What is Mrs Weasley's profession?

[Azn Slytherin]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the books ever mention what Mrs Weasley does for a living.

With so many kids you'd think she'd be working overtime to support them.

Also, The Burrow is depicted as a very messy place--if she had no job she would have the time to keep the house very neat and tidy.

So what does she do when the kids are out?

[DarlingChild]

I think she's a stay at home mom -- a house wife. Just because she's home all the time doesn't mean the house has to be spick-and-span. At least, that's always what I assumed. She might have a job though. We can only speculate, since we've never been told. Maybe we'll find out in book 5? :p

[Moonlight]

I always assumed she was a homemaker. They don't mention anything about her going to the ministry.

With 7 children, I don't she has much time to work.

[Fleur]

I agree. I always though she was a house wife. With seven kids always making a mess, she has her hands full staying at home. Especially with Fred and George. ;)

[GryffindorSeekerHP]

I never really thought about her profession. I always just read the books without a second thought. With seven kids...and a husband with a battery collection, she has a lot on her hands. JKR doesn't really mention much what she does while the kids are at school. Maybe Bill and Charlie send money to them...added on with Arthur's earnings. I always thought that you could get anything with a wand. Maybe she can't "create" knuts, sickles, and galleons...(sigh).

[familiar]

Since we only see the Burrow during the Summer when most of the kids are home, we see it as messy. I suspect it is neat and tidy when the kids are all at school and she is by herself.

[rotsiepots]

I'm moving this to the Great Hall.

I always assumed Mrs Weasley was a stay-at-home Mum, who did some battling against Voldemort in her spare time. She's definitely involved, somehow, with the allies against Voldemort but I doubt one could classify this as her "profession".

[Hermione]

I always thought that Mrs. Weasley was a stay at home mom. With seven kids her house isn't gonna be clean all the time.

[Weatherby]

I've also assumed she stayed at home. I think Ron would've mentioned what she did at some point. Harry's been informed of Arthur, Bill, Charlie and Percy's jobs.

[DocHollidaywe]

Well she had to stay home and take care of the kids, Untill Harrys second year there was a kid there all year. (Ginny)

[Azn Slytherin]

Yes, but they're in a boarding school for most of the year. OK, so the house may not be so tidy during the summer, but I really think that she's involved with something we don't know about. The only time we hear of her, she's with the kids. But what does she do when she has the time alone in the house with everybody out except for her husband who comes home at night?

[Moonstone]

Before the children went to school, she was probably quite busy. Unless the Weasley children went to Muggle schools (which seems unlikely), Mrs. Weasley probably home schooled them. With so many children, that would have taken time and effort.

Hopefully we will find out how she spends her time in the new book. I like the idea of her running an owl-order knitted wear business from home. Fred and George must have gotten their business-sense from someone.

:)

[sylistra]

I agree with and have always assumed that Mrs. Weasley is a housewife. I expect she was involved with some of the business concerning Voldemort way back when, and perhaps we'll get to read about it come OotP. Or maybe she's really JUST a stay at home mom, and we all read into things too darn much ;)

[black&potter]

her proffesion is staying at home taking care of the stampede of kids they have

[bubblesofdeath88]

Yeah, I think that she is a stay at home mom, but is there that much to do? What does she do while they are at school? Practice knitting the christmas sweaters? Who knows what she does.

[dantares]

I never understand why the Weasleys are so poor when they have in fact 3 working adults. I mean Charlie and Bill should send some money to help them because their father's pay is pathetic.

[squirrelfriend]

To heck with Charlie and Bill, Percy is still LIVING WITH THEM! He sould pay rent the bum! :rasp:


BTW figuring out how to feed, clothe, and generally take care of the kids on Mr. Weasley's pay IS a full time job. :sigh:

[Jessica]

I think the way Draco's mind works if Mrs. Weasley had a job he would disparage Ron for that as well. . .

"Your father is a muggle-loving fool and your mother has to go out and WORK just to keep clothes on your back."

For Draco I think a working mom would be worse than a family with no money.

[GryffindorSeekerHP]

Yeah, I agree with Jessica. Draco would just use that, also against Ron. I think she's an at - home - mom. My mind's dead. Unless Rowling tells us something, (through characters or not) We just really don't know.

[Ecthelion]

As with everyone, she is a at-home-mom. Perhaps not by choice. For one, she has had seven kids consistently at a constant rate. That means that she'd have to stay home all the time to take care of the little ones. When one of them graduates and is able to live on their own....well, there's always another kid to take care of at home. And I am sure since she is highly protective and caring for her kids, I doubt she would entrust a babysitter to help her. Considering all the time she has spent home taking care of babies and toddler's and such, I think that she perhaps had a job, but quit, maybe she'll get one now that everybody is in school? I think we can be rest assured that she has some sort of a "job" to do for Dumbledore now though.

[Thyme_of_Change]

I believe she is a stay at home mom. She probably has plenty to do all year round with the house and keeeping in touch with everyone. plus we know they have a garden and at least some chickens, so there are other chores to be done too.
And even with Percy and the others kicking in money(if they do), it costs a lot to clothe and outfit so many children. Especially as they get older and need more books, dress robes, and I assume as the spells they learn get harder, the ingrediants they need to supply them selves probably increase too.

[Barbara Kennedy]

I'm surprised no one brought up the thread "Some Thoughts on Molly (Mrs) Weasley" yet.
Here's the link
http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4760

[black&potter]

I definately think Molly will surprise us all . I think she probably knows alot more than she is given credit for, this much i will say

[Prof.Aze]

I think that Mrs. Weasley is a member of the ootp. :lol: Just joking. But mind you it may be true you know. Lets just wait until june 21. Maybe i'm right. :o

[Fidelius]

Maybe she can get a job now they're all in school, but she needs one that doesn't run in summer, Mrs Weasley= DADA teacher?!






No I'm just joking! Don't take that seriously!
What a ridiculous idea!
hoho!

[jordmundt6]

Although I can think of many things that describe Molly Weasley's personality, "poisoned honey" is not one of them. But good guess.

[Carbito]

Originally posted by Fleur (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=376949#post376949))
I agree. I always though she was a house wife. With seven kids always making a mess, she has her hands full staying at home. Especially with Fred and George. ;)


Don't forget though, they are all at Hogwarts most of the year and in other places in the case of Bill and Charley.
Maybe we will find out she as a secret job at the Ministry that not even her sons know about...or most likely not

[Fidelius]

Originally posted by jordmundt6 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=378045#post378045))
Although I can think of many things that describe Molly Weasley's personality, "poisoned honey" is not one of them. But good guess.


