[HPforGrownups] More thoughts on Draco Malfoy (was Re: Draco Malfoy)

[Richelle Votaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 42566

Arcum writes:

> Well, Lucius does strike me as the type of father that always expects
> the best out of Draco, but I'm not sure about caring. While there
> isn't much canon on either side, I can't really picture Lucius Malfoy
> telling Draco that he loves him, is proud of him, etc. Draco's
> behavior seems consistant with someone who is constantly seeking his
> fathers approval.
>
> As far as abuse, there isn't any real evidence for or against
> physical abuse. Mental and emotional abuse seems a lot more likely in

Emotional abuse seems likely.  I wonder if Lucius has ever told Draco he
loved him?  Or even expressed it?  You can't show love by buying a broom (or
7) so your kid can get on the Quidditch team.  The only time I remember
Harry overhearing Lucius and Draco talk was in the floo powder incident
where Harry ended up in the wrong alley.  There Lucius was constantly
putting Draco down, reminding him he had "allowed" a mudblood to score
better than him, telling him to stop letting on that he didn't like Harry
Potter, since everyone else considered him their savior, etc.

Also, Draco seems to be one of those "my father this, my father that" kids.
Some kids like that actually do have a father who cares and thus it's
natural.  Others don't and try to convince themselves that it's them the
father cares about and not simply the family name.  I think Lucius is much
more intent on keeping his name in good standing so to speak than how well
his son does.

Also, what sort of father goes galavanting around as a death eater with a
small child at home?  Draco'd have been born during Voldemort's reign, and a
baby's enough to calm almost any man down and keep him close to home.  Not
Lucius, though.

Richelle