Sorry for updating so infrequently, but I'm not really the type of person who edits fanfiction to schedule, but there will always be more chapters, don't worry.

Also, thanks for all the positive reviews. I'm really happy with how well this story is received.

I read through all the messages, but I have no intention of replying directly other than through my story itself.

But thanks anyway for all your support.

On the side, I'll also be writing a story for an Anime Sword Art Online, so that'll keep me busy as well.

Thanks again everyone.

Chapter 5

It was the next day and Harry woke up early as usual, just after sunrise at six o'clock to be precise. He started by wishing Hedwig good morning and freshening up in the bathroom. After that he put on some short clothes and decided to go for a little run. With Quidditch, magic training the previous year, and better nutrition this summer, Harry's physique was already very healthy, but he didn't have a lot of physical strength and without magic he wouldn't be able to do much in a fight right now. So it would be good if from now on he does sports every day.

So Harry made his way out of the hotel only half an hour after getting up to start walking. He decided that the best place to continue training was the park and started jogging there.

The park is only 40 minutes from the hotel and although it's still early in the morning there were already a few people on the streets and many he crossed his path greeting him and wishing him a good morning, very different from what it is in Great-Britain was. This goes to show how beautiful this town seems to be compared to Surrey and places in the magical community.

When Harry finally got to the park, he first looked around. Even though he wasn't seeing him for the first time, he still thought he was very pretty. In addition to several trees, a beautiful meadow and a normal footpath with several branches, he also saw a small lake with a few ducks, people walking their dogs and also some birds chirping wildly around, which turned out to be beautiful listens.

Harry found an open area on the lawn near some trees that were close together and made sure it was a spot where not too many people were looking and started exercising.

First off, he decided to do some push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, 50 of each with 3 repetitions. After that he found a relatively low hanging and strong looking branch by one of the trees and did some pull ups which were more difficult than he first thought. He got to twenty and then decided it was better to stop the exercise for now. Then he lay down on the grass and did planks three times for one minute each. He then did 100 more jumping jacks and 30 lunges before collapsing to the floor. He wasn't really used to that amount of physical exertion, and while Quidditch practice wasn't exactly easy, much of it related to something that always involves using the broom.

Harry then lay there for a while staring up at the sky and watching some passing clouds while he thought.

"I've been here for a few days now and I feel more relaxed and better than ever," Harry said to himself, and it was true after all. Back in Surrey there was never really a single moment he could really say he enjoyed. That's why he was so happy to go to Hogwarts and have a kind of fresh start with people who had a similar "craziness" to his. But although he had many happy moments there, mostly with magic itself, Quidditch or Hermione and Ron, he was still constantly stressed out thanks to Voldemort and his followers, magical beasts, politicians and indeed the entire magical community in Britain, which constantly had high expectations of him and changed their minds about him every single moment. Not to mention that they don't seem to know the word privacy.

But here in Gardenia everything seems so peaceful and since no one knows him he can have as much fun as he wants without anyone judging him.

"Well, there is one thing, then," Harry said to himself, frowning a little.

He was, of course, referring to those constant waves of alien magic he seems to be sensing, as well as those four men in black clothes who seem to radiate downright evil. It was very different from the Dark Lord, yet somehow, if not as cold, then just as evil and, at least together, more powerful, if it seems rather subtle.

Of course, it could also have something to do with the fact that Harry really isn't sure what they even are, given that they look human, yet don't seem like any of the wizards he's known.

And then, there was the book. The apparent grimoire that these four men dropped and seems only so full of magic. However, it is in a language completely unknown to Harry. Of course he only really knows English and a little Latin, but he could recognize many languages and this one just seemed strange.

He'll have to deal with that later, but now Harry should get up and jog back to the hotel, after all he hadn't had breakfast yet.

On the way back, another thought came to him.

"Oh yes, I did offer to work with Roxy to make her job easier. I hope her father said yes when she asked him, at least that I can try." Harry thinks and thinks back to his newest friend, who he can't seem to get out of his mind.

He may only have known Roxy for a few days, and yet he can't seem to help but be attracted to her. He wouldn't necessarily say that he's in love, but after the disaster with Cho that's not really surprising. Nevertheless, he is very interested in her and he would like to get to know her better and maybe ask her out sometime, although he would wait a while to tell the details.

That being said, Roxy also seems to have something else about him that he can sense. Not sure what it is, all he can say is that it's not a bad thing, more likely a good thing, after all Roxy is very nice too and he gets along well with her and he hopes she feels the same.

