CHAPTER 15: TURNING THE PAGE

29th January 1999 marked a turning point for Harry. He had resolved to set aside his turbulent emotions with Ginny and let fate take its course. As much as he wished for reconciliation in the future, he knew clinging to hope could lead to more pain. It was better to maintain an open mind and be prepared for any outcome. For now, his immediate focus had to shift to the Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests, or NEWTs, which loomed on the horizon.

Harry had yet to decide on his post-graduation path. Originally, he'd set his sights on becoming an Auror, and his rigorous coursework was tailored to that goal. But the recent strain with Ginny had caused him to pause and reevaluate. He was unsure about his future. He considered the possibility of pursuing a career in professional Quidditch, as suggested by Ron and Neville. After all, he was an exceptional Seeker. Professor McGonagall had even hinted at her desire to see him become the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Despite these enticing options, Harry decided to focus solely on acing his NEWTs for the time being. His parents' legacy and his own aspirations drove him to strive for excellence.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of envy towards his friends, who seemed to have their futures mapped out. Ron, for instance, had clear plans. He was contemplating either joining George at Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes or pursuing a career in professional Quidditch. Hermione had voiced her intention to work in the Ministry, while Neville, though undecided, expressed a strong desire to become an Auror. Seamus had enthusiastically announced his plans to open a brewery.

As weeks turned into months, the pressure of the approaching NEWTs intensified. The stress of preparation was relentless. Hermione often found herself overwhelmed, breaking down in tears under the weight of her studies. The stress had led to several alarming incidents, including a Hufflepuff girl attempting to jump from the Astronomy Tower. Miraculously, her fall was slowed by a cushioning charm, allowing her to land safely. Another Ravenclaw boy had tried to leap into the lake, only to be unceremoniously ejected by the resident squid. Professor Slughorn had to fortify his potion storeroom with additional enchantments after students attempted to break in for various reasons, from self-poisoning to unauthorized potion brewing.

Amid this chaos, Harry immersed himself in his studies. He, along with Hermione, Ron, and Neville, formed a study group that gradually expanded to include more seventh-year students from other houses. Despite Ron's reluctance, a few Slytherins joined the group. Harry, recognizing that most Slytherins preferred to keep to themselves rather than cause trouble, welcomed them. Their study sessions took place in the Great Hall, the library, and surprisingly, the Room of Requirement. To Harry's astonishment, the Room had survived the Battle of Hogwarts and provided a perfect space for practicing Defense Against the Dark Arts.

The demanding schedule took a toll on Harry. He found himself staying up later and rising earlier, often falling asleep at his desk. The bags under his eyes grew darker, and his irritability increased due to the lack of sleep. Despite the toll on his well-being, the intense focus on his studies helped him avoid dwelling on his issues with Ginny. He saw less of her these days, and while he missed her, his academic responsibilities took precedence.

Harry's dedication to his studies offered a temporary escape from the emotional turbulence in his life. As the NEWTs approached, he poured all his energy into preparing, hoping to honor his parents' legacy and secure a future that, while uncertain, would be built on a foundation of hard work and determination.

The weeks continued to slip by, with Harry and his study group deep into their revision for the NEWTs. The school year was rapidly winding down, and with it, the pressure seemed to mount with every passing day. The Gryffindor common room was a hive of activity, with students pouring over their textbooks, practicing spells, and discussing exam strategies. The tension was palpable, and even the normally lively common room felt subdued, weighed down by the collective anxiety of the upcoming exams.

One evening, as Harry and Hermione reviewed their notes in a quiet corner of the library, Ron and Neville joined them. Neville looked particularly exhausted, his usually bright eyes shadowed by sleepless nights. Ron, meanwhile, appeared slightly more relaxed, though his casual demeanor couldn't completely mask the strain he was feeling.

"Hey, Harry," Ron said, plopping down beside him. "Hermione, Neville. How's the studying going?"

Hermione looked up from her notes, her face etched with fatigue. "It's going. We've been covering a lot of material, but I feel like there's still so much to go over. What about you?"

Ron sighed, rubbing his eyes. "I'm just about ready for it to be over. I can't wait to get these exams behind us."

