, however if expressed negatively can also rule excessive pride and vanity, as seen in Lockhart. He had the image of the hero refined, but didn’t have the heart or credibility to back it up.
Why did Hermione have a crush on him?
‘Who Hermione loves’ has been argued to death by shippers everywhere. One guy Hermione has ‘loved’, who I’m sure everyone can agree on, is Gilderoy Lockhart. And that’s a very good thing to know…
‘You only like him because he’s handsome,’ said Ron scathingly.
‘Excuse me, I don’t like people just because they’re handsome!’ said Hermione indignantly.
Ron gave a loud false cough, which sounded oddly like ‘Lockhart!’. (GoF; pg 207-208)
Ron isn’t entirely correct here. Why did Hermione have a crush on Lockhart? Was it only because he was handsome? His five-time award-winning smile perhaps? Lockhart had the charm to capture the hearts of many girls (and women) in CoS, but Hermione’s crush on Lockhart was a search for something deeper…
'We can actually meet him!' Hermione squealed. 'I mean, he's written almost the whole booklist!' (CoS; pg 48)
'But the thing is, it's in the Restricted Section of the library, so I need a teacher to sign for it - I'm sure it would help me understand what you say in Gadding with Ghouls about slow acting venoms ...'
'Ah, Gadding with Ghouls!' said Lockhart, taking the note from Hermione and smiling widely at her. 'Possibly my very favourite book. You enjoyed it?'
'Oh, yes,' said Hermione eagerly. 'So clever, the way you trapped that last one with the tea-strainer ...' (CoS; pg 123)
'Hermione, he didn't have a clue what he was doing.'
‘Rubbish,' said Hermione. 'You've read his books - look at all those amazing things he's done ...' (CoS; pg 80)
In reference to the first quote, note Lockhart's booklist below...
Break with a Banshee by Gilderoy Lockhart
Gadding with Ghouls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Holidays with Hags by Gilderoy Lockhart
Travels with Trolls by Gilderoy Lockhart
Voyages with Vampires by Gilderoy Lockhart
Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart
Year of the Yeti by Gilderoy Lockhart (CoS; pg 38)
Hermione's 'in love' with tales about a supposed hero facing Dark creatures, saving lives and championing moral causes…
'And a few of you need to read Wanderings with Werewolves more carefully - I clearly state in chapter twelve that my ideal birthday gift would be harmony between all magic and non-magic peoples...'
‘... but Miss Granger knew my secret ambition is to rid the world of evil and market my own range of hair-care potions - good girl!' (CoS; pg 78)
Heroism – Hermione ultimately loves a hero. This is why she fancied Lockhart, believing him to be a “clever” wizard and Dark Arts teacher who'd accomplished many “amazing things”. She was vulnerable to the 'image' of the hero, and therefore, the Leo. Hence, this it what Hermione's attracted to in the opposite sex! These are the qualities she has and will fall for again.
Note: chapter twelve is where Lockhart stated “harmony between all magic and non-magic peoples.” ‘Twelve’ is symbolic of unity, as well as the Harry/Hermione/Sirius trinity. See Tying the Knot, Part III
How are Lockhart and Harry the same?
Lockhart saw a 'kindred' in Harry, and was instantly impressed with him…
'Big deal,' said Ron, rubbing his foot where the photographer had stepped on it.
Gilderoy Lockhart heard him. He looked up. He saw Ron - and then he saw Harry. He stared. Then he leapt to his feet and positively shouted, 'It can't be Harry Potter?’
The crowd parted, whispering excitedly. Lockhart dived forward, seized Harry’s arm and pulled him to the front.’ (CoS; pg 49)
'Gave you a taste of publicity, didn't I?' said Lockhart. 'Gave you the bug. You got onto the front page of the paper with me and you couldn't wait to do it again.' (CoS; pg 71)
Note: Lockhart tells Harry he’s got the “bug”, foreshadowing Rita Skeeter’s interference in GoF.
