Percy (was : Re: Ron is like Percy (plus more Weasley thoughts)

[vmonte]

No: HPFGUIDX 89265

Del wrote: 
My sister and I didn't tease each other and here's why : we grew up 
in France, where teasing in a national sport. We went to school, 
where teasing was the main way of communication between students. It 
might have sounded innocent, but it actually did a lot of damage to 
our self-esteem. When people keep mocking you, you begin to wonder if 
they don't truly mean what they say. You have to be absolutely sure 
of their love for you, and that they really don't mean it, to come 
out of it without any doubt about yourself. And teenagers rarely have 
that kind of certainties.
When I read about how the twins treat their siblings, I have bad, 
painful memories coming up. Memories of people who pretended to love 
me, but who kept saying hurtful things to me, or who kept undermining 
everything I did (like the twins undermined Percy's and Ron's jobs as 
Prefects).
But I don't see that Percy is taking himself really too seriously. 
He's rightfully proud of his accomplishments. He's shouldering his 
responsibilities squarely whenever he has to, and expects respect for 
that. He's doing well at work, and rightfully expects to be 
complimented for that. That's what family is for, isn't it ? When a 
member of my family does something great, I compliment them, it seems 
natural to me.

vmonte responds:
I'm sorry people made fun of you when you were growing up.  But I 
don't think that what you experienced is the same as what Percy has 
experienced from his brothers. 

I see the Weasley family as being very loving. I do not see it the 
way you do.  Percy is who he is not because he was treated badly by 
his brothers but because he has made his own unique choices in life.

You are right that there is nothing wrong with having friends who do 
not have a sense of humor, it's just difficult for those that do 
because they may have to walk on egg shells all day long.