It could start with a small act of kindness. Say Draco is in trouble with some older Slytherins and Harry steps in to defend him. This unexpected act might make Draco question his previous views of Harry, and it could be the start of a friendship. They could then gradually start to spend more time together, perhaps in the library studying, and their friendship could grow from there.
Maybe a mutual friend, like Hermione, could set up a situation where they have to work together on a project. As they work side by side, they start to understand each other better. Harry might realize that Draco isn't all bad, and Draco could see Harry's kindness and courage in a new light.
Perhaps a mutual friend like Hermione could play a role. She might set up a situation where Draco and Harry have to work together on a project. At first, they would be reluctant, but as they start to see each other's positive qualities, like Draco's determination and Harry's loyalty, they begin to respect each other and a friendship could form.
In these fanfictions, Harry may develop a more diplomatic side to his personality. Since Draco is from Slytherin and has a different way of thinking, Harry has to learn to negotiate and find middle ground. For Draco, his friendship with Harry can make him more empathetic. He might start to care about the well - being of others outside of his Slytherin clique, like the Gryffindors and other Hogwarts students, which is a big change from his initial self - centered attitude.
Their different backgrounds would be a big challenge. Harry grew up in the Muggle world and has a very different set of values compared to Draco, who was raised in a pure - blood supremacist family. Their friends might also oppose their friendship. Harry's Gryffindor friends might not trust Draco easily, and Draco's Slytherin friends could see his friendship with Harry as a betrayal.
One possible plot could be that they meet at a wizarding event in their early childhood. Maybe their families are both attending a magical fair, and the two boys, not yet influenced by the future rivalries at Hogwarts, strike up a friendship over their shared love for magical creatures. They might spend the day together looking at baby unicorns and discussing their favorite magical beasts.
In some fanfictions, they might become friends through shared adventures in the wizarding world outside of Hogwarts. For example, they could team up to solve a mystery in a nearby magical forest.
One characteristic is the exploration of character growth. Both Harry and Draco have to overcome their pre - existing prejudices. For example, Harry has to see past Draco's pure - blood supremacist family background, and Draco has to accept Harry as more than just 'the Boy Who Lived'.
Yes, there are quite a few. One popular one might be 'The Unlikely Bond' where they start to understand each other's struggles during a school project and gradually become friends. It has great character development and explores the wizarding world in a unique way.
A popular one is 'Draco's New Path'. In this fanfiction, Draco has a change of heart after the war. He starts to reach out to Harry, and through a series of events, they form an unlikely friendship. It's well - written, with good character development for both Harry and Draco.
In such fanfiction, their friendship could change the dynamics of the entire Hogwarts experience. They might team up for adventures or help each other grow in unexpected ways.
Draco's Slytherin friends would be quite shocked. Some might shun him, thinking he's betraying the Slytherin ideals. However, a few might see the advantage of having a connection to Harry Potter. For example, if there are any threats to Slytherin as a whole, Harry's influence could be useful. So there would be a split in how Draco's Slytherin friends react.