1. Malfoy
Father raised me to rule, which might go better if the war were over. Instead it's happening now and he's gone and this is not a fight I can run away from.
If he hadn't been so dreadfully negligent, I wouldn't hate the idea of Dark spells burned into my skin. He'd have taught me the killing curse last summer like I asked. I could think up a worse fate for that mudblood Granger than failing OWLs.
He wouldn't let Potter put him in Azkaban.
I've always done everything he wanted. He should have told me it wouldn't be enough.
2. Potter
You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there.
Harry Potter has always lived under a staircase. He always wanted to leave, and to say the names that could never be spoken aloud. There is another name now.
And this pale-eyed snappish boy is another Dudley. Harry isn't homesick at all, but he will know when Draco lies to him. That will help.
So he doesn't look at his new friends again, stepping forward. I've only ever known the wrong sort, he says smiling, taking the outstretched hand. But I'm ready to change.
3. Dumbledore
The Headmaster goes on and on about those wretched Gryffindors, and Draco wants to scream.
He hasn't done anything to deserve this. (Yet.) What could they have done worth so much? It's hideous that he can take sides when he's only supposed to announce it, but no-one can stop him. (Yet.)
But Dumbledore stops himself, and Slytherin ends five points ahead. Everyone applauds just enough.
Draco almost feels grateful. He doesn't tell his father much at all about school anymore, even though his father is on the Board of Governors. Only the very powerful can afford a weakness like justice.
4. Snape
The first time Professor Snape insulted him, he dropped the rats' eyes he'd been slopping about. Careless. Are you going to tell your father, Draco? mimicking his drawl.
Draco was, because Snape is supposed to be Father's and he ought to know, but now he doesn't dare.
Next class, he snaps back like Potter does. But Snape doesn't take points, only nods in approval before going on. He's never been rewarded for himself alone, and likes it. Likes having secrets.
By the time Draco realizes the danger, he's chosen his side. Horrible shock for everyone. But he isn't very sorry.
5. Malfoy
Harry Potter expelled. It was the best thing he has ever done, and he laughed so hard at the way the Boy Who Lived slunk away in front of everyone.
He's not sorry, not even after the Weasley twins take aim at Slytherin. Each time someone asks him to apologize, his smirk grows wider. Even Professor Snape is annoyed; but Father seems pleased.
He takes his OWLs alone. Meals in the Great Hall are only worth it because he's there for the Announcement. Potter is dead. And Dumbledore. And Voldemort. His father's locked in Azkaban.
Draco has never been happier.