Sarcasm, mate. I wasn't serious about it, I'm just poking fun at all the (many, diverse) theorys about the new DADA teacher. I really do not believe it's going to be Mrs Weasley!

[whizbang121]

Maybe she'll pick up a job at Flourish and Blotts. I love bookstores.

But honestly, Mrs. Weasley has 6 sons. She probably gave up trying to be neat and tidy somewhere around the time the twins started getting around on their own. Perhaps sooner. I bet it's more organized now that the last youngster is off to boarding school.
But I also agree that there's more to Molly than meets the eye. she's younger than the big V but older than Marauders. And DD talks to her as one to whom he doesn't have to explain much. She's an insider.
Hmmmmmmmmm .......
I think I'llk go back to GOF and read her reminiscences about Hogwarts. Maybe there are some hints there.

[Jorrn]

I think she is a stay at home mom. But I didn't think the house was necessarily messy, just cluttered. I think she kept it clean, but it seemed a rather small place for the 9 of them with all their stuff.

[Pucko]

if she is a house-wife...what does she do all day when all the kids are at hogwarts??? then she has no one to take care of...she can't just sit on her bum all day, every day, every month, until christmas or summer holidays..she has to do SOMETHING more

[marty7]

Even with 1 child, a house could be a mess ! I like Molly, I think there is alot more to her than meets the eye. I wish it was Saturday already !

[BubbazGirl]

Molly wouldn't be sittiing on her bum all day, she's probably keeping the house up, even if she's using magic. I think she's got more up her sleeve though.

[wendelin_the_weird]

Five of the seven kids are there only two months in a year, and wanting to spend time with the kids, she problably doesn't want to clean that often and when she does, it's problably with magic. And JK probably wanted a contrast to the Dursleys. Cheers:)!

[jordmundt6]

That is a complete contrast, isn't it?:D But what job could she work at that would have flexible enough hours that she could go in whenever she wanted? It's definitely not a Ministrty job. We've seen how those can run or ruin your life, even keeping Arthur away at all hours of the night and day, and it would have been worse during the war when the kids were all young.

[~BrandyTook~]

Hm... I always thought stay at home mom. But the end of GoF got me wondering if she knows more than she seems to. dumlbedore asks if he can count or her. He gives no real explanation. she agrees immediately. Her quote there confuses me too: "Of course you can," said Mrs. Weasley. She was white to the lips, but she looked respolute. "We know what Fudge is. It's Arthur's fondness for Muggles that has held him back at the Ministry......." I don't know what she means by "We know what Fudge is". It always makes me think she knows more than it seems. I think she was definitely actively involved in things during Voldie's first reign of power. And now we'll see her in action again. Maybe we'll find out thing. Who knows? Just a theory.

[Barbara Kennedy]

Originally posted by jordmundt6 (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=379518#post379518))
That is a complete contrast, isn't it?:D But what job could she work at that would have flexible enough hours that she could go in whenever she wanted? It's definitely not a Ministrty job. We've seen how those can run or ruin your life, even keeping Arthur away at all hours of the night and day, and it would have been worse during the war when the kids were all young.


Unless Molly is an Unspeakable just waiting for an assignment?

[Mad Macca]

Yup, Mrs Weasley's a stay-at-home-r
But, how about...


What did Mrs. Weasley do before she had children? surely she didn't stay at home then. I always think it might have something to do with clerical work and typing. And if she had a job before, maybe sometimes if they are short staffed she gets called up and asked to do a casual shift or two.

[Wolfish]

Like many, I always just figured Mrs. Weasley was a housewitch. But I agree that there may be more to her than we yet know. Hmm... Maybe I ought to think on this for a bit.

(And, you know, my mother sits on her bum all day doing nothing. Though Molly doesn't seem the type for that.)

[Windstar]

I also thought that she was a stay-at-home-witch. Nothing wrong with that at all.
I used to be a stay at home mom but once the kids were in school all day, I wanted out! I was tired of cleaning all day and not talking to anyone except on the phone. I got a job.
But I can't see Mrs. Weasly just sitting around all day either. She at least reads. I think that now she is quite busy keeping order of the Order and their headquarters. I imagine she was involved in the order before the OotP too. But there wasn't much to keep organized there until now.
I imagine she manages to find things to do and does not sit around all day eating chocolate frogs.

[dobby_rocks]

I always as some have already said thought she was just a stay at home mom, however know that all her kids are either grown up and living on the on, or they are at school most of the year, i wonder what she does, she is in the order so maybe she does some stuff for them

[Elocin4684]

I always assumed that she stayed at home. I think if she held a job, they wouldn't be so destitute for money. She always seemed like the mom you wanted to go home to. It seems they like living a messy life. With that many children in the house, she probably gave up long ago trying to keep it neat.

I think it is also cluttered to show a greater contrast between the Burrow and Privet Drive.

[Elocin4684]

Iwould imagine that the Order wouldn't pay much, if thats what you mean. Although, if Mr. Weasley lost his job or had to quit because of his activities in the Order, then they would probably find a way to get them money., which would probably come from the possible weath Sirius's family had.

[hesdead-dealwithit]

She's a house-wife, we all agree. A more interesting question would be, What would she have been if she wasn't a housewife?

[Elocin4684]

I could see her being a prof in a class similar to home ec... if they had that class at Hogwarts.

[Windstar]

I don't think that the Order pays at all. I think it is a voluntary thing. She volunteers her time. There is no way that the Order could pay anyone to work there.

[Sarmi]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the books ever mention what Mrs Weasley does for a living.

You're right, they don't......at least not until OotP.


Also, The Burrow is depicted as a very messy place--if she had no job she would have the time to keep the house very neat and tidy.

So what does she do when the kids are out?
Actually, the Burrow is depicted as a pretty clean place, it's just cluttered. Now, for Mrs. Weasley's job, she's a house-wife/homemaker, take your pick on which word. It wasn't until OotP that she & Arthur became apart of the Order, but I don't know for sure if she went out on missions or anything like that. And I'm going to agree with Windstar the Order sounds like a volunteer association.

