The Potter-Malfoy Rivalry

Harry's suspicion of Malfoy leads to surveillance, confrontation, and a violent duel in the bathroom, resulting in Harry's detention.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Following Malfoy

The Suspicion Begins The Observation Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger follow Draco Malfoy to Knockturn Alley. They use the Invisibility Cloak and Extendable Ears to eavesdrop on Malfoy threatening Mr. Borgin. The Clues Malfoy asks Borgin to fix something and tells him to keep an object safe. Harry is convinced Malfoy is up to something sinister. He tries to alert Mr. Weasley, but his concerns are dismissed. The Mistrust Harry's obsession with Malfoy grows. He spends hours checking the Marauder's Map, looking for Malfoy's movements. He becomes convinced that Malfoy is a Death Eater.

The Bathroom Duel

The Confrontation The Discovery Harry finds Malfoy crying in a bathroom. He confronts him, and they duel. Malfoy uses a Leg-Locker Curse, but Harry retaliates with Sectumsempra, a spell he learned from the Half-Blood Prince's book. The Injury Malfoy is severely wounded. Severus Snape arrives and heals him, then demands Harry's books. The duel escalates Harry's conflict with both Malfoy and Snape. The Consequences Harry is given detention for the rest of the term. He also loses his chance to play in the Quidditch final. The rivalry is now more personal than ever.

The Final Showdown

The Climax The Witness Harry is immobilized on the Astronomy Tower, watching as Draco Malfoy disarms Dumbledore. He sees Malfoy's hesitation and Dumbledore's attempt to persuade him. Then Snape kills Dumbledore. The Aftermath Harry chases Snape and Malfoy, but they escape. He is consumed with rage and grief. The rivalry with Malfoy is now secondary to his hatred for Snape. The Resolution Malfoy disappears with Snape. Harry's suspicion about Malfoy's mission is confirmed, but the outcome is not what he expected. The rivalry ends with Dumbledore's death, leaving Harry with a new purpose.

early September, Harry tails Malfoy to Borgin and Burkes

late May, before the final match

late June, on the Astronomy Tower