Draco's motivation

[ftah3]

No: HPFGUIDX 36105

Jeralyn wrote:
> During the train ride to Hogwarts, as Harry and Ron are getting to 
know each other, Draco and his henchmen barge into the compartment.  
Draco has been looking for Harry, because he'd heard rumor that he 
was on the train.  Granted, they'd met at Madam Malkin's shop, but - 
and this is the sticking point - Draco went purposefully looking for 
Harry to offer his friendship.
<snip>
> My question is:  Why?  The Malfoys alligned with Voldemort while he 
was in power.  Voldemort wanted to *kill* Harry.  At the very least, 
Draco's presumed friendship with Harry would enrage his father.  So 
why would Draco want Harry's friendship?  What was his motivation?

Well, I think that Draco is his father's son, firstly.  And my 
impression of Malfoy Sr. is that he's a shrewd businessman, an 
excellent 'politician' in the way he interacts with people.  I would 
bet that if Malfoy Sr. came across an individual who was famous, had 
the potential to be influential in the social/political sphere they 
share, and whose moral and social alignment is thus far unknown, 
Malfoy Sr. would immediately make a play to get said famous person on 
his side.  In the end, being the one who defeated the greatest bad 
guy ever is impressive, but not necessarily an indicator of future 
moral choices, so it never hurts to try to claim them as your friend.

I think Draco would work in the same mindset.  Nevermind the reason 
for Harry's fame ~ the simple fact is that if Draco can befriend him, 
he could use Harry's fame to his (Draco's) advantage.  A 'trophy' 
friend, sort of; and if Harry's defeat of Lord Voldemort as a baby is 
an indication of a high level of inherent power, even better for 
those who are his friends.

Also, I don't think that Draco befriending Harry would enrage Draco's 
father, for the above reasons ~ especially if Draco did use Harry's 
fame to his advantage, and if Harry turned out to be as rotten as 
Draco.  On the other hand, if the two became friends, Harry turned 
out to be a goody-two-shoes, and Draco followed, I think *that* would 
make Malfoy Sr. very unhappy....

Mahoney