Would Draco Malfoy Have Been Disowned If Sorted into a Different House?
In the context of the Harry Potter universe, the house a student is sorted into plays a crucial role in their identity and future relationships. This question revolves around the hypothetical scenario of if Draco Malfoy, a prominent character from the series, had been sorted into a different house than Slytherin. Would his parents, particularly Lucius and Narcissa, disown him for the decision a 11-year-old had no control over?
Parental Reactions to Sorting
Surprisingly, even in the strict Malfoy family, there is no record of a member being disowned due to sorting. For instance, Walburga Black did not disown Sirius Black for being sorted into Gryffindor, but rather for their later differences. This implies that being in the wrong house, in itself, is not a reason for disownment in pure-blood families. However, the malcontent of Lucius and Narcissa towards the choice of house could still pose significant challenges.
Lucius and Narcissa's Disappointment
Lucius, being the patriarch, would likely be more disappointed if Draco had been sorted into a non-Slytherin house. Ravenclaw would perhaps be less problematic, but Hufflepuff and Gryffindor could cause a significant strain. Slytherin, the house Lucius strongly identifies with, might not be well-received by him. Ginny Weasley, a Gryffindor, is known for her kind nature and mutual respect for Harry Potter, while Hufflepuff, though striving for hard work and fair play, is also stereotypically seen as less academically competitive and cunning than Slytherin. This could be further complicated by several factors.
Impact on Lucius and Draco's Relationship
Lucius, known for his deep and staunch views on purity, might strongly disapprove of the House of Draco. He could cause Draco to be seen as less aligned with their family's values, perhaps even shaming him publicly. However, given that Draco often echoed Lucius's sentiments, the risk of disowning him would likely be outweighed by their deep bond. Narcissa, a mother figure, would likely mediate to maintain the family's unity. Alternatively, she might try to emphasize that Slytherin house reflects Lucius's ambitions and beliefs more accurately.
Signs of Family Tension
With the possibility of Lucius being very disappointed, Draco's relationship with the family might become strained. If he were to display values that do not match the Malfoy family's extreme purity ideals, he might face significant criticism. For example, if Draco were to join Hufflepuff, his allegiance to fairness and teamwork might clash with Lucius's desire for cunning and ambition. However, it is also noted that Gryffindor, similar to Hufflepuff, might be viewed unfavorably by Lucius, as it stands in stark contrast to his values. Both houses would represent a significant change in how Draco aligns with his family.
Real Problems for Draco in Hufflepuff
Choosing Hufflepuff would suggest a very different personality from the canon Draco. A Hufflepuff Draco would be less likely to join the Death Eaters (DE) and, in fact, might be more inclined to join Dumbledore's Army (DA) or take a moral stance against Voldemort. The loss of Cedric Diggory and the disfigurement of Susan Bones' aunt by Voldemort might also influence Draco's perspective. His parents, especially Lucius, would also be suspicious of the interactions between Snape and a Hufflepuff like Draco, as Snape is traditionally seen as a Slytherin supporter.
Unlikely Disownment
While it is highly unlikely that Draco would be disowned for being in a different house, he would certainly be chided and possibly even praised for making a “smart” choice like Ravenclaw. Gryffindor house would likely be seen as a betrayal, given Draco's history. Hufflepuff, with its focus on team spirit, fair play, and hard work, would be the most significant problem, as it would be seen as a radical shift from the expected norms.
In conclusion, while Lucius and Narcissa might be disappointed, they would not disown Draco for something beyond his control. Their love for their son is strong, and they would likely use his house as a talking point to demonstrate their own refined values. For Draco, the decision to choose a house different from Slytherin would be a major hurdle, but the family would likely support him in their own way.