Lucius caring for Draco? (was Re: Malfoys and Dursleys)

[jenny_ravenclaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 47410

Hey everyone!  It has been months since I've written anything around 
here, but Draco is definitely a character that continues to intrigue 
me, so here goes...

Heidi and David are in disagreement over whether or not Draco is 
neglected or loved by his father.  I think Heidi and others make 
excellent points showing that Draco may not be the coddled kid he 
appears to be.  However, I have to side with David here.  While I 
don't think the Malfoys are the best examples of loving and 
affectionate parents, I don't see them as out-and-out abusive either.  
One example that always stands out for me is duriing the QWC.  When 
the Malfoys show up in the same box as the Trio, Draco settles himself 
comfortably *between* both of his parents.  Why did I stress the word 
'between'?  I found JKR's attention to that detail very telling.  To 
me, Draco sitting between his parents is a symbol of their protection 
of him.  He is their link, their center, their focus - you get my 
point, I'm sure.  :-)

I think other examples, such as Lucius's regular visits to Hogwarts, 
to be quite vague.  Whether or not he spends time with Draco while 
Draco is in school can be interpreted as we please.  I actually 
imagine that Lucius sees Draco just about every time he visits 
Hogwarts.  We certainly know that Draco gets a lot of information from 
his father; why not during a leisurely lunch in Hogsmeade or over a 
cup of tea in the Slytherin common room?

Buying brooms for the Slytherin Quidditch team is another example that 
can be seen in different ways.  True, it is disgusting of Lucius to 
try and buy a win for his son and the team, and definitely true that 
Lucius is concerned with appearances, but he also could truly believe 
he is helping his son out by buying him the best.  There are plenty of 
parents out there who think they are doing a good thing for their kids 
while damaging them at the same time.  Draco sure as hell isn't 
learning how to be responsible and open-minded, but I'm sure his 
parents are raising him to be the adult they think he should be, if 
that makes sense.

Now, whether or not Draco is or will be evil is a whole other 
debate...

--jenny from ravenclaw, happy to post again 
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