Chp 2
Harry had Teddy bathed and dressed for the day. They had woken up late in the day. Both Harry and Teddy were getting used to being in a different time zone. So, the two of them explored some of the town and its shops. She had seen a realtor's office, but it was closed for the day. She'll have to come back tomorrow. They stopped at a small diner, Harry ordered some food for herself and fed Teddy a bottle. She was still tired and wanted to get some more rest before house hunting the next day.
It felt like the next day came faster than it should have. Harriet and Teddy were out and about ten in the morning. Harry pushed Teddy's stroller through the door of the realtor's office and was met with a very bubbly assistant that sadly reminded Harriet of Lavender Brown. Her name tag read, 'Sarah', "How may I help you this morning?" Harriet gave the girl a smile, "I'm new in town and looking to buy a house." The assistant's demeanor changed. She gave Harriet a once-over, probably judging her because of her clothes and her young age. "We have several properties, but they may be out of your price range," Sarah sneered. Harry smirked, "Is there someone else I could talk to? Your employer, perhaps?"
A man in his late forties, balding, in a cheap suit came out of his office, "Hello, how may I help you?" He will give this young lady the benefit of the doubt. This office has not sold a single home in over five months, they were desperate. "Yes, I would like to buy a house," Harriet told the man. "Well, let's see if we can find something you like. I'm Rick Cooper." He extended his hand. Harry took it, "Harriet Potter." The man paled. He knew that name. "Har-Harriet Potter? You wouldn't be related to Fleamont Potter. Would you?" Rick gulped, hoping his assistant didn't just insult one of the richest families from Europe. Harry knew that look, it was the look of recognition, "He was my grandfather. And this is my Godson, Edward Lupin."
The tone and demeanor of the office changed with that revelation. Rick escorted Harry to his office, "Please, come into my office and we'll go over some properties." As Rick passed by his assistant and gave her a 'We better not have lost this client' look. Rick had Harry sit across from him. He sat back down behind his desk and pulled a binder full of prospects. "So, is there anything, in particular, you're looking for?" Rick clasps his hands over the binder. Harriet thought it over, "Something spacious. I have friends and family that may want to visit, and I'll need the space." Harriet knew she could use magic if needed to expand her home.
The two of them spent a good hour looking over properties before Harriet found one. Even if it was just a picture, her magic sang to her. The house was beautiful. A three-story, off-white home with five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a fully finished basement. The house was situated on the mountainside, away from the town. It would take about 30 minutes to drive there from the realtor's office. "This one," Harriet turned the binder towards the agent. "Are you sure? I mean, did you want to tour it first?" Rick clarified. Harriet smirked, "Judging by the thickness of this binder, and how understaffed you are, business has not been doing so well. From the description and the photos that have recently been updated, there's no need for a tour. I like this house. It suits my needs, and it's not in a crowded neighborhood." Harriet knew that was a low blow, but she was ready to be done already.
Rick swallowed the lump in his throat, "Very well. I'll draw up the papers." Harriet sat back in her chair and nodded. Most contracts are duplicates, only certain lines are different. For example, the address of the property, the buyer, and the bank they go through. So the process doesn't take long. When Rick sat back at his desk, Harriet asked, "How did you know my grandfather?" She was curious how a beach town in California, United States, knew her surname. Rick smiled when he remembered the stories his dad told him. "My father told me stories about several wealthy families from Europe who came to the States to help with the rebuilding of the Boardwalk. Well, after they had visited San Francisco, from the damages done during the massive earthquake in 1906. Your grandfather and his father were amongst those few. My grandfather worked alongside the Potters in the section they were assigned. As well as donated several thousands of dollars towards the supplies, food, and shelter for the displaced families. The Potters made a real impact here in Santa Carla, but there are very few left that remembers."
Harry had tears in her eyes. She was proud of her family. It was a shame she never got to know them. She wiped away the tears and cleared her throat. "Thank you for telling me." A small whimper from Teddy was heard. Harry looked over and could see he was getting fussy. Rick noticed as well, "Alright, just need your signatures and financial information then we can head to the house." Harriet signed her name so many times it was like writing with a quill. Her banking information was the American branch of Gringotts, however, Muggles would see the name of the nearest branch of a Muggle bank.
New House
Another hour later, Harry and Teddy were standing on the porch of their new home waving bye to the realtor. Harry was glad that Teddy slept through most of the ordeal. As soon as he woke, he was miserable. He was hungry, dirty, and wanted attention. The realtor almost saw Teddy changing his hair color from light brown to Turquoise. Harry picked him up and put a beanie on his head to hide his hair. Once the realtor left, Harriet got him changed and fed, then she went through what she had in her bag.
