A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry] ✔

Chapter 5: Catching Up from Afar

Harry sighed contentedly as he sank into the plush armchair in his quarters, the cool evening breeze filtering through the open window, carrying the faint scent of the castle grounds. The day had been long, yet deeply fulfilling. Every moment, from the first morning class to the last conversation with the students, had been more rewarding than he could have anticipated. He had spent his days navigating the rhythm of his new life as a professor, adjusting to the responsibilities and routines of teaching, a world so foreign to him. There was comfort in the structure, in the steady pace of life, where each day brought something new yet reassuringly predictable.

As he stared into the flickering flames of the fireplace, the dancing light casting shadows on the walls of his cosy quarters, a wave of homesickness washed over him, though it wasn't for a place. It was for the people who had been his family through thick and thin. His thoughts drifted to Ron and Hermione, and the familiar ache of missing their presence tugged at him. It had been days since he last saw them.

The three of them had shared so much—joy, loss, laughter, tears. They had built their lives side by side, through battles and peace. And though they all had their own paths now, with Ron running the joke shop and Hermione deeply entrenched in her work at the Ministry, their bond was unbreakable. They were family, no matter the distance. 

With that thought, Harry leaned forward and scooped up a pinch of Floo powder from the bowl on the mantelpiece. A warm smile touched his lips. It was time to catch up.

"Ron and Hermione Weasley's house!" he called clearly, tossing the powder into the fire. The flames flared green, crackling and swirling before settling into a steady glow. A heartbeat later, Ron's face appeared among the flames, his familiar grin already spreading wide.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed, his blue eyes lighting up. "How's Hogwarts treating you, mate?"

At the sound of Ron's voice, a comforting warmth settled over Harry, the familiarity grounding him after a long day. "Hey, Ron. It's been great, actually. Better than I could have hoped."

"Yeah?" Ron's curiosity sparked visibly, and Harry could tell his friend was eager for details. "What's it like being on the other side of the classroom?"

Harry chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "It is a bit strange. But it's a good kind of strange. The students are great. They're eager to learn. And honestly, it feels like I've come home, only with more responsibility."

Ron's grin widened. "Home with more responsibility, eh? Sounds like Hogwarts has missed you as much as you've missed it." He chuckled. "And the students must be on their best behavior, of course, completely in awe of Professor Potter."

"Something like that," Harry replied, though a modest blush crept up his cheeks. "They're curious, of course, but they've been respectful. It's nice, really." He hesitated, then added honestly, "I wasn't sure how I'd feel about trading Auror work for teaching, but so far, it feels right."

"Harry!" A new voice cut in, and Hermione's face appeared beside Ron's in the green flames, her expression bright with relief and encouragement. "I'm so glad to hear you're settling in. Ron and I were just talking about you earlier."

"Talking is putting it mildly," Ron said, nudging her with a grin. "She's been grilling me all evening. 'Do you think Harry's all right? Is he managing okay?' Honestly, it's been nonstop."

Hermione gave Ron a light swat on the arm, though her smile never faded. "I just wanted to make sure you're all right, Harry. Starting a new job can be stressful."

Harry laughed, a swell of affection rising in his chest. "Thanks, Hermione. But really, I'm doing fine. It's actually a lot less stressful than being an Auror."