AN: I will update this chapter with answers to comments in a few days, as well why there was no new chapter for so long. Thanks for reading!!

Harry was watching with disbelief as an Angel of Annihilation fell into slumber at the first sight of Shelob. He got a deja vu from what happened with Ru when she first met the spider.

Speaking of the vampire, she was standing next to Tia and cackling with glee at the scene. Ru clearly enjoyed her friend/enemy's predicament. As Shelob approached, eyeing the new person on the farm with her eight beady eyes, it raised one of her legs in greeting.

"Is this going to become a common occurrence?" sighted Harry massaging his temples, trying to make sense of the bizarre situation.

Ru just laughed harder at that question; she was laughing so hard that she had to hold her stomach to stop herself from doubling over.

"Common occurrence?" Ru wheezed, wiping tears from her eyes. "You have no idea, Harry. You have no idea." She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "This is... well, it's Shelob. She's not exactly known for her... subtlety."

Shelob, meanwhile, had extended her leg further, tapping the Angel of Annihilation on the shoulder. The angel, still fast asleep, didn't react.

"I'm just a bit surprised." Began Harry.

Ru raised her eyebrow in question.

"Why both you and Tia lost consciousness when meeting Shelob? After all, both of you are renowned warriors," said Harry.

Ru snorted, her amusement returning. "Harry, darling, we're renowned, but Shelob is on another level than us. I doubt that even working together with Tia we could defeat Shelob."

As Harry raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner, Ru continued explaining, "Shelob species is known as the Great Demon Spider, also known as a Harbinger of Death."

"Harbinger of Death?" repeated Harry doubtfully not being capable of imagining a cute potato-loving spider of being named as such.

"It's just a title, one that means that Shelob is Apex Predator in this forest, and one of her abilities is called 'Stun Bash', its racial ability that belongs to her and all her children. 'Stun Bash' is a mental attack that activates at the first meeting with them, and as you can see with Tia, it causes the person to lose their consciousness, but I suspect that Shelob would kill a normal human with it," Ru continued.

After a moment, she narrowed her eyes at Harry. "But you should know this; surely you also lost consciousness when you met her for the first time?"

"Not really," replied Harry, scratching his chin, "to be honest, she was led here by the wolves, and nothing like that happened to me."

Ru's eyes widened at the admission; it was unheard of being capable of resisting Shelob's stun bash, especially knowing that the spider was at her peak evolution. It was one thing to resist it from one of her children, but Shelob herself not so much. Ru's thoughts went to the occlumency thinking if Harry's mental protection was because of it.

"Then why didn't you faint each time after meeting her?" Harry's voice stopped Ru from dwelling deeper into the issue.

"This ability only works at the first meeting; after that, it doesn't activate," replied Ru easily.

Tia stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She blinked slowly, looking around with a dazed expression. "Where... where am I?" She mumbled, her voice still thick with sleep.

"You're on Harry's farm," Ru said, her voice laced with amusement. "And you've just had a rather interesting encounter with Shelob."

Tia's eyes widened as she finally noticed the giant spider perched beside her. She gasped, scrambling back, her wings unfolding with a rush of air. "Shelob!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with a mixture of fear and awe. "But... but you're supposed to be a creature of darkness, a harbinger of death!"

Shelob, unfazed by Tia's outburst, simply blinked her eight beady eyes and turned her large head slightly as if in question.

"Shelob is a creature of darkness." Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "She seems pretty harmless to me. In fact, she's quite fond of potatoes."

Ru scoffed, "She loves potatoes because you give her potatoes. You've practically tamed her, Harry."

Tia, still a little dazed, looked from Shelob to Harry, then back to Ru. "But... she's a Great Demon Spider, a Harbinger of Death! How can you be so calm around her?"

Harry shrugged. "She's never done anything to hurt me. In fact, she's been quite helpful. She keeps the pests away from my crops." He pointed towards nearby fields.

Shelob, as if to prove Harry's point, turned her head towards the fields and let out a soft, almost purring sound. Her eight eyes seemed to twinkle with a mischievous glint as she looked at Harry, as if to say, "See? I'm a good girl."

Tia, still skeptical, cautiously approached Shelob, her wings still spread, ready for flight. "Shelob, you're... you're not what I expected."

Shelob blinked slowly, then extended one of her legs, tapping Tia gently on the shoulder. Tia flinched, but then she noticed the leg was soft and warm, not the sharp, menacing appendage she had imagined.

"I guess I was wrong," Tia said, her voice softening. "You're not so scary after all."

Shelob let out another soft purr, then turned her head back to Harry, as if asking for more potatoes.

Harry chuckled, "I think she just likes my company. She's always been very friendly with me." He scratched Shelob behind her head, and the spider let out a contented sigh.

