JK Rowling seems determined to prove time and time again that she is utterly incapable of letting sleeping dogs lie. This time, there was no news of a new book or movie. No, this time the news hit much closer to home. Rowling admitted that Ron and Hermione should never have been together.

I feel betrayed.

When I originally read the series, I never imagined that Hermione would end up with anyone other than Ron. I always thought “Goblet of Fire” made that clear,  and “Half-Blood Prince” made it more than obvious.

Ron and Hermione, dubbed Romione by fans, has always been a favorite. That may be because readers found relatability in two friends slowly falling in love. That may be because the idea of two polar- opposite characters, the ones that bicker just as much as they laugh together, finding love has always been a popular one. Or maybe, fans found it refreshing that the main heroine fell for the “sidekick.”

Regardless of the reason, the popularity of the pair exists nonetheless. Their first kiss was among my most anticipated fictional kisses of all time. I had to put down my copy of “Deathly Hallows” to scream for a little bit when it finally happened. Other couples have been cute. I will admit my fondness of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, Flynn Rider and Rapunzel, the Doctor and Rose Tyler, and even Dean Winchester and Castiel, but I do believe that Ron and Hermione might just trump all. They were the first couple that I really wanted to be together, the first one that made me laugh and cry.

But all of the sudden, it seems like all of that was for nothing. Who cares if I had written fluffy fanfiction about Ron and Hermione? According to Rowling, they would’ve needed couple’s counseling anyway. All of that smugness over the fact that the couple I wanted to be together existed in the canon of the books is gone. Shipping wars are, once again, running rampant on the internet. Harry and Hermione or Ron and Hermione? Harmony or Romione? Even some Fred and Hermione shippers have jumped in on the action.

It’s all just one big argument over who is most deserving of Hermione’s affections. I was more than happy when she ended up with Ron. The relationship developed slowly and naturally, allowing readers to fall in love with the couple just as the couple was falling in love with each other. I think this whole ordeal begs the questions, why is the man Hermione ends up with so important? I had no problem with her ending up with somebody, there’s no shame in finding love, but is a huge ordeal really necessary? If Hermione hadn’t ended up with Ron, who’s to say that she had to end up with anybody? She’s a strong and independent witch who don’t need no man. I’m certain that, had Hermione and Ron never ended up together, she would have been perfectly happy devoting herself to her career. Hermione isn’t just some prize, she’s the “cleverest witch of her age,” and is more than capable of taking care of herself.

I believe Hermione chose her path well, no matter what J.K. Rowling says.