Crossing Rides

animeluvr8

Story Summary:
Some of us Harry Potter fans have a bit of a problem. It’s not a large problem necessarily. Not life threatening, but it does cause dilemma for many. The problem interferers with fan fiction reading and writing for some. For others, it makes posting in forums and taking stances in arguments a tad more difficult then it is for most. Some have to hide their little secret, pretending to have only one stance and secretly indulging in the other when no one is looking.

Chapter 01

Posted:
06/26/2007
Hits:
715


Crossing Rides

Some of us Harry Potter fans have a bit of a problem. It's not a large problem necessarily. Not life threatening, but it does cause dilemma for many. The problem interferers with fan fiction reading and writing for some. For others, it makes posting in forums and taking stances in arguments a tad more difficult then it is for most. Some have to hide their little secret, pretending to have only one stance and secretly indulging in the other when no one is looking.

Yes, it's very difficult to be a contradictory shipper.

What, you may be asking, do I mean by the phrase 'contradictory shipper?'

A 'contradictory shipper' is a person that ships either a non-canon pairing or two conflicting pairings, one of which is often times not canon. An example of this is a Harry/Ginny (S.S. Orange Crush) shipper that also ships Harry/Luna (S.S. Loonies and Lions). These two pairings contradict with each other (Harry is with two different girls) and conflict with canon (The books show that Harry and Ginny are pretty much meant to be).

Shipping this sort of paradox can be vexing. But have no fear my fellow contradictory shippers; there is a way to learn to live with yourself. No more hiding those Draco/Harry fics that you don't want anyone to know you read or secretly indulging in Voldemort/Ginny when no one is around. With just three simple steps, you'll be able to accept your own paradox.

  1. Evaluate Why You Like the Pairing
    It is very important that you understand why you enjoy your choice pairing. If you ride and enjoy a ship, then there must be a reason. There is logic behind everything, even if we do not understand. But for this Three-Step-Process to work, you can no longer life in the land of uncertainty. Just ask yourself a few questions about the pair. Evaluate the characters personalities and how they compliment or contrast with each other.
    Are you a sucker for the combination of strong and weak? Do two feisty spirits light you fire? Do you enjoy the simple, carefree and easy love the two share? Is it the angst and drama that set you off? Does the sheer absurdity and impossibility stir the strings of you heart?
    The reason does not matter. No, what matters is that you know why you like it. Be ready to defend yourself. People will disagree with your shipping choice even if it is canon. But it's your choice and no one should be able to make you feel bad about it, not even yourself.

  2. Understand Real Life
    In this step, you must look outside of the Harry Potter universe and into the real world. During this inspection, there are two things that you will learn when looking at real world relationships.
    a) Not a single couple is "perfect" or "fairy tale." No relationship is without its issues or strife. Both external (money, war, family, etc) and internal (belief differences, religious differences, etc) forces can cause trouble in a relationship. Sorry to burst the bubble of the cliché romantic but I have to say this again: NO RELATIONHIP IS PERFECT.
    b) Since relationships and people aren't perfect, most individuals can be compatible with more then just one person. Relationships can function for long periods of time, even lifetimes between lots matches of people no matter their issues or differences; it's simply a matter of talking it through and being patient and loving. That is truly the key to any relationship, real world or fiction.

  3. Say It Loud and Proud
    Now that you have realized why you love these ships and are willing to defend them, as well as understand real life and how a relationship actually works, you can move onto the last step. SAY IT LOUD AND PROUD!! Don't be ashamed. If you enjoy the ship, then you enjoy it. No one can take that from you, not I, not another fan, not even Joanne Rowling herself. So no more hiding, no more secret indulgences. You are a mature reader and writer, able to recognize the dynamics of making a relationship work for many different people in many different circumstances. Pity those who are only able to understand perfectly laid out canon.

That's all, just those simple steps and you will be free to read, write, argue and ship whatever you like, all guilt free! These steps worked for me and I'm positive they will help you as well. Ship long and hard my friends!

---Alura Embrey
Contradictory Shipper of both S.S Orange Crush and S.S. Fire and Ice