[HPforGrownups] Parallels with the last war against Voldemort? And more Ron thoughts

[Kelly Grosskreutz]

No: HPFGUIDX 56154

In a way, the trio is a younger version of the Marauders.  They say that
history likes to repeat itself, and I think it's trying to do so here.
First we have Harry, who looks remarkably like James and must at least
somewhat act like James, too, since Snape keeps telling him he's JUST like
his father.  Harry is the leader of his group and is good at Quidditch.
Although not popular in the same way as James, he is famous, if only for
doing something he doesn't remember doing.

Next we have Ron.  Ron believes in stereotypes, at least unless confronted
with concrete evidence to refute it (Hagrid, Lupin).  And, although Draco
and Harry automatically hate each other, Ron and Draco seem to have their
own hatred for each other which has nothing to do with Harry.  However, he
is arguably Harry's most loyal friend, and I truly believe he would do
anything for him.  Ron does remind me quite a bit of Sirius Black.

Third we have Hermione.  Her resemblance to her counterpart isn't as strong,
but it's there.  Lupin stood out from the other students because he was a
werewolf.  Granted, the student body did not know this, but *he* knew it,
and although he was liked because he was a friend of James's (and, I'm sure,
because he was a nice guy), I can see everyone thinking there was something
else about him, but they couldn't put their finger on it.  Hermione, aside
from being super-smart and therefore standing out in that way, is also
Muggle-born.  Again, most people treat her the same as they would any other
witch, but that is something that could set her apart, as Lupin's
werewolfness.  Also, it seems to me that Lupin was the more logical, calming
influence on the group, which would need it with Sirius, who I see as being
the quite the impulsive hothead (the prank).  Hermione serves as this on her
group, being the counter to Ron.  As for hatreds, Draco hates her simply
because she is a "Mudblood," Snape hates Lupin simply because he is a
werewolf.

And then there is Neville.  Unfortunately for Neville, he does seem to be
paralleling Peter Pettigrew somewhat.  He is friends with the main three,
but not really a part of their group.  The main group, however, has a
special place in their hearts for Neville.  Neville has a reputation for not
being good at magic and being easily intimidated and bullied.

And then there is Draco.  He was somewhat covered above.  His hatred for
Harry, Ron, and Hermione and the forms it takes to the indiviual people
seems to mirror Snape's hatreds for the Marauders.  We haven't heard much
about Snape's hatred for Peter, but one can imagine him finding easy prey in
Peter, and being foiled in taunting him by James.  Draco is the boy in their
year with the dark reputation.  Although his reputation is more because of
who his father is, his attitude doesn't help him any in that regard.

I don't believe history will repeat itself, but it makes me wonder if any
other parallels will present itself.  Will Ron be suspected of doing
something he didn't do?  Will Neville find himself in the position Peter
once did?  In answer to that latter question, I think that if he does, he
won't turn like Peter did.  He has more of a backbone, and he knows what the
DE's did to his parents.

One last thing on Ron.  I've seen discussion on his stereotypes and how he
does not think things through except when playing chess.  Maybe Ron's
position in the upcoming war will end up being tactical advisor?  I believe
that Dumbledore will not survive the series, and therefore someone else will
have to lead the war.  Harry will most likely be the visible focal point
(like Dumbledore was in the last war), but Ron could very well be the one
planning all the strategies, being the General behind the scenes.  I've been
calling him General Weasley since reading GoF and then rereading SS/PS.

Kelly Grosskreutz
http://www.idcnet.com/~ivanova