Author's Note: Hey everyone. This is my second fic! Wow, I'm so proud. Okay, the beginning is a bit dramatic, but I promise it WILL get more interesting…in fact the beginning sux, but that's ok, right? Skip over the first part if you must, it's a sort of prologue. Anyway, my new obsession is post-Hogwarts stories, so I wanted to try one. I know the whole "Harry's no where to be found" sort of thing has been done many a time, but I'm going to hope this will be different. Let me know how I did and review, please! Oh, and I believe 'A Novus Vita' means 'A New Life' in Latin…correct me if you know it's wrong, okay? Thanks! Enjoy!
A Novus Vita
~*^*~*^*~Chapter 1: A New Life~*^*~*^*~
A new life -
what I wouldn't give
to have a new life!
One thing I have learned
as I go through life:
Nothing is for free
along the way.
A new start -
That's the thing I need,
to give me a new heart -
half a chance in life
to find a new part,
just a simple role
that I can play.
~Jekyll & Hyde, the musical
~*^*~*^*~Prologue~*^*~*^*~
Harry Potter was no ordinary person. He had impossible, messy black hair that would never stay straight. His green eyes were so green that they looked like emeralds. He was pretty tall, close to 6 feet. However, his height was the least of it.
Harry Potter had a secret, and if anyone at work ever figured it out, he'd be dead. He was a wizard-no, not a magician. What's the difference, you might ask? Well, here's the biggie. Magicians deal with illusions, and fake magic. Wizards (and witches) deal with magic-brewing potions, charming objects, astronomy, divination…and none of it is fake. None of it.
And if you believe me so far about Harry Potter's abnormalities, I'm not through yet. Harry Potter was probably the least normal wizard there was, and ever will be. Yes, there is more than one wizard…there's a whole separate community, world even, of magical people and creatures. From witches to wizards, dementors to hippogriffs, dragons to unicorns…a whole new world exists. And here's how Harry Potter is different from them all.
Harry Potter was the sole defeater of the most evil wizard of all time. Voldemort. The name still makes most magical people shudder. The horrors he possessed were great. If he saw you on a street and you caught his eye-you'd die. Just for the fun of it, he'd kill you. Or hunt you down. And there was no stopping him, until Harry Potter came around. He managed to stop Voldemort, A.K.A. "You-Know-Who" from the time he was a baby. Throughout his teenage years he won various fights of the on-going war. Then there was the final showdown. Harry was 17 years old at the time. What happened that day only 1 person in the world knew. Harry Potter. Not even his best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley knew. But that's not the point. The point is, that day, in June 1998, he defeated Voldemort, at a great price. Voldemort died, but at a great price. Having gained some of Voldemort's power, he could not use his magic anymore. Harry had to flee the magical world. No one knew where he went, but Harry Potter left the wizarding world, never to be seen in it again…until now.
Which is where our story begins.
~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~
"Mr. Potter! Hey, Mr. Potter!" A young thirteen year old girl came running around the corner of the hallway.
"Hallo Christine the beauty queen," Harry Potter replied.
"Hi. Well, the thing is, my grandfather was in the hospital, like, last night, and I didn't get to finish the report, so I was wondering…"
"You were wondering if I'd give you an extension?" Harry asked, a hint of a smile coming on.
"How'd you know? Oh my god! That's so right! So, please??? For me?" The blonde girl gave him puppy eyes.
"Fine. Paper is due tomorrow. By ninth period I expect to have it in my hands, okay?" When the teenager nodded happily he continued casually, "Oh, and detention for running in the halls."
"W-what?" Christine said looking flabbergasted. (A/N: I luv that word! I don't care if it's spelt wrong!)
"That's right. Now come on, time for class."
~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~
"Good morning, class." Harry Potter said cheerfully.
"Morning Mr. Potter," Most of the seventh grade students replied.
"What, no welcome Christine?" He smirked.
The teenager just pouted.
"Anyway, did you all have fun at the Halloween dance?" He asked.
"Yeah! It was the funniest thing! We were all dying our hair, and we were getting ready to toilet paper the locker rooms when-I shouldn't be telling you this should I?" A short kid said comically.
"No, you shouldn't Will. Oh, and I have to tell you about this. After I got home, I went to bed-"
"Did you take off your superman costume?" Will asked.
"No, I left it on all night," Harry rolled his eyes, "Look do you want to hear my story or not? Because we can just go back to learning about the 13 colonies, I don't mind…"
"No! Keep going!" Half the class shouted.
