Harry and Draco

[hfakhro at nyc.rr.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 17404

Following on from the recent "is Draco brilliant" posts, I started 
thinking about his relationship with Harry. So at the beginning of 
the Philosopher's Stone in the train, this is the interaction:

"Is it true?" he said. "They're saying all down the train that Harry 
Potter's in this compartment. So it's you, is it?"

"Yes," said Harry. <snip>

"You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than 
others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong 
sort. I can help you there." He held out his hand to shake Harry's 
but Harry didn't take it. <snip>

"I'd be careful if I were you, Potter," he said slowly. "Unless 
you're a bit politer you'll go the same way as your parents. They 
didn't know what was good for them, either..."

And in the end of GoF, he tells Harry something about having warned 
him about which side to be on, but I don't remember his exact words. 
Now my question is why would Draco, and from his comment, he 
obviously *knows* what side the Potters were on, expect or even want 
Harry to be on his side, and to be his friend? I think that we'll 
find out more about this in the future but have any theories come 
about of this question?

I think it's a fair assumption on the part of the wizarding world 
that Harry probably wouldn't join the Dark Side. When the Dark Mark 
arises in the World Cup and the MoM officials surround Harry and are 
about to hex him, or something, and Arthur Weasley says to Crouch or 
Diggory or someone "Think about it! Would Harry Potter conjure up the 
Dark Mark?" So why would Draco, being as we've established, not a 
complete dunce, and knowing who Harry Potter is, seriously presume to 
draw him into his circle of friends - Potter, Malfoy, Crabbe and 
Goyle!! Does he think he can show Harry the light or something? If 
so, I don't think that makes him too people-smart. If this has come 
up before - please point me to the message number.. Thanks!!!