A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 11: A Night to Remember

The Great Hall had been transformed into a vision of Halloween magic, unlike anything Harry had ever seen. The enchanted ceiling loomed above like a stormy night sky, swirling with dark clouds that occasionally cracked open with flashes of lightning. The effect was so realistic that it seemed as though the storm might spill into the hall at any moment. Pumpkins, carved with eerie grins and glowing with warm candlelight, floated gracefully in the air, casting flickering shadows over the students below. Enchanted candles, hovering above the tables, burned in hues of deep orange, violet, and emerald, adding an otherworldly glow to the scene.

Long tables groaned under the weight of the Halloween feast: cauldrons of spiced pumpkin juice, treacle tarts shaped like bats, and a veritable mountain of sweets. Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans spilled over the edges of bowls, and there was enough chocolate to satisfy even the greediest students. The air was thick with the scent of cinnamon, sugar, and the faint tang of roasted pumpkin, making Harry's stomach rumble.

But the students were too enchanted by the decorations to immediately dive into the food. They moved about the hall in a flurry of costumes, their excitement palpable. Witches, wizards, ghouls, and even a few oversized creatures from the Forbidden Forest roamed the room. Every face that passed through the door lit up with wonder, their eyes wide as they took in the details of the decorations.

Harry stood by the entrance, watching the students flood in, his wand still in hand as he adjusted a few final floating pumpkins. His black robes shimmered with silver stars that twinkled in the candlelight, a subtle costume compared to the extravagant outfits worn by the students. He couldn't help but feel proud as he surveyed the hall. All the hours spent planning and perfecting the decorations had paid off in ways that even he hadn't anticipated.

"Looking good, Professor Potter!" called out Geoffrey, a seventh-year Ravenclaw dressed as a vampire, complete with a flowing black cape and a set of impressively sharp fangs.

Harry grinned. "Thanks, Geoffrey. I hope you're ready to show off those fangs in the costume contest."

Geoffrey gave a mock bow and continued toward the feast, leaving Harry with a sense of satisfaction that spread from his chest to his fingertips. It wasn't just about the decorations or the feast—it was the laughter, the lightness in the air, the pure joy on the students' faces. Hogwarts was alive tonight in a way that made Harry's heart feel fuller than it had in a long time.

Scanning the crowd, Harry's eyes landed on Draco, who stood near one of the long tables, giving instructions to a few older students adjusting the candles. Draco's robes were sleek and black, but tonight, they bore intricate silver embroidery along the cuffs and collar, a touch that made him stand out even more than usual. His platinum-blond hair was neatly combed, and though his expression was composed, there was something lighter in the way he moved, a rare ease in his posture. Harry caught the hint of a smile on Draco's face as he surveyed the students' handiwork, a small but genuine acknowledgment of their success.

Other professors mingled through the hall, each bringing their own energy to the event. Professor McGonagall moved gracefully between students, dressed in elegant dark green robes with silver trim, her eyes twinkling as she offered kind words to those passing by. Professor Flitwick, dressed as a pirate with a tiny hat perched on his head and a wand tucked into his belt, was stationed near the stage, his excitement palpable as he prepared for the ghost story competition.

Professor Sprout, ever the nurturer, was busily encouraging students to try the various Halloween treats she had helped prepare, her garland of autumn leaves giving her an earthy, festive look. Near the entrance to the hall, Professor Hooch, decked out in her old Quidditch gear, was enthusiastically recounting tales of famous Quidditch matches, her boisterous laughter ringing through the air.