Draco's Grades

[corinthum]

No: HPFGUIDX 46718

Katey wrote:

> My roommate and I have been debating something.  She thinks that 
> Draco is
> second in his year, grade-wise.  In Chamber, Lucious says "Though >
> if his
> grades don't pick up...I would've thought you'd be ashamed that a 
> girl of
> no
> wizard family beat you in every exam"(p. 52).  I don't see this as 
> proof
> that
> Draco's second, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on 
> this?

And Irene replied: 

> I also understand this comment as saying "Draco is second". If half 
> of
> Hogwarts was
> ahead of him, Lucius wouldn't speak about it in front of strangers.
> That's his evil way of boasting in front of Ollivander and putting 
> Draco
> down for not being
> the first. :-)

Me now:

I disagree.  I think Lucius only mentioned Hermione because she was at 
the head of the class, and he doesn't feel a muggle-born witch should 
have this honor.  He is appalled that his own son hasn't managed to do 
anything about this.  It seemed to me that this criticism was an old 
one, about which Draco was clearly tired of hearing.

-Corinth