The Trio in Balance (+ additional characters)

[rachelbeth007]

No: HPFGUIDX 63401

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "redandgoldlion" <rpquate at e...> 
wrote:
>    Let's review, ok?
>  Here's Brief Chronicles wonderful little chart again:
> SS = HRH
> CoS = R+Harry
> PoA = Herm+Harry
> GoF = Harry
>    ...but now, we can add...
> OoP = primarily the Trio (starring Harry) + Trio#2 (starring Neville)
>    So what next? Another book with *just* Harry as it's main point? I 
> doubt it. Though I'm sure Harry will continue to be the overall main 
> character (hence the name of the series), I think and hope that 
> others will show up more. Perhaps, to keep the Trio(s)  balanced, 
> she'll do book 6 featuring R+H and book 7 Harry and Neville (thus 
> includeing Trio#2). I suppose we'll have to see, but 2 Trio's are 
> much harder to balance than one!
>    ~redandgoldlion~

I enjoy this perspective on canon.  By simplifying the action into this "chart", 
one can definitely see an the interesting way the series has developed.

Some people have complained about the expansion of characters that are 
involved in OotP.  IMO, this expanded cast is necessary (and awesome).  As 
the threat of evil grows in the wizarding world, so must the defense.  The 
second war has begun.  While the central conflict lies between Harry and 
Voldie (as the prophecy cemented), Harry will need help along the way.  I 
don't think you could fight a war against evil without a more expansive and 
developed cast.  It increases our (and Harry's) emotional investment in the 
war because more people we know and love could die at the hands of the 
rising evil.     

I think the original Trio will continue to be the core of the books.  Even if/when 
characters from the second Trio rise in importance/involvement (i.e. by 
helping more in the fight against evil, through a ship, etc.), the HRH 
relationship is central to Harry.  Ron and Hermione have been there for him 
since the beginning (both were integral to recovering the SS), making 
unconditional sacrifices and showing him a level of love and friendship he 
never knew before.  Now that a certain person is gone, their support will be 
even more important.

In my eyes, the second "trio" of primary characters (I hesitate to capitalize) is a 
welcome addition.  The rise of KickAss!Neville was a wonderful development, 
and his connection to the prophecy was surprising.  The amount of backstory 
in 1-4 on Neville hinted at his importance in the future, and I was glad to see 
him shine in OotP. 

ManKillah/QuidditchQueen!Ginny (just using some names I've seen) was 
awesome.  I have to disagree with those who believe she has changed too 
much, too quickly.  Teenagers change quickly--emotionally, physically, 
mentally, etc, and we already saw signs of Ginny's maturation in GoF 
(keeping Hermione's secrets, keeping her date with Neville, etc.).  She's 
obviously an exceptional girl (many references are made to her magical 
abilities), and I love that she's showing she's got game on the ptich.  I can't 
wait to see her as a Gryffindor Chaser in Book Six and who she dates next 
(Dean, Neville, Harry???).

Loopy/Loony!Luna was a trip.  Some people are like, "where did she come 
from?", but you know, Harry isn't always the most observant guy.  Luna was 
there all along (a hint at her family's existence was in GoF), but not until she 
was put literally right in front of him did he take notice of her existence.  I 
enjoyed her quirkiness and her interactions with Hermione especially.  Her 
crush on Ron is hilarious as well.

Enough from me.  
Rach