Sarmi

[Catgirl]

She may have been a housewife in the first book, but once Ginny started at Hogwarts, she wouldn't have stayed unemplyed while they were struggling to pay the bills and buy schoolbooks. I always thought of her as a housewife too, but it just doesn't make sense. They live in or just outside a village, maybe she has a job there. Maybe something simple like a shopp assistant. Maybe she could be a childminder. She's certainly had enough practice. Maybe she's a teacher in the local school. All we really can do is speculate, but I think we can at least say that she's got to be doing something during termtime. She can't just be doing work for the Order because then what would she have been doing all the time during CoS-GoF? Also many of the Order members have full time jobs- Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagal, Tonks, Arther, Kingsley Shacklebolt (does he work for the minestry?), Bill, Charlie etc. They all manage to do work for the order without it interfearing with their work. Molly could easily have a job too.

[Windstar]

I think she is still a housewife. And an important part of the Order. I doubt if, now that Voldemort is back, she would have any extra time to have a real job.
I agree that the Weasley house is not necessarily messy as it is cluttered. Organized clutter.

[Nys]

I think its highly possible that Mrs Weasley has more to her than meets the eye. I suspect she's very powerful. But like in the muggle world, there would be powerful witches, who are perfectly content with keeping house... And I'd imagine even with magic, keeping a house in tip top shape would take some time :D

[dumbleedore]

I think Mrs Weasley is happiest around her house- with so many kids, even with them at school- there would be plenty to do.

Perhaps she may have, over the years, done what a lot of stay at home mum's do and just picked up casual work here and there, odd jobs.

[SarahF]

Well, up until CoS, she had children at home all year round so she stayed home to look after them. I think it's pretty much implied that she's a "house-wife".

Since Ginny went to Hogwarts, she may have considered getting a job, but at her age it can be difficult to get into the workplace after having been absent from it for upwards of 20 years. Now with Voldemort back, she maybe donating her time to helping the Order whilst Arthur brings home the bacon.

[free_girl]

I believe she's just watches the kids and takes care of the house duty's and such. She's sort of like a house wife, the husband works and the wife cleans and watches the kids. She's defiently doing a good job at that!

[toryvic]

as more and more children leave the family home, the financial demands become less and less. It's getting to the point that Molly doesn't 'need' to work. At the end of OotP there are only two 'dependents' left.
Now, Arthur's wages can't be that low, but stretched between nine, it's been slim pickings. Now five of the children have flown the nest htey can finally loosen their belts

[Barbara Kennedy]

This is discussed in depth in this thread as well.

Why doesn’t Molly have a job? ( http://www.cosforums.com/showthread.php?t=26532)

[jasper]

This one appears to be the older thread- funny that the other one wasn't merged here. I think Molly has a profession, though. I think she's an author who writes novels about a wizard boy who goes to a muggle boarding school. The series has never been a financial success. . .

[morgiana]

By profession do you mean what is her "talent" in the magical community? She probably knows more family and household spells & charms than just about anyone.

She is basically the Secretary for the OotP. She also watches after HP and the other stray members of the order.

What did you want her to do get a job at Walmart?

Some families would rather have Mom at home then have a little extra money. After expenses and transportation she wouldn't earn alot and then she'd have to come home and cook and clean and do laundry.

Molly would not be a happy lady.

[silver ink pot]

What did you want her to do get a job at Walmart?

Some families would rather have Mom at home then have a little extra money. After expenses and transportation she wouldn't earn alot and then she'd have to come home and cook and clean and do laundry.

Molly would not be a happy lady.

Great post, morgiana! :p

I've been a stay-at-home mom for seventeen years. It is a challenge, and most mom's aren't just counting the days until their children grow up so they can run away from home. On the contrary.

One thing Molly has already done for the Order is clean up Grimmauld Place, and help take care of all the children there, including Harry. One time in OotP, she talked about having guard duty, too.

Dumbledore refers to the Weasley clock as "that clock of hers," meaning Molly. Maybe she will build a clock for the OotP that will keep track of everyone.

Molly knits for the whole family, and that takes time! We may just find out that those sweaters have magical protection knitted into them!

My family had six children, and I knew three families who had seven children - there must have been something in the water in my town, lol. None of us had "sparkling clean" houses, and none of us lived in luxury. One family I knew had a mountain of laundry piled up in their kitchen at all times, and the children learned to cook at an early age. My mother worked from morning till night doing laundry, yard work, constant sewing, ironing, helping us with schoolwork, cleaning, and especially cooking. I love the scenes in the book when Molly cooks because she reminds me of so many mothers I know. Cooking for a big family is a job all by itself, and takes courage. I know people who would faint at the thought of cooking for nine people - plus others - every day and night of the week. But when you are a homemaker with alot of kids, the easiest way to save money is to cook, cook, cook.

What most people in large families want is attention :p and Molly certainly gives that to all of her children!

I've got to go now. My three children are calling me. All of them are hungry and one of them wants me to find his football uniform. :evil:

[grrliz]

This is more a question on the Weasleys financial status than on Molly's occupation, but one of the things people keep bringing up is that now that there are no kids home during the school year, Molly has the time to get a job and bring in a couple of extra galleons a week for the family. Now, ignoring for a second all the other work that this poor woman does, I'm not sure how necessary -- financially that is -- it is for her to work at this point in the story (post-OotP).

Think about it: when the books first started she still had five children in school, living at home, needing clothes and food and other things that cost lots of money when you've got five kids. I can understand the Weasleys being exceptionally stretched thin financially at that point.

But I have to wonder if their state is going to improve. It's got to, hasn't it? By the start of HBP, there will only be two Weasleys left at Hogwarts (Ron and Ginny), which means less expensive texts, less bits and bobs for doing wizarding, less replacement robes for sons who grow six inches in three months, etc. So that cuts down on the amount they spend on school. But there are still five other Weasley children, of course.

Fred and George -- Business is booming, they're living in style (dragon skin jackets?). Have they moved out of the Burrow to be closer to their shop? We don't know (yet).

Percy -- Moved out, got his own apartment in London. One less mouth to feed, one less body to clothe (although care packages are an added expense). We don't know if he'll be coming home now that Fudge has been proved wrong about Voldemort's existence, but since Percy is a great big git who is exceptionally proud, I assume he won't be coming home any time soon.

Charlie -- Still living in Romania, trying to spread the anti-Voldemort word. No money spent on food / clothing / etc. except for care packages.

Bill -- Has taken a desk job at Gringotts, but does that necessarily mean he's moved back to the Burrow? Or has he taken an apartment in London to be closer to work (which seems more logical)? He hasn't been living at home for quite some time and I assume he'd want his freedom after being on his own for so long.

