Disclaimer: I do not own HP or make any profit from this story. It is for the enjoyment of the fans and an excuse for me to play out my plot bunnies. Photos in cover image are not mine, I just made the collage. Rated M for swearing, adult themes, and future Lemons. Draco is inspired by and based very heavily off of Tom Felton's Julian Albert from The Flash. The development of his and Hermione's relationship (in the beginning at least) will seem similar to that of Julian and Caitlin Snow. Because it is. I am also drawing inspiration from this pairing as well. All that being said, I take no credit for any instances, moments, scenes etc. that may make you go "this reminds me of The Flash", since the CW did it first, and I am just letting my brain run wild with the Dramione they created in Julian and Caitlin. So, again...any similarities are credited to the CW, I am only inserting Draco and Hermione. (Again, also not mine).
Summary: Draco is given a choice at his trial between a one-year sentence in Azkaban prison, or one year in exile. Wanting to avoid the wretched place already playing host to his father, Draco chooses exile in Egypt. There, he trains to become a Curse Breaker, fulfilling the condition of his return to England that he must come back with the intention of becoming a functioning member of society. Dramione slow-burn.
Note: This chapter is going to feel like it is moving fast. It is. I am covering several years right in the beginning on purpose. I will be more than happy to answer questions in reviews if there is any confusion after reading. Thank you all! See you on the other side!
Chapter 1 - June 8th, 1998
Cold.
All he felt was cold.
Did the Ministry intentionally keep the Department of Mysteries just above freezing to reinforce this feeling of gloom, Draco wondered as he was escorted by two Aurors down the black-tiled passage to the court room. The deeper into the department he moved the colder it seemed to become. At first, he thought there were Dementors waiting, considering the overwhelming despair that engulfed him when the lift had arrived on Level 10. But upon entering the courtroom, he was relieved to see none present. Then he remembered that the Ministry no longer used Dementors. So perhaps they did intentionally maintain a freezing charm over the department.
As he approached the high-backed chair in the center of the oval-shaped chamber, Draco looked around. More people had turned up to observe his trial than he had anticipated. His eyes easily picked out Potter, Granger, and Weasley. The first and last had the expected looks of disdain on their faces. But Granger appeared…sad. Perhaps she was merely reacting to the temperature and it was a look of discomfort. But then Draco noticed her eyes flick to his wrists, manacled together with a binding spell, and then back up to his face. No, he wasn't misreading her. She was genuinely upset.
Draco didn't have time to consider why, as he was being shoved into the chair. The spell on his wrists was removed only to be replaced once he laid his arms on the sides of the chair. Now he was effectively strapped down. Anger coursed through him. He was being treated like a criminal. In the Ministry's eyes, he was. He was on trial for crimes he had committed during the war. What exactly he was being charged with, he did not yet know. But Draco suspected, and the thought sickened him. He swallowed hard and looked up to the raised dais before him.
The newly-elected Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, sat there with a dispassionate expression on his face. Draco matched it the best he could, fighting down the urge to shake with the cold that had now seeped into his bones. He refused to show any weakness or fear. Especially in front of his peers.
"Draco Lucius Malfoy."
Draco looked up again as Shacklebolt addressed him. "Son of Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Malfoy, née Black?"
"Yes." Draco responded in a clipped tone.
"You are brought here today to stand trial for acts committed during the course of the second war against the dark wizard known as Voldemort. Your charges stand thus: The attempted murder of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore on the thirtieth of June nineteen-ninety-seven. The use of the Cruciatus Curse for torture on the Death Eater Thorfinn Rowle during the summer of nineteen-ninety-seven."
Kingsley paused and set the parchment down. "An additional charge of kidnapping has also been added for the events that occurred in Wiltshire at Malfoy Manor over the Easter holiday this year. However, testimony has been provided, in which you were described as hesitant to identify Harry Potter on that particular evening despite coaxing from other members of the Malfoy family. With this testimony in mind, and the fact that your actions aided in the escape of Harry Potter and his allies that evening, it has been decided that this charge be dropped."