It's finally 8:30 when Harry gets back to the hotel, and after a quick shower and change of clothes, he headed down to breakfast with Hedwig. Strange as that is, the people from the hotel don't seem to mind if he takes Hedwig with him everywhere. In general, Gardenia is quite animal-friendly and animal-loving.

Since he did a lot of sport and worked out, Harry decided on a slightly larger breakfast with omelette, bacon, croissant, cake, butter, chocolate and cornflaxes. Plus coffee and orange juice. After all, Harry really felt hungry.

Of course, Hedwig also got some bacon and a bowl of water, otherwise she would just complain to Harry again and he really didn't want that.

For a change, Harry just enjoyed breakfast and didn't worry about anything, just making a mental note to go to Roxy's at the Fruity Smoothie Bar afterwards.

Although the breakfast was quite large, Harry was hungry enough to eat and enjoy it all. So after he had taken his leisurely time to finish eating, he and Hedwig made their way back to the room and got his mobile phone and the necessary papers like an ID card. Around half past nine both made their way.

The sun is shining even stronger now and just feels wonderful. A lot more people are out and about now and the busy city life seems to have started.

As he made his way to the Fruity Smoothie Bar, Harry thought about what to say to Roxy's father so that he would make a good impression and hopefully get the job too. After all, he really wants to help Roxy out and also find something to do for himself.

"The best thing I can do is just be as honest as possible and show that I really want the job and that despite my age I'm responsible. Although I wonder what Roxy meant by asking me some weird questions. Sure I'm young, but there are a lot of teenagers looking for a summer job," Harry said, at times very clueless, but determined nonetheless.

After just a little more time he finally arrived at said place and looked for Roxy.

(Roxy POV)

The day started quite normally like any other. I got up, freshened up and had breakfast, walked Artoo and prepared for another day at work. Sure, a lot of teenagers my age would much rather hang out with friends or just stay home, but I don't really have friends and I don't really like staying home too long. I also want to help out my father in the shop so that I can make it a little easier for him and the job is actually fun, especially since the customers are very nice and the band that recently started playing for us is really good , while obviously not really professionals, they still have some talent.

Just as I was thinking about the Fruity Smoothie Bar and my job, I remembered what Harry had asked yesterday to work there with me. I blush a little at the thought. After all, Harry is a very nice boy and I was quite surprised by his offer.

"I just hope my dad really gives him a chance and doesn't embarrasses me or Harry," Roxy said to himself, already thinking of all sorts of embarrassing questions he would ask Harry just because he's a boy and she's a girl is. Or rather, Harry is an unknown person who, in his eyes, wants to get close to his little princess.

"Really, just please don't be too embarrassing," Roxy prayed quietly, hoping everything would go smoothly.

After that Roxy went to work and enjoyed the beautiful bright sun. Summer in Gardenia always seems so wonderful, not to mention that just about everything about the town always looks so cheerful and beautiful, almost magical.

Arriving at work, Roxy made her way into the kitchen to find her apron and a notepad and pen. After getting ready, she goes out and greets her father, who has left earlier to get everything ready for the workday.

"Hello Dad," Roxy said cheerfully.

"Good morning Roxy, you seem to be in a good mood," said her father Klaus.

"Well it's a nice day," Roxy told him.

"And it certainly hasn't anything to do with any particular boy I'm supposed to interview to possibly work with you," her father asked with a raised eyebrow and not entirely convinced by what she said earlier would have.

"Dad, I told you it's not," Roxy moaned.

"Well, I promised I'd at least take a look at him and if he's really suitable I'll hire him too, but I'll keep an eye on him too," her father said.

While your father will at least give Harry a fair chance, he's still unconvinced that he's not doing it just to get closer to her.

"At least you really want to give him a chance, just please don't embarrass me with your questions," the daughter said to the father.

"I don't know what you mean," Klaus said to his daughter.

"Hell, I'll just start serving the customers," Roxy said, getting ready to start work.

After that she had to serve a few customers with just a few smoothies, after all it's still early in the day. And shortly after, she saw Harry, who finally arrived at the Fruity Smoothie Bar.

(Harry POV or 3rd POV)

It didn't take long for Harry to locate Roxy and he headed straight for her.

"Hello Roxy," Harry told her.

"Hey, Harry," Roxy told him

"I see you're already working, but at least the place is relatively empty right now," Harry said, looking around a bit.

"Well, it'll probably get busier around noon, so unless you've changed your mind, you could talk to my dad beforehand so I can have help later," Roxy said.

