A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 30: Shadows of Feeling

Draco Malfoy stepped into the familiar embrace of Hogwarts, the warmth of the castle enveloping him as he brushed off the last remnants of soot from his robes. The Floo Network had always been a disorienting way to travel, but Draco preferred its discomfort to the sharpness of Apparition. He adjusted his robes, smoothing the fabric as he took a deep breath, letting the cool air of the castle fill his lungs. The scent of old stone, polished wood, and faint traces of lingering magic swirled around him, grounding him in the place that had become, improbably, his sanctuary.

The vast corridors of Hogwarts stretched before him, empty and serene. His footsteps echoed softly against the stone floors, a quiet reminder of the stillness that permeated the castle during the holiday break. Outside, a thick blanket of snow coated the grounds, transforming the landscape into something out of a dream. Through the tall, arched windows, the pale winter sunlight cast a delicate glow, turning the scene into a tranquil portrait of winter's calm.

Draco paused by one of the windows, his breath misting the cold glass as he gazed out. The world beyond was white and peaceful, the occasional breeze causing flurries of snow to dance through the air. Hogwarts in winter had always possessed a kind of magic that was different from the usual bustle of the school year. In the quiet of the snow-covered grounds, the burdens of the outside world felt distant, and the weight of his past seemed lighter. There was something about the stillness here that gave Draco space to breathe, to reflect, and to feel a sense of belonging that had eluded him for so long.

His thoughts drifted to the upcoming term and the lessons that awaited him. He had returned early—two days before the students were set to arrive—so he could prepare for the projects he and Harry had discussed before the break. The thought of working alongside Harry, something that would have been unthinkable in his youth, now filled Draco with an unexpected sense of anticipation. They had been planning a cross-curricular project, one that would bridge the gap between different magical disciplines, giving students a deeper, more interconnected understanding of their studies. The prospect excited him, but it also brought a quiet sense of pride. This was what his life had become—a teacher, a mentor, someone shaping the future of young witches and wizards.

Turning away from the window, Draco continued down the corridor toward the Headmistress's office. The familiar portrait of Rowena Ravenclaw greeted him as he approached, the eagle-eyed founder offering him a nod of acknowledgment as he stood before the stone gargoyle. Draco muttered the password, and with a fluid leap, the gargoyle moved aside, revealing the spiral staircase that led to Professor McGonagall's office. He ascended the stairs slowly, his hand trailing along the cool stone banister, the quiet hum of magic in the air surrounding him like a comforting presence.

At the top of the staircase, Draco knocked on the oak door, waiting for the familiar voice that followed. "Come in, Mr. Malfoy," McGonagall's sharp tone echoed, still as commanding as ever.

Draco stepped inside, immediately enveloped by the warmth of the office. The fire in the hearth crackled softly, casting a golden glow over the room. Shelves lined with ancient books, magical artifacts, and portraits of past headmasters and headmistresses created an atmosphere of history and tradition. As he approached the desk, McGonagall looked up from her paperwork, her sharp eyes observing him over the rim of her spectacles.

"Good afternoon, Professor," Draco greeted, inclining his head respectfully. He held out a neatly rolled parchment, his fingers brushing the smooth paper. "I've brought the draft of the cross-curricular project Harry and I discussed. I wanted to outline how we might integrate the different subjects and the potential benefits for the students."

McGonagall took the parchment, unrolling it with deft fingers. Her eyes scanned the contents, and she gave a slight nod of approval, her lips pursing thoughtfully. "This is well thought out, Mr. Malfoy," she said, her voice carrying a note of satisfaction. "It's an excellent initiative to show the students how interconnected magic truly is. I'll be sure to raise this at the next staff meeting and encourage the other professors to participate in these integrated lessons."