Family pride ran deep with both Harry and Draco, so defending their parents’ honour often brought them to blows. Maybe if they’d only stopped cursing each other for five minutes, they’d have realised they were both struggling with similarly lofty expectations.

They almost perfectly embodied their houses

Malfoy swaggered forward when his name was called and got his wish at once: the hat had barely touched his head when it screamed, ‘SLYTHERIN!’

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry, on the other hand, chose specifically not to be in Slytherin, favouring Gryffindor. True to the qualities prized by their houses, Draco was as cunning as Harry was determined. If his family’s name, connections and money could give him an advantage, then Draco would likely have used them without hesitation. Harry could have gained power and influence from his reputation as ‘The Chosen One’, but his principles wouldn’t let him.

It can be said that Gryffindors strive to succeed on their own merits, whereas Slytherins may see this as a foolish waste of resources. Neither is right or wrong – they’re just different points of view, but it’s a big reason why these two might never have seen see eye to eye.