The Missing Link

Exiled

Bellatrix, Draco, and the Royal Council discussed terms of Draco's punishment, which was publicized the day after it was made. Draco Malfoy will be exiled to a different continent for a minimum of five years, which will be kept secret within the Council and the family. Dragon will take Draco's place as the Prince. Draco will live as a Muggle for one year, and will be monitored by Ministry. Upon the discretion of the Council, his wand may or may not be returned to him.

Draco, Hermione and Dragon were all allowed to finish school at Hogwarts, and the verdict will take effect immediately one day after the commencement exercises. How Hermione managed to graduate top of the class despite all the drama was anybody's guess. While everyone else jubilated at the end of the ceremony, the three of them only dreaded what was about to come. Dragon will immediately take his throne as the Prince, and will start diplomatic training. Hermione planned to move to the United States to pursue a Muggle law degree; she felt the need to detach herself from the Wizarding World. Draco was going to an unknown location, but the Queen had guaranteed he will be granted some comforts, despite having to live as a Muggle. Druella, Narcissa and Lucius will be retiring to Scotland, where Lucius planned to live his final days. Cassie left one morning with nothing a note on her bedside table, "I will be back. Promise."

The castle was eerily quiet come the first day of Draco's exile. Most of his room was packed up, as well as Hermione's. The maids, guards, cooks, and helpers have all cleared out a day before. The once-vibrant castle was now nothing but an empty shell. All curtains have been removed, all furniture covered with white fabric.

Boxes upon boxes sat next to suitcase upon suitcase in front of the fireplace, the only thing which remained alive in the palace. Fires roared from time to time and one or two men would enter, take with them a bag or a box, and exit back into the flames.

Bellatrix had ordered that the castle be kept as a family asset. Edison would remain in the palace grounds in order to care for the property, but would have to directly report to Her Highness. He was ordered to live in an apartment closer to the palace where she and Dragon currently reside.

Draco looked on as one by one his belongings disappeared. He was about to live a new life, and had no idea where to begin. He was grateful that he at least was able to learn how to cook, thanks to Hermione.

"Your Highness," Edison said, suddenly appearing by his side.

"Edison, you can't call me that anymore," Draco said.

"I have several more minutes. Please indulge me," Edison replied with a smirk. "I would just like to say how much of an honor it has been serving you."

Draco laughed. "No need to pretend, I know I was terrible. Thank you for not giving up on me."

"I could never," he replied. "I must say, seeing you stand here today with grace despite the entire situation, makes me proud. I know the situation is less than ideal for all parties involved, but nevertheless, I am proud of you, Draco."

For the first and possibly the last time, Draco embraced Edison, whom he now realized was probably the closest thing he had to a real father.

"I'm going to miss you," Draco confessed.

"Take care, Draco." Edison turned away, wiping his eyes.

Draco sat down in front of the fireplace, fiddling with Alfred, his only hand-carry.

"To be honest I didn't expect the ending to be this quiet." Hermione entered the room with her last suitcase in tow. She'd requested all her belongings to be taken home to her parents. She sat on the armrest, watching with Draco as one by one his things disappeared. "One last request on my last hour as the Princess."

"Yes?" Draco indulged.

"Why do I know nothing about the final terms?" she asked. "How long will you be gone? Will you return here? Where—"

"I thought one last request?" Draco interrupted.

Hermione laughed. "Right." Draco intertwined his fingers with hers. He pressed his lips to her knuckles.

"I met with Bellatrix the day of my verdict and gave her three conditions. I let her have the final say with my punishment.

"One, I had to be allowed to finish school.

"Two, I was allowed to travel the continent I will be exiled to."

"Let's hope it's not Antarctica then, yeah?" Hermione interjected. Draco chuckled. "The third one?"

"From the moment I stepped out of that door, she wasn't allowed to mess with your affairs," he said after a short pause. "Our marriage has been declared null and void. You again are, and have been for the past week, just Hermione Granger."

Hearing this, her lips started to quiver. She threw her arms around him and started sobbing uncontrollably. He rubbed circles on her back and whispered in her ear to comfort her.

As if warning them, the emerald flames erupted larger than usual. The suitcase Hermione had wheeled in only a minute ago had been delivered to her home.

As if on cue, Bellatrix entered the Hall, accompanied by Kingsley Shacklebolt, two members of the Council whose names Hermione had already forgotten, and of course, Dragon.

"Mister Malfoy," Bellatrix said with a triumphant smile. "The Prince and I are here to assure you reach your location safely."

The Council members and Kingsley entered the flames first, followed by Bellatrix. Dragon was already in front of the flames, waiting on Draco.

Draco faced Hermione and took her face in his hands. "I love you, Minnie," he whispered. Hermione started crying again, holding onto Draco's wrists, begging him to stay. He gave her one last kiss on the forehead, before turning away.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his torso, and with little force, Draco removed her arms and allowed himself to be engulfed by the flames.