A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 22: Parisian Reunions

The bustling city of Paris greeted Draco with a familiar elegance, its winter charm exuding an understated sophistication that suited the season. The sky was a soft, wintry blue, a pale sun casting delicate light over the frosty streets and ancient stone buildings. The portkey had delivered him to a small, secluded park just along the Seine, where the bare branches of trees lined the walkway, and the occasional passing breeze carried with it the scent of freshly baked bread from the nearby boulangeries. The majestic Eiffel Tower stood proudly in the distance, its iron lattice a quiet silhouette against the horizon.

Draco straightened his impeccably tailored overcoat, brushing off the light dusting of snow that had accumulated during the journey. His silver-blond hair gleamed in the soft sunlight as he adjusted the collar, his posture already slipping back into the composed elegance that had become second nature. A figure emerged from the nearby street, moving with purposeful strides, exuding both charm and confidence. Blaise Zabini approached with an effortless grace, his eyes lighting up with genuine warmth as he caught sight of Draco.

Blaise was, as always, dressed immaculately, in a tailored charcoal suit that fit him like a second skin, the collar of his coat turned up against the chill. His dark hair, perfectly styled, complemented his poised demeanor, and as he reached Draco, his smile widened with a mixture of affection and amusement.

"Draco," Blaise greeted, his voice rich and warm, the soft accent of his aristocratic upbringing ever present. He extended his arms, pulling Draco into an unexpectedly tight hug. "It's been far too long, old friend."

Draco allowed himself to relax into the embrace, feeling a rare sense of comfort in the familiarity of Blaise's presence. "Indeed, it has," he replied, his voice slightly muffled by Blaise's coat. As they pulled apart, Draco cast a glance at the surroundings. "Paris, as always, suits you. And might I add, you're looking remarkably well."

Blaise's eyes twinkled as he stepped back to appraise Draco. "And you remain the very picture of refinement," he said with a grin, his hands lingering on Draco's shoulders as if unwilling to let go of the moment too soon. "The life of a Hogwarts professor, I must say, hasn't dulled your sense of style."

Draco smirked, the corners of his lips curving upward. "Well, one must keep up appearances, even in the remote wilderness of Scotland."

Blaise chuckled, a deep, velvety sound that seemed to blend with the subtle hum of Paris. "Ah, Scotland. Hardly the place for you, Draco, but I suspect you've adapted."

They began walking along the park's path, the distant hum of Parisian life just beginning to stir in the background. The conversation flowed easily, with Blaise talking animatedly about his latest creative endeavors. He was set to host a highly anticipated fashion show later that evening, one that had drawn attention from every corner of the industry. His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he spoke of the inspirations he had found in the art and culture of Paris, a city that had long captured his heart.

"It's good to see you here for the show, Draco," Blaise said, casting a sideways glance. "I've been waiting to show you what I've been working on for months. Tonight promises to be extraordinary."

"I've no doubt it will be," Draco responded, his voice soft but sincere. "You've always had an eye for these things, Blaise. And it'll be refreshing to see your work come to life. Hogwarts, as much as I've come to care for it, can feel rather... stifling at times."

Blaise raised a brow, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "Ah, yes, I imagine the quiet halls of academia must pale in comparison to the wonders of Paris. Still, I hear you've managed to keep things interesting. How fares your newfound companionship with Potter?"

Draco glanced at Blaise, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and reflection. "Harry and I... have developed a rather unexpected friendship, to say the least. We share tea in the evenings, talk about our lessons. He's proven to be far more perceptive than I ever gave him credit for."

Blaise's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "Harry Potter, your evening tea companion. If only our school days had prepared us for this turn of events. I'd never have imagined it."

Draco chuckled, a soft, almost wistful sound. "Nor did I. But he's different than I expected—there's a depth to him, a kind of quiet understanding that makes conversation... natural. Easy, even."

Blaise nodded, his tone shifting to one of genuine care. "I'm glad to hear it. You've spent far too long keeping to yourself, Draco. It's good that someone's managed to break through your impeccable walls of reserve. Though I daresay I'll always hold a special place as your preferred confidante."

Draco shot him a sideways glance, a smile tugging at his lips. "Don't worry, Blaise. Your place is quite secure."

As they reached the Apparition point, a secluded alleyway between two historic Parisian buildings. Draco placed his hand on Blaise's extended arm, and in the blink of an eye, they appeared at the foot of Blaise's luxurious Parisian apartment. The building towered above them, a gleaming structure of glass and steel, offering a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower framed by the skyline.

Inside, Blaise's apartment was a masterpiece of modern sophistication. The open layout, sleek furnishings, and warm lighting created an atmosphere of understated luxury. Draco took in the space with an appreciative nod, his eyes lingering on the expansive windows that showcased the glittering Parisian streets below.

"Your taste, as always, is impeccable," Draco remarked as he settled into a plush armchair, his gaze drawn to the softly twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

Blaise shrugged modestly, though his smile betrayed a hint of pride. "Paris has a way of inspiring one's creativity. I wanted a space that reflected the elegance of the city. Comfortable, yet with a certain... flair."

Draco smirked. "And you've certainly achieved that."

As they sipped fine wine and exchanged stories, the conversation turned to more personal matters, their bond as close friends evident in the way they spoke with ease, understanding the subtleties in each other's tone. Blaise's eyes sparkled as he talked about his success in the fashion world, while Draco listened with genuine pride in his friend's accomplishments.

Later, as the evening's fashion show approached, Blaise excused himself to prepare, leaving Draco to reflect on their conversation. He realized just how important these friendships were to him—Blaise, Harry, even the growing connections he had made with some of the staff at Hogwarts. The life he had never anticipated was starting to feel... right.

The fashion show, as expected, was nothing short of a triumph. The venue, with its sleek, minimalist design and open views of Paris by night, was filled with elegant guests and fashion industry insiders. Blaise's creations took center stage—each piece a blend of avant-garde artistry and timeless elegance. Draco watched in awe as the models moved down the runway, their garments a testament to Blaise's keen eye for detail and bold design.

As the applause roared and Blaise took his place on the runway for the final bow, Draco caught his friend's eye and offered a subtle nod of approval. It was clear that Blaise had outdone himself, and as the two of them stood among the crowd afterward, basking in the success of the evening, Draco felt a deep sense of pride for his friend.

After the show, back in the warm confines of Blaise's apartment, the two friends shared a final toast.

"To old friends," Blaise said, raising his glass, his eyes filled with a rare sincerity.

Draco smiled softly, clinking his glass with Blaise's. "To old friends."

As the night wore on, Draco couldn't help but let his thoughts drift back to Hogwarts, to Harry, and to the strange, unexpected friendship that had formed between them. Blaise had been right—people did change. And perhaps, Draco mused, that was the most surprising thing of all.

In the heart of Paris, with the lights of the Eiffel Tower shimmering in the distance, Draco found himself not just content, but hopeful—for what was, and for what was yet to come.

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Short filler chapter, please leave your thoughts 💛