Would the Weasley Family Have Joined the Order of the Phoenix Without Their Connection to Harry?

The involvement of the Weasley family in the Order of the Phoenix (OotP) is significantly influenced by their close relationships, especially with Harry Potter. However, an in-depth analysis reveals that even without this connection, their values, beliefs, and previous involvement in the fight against dark forces would likely have led them to join the OotP.

Values and Beliefs

The Weasley family, particularly Arthur and Molly, are deeply committed to fighting against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Their strong moral compass and belief in the fight for justice would motivate them to join the OotP. This intrinsic belief in the rightness of their cause is evident throughout the series, and it would have driven them to join regardless of their relationship to Harry.

Family Connections

While their close relationship with Harry strengthens their ties to the OotP, they also have connections to other members of the Order such as Sirius Black (Harry's godfather) and Remus Lupin. Their loyalty to these individuals and the broader fight against dark forces would likely pull them into the cause. These relationships enhance their involvement but do not solely define it.

The Threat of Voldemort

As Voldemort's return becomes more evident, the Weasleys would feel a personal stake in the fight. Their family is already affected by the rise of dark magic, particularly with the threat posed to their own children and loved ones. The Weasleys have a deep-seated fear of losing their children, and this fear would motivate them to take action.

Previous Involvement

Even before Harry's arrival at Hogwarts, the Weasleys were involved in the wizarding community's efforts against Voldemort. Their connections and discussions about the war, especially after the first Order of the Phoenix, would have kept them engaged. Molly's brothers, Gideon and Fabian Prewett, were members of the first Order of the Phoenix and died fighting Voldemort. This history would have instilled in Molly and Arthur a sense of duty to continue this fight.

Sibling Loyalty and Responsibilities

Molly and Arthur were not just parents when the first Order of the Phoenix was formed. They had already eloped and had young children, which likely prevented them from joining then.

Molly, before marrying Arthur, was a Prewett. Her elder brothers Gideon and Fabian were killed by Death Eaters during the first war. Molly would have felt a strong personal connection to the cause, and the deaths of her brothers would have solidified her resolve to join.

In the new era, the Weasley children are grown and have their own responsibilities. Bertha Jorkins, Arthur's co-worker and sister-in-law, has been murdered, and Sirius Black is in Azkaban, leading to the death of Peter Pettigrew. The Weasley children, Bill and Ginny, would no longer be seen as children needing to be protected. They have their own families and futures to consider, reducing the fear of leaving young children orphaned.

Strong Moral Principles

What is shown over and over again in the books and movies is the fact that the Weasleys hold very strong morals at the risk of being alienated and ostracized. They stay loyal to Dumbledore despite the risks and are branded “blood traitors” because of their respect for Muggles. This illustrates that they are willing to risk danger to defend the causes that are important to them. Their commitment to defending the innocent and standing up against injustice would have been a driving force for joining the OotP, even without their connection to Harry.

Conclusion

While their close ties to Harry certainly enhance their motivations, the Weasley family's principles and the growing threat of Voldemort would likely have led them to join the Order of the Phoenix regardless of their relationship with him. Their strong moral compass, family values, and previous involvement in the fight against dark forces would have made their participation a natural and necessary step.