Her bag had almost every decent piece of furniture from her godfather's home at 12 Grimmauld Place. Pulling the shrunken couches, lounge chairs, dining table and chairs, and several pieces of bedroom furniture, Harry had set up the living room, dining room, and two of the bedrooms. She still had some furnishing to do. The den was to be converted into her study, and library. Contrary to popular belief, Harriet liked to read as much as her best friend Hermione. She just never showed it. After years of being told to never surpass her cousin or receive punishment, Harriet lost the motivation to learn until she started attending Hogwarts.
The basement was going to be split into two separate rooms. One half would be for wand work and training. Warded against damaging spells, and soundproof. The other half will be a potions lab. This space will also be warded and well ventilated. Several stations for different cauldrons, prep, and storage. Not Harry's best subject, but she wanted to improve her skills. As well as somewhere to teach Teddy without exposing themselves.
Before Harriet could start on warding the property, she called for her house-elf, "Winky." A small pop could be heard behind her, "Yous call me Mistress Potter." Harriet had gotten over trying to rid of the title, but Winky insisted. That is one house-elf you do not anger, especially when she's wielding a wooden spoon. Scarily reminds Harriet of Molly Weasley.
Harriet smiles at Winky, she was in a pink, frilly dress with bows around her large ears, and black and white Mary Jane Doc Martens. "Would you mind watching Teddy? I would ask you to get dinner started but we have no food yet. Still have some shopping to do," Harriet knew she was rambling but Winky had her hands on her hips and tapping one of her feet. "Mistress Potter should have called Winky sooner," Winky chastised Harry. "I know Winky. I just barely bought this house two hours ago," Hoping that would appease the elf for now. Winky narrowed her eyes, "You get to warding, and I'll have dinner ready by the time you're done."
Harriet wasted no time getting outside. She needed to scope out the grounds and find the boundaries of the property. Once the land was warded against unwanted owls, visitors, or the like, Harriet added wards to keep Teddy from escaping the property. Warding the house took a little longer. She wanted to put it under the Fidelius Charm, but two more wizards would be needed. Maybe another day. The wards would alert her if anyone was trying to break in, block most spells, and keep the house from being damaged from the outside for a period of time.
Winky was in the kitchen finishing dinner by the time Harriet came back inside. Teddy had been fed, cleaned, and was in his room lying in his crib watching the magical mobile spin. Winky had made a roast, with potatoes and veggies with Treacle Tart for dessert. Winky served Harriet and herself a place, and they ate in peace. Once her plate was empty, Harriet excused herself to get cleaned up and ready for bed. Winky stored the rest of the food in the fridge and cleaned the house before popping back to Hogwarts. Winky may be bonded to Harriet, but she also works at Hogwarts. It's a way for Winky to stay out of sight from Muggles and hear any news about the escaped Death Eaters.
Birthday
It has been almost two years since Harriet and Teddy became residents of Santa Carla. Twenty-three months to e exact. Teddy was a few days away from his second birthday. His first birthday was spent at the Burrow with the Weasleys' and a very pregnant Hermione. You would think she and Ron would have gotten together, but not so. Hermione and Ron didn't feel like that towards each other. Ron harboring feelings for a certain tall, dark-skinned Slytherin, Blaise Zabini. That was a shock to the Weasley Matriarch, but not the rest of the family. Hermione Granger-Weasley and her husband Fred were expecting twins at the time of Teddy's birthday party.
This birthday will be celebrated in the privacy of Harriet's home. It was safer that way. Ever since Harriet left England, only two Death Eaters have been caught and they were so low on the totem pole that their names weren't worth mentioning. Ron, Harry, and Hermione still receive several summons from the Ministry to hunt down the rest of the Death Eaters, but they all made it clear they were done fighting.
Harriet had lowered the wards to let the Weasleys' send their gifts for Teddy. Luna Scamander and Blaise Zabini is the only exception. More than likely, Blaise will be with Ron at the Burrow anyway. All the gifts were being delivered by the twins through the Floo network. Winky had finished baking and decorating the cake and was cleaning up the kitchen when the Floo activated.