Neville nodded in agreement. "I hear you. The pressure is really getting to me. I've been trying to stay focused, but it's hard when you're running on empty."

Harry looked at his friends, feeling a pang of sympathy. "I know how you feel. It's been tough trying to balance everything. But we're almost there. Just a few more weeks, and it'll all be behind us."

Hermione gave a small, reassuring smile. "We'll get through it. And remember, no matter what happens with the exams, we've worked really hard. We should be proud of what we've accomplished."

The conversation was a welcome distraction from the constant strain of studying. They spent the next hour discussing their favorite moments from their Hogwarts years and sharing memories. It was a brief respite, a chance to reconnect and remind themselves of the friendships that had sustained them through so many challenges.

As the days grew shorter and the exams approached, Harry found solace in the moments of camaraderie with his friends. Despite the overwhelming workload and the personal struggles he faced, these interactions helped ground him. The prospect of graduation loomed large, but so did the uncertainty of the future. Harry was determined to face it head-on, no matter what lay ahead.

One night, after a particularly grueling study session, Harry found himself alone in the Room of Requirement, practicing defensive spells. The room, as always, adapted to his needs, providing a safe space for him to hone his skills. As he practiced, he thought about his recent conversations with Ron and Hermione. The support they offered was invaluable, and he realized how much he relied on their presence to keep him grounded.

The room's enchantments created a soft glow, casting gentle shadows on the walls. Harry paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. He knew that, despite the tumultuous feelings about Ginny and the intense pressure of the NEWTs, he had something to hold onto: the unwavering support of his friends and the hope for a future where he could forge his own path.

As the final exams approached, Harry continued to push himself, driven by a mixture of determination and the hope that he would emerge from this challenging period stronger and more prepared for whatever lay ahead. The days were filled with study and practice, but there were also moments of camaraderie and shared purpose, reminders of the strength found in friendship and the resilience required to face the unknown.

And so, as the first day of the NEWTs arrived, Harry stood at the threshold of his future, ready to confront whatever challenges came his way, knowing that he did not face them alone.

It was a week before the exams began, and the Great Hall buzzed with the usual morning chatter and clinking of cutlery. Harry, Hermione, and Ron sat together at the Gryffindor table, their plates filled with the standard breakfast fare of bacon, eggs, and toast.

As they ate, the post owls began to swoop in, delivering letters and packages to the students scattered across the hall. Harry barely glanced up from his plate when an owl landed gracefully in front of him, dropping a letter with a soft thud.

"Another fan letter?" Ron asked between bites of his toast, his eyes scanning the contents of his plate.

"Yep," Harry replied, his gaze fixed on the envelope. The elegant cursive on the front was unmistakably feminine.

"Who's it from this time?" Ron asked, his curiosity piqued. He took a swig from his goblet, crumbs falling onto the table.

"It's from a girl," Harry said, noting the flourish of the handwriting.

Since Voldemort's defeat, Harry had become accustomed to receiving a multitude of letters from fans around the world. Professor McGonagall, ever vigilant, had taken it upon herself to screen the correspondence to ensure there were no dangerous jinxes or curses hidden within. Yet, despite her meticulous efforts, some letters still slipped through.

Harry's notoriety had become global, and he had amassed quite a following. Dean Thomas had even told him about a fan club dedicated to him, and Harry's jaw had nearly hit the floor when he learned that fans had begun writing fanfiction about his adventures. "Sooner or later, someone will write a book about you, Harry," Dean had said excitedly. "Maybe not just one, but a series. And I bet they'll make movies based on them too!"

Harry had only been able to laugh off Dean's enthusiasm, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

"Can I read it?" Ron asked, his interest piqued as he peered at the letter. His curiosity about Harry's fan mail had grown, especially after some rather bizarre letters, including one with underwear, had made their way to Harry.

"Ron! That's Harry's private letter!" Hermione said sharply, her brow furrowed as she glared at Ron.

"It's alright, Hermione," Harry said, waving a hand dismissively. "I've given Ron permission to read any fan mail I get. He's already gone through the others."

