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 class to the last conversation with the students, had been more rewarding than he could have anticipated. He had spent his day navigating the rhythm of his new life as a professor, adjusting to the responsibilities and routines of teaching, a world both familiar and foreign to him. There was comfort in the structure, in the steady pace of life at Hogwarts, 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 cozy 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, and while he loved being back at Hogwarts, there was a part of him that longed for their easy banter, their steadfast companionship.

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. Deciding it was time to catch up, Harry leaned forward and grabbed a handful of Floo powder from the small bowl on the mantelpiece, a warm smile playing on his lips.

"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 moment later, Ron's face appeared in the flames, his familiar grin stretching across his face.

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

Harry felt warmth spread through him at the sound of Ron's voice, the sense of familiarity grounding him after the long day. "Hey, Ron. It's been great so far. I've had my first day of classes, and it went 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? I mean, seeing all those little versions of us running around must be weird."

Harry chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "It is a bit strange, yeah. 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. And the students, they're all on their best behavior, I bet. Probably 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. I wasn't sure how I'd handle the shift from Auror work to teaching, but so far, it feels right."

"Harry!" a new voice joined the conversation, and Hermione's face appeared next to Ron's, her expression full of warmth and encouragement. "I'm so glad to hear you're settling in. Ron and I were just talking about you earlier, wondering how your first day went."

"Yeah, she's been hounding me with questions, mate," Ron teased, nudging Hermione playfully. "She's been worrying over you like a mother hen. 'Do you think Harry's okay? Is he managing alright?' Honestly, it's been non-stop."

Hermione gave Ron a light swat on the arm, but her expression remained warm. "I just wanted to make sure you're alright, Harry. Starting a new job can be stressful, and I know how much you've been through already."