Draco Malfoy could be quite the slimy git, always at odds with Harry Potter simply because he perceives himself to be of superior heritage. He's annoying, malicious, cruel, deceptive, ignorant, bossy, and pretentious, but the one thing he isn't is evil. Draco is nothing more or less than a kid who loses his way in a complicated world with clearly defined boundaries.
Of course, that doesn't mean that any of his actions can be excused, like calling Hermione a Mudblood, or whining to his father and almost getting Buckbeak executed. But there have been a few occasions, both as a child and as an adult, when Draco's behavior has not been as unbearable as it usually is.
Sort Of Saves Hermione?
During the Quidditch World Cup Death Eater attack in The Goblet of Fire, the Golden Trio comes across Draco, casually hanging around, totally comfortable with the events around him.
He tells them that they "better be hurrying along" because the villains are "after Muggles ... and they're moving this way." As snide as his remark sounds, it can also be perceived as a warning, because he could have simply not told them anything, or worse, drawn the Death Eaters to their location.
The First Meeting On The Hogwarts Express
When Draco introduces himself aboard the Hogwarts Express, and offers his hand in friendship, he isn't doing it to manipulate Harry or anything of the sort.
In fact, he probably just likes the idea of a famous friend, and wants everyone to know that he's besties with the famous Boy Who Lived. Unfortunately, his breeding kicks in when Ron tells him that he's a Weasley, and things begin their downhill turn from that point.
Protects The Identity Of Harry Potter
When Harry, Ron and Hermione are captured by the snatchers, he is completely unrecognizable (because only Ms. Granger is smart enough to act under pressure, consequently disguising her friend's face with a quick spell).
Bellatrix and Lucius are overjoyed when the Golden Trio are brought to Malfoy Manor, but given their recent bungling, they want to be extra sure before calling Lord Voldemort over. They ask Draco to validate if their captive is Harry Potter, but he doesn't give them enough confirmation.
He Wants To Protect His Parents
The main reason that Draco accepts serving Voldemort is to ensure that nothing happens to Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. In fact, when he has his face off with Dumbledore, he spends several precious minutes debating his actions.
He furiously screams that he never had "any options" and that if he doesn't finish the job, then the Dark Lord would murder him and his "whole family!" From this perspective, it just seems like Draco is doing his hardest to protect the only people who love him.
Unable To Commit Murder
The scene with Draco pointing his wand at the hapless Dumbledore is not as terrifying as it should be, because it is clear to both the Headmaster and the readers that the boy does not possess the capacity for killing.
He keeps talking to his would-be victim, claiming that he plans to murder him, but doesn't do a single thing until the Death Eater and Snape arrive on the scene. Thankfully, he never has to stain his hands with blood.
Tries To Save His Friends From Fiendfyre
Crabbe somehow produces Fiendfyre, which inevitably engulfs and vaporizes everything present in the Room of Requirement. As the two factions escape, they have a bit of a duel in which Hermione knocks out Gregory Goyle.
Draco surprisingly goes the extra mile to save the two "hulking boys," grabbing Goyle's motionless body and allowing Hermione and Ron to fly him out to safety. Sadly, he is unable to perform the same thing for Crabbe, who perishes in the inferno.
When Harry Senses His Inner Turmoil
Near the end of the story, Harry begins to see the cracks appear on Draco's emotional veneer, and instead of feeling rage or disgust (his usual reactions), the first thought he has is one of pity.
He somehow understands the pressure his nemesis is under, having been under a similar kind with respect to his role as the savior of the Wizarding World. Being the primary point of view in the narrative, Harry's epiphany makes an impact on the readers/audience as well, visualizing Draco's character as flawed but not wicked.
His Crying Sessions With Moaning Myrtle
Harry catches Draco crying in the girl's bathroom, with Moaning Myrtle attempting to console him. Although they instantly start a fight (ending only when the hero casts Sectumsempra), watching Malfoy suffer for something he didn't do is quite sad.
It shows that Draco has a heart, however shielded it is by his pride because he is truly terrified by the task given to him by his new lord and master.
The Way He Nurtures Scorpius
Lucius brings Draco up the same way he was raised, which is what creates all the problems in the first place. As difficult as it is for the boy to discard the influence of his heritage, he succeeds greatly when his own son is born.
The reason that Albus Potter is best friends with Scorpius Malfoy is because the latter had never been told to look down at others, for any reason. Interestingly, Draco tells Harry that his son "needs [him], and Scorpius," suggesting his acceptance of his child's choice of friends.
Assists Harry In Rescuing Both Their Sons
At the conclusion of The Cursed Child, Draco time-travels along with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, so they can all work together and rescue their sons who are lost in the past. As it turns out, Delphini is far too powerful for Harry, but right before she finishes Albus off, they are saved by the arrival of the other three adults.
This act is quasi-sacrificial in that Draco had no reason to join in the fight since Scorpius was already under his protection. He could have just waited for everything to blow over.