Make-up Blog

Throughout the series, Draco is seen as the all-bark-and-no-bite leader of the Slytherin group that bullies Gryffindors.  There are few incidents in which Draco becomes the bully without looking like a little weasel, but he stills manages to cause pain and humiliation.  However, in Half Blood Prince Draco becomes more of a mysterious – and therefore threatening – character.  Harry notices the strange lack of obviousness in Draco’s behavior and begins to follow him and take note of his actions, which turns out to have been a good idea. 

For the first time since meeting him in their first year, Harry hears Draco desperate for help from Snape.  Sure, the next day Draco would bully Harry around, but Harry begins to see the human side of Draco.  Harry has a tough time this year, gaining pity for his both Voldemort and Draco, humanizing them beyond his will. 

As Harry begins to pity or sympathize with Draco – or possibly before – the audience realizes that Draco is more than just a little spoiled brat.  However, right as the sympathy kicks in – “And Harry realized, with a shock so huge it seemed to root him on the spot, that Malfoy was crying – actually crying – tears streaming down his pale face into the grimy basin” (522) – it fades – “Malfoy wheeled around, drawing his wand…. Malfoy’s hex missed Harry by inches, shattering the lamp on the wall beside him” (522).  Just seconds before spotting Harry, Draco is telling Moaning Myrtle that someone (Voldemort) will kill him if he does not complete the task (killing Dumbledore).  Draco’s character changes drastically from the spoiled brat to a very troubled kid facing issues no one should.