Subject: Draco's Redemption

[Rachelle Elliott]

No: HPFGUIDX 23729

 I see Draco as someone who
>desperately needs to break away from
>Mommy and Daddy (especially Daddy).
>[snip] He has yet to question his
>parents' views.

When I first started reading the books, I thought Draco was just
repeating what he heard his parents say.  I figured when hell finally
broke loose and he saw it wasn't a game or story -- that real people
could be and would be hurt, maybe even killed -- he would re-think his
position.  I don't think that way any more:

"Too late now, Potter!... Mudbloods and Muggle-lovers first!  Well --
second -- Diggory was f--"  GOF, last chapter.

This is not the speech of someone just playing at it.  It was cruel and
shows no regret or fear.  Draco Malfoy is, in my opinion, exactly what
he will always be:  an insensitive, spoiled, cruel-hearted,
pure-blooded snob.

Let's remember that Draco is still a child or teenager.  He has only
completed his first year of high school.  Which makes him 14 or 15.  As I
current teacher, I have noticed that students still repeat their parents
expressions and views unitl they can think on their own and that they don't
start vocalizing their views until well into high school if not college.
Draco has not know anything but the dark side for his entire life.  He has
only had 4 years away from his parents to deal with different cultures,
diversity, and racism.  Yes, the quote in the last chapter in GoF is
terrible but, it does not mean we should throw in the towel and judge him
forever.  Take it for what it is worth.  A teenager trying to provoke
others.  At the current time he is a an insensitive, spoiled,
cruel-hearted,pure-blooded snob.  But that may not be what he is forever.
People can grow and change and deserve chances.  Let's let time tell.  How
many individuals have been given chances or second chances:  Lupin, Hagrid,
Snape, Black.

"Dumbledore was the one who stuck up for me after Dad went.  Got me the
gamekeeper job...trusts people, he does.  Gives 'em second chances... tha's
what sets him apar' from other Heads, see..... Knows people can turn out OK
even if their families weren' ... well.. all tha' respectable.  But some
don't understand that.  There's some who'd always hold it against yeh." -
Hagrid (GoF24.)