A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 25: A Simple Kindness

Draco stood in the doorway of his London flat, a wave of familiarity and comfort washing over him as he took in the sight of his elegant living space. After the emotional intensity of the past few days, the quiet sanctuary of his flat felt like a balm to his senses. The rich colors and sophisticated decor created a warm, inviting atmosphere, with deep burgundy curtains framing the large windows, and the plush sofas arranged in a way that spoke of both style and comfort. Polished wooden bookshelves lined the walls, filled with ancient texts and modern novels alike, their leather-bound spines gleaming in the soft glow of the room's centerpiece—a grand fireplace.

The fire crackled, casting a golden light across the room, its warmth spreading like an embrace. Draco set his bag down by the door and stepped further into the flat, inhaling the familiar scent of cedarwood and aged leather that had become synonymous with home for him. The quiet of the space allowed him a moment to breathe deeply, to let go of the tension that had built up during his journey.

He moved toward the sitting room, his eyes falling on the large, sturdy table set against the far wall. Neatly arranged on its surface was a collection of carefully wrapped gifts, each one chosen with meticulous thought and precision. A small smile tugged at Draco's lips as he ran a finger along the edge of one of the packages. These gifts would soon be taken to the Burrow, where he was set to spend Christmas with the Weasley family. A Christmas with the Weasleys—he still wasn't entirely sure how he'd ended up here, but there was a strange comfort in the thought.

For a long moment, Draco stood in silence, surveying the gifts. Each had been carefully selected, with great care put into understanding the person it was meant for. He wanted to make a good impression, to show his genuine appreciation for the Weasleys' hospitality, their willingness to welcome him into their family circle. This wasn't just about tradition; for Draco, it felt like an offering of sorts—an olive branch extended across the years of rivalry and misunderstanding.

There was a certain satisfaction in watching everything fall into place, the piles of gifts forming a neat and cohesive arrangement. For Molly, Draco had chosen an exquisite set of rare teas, each blend sourced from remote parts of the world. The delicate boxes were wrapped in muted gold and deep burgundy, evoking warmth and hospitality. He knew Molly would appreciate something that could be shared with family and guests during the cold winter months, the steam from the tea filling the Burrow with comfort and joy. The thought of her bustling about the kitchen, pouring cups for her large family, brought a small smile to his lips.

For Arthur, Draco had been particularly deliberate. He had assembled a collection of unique Muggle artifacts, each one odd and fascinating in its own way. It was a subtle nod to Arthur's boundless curiosity for the Muggle world, something Draco had once mocked but now respected. He had found a rare, beautifully preserved antique typewriter, its keys gleaming under polished brass fittings. It was a Muggle contraption Arthur certainly wouldn't have come across before, with every strike of a key creating words in crisp ink on parchment—an elegant, tactile experience Draco imagined would bring Arthur endless amusement. Alongside it, Draco added a sleek, mid-century mechanical watch, a masterpiece of Muggle engineering with exposed gears that ticked away in perfect precision. It was understated yet extraordinary, a perfect blend of practicality and the marvel of Muggle ingenuity. He wrapped the collection in deep blue paper, tied with silver ribbon, hoping it would bring Arthur the same joy that had gone into choosing each piece.

Bill and Fleur's gift had required a bit more effort. Draco had found a rare, antique French tapestry during one of his excursions with Blaise in Paris. It was woven with delicate magical threads that shimmered and shifted depending on the light, depicting a scene of pastoral beauty, with enchanted creatures roaming through a verdant forest. The tapestry was both beautiful and enchanted, a fitting piece for their elegant yet grounded lifestyle. He imagined it adorning a wall in their cottage, a subtle blend of artistry and magic, much like the couple themselves.