Anyway, my extended point is: expenses in the Weasley household are (finally) going down, and unless Arthur's salary is also decreasing, they should be able to start feeling the effects, at least a little. So I don't really see any point in Molly acquiring a mid-life job on top of all the other stuff she already does.

[slavetopadfoot]

homemaker/Order member... i think that's the extent of what molly does.

[tarachristwen]

she's a housewife,i guess?? and also a secret member of the OotP

[KatieJoy]

I always assumed she was a stay-at-home mom. I just can't imagine her being anything but.

[nivekllerttoc]

I think that she had big plans for her life, but they were put on hold because she got married, and probably pregnant early on in her life.

[Madelina]

I belive she is a housewife and stays at home. And also a member of the Order.

[Lumina]

While the kids weren't in Hogwarts: homeschooling the ones who weren't at Hogwarts
While the kids are all in Hogwarts: I like the idea of a side business of made to order knit-wear, but probably not

Since the consensus seems to be "housewife" - what WOULD Mrs. Weasley be if she weren't?
I think she'd be a teacher, or a seamstress at one of the robes shops.

[Dark Arts]

Gotta love new bumps on old threads...

How about calling her a "Domestic Diva"

[dinkime]

Gotta love new bumps on old threads...

How about calling her a "Domestic Diva"

i think she is just that -- a domestic diva!! now that all the kids are out of the house for the majority of the year, she has time to be a help to the order. she may do some side work to help their bank account (knitting sweaters to sell, babysitting the little wizards around them, etc).

in GOF she came to see Harry in the final task, and I would think she would have said something if she had to miss work (even non-chalantly like "I don't mind missing work for something like this").

[hp007]

I've always thought of Molly as a housewife. She probably cooks a lot or something, since thats what she always seems to be doing. *shrug*

[WoodenCoyote]

With seven kids and no other career metioned by JK thus far, I put Molly's profession down quite firmly as Homemaker.

[conquest]

hey being a mom for 7 kids and an active member of the order takes up a lot of time. Mom/hero I think that's a pretty dignified profession :tu:

[The Gurg]

i know shes got seven children to look after but youd think that the house would be in a better state in gof seeing as all children had been at hogwarts for at least two years and shed have plenty of time to clean up

[Schames]

I agree with the others. And what did she do when alone and all chores done?
She was per definition a schoolmistress for her own 7 children year 1-4. Right?

If we still need extra occupation for her so she could help other children too. Luna a neighbor feks.

[ikuko]

I never understand why the Weasleys are so poor when they have in fact 3 working adults. I mean Charlie and Bill should send some money to help them because their father's pay is pathetic.
Charlie and Bill live on their own, and have to start their own families one day. But what made you think that Mr. Weasley's pay is pathetic? He is a head of a minotr department, full-time emploee of MoM. He gets decent money, not a minimal wage. The only reason Weasleys are so poor is that they really have more kids that they can properly afford, and with Mrs. Weasley staying at home they can hardly pay so many Hogwards tuitions and all...

[LunaFaze]

With seven kids I imagine that she is definitely a stay at home mom. I don't think the family would have managed otherwise

[R_Skeeter]

Unless Molly is an Unspeakable just waiting for an assignment?

I think that makes the most sense. Being a stay-at-home mom myself who had a career and the gave it up to stay at home, I believe she probably had a "job" prior to becoming a mother. When they decided to have that many children, I'm sure she choose her family over her "profession". Now that the last has "left the nest" so to speak then she can continue with what she was doing before having all the kids.

If it isn't an Unspeakable, then it is probably another job either with the Ministry or at Hogwarts. DADA would be cool. I think Malfoy would benefit from a little motherly-love.

Oh and just because she's home, doesn't mean the house will be spottless! Imagine how much **** you have in your house. Then imagine how much **** 9 people would have in a house that should fit 4. If you have kids you'll understand this, but for those who don't, take all the stuff you have and multiply it by two, then that is how much stuff kids have!!!

[Slewpi]

She's definetly gotta be a homemaker. And with that many kids, no house could stay clean very long.

[Snout]

I think she's just a housewife. That is one of the hardest jobs in the world though.

[crystal_joy]

Running a house hold is a full time job, especially with alot of kids. And after raising seven children the woman probably needed rest, I doubt she even thought about getting a job after Ginny left for Hogwarts... before OotP she probably enjoyed her time while the kids were away and now that Voldemort has come back she's busy with the Order.

[AmyLeeL3E]

she doesn't have a job. She just cleans the house and waits for Mr. Weasley to arrive from work. Ever wondered why in that clock Mrs. Weasley is not there? Is because she's always at The Burrow, "HOME".

[LexiBlack]

I have always thought of her as a stay at home mom. But it is wierd that the Burrow is rather messy. So, I wondered what exactly she does do. And you would think that she would get a job since they are always commenting about not having money. I wonder if we will even find out what she does with all her time??

[gryffin_hauz_88]

I guess, she's a housewife and a secret member of OotP... but she wasn't a housewife alone, I think, she'll be a great professor or nurse like Madam Pomfrey!

[Schames]

Remember, the Weasleys had no houseelf, so mrs Weasley got to do everything herself.

[R_Skeeter]

But now that the youngest is gone, what will she do?

[Dark Arts]

Sha can be the new Minister of Magic! just kidding :p

[Fawkesified]

I think if Mrs Wealey had an 'official' job, it would have come out by now. Unless your meaning another secret organisation such as the Order *cough Death Eaters* (no I don't actually believe that).

[Spencer28]

I don't see what she could do with Fred and George still at homw with small explosions comming from the top room :evil:

[TheAlchemist]

I think it is pretty obvious she is a stay at home mom. We don't even know how strong of a witch she is. I remember her saying she was on gaurd duty once, but other then that we just see her cooking or "fighting" the house of Black.

[R_Skeeter]

I think if Mrs Wealey had an 'official' job, it would have come out by now. Unless your meaning another secret organisation such as the Order *cough Death Eaters* (no I don't actually believe that).

I think whatever job she had was set aside until she felt she could return to work. As far as her being in a secret organization, I was leaning more toward an "unspeakable". I believe that at the end of OotP Dumbledore mentioned something to her about being ready for something (My book is in the other room & my nails are wet :rotfl: ).

