Harry Potter: The Last Exodus

The Foundations of Tribute

The construction of Starios moved forward at a rapid pace. The plans for the Central Square statues and the central shrine had been finalized, and work had already begun on their foundations. Harry, Luna, and the rest of the team watched with growing anticipation as the artisans and architects brought their vision to life.

The city buzzed with energy, and as the structures of Starios rose, so did the collective sense of purpose among its people. Every magical being in Mirithis knew that the statues and shrine weren't just monuments—they were symbols of gratitude, unity, and the respect they had for their new world.

The Central Square Takes Shape

Harry stood in the Central Square early one morning, watching as the first blocks of stone were placed for the statues. The square, which had previously been an open patch of grass and dirt, was now a bustling construction site. Enchanted tools moved on their own, and magical artisans worked side by side with creatures from all walks of life. The air hummed with the sound of spells and the clinking of stone.

He glanced at Luna, who had been up at dawn sketching more designs for the surrounding areas of each statue. "How's it looking?" he asked, his voice filled with quiet excitement.

Luna smiled, showing him her latest drawing. "This will be Angelo's area." The sketch depicted a peaceful corner of the park, with a small stone path winding through a garden of lavender and moonflowers. At the center stood Angelo's statue, graceful and serene, with its antlers glowing softly in the sketch. Benches were scattered nearby, where visitors could sit and reflect.

"I love it," Harry said, impressed by Luna's vision. "It's perfect for Angelo."

Luna beamed, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Each statue will have its own space like this, somewhere people can come and feel the essence of the Guardians. Sunnighter's area will have glowing stones and maybe a water feature that reflects both light and shadow. And for Garmr, I was thinking of a play area where children can bring their toys—right near the statue, to honor his protective nature."

Harry chuckled. "That sounds exactly right. And what about the other Guardians?"

Luna tapped her sketchbook thoughtfully. "I'm still working on Nautilyth's. It needs to feel connected to water, but I don't want it to be too large. Maybe a small pond, with fish and aquatic plants."

Harry nodded approvingly. "Whatever you decide, I trust your judgment. You've got a way of bringing their personalities to life."

The Central Shrine's Foundation

As work on the statues progressed, preparations for the central shrine began as well. The site chosen for the shrine was near the future Wizengamot Hall, in a spacious, open plaza where the marble foundation had just been laid. Harry had spent hours consulting with the magical architects, ensuring that the shrine's design reflected the dignity and power of the Guardians.

The shrine would be grand but not ostentatious—a place of quiet reverence. The white marble glistened under the sun, and already the first of the six pillars was beginning to take shape. Each pillar, once completed, would represent one of the Guardians, and their symbols would be carved into the stone.

Neville arrived on-site just as the first pillar began to rise from the ground. He walked alongside Harry, his gaze fixed on the intricate runes being carved into the marble.

"This is going to be incredible when it's finished," Neville said, his voice full of admiration. "The central shrine will be the heart of the city, won't it?"

Harry nodded. "That's the plan. It'll be a place for ceremonies, gatherings, and celebrations—a way to honor the Guardians and remind everyone of our connection to this world."

"I've been thinking," Neville added. "For the dedication ceremony, we could include a planting ritual. We're honoring the Guardians and nature itself—so why not plant something that will grow alongside the shrine?"

Harry smiled, liking the idea immediately. "That's a great idea. Something that will take root here, just like we're doing."

Overseeing the Progress

Throughout the week, Harry spent much of his time walking between the Central Square and the plaza where the central shrine was being built. He wanted to be involved in every step of the process, ensuring that everything was moving smoothly. As the city expanded around him, he could feel the community growing stronger, united by the shared vision of a new world.

One afternoon, as Harry passed the Central Square, he saw Draco Malfoy overseeing the placement of wards around the construction site. Draco's sharp eyes missed nothing as he directed the warding experts on where to place the enchantments to protect the statues once they were completed.

Draco glanced over at Harry, noticing him approach. "Everything's going according to plan," he said. "The wards will keep the statues protected from tampering without being too obvious. I've made sure they're subtle enough not to disturb anyone who wants to visit and pay their respects."

"Thanks, Draco," Harry replied. "It's important that people feel welcome here. These statues need to be accessible, but also protected."

Draco nodded. "Of course. We're building this place for everyone, after all."

The Vision Expands

As the days passed, word of the statues and shrine spread throughout Starios. People from all walks of life came to watch the progress, eager to see the tributes to the Guardians take shape. Wizards, magical creatures, and even some muggle-born families gathered around the construction sites, sharing in the excitement.

One evening, as the sun began to set, Harry stood in the partially built square, watching the workers lay the foundation for Sunnighter's statue. The air was cooling, and the sky was painted in hues of orange and purple. He smiled, thinking of the future celebrations and peaceful moments this space would offer.

Just then, Isabell Star joined him, her face thoughtful as she surveyed the work being done. "You've really done something remarkable here, Harry," she said, her voice full of admiration. "These statues will mean so much to the people. They represent hope, balance, and the magic that flows through all of us."

Harry turned to her, grateful for her words. "It's not just me. It's everyone—Luna, Neville, Draco, you... everyone in the community. We're all building this world together."

Isabell smiled warmly. "Still, you had the vision. The Guardians chose to protect this world, and now we're showing them that we honor that protection."

As they stood there, watching the final rays of sunlight touch the land, Harry felt a deep sense of contentment. The city of Starios was growing before his eyes, not just in size, but in spirit. With the statues of the Guardians standing watch in the Central Square and the shrine rising near the heart of the city, Mirithis was truly becoming their new home.