[HPforGrownups] Re: Sympathy to the characters WAS: Respecting the Dursleys

[Magpie]

No: HPFGUIDX 159732

> Magpie:
>
> I've always thought that strong Gryffindor taboo of not picking on
> those weaker than you are was one of those things where the memory of
> the text is corrupted--it's not there.  The Twins go after people two
> against one.  They go after Percy, they try to join Harry in beating
> up Draco (only one can), they turn Neville into a canary, they shove
> Montague into a Cabinet two against one, they hex Zach from behind,
> they give Dudley the toffee.  "Deserving it" always trumps "weaker."

> J:
>
> Well, I think you have to realize what is done as "fun" and what is done 
> to truely hurt someone.
>
> The Weasley twins turning Neville into a canary (With their Canary Creams) 
> isn't some thing to be concidered "cruel" maybe rude, not increadibly 
> nice, but they weren't trying to harm him... the same with Dudley. They 
> just wanted to give Dudley a taste of his own medicine and he was returned 
> to normal.
>
> As far as Anyone being horrible to Draco or other "bad-guys" in the series 
> (sorry to all you Draco enthusiasts) but they have earned their 
> punishment.

Magpie:
But that's my point.  If something is taboo you don't do it, period.  And if 
you do it's a huge deal, something shameful.  It's not something you don't 
do unless it's in fun, or you don't really mean to hurt the person (whether 
or not they're aware of it), or you think the person has earned having it 
done to them.  If you did it three times last week and it was no big deal, 
it's probably not a taboo.

-m