Why Was Every Weasley Angry at Percy in the Later Books and Has He Been Able to Redeem Himself?

Throughout the Harry Potter series, readers have been divided on the character of Percy Weasley. He is often portrayed as an ambitious and arrogant individual, who threw his family under the bus to gain favor with the Ministry of Magic. His actions, particularly in the later books Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince, further alienated him from his family, leading to a period of significant tension. However, according to the narrative, Percy does manage to redeem himself before the final battle, at the Battle of Hogwarts. This article will explore why Percy was so unpopular with his family and whether he was able to regain their trust.

The Betrayal of Family Values

In the later books, particularly in Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince, Percy is depicted as a character who increasingly prioritizes his career over his family. By siding with the Ministry of Magic, he seems to have ignored the growing threat of Voldemort, which goes against the values and beliefs of his family.

Conflict with Family

Percy's decision to sever ties with his family after the events of Goblet of Fire further exacerbated the tension. His criticism of his family's support for Harry and Dumbledore alienated him from his kin, particularly his siblings Ron and Ginny, and even his parents. His insistence on prioritizing his job over family loyalty created a significant rift within the Weasley household.

Lack of Empathy

During critical moments, Percy's attitude towards his family members, especially his siblings, displayed a lack of understanding and empathy. His dismissive behavior towards Ron and Ginny during these times was particularly frustrating and contributed to the growing animosity within the family.

Can Percy Weasley Redeem Himself?

Despite his initial troubles, Percy does manage to redeem himself by the end of the series. After witnessing the Ministry's corruption and the true nature of Voldemort's threat, Percy realizes the error of his ways. He ultimately returns to his family during the Battle of Hogwarts, where he fights alongside them.

During the battle, Percy's actions, including saving Fred, help to mend his relationship with the Weasleys. By the end of the series, Percy is depicted as having matured and reestablished his place within the family. This significant redemption arc not only shows Percy's growth as a character but also highlights the importance of family and a change in perspective.

Conclusion

While Percy Weasley's journey in the later Harry Potter books is marked by his initial betrayal and arrogance, he does manage to find redemption by the end of the series. His character arc serves as a valuable lesson on the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and the value of family. Despite some initial resistance, Percy's actions during the Battle of Hogwarts ultimately earn the trust and support of the Weasley family, showcasing a powerful redemption story.