"Don't worry, if all goes well you'll be welcoming a new employee to the Fruity Smoothie Bar before long," Harry told her with a smile.

"I'd better take you to him then. And again, please don't pay too much attention to any embarrassing questions," Roxy said, blushing a little.

"Um, sure," Harry said, still quite clueless.

After that, the two made their way up front where Roxy's father is standing behind the counter cleaning some glasses until he sees her coming and immediately turns his full attention to Harry.

"Hello Roxy, and I guess you're that Harry she was talking about then," Klaus said kindly, if a little skeptically of him.

"Hello sir, yes I'm Harry and I'd like to apply for a job at the Fruity Smoothie Bar," Harry said as politely as he could, albeit a little nervously. After all, this is Roxy's dad and he appears to be tall, blond and muscularly built, not to mention the stern look he seems to be wearing.

"Hm, at least you seem to be quite polite. Well, please come with me so that we can just talk a little bit before I decide whether I should hire you or not," Klaus said and was already making his way further back.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine," Roxy told him, trying to encourage him.

"Thanks for your trust," Harry said, a little nervously but equally determined.

Harry then makes his way to Klaus and Roxy continues with her work. After both sat down, Klaus began to speak.

"So Harry, tell me why you want to work here and why I should hire you," Klaus said, getting straight to the point.

"Well sir, I want to work here because I'm on vacation for the summer and I'd like to do something meaningful and this place seems really nice and nice. Also, I've seen how busy Roxy is and I'd like to help her. And while I've never really had a job before, I promise to do my best," Harry said as confidently as he could.

"And it has nothing to do with the fact that you want to get closer to my daughter Roxy," Klaus asked him suspiciously. Harry, knowing he had to get the right answer here, said: "Sir, I won't deny that I find Roxy quite lovely and attractive, she seems like a really lovely girl. And since I've only known her for a few days, I'd sure like to get to know her better, but I'm serious about the job at the Fruity Smoothie Bar. I don't want this job because it would put me closer to her daughter, but because I want to help her and I'd really like to have something to do over the summer," Harry said as honestly and frankly as possible, hoping to have convinced Klaus.

Klaus then stared at him for a few minutes, debating in his head. The boy in front of him seemed really sincere and some extra help would be really nice after all, seeing how overworked his daughter can be at times. Money isn't a problem either, since they earn enough from the place, but the boy really only did it for the reasons he stated, or maybe there's more to it than that. He's seen how friendly his daughter seemed to be with the boy in front of him, even though they'd only just met, but it didn't really seem like anything more than friendly either. And his daughter also asked him to give the boy a fair chance.

With that in mind, Klaus finally made up his mind and said, "All right, um, Harry, you've convinced me, I'll give you the job. You seem genuinely serious and at least I promised my daughter I'd give you a fair chance so congratulations you're hired so don't let me down, we're all set."

"Don't worry sir, I won't let you down," Harry said with a smile.

Both then shook hands and made their way back to Roxy. As soon as she sees her, she approaches her.

"And?" Roxy asked hopefully and with a smile.

"Your friend is hired and can start work immediately. So get an apron and a pad of paper with a pen and follow Roxy's instructions. She'll show you what you have to do," said Klaus and then went back to work himself.

As soon as Klaus was out of sight, Roxy hugged Harry and said, "You did it", jubilantly.

Harry, shocked at first, only slowly hugs her but just as glad it worked out.

However, they both realize what they are doing after only a few seconds, pull away from each other and blush.

"Well, uh, you should get what you need and I'll show you how things work around here," Roxy said very shyly and with a blush.

Harry, also embarrassed, pulls himself together quickly and fetches the appropriate things. After that the work began.

The next few hours consisted of instruction on how to wait tables, how to make smoothies and some small snacks, how to properly clean glasses and how to operate the cash register. Harry paid close attention and showed that he could be a quick learner if he really cared. By midday, he and Roxy had finished teaching and then the influx of customers clearly began. Harry and Roxy then had a lot to do for quite a while and Harry had to admit that it was a lot harder than he had thought, but he won't falter and will keep his word to Klaus and Roxy and will do his best. Because there were now two of them, they could both take turns having a short lunch break, although it was relatively short before they had to go back to work. Meanwhile, Hedwig also flew in and greeted them both. Apparently she was on a flight the whole time, sightseeing the area. It was mid-afternoon when the rush of customers finally seemed to ease off a bit and Harry and Roxy didn't have too much work to do. There was also a band of three young men playing a couple of songs and Harry had to admit they were quite good. It wasn't until 5:00 p.m. that both of them could really relax.

