Harry Potter stood on the edge of the forest, breathing in the crisp, cold air of the Canadian mountains. Snowflakes danced lazily from the overcast sky, blanketing the ground in a soft layer of white. It was exactly what he had hoped for: a serene escape from the chaos of the wizarding world. After the war, life had settled into a new routine, but recent events had left him feeling restless. Breaking off his relationship with his boyfriend had been difficult, and now, more than ever, he needed solitude. He had long dreamed of a white Christmas, and here he was, finally living that dream.
He had booked a portkey to a quaint, remote cabin, hoping to spend two weeks in blissful isolation. As he trudged through the snow with his heavy backpack, he wondered if he had overpacked. He had brought enough food to last far longer than his planned stay, but he wasn't too concerned. The thought of leaving his old life behind, even for just a little while, filled him with a sense of freedom. The towering pine trees and snow-covered mountains were the perfect backdrop for reflection.
After arriving at the cabin, Harry spent the first few hours unpacking, arranging his belongings in the small space, and getting to know the place. It was charming, rustic, and beautifully secluded, with a roaring fireplace and a hot tub on the back porch that overlooked the stunning landscape. Once he settled in, he made himself a snack and opened a bottle of wine.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, he decided it was time to take advantage of the hot tub. The warm, bubbling water enveloped him as he sank in, letting the heat seep into his muscles. He closed his eyes, letting the tension of the last few months slip away.
Just as he was beginning to relax, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching the porch. Startled, he opened his eyes to see a figure stepping out of the cabin. His heart raced as recognition hit him. Standing there, silhouetted against the twilight, was none other than Draco Malfoy.
"Harry?" Draco's voice was tentative, almost disbelieving.
Harry blinked, feeling a rush of conflicting emotions. They hadn't spoken in years—not since that awkward conversation where he had confessed his feelings and Draco had turned him down. Harry had always admired Draco's sharp wit and undeniable charm, but he never expected to see him here, at his holiday retreat.
"Draco?" Harry finally managed to say, his voice slightly choked. "What are you doing here?"
Draco stepped onto the porch, a sheepish expression on his face. "The owner of the cabin... well, he accidentally double-booked it. I thought I'd come for a quiet Christmas away from everything, too."
Harry's mind raced. This was not what he had envisioned for his solitary retreat. Yet, there was something surreal about the situation. He gestured toward the hot tub, feeling suddenly nervous. "I—I didn't expect anyone else to be here. I was hoping for some peace and quiet."
"Believe me, I wasn't expecting to run into you either," Draco replied, a hint of a smile breaking through his initial discomfort. "But it seems we're both looking for the same thing."
They stood there for a moment, the tension hanging between them palpable. Memories of their past—moments of rivalry and unexpected camaraderie—flashed through Harry's mind. He felt a familiar spark, one he had thought long extinguished.
"Would you like to join me?" Harry asked, surprising even himself with his boldness. "The water's nice."
Draco hesitated, then nodded. "Why not? It's not every day you get to share a hot tub with Harry Potter."
As Draco stripped down to his swimming trunks, Harry couldn't help but steal a glance, recalling the boy who had once been his rival. The man before him was different, more relaxed, more approachable. Once they were both in the hot tub, the initial awkwardness began to fade, replaced by the warmth of the water and the beauty of the snow-covered landscape.