Harry smiled. He loved teaching at this school. It was located in a small town in New Jersey in the USA, and it was perfect. It snowed in the winter, was hot in the summer, plenty of friendly people…and nothing could ruin his mood.
"Like I was saying, I went to bed and woke up screaming, which was weird. You don't really do that once you have your own house, so I wasn't sure what to do. I remembered my dream though. It was strange, because I was dead. Mr. Kent and Ms. Millington were there as well," He began. Mr. Kent and Ms. Millington were the two other social studies teachers. Ms. Millington used to be a model before she settled down at Campton Middle School. Mr. Kent was one of the students' favorite teachers-besides Harry, of course.
"So an angel comes and tells Mr. Kent to come stand on this platform, and when he does this hideous woman comes over to him, and the angel takes the woman and Mr. Kent away for all eternity. I asked the angel why, and she said that Mr. Kent had to be punished for his sins on Earth. I was thinking, "Wow, Mr. Kent is one of the greatest guys I know." Then it's Ms. Millington's turn, and she steps up to the platform. Once again the angel appears with this time a really ugly guy, and I mean really ugly," at this some students laughed.
"And when I asked the angel, she said Ms. Millington had to pay for her sins on Earth. Now I was really nervous, and I carefully stepped up to the platform. This beautiful supermodel came with the angel, and I was really surprised. So I asked the angel why. The angel said, "Well, Potter, this woman has to pay for her sins on Earth and be stuck with you for all eternity."
Every student started hysterically laughing. Harry gave a small grin.
"Did that really happen?"
"Yes, Will, it did," Harry said, in a very sarcastic voice.
"You know I thought British people were supposed to be polite," Will half murmur, half laughed.
"Well, I guess I'm the exception, luckily for you. Now, there wasn't exactly a point to that. It was supposed to be funny, I'm not sure if it was…"
The whole class laughed.
"Well, on to the colonies," Harry laughed.
The class groaned.
"No, anything but that. Come on, your British, you don't wanna learn about how we defeated you, now do you?" A brunette asked in a cutesy voice.
"Now Vicki, just because I was born in England doesn't mean I'm loyal to the country."
The whole class sat up straight, expecting a story.
"No, not today. Ah, we only have a minute left in class. Ok, no homework," Everyone cheered. "But we'll be having a quiz tomorrow."
Groans followed
"Hey, you kids are lucky. I was going to just ask you to take out a piece of paper and number it one to ten and have you answer questions. Then I talked to a friend of mine who's in college, and she was complaining about a pop quiz, so I decided to let you study instead!"
Just then a bell rang.
"Class dismissed, I'll see you all tomorrow."
~*^*~Harry's leaving the staff room to go home~*^*~
"Mr. Potter!" a voice called.
Harry turned, and saw Christine DeRienzo.
"So how're things going with Aunt Teresa?" she asked.
"Fine, not that it's any of your business young lady. Oh, and you do realize no matter what I'm not going to give you a raise in your grade?" Harry answered.
"Drat. Oh well, it was worth a try. Say hi to her tonight. Bye," and away she flew.
Harry chuckled to himself. Christine really was quite a character. He had been going out with her aunt, Teresa Martin, for 3 years already. She was a beautiful, smart, funny woman, and her family was great. He was really happy with her. She was actually an artist. She made portraits, paintings, sketches, sculptures…you name it, she does it. Whenever Harry asked her why, she explained, "I love art so much, I could never choose one form of it to do for my life!"
Harry thought of trying the theory-he certainly loved teaching-but social studies with his classes were complicated enough as it was. Yet he loved his job. He never regretted his decision to become a teacher, to move to America…or did he? He knew he missed his two best friends. But how could he have stayed in the wizarding world? He'd never have been accepted. They probably all forgot about him as soon as he left.
I can just see Snape: C'mon witches and wizards! Why do we need that Potter? All he did was make trouble. Way too full of himself, he was. Thank god he's gone! Harry thought.
Besides, it hurt to think about Ron and Hermione. Stop it Potter, don't go there, Harry thought. You left for a good reason. That's that.
Harry shook his head, and got into his car. He had more important things to do then to sit around and mope. He drove to Teresa's apartment. When he got there he took out his set of keys and went inside.
"Te?" Harry called. (A/N: pronounced like 'tea' or the letter 'T')
"Harry? Is that you?" He heard a familiar voice call.
"Yeah, it's me. Where are you?"
