The Weasleys initially harbored a strong dislike for Fleur Delacour primarily due to perceptions of her personality, her perceived suitability for Bill Weasley, and her general demeanor. This sentiment was most prominently felt by Molly Weasley and Ginny Weasley.
Mrs. Weasley's Concerns
Molly Weasley, Bill's mother, harbored significant reservations about Fleur becoming part of her family. Her main reasons included:
- Perceived Shallowness: Mrs. Weasley believed Fleur to be superficial, focusing excessively on her appearance and trivial matters. She found Fleur to be flighty and lacking in substance.
- Unsuitability for Bill: She felt that Fleur was not a good match for her eldest son, Bill. Mrs. Weasley didn't think Fleur was "good enough" for him, doubting her character and commitment.
- Negative Interactions: Molly was often standoffish in response to Fleur's suggestions and complaints. Even when Fleur attempted to be helpful, her efforts were often met with disapproval or resistance, exacerbating the tension between them.
Ginny's Perspective
Ginny Weasley, Bill's younger sister, also shared a strong aversion to Fleur, particularly stemming from Fleur's attitude towards her.
- Patronizing Demeanor: Ginny disliked how Fleur treated her like a "little girl," often speaking to her in a condescending or dismissive manner. This patronizing attitude created friction and resentment.
Underlying Reasons for the Dislike
The collective Weasley family's initial disapproval of Fleur stemmed from a combination of factors:
- Cultural Differences: Fleur, being French and from a different background, often approached situations differently than the close-knit, practical Weasley family, leading to misunderstandings.
- Perceived Arrogance: Fleur's Veela heritage and striking beauty often gave her an air of confidence that could be mistaken for arrogance by those who didn't know her well, contributing to the family's negative perceptions.
- Protectiveness of Bill: Mrs. Weasley, in particular, was very protective of her children and sought to ensure Bill was with someone she deemed truly compatible and worthy.
Overcoming the Initial Dislike
Despite the initial animosity, the Weasleys' opinions of Fleur gradually changed, particularly after her unwavering devotion to Bill following his attack by Fenrir Greyback. Her loyalty, courage, and love for Bill, even after his disfigurement, proved her depth of character and won over Mrs. Weasley and the rest of the family.