Rats! (Or: A Treatise on Ron and Evil)

[srsiriusblack at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 48195

In a message dated 12/12/2002 01:51:53 Eastern Standard Time, 
clicketykeys at yahoo.com writes:


> , "marinafrants <rusalka at i...>" <
> rusalka at i...> wrote:
> 
> > Pettigrew, for all his snivelling, is 
> > cunning, resourceful, and very good at manipulating people when he's 
> > not having a crisis of nerves. 
> 
> I don't agree. What events from the story make you come to this 
> conclusion?
> 

I agree with clickitykeys here.  I also think that it should be noted in PoA, 
Chapter Four pgs 58-59, the witch speaking to Ron about Scabbers discusses 
the lack of powers the rat has. 
Now it has never been really brought up much in the book, but assuming that 
Anamagi retain their wizarding powers, Peter Pettigrew, were he cunning and 
resourceful could have done some serious damage while in animal form.

Then later in the book, in MWPP, Sirius and Lupin elude to the fact that 
Peter was not a stellar wizard.

My opinion is that Peter Pettigrew is no more than a mediocre wizard who by 
his own desires to out-do James and Sirius and by the influence of the dark 
lord, found himself personally empowered. But, it seems from PoA and GoF that 
Peter merely acts out the plans made by Voldemort.

I don't think that rats would be considered an evil omen or animal in the 
least. JKR places too much emphasis on basilisks/serpents as evil. Scabbers 
up until PoA, had been a loyal pet passed down through the ranks of the 
Weasleys. He was in hiding and only after the experiences in the first three 
books with the knowledge he gains from being the pet of Ron, does he make his 
move to return to his Master.

Just some of my opinions.

-Snuffles


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