Draco Malfoy had always something to rely on.
His father.
His mother.
His wealth.
His name.
Slytherin.
His family's loyalty to Voldemort.
Until the day that ended.
His father was given the Dementor's Kiss.
His mother, even when Potter spoke up, it was decided that she would spend a lifetime in Azkaban.
His money would end one day. Who would hire an ex Death Eater? Who would let an ex Death Eater train to become something?
His name had lost its influence. All it was known for, was its misfortune and its connection with Voldemort.
Slytherin was more of a House to avoid anymore than a House to be proud of. Although he would always be Slytherin at heart.
His family's loyalty to Voldemort was something that turned against him.
So he spent much time thinking. Time trying to destroy his fear of death. To convince himself everything was okay. It all failed. Until he realized. The only person he could rely on was himself. The only way to stop fearing death was to be sure he would never come for him. He could only do that by being immortal. And by being sure there was no one strong enough to fight him back.
And that was the plan.
Horcruxes. He had eventually learned about them, after the War, the Dark Lord's biggest secret was revealed.
Maybe it was his final chance.
Not to follow anyone. To follow his own path, leading to glory and the highest level of superiority.
No matter the cost.