[HPforGrownups] Sibling rivalry, shipping and the rest of us. ..

[ABoyko at starchoice.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 8570

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Heather Edmonds [SMTP:Heather at hedmonds.fsnet.co.uk]
> .
> 
> So here is another question How many of Percy's more unfortunate traits
> self
> importance, bossiness etc stem from his siblings unkind treatment? 
> 
	It could be a vicious cycle - the siblings make fun of him because
of his self-importance, and his self-importance and bossiness stems from his
siblings making fun of him?

	Rereading GoF, I have the uneasy feeling that Percy Weasley is not
going to be aligning with the forces of good against Voldemort. From Ron's
comments and their attempts to find out about Mr. Crouch through Percy, it
feels like Percy is going to take the same stance as Mr. Fudge. Neither are
going to believe Voldemort has returned to power unless Voldy apparates in
front of them and spits in their face. 

> Strangely Bill and Charlie don't suffer in the same way I think it is
> possible that they are both hero worshiped by the other Weasleys because
> while the implication is that they achieved above average academic
> results,
> their strengths verge towards the heroic, star quidditch player, dragon
> breeder/trainer and treasure hunter. 
> 
	I think it's because Bill & Charlie are cool, myself. They don't
stick to the rules with as much stubbornness as Percy. If Percy would
"lighten up", maybe play a few rounds of Quidditch with his brothers instead
of preparing self-important documents on the thickness of cauldron bottoms,
maybe his family would ease up on him. I can see how you are empathizing
with Percy, and I do respect your feelings in this matter. I'm looking at
this from another perspective - maybe the Weasleys have given up on Percy
ever joining in on family activities, because he's always shut in his room
polishing his badges or researching the proper amount of twigs to be on a
broom.

	Imagine how the series would be different if Percy had been the
orphan given to the Dursleys, or if Harry had been given to the Weasleys to
raise. Methinks Percy would prefer life in the Dursley house, with their
concern with what is proper. I'm sure Petunia does not have any cheap frying
pans from the dollar store in her kitchen!

	Angela