A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry]

Chapter 38: Hidden Moments

The morning dawned crisp and clear, the sunlight streaming through the windows of Draco's flat, casting soft, golden light across the room. There was a gentle quietness in the air, broken only by the faint rustle of clothes being packed away and the occasional clink of belongings being stowed in a suitcase. The Easter holidays had come to an end, and it was time to return to Hogwarts. The flat, which had become a secluded haven for them over the past weeks, now felt as though it was closing in, urging them back to the lives waiting for them at the castle.

Harry had returned to Grimmauld Place for an evening to gather his things, the need to pack for the upcoming term a convenient excuse to check in on his own home. It had felt strange, being back there after the days spent wrapped up in Draco's world—where he'd worn Draco's shirts, eaten meals together as though it was the most natural thing in the world, and fallen asleep in Draco's arms as the night deepened. The familiarity of his own space had felt somewhat distant, like a past version of himself he hadn't yet returned to. But there, in the quiet of the old house, he'd gathered his belongings with swift efficiency, his thoughts already drifting back to the man waiting for him.

Now, with both of their bags packed and slung over their shoulders, Harry and Draco stood in the center of the flat's living room, casting one last glance around before heading out. Draco's gaze lingered on the well-ordered space—there was something wistful in his expression, a hint of hesitation, as though he wasn't quite ready to let go of this place and everything it represented. It had been their secret corner of the world, a place where they could steal moments for themselves away from prying eyes, and now they were stepping back into reality.

"Ready?" Harry asked gently, his eyes searching Draco's face for any sign of doubt.

Draco took a breath, giving a slight nod. "As ready as I'll ever be," he replied, his voice measured, though there was a subtle tension in his tone. His hand twitched at his side, and Harry reached out, his fingers brushing Draco's in a brief but comforting touch.

With that, they turned on the spot, the familiar pull of Apparition tugging at them as they disappeared from the flat and reappeared a moment later at the edge of a busy street. The sound of bustling traffic greeted them, a stark contrast to the serene quiet they had just left behind. The Apparition point was a good walk from the station, but Harry didn't mind. It gave them a chance to ease back into the noise and busyness of the world, to walk off the nervous energy that seemed to cling to them both.

They made their way along the pavement, their strides unhurried, as if they were reluctant to close the distance to the station. The air was cool, carrying a hint of the fresh spring that had just begun to settle over London, and the city thrummed with life around them. Draco's gaze remained fixed ahead, his shoulders slightly stiff, his jaw set in a way that spoke of a determination to hold himself together. He was dressed sharply, as always, his coat buttoned neatly over his jumper, his pale hair catching the light as it fell across his forehead.

For a moment, Harry watched him, taking in the way Draco moved with that effortless grace, but there was something else now—something in the tightness around his eyes, the way his lips pressed together, that betrayed his anxiety. The closer they drew to the station, the more it seemed to show, the subtle unease making Harry's own heart squeeze with concern. He had seen Draco nervous before, of course, but this was different. This was not the usual mask of confidence cracking just slightly; this was a genuine apprehension that seemed to creep in with every step.

"Hey," Harry murmured, his hand finding its way to the small of Draco's back, a gentle pressure to draw his attention. "It's going to be okay, you know." His voice was soft, laced with reassurance. "We'll get through this. One step at a time."

Draco's gaze flickered toward him, a slight frown tugging at his brow. "I'm not worried," he said, though there was a tightness to his voice that betrayed the words. He cast a glance around, as if making sure no one was watching them too closely, then gave a faint shrug. "Or, at least, not more than usual."