Harriet and a very excited Teddy were waiting in the study for the twins' arrival. The first to arrive was George carrying a few boxes and a bag of goodies from their shop. He balanced the boxes in one hand and gave Harriet a side hug, "Hullo, Harry." "Oi! Move your blooming ass!" Fred was blocked inside the Floo by George. Both Harry and George laugh as they move out of the way. Fred stepped out of the Floo with a small stack of boxes under one arm, "Hey, Harry." "Hullo, you two. Let's set those down over here," Harry directed them to the dining room table.
The twins' set everything down and resized the boxes and opened them to get all the gifts out and arranged. Ten gifts in total, one from each Weasley, one from Luna, and one from Blaise. Teddy wriggled and clapped as he watched the magic, and saw all the presents. Fred noticed Harry didn't add to the pile, "Where's your gift for the tyke?" Harriet blushed a little then laughed it off, "I'm taking him to the video store after we explore the Boardwalk tonight. We've never seen it at night and I think it's about time."
The twins shared a glance. Harriet noticed, "What?" George rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, we didn't want to say anything, but there have been rumors flying that several Death Eaters have crossed the pond. The Aurors had captured a couple of werewolves from Greyback's old pack, and they snitched in exchange for asylum. We even bumped up the warding on the Burrow and Zabini Manor. So, keep your wand on you." Harriet sighed, "Thanks for telling me. And I always do. If it comes down to it, I'll call Winky and have her take us to the Burrow." A squeaky voice could be heard from the kitchen, "Yous better, Mistress."
Fred, George, and Harriet sang Happy Birthday to Teddy and stayed as the toddler unwrapped his presents. Well, Harry helped with that. The whole thing was photographed for the missing members of the Weasley clan. Teddy received a book from Hermione and Luna. Hermione gifted Teddy the newest edition of Hogwarts: A History, which included the Golden Trio and the final battle. Luna's book was interesting. She had written a book about several unknown species of creatures she and her father had been hunting over the years. Luna recently finished the book with the help of her husband after her father's passing.
Charlie Weasley had gotten Teddy a Hungarian Horntail Dragon plushie that blows smoke from its nose. Bill got him a Black Wolf plushie to go with the brown one he got last year. The twins got Teddy his first broom, apparently great minds think alike. Molly had knitted him a Turquoise beanie to match his hair since it is the color he changes it to the most. Arthur got Teddy a Charmed train set that doesn't need a track and blows steam. It looks just like the Hogwarts Express. Ron and Blaise sent goodies from the wizarding candy store, and Ginny sent a miniature jersey for the Hollyhead Harpies. Plus a goodie bag full of pranks and gizmos from Weasley Wizard Wheezes. Harry will be hiding that from Teddy, he's too young.
Stars' Collide
Fred and George said their goodbyes and gave Harry another warning to stay safe before leaving through the Floo. Harry reset the wards and began to get Teddy ready for his outing. Harry felt it was a good idea to see the Boardwalk at night all lit up. They were going to walk around the Boardwalk then visit the video store for a new movie. Harriet and Hermione had figured out how to keep magic from short-circuiting electronics. It took various runes and spells but it works. Harry has a nice entertainment system in the living room. They have visited Video Max several times over the past two years during the day, so the video store isn't anything new.
To keep anyone from finding out where she lives, Harriet would apparate to an alley that she has mapped out behind the bowling alley. It is out of sight of any Muggles, even at night, it seems. Harriet and Teddy quietly emerge from the alley and head towards the brightly lit Boardwalk. Harry pointed towards the massive Ferris Wheel, "Look, Teddy." The toddler clapped his hands and giggled. They both can see it looks so different at night.
Harriet carried Teddy on her hip and weaved through the crowd. She wanted to at least ride the Carousel with Teddy. So Harriet bought some ride tokens, and they made their way towards the Carousel and stood in line. When it was their turn to get on, Harriet picked out a white horse with red and gold trim. She was a Gryffindor. Teddy sat in front of Harry between her legs, so he wouldn't fall. Teddy tried to wrap his small hands around the pole, instead, he leaned forward a little and hugged it.
Unfortunately, the ride was over, and they had to exit. Harriet had to pry Teddy from the pole with the promise of a lollipop from the video store. Pushing through the crowd, Harry continued to point out all the blinking, colorful lights to her godson as they walked towards the video store. Teddy was getting a little tired from the day's events.
The familiar ding above the door signaled to the man behind the counter that someone new had entered his store. He had looked up and seen a beautiful young lady. Around 20 years old, about 5 feet 5 inches, crimson red hair, and the most hypnotic Emerald green eyes. The man discreetly sniffed the air, and when her scent of Vanilla, Cherries, burning wood, and a hint of sage. The young lady had a toddler on her hip. The little gave off a unique scent of Pine, Oranges, and wolf, like he rolled in wet, wolf fur.
