Why redeem Draco?

[jenny_ravenclaw]

No: HPFGUIDX 60043

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "Brooke" <brookeshanks at m...> 
wrote:

> So far I find myself agreeing with jenny ravenclaw.  I think that 
Lucius IS psychologically abusive to Draco.  I see many similarities 
in the father son relationship between Draco & Lucius and Crouch 
Junior with Crouch Senior.  I have become a big believer that history 
will be repeating itself and that our present characters have past 
counterparts (ie: harry=james).  The present character will be faced 
with similar choices as the past characters, but many will choose 
differently.  I think that Draco will eventually rebel against his 
extremist father and fight on Dumbledore's side, but he will still 
resent Harry for being such a hero.  I think Draco is to Harry as 
Snape was to James, and that Draco is on his way to becoming just like 
Snape... anyone else thinking that way as well?>

I didn't say Draco was being abused by his father.  In fact, I don't 
think he is.  Lucius Malfoy may not be the warmest man out there, but 
I don't see him abusing his son.  Of course, anyone could argue that 
my very examples are proof that Draco is most definitely a victim of 
his father's, but I'll try to explain my position anyway.

Unfortunately, Draco is learning some terrible things at home, but 
that doesn't mean that he is being neglected, insulted, belittled or 
beaten.  The Malfoys are a disgusting family who truly believe they 
and other pure-blood wizards are superior.  Draco's father teaches 
this to his son because he thinks he is doing the right thing.  It's 
terrible, but it does not make a victim out of Draco.

Lucius's disapproval of Draco's grades in the beginning of CoS is not 
a sign of abuse, either.  It is a sign, actually, of a parent who has 
expectations and shows disappointment when his son doesn't do as well 
as his father believes he can.  I like that Lucius expected better 
grades of his son, much as I despise Lucius.  When I have kids, I'll 
expect good grades of them, too.

Draco makes it very clear to anyone who will listen that he and his 
father talk quite a bit.  He often repeats things he has been told by 
his dad and threatens to run to Dad when things do not go his way.  He 
also enjoys his parents' company enough to settle himself between the 
two of them at the QWC (when I was 14, I would have been too 
embarrassed and would have gone to sit with my friends).  Yes, Draco 
is painfully spoiled and this is what could ruin things for him, but 
again, it does not mean he is being abused.  Dudley, IMO, is much more 
a victim of abuse as his parents allowed him to become obese, 
endangering his health.  Draco seems healthy enough to me.

It is a shame that Draco is learning to harbor such hate, but his 
parents seem to love him, encourage him and pay plenty of attention to 
him.  Imagine the day when he sees weakness in one of them.  Now 
*that* would be devastating.

--jenny from ravenclaw, wondering if Darrin will smear her for this 
*******************************