Why did Draco do it?

[horridporrid03]

No: HPFGUIDX 125352


>>Julia:
>I've just reread a few first chapters of PS/SS and there is one 
think I can't stop thinking about.
>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?<
<snip>

>>Geoff:
<snip>
>From Draco's point of view, I assume that he knows little or 
nothing about Harry's take of the Wizarding World. Perhaps he can 
get Harry on his side or at least get Harry to acknowledge him 
fairly affably which would improve his street cred no end in the 
school.<

Betsy:
Really good question, Julie. :)  I agree with Geoff, whoever became 
friends with *the* Harry Potter would definitely be noticed (one of 
Draco's key motivations thoughout the books).  And I think Julie's 
right about Draco being curious.  I'm sure he grew up hearing about 
Harry Potter, like every other wizarding child, so why not see the 
mystery boy for himself?

But I think there was a bit more to it too, especially when he 
realized that Harry was the boy from the shop.  Draco was interested 
in being Harry's friend from the moment he saw him, before he knew 
who Harry was.  For some reason, all his attempts at friendship were 
rebuffed in the dress shop, so I think Draco saw this as an 
opportunity to try again.  Of course, since he's not sure what went 
wrong in the first place, he does an equally poor job on the train.  

One thing I'm sure of: Lucius didn't give Draco any advice in PS/SS 
on whether or not befriending Harry Potter was a good idea.  I'm 
quite sure that Lucius is as hands off with Draco as he can possibly 
be.  The one scene in CoS where we see Draco and Lucius interacting 
made very clear (to me anyway) that Lucius doesn't think Draco quite 
measures up.  I imagine Lucius is one of those parents who dislikes 
children and are not pleased that their offspring have to go through 
that rather drippy and disgusting stage.  (I think that part of 
Draco's hero-worship of his father springs from his constant 
attempts to win Lucius's notice and approval.) So I think Lucius 
would be a little too busy ignoring and avoiding his son to sit down 
and give him some fatherly advice on who to hang with at school.  

>>Geoff:
<snip> 
>Though I would still like to see some sort of rapprochement between 
the two of them before the end credits roll....<

Betsy:
Me too, me too!! :)

Betsy