"In the den. C'mere!" Teresa called.
"Coming," Harry replied.
He walked throught the hallway into her den, which was a mess. Full of paints, canvases, and the like, you could barely see the floor, literally. Harry carefully walked around the mess, trying his hardest not to trip over anything.
"Hey you," Teresa smiled.
"Hey yourself," Harry said and gave her a kiss.
Teresa was a very pretty woman (in Harry's humble opinion). She had light brown hair that went down a little past her shoulders. She had light blue eyes, and a couple of freckles were across her face. She wasn't too tall, or too short…just perfect in Harry's eyes. He smiled.
"So how was school? Did Will bother to do his homework?" Teresa asked with a smile.
"It was the usual. No he didn't, and your niece seems to have it set in her mind that she'll get away with murder because she's your niece."
Teresa looked mildy amused.
"Does she? Well, Christine is quite a character. Just like my sister. When we were little, Maureen use to pretend she was a supermodel. We'd be in the mall, and she'd just go up to random people and sign an autograph for them, telling them it'd be worth something one of these days," Teresa sighed.
"You okay, Te?" Harry asked, concerned.
"Of course. Just tired. Oh, and I wanted to ask you something."
"Anything," He said, kissing her hand.
"I'm having this party. It's for the art company I told you about. There's going to be representatives from all different countries, and there's a chance I might get an agent, and a big time job, and I was wondering if you'd go with me. In case I start to freak out or anything," Teresa asked hesitantly. Harry sighed. She was always very hesitant of asking anything of him. He would do anything for her, yet she always sounded so unsure.
"Of course, Te. You name the day and time, and I'll be there."
"Thanks Har…" Teresa trailed off.
"Are you sure you're ok?" Harry asked.
"Yes, just nervous. I mean, what if they don't like my work? Maybe I shouldn't include that new painting I did of the park…or should I add a new piece to the collection? Maybe I should do some extra research…"
"Teresa! Calm down, honey. You'll do just fine. They'd be idiots to not see how wonderful you're paintings are…you are…" Harry said, gazing into her eyes.
She smiled. "Thanks Harry. I guess I was going a little overboard."
Harry looked away.
"What is it Harry?" She asked.
"Nothing, just thinking," Harry replied, but it was only half true. He could imagine this conversation in a different place…a certain bushy-haired girl named Hermione Granger, worried about school work…a tall redheaded Ron Weasley telling her to give it a rest…what were his best friends…well, ex-best friends up to?
~*^*~*^*~In London, England~*^*~*^*~
"'Mione! Get down here!" Ron Weasley called.
"What, Ron?" Hermione Granger asked innocently as she pulled on her cloak.
"Did you eat all the Cocoa Puffs?" He asked her.
"There was hardly any left, I was hungry, so yes, I did."
"But Hermione! They were Cocoa Puffs! How could you?" Ron asked, looking scandalized.
"Ron! It was just cereal, get over it! You can stop at Muggle Mart in Diagon Alley and buy some there."
"Just cereal? Just cereal, she says…" Ron muttered under his breath, fixing Hermione with a glare, "Just cereal…incredible!"
"Oh. My. God. It's just a box of Cocoa Puffs, you git, just get off your lazy ass and go to a store and buy some more! It's not that hard, even you should be able to do it!" Hermione said, aggravated.
"But Hermione-"
"No, no, no! No buts!"
"But-"
"No! No. Buts. Get off your butt and buy a new box."
"Fine, be that way. Harry would've never…" But at that both he and Hermione froze. When Ron finally looked up at Hermione, he could see her shoulders shaking.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione, I shouldn't have said that," Ron said quietly.
"It's okay…I can't believe it's been almost five years since he left us. Five years…why'd he go? Without telling us? I thought we were his best friends…" Hermione trailed off.
"I know," Ron sighed heavily, rubbing her back, "I know. He must've had a good reason, and one of these days we will find him Hermione. I promise."
"You can't promise."
"Hermione, you know me better than anyone in the world. I never break my promises, and I swear to you one day we will find Harry Potter. We will."
~*^*~*^*~Back in NJ, 3 days later (A Saturday)~*^*~*^*~
"Teresa! Are you there?" Harry called, stepping into her apartment.
"Yes, I'm here! Just finishing changing."
Harry stepped into her room, and felt his jaw drop. Teresa looked stunning…absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. She had on a dress made of light, silvery material. It had thin straps and went down to the floor, but was thin, not puffy. She had a glittery shawl around her shoulders, and her hair was done in a neat French twist.
