With Hogwarts Legacy about to be released in the next couple of months, as well as Warner Bros. Discovery looking to jump back into the Harry Potter saga for future spinoffs (via Independent), fans are excited to see that the wizarding world isn't dead just yet. Whether that takes the form of a TV show or movie, or whether it uses familiar characters or not is to be yet to be determined, but fans will certainly be there immediately when the news drops.
Despite Ron Weasley not being a part of that specific game and his status for any spinoffs unknown, it's still important to look at how this incredibly important character's arc evolved throughout the original series, as a way of analysis for what could happen with others in the future. Weasley had a range of ambitions that ultimately came true by the end, which spoke to the quality of his development.
Leaving School
Ron Weasley has never been a big fan of school. He isn't exactly an overachiever and while he may have performed rather well in practical situations, he just never has much interest in studying. His talents have always been better used elsewhere, outside of the educational system.
He never wanted to leave with no qualifications and indeed achieved some solid grades in his OWLS, only failing in History of Magic and Divination. He actually ends up leaving school early to hunt Horcruxes and sees much more success after being at the institution.
Joining The Quidditch Team
When Ron looked into the Mirror of Erised, it wasn't good grades that he saw, but another Hogwarts-centric role that appealed to him. Ron wanted to join the Quidditch team and help them go on to win the Cup.
While Ron might have feared failing in such a high-profile situation, he finally got to join the team just like his brothers and sister before him. He ends up becoming the keeper for Gryffindor and was proven to be a very competent member of the sporting unit.
Being A House Hero
Ron has really been sold short in the past as even though he was useful to the Quidditch team, many would have assumed that his wish to be the house hero was a long shot. Holding up the Quidditch Cup in the Mirror of Erised would have only been a result of a heroic performance.
That's exactly what he did as the keeper, becoming absolutely unstoppable after he thought he had been given Felix Felicis. He might have gotten the attention of Lavender Brown and was celebrated by the Common Room, but ultimately it was all about the glory for Ron, who wanted to feel appreciated.
Becoming An Auror
Ron always wanted to make a difference, although he could never quite understand how. It was an ambition that began to develop as he trained under Dumbledore's Army especially, building an appetite for hunting down dark wizards, and pushing through his fears of the shadowy nature of the role.
Ron never completely voiced his desire to become an Auror, but he continued to praise their work and obviously respected their role in the Ministry of Magic. He also thought a lot of the Ministry considering his father and brother had big positions, and thus it was a proud moment when he got his own chance as an Auror.
Defeating Voldemort
It was a dream of Ron's to live in a world void of Dark wizards. He joined Harry early on in his quest to defeat Lord Voldemort, although he was initially afraid to truly face up to it. Once he had really accepted that the Dark Lord had returned he put everything into vanquishing him.
Ron even left school early to hunt Horcruxes, putting everything on the line to go down in history as one of the few wizards that could best Voldemort. It wasn't a goal that could be paid off quickly, but when Voldemort was finally destroyed, he satisfyingly achieved his ambition after all the hard work; even if he was lucky to survive the experience.
Taking A Leading Role At Hogwarts
Ron's Mirror of Erised dream also spoke to his desire to take on a leading role in Hogwarts. He's often been ignored within his family and has big shoes to fill, especially when looking at his brother Percy (who was a high-ranking prefect).
While Ron did become prefect, this wasn't where fans saw his leadership skills come out best. Alongside Harry and Hermione, he helped to create Dumbledore's Army, with the group looking to him as a core part of the infrastructure of the organization. That would pay off further in the Battle of Hogwarts, where Ron helped to coordinate the final push even - breaking a Horcrux. That leadership dream would be fulfilled but in a dangerous situation.
Finding Someone To Love Him For Who He Was
While it doesn't apply to his career, schooling ambitions, or perhaps family goals, Ron did continue to hold another dream that only grew as he progressed through Hogwarts. He wanted someone to love him for who he was - which he eventually found in Hermione.
Although there might have been clashes along the way, with his relationship with Lavender causing trouble in particular, fans were hoping that they would get together and readers were eventually delighted to see them get married by the conclusion of The Deathly Hallows. There is some debate over whether they belonged together, but many fans felt that they were made for each other.
Peace For His Family
Ron has always been a family man. He loves being at the Burrow and respects his parents and siblings. He's proud of what they have all managed to achieve and just wanted them to find peace; especially his mother and father who had lost so much.
By the conclusion of the saga, they get that. Although they have to tragically deal with the loss of their son, Ron had ensured that dark forces would never bother them again. It was a struggle, but he made his family proud and secured their safety.
Not To Be Viewed As A Joke
Ron Weasley has some fantastic jokes throughout the books that show he's a great comic relief character. But he is so much more than that and there was frustration there when people didn't quite take him seriously. There was always a bit of a chip on his shoulder.
The notion of wanting to be a prefect and house hero played into that idea that he wanted to earn respect for his abilities and skills. His other achievements prove that he got what he wanted, literally getting placed in the history books of the Wizarding world.
Working At Weasley Wizard Wheezes
Although Ron had dreams of being an Auror and fighting dark wizards, that ambition got old quickly. He'd made the reforms that he wanted and needed a new challenge. He's always dreamed of following his brothers, with a huge admiration for their business, Weasley Wizard Wheezes.
He finally embraced that side of his personality and became a co-owner with George. The pair took the joke shop to new levels, demonstrating where Ron's talents truly were. He got to combine every aspect of his personality and contribute to his family by doing so. It ticked every box.