[HPforGrownups] Re: Percy

[Morag Traynor]

No: HPFGUIDX 16504

Catherine wrote:

>Because of the perfectionist in him, and his regard for his family
>(which I believe in very strongly) I think that part of the reason he
>shut himself away during CoS is because of self-loathing (he failed
>his family and did not live up to his own exacting standards) and
>because he probably thinks that George, Fred and Ron think the same
>thing.
>
>Therefore, I too, felt desperately sorry for Percy.

Nice to know I'm not the only one with a soft spot for our Perce :). Perhaps 
Penelope Clearwater adores him - I hope so, as this would IMO help him to 
lighten up a little, don't you think?  If someone else took him seriously, 
he wouldn't have to take himself so seriously.  The only things we know 
about her are that she's smart (being a Ravenclaw) and is a betting woman.

It just occurred to me that there is an interesting parallel between Percy's 
bet on the Ravenclaw/Griffindor match and Bagman's bet on the Triwizard 
Tournament here, as neither Bagman nor Percy actually has the stake money.  
Bagman doesn't tell anyone and tries to cheat, and his bet is a last-ditch 
attempt to recoup his losses, cynically taking advantage of his position as 
judge.  Percy, OTHO,  bets out of Griffindor pride, and to be seen to be 
supporting his house.  He endearingly lets the cat out of the bag, with his 
"urgent whisper" to Harry to make sure he wins because "*I haven't got ten 
Galleons!*"  And of course, he wouldn't dream of influencing the match, even 
if he could.  So, he is risking losing face (something he *hates*) and money 
he hasn't got, to support his house.  Where Bagman is cynical, Percy is 
idealistic (if a bit silly - but then, he does win).  Percy may be a bit of 
a stuffed shirt at times, bless him, but he has high moral standards, which 
is why I repudiate any suggestion he will turn to the Dark Side.
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