[Bathilda]

With all of the references to the "scrubbed" wooden table in the kitchen, I get the feeling that the house isn't dirty, it's just crazy messy with wizard stuff. I think that the Burrow in it's glory is to illustrate how completely opposite that world is to the Dursley's, and how much more at home Harry is in his true world. As a stay at home mom, I must say that there is much more to do than to rear the children. Just tending the house, cooking, etc. can keep one busy enough. Even with a wand, I could keep busy all day, and I only have two children. I don't think that having a working mother is any kind of a put down in the wizarding world..someone above mentioned this as a possible motivation for her to stay home. It seems that gender boundaries are much more obscured in the wizarding world simply because physical dimorphism is not an issue. One's physical strength means nothing when there's a wand involved. Perhaps there are more stay at home dads in this world?

[mattbufford]

You are all saying practically the same thing, but no one has looked at the bigger picture. Do you see anything that the female characters have in common? They are, for the most part, homemakers. I'm not sure if it is relevant to the story, or just an insight into JKR's personal thoughts, but look at Molly Weasley, Narcissa Malfoy, and Aunt Petunia. JKR never mentions any of them having a profession. This doesn't necessarily mean that they don't work, but JKR hasn't felt it was necessary to describe that as of yet. In fact, the only mother I can think about who has a profession for sure is Hermione's mom. She's a dentist, but she may just work alongside her husband as well. I always find it interesting when a female author chooses to place female charaters in weaker/subordinated roles. Perhaps she feels noting their profession would take something away from the grand story, or maybe she is traditional and believes a woman should stay at home with her family. It is also possible that she is masking a critique of our society by showing these (obviously) intelligent, strong women being held back or at least in the shadow of their husbands. Like I said before, maybe I'm going out on a limb, but it's interesting none the less.

[HesHPfan]

Quote: It is also possible that she is masking a critique of our society by showing these (obviously) intelligent, strong women being held back or at least in the shadow of their husbands. mattbufford

:tu: :cool: That's a good point and not unlogical if you know something about JK Rowling past.
Don't know if it was her intention, but you never know.
All women do stay at home, but could do a lot of good things.
Well mrs. weasley could do great things if she wanted, don't know if I would want Narcissa doing some work (wouldn't be good work).

[Rosie Cotton]

She's a homemaker. My mom is a homemaker, but our house isn't spiffy-clean. She has a life you know. :lol: House can look like a bomb went off. It's hard to keep a place clean, especially when you have to make your own clothes, knit your own socks and bake everything you eat (as it seems the Weasleys do).

[mattbufford]

Quote: It is also possible that she is masking a critique of our society by showing these (obviously) intelligent, strong women being held back or at least in the shadow of their husbands. mattbufford

:tu: :cool: That's a good point and not unlogical if you know something about JK Rowling past.
Don't know if it was her intention, but you never know.
All women do stay at home, but could do a lot of good things.
Well mrs. weasley could do great things if she wanted, don't know if I would want Narcissa doing some work (wouldn't be good work).

Glad someone agrees!
:tu:

[TaraBrady]

You are all saying practically the same thing, but no one has looked at the bigger picture. Do you see anything that the female characters have in common? They are, for the most part, homemakers. I'm not sure if it is relevant to the story, or just an insight into JKR's personal thoughts, but look at Molly Weasley, Narcissa Malfoy, and Aunt Petunia. JKR never mentions any of them having a profession. This doesn't necessarily mean that they don't work, but JKR hasn't felt it was necessary to describe that as of yet. In fact, the only mother I can think about who has a profession for sure is Hermione's mom. She's a dentist, but she may just work alongside her husband as well. I always find it interesting when a female author chooses to place female charaters in weaker/subordinated roles. Perhaps she feels noting their profession would take something away from the grand story, or maybe she is traditional and believes a woman should stay at home with her family. It is also possible that she is masking a critique of our society by showing these (obviously) intelligent, strong women being held back or at least in the shadow of their husbands. Like I said before, maybe I'm going out on a limb, but it's interesting none the less.
These four are, I think, the only mothers that we know well enough to judge as characters. There could be more, but they're not springing immediately to mind.
So, since we don't have many mothers to work with, I'll see your Aunt Petunia, Narcissa, and Mrs. Weasley, and raise you Professor McGonagall, Tonks, and Hermione's Mom, who you've already mentioned (you don't seem to think that one counts, as she may share a practice with her husband, but she can go sit next to Petunia, as they're both muggles anyway.;))

Now, Aunt Petunia and Narcissa are very negative characters, while Minerva and Tonks are portrayed very positively. Although Hermione's mother seems nice enough, we don't really know her, so we'll let her be neutral. So that leaves us with one extremely strong female character who happens to choose to be a homemaker, and quite a few who don't. If JK is making a statement on women working out of the home, I think she's saying that it's okay to be a stay-at-home mom, if that's what you want. If JK was saying, or felt, that women should stay at home and raise children, Minerva and Tonks (and Madame Hooch, and Professor Sprout, and Madame Maxime . . .) would all be doing so. They're not.

Now, there's no chance that I'd see Mrs. Weasley as being in a weak or subordinated role. She's a dear, loving woman, but she can be a terror when her children are acting up. She doesn't just run the house, she rules it! With the proverbial iron potholder! She's the wizarding equivalent of a supermom. And the fact that you see being a homemaker as a subordinate role shows that it's worth her making the point I think she might be making, that it's okay to want to stay at home and care for your family if that feels right, and that women who choose to do so are just as strong, and just as important, as women who don't.

[mattbufford]

These four are, I think, the only mothers that we know well enough to judge as characters. There could be more, but they're not springing immediately to mind.
So, since we don't have many mothers to work with, I'll see your Aunt Petunia, Narcissa, and Mrs. Weasley, and raise you Professor McGonagall, Tonks, and Hermione's Mom, who you've already mentioned (you don't seem to think that one counts, as she may share a practice with her husband, but she can go sit next to Petunia, as they're both muggles anyway.;))

Sounds fair...

Now, Aunt Petunia and Narcissa are very negative characters, while Minerva and Tonks are portrayed very positively. Although Hermione's mother seems nice enough, we don't really know her, so we'll let her be neutral. So that leaves us with one extremely strong female character who happens to choose to be a homemaker, and quite a few who don't. If JK is making a statement on women working out of the home, I think she's saying that it's okay to be a stay-at-home mom, if that's what you want. If JK was saying, or felt, that women should stay at home and raise children, Minerva and Tonks (and Madame Hooch, and Professor Sprout, and Madame Maxime . . .) would all be doing so. They're not.

I would just like to say a few things about those female characters that you've mentioned....

Minerva- Indeed a strong female character, and quite a powerful witch. However, she is a teacher (a traditional female role), and only deputy headmistress (remind anyone of a secretary?) Also, besides being just a teacher, she's the archetypical old-fashioned, uptight teacher.

