"This Is What We're Up Against"

A Draco Malfoy Story

Summary: Albus Dumbledore is the greatest wizard of the century. He is set with what others think is an IMPOSSIBLE task: Convince Draco Malfoy to see the light before it is too late.

Chapter 1

The streets of a rich well-kept neighboorhood were quiet. The only sound was a grey owl soaring through the wind to it's destination. The owl stopped at a manor, with it's huge yard and expensive exterior. The owl gracefully arched itself on a window ledge. It tapped on the window. A tall, muscular blonde was making his way to the window. He pulled it open and took the letter from the owl. It spread it's wings and flew away.

Dear Mr. Draco Malfoy,

Your father, Mr. Lucius Malfoy, asked me to send this tonight. I am doing this upon his request. He has come to some conclusions upon his stay in Azkaban. He wishes for you to come visit him as soon as possible. I am friends with the gatekeeper, Renaldo Smith. He will allow you passage into Azkaban. Please coem tomorrow. Your father's last request is that you come alone. Meet me at the Leaky Caukdron at 8:00 A.M.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

"What the hell is my father doing associating with Dumbledore?" That was the question that was running through Draco's mind. He would go. It was afterall, his father's request, and he owed him that respect.

The Next Morning

Draco got up and got dressed in jeans and white button-down shirt. He buttoned it up half-way. He was in front of the fireplace and got ready to floo. He gathered the powder and did the nescessary(spelling?) procedures. In a few seconds, he was outside the Leaky Cauldron. He pushed the door open. He saw Dumbledore chatting with Tom, the bartender.

"Draco, glad you could make it."

Tom bowed to Draco. "Good to see you again Mr. Malfoy. What can I get you?"

"A coffee, if you don't mind."

"Not at all, Mr. Malfoy."

"Shall we sit?" Dumbledore led Draco to a table at the back. "We will do side-along apparition to get to Azkaban. I trust you know what that it is."

"Of course."

"We will leave shortly, I need my drink first."

Tom set their drinks down on the table. "Here you go Albus, Mr. Malfoy," he bowed and left.

"I am geussing that whatever my father wishes to speak to me about is of great importance."

"Indeed it is. I cannot give away an such details. But, you will listen to what your father has to say. No matter, of your personal opinions."

"I have always listened to father."

Dumbledore held up hos glass "Cheers to that, Mr. Malfoy. So, how did you manage to get out alone?"

"I flooed out of my personal fireplace and left mother a note saying that I was going shopping."

"Casual, yet simple. Shouldn't have caused you too much trouble."

"It didn't"

They each sipped their drinks for a while and then Dumbledore stood up. "Are we ready, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Yes."

They walked out and and Draco grasped Dumbledore's arm. Then he did the procedure for apparating and they appeared in Azkaban.

"Renaldo, I trust you have the dementors away for out meeting?"

"Yes, just as you requested."

Draco followed Dumbledore down the line of cells and saw Lucius Malfoy's pale, long hair.

"Son, I'm glad to see you."

"Good to see you too, Father."

"The reason I have called you here is very important. I have made my fair share of mistakes. I do not want you making them too. First of all, are you still close friends with Crabbe abd Goyle?"

"No, I got rid of them second year, they were useless. They were like my body-guards until I learned how to take care of myself."

"Very good. They are sure candidates for deatheater recruits. Theodore Nott has a hell of a lot more sense than Crabbe and Goyle. Avoid him. You are my son, and I want the best for you in life. You have the potential to do great. You are a leader, not a follower. But, you have to go about it the right way. I made the mistake of joining Voldemort. You see where it has gotten me. Would you still consider being a death-eater if I wasn't here saying this stuff to you?"

"The idea doesn't strike my fancy. I don't serve anyone, but myself."

"Spoken lie the true Malfoy that you arel. Voldemort is interested in only one thing: World Domination. He is also interested in power. He dosen't give a damn about his followers. Deatheaters are just a stepping stone to supremacy. Deatheaters help him get there and do his dirty work. Don't waste your life following some fool's orders. You were destined for far greater things than following some power-crazed madman."

"So, what are you saying, that you turned good?"

"I realized the error of my ways, son."

"You should be very proud, Draco. It takes a great man to admit he was wrong."

"Your mother will never see the light. Her foolish sister, Bellarix Lestrange will make sure of that. I am separating myself from her."

"I can get Lucius out of here. We have talked a great deal about it. He has agreed to be a spy. He has to give inside information on the death eaters. His trial will be in a couple of months."

"That's great, Father!"

"Albus will watch over you until my trial goes through. If he had not saw the good in me, I wouldn't have turned away from Voldemort, or his evil."

Renaldo came up to them "I hate to interrupt but Fudge is here to do an inspection. Albus, young Malfoy, you have got to leave."

"Take care, Father."

"You too, Son."

Albus grasped Draco's arm and they once again apparated. "You can get your stuff from your house, then you will stay at a room in the Leaky Cauldron over the summer. I will check in on you as much as I can. Tom will also help watch over you."

"Okay."

It would take some time for Draco to let all that new information sink in. He never had any intentions on becoming a death-eater. He was proud of his father. But, he didn't like the idea of Dumbledore. He had to accept it, afterall, Dumbledore was getting his father out of prison. Things would finally be back to normal. He had a lot of growing up to do over the summer. He has a lot of insecurities to work out and some self-reliance to gain. He had a lot of changing to do. Change happens over time. Will he have enough time? Can he do it alone?

R&R! Erika

Things you ought to know about this:

Pre HBP

Dumbledore doesn't die.

Just act like Fred and George are still in school.

Luna Lovegood is in the same year as Draco.

That's All Folks! Review please:)