A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 17: Winter Whispers

The first snows of winter had fallen over Hogwarts, blanketing the vast grounds in a pristine sheet of white. The landscape, once alive with autumn hues, was now wrapped in a serene stillness, as if the castle and its surroundings were frozen in time. The wind carried a biting chill, howling through the high towers, its sharp edges softened only by the comfort of the fires crackling in hearths throughout the castle. Despite the warmth inside, the icy breath of winter permeated the ancient stone walls, and the corridors echoed with the soft scurrying of students huddled in their robes, eager to escape the cold.

Harry pulled his cloak tighter around him as he walked through the quiet halls. His breath misted in the air as he exhaled, the cold biting at his skin even inside the castle. It felt different during winter—quieter, as if the snow had muffled not just the outside world but the very heartbeat of the school itself. It wasn't unpleasant, but there was a stillness to it, a kind of reflective quiet that made everything feel more intimate, more introspective.

The holidays were fast approaching, and Hogwarts was slowly preparing for the festivities. The Great Hall had begun its transformation, adorned with enchanted snowflakes that drifted lazily from the ceiling without ever touching the ground. The rich scent of pine, cinnamon, and spiced cider filled the air, and the promise of Christmas brought a tangible excitement. But Harry's mind wasn't on the holidays, at least not yet. His thoughts kept drifting back to the project he and Draco had been working on.

Over the past few months, something had shifted between them. Harry didn't even know when things changed. What began as awkward exchanges had turned into a comfortable routine, with Harry finding himself drawn to Draco's company more than he ever thought possible. The old tension had evaporated, replaced by a sense of understanding, trust even, that felt as surprising as it was natural.

Tonight was no different. Harry was on his way to the dungeons again, a plate of food in one hand and a flask of tea in the other. The dungeons were always colder than the rest of the castle, the chill seeping into the stone like a memory that refused to fade. But somehow, it had become a space of comfort for both him and Draco, a place where the burdens of their pasts seemed lighter, where the weight of expectations and old grudges fell away.

When Harry pushed open the door to the Potions classroom, Draco was already there, seated at his desk, his attention focused on a stack of parchment filled with intricate notes. The soft glow of the lantern on the desk illuminated Draco's pale hair, which gleamed silver in the warm light. His face was set in concentration, but there was a calmness to his posture, a sign of how far they had come from their school days.

Draco glanced up at the sound of the door opening, his grey eyes flicking to Harry with a mixture of familiarity and something else—something warmer, quieter. He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Potter, you're late," Draco teased lightly, though his tone lacked the usual sharpness it once had.

Harry smiled as he entered, shutting the door behind him. "Thought I'd bring something to eat," he said, holding up the plate. "Figured you'd still be here, working."

Draco gave a faint, almost imperceptible nod, glancing at the food before his gaze returned to Harry. "You figured right. It seems I'm developing a habit of skipping meals," he admitted with a shrug, his voice softer than usual.

Harry set the plate and flask down on the desk, taking a seat across from Draco. "You've always been a workaholic," he said with a playful grin, pouring two cups of tea. "And here I thought this might be the best part of your day."

Draco chuckled quietly, though the sound was more subdued. "It's certainly become... a habit," he said, taking one of the cups. "But you're right. There's something oddly relaxing about this. Discussing lessons, ideas. It's more enjoyable than I care to admit."