Draco Malfoy cried when a specific "bird thing" died because his initial plan wasn't working, and he felt he had failed again. This failure was critical for him.
Understanding Draco's Distress
Draco Malfoy's tears in this instance stemmed from the immense pressure he was under and the fear associated with failing his assigned task.
According to the reference:
- Failure in his plan: He was attempting to fix or use the "bird thing" (likely part of the Vanishing Cabinet in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) as a means to achieve his goal. When the test subject died, it showed his method was flawed.
- Feeling of repeated failure: This was not his first attempt, and the death of the bird signified yet another setback in his efforts.
- Fear of Lord Voldemort: He knew that if he did not succeed in his task, Lord Voldemort would kill him and his family. This terrifying consequence fueled his desperation.
- Pressure to succeed: The knowledge of the deadly repercussions pushed him to keep trying the difficult task "over and over again," despite the emotional and physical toll.
Essentially, the death of the bird symbolized his inadequacy and the immediate danger it put him and his loved ones in, leading to his emotional breakdown. His tears were a manifestation of the fear, frustration, and despair he felt trapped by his circumstances and his inability to fulfill Voldemort's demands.