Chapter 2: Welcome to Sunnydale!
Harry's emerald eyes flashed open. He was standing facing the sunrise. The light cut through what looked like distant mountains, sending warm rays onto the dry land surrounding the town. Harry's forehead crinkled. Odd, it had been late in the afternoon when had left. Yet, it seemed to be only just morning in Sunnydale. Having never traveled out of England before, Harry hadn't considered time zones and such. He shrugged, he supposed it didn't matter, just left more time for him to visit with his uncle. Harry turned away from the sun slowly, he let his eyes slid over the land. So, this was California. He had seen pictures of it on the telly. He grinned softly. He should have done this sooner. Travel was very enjoyable...and he hadn't even done anything yet.
Harry had arrived off to the side of the "Welcome to Sunnydale" sign. It was usually difficult for witches and wizards to apparate to a place they had never been to. But, Harry didn't seem to have much trouble, so he didn't question it. He always tended to pop up near the welcome signs though, wasn't certain why he did that. Harry watched the sun rising as he strolled into the town. A few cars were on the road, but other than that the town seemed deserted. Small shops littered the downtown, but none of their lights were on. Must still be too early.
Harry watched as one of the large American cars rumbled past. He needed to find a way to locate his Uncle Rupert. Luckily or unluckily, depending how you looked at it, Harry had been raised in the muggle world. Which meant he wasn't completely useless when it came to doing things the 'normal' way. Ahead of him he spotted a phone booth, a large directory perched inside. Harry hurried over to it, shutting the glass door behind him.
"Evans...hmmm," mumbled Harry aloud. He flipped to the Es and scanned the list. Evans, Ann. Evans, Sam and Lisa. That was it? Two listings for Evan, and neither seemed to be his uncle. Maybe he was unlisted?
As Harry thought about his next move, he let his feet wander through the town. He was heading eastward, moving into a busier shop district, when a peculiar feeling started. Harry stopped dead, his spine stiffening in surprise. He could feel energy crackling on the edges of his skin. Dark Energy. He let his eyes glaze, his magical sight taking over. What he saw made him stumble backwards. A tendril of dark magic seemed to be winding its way through the town. Looking more closely, he noticed other such lines of dark magic seemed to be spreading out from a central point. Harry worriedly wondered what might have caused this. He moved to the left until he was out of the direct contact with the energy. The sparking sensation on his skin stilled. He could still sense the dark magic. It was thick in the air. Old Dark Magic.
Harry was feeling slightly winded now. His short walk had been refreshing, but the contact with that energy and been draining. He also needed to remember that his magic hadn't adjusted yet. He should probably find somewhere to lay down and recharge. But Harry didn't feel like resting. He had been resting all summer. He was in strange place, and he wanted to enjoy it. Even if his uncle's town was saturated with dark magic. So Harry chose the next best thing to rest. Caffeine. Lots and lots of caffeine.
A small coffee shop was opening up to his left. Coffee shops always needed to open early. Harry walked over to the counter.
"We'll be ready in about fifteen minutes," the harried employee said while putting beans in a grinder. Harry nodded. Leaving the counter Harry took a seat in one of the overstuffed chairs that littered the room. He concentrated on his breathing. His magic was bubbling inside of him. He rolled his fingers and noted that small sparks seemed to come off this skin. His magic was eager, excited. Harry breathed deeply. The part of Voldemort inside him must have been energized by the exposure to dark energy. It hadn't enjoyed any such magic while residing in Harry's body. Breathe. Breathe. He could control this. He had too.
A few minutes later Harry opened his eyes, glad that the magical burst had subsided. Looking up, he realized that the coffee shop wasn't empty anymore. He rose and stood behind a petite blonde woman who was ordering.
"I'll have a mocha, lots of whipped cream...and the biggest size you got." The man at the counter nodded. Another employee turned to Harry.
"And you sir," he asked.
"Tea...if you sell it here."
"Of course sir. What kind. Herbal, Chai, Green,"
"Do you have regular tea?" interrupted Harry.
"Yes sir. Milk, sugar, lemon? Any flavorings...hazelnut, raspberry, peach, mint"
"Just some lemon." Harry shook his head. The employee seemed a little frustrated with Harry's lack of originality, but hurried off to fill the order.
