A bit of Potter-rant

[owl]

fernwithy's latest entry, on subversive readings, prompted me to post this.

It really annoys me when people say that Dumbledore is amoral and manipulative, and the Weasleys are abusive or bad parents, while at the same time the Malfoys are the perfect family.

GAH! Yes, the Weasleys aren't perfect, Dumbledore has faults, MWPP were capable of bullying at fifteen, but that doesn't make them bad through and through. I think it's obvious from JKR's writing and interviews where her love lies. Then of course you get the people whinging that 'I can write better than Rowling! She doesn't know what to do with her own characters!'

One person I saw recently saying she hated James and Sirius since OotP. But yet she's a huge Draco fan. She was greatly offended by the recent JKR interview where she said that 'girls like Tom Felton and confuse him with Draco', or somesuch. What is there about Draco that's more likeable than James and Sirius? Draco's capable of the sme sort of bullying as the Snivellus incident--he has Leg-lockered Neville and expanded Hermione's teeth (encouraged by his teacher, the petty...grr). He has carried out a dangerous and potentially fatal 'prank' a la Sirius (Harry falls off his broom when he sees Dementors, let's dress up as Dementors! He had no way of knowing about the Patronus), and on several occasions has expressed pleasure at the thought of the demise of Harry and his friends.

And James and Sirius have shown themselves capable of self-sacrifice, love and courage, unlike Draco.

Now, I'm not saying that Draco isn't an interesting character, because I think he is, in his glorious screwed-up pettiness and malice. I'm not saying it's impossible for him to be improved in canon. But how is he so much better than MWPP, the Weasleys, Harry and Dumbledore?

Comments

[lady-suzuran.livejournal.com]

'the Malfoys are better parents than the Weasleys' because Lucius buys the team brooms and complains about the Hippogryff incident

*snerk*

Really, that's part of the problem with the Malfoys - fanon clouds canon. Draco is the poster child of this, and it can be disheartening to those who actually like his bratty self.

I love ron because he's just such a normal teenage boy.

*nods* I agree. I used to be neutral about him, but I've developed a soft spot for him, no doubt due to Ginny's influence, who I really like. Being a sidekick means he's shoved aside in favor of the hero, but it's because of that that he's such a strong character to identify with. Not all of us are extremely talented or walking encyclopedias. :)

Who says that? I'm much more familiar with Malfoycest[1] and Abused!Draco-fic.

Word. Where would fanon explanation about Draco's *ahem* rudeness be without Abused! Draco? :p

[chickadilly.livejournal.com]

Excuse me while I pass out on the floor from drooling over your icon!

*fans self*

XD

Your name sounds familar to me ... are you from Soul of the Jedi??? I haven't been there in a while but I'm pretty sure that's where I've seen you. :D

[lady-suzuran.livejournal.com]

Excuse me while I pass out on the floor from drooling over your icon!

That icon gets that a lot. ;)

And yes, Chickadilly! I'm Jedi Suzuran from SOTJ and the Mara Jade Hater's Club. Remember me? :)