FAQ feedback, SHIP: R/H, D/H

[meboriqua at aol.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 23471

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., dfrankiswork at n... wrote:
> 
> However, when we consider what Draco must think of Hermione, the 
picture is rather more interesting.  She, who is inferior to him in 
the respects he considers important, continually beats him; his 
response is to try harder, yet he still fails.  By GOF, her 
psychological mastery is nearly complete as she can reduce him by 
saying 'Hello, Professor Moody', and affects not to care about Rita 
Skeeter's article (but see below).  He also discovers at the ball that 
she can look stunning.  I think it is entirely possible that Draco's 
desire to win may well take the form of attempted conquest of her 
affections, though as his character stands, that would be based on 
lust and the desire for mastery.  If he then fails (as surely he 
must), he will resort either to violence and hatred or to a 
comprehensive re-evaluation of his own character and possible 
repentance.>

First of all, David, I always enjoy your postings, but lately they 
have been downright brilliant.  I love what you wrote about Draco's 
possible attraction to Hermione.  What a complicated and fascinating 
twist that would add to the series.

I see Draco as someone who desperately needs to break away from Mommy 
and Daddy (especially Daddy).  In a way, I can relate to him.  I was 
far too dependent on my parents for too long until an unfortunate turn 
of events forced me to learn how to count on myself.  I was quite 
spoiled until my father's business went down the drain and I had to 
fend for myself.  It was hard,  it was the best thing to ever happen 
to me.  I learned to value myself, pay for myself and see that my 
parents were not always right.  No one can take that away from me.

I used myself as an example to try and explain what I *could* see 
happening with Draco.  He needs to see Lucius off the pedestal, up 
close and on the ground.  He has yet to question his parents' views.  
An attraction to a "mudblood" like Hermione may be a way to rebel 
against his parents.  *We* know Hermione is great; Draco may begin to 
see that too, and whether or not she returns his affections, Draco may 
have to part ways to some degree with his father who will never see 
Hermione for the clever witch she really is.  Or, an attraction to 
Hermione may be the catalyst for Draco to open his eyes and question 
*anything* his father has been saying.  Draco has been blindly, for 
the most part, agreeing with his father's views.  Draco, too, needs to 
learn to stand on his own.

--jenny from ravenclaw*************