"Never been here before?" asked the blonde next to him. She smirked in amusement. Harry ruffled his hair and grinned a sheepish expression on his face.
"No, just dropped into town actually. Who would have thought you Yanks would have found a way to mess around with a bloody cup of tea?" The girl's smile widened, then she burst out laughing. Harry eyed her curiously.
"Sorry, I have a friend who sounds just like you," giggled the girl.
"Ah, well so I'm not alone. That is a comfort." The girl nodded. Having ordered a much more simple order, Harry's tea arrived first. He used his special Gringott's bag to pay in American money. He nodded to the girl and resumed his seat. He sipped the tea, and cringed. He had suspicions that the man at the counter had slipped some sort of flavor in his tea. He frowned at the cup. He was going to miss tea while on this visit. Still, he sipped the beverage for the caffeine alone.
Harry looked up when the blonde woman plopped down in the chair next to his.
"Hope you don't mind but I hate to get all buzzy on my own," the woman sipped her beverage with obvious relish.
"Not at all," replied Harry.
"You're English right? What are you doing in Sunnydale?" She took another sip, eying him over her cup.
"I'm here to meet my uncle actually."
"Meet?" the girl cocked her head at him.
"Yes, some sort of falling out with the family, never met him," explained Harry.
"What's his name?" questioned the girl. She twirled her hair with a finger. American girls were certainly forward, Harry thought with a smile.
"Evans." Harry replied.
"Sorry can't say I know any Evans here." She leaned back in her chair. Harry nodded. He took another sip of his tea. He glared at the cup. The woman laughed again.
"I'm told they don't make good tea," she explained. Harry nodded. They both took another sip.
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Buffy watched the young man before her. He seemed like a nice sort. Reminded her of Giles is some ways. Maybe it was a British thing. He was good looking too, if only he dressed better. He was wearing some ratty t-shirt and jeans that were too large. Thankfully he was wearing a belt. How that whole 'pants hanging down' thing had become a style she didn't know.
"Is something wrong?" the guy asked. Buffy flushed a bit realizing she had been starring at him for a few moments.
"No, I was just wondering, is that some British fashion?" Harry looked down at the clothes he was wearing. Some of Dudley's old cast-offs. He supposed he did look like a bum.
"No, I guess I didn't really dress my best. This is all a spur of the moment decision."
"You decided on the spur of the moment to fly to America and see an Uncle you've never met before." Buffy stared at the strange young man.
"Yep, that's about right." Harry replied, his face breaking into a smile. Buffy shook her head.
"You're crazy...well crazy man I'm Buffy."
"Harry." The pair shook hands. Buffy rose to her feet.
"Running away eh?" quipped Harry.
"No, I've got to get home. I promised my mom I'd help with stuff...she's all into this bonding thing." Harry's eyes flickered with sadness for a moment. But was quickly hidden behind a half grin. Most people wouldn't have the caught the slight change in those emerald eyes. But Buffy did. She thought for a minute about questioning him...but she'd already snooped enough. With another nod she left with her coffee.
She'd have to stop at Giles's house before going home. Tonight's patrol had been rather busy. Usually she finished around three. But she had been busy all night, and some of the groups had been surprisingly organized. She had only just avoided a pair of demons who had worked as a team. A trio of vampires had also been well-trained. She was hoping this activity wasn't a trend. Buffy took another sip of her coffee. She really wanted to go home and sleep, but she'd need all her caffeine if she was going to survive a day with her mom. The elder Summers woman seemed to be mourning Buffy's passage into adulthood. Buffy had wondered why fighting demons, saving the world, and dying hadn't made her an adult in her mother eyes, but going to college did? All and all it was a quandary, but first to Giles's.
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Later that day, a much more stylish Harry Potter stepped out of a clothing shop. He had decided to take Buffy's advice and buy an outfit to meet his uncle in. She'd had a point. So rather then the baggy ensemble he'd come to Sunnydale in, he now sported jeans that fit, and a simple Black t-shirt. The saleswoman had also talked him into buying a corduroy jacket, which was currently shrunk and in his pocket. Harry thought it was far too hot to wear a coat, but the woman at the store had said it was unseasonably cold. California weather, bizarre. Now that he was presentable, he was ready to find his uncle.
