Cutting Ron A Break

[Ebony]

No: HPFGUIDX 26649

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., dfrankiswork at n... wrote:
> Cutting Ron a break...

<snip of some VERY good stuff>

> I believe (without being exactly sure how) that something similar 
leads to the IMO rather strange view that if you are pro-Ron you must 
somehow be anti-Hermione.  Not a view that any of the trio themselves 
would understand.

I agree.  And to be fair (although I am in this camp), often those in 
my ideological camp are anti-Ron at the exclusion of all else.  I 
know why we do it, but I don't want anything *bad* to happen to Ron; 
that would cause all the other characters pain and they have enough 
of that.  I'd rather have him reform.

 
> I realise that once all this brushwood has been cleared away there 
is still an issue for some listies about the way Ron's character is 
developing - is he going to take umbrage every time he's put in a 
situation he doesn't like?  Personally, I find the last chapter of 
GOF encouraging: Ron struggles, with partial success, to overcome his 
gut reactions to Fleur and Krum.  Also (putting myself in the POV of 
a non-existent close friend of the trio), I trust Hermione's 
judgement that she wants to remain a friend of Ron's.
> 

I do, too... and that's why I have serious reservations about Ron's 
character, but try very hard these days to stop short of attacking 
him and his defenders.  Who knows, post-OotP I just may be banging on 
the door of C.R.A.B. headquarters.

I am not sure how I feel about Ron, though.  That bothers me.  
Contrary to popular belief, I really *want* to like Ron as a 
character more than I do.  I mean, for a good two books I liked him 
*much* better than my current favorite character.  (Sidenote:  I am 
NOT fickle!)

> A final question: one POV missing from the above is Hermione's.  Is 
there anything she could have done to help, other than what she did 
do? Or do you think she was too soft on the boys, and that people who 
behave badly should be treated to the cold shoulder?
> 

I actually thought about this.  I think she ought to have stayed out 
of it completely instead of playing mediator.

Does anyone else think that Harry and Ron will argue again, or even 
fight?  Any predictions?

--Ebony AKA AngieJ (who cannot BELIEVE she is posting to HP4GU two 
days in a row... whoa...)