He kind of distresses me, too. I didn't know he was going to snap and physically hurt Draco like that, and I paused for a long time at that point in the chapter, wondering if I really wanted to go down that road.

Suffice it to say that I know what ending I want for him, and that I'm trying to get there. We'll see if it works.

And yes, he's pulled in many directions. Maybe Draco can give him a single direction that is more important than the rest, though. He's already losing control around him as he's never lost control around anyone else.

I think Harry would be unable to face this without a persona right now, let alone tell the truth without one.

Hermione's viewpoint will eventually be explained, and even defended. As will Ron's.