Draco Malfoy's Complex Relationship With Aunt Bellatrix Lestrange

Draco Malfoy's feelings towards his aunt Bellatrix Lestrange are deeply intricate and evolve throughout the Harry Potter series. This complex relationship spans the breadth of the wizarding world, reflecting the various stages and circumstances throughout their interactions.

Early Years: A Lack of Familiarity

Draco Malfoy does not know his aunt Bellatrix Lestrange for the first 15 years of his life. According to the series, she was in Azkaban, and Draco might have only heard that his mother had a sister who was a high-security prisoner. It is highly unlikely that he gave her much thought during this period. By the time of the Second Wizarding War, J.K. Rowling's works suggest that Draco might have initially had a favorable impression of Bellatrix, perhaps because she was eager to serve 'Voldy' and willing to teach him new curses.

The Complexity of Their Relationship

However, as time progresses, Draco's feelings towards his aunt become increasingly complicated. The relationship is marked by a shift from respect to fear. Bellatrix's actions and demeanor, especially her dominance and mastery of dark magic, seem to have a profound impact on Draco. Her presence becomes a double-edged sword for him: while she holds a certain level of authority, her behavior also instills a sense of dread and unease.

Family Dynamics: Influence of Parents and Sensibility

Draco's relationship with Bellatrix is heavily influenced by his parents, Lucius and Narcissa. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it is evident that Lucius and Narcissa do not have a positive relationship with Bellatrix. Lucius is clearly annoyed by Bellatrix's assertive behavior and her use of the Manor as if it were her own domain. Despite this, they tolerate her out of familial duty. This suggests that Narcissa and Lucius have to a certain extent passed unfavorable impressions or experiences of Bellatrix onto Draco.

Professional Respect: A Measure of Trust and Patience

According to J.K. Rowling, Bellatrix has been teaching Draco Occlumency and non-verbal magic in the earlier parts of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. These lessons require a significant level of trust and patience from both Bellatrix and Draco. This suggests that their relationship, at least during the early stages of the Sixth book, is reasonably good, with a measure of mutual respect.

Final Stages of the Second Wizarding War: Frightened yet Respecting

By the time of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Draco's feelings towards Bellatrix have evolved into fear and respect. While he respects her skill and position, he is frightened of her. Even so, he still dutifully obeys her, showing that respect and fear coexist in their relationship. This is further emphasized by the clear tension between Lucius and Narcissa and Bellatrix, highlighting the complexity and ever-changing nature of the Malfoy family dynamics.