Tia, still a little wary, sat down on the ground, her wings folded behind her. "I've heard stories about Shelob, about how she terrorizes the forest. How she devours anything that comes near her; how she is at the very top of the food chain in here, and after being hit by stun bash, nobody survives."

Tia looked from Shelob to Harry, her skepticism slowly melting away. Harry made a move to help Tia get up, offering her his hesitated for a moment, then accepted it, allowing him to help her to her feet.

"Thank you," Tia said.

"You will get used to her pretty quickly, but let's go inside," proposed Harry, leading the small group into his house.

—-xXx—-

The aroma of roasted vegetables and sizzling steak filled the air, mingling with the scent of fresh herbs. Harry, his face flushed with the heat of the oven and the satisfaction of a job well done, surveyed his culinary masterpiece with a proud grin.

Ru, perched on a stool at the kitchen counter, her pale skin glowing faintly in the warm light, watched Harry with a mischievous smile. She twirled a wine glass between her fingers, the crimson liquid inside catching the light and shimmering like liquid rubies.

"Isn't it amazing," Ru said, her voice a soft purr, "how you can create such magic with just a few simple ingredients?"

Harry looked over his shoulder, a playful glint in his eyes. "It's not exactly magic, Ru. It's more about patience and a bit of creativity. But I'm glad you think it's impressive."

Ru chuckled, leaning back slightly on her stool. "Oh, I think it's more than that. You've certainly mastered the art of cooking. It's almost a shame you don't apply the same finesse to potions."

Harry raised an eyebrow, setting a platter of perfectly grilled steak on the table. "Potions? You know I've never quite warmed up to the idea. My experience with it wasn't exactly pleasant."

Ru's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh? Do tell. What happened?"

Harry grimaced slightly. "Let's just say my time with potions was less than ideal. There was this potions master, Severus Snape, who had a rather rigorous approach to teaching. It wasn't exactly inspiring."

Ru's was clearly interested in this and pressed further, "What do you mean exactly?"

"He wasn't the most friendly fellow," Harry said with a wry smile as he set out plates and cutlery. "Add to that, he hated me with a passion and on every occasion had to insult me and my father, and you should understand my dislike of the subject. But enough about my potions trauma. Let's talk about something more pleasant. How's your latest experiment coming along?"

Ru's eyes lit up with a mix of pride and secrecy. "Actually, it's going quite well. I'm working on a new elixir that's designed to enhance physical regeneration. It's a delicate process, but I believe I'm getting closer to the perfect formula."

Harry nodded appreciatively as he served the food. "Sounds impressive. I've always admired your dedication to your craft. But for now, let's enjoy the meal. It's ready, and I'm sure you're eager to dig in."

Ru's smile widened as she took in the spread before her. "Well, if you insist. This looks absolutely delightful, Harry."

As they settled around the table, Tia entered the kitchen. She looked around with a mixture of curiosity and appreciation.

"This smells incredible," Tia remarked, her eyes widening as she took in the feast laid out before her. "I didn't realize you were such an accomplished chef, Harry."

Harry grinned, pulling out a chair for Tia. "I have my moments. Cooking is a bit like brewing potions, really. It's all about the right balance of ingredients and a bit of intuition."

Tia took her seat. "I'm excited to try it."

Harry served them all a flourish, and the conversation turned to lighter topics as they began to eat. The steak was perfectly seared, the vegetables seasoned to perfection, and the fresh herbs added a delightful burst of flavor to each bite.

Ru savored her first bite, her eyes closing in pleasure. "Harry, you've outdone yourself. This is divine."

Harry's smile was genuine and warm. "Thank you, Ru. I'm glad you like it. It's always nice to hear that my efforts are appreciated."

Tia took a bite of her meal and nodded in agreement. "I can see why. This is amazing. It's clear that you put a lot of care into your cooking."

As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation flowed easily. They spoke of their experiences on the farm, shared stories of their pasts, and discussed their hopes for the future.

After they had finished their meal and the plates were cleared away, Ru leaned back in her chair, a contented sigh escaping her lips. "That was wonderful, Harry. You truly have a gift."

Harry chuckled, pouring a bit more wine for everyone. "Thanks, Ru. It was my pleasure. Cooking for someone else is always a joy."

Tia looked at both of them, her expression thoughtful as she took a sip of her wine. "I have to admit, I'm fascinated by how different things are here compared to what I was used to."

Ru nodded, her gaze warm and understanding. "It's a place full of surprises. But sometimes, it's those very surprises that make it special."

Harry leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face as he watched his friends savor their meal. "I have to say, it's great to see everyone enjoying themselves like this. There's something special about sharing a meal you've worked hard on."

Ru took a sip of her wine, her eyes twinkling. "It's not just the food, Harry. It's the way you've made this evening feel so welcoming. The effort you put into every detail really shows."

Tia nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "It's true. I've been to many gatherings, but there's something uniquely comforting about this. It's like you've managed to infuse the evening with warmth and personality."

