[HPforGrownups] Percy (was Handicapping the Next Big Battle)

[Amber ?]

No: HPFGUIDX 31780


>Cindy writes
>
> >The Weasleys -- Also a blank slate.  We don't know whether they are
> >especially powerful, and the loyalty of Percy is questionable (sorry
> >Penny!).

And then Eloise:
>I have often wondered why Percy is in Gryffindor as he doesn't 
>particurlarly seem to show any Gryffindor characteristics, or am I missing 
>something? I hope that he has some hidden potential which may come out (on 
>the right side?)

There is at least ONE instance of Percy being brave. Right here:

Hermione and Ginny came hurrying toward them, pulling coats over their 
nightdresses, with Mr. Weasley right behind them. At the same moment, Bill, 
Charlie, and Percy emerged from the boys' tent, fully dressed, with their 
sleeves rolled up and their wands out.

"We're going to help the Ministry!" Mr. Weasley shouted over all the noise, 
rolling up his own sleeves. "You lot - get into the woods, and stick 
together. I'll come and fetch you when we've sorted this out!"

Bill, Charlies, and Percy were already sprinting away toward the oncoming 
marchers; Mr. Weasley tore after them.
- GOF, pg 120, US Edition

After the "fight", it's stated that Bill has hurt his arm, Charlie has a rip 
in his shirt and Percy has a bloody nose. I'd say that this is a situation 
where Percy clearly showed his bravery, running with his family to fight the 
molesters and not away.

Another argument for bravery may be that he ignores the jokes and such to do 
his job as a prefect and Head Boy. Just like Neville is brave for standing 
up to his friends in PS/SS, Percy is brave to enforce the rules and look out 
for the students. It's hard to be in a position of authority, yet Percy 
takes the job with gusto. Some may say that this is merely his pompousness 
but there has to be a bit of bravery mixed in there.

Furthermore, I can't recall an instance where Percy has shown overt fear, 
except during the second task where his brother was in "danger". He's been 
pompous as hell but not fearful. He clearly has confidence in his knowledge 
and his skills. I don't see why he shouldn't be in Gryffindor. For all his 
ambition (which people keep whispering like a dirty word), he seeks it 
honestly by working hard. There is nothing wrong with being ambitious and 
working for your goals.

As for Percy's loyalty being questionable...well, I don't know. I believe, 
despite the pranks and snickering towards him, he loves his family and would 
stand by them instantly. However, his greatest achilles heel IS his 
fanatical observance for rules and authority. The two are going to collide 
considering how matters were left at the end of GOF. I do think he's going 
to be shaken by what happened with Crouch. Hopefully shaken enough to 
reevaluate his goals.

I do love Percy but it seems that JKR is setting him up for a "downfall". I 
just pray that he doesn't lose his life (or anybody else's) as a result.

~Amber

********
http://www.the-tabula-rasa.com

"It may help to understand human affairs to be clear that most of the great 
triumphs and tragedies of history are caused, not by people being 
fundamentally good or fundamentally bad, but by people being fundamentally 
people."

-- Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, Good Omens


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