Tonks- Ultra-Modern, and very cool. There's nothing tradional about Tonks, from her views all the way down to her hair color. She reminds me of the "New Woman" of the Victorian times, who betrayed their modest roles and took a liberal stance towards politics, family life, employment, and sexuality (Bram Stoker's vampire women were based on these women, by the way).

Madam Hooch- Do you really see her as a feminine person? She's about as masculine as Grubbly-Plank.

Professor Sprout- Once again, she takes a very feminine role. Sprout is the girl with the greenthumb. She's accociated with the garden and the earth. She's like the gentle archetype of an earth mother. Caring, sweet, loves nature. Need I say more?

Madame Maxime- Please. She's gargantuan. This one is a lot like Madam Hooch. I doubt we can make feminist assumptions about her. I think her perpose was to juxtapose with Hagrid.

Now, there's no chance that I'd see Mrs. Weasley as being in a weak or subordinated role. She's a dear, loving woman, but she can be a terror when her children are acting up. She doesn't just run the house, she rules it! With the proverbial iron potholder! She's the wizarding equivalent of a supermom. And the fact that you see being a homemaker as a subordinate role shows that it's worth her making the point I think she might be making, that it's okay to want to stay at home and care for your family if that feels right, and that women who choose to do so are just as strong, and just as important, as women who don't.

I agree, I don't think Mrs. Weasley is a weak character at all. In fact, she's one of the most dynamic characters is the series (much more than her husband). However, I still think it's interesting that a female writer like JKR hasn't put a female character into a more powerful position in the novel. Do you realize that there are only 2 women in the Order? Now I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with being a homemaker, but I still think it's strange how women are portrayed in the novels. They're either very traditional roles (homemaker, gardener, teacher), or they're very strange (Hooch, Grubbly-Plank, Maxime).

The only two (truly) powerful female figures we've had has been Umbridge, who was a joke and *hopefully* won't come back again, and Bellatrix Lestrange. I hope all these negative women is foreshadowing a positive woman in a powerful position. I really like the idea of Amelia Bones becoming the new Minister of Magic. Maybe that's what the magical world needs :tu:

[cutiebaby]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the books ever mention what Mrs Weasley does for a living.

With so many kids you'd think she'd be working overtime to support them.

Also, The Burrow is depicted as a very messy place--if she had no job she would have the time to keep the house very neat and tidy.

So what does she do when the kids are out?
I think she a stay at home mom.... their house is probbaly impossible to keep clean just because of the number of people who live there.... Mrs.Weasley probably cleans all the time and tries to keep it tidy.... I guess it could just show how messy their house really is :sad:...... poor Mrs.Weasley.... SO MUCH CLEANING!!!

[TaraBrady]

Minerva- Indeed a strong female character, and quite a powerful witch. However, she is a teacher (a traditional female role), and only deputy headmistress (remind anyone of a secretary?) Also, besides being just a teacher, she's the archetypical old-fashioned, uptight teacher.
Actually, deputy headmistress doesn't say 'secretary' to me at all. Every captain needs a first mate. Minerva took over Dumbledore's teaching position when he became headmaster, and I can't see any teacher other than her eventually taking over as headmistress. And yes, lots of women are teachers, but Hogwarts has plenty of male teachers, too. The books are set in a school, and it's no surprise that the most dominant female in Harry's life is the head of his house. I disagree with your statement that she is uptight. She's old fashioned, yes – she's old! She has a sense of humor, but she knows how to keep it in check. She is the head of Gryffindor house, which seems to produce a lot of, shall we say, 'spirited' students. She's got every reason to be strict.

Tonks- Ultra-Modern, and very cool. There's nothing tradional about Tonks, from her views all the way down to her hair color. She reminds me of the "New Woman" of the Victorian times, who betrayed their modest roles and took a liberal stance towards politics, family life, employment, and sexuality (Bram Stoker's vampire women were based on these women, by the way).

Madam Hooch- Do you really see her as a feminine person? She's about as masculine as Grubbly-Plank.
Madame Hooch is female. She's an athletic female, but a female. Grubbly-Plank: also female; a sensible, down-to-earth, country female, of the sort who probably enjoys fox hunting and knows how to handle a rifle. And yes, Tonks is a modern female. I know people like Tonks! All of these women are different kinds of women.

This is not the Victorian era. What's wrong with a woman being liberal today? For that matter, what was wrong with it then? She can either be the prototype for Stoker's Vampires, or an obedient servant, is that it? Stoker, by the way, used vampire women to represent feminists because they scared him. They threatened the status quo, because they didn't stay in their place.

Professor Sprout- Once again, she takes a very feminine role. Sprout is the girl with the greenthumb. She's accociated with the garden and the earth. She's like the gentle archetype of an earth mother. Caring, sweet, loves nature. Need I say more?
She's caring, she's sweet, she's got no qualms about digging up screaming, potentially deadly mandrakes or tending to a murderous whomping willow. Neville loves plants, too. Are you saying he's effeminate?

Madame Maxime- Please. She's gargantuan. This one is a lot like Madam Hooch. I doubt we can make feminist assumptions about her. I think her perpose was to juxtapose with Hagrid.
Madame Maxime is a half giant (as is Hagrid,) and JKR may have chosen to make her a half-giant to give Hagrid someone to pair off with, but she is still decidedly feminine. Hagrid seems to appreciate her, anyway! I'm just over six feet tall, and I don't think that makes me any less female. If Maxime is too large too be feminine, is Professor Flitwick too small to be masculine? I

I agree, I don't think Mrs. Weasley is a weak character at all. In fact, she's one of the most dynamic characters is the series (much more than her husband). However, I still think it's interesting that a female writer like JKR hasn't put a female character into a more powerful position in the novel. Do you realize that there are only 2 women in the Order? Now I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with being a homemaker, but I still think it's strange how women are portrayed in the novels. They're either very traditional roles (homemaker, gardener, teacher), or they're very strange (Hooch, Grubbly-Plank, Maxime).Emphasis mine. The women in HP (and women in general,) are either, traditional, or they're not. I've given plenty of examples of strong women, all of whom you've dismissed as not being female enough.

