Ron's talents

[scoutmom21113]

No: HPFGUIDX 96965

celletiger:
I want Ron personally to give me something to chew on now, not in 
the (slim?) chance he does get to sacrafice himself for Harry.  If 
he does get to perform this ultimate sacrafice, as forshadowed in 
PS/SS, my argument is that he's offered nothing in between (except 
an attentive ear?).  

Bookworm:
Sometimes an attentive ear is more important than we realize; your 
analogy of a `cup of pain' is striking even if they are just 
studying or hanging out together. But I think I understand what you 
are saying – something a little less subtle? I see several roles for 
Ron, some of them not much more active. I think his strange 
divination talent will be important, as will his strategic (chess) 
skills. IMO we have only seen hints of them because Ron isn't the 
studious, ambitious sort. 

Ron is also the trio's connection to understanding the WW. Hermione 
is muggle-born, Harry is muggle-raised. They can learn about the WW, 
but they don't *know* it the way Ron does. Hermione learns the 
facts, but doesn't always understand them in context. A rough 
analogy: it is one thing to read about Niagara Falls – how much 
water flows, that they are loud, etc. – it is a completely different 
experience to stand there and hear the thunder, feel the spray and 
watch as millions of gallons of water drop off a cliff in front of 
you.

It is through Ron's reaction that we can see how others would react 
to learning Lupin is a werewolf. Harry finds out Hagrid is part-
giant and says basically, "So, what?" It's all just part of this new 
world he has entered. Ron's reaction wasn't quite so bland. ;-)

celletiger:
We know why Harry loves Ron as a friend.  Why does Ron love Harry as 
a friend?  

Bookworm:
Because Harry sees *Ron*, not someone else's younger brother 
or `just another red-haired Weasley.'

Ravenclaw Bookworm