Abstract: I was inspired to write this piece after reading too many fanfictions that start out great about the years right after the war, and then become unenjoyable as soon as they mention something about how Draco and the Malfoys are living terrible lives or plotting the rise of the next "Dark Lord." I feel like these people have completely missed Rowling's point in creating such a rich and deep antagonist in the Harry Potter series.

Personally, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are the least likable characters in the series, because they were the hardest to relate to. They were too simple. Sure, they had some decisions to make, but really, all along, we knew they were the "good" guys and there was never any doubt as to whether they could be "bad." The major decision of the series, whether to be for or against Voldemort, was already made for them. Hermione was Muggle-born, Ron was from a family of well-known "blood traitors," and Harry's parents had been killed by Voldemort. For them, the only decision was whether they should react actively or passively to the threat Voldemort posed. Since they were all in Gryffindor, the outcome was already obvious. In real life, decisions are rarely so simple. This is where Draco Malfoy comes in.

Book I:

I'd like to think that if Harry hadn't so rudely rebuffed Malfoy's offer of friendship, perhaps Draco would never have become a Death Eater. Sure, Draco was very unpleasant because he sounded snobby and looked down on Hagrid that day in Madam Malkin's, but most of that was due to nurture. His parents brought him up to be elitist and look down on Hagrid. In reality though, Draco was extremely insecure and just wanted a friend. That was made abundantly clear when we later see him at Hogwarts with Crabbe and Goyle. People who surround themselves with lackeys instead of real friends are just covering for their lack of confidence