A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 21: Parting Ways

The day before the holidays had arrived, and Hogwarts was alive with the buzz of students and staff preparing for their Christmas breaks. The castle echoed with the sounds of excited laughter, footsteps hurriedly making their way down long corridors, and the faint flap of owls delivering last-minute letters and parcels. A festive energy hung in the air, brightening even the darkest corners of the ancient building.

Outside, the castle grounds were cloaked in a blanket of snow that glistened under the pale December sun. Frost sparkled on every window, and the scent of pine trees and spices wafted from the Great Hall, where decorations had already begun to take shape. But in the quieter corners of Hogwarts, the mood was more subdued, as the imminent goodbyes weighed on the air.

In the courtyard, where snow had been carefully shoveled to reveal the cobblestone paths, Harry and Draco stood facing each other. The crisp winter air nipped at their faces, their breath forming soft clouds as they spoke, the world around them unusually quiet compared to the festive chaos inside.

Draco, as always, looked impeccably put-together, dressed in a dark, tailored overcoat that gave him an air of sophistication. His silver-blond hair was neatly combed, and his hands, gloved in fine leather, rested casually at his sides. A small suitcase, elegant and understated, stood next to him. His expression was composed, but there was a warmth in his gray eyes as he looked at Harry.

Harry, by contrast, wore a thick scarf and a wool coat that did little to tame his perpetually messy hair. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, a relaxed smile playing on his lips as he observed Draco.

"So," Harry began, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "This is it, then. Paris with Blaise, a quick visit to your mother, and then... the Burrow?"

Draco nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yes, Blaise has been particularly insistent that I join him in Paris. Apparently, he's had a creative epiphany for his latest fashion line and requires my opinion." Draco's smile widened, and a fondness crept into his voice as he spoke of his old friend. "After that, I'll spend a couple of days with my mother."

Harry nodded thoughtfully, understanding the complexities of Draco's relationship with his mother. "Sounds busy but nice. Paris is beautiful this time of year, though."

"It is," Draco agreed, his gaze growing distant for a moment as though imagining the snow-covered streets of Paris. When he turned back to Harry, his expression softened. "And you? The Burrow tomorrow?"

"Yeah, but first a stop at Diagon Alley. I've got a few things to pick up before heading over to the Weasleys. I wouldn't want to show up empty-handed," Harry said, grinning.

Draco chuckled lightly. "Indeed. One doesn't arrive at the Burrow without bearing gifts." He paused, his smile fading slightly as his gaze lingered on Harry. "It's strange, saying goodbye like this. We see each other every day, and now... well, it feels different."

A similar feeling stirred in Harry's chest. Despite their initial awkwardness months ago, the thought of Draco being away for even a few days felt... odd. There was an unexpected weight in their farewell, a sense that he'd miss Draco's presence more than he had anticipated. "Yeah," Harry admitted quietly, "I know what you mean. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I'm actually going to miss you."

A soft, genuine smile touched Draco's lips. "Yes, well, we've gotten used to these evening tea sessions, haven't we? I suppose they've become something of a habit."

"They have," Harry agreed, stepping closer, his eyes meeting Draco's. "I've come to look forward to them."

Draco's gaze softened, the unspoken bond between them tangible in the cold air. "As have I," Draco said quietly, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to still. The courtyard, usually so imposing and vast, felt intimate in that shared space.