"Phew, that was another hard day's work. Are you alright Harry?" Roxy asked him.

"Don't worry, even though it's exhausting I can handle all the work," Harry said wearily, but managed to smile for her as he enjoyed working with her.

"I really hope this doesn't put you off, after all it was easier to deal with thanks to you and I'd love to continue working together," Roxy said with a hopeful look.

"Don't worry, you won't get rid of me that easily," Harry said with a teasing smile that caused Roxy to blush slightly.

Shortly thereafter, Klaus came to them. "Well you seem to have done a good job Harry. Apparently you're going to fit in really well with this. And since there shouldn't be too many customers for the rest of the day and this is your first day, you can go earlier today," Klaus told him.

"Are you sure I meant it when I said I worked hard and I really don't want to appear like I lied now," Harry said, a little surprised.

"Don't worry, starting tomorrow the work at the Fruity Smoothie Bar will already be getting harder and you will work from 9:00 to 20:00, although of course you will have a break in between. After all, tomorrow is karaoke night and we will have many customers," Klaus said to him.

"Well then, I'll be on my way back. Thanks again for the job, sir," Harry said.

Klaus then went back to serving customers, leaving Roxy and Harry back to two. "

Well, I should be on my way then," Harry said to Roxy.

"Before you go, how about we exchange numbers so we can get in touch and get to know each other better, if you don't mind," Roxy said, blushing a little again.

"Um, sure," said Harry, a little nervous about giving his number to a girl he finds interesting, something he's never done before. On the other hand, he only recently got a mobile phone.

Afterward, the two exchanged numbers and said goodbye to each other for the day. Harry then also saw Hedwig flying nearby and they both made their way back to the hotel.

Once there, he took a quick shower to wash off the sweat from his work and then lay down on his bed.

He managed to get the job and now has a job as well as being closer to Roxy, plus it was fun and it never hurt to earn some pocket money.

Harry was about to take a nap when he felt something next to him, something that seemed to be calling to him. He looked over and saw the book he found earlier and could easily see a magical aura around it. It was mostly black, but it didn't exactly seem to radiate darkness and evil, but Harry obviously didn't know what to do.

As interesting as it seemed to be, he didn't really want to examine an unfamiliar book by obviously dark wizards or the like, even if he checked in the day before. Plus he can't read it anyway. But it almost seemed as if it wasn't just the book itself that was calling him.

He glanced at Hedwig, who gave him a look that basically said, "Don't do it or I'll KO you," so he said himself, "If I go crazy, feel free to KO me, Hedwig".

Against all odds, he slowly picked up the book and felt the magic flow. Slowly, but also full of expectation that something might be different, he opened the book and saw…

...a font he can read!?

Not sure what this is about and how it's possible all of a sudden, Harry slowly begins to read. He learns that this book belonged to a group called the Black Circle Sorcerers, powerful sorcerers who have hunted other magical beings for centuries and are also responsible for the disappearance of many of them. This book includes almost every magic they've learned over the years, along with a bit of history, ranging from spells to hide from everyone, spells to perform elemental attacks, spells to teleport something or someone , spells to turn animals or turn yourself into animals, spells to bind people, spells to enhance one's senses and so much more magic.

Harry is overwhelmed and scared at the same time. This is a whole new kind of magic that doesn't even seem to be from this world, but the original owners of the book are far worse than Voldemort, far stronger.. And they're in Gardenia. And maybe not only her, because there seems to be another magical source in the city, which he had sensed a few times now.

Not sure what to do, Harry tries to think. On the one hand, he could try to stay out of it, but somehow he doubted that would work, especially since he has her book. On the other hand, he could try to learn more about her and her magic with the help of the book, but that has many dangers. Powerful enemies and powerful magic that might corrupt him. But then Harry thinks back to everything he's seen since he's been in town. All these nice people in this beautiful and peaceful place may be threatened by these witches, and despite the police, they cannot protect themselves from them. Aside from that Harry is starting to feel like the American Magical Community is completely unaware of all this, at least no word came from them either when he was using magic himself, he, an underage wizard.

And then he thinks of Roxy. This sweet girl with pink hair and yellow tips, with her tender smile and kindness, Roxy, his new friend.

There, Harry makes a decision. He would not stay out, but protect Gardenia. And for that he will have to learn new magic, but no matter what, he will not allow himself to be corrupted by it.