Draco Malfoy is Ever So Lame

[Grace Saalsaa]

No: HPFGUIDX 39125

Eloise:

Isn't this the precise point?
His narrative role *appears* to be as Harry's chief rival *within 
Hogwarts*. 
If he weren't who he is (say, he was an obnoxious Gryffindor), he 
could even be his chief rival in the fight against Voldemort (whom I 
would argue to be Snape, who receives in some ways similar treatment 
from JKR).


This is my first post to this list.  I've been lurking, reading, and saying to myself:
Where's my book?  I don't  remember reading that!"

This topic of Draco Malfoy's was something I was just thinking about this morning while out for a walk with my dogs.  I rather enjoy this character and am hoping that in the future books he will develop into something more interesting.  Right now, I have the sense that JKR hasn't devoted much time in thinking about him.  He's there as the antagonist; the irritating horsefly that buzzes in Harry's periforial vision.  But Draco doesn't strike me as having aged or matured thus far.  He is still acting like a little bully, seeking attention and gathering his courage from weak, thick-headed friends.  

My impression of Draco is that he is jealous of Harry and seeks to draw attention to himself by jeering and acting out little pantomimes when Harry is in sight.  He doesn't strike me as really hating Harry.  And even his hatred for Mudbloods doesn't seem to be original to him.  Its a prejudice taught to him by his father whom he holds in deep respect.  His father has never failed him, carries an air of authority and therefore, his father must "know."  Draco hasn't thought for himself yet nor challenged himself to question why he believes what he *thinks* he believes.  And his choice of friends aren't ones who will provide any insights for him either. When Harry and Ron have their fireside chat with Draco in the guise of Crabbe & Goyle, Draco shows his that is annoying side again - but there is also the level of friendship with these two, where he talks/reveals some of his heart.  And even then he says "my father says...."

Character development in the Slytherin House seems rather weak on the whole. And that makes me wonder why.  This is the House where the Dark Art students develop.  So why aren't we seeing more from them?  They've won the House Cup 7 years in a row.  Suddenly when Harry shows up, they dry up?

In CoS, (book not in front of me) it says Draco is Snape's favorite student.  And why would that be?  References are made to Snape's ability to be very astute when he's reading Harry or putting a sequence of events together that leads to Harry being involved somehow.  If he's that sharp, then what does he see in Draco?  I doubt that Snape sees Draco as the most fantastic kid in the school - and he can't be so blindly loyal to his House that only Draco appeals to him.  So what does Draco have the catches Snape attention?

Grace


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