A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 12: Unexpected Visitors

Hogwarts had never seemed so still, so peaceful. The half-term break had emptied the castle of its usual buzz of energy, and the quiet that filled its ancient corridors was unlike anything Harry had experienced during his time as a student. The absence of students left the vast halls and classrooms feeling like a different place, as if the very walls were taking a moment to breathe. Outside, the grounds stretched wide and open under the crisp autumn sky, the wind carrying the scent of fallen leaves and fresh air.

Harry sat in his quarters, a former professor's room that had long since become his own refuge. There was something about the cozy warmth of the place—the well-worn armchair by the fire, the shelves stacked with old books, and the steady flicker of the flames—that made it easy to relax here. As he leafed through the last few essays from his students, his thoughts kept drifting back to the Halloween party, to the laughter of the students and the subtle, surprising camaraderie that had blossomed between him and Draco. They had worked together, side by side, and it had been more comfortable than he ever could have imagined.

Harry's attention was pulled from his grading by a gentle tapping at the window. He looked up to see a familiar owl perched on the sill. With a smile, he recognized Hermione's owl, its feathers ruffled from the chilly flight. He rose from his chair, opening the window to let the owl in. It fluttered to his desk, offering its leg, where a letter was tied.

Harry quickly untied the letter, unfolding the parchment to reveal Hermione's neat handwriting.

Harry,

Surprise! Ron and I are bringing the kids to Hogwarts today. We thought it would be a nice way to spend the day and give you a break from all that grading. We'll be there around lunchtime. Can't wait to see you!

Love, Hermione

A wide grin spread across Harry's face. He hadn't seen Ron and Hermione for a little while, and the thought of spending the day with them and their kids filled him with warmth. He could already picture their daughter, Rose, excitedly running through the corridors, and Hugo toddling along behind her, with Ron trying to keep up. They weren't just his best friends—they were his family, and Hogwarts felt even more like home when they were here.

Setting the essays aside, Harry glanced at the clock. There was still time before they arrived, and with newfound energy, he set about finishing the last of the grading. By the time he was done, he was ready to head down to meet them at the entrance.

As he reached the grand entrance hall, Harry spotted three familiar figures approaching in the distance. Hermione, with her bushy hair and warm smile, waved eagerly. Beside her, Ron carried Hugo, who babbled happily in his arms, while Rose skipped along, her excitement evident in every bounce of her step. Seeing them approach, Harry felt a surge of joy, a sense of completeness that only came when he was with his friends.

"Harry!" Hermione called as they neared, her voice filled with affection. She rushed forward, wrapping him in a tight embrace.

"It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, pulling back with a beaming smile.

Harry hugged her back, feeling a warmth settle in his chest. "You too, Hermione. I've missed you both."

Ron, grinning from ear to ear, clapped Harry on the back as soon as Hermione released him. "Missed us, eh? Bet you've been enjoying the peace and quiet up here. No Weasleys causing trouble."

Harry laughed, his green eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh, you know me, Ron. Always craving a bit of chaos."

He looked down at Hugo, who was reaching out toward him with wide, curious eyes. Harry leaned closer, ruffling the baby's soft, reddish hair. "And look at you, Hugo. You're getting bigger every day."