Why I Would Choose Remus Among the Marauders

When presented with the option to be one of the Marauders—Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black, or James Potter—I would undoubtedly choose Remus. Among these four, Remus stands out as a character with significant admirable qualities, despite the challenges he faces.

Intelligence and Integrity

My choice is guided by my belief that being intelligent but not a figurehead, and capable of independent, thoughtful action, is a valuable trait. Remus is one of the Marauders who could hold his own and think before acting impulsively. His intelligence serves him well in navigating the often treacherous paths of Hogwarts, both academically and in avoiding the predations of other students.

True Acceptance and Kindness

Remus is also the character who offers true acceptance. I would be drawn to his acceptance of others, even those who are considered outcasts, such as himself. James, the Marauder known for his golden-hearted nature and willingness to accept individuals for who they are, represents an amiable connection. Remus’ kind nature and his ability to accept someone despite the challenges they face, such as being a werewolf, resonate deeply.

Respect and Admiration

While Remus is someone I would wish to be close to, his character also reveals imperfections that I find admirable. His willingness to choose a different path than his family, despite their expectations, is both brave and inspiring. However, his inability to stand up for himself and his friend against bullying is a flaw that I would also wish he could correct. Despite this, I respect his courage to live by his own values.

Why Not the Others?

Each of the Marauders has traits that I admire, but ultimately, the reasons I would not choose to be any of them are compelling.

Sirius Black: While I admire his courage to choose a different lifestyle and his strong sense of morality in escaping the dark path laid out for him by his family, his ego and discrimination towards Slytherin portray a complex and often annoying personality. He is a love-hate relationship, much like being in any friendship with a significantly larger ego.

James Potter: James’ kind nature and acceptance of Remus are inspiring, but his overinflated ego can be a bit bothersome. His relationship with Lily Evans (who I would likely be his best friend with) brings a different kind of dynamic, but his mortality and his quick and painless death further distance him as an aspirational character.

Peter Pettigrew: Being a fanboy of bullies and a spineless traitor, Peter is someone I deeply admire in neither his actions nor his choices.

Conclusion: A Hard Pass

In conclusion, while the Marauders are undoubtedly wonderful characters, I would choose none of them to be. The fact that three of them died young and one became a traitor leaves me with a sense that none of them are aspirational characters. I was drawn to Remus because of his kindness and intelligence, but ultimately, I would rather be a self-made, compassionate person myself than be someone else, even if they were one of the Marauders.

Would you choose to be a Marauder? Let us know in the comments below.