[HPforGrownups] Weasley Addendum (was Re: Notes on the Weasleys and their Hardships)

[Susan Hall]

No: HPFGUIDX 21210

The other point about the Weasleys is their incredible kindness.  The first
time we see a Weasley (Molly) she's helping out a lost little new boy.  He
later turns out to be the famous Harry Potter, but what she responds to is
"new-on his own - lost- what can I do to make him feel better?".  Then she
tells her offspring in no uncertain terms not to goggle at him.

It goes on through the series. Fred and George respond with tact and
imagination to Harry's isolation in Co S ("Seriously evil wizard coming
through") and to his exclusion from the Hogsmeade trips in PoA.  Charlie
unhesitatingly falls in with Ron's plans for getting rid of Norbert.  Bill
takes a couple of days off from his no doubt high powered job to come and
lend moral support at the Triwizard final.  Arthur is incredulous at how
appalling the Dursleys behave toward Harry (so is Molly, but she seems to
work on the principle that as she can't say anything good she doesn't say
anything).

In fact, one of the most convincing arguments for the "Lucius Malfoy is
irremediably evil" school of thought (to which I subscribe) is that Arthur
Weasley unhestitatingly starts a fight with him on sight.  When someone who
has been trying for so long to see the good in everyone does that, I know
whose side I'm on.

However, apropos of Weasleys and the coming conflict, I do hope that JKR
hasn't read Gone With The Wind.  Which, to remind you, features the Tarleton
family.  Lots of boys - including twins of Scarlett's age who dance with
her, flirt with her and make her laugh - devoted dishevelled mother who runs
the family farm and patches up her madcap sons hurts - all red heads -
unsuspected hopeless crush involving one Tarleton boy.....and Gettysburg.

Susan