Draco's not sure what to expect when he steps forward, but then he sees his beautiful, strong, loving mother writhing under the Cruciatis curse as high cruel laughter echoes through the classroom, and yes, that is something he fears he thinks as his hands shake and his mouth dries.
Draco is not a good person, he is a death eater, and he truly believes that he is above these Mudbloods who do not know their place, but even he cares for his mother. Even he fears his masters wrath, and if Potter looks at him with a little more compassion in his gaze afterwards, then that's none of his business.