A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 26: A Christmas Welcome

Draco stood in the center of his living room, surrounded by the understated elegance of his London flat. The flicker of the fireplace cast a soft, amber glow across the space, making the polished wood floors and carefully arranged furniture gleam. The walls, lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and carefully curated works of art, gave the room a sense of order, a sanctuary built meticulously over time. It was a place that had always brought Draco comfort—a space where everything was in its rightful place, where chaos was kept at bay. And yet, as he glanced around one last time before his departure, a nervous flutter refused to be quelled.

He had been preparing for this moment for days, mentally rehearsing every conversation, imagining every possible scenario. The prospect of spending Christmas with the Weasleys was daunting in a way Draco hadn't expected. They had been nothing but kind to him, showing a warmth and acceptance that had initially taken him by surprise. But to be immersed in their world for the holidays—amidst their loud, sprawling, close-knit family—felt overwhelming. The thought of it stirred a deep anxiety in him, not because of the Weasleys themselves, but because it was a world so different from his own.

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment as he steadied himself. He had been through worse. And yet, this felt like a different kind of challenge. It wasn't about survival; it was about belonging. About finding his place in a world that he had spent years keeping at arm's length. Slowly, Draco opened his eyes, squared his shoulders, and crossed the room to the mantelpiece. There, waiting for him, was the small, silver Portkey—a coin charmed to whisk him directly to the Burrow. With a final glance around the room, Draco grasped the coin tightly, feeling the familiar tug at his navel as the world around him spun into a blur.

The spinning stopped abruptly, and Draco found himself standing in a snow-covered field. The winter air was sharp and crisp, biting at his skin as he took in his surroundings. In the distance, the Burrow rose from the landscape, its mismatched towers and chimneys puffing out thin streams of smoke into the pale sky. Snow blanketed the ground, glittering softly in the fading light, and the faint scent of pine and burning wood carried on the breeze. It was a scene so different from the pristine, manicured grounds of Malfoy Manor. Here, everything felt alive—imperfect and warm.

Draco barely had a moment to regain his balance before he heard the sound of footsteps approaching through the snow. He turned just in time to see Harry emerging from the trees, his face lighting up with a broad smile the moment their eyes met. Harry's cheeks were flushed from the cold, his breath visible in the air as he quickened his pace toward Draco.

"Draco!" Harry's voice was bright with excitement, and before Draco could even process what was happening, Harry had closed the distance between them, pulling Draco into a hug. The suddenness of the gesture caught Draco off guard. He stiffened instinctively, his arms hanging awkwardly at his sides. For a brief moment, he was acutely aware of the warmth of Harry's body, the way their winter coats brushed together. His heart gave a strange, disorienting thump in his chest.

But then, just as quickly as it had begun, Harry stepped back, looking slightly embarrassed, his hand moving to rub the back of his neck. "Sorry," Harry mumbled, a flush creeping up his neck. "I didn't mean to—well, I'm just glad you're here."

Draco blinked, the edges of his surprise softening into a small smile. "It's fine," he said quietly, trying to push down the unfamiliar flutter that lingered in his chest. "It's good to see you too." He hesitated, casting a glance toward the Burrow in the distance. "How are things here? Has it been... manageable?"

Harry's face brightened again, the awkwardness melting away. "Oh, it's been great! Chaotic, but that's normal when the whole family's around. Everyone's excited to meet you. It'll be a bit noisy, but I think you'll enjoy it." He gestured for Draco to walk with him, and they fell into step together, heading toward the Burrow. "How was France? How's Blaise? And your mum—how's she doing?"