The Old Crowd (Just how important *is* this guy?)

[Jonathan Pessin]

No: HPFGUIDX 54516

Corinth wrote:
"I rather like the idea of the Old Crowd being a mix of the best and
brightest of those who wanted to help the fight against Voldemort but
whom the MoM would not take seriously (young students, eccentric but
brilliant scientists, young reformed ex-Death Eaters, etc.)."

David added:
"No doubt some were (are?) like that, but I think if this group
represents Dumbledore's inclusive vision, it will have very ordinary 
witches and wizards in it too.  People like Ernie Prang (no, that's not
meant to be a prediction).  Even squibs.  Of course, the MOM 
wouldn't take them seriously, either.

I continue:
I'm not sure if this has been discussed before, but for a while now,
I've wanted a Muggle to enter the Wizarding World and make a true
difference.  I know that this wouldn't have as much of an effect on the
readers, since we all know - from personal experience - that Muggles CAN
do things.  I'm thinking of the effect it may have on the Wizarding
World: a Muggle, a helpless, insignificant, can't-even-do-magic Muggle,
helps Dumbledore win the war.  Think of the effect on Malfoy if he's
finally defeated by a "stinking Muggle scum."  Think about Arthur
Weasley - his darling, childlike Muggles show that they AREN'T all
foolish and shortsighted.  Think of the effect on Fudge, or Harry
himself!  This, I think, would be one of Dumbledore's greatest strikes
in favor of Muggle tolerance: a Muggle is part of the "Old Crowd," as it
were, the Order of the Phoenix (if that's what the Order truly refers
to).  THAT would be world-shaping reform.

Hobbit-guy, who wants those fictional people to know that magic does
not equal respect. 

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"You haven't been getting into the Gaffer's home brew again, have
you?"
"No... Well, yes, but that's beside the point."
-Frodo and Bilbo Baggins, Fellowship of the Rings Extended Edition DVD