Pen Pal (Drarry) HIATUS

1

"Alright eighth years, I'm going to say this as plainly as possible, you've been through a lot." Minerva McGonagall stated in a blunt voice. Making Harry Potter laugh dryly and almost all eighth year students turn towards him. Harry was different after the war, which most understood, but some were still a bit unused to his dry rude behavior.

He didn't feel rude, he just didn't feel much of anything. The only people he had in his life anymore were the Weasleys and Hermione, not that he wasn't thankful for that fact but he felt numb from all the loss. He wasn't happy anymore, and everyone was worried about when he'd snap.

"As I was saying, you've all seen and dealt with things no one at your age should've dealt with. I am proud of each and every single one of you who decided to come back and finish your education.. and I mean all of you." She said that while looking directly at none other than Draco Malfoy. Everyone was shocked that Malfoy had returned.

He himself was much different, quiet, reserved, no more sneering or pushing or bullying. He still stood tall next to Pansy and Blaise, but he stayed quiet and didn't seem to want any trouble. It had been such a drastic change that Ronald Weasley himself had mentioned it on the train.

Everyone was different, in good ways and bad. You would think everyone would be happy that Voldemort was gone.. but this group of students. These people who had fought in their childhood and lost some of their peers, they weren't happy.

McGonagall knew as much, and so she'd come up with a program. A program to hopefully help those who were too afraid to look for help. "This year you will have your own common room, just for the eighth years. Each of you will have your own room, and private space to heal and work."

"We will be doing a project this year, called project pen pal. You will not know who your pen pal is, everyone will have one. This person can be someone you vent to, talk to, or simply just be friends with. Someone to talk to without putting a name on it. You will be given a pile of parchment specifically charmed to not be able to write your name."

A few students seemed intrigued, for the most part though they were all rolling their eyes. They stayed silent though, because questioning McGonagall was something all students knew not to do.

When she was done with her speech, she called for all of the eighth year students to follow her to their new common room. The common room itself was cozy, dark browns and golds covered the place in a warm honey light.

"I wanted to keep it neutral, you will still be able to eat with your houses if you wish to, but you will have a seperate table if you'd like to eat there instead." Everyone nodded and she continued through to the rooms.

"You all have your own room, with your names marked on the doors. You can enter others' rooms with their permission, however I ask that you stay responsible. You will not have a curfew, and can leave grounds as you please seeing as you are all adults now. I just ask that you please keep up with your studies and work, and don't make me have to take privileges away from you in your adult ages.

That is all, you may head to your rooms and unpack. There will be no classes today, lunch and dinner will run as usual. If you need to talk to me you know where my office is, and I'll be happy to speak to anyone and everyone who comes in. We will begin talking to your pen pals tomorrow, for tonight just relax and settle in.

I am proud of everyone for coming back to continue your education. It means the most to me that you all do well in life, you will always be a very special class to me. I mean that for every single one of you. I'll be off now, you know where to find me"

-

Once Harry had settled into his room, unpacking all of his belongings, he headed to the common room. Everyone was sitting in a circle, willingly speaking to one another. He quietly scoffed, everyone was so happy go lucky, trying to spread unity all over the damn place. Made him sick.

He noticed Draco in the corner, reading to himself. He let himself think for a second about going over there, but quickly decided it wouldn't be the best idea. Him and Draco haven't spoken since trials, and while Harry didn't feel the same hate for the blonde he didn't necessarily like him either.

Harry simply understood how Draco felt, why Draco did what he did, and how Draco had changed. It added some perspective on things. Not enough to go sing tunes and skid with the bloke however.

Harry silently sat next to Hermione instead, picking at his fingers and not daring to look into anyone's eyes. "There's the hero of the whole operation, the chosen one aye?" Seamus said smiling and Harry rolled his eyes. "Shut up Seamus." He mumbled.

That only made everyone chirp louder, spewing bullshit about Harry and the war. He tried to breathe and ignore them, but as their words filled the deep ache in his chest grew. He didn't want to react too harshly, so he just snapped up and stomped away without another word. Slamming his door shut.

That's where he stayed the rest of the night, not answering a single knock from anyone.

-

On the other hand, after his outburst, Draco had looked up in curiosity. "Does Potter always get like that after talking about the war?" He'd asked Hermione, who bit her lip and nodded. "I don't think it's the war as much as it is the whole "chosen one" crap. It really gets to him, but he won't explain why."

Draco nodded, surprised of course, but he wasn't sure why. He had always thought Harry wanted the attention, when all these years he just wanted a normal life. Draco could relate to that, and he thought himself silly for believing Harry wanted differently.

He didn't add much else to the conversation, simply putting his head back into his book. Hermione looked at him curiously, Draco had stopped by their train car on the way to Hogwarts to apologize. It felt sincere and real, like he'd wanted to do it for years. Which knowing what she knew now may have been true.. she wasn't sure how to feel about the blonde anymore.

She had a feeling though, that she'd get to find out this year just how much Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter had changed.

-

A/N; I'm backkk! With a very mundane uncreative idea that for some reason I was able to write easier than anything else. I will be only updating once a week(as a set schedule if I am able I will update more), as I am still really not doing good mentally and have a lot going on.

I cannot thank you lot enough for all of the support and love I've recieved while going through a rough time. Thank you

Also story was marked Mature bc of my potty mouth lol ;)

I hope you enjoyed loves.

Much love,

-H🫶🏼