A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 31: Volatile Mixtures

The start of term had always brought a sense of control and precision that Draco thrived on. His potions classroom was a sanctuary, a place where chaos could be tamed by logic and rules, where every ingredient had a purpose, and every outcome was the product of careful preparation. It was his space, governed by order, where nothing unexpected could interfere. But today, despite the familiar rhythm of his routine, something felt different—like an undercurrent of tension running just beneath the surface.

Draco stood at the front of the classroom, hands resting lightly on his desk as he surveyed the rows of students before him. Fourth and fifth years were settling into their seats, their attention flitting between the neatly arranged ingredients and the two professors at either end of the room. Draco adjusted the silver cufflinks on his robes, a small gesture he always did when he needed to center himself, to regain his focus. Today's lesson was crucial—a joint session with Harry, designed to demonstrate the practical applications of Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts when used in tandem. They had been planning it meticulously for weeks, refining every detail.

Yet, despite the meticulous preparation, Draco's mind was elsewhere, pulled again and again to Harry. It was maddening, how much space Harry had begun to occupy in his thoughts, a constant presence he couldn't shake. Draco could sense him on the other side of the room, his voice low and confident as he engaged the students in a discussion about spell theory. Every so often, Draco would catch glimpses of Harry—the way his hair fell messily into his eyes, the way his hands moved expressively as he spoke. Draco clenched his jaw, trying to ignore the way his heart seemed to quicken at the sight, or how his gaze lingered just a moment too long.

This awareness was new, and it unsettled him. Before, he had been able to push the feelings aside, brush them off as fleeting distractions. But now, after the holidays, after the quiet moments they had shared at the Burrow, Draco understood what those feelings truly were, and it terrified him. The realization had hit him with the force of a storm he wasn't prepared for. He couldn't afford to let it interfere, especially not here, not now.

He cleared his throat, forcing his focus back to the students. They were waiting, and today's lesson required his full attention. The potion they would be brewing was a complex one, a Fortificatio Potion designed to enhance the strength and duration of a Protego shield. When brewed correctly, it made the shield nearly impenetrable for a short period, reinforcing both physical and magical defenses. It was delicate work, requiring precision and care; even the smallest mistake could turn the shield volatile.

Draco cleared his throat, drawing the students' attention. "Today, you'll be brewing a Fortificatio Potion," he began, his voice steady and authoritative. "This potion, when applied to the caster's wand or directly onto the shield, will strengthen the protective barrier of Protego, making it more resistant to both physical and magical attacks. However, I must emphasize that precision is key. Even the slightest deviation from the instructions will result in a less effective—or dangerous—outcome."

He gestured to the neatly arranged ingredients laid out on the tables—armadillo bile, powdered moonstone, essence of murtlap, and the rare runewort oil, shimmering faintly in its vial. "These ingredients must be combined in exact measurements. The armadillo bile will enhance the defensive properties, while the powdered moonstone regulates the energy flow between wand and shield. The murtlap essence strengthens the binding, and the runewort oil stabilises the potion. If you fail to add the runewort at the right time, the potion will not hold, and your Protego will be unpredictable at best."

From across the room, Harry chimed in, his voice carrying that easy, reassuring confidence. "Once you've brewed the potion, we'll pair you up to test it. One of you will cast Protego, and your partner will apply the potion. The goal is to see how potions can enhance spellwork in a practical way. You might find yourselves relying on this kind of combination more often than you think, especially outside the classroom."