Draco and Slytherin House (was: Harsh Morality - Combined answers)

[dumbledore11214]

No: HPFGUIDX 121344


Potioncat:
Haven't you ever known a "bad kid"?  No, I don't believe anyone is 
born bad.  And I don't believe a child is destined to be evil... but 
I've known bad kids.  And I've heard of really, really bad kids... 
I wouldn't be surprised if JKR didn't know someone like Draco and 
used that basis for the character.  

And, well, in a work of fiction characters are plot devices.  There 
isn't enough time or enough pages to have characters wandering 
around for no reason at all. I don't see Draco as 2-D, although 
Crabbe and Goyle are.  But they serve a purpose as well.
  

So for whatever reason, JKR put this narrow minded, self-centered 
character into the plot and pitted him against Harry.  I'm not sure 
what she'll do with him...to him...about him.  But there he is.
But it's like real life, if you go to school with a kid who believes 
very strongly in everything you don't, you still have to put up with 
that kid until you're both out of school. And if that kid is very 
good at not getting caught, then it's all the worse.
 
Potioncat who isn't sure she contributed anything at all to this 
discussion


Alla:

Actually, I think you contributed A LOT to this conversation. Just 
to be clear - I will VERY briefly reiterate my POV on Draco.

I have NO sympathy for him within the story, for all I care he can 
go and die slow and painful death tomorrow, because JKR is very very 
good at manipulating this particular reader, BUT I  am annoyed when 
I look at the character outside of the story.

Nevertheless, I hear you loud and clear. Yes, I still don't think 
that beating us over head that Draco IS evil and WAS evil ever since 
he appeared in Hogwarts at the age of eleven is a best message , but 
you convinced me that it could be considered a realistic portrayal ( 
or close enough to realistic)

After all, there are many many children who grew up in the 
problematic family environment and do not receive proper attentionj, 
counselling in schools, etc. The only influence they get is family 
 and they grew up exactly as their families teach them.
Point very well taken, Potioncat.

Still though, since it is a fictional reality, I would love 
Dumbledore and Co at least try and help Slyths somehow, not just let 
them be. Sigh...



Pippin:
He may be a bit more than that eventually. Just for a moment, 
separate what Snape is asking Harry to do from his 
pedagogically incorrect methods of getting Harry to do it. 

Snape wants Harry to study hard, mind his own business, pay 
attention in class, deal respectfully with his teachers and 
classmates, stop thinking that  wealth, popularity or his family 
name entitles him to anything, and leave the Voldemort war to 
the grown-ups. As we all know, Harry doesn't need to be 
pressured to do most of these things, and would rather receive 
guidance from the Giant Squid than Severus Snape anyway.
 
But there is another child in Snape's classes who desperately 
needs guidance in these areas. Whatever potential for good 
rests in Draco seems to be draining away unregarded. That's 
tragic, particularly as Snape seems to be the one adult who 
might be able to reach him in time.


Alla:

Sorry, Pippin, I am not clear on what are you saying. Are you saying 
that it will be better if Snape left Harry alone and concentrated on 
Draco, since he needs his attention more and would benefit from his 
guidance AND Draco is willing to receive guidance from Snape?

Because if you are saying all that, I am wholeheartedly agree. I 
also think that Snape SHOULD leave Harry alone (could he do the same 
to Neville, please)? :o)
 
Oh, yes, before Susan will tell me that Snape and Harry  
have to learn to work together for common good, I have to clarify 
that Snape should leave Harry alone at least till he is in proper 
mindset to be with him in the same room, if forever is impossible 
due to war circumstances :o)


Just my opinion,

Alla