Twin Discussion (part 2)

[joywitch999]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C6305
From: joywitch999
Subject: Twin Discussion (part 2)
Date: 8/8/00 7:01 pm  (ET)

Fred and George Weasley (continued)

The twins' first appearance in PoA has them, as usual, making fun
of Percy, the new Head Boy. They "improve" his badge so that it reads
"Bighead Boy." At the breakfast table on the first day of school in PoA,
Fred and George, probably for the first time, are shown having a serious
discussion - the twins, Harry, Ron and Hermione talk about the dementors
and the twins are very reassuring. The depth of the twins friendship with
Harry, and basic good nature, is revealed when they give Harry a very
important gift - the Marauder's Map. It is interesting that when the twins
tell Harry they have a present for them, Harry at first suspects a trick.

We learn, in the Three Broomsticks, that although Sirius Black and James
Potter are possible the biggest troublemakers in Hogwarts' history,
that, according to Hagrid, Fred and George could "give 'em a run fer
their money." There are a number of typical "twin moments" in PoA,
including the scene where Fred and George comfort Ron on the (supposed)
loss of his pet rat: "Let the scar on Goyle's finger stand as a lasting
tribute to his memory." It is an interesting note that PoA continues
the pattern that while the twins are always together, Fred talks a lot
more than George. Although it is unclear how well anyone can tell them
apart - even their father mixes them up, in GoF when he introduces his
family to Ludo Bagman.

In GoF, Fred and George are putting their talents to good use (except
in their mother's opinion) trying to develop a business selling their
funny inventions. Not surprisingly, their academic and "serious"
career ambitions are minimal. However, they seem to be up to something
suspicious. They bet all their money on the Quidditch World Cup, and
are often found whispering together about "blackmail" and someone who
is avoiding them. Could the twins have graduated from troubling-making
to law-breaking?

There are some great "twin moments'' in GoF: the great scene where they
give a Ton-Tongue Toffee to Dudley Dursley; the continuing persecution
of Percy, as evidenced by their delivery of dragon dung to his in-tray;
their attempts to age themselves and enter the Triwizard Tournament;
turning Neville Longbottom into a canary with their hexed custard creams;
Fred's asking Angelina to the Yule Ball by shouting across the room
at her; and of course the scene at the end of the year on the Hogwarts
Express where Fred, George, Harry, Ron and Hermione each use a different
curse against Malfoy & Co.

I have great hopes for Gred & Forge's Joke Shop.