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At one o'clock in the afternoon, Harry Potter sat sullenly in a café. He had exhausted every possible muggle method of finding Rupert Evans. It was as if the man didn't exist. He had even spent a few hours trying to see if there was a hidden magical portion of Sunnydale, like Diagon Ally, where he might find his uncle. But there didn't seem to be a wizarding population in this eerie town. Not that he could blame wizards for staying away. He often had been forced to lapse into his magical sight to avoid any more energy flows. Whatever had created so much dark magic was certainly strong, and it had been in Sunnydale for a long time.
Harry had finally taken a break in his search and had decided to have lunch. He was toying with his food wondering what magical methods he should use to find his uncle. He had never done any magical tracking before, Voldemort had always found him. A simple Point Me charm might work. But Harry really wasn't in the mood to wander around town with his wand out. He didn't know much about the American Statue of Secrecy but, he was betting you couldn't show your wand to muggles. He had been wondering if any of the books in his trunk might have a useful spell, when a familiar voice broke through his thoughts.
"Harry?" asked a female voice. Harry looked up, it was the same girl he had met at the coffee shop, this time with a red head in tow.
"Hi Buffy," replied Harry.
"Ooh, you're English," cooed the redhead.
"Down girl!" jested Buffy to her friend. The red head blushed. The tips of her ears reddened the most, forcibly reminding Harry of Ron. He glanced back down to his plate. However, Harry looked back up to see the pair pull up chairs at his table.
"Mind if you we join you?" Buffy asked. She had noticed the kid sitting all by himself, and he had looked a bit glum about it.
"Not at all." Harry smiled. "I'm guessing this isn't your mother," said Harry, his eyes resting on the other young woman.
"Oh no. This is Willow. Some sort of Art emergency occurred at the gallery. What I'd like to know, is why when she has an emergency she can ditch me, but if I have an emergency I get lectured." Buffy frowned and shook her head. The waiter arrived at that moment and took the girls' orders. Harry ordered another coke.
"So eh, how do you two know each other?" Willow questioned.
"I actually met Harry early this morning at the Espresso Pump," explained Buffy. "He had ordered an unpleasant cup of tea." Harry nodded his head in agreement. Willow smiled as well, as if she and Buffy had an inside joke. Buffy turned to Harry,
"So, why aren't you out bonding with that Uncle of yours?"
"I ah...did I mention I don't know where he lives?" Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"You really are a crazy man," exclaimed Buffy. Willow nodded in agreement.
"Well I know he lives here in Sunnydale, he wrote me a letter. Well, actually he wrote my mother a letter." The two girls raised their eyebrows.
"What's his name again?" Buffy asked.
"Evans, Rupert Evans." The two girls stared thoughtfully.
"I bet I could find him in the city files. Get an address," stated a thoughtful Willow.
"Really?!" said Harry.
"Yeah," Willow reached into a bag that had been slung over her shoulder. She pulled out a laptop and placed it gingerly on the table. Harry eyed it curiously. He didn't know much about technology, his years at Hogwarts had stunted his knowledge of muggle machines. But, this computer looked nicer than the one Dudley had. Willow smiled at his interest.
"You a computer geek too?" she asked.
"No, I'm afraid not. I have no clue how those things work. But it looks like a nice one," replied Harry.
"Don't you use computers at your school?" Buffy questioned.
"No," said Harry trying to downplay how odd that must be.
"Well not to worry. Willow here is a computer wizard." Harry, who had been taking a drink, coughed at her words. The two girls looked at him curiously for a moment, before turning back to the computer.
"So Harry tell us more about yourself," questioned the blonde.
"Well...uh what do you want to know?" asked a confused Harry. It was a rare occasion when someone didn't know (or at least think they knew) everything about him. He found he enjoyed the feeling, although it was very different. What sort of information did normal people swap.
"Well, how old are you?" Buffy asked rolling her eyes. This kid was kinda quiet.
"I turned seventeen a few weeks ago," stated Harry. "You?" he inquired.
"I'm eighteen, just graduated. You still got a year left?"
"Uh, I don't really know."
"What do you mean you don't know?" voiced Willow, she looked at him from the other side of the computer.
