A Send-off and a new Journey

The grounds of Hogwarts were unusually quiet. The battle against Voldemort's forces had left scars on the castle, its defenders, and the hearts of those who survived. A memorial service was arranged on the lawn outside the castle, where the names of the fallen were etched into a marble monument that shimmered softly with enchantments.

Harry stood at the front, his emerald eyes clouded with emotion as he addressed the gathered crowd. Students, staff, and grieving family members huddled together, their faces somber.

"They were brave," Harry said, his voice steady but thick with grief. "They stood for what was right, for their friends, for all of us. Their sacrifices won't be forgotten, and we will honor them by continuing to fight for the world they believed in."

A hush fell over the crowd as Professor McGonagall stepped forward. Her voice, as sharp as ever, carried the weight of authority and sorrow. "Hogwarts has stood for centuries as a symbol of hope and unity. Even in these dark times, we must remember that together, we are stronger. Let us carry their memories forward, in every spell we cast and every lesson we learn."

Candles floated in the air, casting a warm glow as names were read aloud. Families wept, students held hands, and the professors stood as pillars of support.

Harry felt a hand squeeze his shoulder. Turning, he saw Daphne, her icy demeanor softened by empathy. Hermione and Tracey stood beside her, offering silent comfort.

A few days later, Harry and his girlfriends set out for France to visit Fleur and her family. The summer breeze was gentle as they arrived at the Delacour estate, a sprawling, picturesque home nestled amidst lush gardens and rolling hills. Fleur greeted them with her usual radiant smile, rushing to Harry and planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Mon amour," Fleur said, her melodic voice filled with warmth. "It is so good to see you."

Fleur's family was equally welcoming. Gabrielle, Fleur's younger sister, clung to Harry, declaring him her "hero." Madame Delacour prepared a feast that rivaled anything Hogwarts' house-elves could conjure.

Over the next few days, Harry and the girls found themselves immersed in the beauty of the French countryside. They trained together in the expansive fields, combining magical practice with laughter and camaraderie. Fleur guided them through intricate spellwork, Daphne demonstrated her precise dueling techniques, Tracey brought inventive strategies, and Hermione showcased her encyclopedic knowledge.

Harry couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and affection for them all.

One evening, after an intense training session, they sat together on a hill overlooking the estate. The stars above twinkled in a clear sky, and the soft chirping of crickets filled the air. Harry, seated in the middle, looked at each of the girls, his heart full as they laughed and teased one another.

Finally, he cleared his throat. "I've been thinking," he began, his tone serious. The girls quieted, turning their attention to him.

"There are still pieces of Voldemort's soul out there," he said. "Horcruxes. If we're going to finish this, we need to find them and destroy them. I... I want to go on this journey. But I won't ask any of you to come. It's dangerous."

To his surprise, Fleur was the first to speak. "Do you think we would let you go alone, mon cher? After everything we've been through together?"

Tracey leaned against him, smirking. "You'd probably get lost without us."

Hermione smiled softly, her hand resting on his. "You're not getting rid of us that easily. Besides, school can wait. This is bigger than any class or grade."

Daphne's lips curled into a rare smile. "We're with you, Harry. All the way."

Harry blinked, momentarily speechless. Then he laughed, a sound filled with gratitude and relief. "I should've known better than to try and talk you out of it."

The next morning, they said their goodbyes to the Delacour family. Madame Delacour embraced each of them, pressing packages of food and supplies into their hands. Gabrielle clung to Fleur, tearfully extracting promises of letters and stories.

"You take care of them, Harry," Madame Delacour said, her eyes glinting with maternal determination.

"I will," Harry promised.

As they walked down the path leading away from the estate, Harry glanced back one last time. The Delacours waved until they were out of sight.

The five of them stood at the edge of a forest, the horizon stretching before them. Their wands were at the ready, their determination palpable.

"This is it," Harry said, his voice filled with resolve. "The start of something new. We'll find the Horcruxes. We'll end this, together."

Fleur placed a hand on his shoulder. "Together," she echoed.

And with that, they stepped into the unknown, their journey just beginning.