Once at Hogwarts, Lockhart took Harry on as a kind of protégé, believing Harry had the potential to follow in his footsteps…
Now and then, he caught a phrase like ‘Fame is a fickle friend, Harry’ or ‘Celebrity is as celebrity does, remember that.’ (CoS; pg 92)
'I was a Seeker, too. I was asked to try for the National Squad but preferred to dedicate my life to the eradication of the Dark Forces.' (pg 123)
How are Lockhart and Harry the same? They’re both celebrities - Lockhart relishing his fame, Harry preferring to be treated like everyone else. They’re both very talented Seekers (at least, Lockhart believed he was a very talented Seeker). More importantly, Lockhart and Harry are known as heroes, both having many great adventures and excelling in the Defence Against the Dark Arts – except Lockhart, of course, ends up being nothing more then a ‘wannabe’. Harry is the real thing. While Harry does have the Leo “untamed” mane of hair, he’s more a Leo and hero in his heart then anything else.
In that case, what Hermione fell for in Lockhart is Harry. As far back as PS/SS, Hermione marked that Harry is “a great wizard”, (pg 208) but it's in OotP where she really falls…
‘No, I agree, we’ve gone past the stage where we can just learn things out of books,’ said Hermione. ‘We need a teacher, a proper one, who can show us how to use the spells and correct us if we’re going wrong.’
‘If you’re talking about Lupin …’ Harry begun.
‘No, no, I’m not talking about Lupin,’ said Hermione. ‘He’s too busy with the Order and, anyway, the most we could see him is during Hogsmeade weekends and that’s not nearly often enough.’
‘Who, then?’ said Harry, frowning at her.
‘Isn’t obvious?’ she said. ‘I’m talking about you, Harry.’
‘About me what?’ said Harry.
‘I’m talking about you teaching us Defence Against the Dark Arts.’ (pg 291)
‘Harry, you’re the best in the year at Defence Against the Dark Arts,’ said Hermione.
‘Me?’ said Harry, now grinning more broadly then ever. ‘No I’m not, you’ve beaten me in every test –‘
‘Actually, I haven’t,’ said Hermione coolly. ‘You beat me in our third year – the only year we both sat at the test and had a teacher who actually knew the subject. But I’m not talking about test results, Harry. Think what you’ve done!’ (pg 292)
Some important points here…
1. Hermione telling Harry “…Think what you’ve done!” in OotP is practically identical to her telling Harry in CoS on the subject of Lockhart – whom she had a crush on at the time, “look at all those amazing things he's done…”
2. Hermione's realised her mistake with Lockhart in CoS – “we’ve gone past the stage where we can just learn things out of books ... We need a teacher, a proper one ...”. It would appear Hermione's talking about Umberidge, but there are hints of Lockhart here too. Like Umberidge, Lockhart wasn’t a “proper” teacher, and his character initially fooled Hermione because she'd learnt of him ‘out of a book'. And, as quoted by Lockhart himself, "Books can be misleading”. (CoS; pg 221) Further more, Hermione states third year was the only time they had a teacher “who actually knew the subject.”
3. In OotP, Hermione's helped make Harry into a second Lockhart – except Harry, quite evidently, is a more sincere result. In OotP, Hermione turns Harry into a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher – a “proper” one, as opposed to Lockhart in CoS. She’s also helped Harry use the media to his advantage, getting his true story printed in the Quibbler – "All the facts. Exactly as Harry reports them” (pg 500). This parallel’s nicely with Lockhart’s own account of 'true stories’ in CoS. And Harry, in true Lockhart fashion, even receives some fan mail. You could interpret these two acts of Hermione’s on Harry’s behalf - the DA and the Quibbler interview, as her way of passing on the recognition and respect Lockhart received, to where it’s rightfully deserved. She's managed to correct a past mistake.
Additionally, Hermione actually tells Harry how much of a hero he is in the chapter ‘Out of the Fire’, fearing he’s so much of a hero that it will be used against him…
'You … this isn’t criticism, Harry! But you do … sort of … I mean – don’t you think you’ve got a bit of a – a – saving-people thing?
He glared at her.
‘And what’s that supposed to mean, a “saving-people thing”?’
‘Well … you …’ she looked more apprehensive than ever. ‘I mean … last year, for instance … in the lake … during the Tournament … you shouldn’t have … I mean, you didn’t need to save that little Delacour girl … you got a bit carried away …’
A wave of hot, prickly anger swept through Harry’s body; how could she remind him of that blunder now?
‘I mean, it was really great of you and everything,’ said Hermione quickly, looking positively petrified at the look on Harry’s face, ‘everyone thought it was a wonderful thing to do - ’
‘That’s funny,’ said Harry through gritted teeth, ‘because I definitely remember Ron saying I’d wasted time acting the hero … is that what you think this is? You reckon I want to act the hero again?’
