A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 27: Under the Stars

Draco adjusted his scarf as he pulled his hat snugly over his ears, feeling the cold night air nip at his skin. Following Harry across the snow-covered garden, he could still feel the warmth of the Burrow fading behind them, replaced by the crisp silence of the night. The glow of the house's festive lights slowly disappeared, leaving only the moon and stars to illuminate their path. The snow crunched softly beneath their feet, the quiet serenity of the countryside wrapping around them like a blanket. Draco stole a glance at Harry, wondering what this "surprise" could be.

Harry led them to the Weasleys' old broom shed, the wooden door creaking slightly as he pushed it open. Inside, the familiar sight of well-worn broomsticks greeted Draco. Harry handed him one, a sleek, well-maintained broom that clearly had been cared for over the years.

Draco glanced at the broomstick, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat as he gave a light chuckle. "You know, I'd rather not freeze my fingers off. It's far too cold for flying," he said with a wry smile, his tone more teasing than anything else.

Harry, already astride his broom, shot him an encouraging grin. "Come on, a little cold never hurt anyone! Besides, you'll forget all about it once you're up there. The view will make it worth it."

Draco gave Harry a playful smile, feeling the cold nip at his skin as he hesitated for a moment longer. But with a soft sigh and a roll of his eyes, he swung his leg over the broom. "You better be right about the view," he muttered, though there was no real reluctance in his voice.

As he pushed off from the ground, the sensation of flight enveloped him instantly. The broom rose steadily into the air, and despite the chill in the wind, Draco felt an unmistakable rush of freedom. His coat flapped against the cold, the wind sharp against his skin, but there was a grin tugging at his lips. The weightlessness, the feeling of being lifted above the world—it was like welcoming an old friend.

Flying next to Harry only heightened the experience. He glanced over, watching Harry's easy grace as he maneuvered his broom effortlessly, his movements as natural as breathing. It reminded Draco of their Quidditch days at Hogwarts, the intensity of their rivalry. But now, there was no rivalry—only a shared thrill of flying together through the star-filled sky, as if the world below was a distant memory.

They soared in comfortable silence, gliding over the snow-covered fields and trees that surrounded the Burrow. The world below seemed peaceful, untouched by the noise and busyness of the holiday season. The air was cold and bracing, but the stars overhead sparkled brightly, casting a faint, magical glow over the landscape. After a few minutes, Harry pointed to a hilltop in the distance, bathed in soft, silver moonlight. Draco nodded and followed him as they descended, landing gently in the snow.

Once they touched down on the snowy hilltop, Harry's face lit up with a quiet excitement that instantly caught Draco's attention. "Come on," Harry said, his voice brimming with anticipation as he led Draco toward a small cluster of bushes near the edge of the hill.

With a graceful flick of his wand, Harry murmured an incantation, and the snow beneath them melted away in a perfect circle, revealing the soft earth below. The snow seemed to disappear into the ground without a trace, leaving the space warm and dry. Only then did Harry summon a soft, thick blanket, which spread itself neatly over the now-cleared ground.

Two small lanterns floated into the air above them, casting a gentle, golden glow that illuminated the area with a cozy warmth. The light flickered softly, creating a small bubble of comfort amidst the vast, cold night, the stars glittering like scattered jewels above.

Draco raised an eyebrow as he watched Harry pull out a picnic basket from behind the bushes. "You planned this?" he asked, a touch of surprise in his voice.