When I first read them, the Harry Potter books constantly kept me guessing, but even better, they foreshadowed exactly what was to come, and Draco Malfoy is the perfect example. With a series as long and complex as Harry Potter, foreshadowing is a necessity. Harry’s journey from unlikely boy wizard to hero would not have been as exciting without some hints at what was to come. To me, foreshadowing offers a way for the story to come full circle. When it comes to the Harry Potter books, this happens countless times, but sometimes the subtler detail is the better one.

Another benefit of Harry Potter is that it doesn’t just shine a light on its protagonists. Some of my favorite characters from the series are those who play supporting roles or are even considered villains. Take Draco Malfoy, for example. Malfoy is one of Harry Potter’s many villains, but his story still has background and depth. Despite often seeming like a cruel brat, Malfoy eventually grows into a sadder character who is a victim of his circumstances. Although he is not as important as Ron or Hermione, Malfoy receives many of the same advantages as these characters, including amazing foreshadowing.

Harry Potter Foreshadowed Draco’s Half-Blood Prince Plan In Chamber Of Secrets

The Vanishing Cabinet & Hand Of Glory Appear In Book 2

One of the most significant pieces of foreshadowing concerning Draco Malfoy has to do with the Death Eater plan he carries out in the sixth book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In this book, Malfoy goes from school bully to actual Death Eater, and in order to prove his allegiance, he must enact a terrible plan: kill Albus Dumbledore. In order to get more Death Eaters into Hogwarts, Malfoy uses two magical objects, the Vanishing Cabinet and the Hand of Glory. However, I was stunned when I realized this was not the first time we saw these items.

The first mention of the Vanishing Cabinet and the Hand of Glory comes four books earlier in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After Harry accidentally travels to the dark magic store, Borgin & Burkes, via Floo Powder, he discovers Draco and his father shopping there. While Lucius completes his shady business, Draco peruses the store. He looks at a Vanishing Cabinet and the Hand of Glory, which Mr. Borgin so kindly explains is a tool that will light the way for its holder. Though I read this scene as mere filler, it is vitally important to Draco’s story.

I Can’t Believe Chamber Of Secrets’ Borgin & Burkes Scene Was So Important

Borgin & Burkes Seemed Like A Side Quest

I think Harry Potter’s Borgin & Burkes foreshadowing is so incredible because it’s completely unexpected. It occurs so early on in Chamber of Secrets, it doesn’t seem like it could possibly be that important. For the most part, Harry’s foray into the store simply seems like a creepy interlude before the real plot begins. It’s a chance to scare Harry and the reader. When the scene turns out to have serious consequences later in the book, it makes me rethink every scene of the entire book series. I want to know where else foreshadowing is being done under my nose.

Furthermore, Draco’s foreshadowing is particularly well done because it is completely overshadowed by Lucius. The Borgin & Burkes scene is the first time we see Lucius Malfoy, so it is easy to get distracted by this new cold and cruel villain. Plus, he has some suspicious behavior of his own. He sells his dark magic items to Mr. Borgin but keeps one item, later to be known as Tom Riddle’s diary, for himself. Overall, it is nearly impossible to pick up on Draco’s Half-Blood Prince foreshadowing with so many other things happening at the same time.

Harry Potter’s Draco Twist Proves How Great The Books Are At Foreshadowing

Harry Potter Was Always Planned Out

Ultimately, Draco’s Borgin & Burkes foreshadowing reminds me of how good Harry Potter is at foreshadowing. I could easily imagine that each book was written on the fly, with only that particular story in mind, but it’s clear that was not the case at all. Each book offers countless hints at what will happen, not only at the end of the book, but at the end of the series. Though Draco’s foreshadowing definitely surprised me, there are other Harry Potter foreshadowing moments that are also my favorites.

During Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I love how the Marauders Map shows Peter Pettigrew running around Hogwarts, despite being considered dead. This mystery truly throws me for a loop, since I would never imagine the man being Ron’s pet rat, Scabbers. Also, the reveal that Harry is one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes is perfectly foreshadowed. All the times in which Harry is affected by Voldemort and strangely connected to him make that final Harry Potter twist so much better.