Hermione looked slightly reassured but still concerned. "Are you sure? I just don't want you to be overwhelmed by all this..."

"Yes, I'm sure," Harry said, taking a sip from his goblet of pumpkin juice. "The only letters that really matter are from my friends and Sirius. The rest is just... well, fluff."

Hermione's face softened with a smile. "That's very mature of you, Harry. It's nice to see you handle this so well."

"Whoa, Harry!" Ron exclaimed, his eyes widening as he read the letter. "This isn't just any stranger. It's from Fleur!"

Harry's interest was immediately piqued. "Fleur? Really?"

Ron handed the letter to Harry, who unfolded it and began to read:

Dear Harry,

I hope this letter finds you well. I realize this might come as a surprise, as we've never exchanged letters before. I hope you don't mind. I consider you one of my closest friends, and I would like to maintain the bond we had. Remember, you promised you'd write to me?

Life in Grenoble has settled down since I returned from England. It took some time to adjust back to my life before marrying Bill, but I'm doing well now. I'm grateful for the support of Papa, Maman, and of course, Gabriel. My dear sister has always had a soft spot for you—she was quite heartbroken when she learned you were interested in Ginny.

In the weeks following my return, I was in mourning and did not engage in much. Madam Maxime visited us about a week after I came back and offered me a position teaching Charms at Beauxbatons. I accepted, but I agreed to start only after the mourning period ended. I've been teaching for the past three months now. Professor Fleur Isabelle Delacour—doesn't that sound splendid? I'm still contemplating whether I want to continue in this role or follow Papa's wishes to work at the French Foreign Ministry.

But enough about me. How are you? I'm sure you're deep into preparations for the upcoming exams. I wish you all the best and lots of luck!

I look forward to your reply. Please send my warmest regards to the Weasley family and Hermione. I miss them dearly.

Au revoir, Harry.

Love, Fleur Isabelle Delacour.

Harry looked up from the letter, his eyebrows raised. "She's a teacher now. At Beauxbatons. Can you believe it?"

Ron's eyes were still wide. "Fleur as a professor, huh? That's pretty impressive."

Hermione leaned in, her interest piqued. "It's great to hear that she's found a new direction for her life. And it sounds like she's settling in well."

"Yeah," Harry said, tucking the letter into his bag. "I'll write her back. It'll be good to catch up."

As they continued their breakfast, the weight of the upcoming exams hung in the air, but for a moment, the simple act of reconnecting with an old friend provided a welcome distraction.

"That's not a surprise," Hermione said, her tone indicating she was well-informed. "She was one of the top students at Beauxbatons. Fleur once told me she was Madam Maxime's prodigy."

"Really? I didn't know that," Ron said, eyes wide with curiosity. "So she's reverted to her maiden name after marrying Bill? Does everyone do that after a divorce or when their spouse dies?"

"Not everyone, Ron," Hermione said, shaking her head. "Some women keep their married names, especially if they've built a career under it. It's a personal choice."

"Okay, I guess," Ron said, nodding slowly. He turned back to Harry, his expression serious. "So, do you want to reply to that letter, or should I handle it for you?"

"Ron!" Hermione's exasperated voice cut through the conversation.

Harry chuckled at their back-and-forth. "I don't remember making any promise to write to her," Harry said, though he looked thoughtful. "Did I?"

"You didn't promise in so many words," Hermione said, her gaze fixed on Ron with a hint of annoyance. "But remember, she asked you to write to her before she left. It was more of an expectation than a promise."

"Right," Harry said, the memory coming back to him. "I suppose I should reply."

"So, should I draft a response for you?" Ron persisted, a hopeful look on his face. "I can get started right away."

"Ron!" Hermione repeated, clearly exasperated. "Let Harry handle his own correspondence."

Harry laughed, shaking his head. "It's okay, Ron. Fleur is a friend. I'll write the reply myself. Maybe not today, though—our NEWTs are coming up. I'll get to it once they're over."

Ron's eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. "You know, you could ask her to send you a picture. Just for... nostalgia's sake."

"Ronald Bilius Weasley!" Hermione scolded, her voice sharp but her eyes twinkling with amusement. "That's completely inappropriate."