"You look…amazing," Harry croaked out.
"Thanks. You look pretty handsome yourself," Teresa smiled.
And he did. Harry was wearing nice black pants and a dressy dark green shirt. He had half-managed to tame his hair, but only if you knew its original state would you appreciate it.
"Thank you. Now, shall we be off?" Harry asked, and offered his arm to her.
"What I did to deserve a nice, polite, honest, simple (In a good way), British guy is beyond me," Teresa said, her eyes smiling at Harry.
"Believe me, m'dear, I'm the undeserving one," Harry replied. He was feeling rather guilty, actually. Simple is the least of it, He thought, And honesty isn't exactly my forte either.
Harry led her to his car. They arrived at The Golden Pond (a fancy restaurant/party room sort of place) a little while later. Harry looked over at Teresa.
"You okay Te? You'll be great you know," Harry said gently.
Teresa took a deep breath.
"Yes. I-I'll be fine," She said, and smiled at him.
"Come on, let's go," Harry said, and they walked into the room. Little did Harry know this day would change his life.
~*^*~*^*~Same day, in London, England~*^*~*^*~
"What're you doing today, 'Mione?" Ron Weasley asked, back in Britain.
"My cousin's sister-in-law has this exhibit in the states, I was thinking of going."
"In the states? That's a lot of trouble for a exhibit," Ron replied, raising an eyebrow.
"I know, but I haven't seen Teresa in so long, I feel bad! Plus, she is a great artist. I was thinking of getting a new painting and then enchanting it…she's a muggle, you know. Although, maybe I won't come to think of it. Art is a beauty by itself, without magic," Hermione smiled.
"How exactly are you related?" Ron asked.
"My cousin Matt's wife is Maureen, and her sister is Teresa." Hermione answered, pulling her hair into a braid. She was wearing a nice black skirt and a long blue silky top.
"You look great," Ron said.
"Thanks. I'll be back at around 7 tonight. I'll see you then?" Hermione asked.
"Of course," Ron replied.
"Ok, I'm going to floo to the Customs Department at the MOM, and then apparate to NJ. I'll see you later, Ron," Hermione said.
"Bye, 'Mione. Have fun," Ron said, and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Bye," Hermione answered, before stepping into the fireplace and disappearing into the emerald flames.
~*^*~*^*~At The Golden Pond~*^*~*^*~
"Ok, Harry, I'll introduce you to everyone," Teresa said to her boyfriend.
"Alright, but do I have to know any terminology? Because I have absolutely no artistic expertise."
"Don't worry, just smile and nod and say hello," Teresa replied.
They walked over to the group of artists and guests.
"David! Hi David, this is Harry Potter, my boyfriend. Harry, this is David Taylor, he's in charge of this party," Teresa introduced them.
"Hello, nice to meet you," David said.
"Likewise," Harry said.
Teresa went along, introducing and talking to people here and there, when a voice called out, "Teresa!"
Teresa and Harry turned around. Harry felt his mouth go dry, and he started to visibly shake. He turned away from the women, hoping to make an exit.
"Hermione! It's been so long!" said Teresa excitedly, and hugged Hermione Granger.
"I know! It's such a shame!" Hermione agreed.
"I have to introduce you to my boyfriend, he's British also. Harry, this is Hermione Granger. She is my sister Maureen's husband's cousin. Hermione, this is Harry Potter."
At that there was a moment of silence before Hermione gasped.
Harry turned around.
"Hello, Hermione. It's been quite some time, hasn't it?" He said quite calmly (considering the circumstances).
"H-Harry?" Hermione murmured in shock, before promptly fainting.
~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~*^*~
Author's Note: Did that count as a cliffie? There was about ten different ways I could've ended this, and I finally chose this one. Hope it wasn't too much of a cliff-hanger…hate those. Please, let me know if you like this story, because only then will I continue! You've been warned…lolz. PLEASE R/R! Thanks guys! Oh, and Harry Potter, as a teacher, is based on my seventh grade social studies teacher. (Kudos to Mr. I. for Harry's teacher character (slightly less sarcastic, though), stories, lines, etc.)
Disclaimer: Only Teresa, Christine, some other pointless characters, & the plot, belong to me…everything you've heard (or read) of belongs to the brilliant Joanne Kathleen Rowling…I think you all knew that…no point to this…leaving now…
Luv ya,
Britz