The man watches as the young lady picks out a few movies for herself and two for the toddler. She carried the toddler and all five movies up to the counter. "Hello, I'm Max. Did you find everything?" Max gave his best customer service smile. "Oh, yes. Just adding some more to our collection. I"m Harriet, but I go by Harry." Harry shook Max's outstretched hand. Upon contact, they both got an uneasy feeling. Harriet could tell he was a vampire by his body temperature. She had met Sanguini during her fifth year and shook his hand, so she recognized what Max was. Max knew that a witch had moved to Santa Carla, but has never met them. He saw no need, the witch had never caused any disturbances or problems. They let go of the handshake but kept their forced smiles.
"So, are you new in town?" Max asked as he rang up her purchase. Harriet continued to smile, "Been here almost two years actually. This is our first time venturing out later than we usually do." Max nodded his head, "I see. That will be $27.95." Harry shifted Teddy so she could reach into her pocket and pay for the movies. Max reached into the candy bowl on the counter and pulled out two lollipops. He handed them to Harry, "Now, don't be a stranger." Harry took the lollipops and her movies in her hand, "Thank you. Oh, we won't we usually come in mid-afternoon every Friday." Harry waved as she and Teddy exited the store.
Harry turned to head to the bowling alley so they could apparate home. Teddy was trying to reach for the red lollipop, "Lolli." Harriet chuckled, "Wait until we get home. You get sticky hands when you have Lollies." Harriet put the lollipops inside the bag with the movies and kept walking. She was looking at Teddy and not ahead of her when she collided with somebody. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going," Harriet offered her hand to steady the girl. She was a little taller than her, with lovely brown eyes, and the bushiest curls that would rival Hermione's.
Taking the offered hand, all Star could do is stare. "Are you alright?" The girl she ran into asked with the loveliest accent she has ever heard. Star shook her head, "I'm sorry. I guess we both weren't paying attention. I'm Star." Since they still had their hands clasped, Harriet shook it, "I'm Harriet or Harry. It's quite alright. Well, we must be going. It's a long day for Teddy here." Harry looked to see Teddy yawning. Star saw it too, "I see that. It was nice bumping into you. Hopefully, we can do it on purpose next time." Harriet laughs, "Maybe. Goodnight, Star." "Goodnight, Harry," Star responded and waved at Teddy. Harriet and Teddy made it to the shadows of the bowling alley and apparated home.
Scent
Later that night, Star returned to the cave after feeding. She usually hunts on her own and picks off creepy men stalking young girls or boys. Her brothers, David, Dwayne, Marko, and Paul were already back. They were lounging around the cave in their usual spots. David sat in his wheelchair with his leg thrown over one of the arms. Dwayne was riding back and forth on a longboard, a new development this past year. Marko tended to his pigeons. And Paul rocking out with a lit joint in his mouth in his corner.
Star jumped down the last step into the lobby of the sunken hotel. She took two steps before being crowded by Dwayne and David. They were sniffing her. "What's going on?" Star was a little worried about their behavior. Soon the other two joined in. Star shifted on her feet, "David? What's going on?"
David stopped sniffing her top and stepped away, "Did you come in contact with anybody tonight?" Star racked her brain for a moment trying to figure out what he meant, "I fed off some creep a little bit ago." Dwayne was behind her sniffing her hair, "That's not it. It's a few hours old." Then it clicked. "Oh, I did bump into a girl with a really pretty accent near Max's store. She had blood-red hair and really intense green eyes. Like dark emeralds," Star had stopped talking as her brothers took a step back.
They stepped back as the scent faded. But now, they had a lead. Star has seen the person the scent originated from, the scent they caught a few months ago. Marko stood to Star's right, "What was her name?" "Harriet, but she goes by Harry. She had a toddler with her. Teddy was his name, and he was absolutely adorable," Star got this look in her eyes before it vanished.
"Is she the next member of the pack?" Star asked cautiously. David had turned her over a decade ago. She struggled at first but came to accept her vampire side after a brutal attack by a group of Surf Nazis that almost left her dead. Star bit one of her attackers and finished turning when they tried to sexually assault her as she bled out. That is why she mostly targets rapists and pedophiles.
David lit a cigarette to try and mask the scent before he tried to chase it down and risk the sunrise, "She's more than that. Harriet is our mate."