Harry struggled to stand as he arrived at his destination. He didn't know where he was since he didn't have a specific location in mind. He just hoped that wherever he was, there was some semblance of peace and quiet. He didn't have the strength to fight yet as he was still recuperating from his grueling fight with old Voldie. He also didn't know what happened to his wand. It promptly disappeared after passing judgment on Voldemort. He could still do wandless magic so he could defend himself if needed but hopefully, it won't be required of him so soon. He wondered what Ron and Hermione were thinking. He knew they would be furious at him for leaving them behind. They'd been through a lot together but there was just something that he needed to do on his own. He shrugged his shoulders as if dismissing the thought. They were his best friends. They would understand. Sure, Hermione would probably hex him a bit and Ron would punch him when they find him but they would understand... A soft smile escaped his pale face...well, at least he's gone now. His friends and their future children would have a future now...All was well...
He looked around and noticed an ugly poster with angry red words taped on the wall he was leaning on. It said something about transgenics but he just ignored it. Perhaps it was a gang or something...seemed normal enough in the muggle world. He tried to walk forward step by step as his energy was still a bit low. He stopped for a bit to stare at his surroundings and was a bit surprised at the desolation in the place. He wondered what happened there. It looked like it just survived a war and there were lots of poorly-dressed people running around the place, minding their own business.
He moved forward again after a bit of rest and set his mind into locating any place where he could exchange some money and hopefully buy some food since he just realized that he was hungry. Perhaps a good meal and a bit of rest would help ease him into his new situation. Fortunately, he found one soon and he stopped at a place called Crash to feed himself. The burger and fries was not very satisfying as the place was obviously a bar but at least he had something to fill his empty stomach. He also found out there that the foreign exchange company swindled him a bit but he shrugged it off. He could always duplicate the money if needed. He sniggered at bit at that thought... Just imagine what Hermione would indignantly say to him with a matching death glare.
His next problem was to get a job. He didn't want to just rely on magic to live. He needed something that would take his mind off some things...
He nervously asked the bartender about it. The bartender was obviously surprised by his accent but thought nothing of it. "Umm...do you know of any job vacancies around here?"
The bartender raised one eyebrow at his tone, obviously not used to being addressed so politely. "Yeah, there's a place around the corner called Jam Pony. They needed some messengers since a lot of them resigned a few days ago after the hostage-taking incident with the transgenics."
Harry was surprised at hearing the word again. It seemed that "Transgenics" was a well-known gang there but he needed a job and gangs normally didn't strike one place twice in a very short span of time. In case it happens...well, he should just be careful then. "Oh, I see...That's okay. I'll try to drop by there today.. you know..make sure that no one else gets hired before me." He smiled sheepishly.
The bartender gave him a strange look again and said, "Don't worry about that lad. People here are not exactly jumping on the news that there's a vacancy." And with that, he went back to serving other customers waiting for their orders.
Harry just shrugged and went on his way. He found the place easily and spoke with the guy with the glasses who appeared to be the one in charge.
"Excuse me, Sir. I'm looking for a job and I was told that you have an opening here. I'd like to apply if it's still open." He said with a bit of apprehension as he noticed the looks that the other employees were giving him. They all looked like they were appraising him, trying to see if he's a threat or something. And the way they dressed was so...unfamiliar...He grimaced a bit as he remembered what he was wearing. The long-sleeved white top and black slacks was way too formal for that crowd.
He sneaked a glance on the guy with the glasses and was surprised at his suspicious look as well. 'What the heck is wrong with these people', he thought exasperatedly until he remembered what the bartender told him and decided that it was just a normal reaction after what happened. The guy gave him a long hard look again and to his surpise, he requested that he show the back of his neck and his wrist.
Harry thought that perhaps that was the trademark of the gang called "Transgenics" so complied without any fuss. Seeing no mark there, the guy introduced himself as Normal and informed him that he was hired. And with that, he decided to ignore a small stab on his conscience on performing a quick memorization of the map of the area sectors on the wall. Riding the bicycle was easy but he had to admit that he didn't know the place well enough.
He was still worried about his colleagues though. They were still staring at him with obvious suspicion but that was to be expected. He'll just deal with it when the need arises. For now, he had to find a place to stay...as he's so tired...so tired..
