A New Chapter at Hogwarts [Drarry] ✔

Chapter 45: The Next Chapter Begins

Three years later

The soft hum of chatter faded as the final bell for morning lessons rang out, signalling the end of Harry's Defence Against the Dark Arts class. The room still pulsed faintly with the energy of dozens of first-year students practicing their spellwork, the faint shimmer of failed and half-completed Shield Charms catching the sunlight streaming through the tall, arched windows. Harry stood by his desk, wand in hand, his warm smile softening the nervous expressions of the lingering students.

"Well done today, everyone," he said, his voice steady and encouraging. "I know mastering the Fire-Making Charm can be a bit tricky at first, but you're all doing great. It's about control—enough intent to conjure the flame, but not so much that it flares out of control." He gestured toward the blackboard, where 'Incendio Practice' was written in crisp chalk script. "For homework, I'd like you to reflect on your practice today. Think about what helped you conjure a steady flame, what challenges you faced, and how you might improve next time. We'll be focusing on this for the next few weeks, so don't stress—it'll come with practice."

The students began packing their bags, their chatter picking up again as they headed toward the door. Harry lingered by his desk, collecting scattered pieces of parchment and stacking them neatly. He couldn't help but smile as he watched a few students still attempting to cast the charm on their way out, their enthusiasm filling the room with an infectious energy.

He was just stowing his teaching materials when the sound of soft footsteps echoed through the open doorway. Harry looked up and felt a familiar warmth bloom in his chest as Draco entered the room, his figure elegant yet effortless in his teaching robes. Draco paused just inside the doorway, his gaze softening as it landed on Harry. Without hesitation, he crossed the room, his usual composed demeanour giving way to something far more intimate. He leaned in, and their lips met in a brief but tender kiss, a moment of stolen affection in the middle of their busy day.

"How was your lesson?" Draco asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity as he pulled back, his hand brushing Harry's forearm lightly.

"Not bad," Harry replied, his grin both fond and slightly exasperated. "Teaching third-years Incendio is always an adventure. I've been trying to get them to focus on the basics—intent, steady wand movements, and confidence in their magic—but it's hit and miss at best. One of them nearly set their desk on fire."

Draco chuckled, his grey eyes sparkling with amusement. "Sounds about right. I don't envy you."

This school year, Harry and Draco had collaborated on a new extension to Hogwarts' cross-curricular project—a program designed to help students see the connections between their lessons and how those lessons could be applied in real-world situations. They had added a series of practical demonstrations featuring guest speakers from outside Hogwarts, bringing in experts from various fields to share their experiences and partner with professors for interactive lessons. These professionals showcased how the knowledge and skills taught at Hogwarts played pivotal roles in their careers, offering students a tangible perspective on the value of their education. The initiative had been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from both students and staff, quickly becoming one of the most anticipated additions to the curriculum.

One memorable session included Healer Margot Fennwick from St. Mungo's, who partnered with Madam Pomfrey and Professor Flitwick to teach a combined lesson on the importance of Charms in medical practice. Margot had captivated the students with a demonstration of advanced healing charms and explained how precise wand movements and intent could mean the difference between mending a fractured bone and worsening the injury.

Another highlight was Auror Elias Thorncroft, who worked alongside Harry to show how Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration combined in real-world combat situations. The students had watched in awe as Elias demonstrated how quick transfiguration of objects into barriers or weapons could turn the tide in duels, while Harry walked them through counterspells and protective enchantments.