Harry Potter: Toji Potter

Chapter 81: The Farewell and the unsightly green lights



The air atop Mount Olympus was still and serene, a stark contrast to the emotions filling Harry and his group as they prepared to leave. The sun cast its golden glow over the assembly of gods and mortals. Each member of Harry's group stood with their belongings packed, the weight of the moment pressing on their hearts.

Harry glanced at his companions: Hermione, Daphne, Tracey, and Fleur. Each wore expressions that balanced joy and melancholy. Their time on Olympus had been transformative, yet the call of home pulled at them.

Zeus stepped forward, his muscular frame and weathered face showing a rare gentleness. "You've proven yourselves worthy of the respect of gods. Rarely does Olympus host mortals who leave such an impression." His gaze lingered on Harry. "Remember, should you need us, we will answer."

Aphrodite approached, her usual sultry demeanor softened. "Do visit again, my dears. Olympus will always welcome you." She winked at Harry, making Hermione and Daphne exchange a look.

Artemis and Athena came next, offering quiet but sincere farewells to the group. "You've grown strong," Artemis said, her tone firm but kind. "Your journey continues, but remember the lessons learned here."

Hades stood apart from the others, a smirk playing on his lips. "You've left quite the mark, Harry Potter. And you know where to find me, should you ever crave the company of the dead."

As the gods stepped back, the group took a moment to reflect. Harry bowed low, his companions following suit. "Thank you," he said simply, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

The descent from Olympus was bittersweet but far from somber. The group laughed and chatted, reminiscing about their time with the gods and the challenges they had faced.

"Do you think we'll ever get used to this much power?" Tracey asked, her voice light but thoughtful.

Harry chuckled. "Doubt it. But it makes life interesting, doesn't it?"

Fleur glided alongside them, her silvery blonde hair catching the light. "Interesting is one word for it," she teased. "Let's hope Britain is ready for us."

They traveled swiftly, their movements elegant and precise thanks to the flying techniques Hermes had taught them. Gliding effortlessly through the air, they marveled at the scenery below—a patchwork of lush forests, shimmering lakes, and rolling hills. It was a testament to how far they'd come, not just physically but as a unit.

Just as Britain's familiar shores came into view, the serene skies darkened. Black smoke swirled around them, curling like malevolent tendrils. The sudden change was jarring, but the group didn't falter.

"Looks like someone's throwing us a welcome party," Daphne said dryly, her wand already in hand.

From the smoke emerged cloaked figures, Death Eaters, their voices shouting incantations. The green flash of Avada Kedavra lit the air like deadly fireworks, spells streaking toward Harry and his companions.

"Avada Kedavra," Hermione repeated mockingly under her breath, rolling her eyes. "How original."

Instead of panicking, the group responded with practiced ease. Harry raised a hand, his control over magic honed to perfection. The curses veered off course, bouncing harmlessly through the air before ricocheting back to their originators. Several Death Eaters fell, struck down by their own spells.

Daphne and Tracey deflected with graceful flicks of their wands, while Fleur conjured barriers of shimmering silver that dissolved the curses mid-flight. Hermione, ever resourceful, sent a wave of disarming hexes that left the remaining attackers scrambling for cover.

The ambush was over almost as quickly as it had begun. Harry hovered in the air, arms crossed, surveying the fallen Death Eaters with a critical eye.

"Warm welcome," he muttered, shaking his head. "But I really don't like green lights. Gives me bad memories."

The girls chuckled, joining him as they descended to the ground. Fleur patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, mon amour. You'll never face them alone."

"Not that you need us anymore," Tracey teased, though her smile was warm. "You could probably handle the whole lot of them without breaking a sweat."

"Maybe," Harry admitted, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But where's the fun in that?"

As they regrouped, their laughter echoing in the clearing, the tension from the ambush melted away. Together, they resumed their journey, a united force bound for Hogwarts—a home they were more than ready to protect.

The cobbled streets of Diagon Alley bustled with life as Harry and his companions landed softly in the alley's quiet corner. Their arrival went unnoticed, thanks to Fleur's deft application of a silencing charm as they touched down.

"I missed this place," Hermione said, taking in the sight of the familiar shops, their windows glowing warmly in the evening light. "It's good to be back."

Tracey sniffed the air, smiling. "Is that freshly baked pumpkin pasties I smell? Merlin, it feels like we never left."

Harry chuckled, the sight of the lively street warming his heart. "It's not Hogwarts, but it's close enough. Let's head to the Leaky Cauldron for the night. A proper pint and some rest sound perfect right now."

The Leaky Cauldron was as charmingly shabby as ever. Its worn wooden beams and flickering lanterns gave the pub a rustic feel that was comforting in its simplicity. Tom, the barkeeper, looked up as they entered, his face splitting into a toothless grin.

"Well, if it isn't Harry Potter!" he exclaimed, wiping his hands on a rag. "Been a while, lad. And with company too. Welcome back!"

Harry returned the grin, nodding. "Good to see you, Tom. Think you've got room for us?"

"For the Boy Who Lived and his friends? Always," Tom said with a wink. "Take a seat. I'll get you all sorted."

The group made their way to a cozy corner, settling into a large round table. The chatter and laughter of other patrons created a lively backdrop as they took in the atmosphere.

Tom brought over tankards of Butterbeer and platters of hearty pub fare: roast chicken, warm rolls, and steaming bowls of stew. The group dug in, the simple but delicious food reminding them of home.

"This is exactly what I needed," Daphne said, leaning back with a contented sigh. "No gods, no Death Eaters, just good food and a warm fire."

Tracey raised her tankard. "To peace and quiet—however long it lasts."

The others laughed, clinking their drinks together.

Harry leaned back, observing his friends with a fond smile. Despite everything they'd been through, they were here, together, stronger than ever. He felt a pang of gratitude that was hard to put into words.

As the evening wore on, their conversation turned reflective.

"Do you think things will ever go back to normal?" Hermione asked, swirling the remains of her Butterbeer. "After everything?"

"Normal's overrated," Fleur said with a smirk, tossing her silvery hair over her shoulder. "But I think we'll find our own version of it."

"Agreed," Harry said. "Besides, we've handled gods and Death Eaters. Whatever comes next, we'll deal with it. Together."

The fire crackled softly as the group relaxed into the evening. Tracey and Daphne began a heated debate over which was better: Chocolate Frogs or Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, while Hermione pulled out a book on advanced Arithmancy, much to Fleur's amusement.

Harry leaned back in his chair, watching the scene with a sense of calm. This was what they fought for—moments like these, surrounded by friends, safe and at peace.

As the night deepened, the Leaky Cauldron's crowd began to thin. Tom came by with keys to their rooms, and the group slowly made their way upstairs.

In the quiet of his room, Harry stared out the window at the moonlit street below. His thoughts drifted to everything they'd accomplished and the challenges that lay ahead. Despite the uncertainty, he felt ready.

He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore; he was fighting for them—his friends, his family, and the future they were building together.

With that thought, Harry climbed into bed, letting the warmth of the evening's memories lull him to sleep. Tomorrow, they'd return to Hogwarts, their home away from home. But tonight, they rested, cherishing the calm before whatever storm awaited them.


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