[HPforGrownups] Re: OOtP: Molly's Shortcomings

[Shaun Hately]

No: HPFGUIDX 66418

(I apologise if this comes through twice - my ISP reported an error 
in sending, but I don't trust its messages - but I sent it over half 
an hour ago and it hasn't shown up in the archives so I will risk it).

On 30 Jun 2003 at 23:31, megalynn44 wrote:

> I asked before OOP what did Molly do with her time? If the Weasley's
> were so strapped for cash why didn't she get a job, the kids are out
> of the house most the year. However, now it is evident that that is
> where she is in her element. She seems most talented at running a
> household, and even though, especially today, not many people value
> that, I think she is a valuable asset being the person she is. 

I think you've nailed that perfectly.

Remember, the member of the Order of the Phoenix are out there risking
their lives. They are opposing evil, and they know it's dangerous.
Grimmauld Place is their safehouse - because Dumbledore is it's secret
keeper, it is one of the only places they can be secure, that they can
be safe, where they can relax. And Molly Weasley is trying to make it 
a
place where they can do that securely, where they can basically be at
home, be relaxed, and given the nature of the place (Sirius' mother, 
for
a start) this is not a minor task.

I work in an area where after September 11, we found ourselves working
on matters relating to protecting against terrorism. We weren't in
danger, but we were stressed out beyond belief, working well over 100
hours a week, and coming close to cracking under the strain. Because
most of us live at least an hour from work, we didn't really have time
to waste going home so we took to crashing at a friends house only 
about
10 minutes from work. He still lives with his mother - and I'll tell
you, she saved our sanity - basically by doing what Molly is doing.
She's the stereotypical mother too (-8 It wasn't a minor thing for us.
It helped us keep things together. And we weren't at Order of the
Phoenix stress levels.

It's like the canteens run in war zones for soldiers - places where 
they can relax, and try and get themselves back into mental shape. 
It's not a minor thing at all.

It's hard to describe what its like when you've been working like a
maniac for thirty hours straight and you walk into a place where 
there's a hot meal, or even just a cup of tea waiting for you (-8.

I'm sure Molly would be perfectly capable of doing other things - and
perfectly willing too. But her contribution is important even as it 
is.

And, frankly, I wouldn't be at all surprised if the Order is keeping 
her doing what she is doing *because* she has Ron and Ginny to take 
care of. She still has minor children in her care, and while we see 
the Order say that they will take care of them if they have to, they 
must know the best thing they can do for those kids is keep Molly 
Weasley alive.

Personally, I was rather sad to see that Snape doesn't eat with the
Order. Especially after seeing the memories he keeps hidden. I hate 
and despise the man (I wish I didn't, I'd like to like him) but if 
anything could ever bring him into the fold, I think it's her. 
Provided he didn't react to her kindness, the way he did to Lily's of 
course.

Dash it all - writing this has got me all emotional. This is why I 
love these books. Because they can do that to me.