Official Discussion Questions for the next Few Months: Question #1

[brewpub44]

No: HPFGUIDX 37289

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., Penny Linsenmayer <pennylin at s...> wrote:
> Dr. Nel included a dozen or so discussion questions at the end of 
this book, and the Moderators have decided to have "official" 
discussions of one of these questions each week.  

I think this is a capital idea. A little directed discussion can be a 
good thing.

> 
> In GoF, Ron remarks, 'Percy loves rules,' and he wonders whether 
his brother would send a family member to Azkaban if it would advance 
his career (GoF, pg 463).  

I think this is the heart of this question, so I've <snipped> the 
rest. I think the crux of the matter is this:

Will Percy go against the grain of his own family?

It doesn't matter how ambitious he is, what he is planning to do with 
his life, how seriously he takes his career at the MoM. None of that 
is really relevant to that basic question. It would be the same 
question even if he pumped gas for a living.

Looking at the Weasleys (the adults, I think it's still too early to 
judge Ron or Ginny, but I do include Fred & George here), they are a 
good people. They are by no means perfect, but they are basically a 
good sort. They help people, they care about people, they get along 
with others, they jump in to help even when times are trying, and you 
can judge them solely by the company they keep.

So, why would Percy go against all of that family history? Why does 
anyone go against family customs, traditions, morals?

The whole key will be *how* he is convinced to turn against the 
family. What inroads could LV or others use to make him turn against 
his own family?

He doesn't seem to be an outcast amongst the Weasleys. I don't recall 
any moments when he is not treated with respect, at least from his 
parents. Even if they do pick on him, it is something shared by all 
(he is seen to participate in it as well).

He does care about his family, as is readily evident in the lake 
scene from GoF. Other than Fred & George, Ron gives him the least 
amount of respect, yet Percy is truly concerned for his welfare.

He has seen his father work at the Ministry for some time, so he has 
to at least have an inkling on how bureaucracy works, how silly it 
can be, just through osmosis from his father. So I don't quite see 
him being snowed by it.

He has already seen one of his superiors, Mr. Crouch, be taken over 
by the DEs, and also has seen the impacts of treachery against one's 
own family (from the example of both Crouches). So he is not naive to 
incompetence of management nor to the betrayal of family.

In line with that, I think he has also seen the problems of unfair 
trials, although the book doesn't necessarily say that Percy knows 
about Dumbledore's experiences at the trial of crouch (only Harry 
with the Pensieve saw that), I would have to assume that the word has 
gotten out about the Crouches.

He knows through Dumbledore (& his parents) that not all is well in 
the MoM, that the Dementors are bad, and that the DE's are on the 
prowl again.

Finally, he has shown that he can be counted on in times of trouble, 
witness the DE demonstrations at the World Cup. He shows loyalty & 
obedience to his father at that event.

I just don't see Percy betraying his family or their allegiances 
because of "rules". There would have to be a real good reason. The 
only way I can see that happening is if one of his family indeed 
commits a very harmful act, and I expect his perserverence & ability 
to stick to detail and hte letter of the law would enable him to see 
if it truly did happen, or at least be dubious until it is proven.

A Barkeep in Diagon Alley