Apologia pro Draco (was Re: Wizarding Top Ten)

[nikkalmati]

No: HPFGUIDX 188474



--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, Philip Whitehouse <philipwhiuk at ...> wrote:
>
> Geoff said:
> "he is an only child and has been influenced by his parents who  
> brainwash him about pureblood status"
> 
> I think that by the decision on the Tower Draco is no longer a child.  
> In the same way that Harry made adult decisions to 'play the hero',  
> Draco saw that - albeit misguidedly - appeasement of Voldemort's  
> wishes would save his parents. This self-sacrifice is an adult  
> decision so using the 'child' defence is not valid I feel. That said I  
> agree with your other points and conclusion.
> 
> -Philip, who doesn't get much time to post but enjoys reading all the  
> discussion when he has the time!
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Nikkalmati

Even if he was brought up in the pro-LV bigoted society, because he is no longer a child,he must make his own choices.  I can grant him n excuse until he waivers on the Tower.  He has at that point the opportunity to understand a different reality.  Afterwards, he sees the situation at Malfoy manor and he does not like it.  I grant him points for not eagerly identifying HP, HG and RW. But he could have left Hogwarts with the other Slytherins and either gone to the Forest or into hiding.  He chose to stay to attempt to capture HP.  He says he is the one who got himself, Goyle and Crabbe into the ROR.  He is taking positive action to help LV.  I am not sure why you say it was to help his parents.  His father was apparently beaten up badly in the Muggle way after HP escaped from the Manor and LV treats him as an errand boy,  but he and Narcissa do not seem to be in danger.  Draco has thrown his lot in with LV at the end, when it was not necessary. 

I read his not to Harry in the Epilogue as an acknowledgment that he is aware Harry does not hold a grudge and that he knows he owes Harry his life.

Nikkalmati