The only two (truly) powerful female figures we've had has been Umbridge, who was a joke and *hopefully* won't come back again, and Bellatrix Lestrange. I hope all these negative women is foreshadowing a positive woman in a powerful position. I really like the idea of Amelia Bones becoming the new Minister of Magic. Maybe that's what the magical world needs :tu:
I don't think Umbridge was powerful at all. She had control, but that's not quite the same thing. She couldn't even gain access to the headmaster's office during her tenure as interim headmistress or whatever her title was. Bellatrix is mean, and cruel, and evil, but she's completely subservient to Voldemort, in a way that McGonnagal is not subservient to Dumbledore.

For someone who claims to be taking issue with the number of women in HP who conform to gener roles, you seem to have a lot of problems accepting any women who clearly don't. What exactly you would have JKR do? Turn Albus Dumbledore into Albina? You'd probably dismiss her for being eccentric. Every female you've mentioned you've either criticized for conforming to stereotypes, or called strange because she doesn't.

I'm very interested to know why exactly you only see evil female characters as powerful, to be honest. If none of these women are good enough for you, I don't think the problem is with the books.

[chrisbll85]

I think theirs more than 2 women in harry potter that are truly powerful. Minerva she seems like she could hold her on against Umbrige now bellatrix is another story. i don't if theirs anyone powerful than her right now, but we haven't really seen any of the other women do anything.

[mattbufford]

Actually, deputy headmistress doesn't say 'secretary' to me at all. Every captain needs a first mate. Minerva took over Dumbledore's teaching position when he became headmaster, and I can't see any teacher other than her eventually taking over as headmistress. And yes, lots of women are teachers, but Hogwarts has plenty of male teachers, too. The books are set in a school, and it's no surprise that the most dominant female in Harry's life is the head of his house. I disagree with your statement that she is uptight. She's old fashioned, yes – she's old! She has a sense of humor, but she knows how to keep it in check. She is the head of Gryffindor house, which seems to produce a lot of, shall we say, 'spirited' students. She's got every reason to be strict.


Madame Hooch is female. She's an athletic female, but a female. Grubbly-Plank: also female; a sensible, down-to-earth, country female, of the sort who probably enjoys fox hunting and knows how to handle a rifle. And yes, Tonks is a modern female. I know people like Tonks! All of these women are different kinds of women.

This is not the Victorian era. What's wrong with a woman being liberal today? For that matter, what was wrong with it then? She can either be the prototype for Stoker's Vampires, or an obedient servant, is that it? Stoker, by the way, used vampire women to represent feminists because they scared him. They threatened the status quo, because they didn't stay in their place.


She's caring, she's sweet, she's got no qualms about digging up screaming, potentially deadly mandrakes or tending to a murderous whomping willow. Neville loves plants, too. Are you saying he's effeminate?


Madame Maxime is a half giant (as is Hagrid,) and JKR may have chosen to make her a half-giant to give Hagrid someone to pair off with, but she is still decidedly feminine. Hagrid seems to appreciate her, anyway! I'm just over six feet tall, and I don't think that makes me any less female. If Maxime is too large too be feminine, is Professor Flitwick too small to be masculine? I

Emphasis mine. The women in HP (and women in general,) are either, traditional, or they're not. I've given plenty of examples of strong women, all of whom you've dismissed as not being female enough.


I don't think Umbridge was powerful at all. She had control, but that's not quite the same thing. She couldn't even gain access to the headmaster's office during her tenure as interim headmistress or whatever her title was. Bellatrix is mean, and cruel, and evil, but she's completely subservient to Voldemort, in a way that McGonnagal is not subservient to Dumbledore.

For someone who claims to be taking issue with the number of women in HP who conform to gener roles, you seem to have a lot of problems accepting any women who clearly don't. What exactly you would have JKR do? Turn Albus Dumbledore into Albina? You'd probably dismiss her for being eccentric. Every female you've mentioned you've either criticized for conforming to stereotypes, or called strange because she doesn't.

I'm very interested to know why exactly you only see evil female characters as powerful, to be honest. If none of these women are good enough for you, I don't think the problem is with the books.

I think you've missed my point entirely. I never said that I had any problem with any of the gender roles that any of the female characters play. I used all those examples in my last post only for the purpose of debate. The point that I'm making here (and it's the same point i've been trying to make for a while) is that I find it interesting that JKR hasn't included a female figure in a high position of authority. The closest we have is McGonnagall, but, as I said before, she is generally seen as an uptight teacher. Granted, she is feared, but I was thinking more along the lines of a heroine. As for the other examples, many of them are minor characters, and the only reason I questioned their femininity was to compare them vis-a-vis the other women in the novels.
Now, I think we've gotten off the original point. That is, why are women, especially mothers, not shown as career women? Sure, there's nothing wrong with being a homemaker, but I still think JKR might be subtly critiquing a society ruled by men. Many authors do this. Look at the ministry of Magic. It is a corrupt, vile, male-dominated institution. Fudge is incompetant, accepts bribes, and cruel. Malfoy and the board of governors are all old white guys. The only women I can think of that are high in the ministry are Susan Bones (who, I think is the only non-corrupted official wielding power), and Umbridge (underSECRETARY of the Minister). I still would like to see Fudge resign and Amelia Bones take over the Ministry.
On a personal note, I see all genders as equals, and i'd appreciate it if, for the sake of debate, you wouldn't break down into personal insults again. The point I am trying to make comes from literary analysis. Most of the time, the author puts a character into their books that they base from themselves. What I find so interesting is that there doesn't seem to be any female characters in the novels that represent JKR.

[aggiefan1206]

Thats a really good question. I wonder what Mrs. Wesley does mabe she was a stay at home mom for a while because of all the Weasleys or mabe she has a job its just not of importance to the story. I guess that would be a good question for JK.

[TaraBrady]

There are, as I've said, plenty of career women in the books. Narcissa, Petunia, and Mrs. Weasley are the only housewives I can think of, and Mrs. Weasley is the only good female character who is a housewife. And she's certainly not in anyone's shadow, so I don't know where you're getting this idea from.

If you look at the history of the magical world that JKR's developed, there are plenty of female leaders. Elfrida Clagg, in either the 14th or early 15th century, was a head of the wizard's council, the predecessor to the Ministry, and was "who is generally regarded as being more enlightened than her predecessors." (She banned the use of the golden snidget in quiditch matches.) Other previous Ministers of Magic were Milicent Bagnold (who I believe was Fudge's predecessor?) and Artemisia Lufkin.

