A Reason To Be

**Prologue**


Draco Malfoy slouched in his chair. It was normally not a characteristic of the aristocratic Malfoys, but he no longer gave a damn. He had been shuffled around various offices in the Ministry of Magic all that day. Draco was tired, hungry and in a particularly foul mood, and given the inherited Malfoy temper, that was not a good thing.

Of course he had every right to be in a foul mood. After the business with Voldemort, Harry and that prophecy a month or so prior; Draco’s parents had been swept away without as much as a last farewell. Not that he expected as much from his father, but he would have liked to have seen his mother before she was taken to Azkaban. One moment he had parents, the next he was orphaned. He had been removed from his own home. Now countless strangers were going to decide his fate.

“We convene here today on the matter of this young man before us; Draco Octavian Malfoy.” A middle-aged woman and two older men sat at a bench, facing a few other Ministry officials, Professors Dumbledore and Snape and young Mr. Malfoy. The Hogwarts headmaster and teacher, having some responsibility over Draco, were summoned to his hearing. Draco was not fond of Professor Dumbledore in the least, but he said nothing. He knew he could use all the help he could get though he would never admit it. The topic of conversation was the interests of the Hogwarts student. The woman, who possessed a severity that reminded Draco of Minerva McGonagall, addressed the entire room while never looking up from the papers in front of her.

“It is common knowledge to all of us present that Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, along with a number of other Death Eaters, have been arrested and are now imprisoned in Azkaban. Draco Malfoy is not yet eighteen, therefore all of the estates and holdings he has been heir to have been frozen. When he comes of age, they will be at his discretion.” The woman read off her notes in a monotone voice. Draco groaned and shifted in his chair. He had been told at least a dozen times that day about his current financial state. He had vaults upon vaults of money, though he could only access the account that was in his name. There was more than enough in there to sustain him for years, but that was hardly the point.

“Now we come to the placement of the young man. It is most unfortunate that his parents and a number of his relatives are in Azkaban prison. Any other living relation is now under suspicion of affiliation with the Death Eaters, which makes them hardly suitable. My recommendation is that his case be given to Wizard Well Being and Social Services so that a foster home may be found.”

Draco’s eyes widen as he shot up out of his chair. He knew he was not yet eighteen and could not legally live on his own, but the idea of being placed with some stranger did not sit well at all. Beside him sat Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore, who remained calm.

“Foster home be damned! This isn’t going to happen! I will not go to some foster home! Who knows who I will end up with?!?!” Draco shouted angrily. His glare shifted from the officials on the bench to Dumbledore and Snape, wondering if they were going to do anything. Snape leaned slightly to his left and spoke quietly into the headmaster’s ear. Albus’ expression changed none but he did give a small nod to whatever Severus had said. After a few moments of contemplation, Dumbledore rose from his chair and breezed past Draco as he approached the officials. The boy looked back at Snape, wondering what was going on.

“Madam, if I may offer an alternative option. I request the guardianship of Draco Malfoy. I venture to presume I am in good standing with the Ministry of Magic at present. I am sure you are aware that I will easily be able to provide for him and obviously he will have a first-rate education. When he is eighteen I will relinquish my rights as guardian and he will be free to do as he wishes. Is that acceptable?”

After Draco picked his jaw off the floor, he looked wide-eyed at Dumbledore. He was not sure how he felt about Albus Dumbledore being his legal guardian.

‘Dumbledore?!?! What the hell is this? I’m not sure what would be worse; living with Dumbledore or living with some weird, pathetic foster parents.’ Draco’s thoughts raced through his mind while the men and woman at the bench discussed the matter quietly amongst themselves and with Dumbledore. Draco glanced back at Professor Snape but found no answers on his pale face. A few moments later the four seemed to have had come to a conclusion. Albus smiled; his eyes twinkling, and returned to his seat beside Snape.

“After discussing this, we have decided to rule as such; Albus Dumbledore is now guardian of Draco Malfoy. We believe it is indeed in his best interest. The appropriate authorities will be notified. This hearing is adjourned.” The woman and two men quickly rose from their seats and were out the side door in a matter of moments. Draco watched them leave, his mind still mulling over what had just happened. He looked over at the two professors with a dumbstruck expression. Dumbledore smiled kindly at the young man and leaned forward.

“Is that acceptable to you, Mr. Malfoy?” Albus inquired good-naturedly. Both of them knew it really didn’t matter what Draco thought about it. It was over and done with. He was now in Albus Dumbledore’s charge. Still having no words, Draco simply nodded and stood up. Albus rose as well and spoke cheerily.

“Come friends, home is calling.” Albus turned and walked away without a reply. Draco smoothed out his robes and watched as Dumbledore, followed by Professor Snape, made their way to the exit. After a moment’s hesitation, Draco slowly followed them out, wondering when the exact moment was when his life had been turned on its ear.