‘No, no, no!' said Hermione, looking aghast. ‘That’s not what I mean at all!’
'Well, spit out what you've got to say, because we're wasting time here!' Harry shouted.
'I'm trying to say - Voldermort knows you, Harry! He took Ginny down into the Chamber of Secrets to lure you there, it's the kind of thing he does, he knows you're the - the sort of person who'd go to Sirius's aid!' (pg 646-647)
“Saving-people thing?” That's code for 'you're a hero'. Hermione was as good as confessing how she really felt about Harry then and there. She was “aghast” at Harry thinking she’d ever believe he’d "act the hero". Hermione knows Harry’s the real deal. Acting was Lockhart’s specialty. Hence, Harry has completely overshadowed Lockhart's position in OotP.
With that said, in doing what she’s done, Hermione’s ‘love’ for Lockhart has now been rightfully passed to Harry – and she’s only just realising it. For Harry, PoA was where he formed his first crush. With Cho now out of the picture, his next crush will therefore be in Book Six, HBP. For Hermione however, her first crush was in CoS, so this implies she must have had a crush on someone in OotP. With the evidence given so far, that someone is Harry.
A supplementary question now needs answering: how did Hermione operate when she had a crush on Lockhart in CoS?
'Why,' demanded Ron, seizing her timetable, 'have you outlined Lockhart's lessons in little hearts?'
Hermione snatched the timetable back, flushing furiously.
They went outside into the overcast courtyard. Hermione sat down on the stone step and buried her nose in Voyages with Vampires again. (pg 75)
Hermione, on the other hand, was listening to Lockhart with rapt attention, and gave a start when he mentioned her name.
…
‘full marks! Where is Miss Granger?’
Hermione raised a trembling hand. (pg 78)
'To Miss Granger, wishing you a speedy recovery, from your concerned teacher, Professor Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin, Third Class, Honourary Member of the Dark Force Defence League and five times winner of Witch Weekly's Most-Charming-Smile Award.'
Ron looked up at Hermione, disgusted.
'You sleep with this under your pillow?'
But Hermione was spared answering by Madam Pomfrey sweeping over with her evening dose of medicine. (pg 171)
‘Happy Valentine’s Day!’ Lockhart shouted. ‘And may I thank the forty-six people who have so far sent me cards!’
…
‘Please, Hermione, tell me you weren’t one of the forty-six,’ said Ron, as they left the Great Hall for their first lesson. Hermione suddenly became very interested in searching her bag for her timetable and didn’t answer. (pg 176-177)
She flushes, withdraws, trembles or manages to avoid the matter all together. When Hermione fancied Lockhart, she wasn’t shouting it from the rooftops. She was nervous and embarrassed, wanting her feelings kept hidden – ‘under the pillow’, so to speak. Thus, using Lockhart as a model, Hermione’s insecure and controlled when falling for someone. This is classic of Hermione's zodiac sign, Virgo. Strong Virgo-types are commonly reserved when in love, approaching the matter tentatively. They are difficult to read, and have trouble expressing emotion and passion because they’re inherently cool-headed, logical people.
In OotP, some argue Hermione doesn’t have feelings for Harry because she doesn’t appear bothered by Cho, rather she should be flaring with jealousy like Ron. But Hermione is not Ron. She's not a jealous person. Hermione’s lack of expressiveness towards Harry supposedly works against them as a ship, when in actual fact, it works for them…
A reluctant grin spread over Harry’s face as he watched Ron rolling around on the hearthrug. Hermione gave Ron a look of deep disgust and returned to her letter.
…
‘Oh,’ said Ron, his smile fading slightly. ‘Are you that bad at kissing?’
‘Dunno,’ said Harry, who hadn’t considered this, and immediately felt rather worried. ‘Maybe I am.’
‘Of course you’re not,’ said Hermione absently, still scribbling away at her letter.
‘How do you know?’ said Ron very sharply.
