About Ron again

[meglet2]

No: HPFGUIDX 34569

Thanks to everyone who replied. Some very interesting points but I'm 
still a bit worried. The betrayal by the friend who is closer than a 
brother (as Ron is for Harry) is particularly tragic and was thought 
to be the case with James and Sirius. Since we now know that to be 
false it could be that it will be a reality for Harry and Ron. I 
still very much hope not and want Ron to have the strength of 
character to resist any temptations to evil but it would be a very 
strong theme. I also saw the documentary on JKR and I'm not sure 
basing a character on your best friend necessarily prevents any 
writer from doing something nasty with that character if he or she 
thinks it necessary for the story. It can get writers very disliked 
by their nearest and dearest! Still it's only speculation at this 
point and until we get the complete canon nothing will be certain.

I don't think Hermione would be susceptible in the same way because I 
think she a) has more insight into herself and others, b) has more 
strength of character and c) is too unshakeable in her loyalty to 
Harry. But I may be overly biased in her favour. I have a lot of 
fellow feeling for Hermione. 

For the benefit of Eileen, my name does not come from the Anglo Saxon 
kingdom. My father made it up when I was born (it's a long story and 
too OT to go into here) and knew nothing about any Anglo Saxon 
kingdoms. Nor had he read Tolkien (though I have and hadn't picked up 
the Tolkien link you mention). I did Old English at university and 
did find a bit strange reading about Offa, King of Mercia, but I 
assure you I wasn't called after the kingdom. Incidently I believe 
there is still a West Mercia police service in England. 

meglet2/Mercia