[HPforGrownups] Draco and Lucius (Was: Draco & Snape )

[Christopher Nehren]

No: HPFGUIDX 116891

On Sun, Oct 31, 2004 at 16:35:42 EST, Carol scribbled these
curious markings:
> I'm wondering about Draco's sudden switch from "Father" (used in all
> previous references by Draco to Lucius) to "Dad" near the end of OoP.
> To me, it seemed almost out of character. Does this switch from
> formality to informality suggest a loss of respect (Lucius got caught)
> or an increase in affection or both or is it just a slip on JKR's
> part? 
<part about the Weasleys snipped; I'm focusing on Draco here>

I personally don't see "dad" as suggestive of a loss of respect. If you
read the line where he uses it, it's about his father being in prison --
not just any prison, but Azkaban. I personally see his usage of "dad"
when he just previously used "father" twice as a sign of emotion, akin
to McGonagall's usage of "Albus!" in the very beginning. It seems that
there's a large amount of sadness combined with the fury of Harry still
being alive -- and taunting him (Draco), of all things -- which caused
the otherwise uncharacteristic show of familial affection from Draco.
And, if I'm not mistaken, there's a bit of denial in his words, as
well: he likens his father's situation to the other escaped DEs and
says that he'll be out soon too.

I'll admit that it's possible for it to be a slip, but being that I
don't have any evidence either way, I'll just say that much about it.

Christopher

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