Draco flicked his eyes over to where Potter sat. His expression remained impassive, and he didn't meet Draco's gaze. He turned back to the Minister, letting out a shaky breath and fought the urge once more to shake with cold.
"Do you deny these charges, Mr. Malfoy?"
"No."
"Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
"No."
Kingsley stared down at the young wizard. He was taken aback by the abrupt answer. He expected the boy to raise his voice and shout. He was not prepared for the finality in Draco Malfoy's tone. As though he had already resigned himself to his fate. He gave the pureblood a minute or so to respond, regardless. But the boy remained silent. Kingsley straightened the pile of parchment in front of him and folded his hands atop the documents. This was going to be over sooner than he had expected.
"Due to the nature of the charges against you, Mr. Malfoy, it would seem an Azkaban sentence to be unavoidable."
Draco swallowed. This is what he had feared. He would do anything to avoid Azkaban. His father had already been sentenced to life. And his mother one year of house arrest. What Draco wouldn't give to have her here right now. He could just imagine the look of horror on her face at the Minister's words. He swallowed again and looked down. There was nothing for it.
"However, it has been decided that the Ministry will present you with a choice."
Draco looked up. Surely, he had heard wrong.
"Additional testimony to your character, and certain reluctances that you displayed toward or while performing Death Eater acts has been provided as well." Shacklebolt continued.
Draco glanced once more at Potter. It would not have surprised him in the least if the raven-haired leader of the Golden Trio was the one who had testified to his so-called character. He faced the Minister feeling just a little less scared now.
"With this in mind, we present you with these two options: A one-year sentence in Azkaban prison without early release; or one year in exile and you must relinquish your wand. Let me add, Mr. Malfoy, that if you choose exile and wish to return to England after one year, you must have the intent of becoming a functioning member of wizarding society. Rehabilitation, if you will. If you choose not to return, know this," Kingsley paused and took a breath then let it out with hesitant, and almost forlorn expression in his eyes, "You will not be permitted contact with any acquaintances, friends…or family. Any attempt to make contact will be regarded as a criminal act and you will be put in Azkaban for the rest of your life."
Kingsley paused again. He watched the expression that crossed the pure-blood's face. Anger, relief, guilt sadness, and finally…defeat. He waited another minute to give the boy time to think.
"Have you made a choice, Mr. Malfoy."
Draco lifted his eyes. "I choose exile."
"So be it." Kingsley knocked his gavel down, finalizing the wizard's sentence. "You handed your wand over upon arrest on May third. By choosing exile your wand is relinquished until your one year is up. You will be allowed to return home this evening to gather any basic necessities you will need and be escorted to a Portkey. You may choose your destination, Mr. Malfoy. And remember, if you wish to return to England you must become a functioning member of wizarding society. It would be wise to consider your options during your time in exile. This hearing is now concluded."
The bindings on Draco's arms disappeared and he was hauled to his feet. Once standing his wrists were bound and he was walked out by the same two Aurors. It should not have been possible, but his heart felt a bit lighter. Only because he was not going to Azkaban. But he was to be leaving his mother behind on her own. She had already suffered one break down when his father was sentenced to life in Azkaban. Draco felt sure she was going to suffer another upon hearing that her only son was going into exile and may or may not return. Draco had not yet decided if he wanted to come back.
Right now, he was focused on the fact that he was spared the same fate as his father. At least he was getting the chance to see his mother before he had to leave.
Draco looked up as he left the courtroom and caught Granger's eyes again. They were filled with the same sadness. He felt his brow furrow, but held her gaze until she disappeared from his peripheral view.
He was escorted from the Ministry to Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire and given one hour to pack the things he wanted and say goodbye to his mother. As Draco stuffed clothes into an old bag he considered what would happen if he told the Ministry he didn't care where they sent him. They would probably just send him wherever, and without disclosing the location. But did he really want to leave it to chance?
Draco picked up the framed photo he kept on his nightstand and gazed at the smiling face of his mother and his two-year-old self playing outside by the duck pond in the garden.
