Welcome to Harry Potter Theory. Today, we're discussing a segment from the Deathly Hallows involving Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. More specifically, we'll be addressing the moment that Draco Malfoy FAILS to identify Harry Potter in the presence of his father and fellow Death Eaters.

What I want to explore is..WHY? Did Draco simply FAIL to recognize Harry? Was it an act of self-preservation? Or, was this Draco's chance at some form of redemption?

Let's dive in.

It all begins on chapter 23 of the Deathly Hallows - Malfoy Manor - where there is some confusion around Harry's identity:

"Now, let's see who we've got," said Greyback's gloating voice from overhead, and Harry was rolled over onto his back. A beam of wand light fell onto his face and Greyback laughed.

"I'll be needing butterbeer to wash this one down. What happened to you, ugly?" Harry did not answer immediately.

"I said," repeated Greyback, and Harry received a blow to the diaphragm that made him double over in pain. "what happened to you?"

"Stung." Harry muttered. "Been Stung." "Yeah, looks like it." said a second voice. "What's your name?" snarled Greyback. "Dudley." said Harry.

"And your first name?"

"I -- Vernon. Vernon Dudley."

And why was Harry so unrecognizable? Well, just before being captured by the Snatchers, Hermione, smart-as-always, was able to fire a Stinging Jinx directly into Harry's face. The resulting swelling disfigured his face so much that he was no longer recognizable.

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