‘Because Cho spends half her time crying these days,’ said Hermione vaguely. (OotP; pg 405)
In this passage alone, after Hermione “briskly” prompted Harry to admit he kissed Cho, Hermione immediately hides – she hides behind a letter (a letter to Krum, which I'll bring up again later). This is an avoidance tactic similar to what she did in CoS when she “buried her nose in Voyages with Vampires again”. Her voice sounds absent and vague, covering up her “Of course you’re not” a bad kisser comment with an analysis of Cho’s emotional state – again, this is similar to “Hermione suddenly became very interested in searching her bag for her timetable...” Here, Hermione seems suddenly indifferent to the matter, diverting the former issue completely. Hence, the more “businesslike,” brisk, subtle, absent and nonchalant Hermione comes across in this situation, the more emotional she’s likely to be feeling.
In that case, Hermione certainly does have a crush on Harry in OotP. In CoS, Hermione was forced to acknowledge her feelings for Lockhart because of Ron’s incessant teasing. In OotP, she’s forced to acknowledge her feelings for Harry because he has a crush on another girl. She acts in the same defensive manner in both cases, her crush on Harry in OotP readily mirroring her crush on Lockhart in CoS.
Viktor Krum
Hermione's next love interest, Viktor Krum, was introduced in GoF.
More questions need answering here: how does the introduction of Krum compare with the introduction of Lockhart? Why did Krum like Hermione? What does Hermione see in Krum (if anything)? And finally, how are Krum, Harry and Lockhart the same?
How does the introduction of Krum compare with the introduction of Lockhart?
The tents here had not been bedecked with plant life, but each and every one of them had the same poster attached to it, a poster of a very surly face with heavy black eyebrows. The picture was of course moving, but all it did was blink and scowl.
‘Krum,’ said Ron quietly.
‘What?’ said Hermione.
‘Krum!’ said Ron. ‘Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian Seeker!’
‘He looks really grumpy,’ said Hermione, looking around at the many Krums blinking and scowling at them. (GoF; pg 77)
Like Lockhart, Krum was introduced to us via moving photos. The contrast between Lockhart and Krum’s profiles is startlingly polarized, like comparing light to darkness. Lockhart is a “good-looking wizard with wavy blonde hair and bright blue eyes”. Krum had a “surly face with heavy black eyebrows”. Lockhart’s photo “kept winking cheekily up at them all”, while “the many Krums” were “blinking and scowling at them”. Hence, we’ve gone from “disgusting cheeriness” (CoS; pg 200) to “really grumpy”. There must be a happy medium…
Why did Krum like Hermione?
Krum is the first guy to take an interest in Hermione romantically (that we know of)…
Harry still hadn’t mastered Summoning Charms, he seemed to have developed a block about them, and Hermione insisted that learning the theory would help. They consequently spent a lot of time pouring over books during their lunchtimes.
Viktor Krum was in the library an awful lot, too, and Harry wondered what he was up to. Was he studying, or was he looking for things to help him through the first task? Hermione often complained about Krum being there – not that he ever bothered them, but because groups of giggling girls often turned up to spy on him from behind bookshelves ... (GoF; pg 278)
‘Oh, no, he’s back again, why can’t he read on his stupid ship?’ said Hermione irritably, as Viktor Krum slouched in, cast a surly look over at the pair of them, and settled himself in a distant corner with a pile of books. (GoF; pg 296)
Harry, Hermione and Krum are in the library “an awful lot”. Assumingly, Krum liked Hermione because she was the opposite to “the groups of giggling girls” who, as Hermione says later, “only like him because he’s famous!” (pg 278) Krum would’ve observed Harry and Hermione together (“the pair of them”). Krum wants what Harry’s got – a girl who’s genuine, who’ll love him for who he is, who’ll dedicate her “time pouring over books during their lunchtimes” with him if neccessary.
At eighteen, Krum is at a more mature age, and more likely to be looking for a serious partner. Perhaps he saw a special dynamic between Harry and Hermione (as do many other characters), saw a likeness in himself with Harry, realised the two weren’t romantically involved, and jumped in where Harry has yet to get off.
What does Hermione see in Krum (if anything)?
Ron would like this question answered too…
‘What does she see in Krum?’ Ron demanded, as he and Harry climbed the boy’s stairs.
‘Well,’ said Harry, considering the matter, ‘I s’pose he’s older, isn’t he … and he’s an international Quidditch player …’
Yeah, but apart from that,’ said Ron, sounding aggravated. ‘I mean, he’s a grouchy git, isn’t he?’
