Abraxas Malfoy was a pure-blood wizard, father of Lucius Malfoy, grandfather of Draco Malfoy and great-grandfather of Scorpius Malfoy. He was related by marriage to the Blacks, through his daughter-in-law Narcissa, and, more distantly, to the Lestranges.
Biography
- Draco: "Sir, I think you knew my grandfather, Abraxas Malfoy?"
- Slughorn: "Yes. I was sorry to hear he had died, although of course it wasn't unexpected, dragon pox at his age..."
- — Draco Malfoy being an attention seeker during Potions[src]
Abraxas had at least one child, Lucius Malfoy, who was born in 1954; the fate of Lucius's mother, Abraxas's wife, is currently unknown. Abraxas apparently knew Horace Slughorn, according to Slughorn and Draco Malfoy; it was probable that Abraxas was taught by Slughorn.
Abraxas Malfoy was widely belived to have been part of the shady plot that, in 1968, forced Minister for Magic Nobby Leach (the first Muggle-born ever to have held the office) to leave his post prematurely. Nothing was, however, conclusively proven against Malfoy.[2]
Abraxas died of a case of dragon pox, a relatively common malady of the elderly, some time before September 1996. Horace Slughorn knew him at one time and was sorry to hear that he had passed away, as he informed Abraxas's grandson Draco.[3] Abraxas may also have been a well-respected wizard, as Draco attempted to use his name to charm Slughorn into letting Draco into the Slug club, because Slughorn was impressed with heritage. However, perhaps due to Lucius' renewed criminal records, the name was not good enough to earn Slughorn's favour.
Etymology
The word Abraxas was engraved on stones that were considered amulets in the Ancient Roman-Greco world. They often had figures carved on them as well that resembled basilisks or chimaeras. The name may be related to the word abracadabra, which is notable as this may also be the root of the Killing Curse incantation "Avada Kedavra". The name Abraxas is also mentioned in Gnostic texts, and in Ancient Egyptian mythology as a god or demon.
Behind the scenes
- In 1992, Harry Potter, speaking about Draco Malfoy, said, "Look at his family... The whole lot of them have been in Slytherin, he's always boasting about it".[4] This indicates that Abraxas was most likely a Slytherin when he attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, though it cannot be confirmed.
- Abraxas Malfoy may have been either an ally of the Death Eaters or even one himself, due to the fact that he was believed to be the reason for Minister Nobby Leach, who left office 1968, who happened to be the first Muggle-Born ever to hold this position. This would not only be for his own benefit as a believer of pureblood supremecy, but also for Voldemort, since the upcoming First Wizarding War began shortly after this and Leach, as Muggle-Born, would be unlikely to have shared Voldemort's views. The fact that his son, Lucius became a Death Eater after graduating, and that loyal followers make their children follow their footsteps in serving their Master, (Such as the Lestranges and Avery family), it can be assumed that Lucius followed in his footsteps.
- In 1997 a portrait was hung in Malfoy Manor showing a wizard; Abraxas may be that wizard.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Mentioned only)
Notes and references
- ↑ This wand was passed down the family, meaning Abraxas may have had it before passing it to Lucius.
- ↑ Pottermore - "The Malfoy Family"
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- ↑ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Ch. 9