What We Learned - Blog Posts

Lavender Brown

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

While some may adore this holiday, others find it grotesque, so to honour both the day and the feelings everyone relates to it (both good and bad) today is the perfect day to relate and explore Lavender Brown

Lavender Brown was just so god-damn annoying. I hated her, I still hate her, rewatching and rereading I still hate her and while for some it might be because she was “between Hermione and Ron getting together”--Lavender wasn’t, Ron was; there isn’t that level of dislike for Victor Krum, because he’s not a pain in the ass. In class we saw her barely paying attention or whining (you’re learning MAGIC girl, focus!), was very overdramatic, gullible and influenced (relationship with Trelawney), didn’t trust Harry or Dumbledore about Voldemort, infatuated with Lockhart (weird, that’s what they have in common) and Trelawny, had no independce or confidence and for us who had been growing up with Hermione, Lavender was always a contrast (and a bit of a bully to Hermione) and we just saw more of what we didn’t always like about her in Year Six. With Ron she’s in that (and from what we feel would always be) someone who is having their first boyfriend/girlfriend, OMG I totally love you even though it’s only been 3 days, we’re going to get married, live happily ever after, middle school romance...but at 16/17, and incredibly one-sided. Would they have lasted forever? No, from the beginning it was clear, to those he told, that Ron was more about being in a relationship than the relationship itself (yeah, asshole move). And, while Lavender was right that there was something going on between Ron and Hermione, it wasn’t right to act on it as 1) they weren’t acting any differently than they used to and 2) no romantic relationship should replace any friendships. Yes, over time people split up, but as an ultimatum, it’s the first step of the romantic relationships quick demise (and true with friendships where one tries to rid other friendships). She was just a whiny, petty, privileged American, ugh. 

Now, what did we learn? Regardless of her judgement and attitude she joined Dumbledore’s Army and fought in the Battle of Hogwarts, reminding us that everyone has layers. She also was a great friend to Seamus and Pavarti. Who knows, maybe had Harry, Ron and Hermione not been constantly busy saving the universe they would have all been friends, or at least friendlier and found they had more in common than we thought because we know a lot about Lavender’s annoying traits and her personality, but little else because it was easier to see her more dramatic side. So, Lavender Brown, you do remind us that not everyone is the same, not everyone will get along, not everyone is going to best your very best friend but that everyone still deserves respect, understanding and compassion

Charlie Weasley

Whatever it is, do it. If you love it, if you want it, just DO IT

Bill Weasley

I went back and forth with doing a “what I learned from Bill Weasley” because I feel like I barely know Bill.This is especially apparent in comparison with the rest of the Weasleys (sorry Charlie--ha). I know he’s a good son and husband. A werewolf and a hard worker. But not so much of Bill, as Bill.

But, while we don’t learn much about Bill directly, he does remind us of some things quite prominently. From his relationship with Fleur, we are reminded that relationships are deeper than appearances, the importance of being a good person and son with his relationship with his parents (and especially his mother), and from his experiences with Goblins and at Gringotts the importance of deep respect and politeness. Finally, do not be a prat. as he was so excited to join his mother at Hogwarts to wish Harry good luck before the third task of the Triwizard tournament. 

So thank you Bill, we might barely know you, but you still have taught us well. 

Tonks!

Nymphadora Tonks (can definitely understand why we went with the later name). While Hermione and Luna are polar opposites each taught us how to accept ourselves for who we are, Tonks was just, different. Maybe it was because she was older and more established, maybe it was just because she was the epitome of cool, but she was always, from the moment we knew of her, knew she was cool and who she was. She didn’t care about her flaws because they were just part of who she was and she was awesome and continues to be the only person who wears their flaws with pride and confidence as how they are

While re-reading and knowing about her live and difficulties with Lupin, I get pissed of at him of course, but just want to tell her that I know she’s right and to just told on because it seemed for once she was afraid of not knowing, of not being that confident person and not because she might be wrong or lost or confused but because of living without love. And how horrible a life that would be

“Don’t pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love”

Oh, and what a true werewolf at HEART