Draco Malfoy is a rather complex character from Harry Potter. While it might have been Snape’s redemption story that was focused on more in the books, many fans have argued that it was Draco who deserved more of this focus. In many ways, he was a victim, but in many other ways, he was a horrible person.
He’s definitely a character that many love and that inspired a lot of debate. Whether you like him or not, there are many Draco Malfoy moments that haven’t aged well for a variety of reasons. Here are the ten main things about Draco Malfoy that haven’t aged well.
WHEN HE SET A SNAKE ON HARRY DURING THE DUELING CLUB
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, an official dueling club is started to teach students how to defend themselves using magic. During one of the routine sparring sessions, Harry and Draco face off. Draco uses a spell that creates a live snake and sicks the dangerous reptile on Harry.
This was definitely uncalled for and against the rules. Also, a snake is extremely vicious. Considering that Draco was only 12 at the time, this seems like quite a cruel thing to do.
TELLING RITA SKEETER PRIVATE INFORMATION
Draco spends a huge amount of time during his years at Hogwarts trying to get Harry Potter and his friends into trouble. He seems to take a lot of joy in making other people miserable, but double so when he publicly humiliate his victims.
This was especially apparent when he is the one, along with other Slytherins, who pass private information onto Rita Skeeter. This is how she learns about many things, many of them untrue, about Harry, Hermione, and Hagrid.
BUYING HIS WAY ONTO THE QUIDDITCH TEAM
While it’s true that Draco isn’t a bad Quidditch player, the main reason he was able to be become the Seeker on Slytherin's team at such as young age is because his father bought brooms for the entire team.
This is just one example of how Draco’s father influences his time at Hogwarts. Lucius uses his money and social status to buy and bully others so that Draco gets what he wants. Draco definitely has a large amount of privilege in this way.
HOW MUCH HE GOT AWAY WITH
Draco Malfoy seems to get away with a ton of rule-breaking and bad behavior while at Hogwarts. This is especially true with the special treatment that he gets from Severus Snape, the head of Slytherin.
But even outside of that, he never gets in trouble for any of the bullying that he does. For whatever reason, it seems like none of the professors are aware of this. Orthey don’t really seem to care, supposing they actually knew what Draco and his cohorts were up to.
HOW MUCH OF A BULLY HE WAS
As mentioned above, Draco is without a doubt a big bully. While he displays unwarranted aggressiveness towards Harry, Ron, and Hermione, they are able to stand up to him. However, his bullying is most apparent when it comes to those who were considerably meeker than Harry and friends. Case in point, Neville Longbottom.
Draco calls Neville names and makes fun of him, especially during their earlier years at Hogwarts. But even outside of this, he doesn't really treat anyone kindly.
BEING PART OF UMBRIDGE’S INQUISITORIAL SQUAD
It takes a really cruel kind of person to want to be a part of this group. It’s unfortunate that it’s only Sltyerhins who do so as it adds to the unfair stereotype that only Slytherins are bad people. Draco joins Umbridge's tyrannical group that’s all about ratting out other students and getting them in trouble.
The joy Draco gets in seeing his peers suffer is hard to fathom. He definitely doesn’t mind seeing his fellow students get detention, knowing full well that detention with Umbdirge was literally torture.
FINDING IT FUNNY WHEN MUGGLES WERE TORTURED AT THE QUIDDITCH WORLD CUP
This is something that isn’t shown in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but it does happen in the book. In the book, a group of former Death Eaters and sympathizers torture a family of Muggles at the Quidditch World Cup.
When Harry, Ron, and Hermione run into Draco in the woods, he isn’t bothered by this fact at all. In fact, he seems to think this is funny. His attitude about this is definitely disturbing.
HOW HE REPEATEDLY CALLED HERMIONE AND OTHERS A SLUR
While given Draco’s parents and upbringing, it would make sense that he was raised with rather ignorant ideas and beliefs. This, however, doesn’t justify any of his words and actions. For instance, he repeatedly calls Hermione a "Mudblood," which is considered to be a grave slur in the wizarding world.
Yes, his upbringing supported these ideas, but Sirius Black and Harry are examples that you can still be a good person even if you have a bad upbringing and horrible parents. Draco simply has no excuse.
SUPPORTING THE HEIR OF SLYTHERIN KILLING MUGGLE-BORN STUDENTS
When the Chamber of Secrets is opened, Draco isn’t exactly shy about how much he supports the Heir of Slytherin's mission. He openly talks about how Mudbloods will be next and literally suggests they should die. This is super disturbing, and it’s shocking that none of the professors notice this and try to curb it.
The show of support for the Dark Arts from Draco and others in Slytherin is weirdly ignored. Even if Draco isn't like this in adulthood, how he treated his fellow students is horrible.
BEING A DEATH EATER
This might be one of the most controversial points on this list because it’s fairly clear that Draco didn’t want to be a Death Eater. However, it seems like his distaste is more because of fear for himself and his family than being disturbed by Voldermot’s monstrous beliefs and mission.
While he does redeem himself somewhat, he can’t be let entirely off the hook. There’s no denying that he never really tried to go against or disagree with his family’s views until his own life and happiness were on the line.