Ron's "poor me" syndrome.

[Jim Ferer]

No: HPFGUIDX 106241

Alla: "Is it a mortal sin for Ron to complain about his poorness?  
Surely not, BUT it does get very annoying."

Katie: "Ron's minor complaints may annoying to you, but I find them 
realistic and at times almost endearing. I read over your list of 
quotes and couldn't help but think, "so what?" Ron's life IS hard.  I
don't think he's a constant complainer."

Tina: "I've often wondered if, at some point, Ron won't do something
stupid (against the Cause) for money. Not really a bribe, per se ...
but that he might come across a chance to gain money and his actions
might cause problems."

There was a time Ron was an "at-risk" member of the Trio.  He wasn't
going to betray Harry in the traitorous, Freddie Corleone sense, but
he easily could have let Harry down, failed to show up at a critical
time, out of resentment or envy.

I believe his money complaints were really self-esteem complaints.
Either way, I think they're likely behind him. Ron had a good year
this year, and his sense of self-worth has gotten major boosts this
year. Among them:

He's a prefect, a mark of honor
He's out from under the shadow of Forge
He's had some success on the Quidditch pitch
He did well as Harry's mate and friend. (the fact he was taken out of
the action by the brains doesn't hurt, IMO)

I'm guessing he feels a lot better.  I hope his O.W.L's went well.

I do not believe that friendship with a famous superstar hurts a
person's self-esteem as long as they have a feeling of place of their
own.  Ron and Harry can accept each other for who they are.  Besides,
Ron has seen Harry's lot isn't all that enviable.

Jim Ferer