[HPforGrownups] Was it a back-handed compliment?

[Danger Mouse]

No: HPFGUIDX 50957

Lori:
During the course of my lurking, I read that there is some evidence 
that Harry's and Hermione's magical talents are beginning to eclipse 
those of Ron. One piece of evidence that was cited in this argument 
was that Barty Crouch, Jr. (in the guise of Moody) told Harry and 
Hermione they'd make good aurors, but did not extend the 
same "compliment" to Ron. 

Me:
I thought of it more as a divisive comment. Moody probably sees how important Ron is to Harry, and this "compliment" also happens to put Ron down. Ron then would become jealous or resent Harry or Hermione for being "better" than him. I doubt this worked, though.

It could also be that it was his true opinion... Harry and Hermione may very well possess the qualities Moody saw in the Aurors who caught him and his cohorts: Besides magical talent, they are fairly honest people who thwart evil on the weekends.

-Danger Mouse