"Twenty minutes." The Auror that was standing watch at his door told him.
"Yeah, got it." Draco snapped, stuffing the picture into his bag. He added a couple books and his journal along with a few pots of ink, sealed shut, and some spare quills. "Ready." Draco slung his bag onto his shoulder and grabbed his cloak from the back of his bedroom door.
Narcissa waited at the bottom of the stairs, her expression somber as she watched her son descend. He had just turned eighteen a few days ago. Still a child, and yet forced to become an adult before he was even of age.
"Draco, I could not have asked for more for you. I will be able to rest easier knowing that at least you are not wasting away in that prison." She pulled him into a tight hug and kissed his blonde hair. "Please be safe no matter where you go. And I hope that I will see you again in a year."
Draco hugged her back, not caring if the Aurors flanking them judged him for it. He had grown very close to his mother in recent months and it pained him deeply to leave her behind like this.
"Do whatever you have to do to come back to me."
"I'll try."
"Choose someplace with sunshine and adventure. Even if you don't come back I want you to live your life and love what you do with it." Narcissa pulled back and held her son at arm's length. "No regrets. And no worries."
"Yes, mother." Draco was determined not to show emotion, but the longer they dragged this out, the harder it was becoming for him to stay strong for her.
Narcissa smiled weakly, and reached behind her neck to unclasp a golden chain. She took it off and fixed it around Draco's neck. A golden pendant dangled from the chain. On it were carved runes that Draco recognized. His mother had worn this necklace every day of her life as far back as he could remember, and he had played with it when it was not tucked inside her robes.
After taking Ancient Runes at school he suspected those carved into the gold of her necklace to be Egyptian, but he had never considered them in any real depth.
"This will keep you safe." Narcissa whispered.
Draco nodded as she pulled back and tucked the pendant into his robes. At least now he had something of his mother's to carry around. Something to draw strength from.
"I love you, Draco."
"I love you, too." He said it so quietly he hoped she heard him, or could at least read the words on his lips.
Narcissa kissed his forehead and turned her son over to the Aurors waiting for him. She stood vigil at the staircase, watching until the door shut behind him and she was alone.
~S~
"Have you made a decision on where we are sending you?" Kingsley asked when they returned to the Ministry only minutes later.
Draco needed to sign official documents regarding his sentencing and that he agreed to abide by the terms of his exile. If he attempted to return before the year was up and was discovered he would be sentenced to Azkaban for one year, and his wand would be snapped.
Draco scribbled his initials on the parchment and threw the quill down. "Egypt." He answered as he got up from the chair. His mind had been reeling as he read over the terms of his exile. All he could think of was his mother's face as he had left. He tried to recall the feel of her arms around him as she strung the necklace about his neck. If he could not have his wand he was going to need something to occupy his time. Finally researching the runes on her pendant would keep him entertained for a little bit of time at least.
Kingsley felt his eyebrows raise in surprise.
"Any particular reason why?"
"I don't have to explain that to you." Draco snapped. "You asked me where I want to go, I told you. My motives are irrelevant."
Kingsley stared at the young man on the other side of his desk. He stood with a quiet rustle of robes and turned to face away from the pureblood, hands clasped behind his back.
"I only ask, Mr. Malfoy, because if you are interested in a career as a Curse-breaker, Egypt is a wise decision." Kingsley turned. "If you wish to return in one year, having a career already established will work very much in your favor. The Ministry would sponsor you to pursue this and I will authorize to have your wand returned to you so that you may train. However, it would be limited in its scope. You would be able to cast spells necessary for curse-breaking and daily maintenance spells. Nothing more."
Draco gave the Minister a hard stare. He could tell Shacklebolt was genuine in his offer. But did Draco want to take it? Did he want to come back? Yes. He couldn't leave his mother behind on her own. But if he chose to pursue this offer he knew there was going to be years of training and field work ahead of him. He would be authorized to return as a member of society in one year, but he may not actually be back on home soil to stay for a long time.
