Plans to acquire a Horcrux

The sun hung low over the horizon, painting the French countryside in warm shades of gold. Harry, Fleur, Daphne, Hermione, and Tracey sat around a sturdy oak table in the Delacour estate's study. The room was awash with the scent of fresh parchment and ink, its walls lined with books that seemed to whisper wisdom from ages past. This tranquil setting belied the intensity of their discussion as they pored over every clue, map, and memory that might lead them to Voldemort's Horcruxes.

A large map of Britain lay spread out before them, dotted with scribbled notes and hastily drawn circles. At its center, Godric's Hollow was marked with a bold red X.

"Godric's Hollow," Harry said, his voice firm yet tinged with a hint of reverence. He leaned forward, his finger tracing the path on the map leading to the village. "It's not just where I was born—it's significant to Voldemort. Dumbledore left a clear trail of breadcrumbs leading there. There's something in that place we need to find."

Daphne, seated to his right, tapped her chin thoughtfully. "It makes sense. Voldemort has always had a flair for dramatic symbolism. But going there first might be predictable. He'd expect us to investigate."

Hermione, sitting across from Harry, frowned as she thumbed through a thick tome titled The Nature of Horcruxes. "True, but Voldemort might have counted on us overthinking it, too. Sometimes the most obvious answer is the right one."

"Not to mention," Fleur added, her lilting accent softening the edges of her words, "Godric's Hollow 'olds many mysteries. Dumbledore's note specifically referenced zat place as a starting point. Ignoring it would be foolish."

Tracey, ever the pragmatist, tilted her head. "But what's the fallback if it's a trap? We can't just walk into it without considering contingencies."

The group fell silent for a moment, each lost in thought. Harry broke the silence, his emerald eyes sharp and determined. "If it's a trap, we fight our way out. We've done it before, and we'll do it again. But we're not walking in blind. We'll scope out the area first—Fleur, you're good at stealth spells, right?"

"Of course," Fleur said with a confident smile.

"Then you and Daphne can scout ahead," Harry continued. "Hermione, you'll handle any detection charms or wards. Tracey and I will provide backup if anything goes wrong."

Daphne raised a brow. "And what happens if it's not a trap? If we find the Horcrux, what then?"

Harry's gaze hardened. "We destroy it. Immediately. No delays, no second-guessing."

Hermione frowned. "Destroying a Horcrux isn't as simple as snapping a twig. Remember the diary? It took a basilisk fang—something infused with venom strong enough to destroy the magic binding the soul fragment. We need to think ahead."

"That's true," Tracey added. "And while I trust we're strong enough to deal with any traps, Voldemort's protections on his Horcruxes aren't going to be easy to break."

Fleur tapped her finger on the table. "Zere is an option. I 'ave a bezoar zat could neutralize most magical poisons, and we could use it as part of a destructive enchantment. It won't be as strong as basilisk venom, but it might be enough."

Harry nodded. "Good thinking. We'll also bring Gryffindor's sword. It's imbued with basilisk venom after the Chamber of Secrets incident."

Daphne leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "Even with all that, going to Godric's Hollow first puts us in the spotlight. Voldemort's forces aren't stupid—they'll be watching for any sign of us. What's our escape plan if it all goes south?"

Harry considered this. "We'll set up Portkeys beforehand. One in the village and another just outside. Hermione, can you handle that?"

Hermione nodded. "I can. But Portkeys are traceable if we're not careful. I'll weave in some concealment charms to throw off any pursuit."

Tracey sighed. "This is feeling like a better plan, but it's still risky. What if we split up? One group investigates Godric's Hollow while another checks one of the other potential locations—like that cave near the coast Dumbledore mentioned."

Fleur frowned. "Splitting up zounds good in theory, but it zpreads us too thin. We're stronger together."

After more back-and-forth, they finally reached a consensus. Godric's Hollow would be their starting point. Fleur and Daphne would scout ahead, Harry and Tracey would stand guard, and Hermione would prepare the spells and protections needed for their escape.

"It's not perfect," Hermione admitted, "but it's the best plan we've got."

Harry leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow, we head to Godric's Hollow."

As the group began to pack up their notes, Harry's gaze lingered on the map. Memories of his parents and the night Voldemort marked him as his equal flickered through his mind. This wasn't just a mission—it was deeply personal.

Fleur seemed to sense his thoughts. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We'll find it, mon amour. And we'll destroy it. Together."

Harry nodded, a small but genuine smile gracing his lips. "Together."

The group dispersed, their determination renewed. For all the uncertainty ahead, one thing was clear—they were ready to face whatever challenges lay in their path.

Tomorrow, the hunt for Voldemort's Horcruxes would truly begin.