‘Bit grouchy, yeah…’ (OotP; pg 407)
These boys are hopeless! Hermione is definitely not interested in Krum because he’s an “international Quidditch player…” That was why Ron was interested in him…
‘He’s not even good-looking!’ she muttered angrily, glaring at Krum’s sharp profile. ‘They only like him because he’s famous! They wouldn’t look twice at him if he couldn’t do that Wonky Faint thing - ’ (GoF; pg 278)
Hermione’s verbal assessment of Krum? “Really grumpy” and “not even good-looking”. And she couldn’t care less if he could do a “Wonky Faint thing” or not.
The real question is does Hermione see anything in Krum, prior to the Yull Ball?
There’s one thing. One positive thing Hermione says while watching the Quidditch World Cup, after Krum got the snitch…
‘He was very brave, wasn’t he?’ Hermione said, leaning forward to watch Krum land … (GoF; pg 102)
Again - heroism. Hermione loves a good hero.
But Krum, although he tries to be, is not Hermione’s hero – that position has already been filled. Hermione’s flattered by Krum, and sees the importance of “getting to know foreign wizards and making friends with them”. (GoF; pg 368) Still, at the end of the day, there’s only one Triwizard champion she’d want to support…
‘I’d never help him work out that egg!’ said Hermione, looking outraged. ‘Never. How could you say something like that – I want Harry to win the Tournament, Harry knows that, don’t you, Harry?’ (pg 367)
Note: ‘Eggs’ are symbolic of female fertility and new beginings. Hermione saying she’d “never help him work out that egg!” could have a double meaning, i.e. Hermione would never ‘give’ herself to Krum. Hence, Hermione’s fear Harry would believe otherwise – “Harry knows that, don’t you, Harry?” Or rather, “Harry knows I want him to father my unborn children, don’t you, Harry?" (sorry, had to do that…)
‘The Second Task’ was where Krum really failed Hermione…
The shark-man swam straight to Hermione and began snapping and biting at her ropes: the trouble was that Krum’s new teeth were positioned very awkwardly for biting anything smaller than a dolphin, and Harry was quite sure that if Krum wasn’t careful, he was going to rip Hermione in half. Darting forwards, Harry hit Krum hard on the shoulder, and help up the jagged stone, Krum seized it, and began to cut Hermione free. (pg 434-435)
He couldn’t even save her properly – Harry had to show him how it’s done! Notably, Krum was “going to rip Hermione in half”, possibly foreshadowing Hermione’s feelings in OotP when she hid behind a letter to him in front of Harry. Is Hermione feeling ‘torn?’ Believing perhaps she should be with Krum because he loves her…but unable to let go of Harry? This is one of my many speculations.
The second task was Krum’s big chance to prove himself, before the entire Tournament, and he failed. Once again, Hermione only had eyes for one Triwizard champion after it was all over…
‘You haff a water-beetle in your hair, Herm-own-ninny,’ sad Krum.
Harry had the impression that Krum was drawing her attention back onto himself; perhaps to remind her that he had just rescued her from the lake, but Hermione brushed the beetle away impatiently and said, ‘You’re well outside the time limit, though, Harry … Did it take you ages to find us?
‘No … I found you OK …’ (GoF; pg 438)
Hermione didn’t say ‘did it take you ages to find Ron’. She said “us”, giving the impression she was unconsciously hoping Harry would step in. That he may “sorely miss” her too.
Knowing Harry succeeded where he failed entices Krum to confront Harry man-to-man…
‘I vant to know,’ he said, glowering, ‘vot there is between you and Hermy-own-ninny?’
Harry, who from Krum’s secretive manner had expected something much more serious than this, stared up at Krum in amazement.
‘Nothing,' he said. But Krum glowered at him, and Harry, somehow struck anew by how tall Krum was, elaborated. ‘We’re friends. She’s not my girlfriend and she never has been. It’s just that Skeeter woman making things up.
‘Herm-own-ninny talks about you very often,’ said Krum, looking suspiciously at Harry.
‘Yeah,’ said Harry, ‘because we’re friends.’
He couldn’t quite believe he was having this conversation with Viktor Krum, the famous international Quidditch player. It was as though the eighteen-year-old Krum thought he Harry, was an equal – a real rival –
‘You haff never … you haff not …’
‘No,’ said Harry, very firmly.