Draco closed his eyes to shut out everything else around him. He let his mind explore every other option. None guaranteed him even a fraction of what the Minister's could.
"All right," Draco breathed, opening his eyes. He met Shaklebolt's, feeling determination rise up in him. "I'll do it."
~S~
The scarlet engine of the Hogwarts Express puffed a great cloud of white into the air and the whistle shrilled loudly. Hermione and Ginny each hugged their significant other goodbye with the promise to see them again on Halloween. They climbed up into the carriage and were handed their trunks by Harry and Ron. Ron held onto Hermione's hand for an extra moment before finally letting go as the train began to move. She stood hanging partway out of the door, waving goodbye until the train turned and the platform was out of sight.
She and Ginny chose a compartment towards the back and stowed their trunks in the racks before settling onto the benches. Hermione placed Crookshanks's basket beside her and unstrapped it so he could get out and curl up in a more comfortable place. She thought about pulling out a book, but upon seeing the forlorn expression on her best friend's face as Ginny stared out the window, she reconsidered.
"You miss him already, don't you?" Hermione asked.
"Yes and no." Ginny answered, her gaze still focused out the train window. "We got together, then he broke it off and we were apart for almost one year. Then we get together again." She turned now to face Hermione, "And it's only been a few months, you know?"
"Sort of. I mean, I understand the 'few months' part. That's as long as Ron and I have been together."
"Do you miss him?"
Hermione considered the question. Not really, not yet. They had only been a couple such a short amount of time. And she hadn't spent years pining away after Ron in the way Ginny had with Harry. There was more for Ginny to miss right now, having already been in a relationship previously. The most experience that Hermione had was the few brief snogs she had shared with Viktor Krum. Their relationship never went any further than that. She had danced with him at Bill and Fleur's wedding, and he had tried to drag her away into the rose bushes. But then chaos had erupted following Kingsley's message.
"We've been around each other more than we haven't. Right now, I'm enjoying the lack of Quidditch talk."
Ginny giggled. "So, I shouldn't start talking about the Harpies?"
"Not yet. Let me get acclimatized to the peace for a bit, first. Then you can ramble."
Ginny accepted this offer. "We need something to talk about, though."
"Not the boys, and not Quidditch. What are your plans for after Hogwarts?"
"I can't answer either of those questions. Seeing as it would violate your list of banned topics."
"Oh, all right." Hermione admonished. "Go ahead."
Ginny grinned broadly and leaned in as she began to spill her plans for next summer.
~S~
As the first few weeks passed, both girls began to realize that making time around Halloween to see Ron and Harry was not going to be a possibility. Ginny was far too busy with an overloaded schedule of work and Quidditch. Hermione was pressed for time to breathe between her own numerous classes and Prefect duties. Thankfully, the boys were understanding, since they were both tied up in Auror training until Christmas.
Kingsley was working the new recruits hard, wanting them field-ready as soon as possible. Even if what they could do was limited, they would still be able to shadow the more advanced Aurors until the trainees were ready to work on their own.
By the time the holidays arrived, Hermione was more than ready for a week at the Burrow, enjoying the company of her adopted family away from the too-cold castle. Ginny, who was used to frigid temperatures playing Quidditch, was looking forward to finally seeing Harry again. Hermione was anxious to spend time with Ron as well, but she didn't go charging into his arms upon arrival at King's Cross.
Ron appeared relieved as he watched his younger sister nearly knock his best friend to the platform in her excitement at seeing her raven-haired boyfriend. Hermione thought Ron looked faintly sick at the show of affection and enthusiasm. But she wrote it off as being witness to the emotions of his younger sister.
In fact, Ron was remembering all the public displays Lavender had been so apt to participate in. And he hoped Hermione never felt the need to. Holding her hand was one thing, but he was no longer so keen on public snogging.
"Good term so far?" Ron asked, taking Hermione's school bag.
"Yes, very good. How's training?"
Of course, she already knew from Ron's last letter just a few weeks ago. She hated mundane small-talk, but they needed some kind of distraction while Harry and Ginny finished greeting each other.
