P

PORTKEY LINKS:

PERCY WEASLEY Updated September 5, 2005

PETER “WORMTAIL” PETTIGREW  Updated September 5, 2005

PERCY WEASLEY 

For being so smart, he sure is being stupid.  That’s what being smug will get you.  I thought the Sorting Hat put ambitious people in Slytherin.  There must be some hidden bravery inside our Percy and hopefully not all is lost for this Weasley.  I think he may be heading in the wrong direction but I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that he will redeem himself before it’s too late.  I wouldn’t want to see him fall into the same pit as Sirius' brother, Regulus, who ended up being killed by Voldemort when he tried not to be a Death Eater.  On the other hand, can we trust him?  Will he reconcile with his family or turn them over to the Dementors? Is blood thicker than ambition?  Big Sigh.  Hope so. 

I have heard that the name “Percival” was reserved for those of royal blood and if used by a commoner was punishable by the crown.  The shorter, less aristocratic version of “Percy” was perfectly condoned, on the other hand, for non-blue blood royals.   Well, Percy may be from a pure-blood wizarding family but he cannot lay claim to a crown so his commoner version name will have to do for the high and mighty Weasley.

But what’s in a name really?  In POA, it’s pretty clear Percy has decidedly set himself above the rest of his family and friends.  This is the first time we really get to know Percy.  He’s been appointed Head Boy at Hogwarts, a very honored and “royal” position of authority.  It’s kind of like recognizing his princely attributes, even if they are on the stuffy side.  Percy has a lot to say and do in POA while puffing out his chest and showing off his head boy badge, which in a pinch will do for a crown.  Being the oldest Weasley family member at school, it’s his responsibility to look after his younger brothers and sister, a task he fails to do I might add.  

Percy is always separating himself from the rest of his family and their friends in pursuit of more lofty, distinguished, and powerful people like Barty Crouch, Cornelius Fudge, and Dolores Umbridge.  It’s too bad he’s so bad at reading people’s character and is only interested in their position in life -- the higher the better.  

Percy’s lofty air keeps his nose turned up throughout GOF and OOTP… and even during the downfall of his idols, Barty Crotch, Sr, and Cornelius Fudge.  Well, I still have hope that know-it-all Percy will jump down from his high horse and join the rank and file once more… before it’s too late.  I don’t want Molly to have a reason to cry and be sad.

For more on who I think will be joining Cornelius Fudge in Azkaban read my thoughts about the Weasley’s clock. 

PETER “WORMTAIL” PETTIGREW 

The little vermin!  Peter indeed grew petty when he became a scab- er… and crossed the line to join Voldemort, and then ratted on his best friends!! 

Little Peter Pettigrew was one of Lily's and James’s best friends but that was all a sham.  His true loyalty was and is to Lord Voldemort.  Peter aka Wormtail betrayed Harry’s parents who were killed by the Dark Lord.  Then Wormtail staged his own dramatic fake death, transfigured into the rat, Scabbers, and went into hiding for the next twelve years.  Only when Sirius Black, Lily and James’s very best and loyal friend, escaped from Azkaban prison was it discovered that Wormtail was alive and Ron’s pet.  But of course, you know all this so here are a few things to think about. 

Wormtail, after cutting off his hand to help Voldemort return to a body and power, now has a lovely and deadly silver hand.  Is it a Horcrux? Who will he kill with it?  Of course, the first one to come to mind is Remus Lupin because he is a werewolf, was another best friend of Lily and James, and is now Wormtail’s enemy.  But I am hoping this is just a red herring on J.K.R.’s part.  Wormtail owes his life to Harry and this debt must be repaid.  I believe that we won’t see this happen until the end of the 7th book when Wormtail will be forced to choose between Voldemort and Harry.  Old magic rule out; he’s got to help Harry. 

Here’s a twist… Wormtail is a Snape house at the beginning of HBP.  Was Snape protecting Peter at his Spinner’s End abode?  It certainly didn’t look like he was holding Wormtail prisoner.  This is another confusing pairing, indeed. Would Snape keep company with someone he so disdains because Dumbledore asked him or because Voldemort ordered him to? 

For more on Peter look at “The Hand of Glory,” “Harry’s Immortality,” and “The Prophecy.”

(PROFESSOR) POMONA SPROUT

I think I would enjoy Herbology, aside from the venomous Tentacular, just because this dear little lady is the teacher.  And between Madame Pomfrey and Professor Sprout, who needs St. Mungos!  Pomona Sprout is an expert among her mild and wild flora and thank goodness she knows her Mandrakes.  I can’t believe her expertise won’t be called upon again… and Neville’s too, should the need arise to use the incredible defensive powers of the Mimbulous Mimbletonia.

*** 

My potions are still brewing. Please check back later.