They're teenagers

[juli17 at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 125492

One thing I try to remember while I'm reading the HP books is that we are dealing with teenagers here. Teenagers are rash and impulsive, they often don't consider the consequences of their actions, and believe they are indestructible. This is natural, since it's all part of the human maturation process. They also can be very hurtful to each other, no more so than when they are siblings. While reading, I also do my best to judge them all on the same scale.

Thus, both Ron's and Hermoine's reactions in the Shrieking Shack--refering to Lupin by the derogatory "werewolf"--are to me very similar to Snape's angry dismissal of Lily as a "mudblood." They all spoke under stressful situations, in the heat of the moment. They said the first thing that came to mind in their anger and/or fear (something that often comes into the minds of adults too in similar situations, though adults have better control of their impulses and don't as often simply blurt out their first thoughts). To me their words demonstrate more their lack of maturity than their truest opinions. And, in the case of Snape, his words as an adolescent don't necessarily reflect his beliefs as an adult, since we all mature and change as we become adults (well, most of us anyway!).

Regarding the twins and Percy, Fred and George do indeed torment Percy. It's not uncommon for siblings to torment each other (and that's an understatement!). Again, they're teenagers, which isn't an excuse, but it is a reason for their immaturity and their lack of perception (that tormenting Percy isn't a constructive act). Siblings pick on each other because they are "safe" targets (friends might end the relationship, but siblings can't). But I don't see the twins as horrible, just immature. 

Julie