Potterworld grown-ups are a sorry lot

[cindysphynx]

No: HPFGUIDX 31096

annahunny2000 slandered:

> I'm sorry to say I don't think JKR has given us any truly admirable 
> grown-ups, with the arguable exception of Dumbledore, in the first 
4 
> books.  

<snip>

> And Sirius is, in my opinion, a rather selfish coward who makes for 
a 
> pathetic god-father.  I'd say he should suck it up, be a dog 24-7, 
> and stay by your god-son's side so he doesn't get assassinated.

::Rushes in while pinning S.I.N.I.S.T.E.R. badge onto chest::

Sirius is a selfish coward and pathetic god-father?  Oh my goodness, 
no!  Let's take it one at a time.  

*Selfish*.  Sirius could have ran for it after James and Lily were 
killed and saved his own hide.  Instead, he gave his motorbike to 
Hagrid to assist in Harry's transport.  Then, he chased down the spy 
and tried to kill him.  He pulled himself together enough to escape 
Azkaban once he knew Harry was in danger, not out of concern for 
himself.  Then, when he finally escaped, he could have ran for it 
again.  Instead, he pursued Pettigrew to Hogwarts specifically to 
protect Harry.

*Coward*.  Sirius hasn't had a lot of opportunities to demonstrate 
bravery (other than the ones I just mentioned).  But he was injured 
in the struggle with Lupin-werewolf in an effort to save the trio, 
not himself.  

*Pathetic godfather*.  Um, I'd say circumstances might have prevented 
Sirius from performing his duties as a godfather for about a dozen 
years.  From the minute he escaped, he has been working toward only 
one goal that we know of -- protecting and advising Harry. 

Anna again:

> The Weasleys (actually my personal  favorite grown-ups) seem to 
truly 
> care about Harry, but don't do squat to help him -- aside from 
taking 
> him to a  quidditch match.  
> 

Actually, the Weasleys do plenty for Harry, considering that they are 
nothing more than the family of Harry's school chum.  They helped him 
get onto the platform in PS/SS.  They rescued him from the wrath of 
Uncle Vernon in CoS.  Arthur tried to warn Harry about Black in PoA, 
against the wishes of his boss, MoM.  And they turned out to support 
him in the Third Task.  Really, what more could they be reasonably 
expected to do?

Bottom line:  the kids are, for the most part, the heros in HP, and a 
story can only have so many heroes.

Cindy (who won't even mention all of the support that Hagrid has 
provided to Harry)