[HPforGrownups] Percy gets a bum rap

[Amber ?]

No: HPFGUIDX 37334


John wrote:
>At any rate, I do think that Percy gets a bum rap. Just because his 
>brothers are cool/funny/loyal does not mean that, in person, he cannot be 
>cool, funny and loyal. Imagine how difficult it would be if *you* were Head 
>Boy and your brothers were renowned as the chief rule-
>breakers in school. A friend of mine was in a similar situation at school 
>and it was extremely difficult.

Bravo to that. It takes *guts* to be in any sort of leadership position 
where you have to "police" your peers. Add in that a few of your peers are 
your siblings and you have a very touchy situation. Make the siblings like 
Fred and George...well, I can certainly understand some of Percy's 
uptightness.

Percy, in my mind, is walking a tightrope. He's got some ideas in his head 
about How The World Works that just aren't that viable. He needs to learn to 
look outside the rules and see the situation as it is. However, as Demeter 
wrote (I think it was Demeter!), Percy's early formative years were during 
Voldemort's first rise. I imagine rules did rule his life then. "Don't 
answer the door, don't go outside, keep your brothers from leaving, watch 
the babies, don't ask what is happening, DO WHAT I SAY NOW OR WE MIGHT ALL 
DIE". Of course this is speculation but I could easily see this scenario. 
Percy's gotta learn to put aside the impulse to blindly do what is said 
(which probably kept him safe when he was young) and look at the larger 
picture.

I love the guy. He's remarkably ambitious and a hard worker. He has 
accomplished quite a lot in his life and clearly has the skills to be 
successful. He's just gotta get his head out of his arse and look at the sky 
once in awhile. *grin* Okay, okay, maybe I'm joking a little...

Percy has shown no indication that he is "evil" (which I think is a 
problematic word in itself but won't contest that now). He has flaws, as do 
ALL of the HP characters (Harry is damned impulsive, Hermione sometimes 
freezes in crucial moments, and Ron is ruled too much by his emotions and 
temper). But I've seen nothing in the canon that makes me think "Death Eater 
wannabe" about Percy. I can see him making a crucial mistake or being 
tricked but knowingly betray his family or friends? Nah, it isn't there.

I've lots more thoughts on Percy but will refrain. 'Sides, I've got the 
feeling it's all been said before. But I'm always pleased to see Percy's 
name in the subject line...

~Amber

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