What's Arthur been up to (was Re: relationships/ages of characters)

[hermionegallo]

No: HPFGUIDX 80686

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "hermionegallo" 
<hermionegallo at y...> wrote:
from hg's original post "What's Arthur been up to"
"Either way, it seems clear that something happened 
with Percy: it was either right before the third Triwizard task, or 
it was after that argument with Arthur; but something happened that 
changed him."

Susan (Potterfanme) replied
"You know, I think I have to disagree with it being clear that 
something has happened to Percy to change him."

hg again:
I know, it's pretty unpopular around here to see Percy as acting out 
of character, but I stand by it in my flame-proof vest.  I can't 
assume that his brothers' comments necessarily prove that he's 
ambitious to the extent of abandoning his family.  I think we know JK 
well enough now that the simplest explanation isn't always the 
correct one.  And I'll be prepared to accept whatever outcome there 
is for Percy in books 6 and 7 (yes, even the simplest one).
 
Let's consider my reply to Susan here an extention of my original 
post, "What's Arthur been up to," otherwise it will quickly spiral 
down into "Percy really is a git," and I said some things in my 
original post to which I'm eagerly looking for replies.
as always, respectfully, hg.

Kneazle255:
I am conflicted regarding Percy in OoTP.

Percy right from the start has been an priggish git. He has, however, 
consistently shown concern for other members of his family. And for 
Harry.  That's canon up thru the 2nd Task in GoF. And he has to have 
the scoop on Harry's previous encounters with Voldemort (SS and CoS). 
Ron and Ginny were both deeply involved in all that. 

Here's my issue. Everyone in OoTP acts like V's return is a massive 
shock. Everyone outside the trio, the Weasleys, and the Order act 
like V is back from the grave. But he is not. He just found a way to 
get a body back. He never was really gone.

The return shouldn't be such a big shock for Percy. He knew Voldemort 
was never really dead and gone. And I have a hard time believing that 
Percy would suddenly stop caring for his siblings, although I can see 
how a late teenage rebellion could color his relationship with his 
parents.

So what is up with him?

I hope Harry gets to hear an explanation form Percy in Book 6!