"Intense. Harry has already been promoted to a junior Auror, but he's still technically a trainee. Kingsley wants him qualified to take over training of the new recruits after the holidays. So, we won't be around much this week."
"Oh." Hermione spoke the one syllable with more disappointment than she felt. This was news. Ron had not mentioned any of this, but then again it could have been a very recent development. "So, I won't be seeing you?"
Ron slung a friendly arm around her shoulders as they started to walk out behind Harry and Ginny. "Of course you will. We'll be home all day on Christmas and New Year's."
"Just those two?" Hermione inquired, feeling less than hopeful.
"I know." Ron responded, hearing the tone in her voice." I was really looking forward to this week, too. I've missed you."
Hermione smiled at his words, feeling a light blush fill her cheeks. She reached her arm around his waist in an affectionate hug and laid her head on his shoulder as they exited King's Cross.
~S~
Hermione and Ginny didn't return to the Burrow until the Easter holiday, and they were able to spend much more time with their significant others. Auror training was going exceedingly well. Kingsley had put Harry in charge of the first group of recruits that had come in after the end of the war while the new Minister for Magic took over the training of the second group. It was a slightly larger assemblage and he split it between himself and another senior Auror.
Hermione was pleased that training was progressing so positively and listened to Ron for most of the week go on and on about the different spells they were learning and the next phase that they were due to start in a few weeks. There was not much opportunity for them to be alone, the Weasley house full to bursting for the holiday. Bill and Fleur (now eight months pregnant) were staying the last weekend. She couldn't travel as much now, being so close to her due date, and spent most of the three days that they were present sitting in the overstuffed armchair by the fireplace and eating chocolate out of a bowl perched on her protruding belly.
Hermione noticed that her airy attitude of self-entitlement had all but disappeared at the end of the war. She was more down-to-earth now and so much more approachable. It made Hermione smile to watch Bill dote on her as she asked for this, that, and everything that was food. Molly was more than pleased to offer up her pantry for her first grandchild and never once made a snarky comment about her daughter-in-law. Instead she offered all the advice and personal stories she had to share with the young woman.
It felt nice to be around such a large and loving family. But part of Hermione still felt utterly alone. Her own parents were gone and she was much too afraid still to bring them back. Wizarding England was not safe. At least not yet. And it wouldn't be for years. At least she hoped it would only be a few years before things felt secure once more. But she knew deep, deep down in her heart that she would never see her parents again. And they were better off far away where she knew they were safe. And alive.
Once the Easter holiday passed the rest of the school year finished in a blur of essays, studying, and her N.E.W.T.s. Ginny and Hermione both completed their final year with special recognition for top grades, beaming from the front of the Great Hall at Ron and Harry where they stood in the back. Both made the trip to the Scottish Highlands to watch their girlfriends graduate. Both never felt prouder.
Hermione immediately began work at the Ministry, having been offered a position in the Beast Division of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures as a junior case manager. She started with minor Centaur land disputes, but in between she began to write proposals for changes to the laws governing house-elves to improve treatment.
She and Ron moved into a London flat together right before Christmas and they hosted Ginny, Harry, Arthur, Molly, and Neville and Luna for the holiday.
As the next two years passed life seemed to fall into place for the Golden Trio. Harry and Ginny got married just before she began her first season with the Holyhead Harpies. Ron was made a junior-level Auror and began his field work. Hermione was promoted to a mid-level case manager and moved to the Being Division.
With this advancement she was now able to work all her files independently without approval for most of the decision-making process. The Department head had complete faith in her to make the right choice. She could do her own research as well without having to submit it for correction before presentation. But her favorite aspect was the actual cases she worked.
They became increasingly difficult and time-sensitive. She still worked on Centaur land disputes when needed, having proved her capability of maintaining the necessary level of respect and working out the most beneficial deal for all parties involved. Her input was highly regarded and she was often sought after for her opinion and skill.