Harry grinned, enjoying the playful banter. "I'll think about it. But I'm more focused on the exams right now."

As Hermione and Ron continued to bicker lightly over the appropriateness of fan mail and photos, Harry felt a warm sense of camaraderie. Despite the pressures of impending exams and the responsibilities weighing on him, moments like these—filled with laughter and light-heartedness—reminded him of the importance of friends and the small joys in life.

The trio finished their breakfast, their conversation shifting to more pressing matters of studying and exam strategies. The letter from Fleur would have to wait, but the prospect of catching up with an old friend after the exams provided a comforting distraction from the looming stress.

The morning passed in a flurry of activity, with students hurrying off to their classes and final preparations for their exams. Harry, Hermione, and Ron made their way to the library, where they found a quiet corner to study. Hermione, as always, was already deep into her notes, while Ron and Harry spread out their textbooks and began reviewing their notes.

As they settled in, Hermione looked up from her book and spoke with a sense of urgency. "We really need to focus on our revision. The exams are right around the corner, and we don't have much time left."

"I know," Harry said, nodding. "I've been trying to review everything, but it feels like there's so much to cover."

Ron groaned, leaning back in his chair. "I've been studying for hours and still feel like I'm not making a dent in the material. It's like trying to drink from a fire hose."

Hermione gave Ron a sympathetic smile. "I know it's overwhelming, but remember, we've been preparing for this all year. Just stay focused and pace yourself."

Harry glanced at Hermione's neatly organized notes and sighed. "You make it look so easy, Hermione."

"That's because I've been at it for weeks," Hermione replied, with a hint of a smile. "But if you need any help, just let me know."

Ron raised an eyebrow. "I might take you up on that. I could use some tips on Potions, especially with Snape's tricky formulations."

Hermione nodded eagerly. "Sure, I'll help you with that. And Harry, if you need anything, just ask."

The hours flew by as they immersed themselves in their studies. Occasionally, they would exchange comments about tricky questions or difficult concepts, but for the most part, they were focused and quiet. The stress of the exams hung in the air, but their shared determination helped them push through.

As the afternoon wore on, the library began to empty out. Harry looked up from his textbook and noticed that the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden light through the tall windows.

"I think we should take a break soon," Harry said, stretching his arms. "We've been at this for hours."

"Agreed," Hermione said, closing her book. "A short break will do us good. We need to keep our minds fresh."

They gathered their things and headed out of the library, making their way to the common room. The warmth of the fire and the comfortable chairs were a welcome change from the rigid study desks.

As they relaxed, Ron pulled out the letter from Fleur, which Harry had folded and put away earlier. "So, are you really going to write back to Fleur?" Ron asked, glancing at Harry.

"Yeah," Harry replied. "I think it's important to keep in touch with friends, especially ones who've been supportive."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "It's a good idea. Maintaining those connections can be really valuable."

Harry smiled at his friends, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I'll start drafting a reply tonight. It'll be nice to catch up with Fleur after all this time."

As the evening progressed, the common room filled with students winding down after a long day of studying. Laughter and chatter filled the space, creating a lively and comforting atmosphere. Harry, Hermione, and Ron continued their conversation, discussing their plans for the next few days and finding moments of levity amidst the stress of their exams.

Eventually, Harry excused himself to head back to his dormitory. He sat at his desk, pulling out a piece of parchment and a quill. As he began to write his reply to Fleur, he thought about all the changes that had occurred in their lives since they last spoke. He wanted his letter to reflect his appreciation for her friendship and to update her on his life and the upcoming exams.

With each stroke of the quill, Harry felt a sense of calm wash over him. Writing the letter was a welcome distraction from the pressure of the exams and a reminder of the connections that mattered most to him.

As he finished the letter and set it aside to dry, Harry felt a renewed sense of clarity and resolve. The exams were still looming, but he was grateful for the support of his friends and the chance to reconnect with Fleur. With that, he prepared for bed, ready to face another day of study and preparation.

The days until the exams would pass quickly, but for now, Harry took solace in the small moments of normalcy and friendship that helped him navigate the challenges ahead.

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