(no subject)

[mmmarcusz.livejournal.com]

One thing that bothers me about the twins is that no matter what they do, they get away with it. There are never any consequences. When they sneak Harry out of his house, flying a magic car into a Muggle area, there are no legal consequences and Molly blusters but doesn't do anything. When they more or less ignore how badly Ginny's getting on (as do Percy and Ron), and don't notice she's being bewitched, there's no real guilt.

They give Harry the Marauders' Map - what if he disappeared some day - would they have told the authorities that they gave him a method of sneaking out of school? Or just stayed quiet and hoped things worked out?

They slip Dudley Ton-Tongue Toffees - he could have died, but again no consequences. They win their bet with Bagman (it was never explained how they knew it - maybe they used magical means in an early draft) but never face consequences (given that the Ministry is notoriously corrupt, it's surprising that Ludo is always on the defensive, and never tries to e.g. get Arthur fired or have the twins prosecuted for their illegal testing). And then Harry hands them a pile of cash, because there are no more worthy causes.

In OOTP, they spy on Order meetings (how bad is the security?) but no DEs seem to exploit this. They also drop out of school without qualifications - unlike in real life, where this would lead to months of them sitting about in the Burrow doing nothing, they instead become master businessmen.

In HBP, their shop sells stuff that is obviously dangerous if exploited, but even when the DEs use their powder, no-one blames them for selling it, or questions a society that allows such weapons to be owned.

In DH, Fred is killed, but a heroic death in battle. It would be much more likely for him to be killed in one of the twins' experiments gone wrong - this would actually force George to undergo some sort of reflection or growth as a character - but as it is, it confirms that Fred was great and everything the twins did was great.

Comments

[dungeonwriter.livejournal.com]

I think any mention of Harry would have flipped Percy out. This was his moment, Merlin damn it, and he just wanted that one second of everyone being proud of him.

If I could have counseled Arthur, (I'm no therapist, but I'm a Percy-like person) to avoid blow ups like this.

First, do not engage in this battle in public. Percy has been humiliated by his family (cough, twins, cough) a lot and is on his guard around them. Do it privately.

Perhaps taking him to the shed for a celebratory firewhiskey, and a man to man talk to discuss this wonderful promotion.

Lavish praise. Lavish it like it's Fred and George and not the odd duck son you tacitly ignore. Tell Percy he deserves it.

Warn Percy that this is a high pressure position. "People will attempt to use you for position, or information. Will you promise me you will continue to be the fair son I love so much and not let people abuse you?"

Percy would be grateful that Arthur is appreciating his fairness.

"Also, try not to get Harry involved. I know he's a political hot potato, just make sure you say he's just a friend of your brother and you barely know him. Fudge's been interested, and I know you might be asked as well. DOn't let your perosnal life interfer with your work."

That might have worked.

[oneandthetruth.livejournal.com]

But-but-you seem to be suggesting that somebody other than the author's self-inserts and their cronies is deserving of courtesy and consideration. Worse yet, this person is somebody who's interfered with the designated fun, likable characters, a stodgy fussbudget control freak. Don't you get it? People like that deserve only to be ridiculed. Heck, that's why they exist! (Just like Snape and MWPP.)

[dungeonwriter.livejournal.com]

Sigh, the sad thing is, that's so very true.