[HPforGrownups] Why is Draco an only child

[Emma Hawkes]

No: HPFGUIDX 127255


Alexis said:

Alexis <alexisnguyen at gmail.com>

The Brits practiced a "heir and spare" system, actually - second sons
having more of an opportunity to make a name of themselves than any
other child, with the obvious exception of the first born - so the
Malfoys having only one child is quite odd if one assumes that the WW
follows the same Brit system.  However, given that magic appears to be
able to reduce a great deal of childhood diseases, problems, ect., one
can also gather that the need for a spare is also greatly reduced.
Therefore, if we follow the logic that the Malfoys entered into an
arranged marriage, they would do no more than their duty as far as
children are concerned.  Upon producing a reasonably sane heir and
having little need for a spare, especially considering the period of
time when that child would be born, the Malfoys just went on their
merry way and forgot about producing another child.

You are probably right.  Your explanation makes sense.... It's just
that it seems to me that the experiences of, say, Crouch senior are a
dreadful warning about the danger of having only one child.
Something happens to him and you have no one left.

Emma