I always thought the Malfoys were more resourceful than they turned out to be in the last book, but then, I thought that of Snape, who JKR seemed to view as Dumbledore's guilt-ridden tool, and even Lupin, who had no backbone at all. All these characters were sacrificed for a plodding plot involving the Trio. Dumbledore and Voldemort, too, were victims of their own pathologies. Was there any character that came out of DH with more complexity than they had going into the book? Everyone seemed tired and beaten into two-dimensionality.

Draco was another lost opportunity. I liked that he was in it towards the end, still somewhat ambiguous, but active. The train station scene with his son Scorpius and his almost-deferential nod to Harry ruined that for me.

Narcissa's lie didn't impress me much, either. It was not defiance, but a clinging to the immediate goal, survival, as you say.

I think the Malfoys continued to survive because they kept their heads down and allowed themselves to be abused by Voldemort. Eventually, they ceased to be important. But sometimes survival is all that people can aim for. It's the choice thousands of refugees make throughout the world. It's not less noble than sacrifice, especially sacrifice of the Potter variety. It's a bid to keep life going.

And at the ends of wars, people are forgiven in the name of picking up a normal life, although that often means problems the existed pre-war continue to exist post-war. That's the way I see the epilogue of DH. Everyone just wanted a normal life, but nothing had really changed.

It's hard for me to take anything positive out of DH. None of the characters in it are really admirable, now that I reflect on it... maybe Dobby. Few of the characters are actually likable in the end. I suppose you saw nemesister's poll on this? It seems many people are reading against the intentions of the author.

Anyway, I hope you don't mind if I friend you. I didn't know you friends-lock posts! I enjoy reading your thoughts.