The Noctis Codex | DRARRY

TWENTY

The Great Hall felt like it had transformed overnight into a scene from an enchanted winter forest. Towering before them stood the massive Christmas tree, glittering with ornaments, silver garlands, and delicate charmed candles that floated among the branches. Despite the fatigue weighing on both boys from yet another restless night, the sight managed to stir a little wonder between them.

"There you are!" Professor Flitwick's voice greeted them with enthusiasm. The tiny professor practically bounced on his feet, waving them over. But as they drew closer, they realized something: every branch already sparkled with perfectly placed decorations.

McGonagall, standing nearby with an amused smile, raised a brow. "It appears we got a bit carried away. The tree's nearly finished." She gestured to the shimmering branches, laden with festive charms and delicate, enchanted ornaments. "The only thing left," she continued, "is the topper. I thought it might be a pleasant touch for one of you to place it yourselves, as a bit of holiday spirit."

Draco gave Harry a nudge, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Well, go on, Potter," he said with a half-smile. "Think you can manage something as complex as putting a star on a tree?"

Although Harry rolled his eyes, he couldn't quite hide the smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I think I can handle it, Malfoy," he shot back, grabbing the shining and enormous star topper that Professor Flitwick had summoned from a nearby box. Holding it felt oddly significant, and he couldn't tell if it was the magic of the season or just the weight of the attention from Draco and the professors.

With a quick breath, he stepped closer to the tree, but came to halt right after. It was very obvious that Harry wouldn't be able to reach the top. The tree was as tall as these grand walls, after all. Before he could reach for his wand, he heard Draco's voice behind him.

"Need a lift, Potter?" The blond smirked, clearly savoring the chance to tease.

"Oh, shut it, Malfoy," Harry muttered, trying not to laugh. But Draco was already casting a quick levitation spell, and in an instant, Harry was lifted quite a few feet off the ground. The unexpected height made him wobble, but he quickly steadied himself and stretched, finally setting the star atop the tree.

Once back on the ground, the Gryffindor dusted his hands and glanced at the other boy. "You could've warned me you were about to launch me into the air."

Draco merely shrugged, a glint of amusement in his gray eyes. "Where's the fun in that?"

"Excellent work, boys!" Professor Flitwick clapped his hands, delighted. He stepped back to admire the fully decorated tree. The star at the top glowed warmly, casting a soft, magical light that filled the hall.

As the teachers began discussing final adjustments to the decorations, Draco leaned over, speaking low enough that only Harry could hear. "Almost makes it feel like we're just regular students again."

Harry looked at him, surprised by the honesty in Draco's tone. "Yeah... almost." For a moment, neither spoke, both caught in the unexpected comfort of shared silence.

But the moment didn't last. "Alright, boys," McGonagall called out, "you're dismissed. Thank you for helping, even if the tree was mostly finished."

They turned to leave, Draco muttering, "At least now I can cross 'assisting with holiday cheer' off my list," causing Harry to laugh. He nudged him as they walked side by side, wondering if maybe—just maybe—this holiday would turn out to be different after all.

As they made their way down the castle corridors, Harry couldn't help but notice the soft glow filtering through the tall windows. When they passed by, he saw it—snow falling in thick, gentle flakes, blanketing the grounds in a pure, gleaming white. Hogwarts looked like a scene from an enchanted fairy tale, everything glistening under the fresh layer of snow. He stopped, tugging Draco's sleeve.