Why did Malfoy hate Snape?

Draco Malfoy harbored resentment towards Severus Snape primarily because Snape took on a position of importance within the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort's inner circle that Draco felt rightfully belonged to his disgraced father, Lucius Malfoy. Furthermore, Draco likely suspected that Snape may have been involved in his father's downfall by informing Albus Dumbledore of Death Eater plans.

Understanding the Complex Relationship

The dynamic between Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape was complex, evolving throughout the Harry Potter series. While Snape was Draco's Head of House at Hogwarts and often showed him preferential treatment, particularly when Harry Potter was involved, Draco's feelings were not always those of respect or affection, especially as the political climate shifted and his father's status declined.

Reasons for Draco's Resentment

Based on available information, including insights from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Draco's animosity stemmed from specific events and perceptions surrounding his father, Lucius Malfoy.

Here are the key factors contributing to Draco's negative feelings towards Snape:

• Snape Replacing His Father: Following Lucius Malfoy's failure at the Ministry of Magic and subsequent imprisonment in Azkaban, his standing with Lord Voldemort plummeted. As Lucius was disgraced, Snape's position within Voldemort's ranks grew significantly. Draco resented Snape for seemingly usurping the prominent place his father once held in Voldemort's favor. This is explicitly mentioned in reference material, stating Draco was "angry at Snape for taking his father's revered spot during his disgrace."
• Suspicion of Betrayal: There was a plausible suspicion that Snape might have been involved in Lucius Malfoy's misfortune. As the reference notes, "he may have thought he set his father up since it was pretty easy to deduce that Snape informed Dumbledore what was happening." Given Snape's complex loyalties, which were unknown to most, Draco might have inferred that Snape's prior knowledge or actions contributed to the failure of the Ministry mission, leading to Lucius's capture and disgrace.

These points highlight that Draco's dislike was less about Snape's personal interactions with him at Hogwarts and more about Snape's perceived role in the decline of the Malfoy family's status within the Death Eater hierarchy.

While Snape often protected Draco at Hogwarts and even attempted to shield him during his assigned task by Voldemort, Draco's resentment rooted in familial loyalty and pride overshadowed any gratitude he might have felt. He viewed Snape as someone who benefited from his father's downfall and potentially contributed to it.

Summary Table of Reasons:

Understanding these dynamics provides insight into the complex and often strained relationship between the two Slytherins.