Draco and Intent: Re: Snape and Harry’s Sadism (was: Lack of re-examination)

[montavilla47]

No: HPFGUIDX 186691

> > >> jkoney:
> > > > Some people liked Draco in the early books. There was nothing good about him at all in those scenes. <snip>
> 
> Betsy Hp:
> Oh, not true!  As someone who grew up with "Malory Towers" (a "school-days" series) Draco seemed prime to become Harry's best friend. Everything about our first scene with him screamed "learning moment to come".  So that's an example of my personal experience trumping what the author was trying to get across.
> 
> Because I was expecting the turn around I noted that Draco, despite his claim of being deeply beloved by his parents, was left completely alone in the dress shop.  I noted that he was trying desperately to become Harry's friend (which I thought rather sweet), and I cringed *for* Draco because he was so ignorantly going about it the wrong way.


Montavilla47:

I never read the Malory Towers series, but there was something
compelling about Draco.  What I liked was that, even though his
first meeting with Harry didn't exactly go well, he was willing to 
offer friendship to him.  

Granted, there were benefits to being friends with the famous
Harry Potter.  And Draco was very snotty about the way he 
went about it.  But he offered his hand and there was definitely
something noble about that.

And yes, he was exactly the kind of character who seems snotty,
but later terms out to be the hero's friend and foil.  Or, like Prince
Ellidyr in "The Black Cauldron," ends up doing something 
important for the good guys, even though he isn't exactly 
one.

So, yes, I was one of those who thought there was going to 
be more to Draco than just an unpleasant bully.  I was wrong,
but at least I was in good company.