Why did Draco do it?

[a_svirn]

No: HPFGUIDX 125319


 "Julia"  wrote:

> Why did Malfoy then, in the train, came into Harry's compartment? 
He 
> didn't do it just to take a look at Potter but he intended to have 
> him on his side. What for?
> I can't think of any good explanation... Did Lucius tell him to do 
> this? or he was just curious?

a_svirn:

I think it's safe to assume that exactly what Lucius  DID; the same 
was he told Draco in CoS that it's "not prudent to appear less than 
fond of Potter".

"Julia"  wrote:

> everybody knows that the Malfoys isn't a welcoming, 
> nice family - it wouldn't be suspicious if Draco would just ignore 
> Potter. 

a_svirn:

Way I see it – everybody knows that the Malfoys are among the most 
ancient and noble wizarding  families, veritable pillars of the 
society, well-known for their donations for the most worthy causes, 
friends to the Minister himself etc. Of course there are still some 
envious evil-wishers out there who won't let bygones be bygones, and 
who would stoop so low pursuing their own political agenda, as to 
try to use the gossip circulated in the days of old DE trials to 
besmirch Mr. M's reputation. As if they didn't know that all charges 
against him were dropped and he was as much of a victim of You-Know-
Who as your next wizard. 


"Julia"  wrote:
And he actually wants to shake hand with him - it wasn't 
> just a formal think that he HAD to do because dad told him to 
> behave...
> He actually wants Harry to be on his side! He is nice to him and 
he 
> introduces his goons... He didn't have to do THAT! Even Snape 
didn't 
> do this!
> 
> I'm wondering now why Draco did it... was it because Lucius told 
him 
> to do this (and if yes then why - what was the purpose of having 
> Potter on their side???) 

a_svirn:
I think he (or rather Lucius) did want Harry on his side. At that 
time Harry was an unknown quality, and Malfoy probably figured it 
was "prudent" to be in his good graces. And if Draco hadn't botched 
it from the start it could even have worked, at least to some 
degree. If Harry hadn't been informed that all Slytherins are no 
good, he could easily have ended up among them.

a_svirn