Draco Malfoy is Ever So Lame

[naamagatus]

No: HPFGUIDX 39084

Hi, 

Just one point. Draco's unsatisfactoriness originates (if I 
understand you correctly) from his presumed role of Peer Rival to 
Harry, right?
Well, I'm not sure that I agree that that is exactly his narrative 
role. I mean, yes, of course it is - he is a peer and a rival of 
Harry. The thing is, Draco is not Harry's true rival (arch enemy). 
The true rival is Voldemort, and in facing him, Harry is truly 
involved in a heroic struggle. The conflict with Draco is definitely 
not heroic, but that's OK. As far as narrative roles go, I'm quite 
happy with loser!Draco. He provides action which is fun to read. 
Voldemort action, on the other hand, is dark and stressful (the parts 
I least like rereading are the final denouments with Voldemort). 
If Draco was too powerful, it would make the skirmishes with him too 
intense, which would change the balance of the books and of the plot. 
Give too much power to Draco, make him successful, and you lessen the 
uniqueness of Harry's struggle with Voldemort. 
So, in the context of the overall story, Draco is there, IMO, to 
underline Harry's strength, both for the sheer fun of seeing him get 
his but kicked, but also to prepare us for Harry's final victory over 
his true enemy - Voldemort.


On a sidenote, I have to protest against the Hurt and Comfort sex (!) 
appeal you presume. I am female and I find Draco totally repulsive. 
Really. As far as I'm concerned, he deserves everything he gets, and 
then some. I loved the ferret scene and relished over every smack he 
got, horrible little bullying sneak. So there. <g>

Oh, and I wasn't aroused when Harry was writhing with Cruciatus!! 
What's the matter with you, woman?! 


Naama
grateful, for once, for her (normally debilitating) repression 
mechanisms