Dad Off: Remus vs. Sirius
Father’s Day has come and gone, and it made me think of all the father figures that Harry has had in his life. Two of the first characters that came to mind were Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.
Now there is no denying that these two combined make the best father. Combined, they balance each other out, creating the perfect parent who is fair, fun, and strict. But what about on their own? Kevin Assam, MuggleNet Content Team staff member, says, “Sirius could be thought of as the father you want, while Remus is the father you need.” Of course, I have my own opinion, but first, let’s weigh the pros and cons (I will try to be unbiased until the end ;)).
Option 1: Sirius Black
For the short time that Sirius is in Harry’s life, it is evident that Harry looks up to him. He is always able to make the best of a bad situation and make Harry smile. There is also absolutely no doubt that Sirius loves Harry with all his heart. Sirius also values Harry’s safety. On numerous occasions, Sirius reminds Harry to be safe and not do anything reckless. He wants to warn Harry about what is coming in the fifth book but is stopped. He wants Harry to have all the details so he can be better prepared to face the future. Reckless behavior is synonymous with Sirius Black. Throughout his youth, he was always making what could be argued as bad decisions. He probably learned many valuable lessons through these negative decisions, which he could use to guide Harry through his bad decisions.
However, there is a chance that this reckless behavior could backfire and make Sirius a bad candidate. He has a habit of running from responsibilities, and Azkaban could have furthered his reckless behavior. He was cooped up in prison for 13 years, losing out on his younger years where reckless behavior usually takes place. Then he is cooped up in Grimmauld Place, where he is still virtually a prisoner looking for any way to escape. When he was free, he took unnecessary risks that put him in jeopardy.
Option 2: Remus Lupin
Remus was in Harry’s life a little longer than Sirius and was automatically placed in a parental role, being a teacher. Remus is a natural dad and cared for all the students at Hogwarts. From teaching the students that they can conquer their greatest fears through the boggart, or teaching Harry that the happy memories can help dull the painful ones through the Patronus Charm, he taught his students valuable life lessons. He is a kind and gentle soul who teaches through guidance. Even from a young age, he was the voice of reason for the Marauders. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, although (as with most people) the line can blur when it involves the ones he loves.
There is the major downside of him being a werewolf, however. As to be expected, this has had a major impact on his life and the way that he views himself. I know what you are all thinking: “Remus abandoned his child!!” He ran from parental responsibility just like Sirius. It would be hard for Remus to give a child all the love and support they need when he doesn’t love himself. Amy Hogan, MuggleNet Creative Team Assistant Manager, says, “It’s tough because I think Remus would have struggled a lot with fatherhood because of his inability to see himself as deserving happiness. As a parent, you need to project self-worth onto your child.” This also puts his child in danger on a monthly basis, and the idea that he could hurt his own child terrifies him to the core.
Personally, I think that Remus would be a better father figure for Harry than Sirius. Remus has a stable head on his shoulders and experience taking care of children. There is a potion that Remus can take to reduce the side effects of his lycanthropy, making him harmless during the full moon. The love that Harry would give him would over time help him realize that he does deserve love.
Felicia Grady, MuggleNet Senior Copy Editor, agrees with me, saying, “Remus was very happy after the birth of his child and only wanted ”to make a world in which he could live a happier life” (Deathly Hallows 480). Remus would have made a wonderful father had he been given the chance to.” However, Cassie Kidd, MuggleNet Creative Team staff member, disagrees. She says, “If in some alternate universe Remus had never been bitten and he was NOT a werewolf, then I would probably vote Remus. But as it stands, I say Sirius.”
What do you guys think? Comment and explain below!!
