Narcissa's choice

[Jen Reese]

No: HPFGUIDX 173490

Narcissa fascinated me in this book.  She was one whose 
characterization from HBP to DH seemed right on target, with a 
consistent and believable pattern of actions developing due to 
circumstances around her.  From the start it's clear Draco is her 
priority and he remains her priority - likely grows as a priority -
when the Dark Lord ups the ante by taking over Malfoy Manor.  BTW, I 
found that a wise move on his part:  He sensed a change in the family 
and/or had learned at least some of the particular events
(Unbreakable?).  Knowing the influence Lucius holds, it was a smart 
move on LV's part to clamp down on the Malfoys and keep them close by 
at all times, first by relieving Lucius of his wand and then by 
forcing Draco to do his torturing for him (one of several disturbing 
scenes for me in DH). 

As always though, Voldemort overlooked the power and influence of the 
Mother.  Narcissa appears to be the one in control of the family from 
the start of DH, perhaps always the one at the head of the family?  
I'd assumed Lucius was, given his penchant for dominance and 
aggression.  At least where Draco was concerned, Narcissa was the 
decision-maker; she was the one who wouldn't allow him to go to 
Durmstrang and ensured his safety the best way she knew how by going 
to Snape in HBP.  In DH her influence grows (or we see it more 
directly) when Lucius turns to her after LV asks for his wand.  I 
suspect her pressure on his arm to agree was motivated by fear for 
Draco as well as some resignation on her part to the situation.

Moving to the end, a very captivating and well-written scene:  What 
would Narcissa have shouted to LV if Harry had said 'No, Draco is 
dead'?  Would she still have lied and said Harry was dead?  I 
honestly don't know!  People see Christian symbolism in this moment 
but that's not what came to my mind.  She was 'just' a Mom first and 
foremost, concerned for her son; and perhaps, concerned for the sons 
of all the Mothers there that night when she said Harry was dead?  
Her choice certainly saved many sons and daughters whatever her 
motivation.  Come to think of it, I'd rather not know what she would 
have done had Draco already died; I'll stick to the story as written 
and remember it as a moving moment in DH. 

Jen