Is Lucius Malfoy Abusive?

[Joe Bento]

No: HPFGUIDX 112227

Perhaps I've been reading too much fan fiction in anticipation of 
HBP, but I've now began rereading the first five books (now for the 
third time) trying to pick up some additional clues.  Several recent 
fan fiction stories by different authors have concentrated on 
Draco's abusive homelife, and I'm most curious if this stems from 
clues in the books.

Though Draco is mostly portrayed as a bullying git in the books, I 
wonder if there's more to him than has been presented so far - or if 
there are clues in the books I've overlooked.  

Draco obviously has the highest respect for his father.  Is this 
perhaps partially out of fear?  Lucius has made it very well know to 
Draco whom he should choose for his friends, and his prejudices 
toward mudbloods, etc.  Draco received a rather stern warning from 
his father while in Borgin and Burkes.  What of Narcissa?  What is 
her homelife like and her opinion of their son?  Neither Lucius nor 
Narcissa seemed to think their son in any potential danger while 
they went off juggling muggles during the world cup - all while the 
dark mark was conjured.

JKR's characters are obviously far more complex than what one would 
typically encounter in a "children's" book - complex enough that 
even we adults miss many subtle clues after multiple readings.


"Joe Bento"