OoP: Percy's sorting

[catherinemckiernan]

No: HPFGUIDX 63558

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "phoenix_suzaku18"
<phoenix_suzaku18 at y...> wrote:
> s
> p
> o
> i
> l
> e
> r
> 
> s
> p
> a
> c
> e
> 
> I know it's not just me when I say that Percy's actions really miffed 
> me in OoP. And I seriously think the sorting hat placed him in the 
> wrong house. His behavior is exactly that of a Slytherin!
>      Evidence?
>      First of all, his letter to Ron. (pg.296-298 OoP. That should 
> say it all...)He openly admits to disowning his "misgiuded" parents. 
> He also wrote, "I consider myself lucky to have escaped the stigma of 
> association with such people". Not to mention his bragging about 
> being a Prefect, or (Big-)Head Boy, or working for that *fabulous* 
> Mr.Crouch in previous years.My point?
>      Did the Sorting Hat become complacent by time Percy Weasley came 
> along? Because it is apparent to me that he is not "chivalrous" 
> (sorting hat song PS/SS) or brave as Gryffindors should be. IMHO he 
> took the coward's path by disowning his family just so he wouldn't 
> look bad. And as we know of Slytherins, "Those cunning folks use any 
> means/To achieve their ends."
> BTW I hope I'm not coming off as too miffed, I'm not really. But 
> Percy's willingness to ditch his family in crisis, is not the 
> behavior of a true Gryffindor. I truly hope he saw the light along 
> with the rest of the WW -- and that Percy's wearing the jumper he 
> returned all summer long as pennance. 
> 
> -Suzaku the Phoenix
> (1st time poster)

Hi Suzaku, welcome aboard.

I see what you mean, but personally I don't think Percy's actions were
necessarily un-Gryffindor. The defining Gryffindor characteristic is
bravery, with a dash of honour and chivalry. Well, Percy was certainly
brave in defying the opinions of his large, close family, who
subsequently cut him off completely, and sticking to the position he
believed was right. Percy, from his perspective, is taking the route
that is right rather than the one that is easy. Honour and chivalry,
well, I suppose he was defending Fudge whom he believed to be under
unjustifiable attack. I think the question is, will he now do the
brave thing again and apologise?


Catherine McK