Marauder parallels

[Simon J. Branford]

No: HPFGUIDX 5219

Penny wrote: "I don't dispute the notion that Lupin is an intellectual and
very bright.  But, Sirius and  James are the ones cited as the brightest
students in their class.  I think Lupin was a strong student and is
obviously quite bright to go on to be a respected & effective teacher.  But,
it may well be that Sirius' intellect was sharper -- it would seem so from
what McGonagall said in the Three Broomsticks."

Sirius and James, from my impression of the statements made, are more
outgoing than Lupin but I would argue about the more intelligent comment.
The only person I can remember talking about how clever Sirius and James are
is Lupin, and he is hardly likely to mention himself as well (he is too
modest).


Penny wrote: "Like Ellie, I agree completely with the Harry-James
comparisons.  That one is pretty much a no-brainer in my mind."

What would happen if we stepped back from the 'no brainer' and instead
paired people up differently?

We are given the impression that James and Sirius trusted each other, but I
would be amazed if they did not, from time to time, fall out.

What about Harry - Lupin?
Both seem to expect to be on their own and are then amazed when people look
up to them and trust them.
Both have had difficult childhoods, at the heart of which is an amazing
event (Harry defeating Voldemort and Lupin becoming a werewolf) that neither
had any real control over (I have the impression that werewolf's are rare in
the UK - especially educated ones).
Both seem keen to share but seem to have something hold them back, again a
reflection on their pasts.

Having done this we get Hermione - Sirius and Ron - James or Hermione -
James and Ron - Sirius. Ellie covered Ron - Sirius and Penny covered
Hermione - Sirius so I will not comment on either of those pairings here.

Hermione - James:
Both are portrayed as being fairly responsible and it is the influence of
Ron and Sirius respectively that has made them loosen up and in James' case
become a practical joker.
Good grades.
And of course there is the often seen/mentioned loyalty to Ron/Sirius and
also to Harry/Lupin.

Ron - James:
Loyalty to Harry and Hermione / Sirius and Lupin.
Intelligence - James obviously showed it (Lupin's comment and he became head
boy), Ron shows it less but does have 2 head boys in the family and is great
at chess.


What about Harry - Sirius?
Loyalty (cannot be bothered to expand on this)
Both get in trouble for things they have not done - Harry in GoF and Sirius
over aiding Voldemort.

Having done this we get Hermione - Lupin and Ron - James or Hermione - James
and Ron - Lupin. Carole covered Hermione - Lupin so I will not comment on
that pairing here. I have covered Ron - James and Hermione - James above so
that leaves me:

Ron - Lupin:
Ron was prepared to think the worst of Harry in GoF, Lupin about Sirius.
Both maybe had good reason to do so.
Loyalty (getting bored of that word yet?)
Intelligence.


Basically I seem to get the impression that we are pairing up people who
have many similarities and I could find more reasons for the pairings if I
wished to!

Simon (just seeing what happens if we ignore the obvious!)