Percy - a little brainwashed? (was Re: Percy- a little odd?)

[heiditandy <heidit@netbox.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 49032

In the recent discussion of Percy and his fit into the Weasley 
family, I haven't noticed any mention of my "pet" theory (and I call 
it that both because it's one of my pet topics of discussion, and 
because it involves a pet). 

In Message 46566 and again at 46576  and 46597, I discussed the role 
that Scabbers might've played in the Weasley household, first as 
Percy's pet and then as Ron's. From the time Percy was 6, Wormtail 
had access to Percy in a house - and then a school - full of wands. 
Isn't it possible that he engaged in some discussions (as Percy's 
imaginary friend who visited him in the night or in his dreams) or 
outright brainwashing of Percy, and also of Ron? 

And then, through much of Book 4, Wormtail had constant access to 
Percy through the letters that were purportedly written by Mr 
Crouch - it's possible he reinforced any programming he had 
previously put into place either through suggestions, through magic, 
or through simple discussions and instructions about things Percy 
should read.

Now, I don't actually think Percy is outright evil or brainwashed - 
I actually think that there was some reason why Wormtail turned his 
attentions to Ron - perhaps Percy was too old to be truly 
succeptable, or perhaps at Hogwarts, there was some block to 
Wormtail's influence? But it is possible that the weak link isn't 
any flaw in Percy - but rather, a flaw caused by the pet his parents 
let him have when he was sixish. 

On that note... HAPPY NEW YEAR, all!

Heidi

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