"Well, see my school has these tests you take your seventh year. You have to pass them to graduate, and I took them last year and passed. I guess I could go back...but I don't really want to. And, there isn't much point." Harry thought over what he'd said. That was pretty close. He had taken his NEWTs last year. Largely because he didn't know if he'd live to reach his seventh year, and for some reason he had wanted to know his scores. It was one normal thing he had wanted for his life.
"What kind of school did you go to?" asked Willow. She didn't know much about the British schooling system, but this didn't sound like anything she's heard of.
"It was a boarding school," Harry explained. Willow nodded.
"What are you going to do now?" Buffy asked.
"I...I guess I don't know. One day at a time and all that. What do you two have planned now that you have graduated?"
"We're both going to UC Sunnydale."
"College...right?"
"Yeah." The pair of girls looked up as the waiter arrived with their food. Buffy grabbed a fry from her plate and began munching. Willow ignored her food, and continued to type into the computer. After a few moments, Willow looked up.
"Harry are you sure your Uncle lives here?"
"That's what his letter said."
"Well there isn't a record of a Rupert Evans paying taxes in Sunnydale. The city doesn't have any mention of him." Harry frowned. Where was that letter? He looked at the two girls and noticed that both were busy with their lunches, Willow's eyes still focused on the computer. Harry moved his hand behind his back and wriggled his fingers. After a moment, where there had only been air, appeared the letter his uncle had written. He lifted the letter up to the table. Yep, the letter said Sunnydale. And, the name was definitely Rupert.
"Is that the letter?" asked Buffy. Harry nodded.
"He's here in Sunnydale. His name's Rupert...I guess it's a lost cause. Maybe I should have just written him," thought Harry aloud.
"How can you write him if you don't have his address?" questioned Willow.
"Oh yeah...eh-oops. Maybe he'll write again with more information."
"So...are you going home?" Buffy asked. Harry sighed, he didn't want to.
"I don't know. Maybe I'll try a few more random attempts. Perhaps I'll get lucky and find him. Fate kinda owes me." Harry said gravely.
Buffy nodded her own head in understanding.
Harry and the two girls spent the rest of the time with idle conversation. Willow was interested in learning more about England, and Buffy seemed to be interested in finding out what music and movies Harry was interested in. Harry did his best to answer but would often respond...'I don't know.' This had struck the girls as interesting. Particularly since he hadn't even heard of the most popular movie of the summer. When they asked about other movies, they were often met with equal confusion. Harry tried his best to cover for his obvious ignorance, but he knew he was coming off as rather odd. Harry smiled to himself. He might never be normal, but here he was being treated as if he were normal. It was welcome experience. Soon the girls had to leave, and Harry paid for their lunch. Their protests had disappeared, when they eyed the money he pulled out of the sack.
"You might want to think about getting a wallet." Buffy said. To which Harry shrugged.
"Ooh...I know if you are staying in town for a bit why don't you come to see the movie with us. It's playing at the local theater." Willow grinned at the other two. She seemed really happy with her spur of the moment idea.
"Sounds good," nodded Harry.
"How about we meet up later for the...what time was the showing?"
"5:15," responded Buffy.
"Where's this theater?" asked Harry. Willow giggled and pointed a hand behind her head. Harry looked over her shoulder and spotted, the bright building with signs advertising movies. He had to admit, he was more then a little excited to go. He'd never seen a movie in a theater before. The Durselys had never taken him, obviously, and Hermione had always meant to take him...but it was too late for that now. Harry's face fell as he remembered Hermione's outrage that he had never been to the cinema, and her determination that when the war was over she would take him to one.
"Are you okay?" Buffy asked. Harry's face had lost most of it's color, a frown pulling on his lips.
"Fine." Harry smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. Buffy quirked her lips at him.
"So we'll see you at the movies?" asked Willow. Harry nodded his head. The two girls rose.
"Well, we'll see you then," replied Buffy as she and Willow walked away. Harry watched them go. He hadn't meant to make the carefree atmosphere go away, just memories seemed to catch him at odd moments. And, sometimes it was hard to keep the heartache at bay. Harry stayed seated in his chair. He watched as other people hurried on with their lives. He'd never had the opportunity to just relax out in the open for a long time. He resolved to do just that.
