The New Hogwarts

Chapter 31

Previously on The New Hogwarts

Harry's Pov

"Good night, Severus," I murmured, feeling the pull of sleep.

"Good night, Harry," he whispered back, his voice filled with love. "Sweet dreams."

With those words, I drifted off to sleep, secure in the knowledge that no matter what the future held, we would face it together. And that was all I needed.

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Harry's Pov

The final week before the start of the school year approached quicker than I had anticipated. It seemed as though the days had been racing by, each packed with last-minute preparations and final checks to ensure everything was in place. With only a week left, I knew it was time to move back into Hogwarts and settle into my office as Headmaster.

Severus and I spent the morning packing the few belongings we had taken over the summer. The house we had shared during the break had been a refuge, a place where we could escape the pressures of our roles and be together. But now it was time to return to the castle, where the next chapter of our lives was about to unfold.

As I folded the last of my clothes into a suitcase, Severus entered the room, his expression calm and composed as always. "Are you ready, Harry?" he asked, his voice steady in the room.

I nodded, closing the suitcase with a sense of finality. "I think so. It feels strange to leave here, but I'm ready to return to Hogwarts. There's a lot to look forward to."

"There is," Severus agreed, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "And there's a lot of work to be done, but I know you're up to the task."

I returned his smile, feeling a surge of determination. "We both are. I'm glad we're doing this together, Severus."

He stepped forward and took my hand, his touch grounding me. "So am I, Harry. Hogwarts is ready for you, and you're ready for this. It's time to go."

With our bags packed, we went outside to where the car awaited. The house behind us seemed quiet, as though it were bidding us farewell, and I took a moment to appreciate the time we had spent there. It had been a place of healing and growth, a sanctuary where we could focus on each other and the future we were building.

As we drove toward Hogwarts, the familiar countryside landscape rolled by, and the lush greenery and open fields reminded us how far we had come. The castle came into view after a while, its towers and turrets rising majestically against the sky. Even after all this time, the sight of Hogwarts still filled me with awe and pride.

When we arrived at the castle, we were greeted by the familiar faces of the staff who had already returned to prepare for the new term. There were smiles and nods of acknowledgment as we made our way inside, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose strong in the air.

Severus and I headed directly to my office, where I would spend much of my time in the days ahead. As we stepped into the room, the first thing that struck me was how the space had been transformed since the last time I had been there. It was still the Headmaster's office, but it was also mine now, a place that reflected who I was and the vision I had for the school.

The walls were lined with shelves filled with books on magic and history and personal mementos that reminded me of the journey I had taken to get here. The desk in the center of the room was polished and ready, and the inkwell and quill were waiting for the tasks ahead.