OOP: Percy

[zanelupin]

No: HPFGUIDX 66094

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, jennifer.r.junker at w... wrote:
> 		
> Snip I see Percy as being a huge bundle of pride, resentment, 
guilt, and
> dignity at the moment, and it's going to be a long time before he 
can mend
> fences with the family again, even though the Ministry now accept
> Voldemort's return. snip
> 
> 
> I actually am less disgusted by Dudley Dursley then Percy. (After 
all look
> how Dudley was raised.  While it doesn't completely excuse his 
behavior, I
> can at least understand its cause).  IMO Percy should know better- 
and the
> fact that he chooses the path he has taken (if he isn't under the 
cursiatus
> curse) is indicative of a serious character flaw. Yes, many people 
make
> mistakes- particularly at a young age.  Disowning your family - and 
choosing
> to believe someone you work with over your parents about something 
as
> serious as Voldemort's return- makes me wonder what's wrong with 
him.
>
> Another thing about Percy- why was he in Gryffindor?  What bravery 
has he
> shown?  The only thing I can think of is that JKR is going to use 
Percy in
> the next book or two in a way that redeems him.
> 
> 
> Sorry if this has been discussed before- I'm new here- and can't 
keep up
> with the emails!
> 
> Jennifer

I believe Percy has been discussed quite a bit, but seeing as I 
didn't jump into any of those conversations, I'll just start here.  
The first thing I want to address is Percy showing bravery.  
Personally, I think it was very courageous of Percy to stand up to 
his family and follow his ambition.  It's a very difficult thing to 
stand apart from one's family, particularly when the family is as 
strongly opinionated as the Weasleys are.  He may not have made a 
wise decision, but it was brave.  
Secondly, I was also not pleased with Percy's behavior in OOP, but I 
understood where he was coming from.  He's always been ambitious and 
proud of his accomplishments.  Why would he give that up?  Especially 
when he was achieving success where his father never has.  
Finally, I also think that Percy's pride will get in the way of his 
return to the Weasley fold.  I'm willing to bet some of them at least 
will welcome him back with open arms, but I don't think Percy will 
immediately apologize for being wrong about Harry or Voldemort or 
Fudge or the things he said to his father.  So he'll spend some more 
time away from the Weasleys.

Anyways, I again apologize because I know people have been discussing 
this in other messages, but I just thought I'd throw something out 
there.

Have an action-packed, fun-filled day,

KathyK (who really needs to get off the computer and go to work)