Miss Lestrange has cause to act against Nott because he has been inappropriate, threatening, and disrespectful of her stated boundaries. For her to respond with violence, whether fatal or not, would be thought an overreaction, but not shockingly so.
Mr Potter, likewise, has cause to act against Nott, though that situation is far more complex, and for him to escalate to anything more lasting than a schoolboy beating would cause a number of unwarranted repercussions, many of which would land upon Miss Granger's shoulders. For you to do so on his behalf would, again, cause uncomfortable attention to be paid. Crabbe and Goyle are expected to be Mr Potter's enforcers. You are not.
You are searching for ways to justify leaping to Miss Granger's defence, Draco. That you wish to protect her so assiduously is to your credit. It is also impossible. When this contest started, you and Miss Granger discussed the possibility that you would need to be seen treating her as someone in your position would be expected to treat any 'mudblood': do not forget that resolution. The courage to not act when others threaten her is just as important as the courage to act against her no matter what your feelings might be.
She will be protected. You simply cannot be the one to do it.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2014-04-10 01:49 am (UTC)Mr Potter, likewise, has cause to act against Nott, though that situation is far more complex, and for him to escalate to anything more lasting than a schoolboy beating would cause a number of unwarranted repercussions, many of which would land upon Miss Granger's shoulders. For you to do so on his behalf would, again, cause uncomfortable attention to be paid. Crabbe and Goyle are expected to be Mr Potter's enforcers. You are not.
You are searching for ways to justify leaping to Miss Granger's defence, Draco. That you wish to protect her so assiduously is to your credit. It is also impossible. When this contest started, you and Miss Granger discussed the possibility that you would need to be seen treating her as someone in your position would be expected to treat any 'mudblood': do not forget that resolution. The courage to not act when others threaten her is just as important as the courage to act against her no matter what your feelings might be.
She will be protected. You simply cannot be the one to do it.