My point is, you have put JKR's female characters into three categories: stereotypical women, who you claim are the norm, even though they're outnumbered by non-stereotypical women, each of whom you've found a reason to discount as being "very strange," and evil but powerful women. What I'm saying is that JKR has given us a whole spectrum of female characters who are strong in different ways.
As for the other examples, many of them are minor characters, and the only reason I questioned their femininity was to compare them vis-a-vis the other women in the novels.
And therin lies the problem. I list a number of strong, non-traditional women, and you call them un-feminine, and point to the women in traditional roles as examples of femininity. My issue is with the definition of femininity, and my point is that Hooch, the gym coach, and rough and ready Grubbly Plank are no less feminine than Mrs. Weasley and Professor Sprout.Madame Maxime- Please. She's gargantuan. This one is a lot like Madam Hooch. I doubt we can make feminist assumptions about her. I think her perpose was to juxtapose with Hagrid.
These are the kind of statements that I'm having a problem with. I don't know what 'feminist assumptions' you mean, but Madames Maxime and Hooch are both non-traditional women in positive roles.
The point that I'm making here (and it's the same point i've been trying to make for a while) is that I find it interesting that JKR hasn't included a female figure in a high position of authority. The closest we have is McGonnagall, but, as I said before, she is generally seen as an uptight teacher. Granted, she is feared, but I was thinking more along the lines of a heroine.:snippity:
Most of the time, the author puts a character into their books that they base from themselves. What I find so interesting is that there doesn't seem to be any female characters in the novels that represent JKR.
Our hero is still in school, remember, he's not in a position of power, either. JKR has said that the character she's most like is Hermione, so there's your answer. Hermione has her faults, but she's very smart and sensible, and complements Harry well. Ginny's another strong young woman who I think is (to use a terrible cliche) going to play a big role in the later books. If you're looking for heroines, I think they'll do, don't you?


(Note: quotes are out of order. Sorry about that, but the original post's right above me, so I hope you've all read it already, anyway.)

[mattbufford]

TaraBrady, I see your points, and they are very well thought out. I do see that some of the original things I said were false, but for the rest, we'll have to agree to disagree. However, I still think JKR is making a point about the male-dominated government present in the ministry. You have yet to answer this with anything other than presenting some female ministers, but I agree with you there. The ministry was in better shape under these women than the current regime. Thank you for an enlightening discussion, but I don't think this debate is going to go anywhere else.

Cheers,
Matt

[TaraBrady]

I've yet to answer that point because what I took issue with was your treatment of all the female characters I've mentioned, and lines like "in the shadow of their husbands," and my point was simply that JKR has given us plenty of strong women.

But we're so off topic it's not even funny. There was some discussion a few pages back about what Mrs. Weasley would do if she were to get a part-time job, now that so many of her children are grown and out of the house. I could see her starting some sort of home business. What are some of her interests? What do we know about her personally?

[mattbufford]

I've yet to answer that point because what I took issue with was your treatment of all the female characters I've mentioned, and lines like "in the shadow of their husbands," and my point was simply that JKR has given us plenty of strong women.

But we're so off topic it's not even funny. There was some discussion a few pages back about what Mrs. Weasley would do if she were to get a part-time job, now that so many of her children are grown and out of the house. I could see her starting some sort of home business. What are some of her interests? What do we know about her personally?

Well, she's obviously a powerful wizard (just look at how well she keeps fred and george in check :eyebrows: ), so i could possibly see her going into the ministry part time. Also, she could continue working for the order, or possibly even come to Hogwarts at some time.

p.s. I think it'd be really funny if she went to work at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes! :rotfl:

[Angeltiger121]

I don't think Mrs. weasley has a job. When her kids were growing up she took care of them and taught them. Now that the kids are grown up, she probibly is infolved with the order alot. As we read in OOTP, it seemed as though she took care of everybody in it, like how she did alot of cooking and cleaning- you know- 'house keeping'.

[TaraBrady]

:rotfl: That is a sitcom plot waiting to happen!

[SnapeLova]

Now, Aunt Petunia and Narcissa are very negative characters, while Minerva and Tonks are portrayed very positively. Although Hermione's mother seems nice enough, we don't really know her, so we'll let her be neutral. So that leaves us with one extremely strong female character who happens to choose to be a homemaker, and quite a few who don't. If JK is making a statement on women working out of the home, I think she's saying that it's okay to be a stay-at-home mom, if that's what you want. If JK was saying, or felt, that women should stay at home and raise children, Minerva and Tonks (and Madame Hooch, and Professor Sprout, and Madame Maxime . . .) would all be doing so. They're not.

.

maybe hooch tonks mcgonnagal sprout and maxime dont stay home because they are not mothers .

[swirlctw]

i think that before Oop she was a house maid, that she stayed at home all day and cleaned and did other things. but in Oop she did things for the order. we do not know what she did exactly, but she did stand gaurd one night for tonks. :p

[Lumina]

I ran across this relevant quote while looking for something else:
McCormick: This is a question from Bridget from Toronto, and she's 12. Bridget's wondering, "Why did you create a magical society where men and women play such traditional roles? It seems most of the women Wizards pitter and patter around the house while the men do all the dark work."
Rowling: [laughs] That's not entirely true, because if you look at Professor McGonagall, she's a very, very powerful witch, and she's in a position of power. And in fact, if you look at the Hogwarts' staff - I had this discussion with someone the other day - it is exactly 50/50. Although it is true that you do have a headmaster as opposed to a headmistress, but that has not always been the case. As you will find out, there have been equal numbers of headmistresses.

Do Witches patter around the house? No. Mrs. Weasely stays at home, but if you think it's easy raising seven children, including Fred and George Weasely, then I pity... [laughs] Women who've had seven children will not see that as a soft option.


From: http://www.quick-quote-quill.org/articles/2000/1000-cbc-rogers.htm

[jordmundt6]

Around and around and around. Does she have the talent and the chops to do a Ministry job now that all but two of her kids are grown? Yes. Would she choose to do so? I dunno. She definitely wouldn't have had time during the first war because she'd be taking care of SIX kids by the end of it and pregnant with her seventh. Oy! Even with magic that'd be extraordinarily difficult and let's not forget that Arthur was forced to be away A LOT because of the war. Now, it might be different and she's definitely up for it (she pulled guard duty when her turn came up and didn't flinch--I mean that's huge!). As for the staff, they don't often marry but it does happen sometimes.

Now, as for Tonks she was in her 7th year during Harry's first (17 or 18). So she's 21 or 22 at the start of OotP. She'd be staying home to do--what, exactly? As for Madam Bones--it's unclear whether she married into the Bones family or if she's single because of her job. Could be either one.