Exactly so. One would not disparage the clerk for being a clerk - he performs a service and supplies you with provisions you need to play. But one would not invite him to supper in recompense, nor would you be likely to notice if he were to be replaced by another, equally valuable but no more important underling. Presumably he has some affinity for the sport, but perhaps his talent was limited or his ability sadly lacking, and he has risen as high as he is likely to go. Nonetheless, he still contributes to the best of his capacity, though he could not be considered a real player.
Now, Mr Pucey is a teammate, one who performs his duties as you do and with whom you co-operate to achieve common success. If he errs, or you, it would not be surprising for either of you to task the other, but this does not mean his value to the team is diminished, nor yours. We shall leave aside for the time being the question of whether his contributions fail on a regular basis; let us assume that you are evenly matched and neither of you an embarrassment to your side. You would not scruple to eschew his company in the locker rooms or the common room when celebrating, nor would you have any reason to decline his overtures, or he yours, of friendship. Yours is a relationship of equals, each of you striving at more or less the same level of effectiveness. But neither of you is at the level of Mr Drumgoole yet.
As for him, his services are sought throughout the nation by any number of qualified judges and his contributions are indisputably essential to the success of his side. If he were to deign to invite you to supper, you would surely accept - but you would naturally understand were he to decline your invitation in favour of more pressing engagements. If he were to offer critique of your skills, or Mr Pucey's, you would be well-served to heed his advice, coming as it does from a position of greater experience and daily use.
Similarly, if you need a tutor in art, you would not solicit assistance from Mr Goyle. If you need to walk down a darkened street, on the other hand, he might be a suitable companion.
no subject
Now, Mr Pucey is a teammate, one who performs his duties as you do and with whom you co-operate to achieve common success. If he errs, or you, it would not be surprising for either of you to task the other, but this does not mean his value to the team is diminished, nor yours. We shall leave aside for the time being the question of whether his contributions fail on a regular basis; let us assume that you are evenly matched and neither of you an embarrassment to your side. You would not scruple to eschew his company in the locker rooms or the common room when celebrating, nor would you have any reason to decline his overtures, or he yours, of friendship. Yours is a relationship of equals, each of you striving at more or less the same level of effectiveness. But neither of you is at the level of Mr Drumgoole yet.
As for him, his services are sought throughout the nation by any number of qualified judges and his contributions are indisputably essential to the success of his side. If he were to deign to invite you to supper, you would surely accept - but you would naturally understand were he to decline your invitation in favour of more pressing engagements. If he were to offer critique of your skills, or Mr Pucey's, you would be well-served to heed his advice, coming as it does from a position of greater experience and daily use.
Similarly, if you need a tutor in art, you would not solicit assistance from Mr Goyle. If you need to walk down a darkened street, on the other hand, he might be a suitable companion.