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Buffy and Willow were walking back to Buffy's house. Willow shot a glance back at Harry.
"He's cute huh, and I love the accent," confided Willow
"Willow! What will Oz say."
"O posh, I wonder if Oz would come with us tonight? He has weird taste in movies."
"Shocker there Will, you wanted a weird smart boyfriend. You got one. I bet if you tell him that the new British boy with the cute accent is coming with us he'll come." Buffy suggested.
"Oh...you think so. Oz isn't much with the uber-jealousy."
"He's still a guy." Buffy huffed.
"What's up with the whole men are bastards kick, are we becoming militant feminists and you didn't tell me?" Willow giggled and Buffy rolled her eyes.
"No...I'm sorry I guess I'm still a little upset from Angel withdrawal." Buffy rubbed her arms. He had been gone for a month. A very long month.
"I'm sorry Buff, really I am..." stuttered Willow. Buffy shrugged. Then, Willow's eyes lit up. "Hey I'm taken but maybe you and Brit boy might hit it off."
"I don't think so. That isn't why you invited him is it...you don't usually..."
"Eh, well, why not, he's cute and sweet, smart if not a bit out of touch, and...hey he sat with us for an hour in the bright sunlight, so pretty sure he's not a vampire. A whole boatload of pluses there," argued Willow.
"It's just...I mean he seems nice...but..."
"But what?" Willow tilted her head as she watched her friend.
"I don't think he's really my type...he seems too... normal, and he's just a kid."
"Buffy," Willow sighed at her friend. "He's only a year younger, and what's wrong with a flesh and blood normal guy, with a pulse!" Willow said with some exasperation.
Buffy leaned her head back and kept walking. She had no desire to explain her thoughts to Willow. How could she explain. Angel had been her true love. She didn't think she'd ever fall in love agin. It was enough to make any girl feel depressed.
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Back at the café, Harry grumbled to himself as he sipped the tea he had ordered. Bleck! Okay now he was really worried. It wasn't as if he was addicted to tea, but it had always been a staple of his life. Whether in the muggle world or wizarding world, there had been tea. Yet, no one in the bloody continent seemed to be able to make a decent cup. He wasn't even certain how what he was currently sipping could be even classified as tea.
However, as Harry leaned back, he managed to overhear a conversation. And a word caught his attention.
"Mrs. Cather...?"
"Yes dear."
"We're out of that special tea." Tea. Harry perked up and looked at the two women who were talking. It appeared as if the owner was talking with one of the waitresses. Harry listened closer.
"What tea dear?" the older woman muttered as she straightened the menus.
"You know the special tea. For that British guy who comes here."
"Oh, Rupert's tea...oh dear. He's playing again soon too. I promised him that tea. He's very picky about it," stated the owner. Harry stopped dead. The tea didn't matter. A British man named Rupert? How many British men named Rupert could this town have? Harry left his table and hurried up to the owner.
Excuse me ma'am," interrupted Harry. The owner turned to him.
"Yes, young man?" her eyes looked at him questioningly.
"I couldn't help but overhear, but were you mentioning a man named Rupert."
"Yes, Rupert Giles. He comes here from time to time to play. Charming man, his next set is scheduled soon, you can check the calender near the door." With those words the woman hastened away to help a young waitress who was balancing three trays, all of which looked ready to collapse.
"Giles?" Harry said aloud.
Harry hurried back to his table and left more than enough money to cover the bill and the tip. Leaving the café, his thoughts were on his uncle. An uncle who was growing stranger by the minute. Why would he have changed his name? Harry located another telephone booth, and this time searched under the Gs. Harry's finger ran along impatiently. Ghriss. Gielson. ...Giles, Rupert. Harry smiled at the page. That had to be his uncle. Harry examined the address, 323 Roulo drive. Harry memorized the address, and with sure steps, he walked to the ally behind him. Harry looked around cautiously, and with a blink became invisible. Although you couldn't see it, Harry Potter was smiling. Once again he was on the trail of a mystery. Without a sound, an invisible Harry Potter disapparated and appeared in front of 323 Roulo drive. He wondered where this mystery would lead.