Krum looked slightly happier. He stared at Harry for a few seconds, then said, ‘You fly very well. I vos votching at the first task.’
‘Thanks,’ said Harry, grinning broadly and suddenly feeling much taller himself. (GoF; pg 480)
Just as Lockhart allied himself with Harry in CoS, Harry notes himself that Krum “thought he Harry, was an equal – a real rival -" Krum tells Harry he flies “very well,” and Harry succeeded over Krum in flying during 'The First Task'. According to Ron…
‘And Krum – you won’t believe this, but he didn’t even think of flying!’ (pg 314)
Harry was able to fly in the first task because he had Hermione. Hermione taught him the Summoning Charm. Krum literally can’t win.
And that leads to the next question…
How are Krum, Harry and Lockhart the same?
They’re all famous, all known for being heroes, and all Seekers. If Quidditch is symbolic of the game of love, then symbolically these three characters are all ‘seeking’ just that – love. Lockhart ‘seeked’ love through fame. Krum ‘seeked’ love through Hermione, wanting a partner. Harry ‘seeks’ love on every level, notably the love of family.
Further more, what Lockhart and Krum are famous for is Harry combined – Lockhart as the Dark Arts hero, Krum as the hero on the Quidditch field. Harry is the happy medium between these two extreme characters. Therefore, Lockhart + Krum must = Harry.
‘Chain Reaction’
By moving from Lockhart to Krum, Hermione’s gone in a complete circle and ended where she was meant to be all along. Additionally, Hermione’s ‘love chain’ consists of three people – Lockhart + Krum = Harry. Three is an infinite number, indicative of oneness and the completion of a cycle. Harry is the third and therefore, the unified result of the chain.
To compliment this theory, Harry has a ‘love chain’ of his own to mirror with Hermione’s, i.e. Ginny + Cho = Hermione. And note: Lockhart, Krum, Ginny and Cho are all Seekers. They're all rivals for the same Snitch - the 'heart' of Hermione and Harry. Hermione + Lockhart and Ginny + Harry = idle ‘hero-worship’ and loving from afar. Krum + Hermione and Cho + Harry = Krum and Cho, two unhappy people ‘seeking’ someone to fill a void in their lives – Krum with Hermione, and Cho with Harry (hoping he’d replace Cedric.)
Significantly, both Krum and Cho grew weary of Harry and Hermione’s close bond. They were jealous of the opposition and, in a way, had a right to be. When put to the test, Harry and Hermione will choose each other. Harry was the only Triwizard champion for Hermione, and Harry…
‘That was a really horrible trick of Hermione Granger’s,’ said Cho fiercely. ‘She should have told us she’d jinxed that list - ’
‘I think it was a brilliant idea,’ said Harry coldly. (OotP; pg 561)
Note: Harry wouldn’t lie and call Hermione “ugly” for Cho's sake either, if it ever came to that (OotP; pg 505)
Conclusion
'Are you really?’ said Hermione. ‘I know all about you, of course – I got a few extra books for background reading and you’re in Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century.
‘Am I?’ said Harry, feeling dazed.
‘Goodness, didn’t you know, I’d have found out everything I could if it was me,’ said Hermione. (PS/SS; pg 79)
It was happening since the very beginning – like Lockhart, Hermione learnt about Harry from books. But at that stage, Harry had yet to prove himself as the hero. Now, at fifteen, Harry could write a booklist to rival Lockhart’s if he wanted to, having already fought a troll, faced 'ghouls’ and ‘wandered’ with a werewolf. And rather then just reading about the hero, Hermione has been there alongside him. She’s seen and experienced all the “amazing things” Harry’s done first hand.
In short, JK Rowling has set up Hermione to fall in love with the hero. The hero is Harry Potter. Therefore, ‘who Hermione loves’ can only be Harry.
Sources
Books
J.K. Rowling, The Order of the Phoenix. Bloomsbury Publishing, London 2003. Printed in Australia
J.K. Rowling, The Goblet of Fire. Bloomsbury Publishing, London 2000. Printed in Australia
J.K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets. Bloomsbury Publishing, London 1998. Printed in Australia
J.K. Rowling, Philosopher's Stone. Bloomsbury Publishing, London 1997. Printed in Australia
Marisa St. Clair, Sun and Moon Signs. Sandstone Publishing, Australia and New Zealand 1999