Her move to the Being Division was advantageous in another light as well. One that she considered even more important than the problematic cases she now handled. She could finally move forward with her work and years of research in house-elf rights. She had never let this passion die, considering it paramount. If she was going to do her part to change the Wizarding World for the better, the transformation had to start from the bottom.
She was in this position for a little over a year, visiting the Auror office as she did every afternoon to meet Ron before they went off to lunch together, when she noticed the previously unoccupied desk outside of the Department Head's office. No Auror wanted to sit there for precisely that reason. Ron hadn't mentioned any new trainees being brought in this week.
Her curiosity piqued, Hermione wandered over having not yet caught site of her boyfriend, and examined the few belongings on the desk's surface. She just looked, didn't touch. There was a small stone pyramid with various runes carved into it. It looked a bit off-center, and upon closer inspection she saw that the pyramid was separated into three layers that appeared to spin on a central support. Interesting. There were other small models, a golden snitch, a broomstick – Nimbus 2001 by the looks of it, Hermione thought, considering the coloring and what she knew from listening to Ron – and a framed photo of a very familiar looking woman with duel-colored hair (blonde and dark brown) sitting with a small platinum-haired boy as he played at the edge of a duck pond.
The little boy in the moving photograph turned toward whoever was taking the picture and smiled. Hermione gasped when she saw his eyes.
She knew those eyes.
Only two people she had met in her life had eyes that silver gray. And one of them was currently incarcerated in Azkaban prison for the rest of his life.
"Ready for lunch?"
Hermione jumped at the sound of Ron's voice and clapped her hand over her heart. "Sweet Circe, Ron. Don't sneak up on someone like that."
"Sorry." Ron grinned at her.
Hermione nodded, accepting his apology. She nodded at the desk next to her. "Malfoy is back?"
"Yes, but not for long, thank Merlin. Only six months. Or so he says." Ron explained, his voice tight. It was obvious he didn't want to talk about their former fellow classmate. The boy who had tormented Hermione mercilessly for years.
They began to walk out toward the elevators. Hermione glanced back at Malfoy's desk. "You talked to him?"
"No, I overheard his conversation with Svenson, the Department Head. Apparently he's been put in the Auror office because there is nowhere else for him to be."
"What does he do?"
"He's a curse-breaker."
Hermione stepped into the elevator that had just arrived. "Shouldn't he be over at Gringotts then?"
"You would think. I have no clue why he's been put in with us. But I will say this. At least we can keep an eye him, you know? Make sure he doesn't try and get up to any old habits." Ron's voice took on a tone of suspicion. He spoke suggestively, in a way that managed not to say too much but also conveyed his point.
Hermione thought he sounded a bit prejudiced. She had always believed that Draco Malfoy never wanted to be a Death Eater (after that particular suspicion of Harry's was finally confirmed). The few times she saw him following the end of their Sixth-year, including his trial, he appeared hesitant and remorseful. As though he truly felt guilty over the things he had done (whatever they may have been).
"I wouldn't worry too much about it." Ron said, slipping an arm around her shoulders in the friendly hug that she had grown so accustomed to. "Like I said, he's not going to be hanging around long. He'll be returning to Egypt in six months and who knows how long he'll be gone."
"Yes, nothing to worry about." Hermione repeated to herself. She had barely heard a word of what her boyfriend had just said. Her mind was going back to the day of Draco's trial. She would never forget the look in his eyes as he walked out at the end. They were flat, hollow. As though he were devoid of life on the inside.
She could only wish that his life was better now. No one deserved to feel that empty and hopeless. Even if he had spent most of the time they had known each other calling her foul names and cursing her every breath, wishing it were her last. The war had sobered him, and she saw the evidence of that on his face.
Hermione turned to Ron and smiled as they stepped off the elevator. "I'm glad you're here to help me keep my grip."
Ron laughed jovially. "Of course. Who else is going to tell you to lighten up?"
Hermione frowned at the poke, but she leaned up and kissed his cheek in affection. Yes, everything was falling into place.
Now if it could stay that way, life would be perfect.