Percy's letter

[s_karmol]

No: HPFGUIDX 80943

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "entropymail" 
<entropymail at y...> wrote:
> --- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Carolina <silmariel at t...> 
wrote:
> <snip> 
> > See Den's "Percy (yes, again :-)" #69029. One of the basic ideas of
> > that post is that the letter was edited by Umbridge, that Percy
> > wouldn't write that. I think he would.
> 
> Entropy:
> 
> Apologies if this has been mentioned before, but I looked back and
> hadn't seen anything about it:
> 
> I was struck today by re-reading Percy's letter to Ron in OOP. It
> seems so strange to me that Percy would refer to Harry as "Harry
> Potter" and, later, "Potter". Granted, it may have to do with Percy
> becoming an insufferable git, but nevertheless, it does seem odd that
> Percy would refer to this boy who has attended school with him for
> years, eaten breakfast with the family, seen him in his pj's, and been
> his brother's best friend since day one as anything but "Harry". Of
> course, canon shows Percy referring to him as "Harry" many many times.
>  Proof of someone else's hand in Percy's letter?
> 
> :: Entropy :: (who loves a good conspiracy theory)


By using Harry's full name or just his last makes Harry an object.  Using someone's first name is a way to show friendliness or good tidings. Percy is trying to do business with Ron in that letter.  It's very formal and uncaring.
If Percy was to use Harry's first name only, he would be admitting to having or wanting a friendship with him.

Just my opinion.
Stephanie