There has been an increase in traffic lately, mostly due to the site�s listing on Google becoming established. As such, I should probably try and update a bit more frequently. I will do my best.

So back the prognostications. We have a few loose ends that need tying up. I have dropped some hints in the past regarding the eventual fates of a few characters, namely Snape, Neville and, of course Harry. So we could examine any one of those characters. But I think today we will take a less serious, more romantic diversion and discuss the intertwining fates of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.

There are many theories floating around as to who will �end up� with whom. COME ON PEOPLE!?!? I have never, ever in my life seen a more blatant foreshadowing of future romance than what goes on between Ron and Hermione. It isn�t like this started recently; from the moment these two met, they were destined for each other.

He [Ron] turned to Hermione. "Can we help you with something?"
"You'd better hurry up and put your robes on, I've just been up to the front to ask the conductor, and he says we're nearly there.��said Hermione in a sniffy voice. "And you've got dirt on your nose, by the way, did you know?"
Ron glared at her as she left.

Throughout the first book, these two are at each other�s throats.

Wingardium Leviosa!" he shouted, waving his long arms like a windmill.
"You're saying it wrong," Harry heard Hermione snap. "It's Wing-gar-dium Levi-o-sa, make the 'gar' nice and long."
"You do it, then, if you're so clever," Ron snarled.
. . . Ron was in a very bad mood by the end of class.

As the series continues, we catch glimpses of Ron�s true feelings; questioning Hermione as to why she has doodled hearts on here schedule of Lockhart�s class, protecting her when Malfoy insults her and of course, becoming insanely jealous of Viktor Krum. Hermione as well reveals her feelings for Ron, which culminates in the Yule Ball debacle.

A great man once said, �The course of true love never did run smooth.� And so it is with Ron and Hermione. There are many types of love, and there is no formula that predicts or determines one�s true partner. But one thing seems to hold true: couples that engage in dialogue, discuss issues, while maintaining a level of respect for one another, do well. A relationship where everyone agrees, where there are never any arguments, is often symptomatic of one party repressing the other. Likewise, relationships with outright hostility and violence signal an irreparable incompatibility (and often points to severe social problems in one or both of the parties). But a healthy relationship where people are allowed to express themselves, to contribute and be who they are, not who the other molds them to be, is where the individual flourishes and blossoms forth as a conscious presence. These presences form a bond, and that connection is the love that one feels to another who makes them more than they were before. How natural, then, for two people who are so often at odds, to fall in love. Their arguments are expressions of individuality, not subjugation or repression. They will always return together to form a whole, no matter the content of the argument.

Ron and Hermione are following in the footsteps of other famous lovers (I can think of about a dozen, but the only ones worth mentioning are, of course, Han Solo and Princess Leia). They will never let another person deny them the dignity of their individuality; yet they have the necessary humility to share their life with another. This can only be called true love.

So to all you out there who think Ron and Hermione aren�t destined for each other, wake up. It is as clear as day.

As a closing note, I would like to dedicate this prognostication to Peninah, my own personal Hermione. Think of it as a replacement for your birthday card. I work hard, and you can�t expect me to�oh never mind.