[HPforGrownups] Ron's dirt-smudged nose

[Melissa Worcester]

No: HPFGUIDX 111358

macfotuk wrote:

>I think in this same chapter (and again in the film) there was the 
>sunshine, mellow spell failing to work on Scabbers (i.e. turn him 
>yellow) which becomes understandable only later in PoA when we find 
>out that Scabbers=Pettigrew - it is as likely that the spell was 
>countered as Ron having got it wrong or that it was a lousy spell on 
>Fred and George's part - the explanation offered by Ron in the book.

>Any comments or theories about Ron's dirt-smudged nose would be 
>appreciated here. Is it just, perhaps, that JKR is saying 'typical 
>boy doesn't even know his nose is dirty because he doesn't care 
>about his appearance'? Or something else?

This is an interesting point.

First, though, I think that the spell was a bad one. It doesn't sound at all like any of the other spells we here them learning and using. Secondly, Fred and George told Ron something about wrestling a troll and other misinformation, so I kind of think stuff they tell Ron isn't always to be trusted.

I think it's most likely that the dirt smudge is to point out the stark difference between Ron and Hermione. Ron had already been told about the dirt but doesn't seem to care, and Hermione notices it right away. Maybe to lead us to believe these two could never get together, but a red herring, obviously :-)  And notice that Harry doesn't seem to have been bothered by the dirt smudge, though he's been talking with Ron since the train ride began.

Melissa



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