Harry looked around at the empty plates with a satisfied grin. "I'm glad everyone enjoyed the meal. It's always rewarding to see the fruits of your labor appreciated."

Ru leaned back in her chair, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the lights. "It's amazing how something as simple as a meal can bring out such great conversations."

Tia took a sip of her wine, a contemplative look on her face. "I get what you're saying. There's a certain magic in how we're all coming together tonight. It feels like the start of something new and exciting."

Harry looked around the table, a genuine smile on his face. "Absolutely. It's evenings like these that make me appreciate the value of good company and shared dreams."

Ru lifted her glass with a smile. "Here's to the small moments that lead to big changes."

Tia and Harry raised their glasses in agreement. "To small moments," they replied.

As their glasses touched, the room seemed to buzz with a newfound energy. The evening had not only been a satisfying meal but had also set the stage for an exciting future.

—-xXx—-

The early morning sun cast a golden hue over the sprawling fields of Harry's farm. The air was crisp, filled with the invigorating scent of dew-kissed earth and blooming flowers. Ru and Harry were already out in the fields, preparing for the day's work. Ru, her vampiric grace evident even in the practical work attire she wore, moved with an effortless elegance as she arranged gardening tools. Harry, with his sleeves rolled up and a determined look in his eyes, checked on the crops with a mix of pride and practicality.

Tia approached the fields with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The Angel of Annihilation had been intrigued by the prospect of working in the fields but had little experience with such hands-on tasks. She had spent much of her life in the ethereal realms of celestial duty, where physical labor was not part of her daily routine.

Harry, spotting Tia, waved her over with a welcoming smile. "Good morning, Tia! Ready to get your hands dirty?"

Tia nodded. "Good morning, Harry. I'm ready. I'm eager to learn."

Ru looked up from where she was inspecting a set of gardening tools. Harry gave it to her so she wouldn't need to depend on his, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, this will be an experience for you, Tia. Farming is quite different from what we usually do."

Harry chuckled, giving Ru a sidelong glance. "Yes, and it's definitely more about patience and persistence than it is about divine power or combat skills."

Tia took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening as she approached the tools. "I'm ready for the challenge. Where should we start?"

Harry gestured towards a section of the field that had recently been tilled. "We're going to start with planting some seeds. It's a good place to begin if you're new to farming."

Ru handed Tia a small hand trowel and a handful of seeds. "Here, Tia. These are radish seeds. They're quite hardy and easy to grow. Follow Harry's instructions, and you'll do fine."

Harry demonstrated the technique with practiced ease. "The key is to make a small furrow in the soil, about an inch deep. Space the seeds a few inches apart, then cover them lightly with soil. It's all about giving them enough room to grow."

Tia nodded, mimicking Harry's movements as she made a furrow in the soil. She placed the seeds carefully, spacing them as instructed. The warmth of the soil felt surprisingly soothing against her fingers.

Ru watched with a mix of amusement and approval. "You're doing well, Tia."

Tia glanced up and smiled at her archenemy. As Tia continued planting, Ru moved to a nearby section of the field where she began her own work.

Ru smiled, clearly enjoying Tia's fascination. "There's a certain beauty in it, don't you think? The cycle of growth, harvest, and renewal."

As the morning progressed, the trio worked side by side, their conversation flowing easily between tasks. Tia found herself becoming more comfortable with the physical aspects of farming. The rhythmic motions of planting, the tactile sensation of soil, and the simple satisfaction of nurturing life began to resonate with her.

Harry and Ru, noticing Tia's growing confidence, began to explain more advanced aspects of farming. "Once the seeds sprout, we'll need to thin them out to prevent overcrowding," Harry said, his voice practical. "And regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells."

"Pest control is also important. But Shelob's children and Padfoot's family are taking care of it.""

Harry smiled, clearly pleased with Tia's progress.

As midday approached, the sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the fields. The trio took a break, sitting on the grass and enjoying a simple lunch that Harry had prepared. The meal was a modest but satisfying affair—fresh bread, cheese, and some of the vegetables from the field.

Tia took a bite of the bread and cheese, savoring the flavors. "This is delicious. It's incredible how everything on this farm is so interlinked. The food we enjoy originates from the very land we tend to."

Ru nodded, enjoying the taste of tomatoes with stars in her eyes.

Harry leaned back, a satisfied grin on his face. "One of the many rewards of farming is the sense of accomplishment. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it in the end."

Tia looked at her companions with a newfound appreciation. "Thank you both for showing me this side of life. It's been a rewarding experience. "

Ru's eyes softened with a hint of warmth. "We're glad to have you here, Tia. It's always a pleasure to share knowledge and experiences. And it's wonderful to see you embracing it."

As they finished their lunch and prepared to return to their work, Tia felt a sense of fulfillment that she hadn't anticipated. The day had been filled with hard work, but it was a truly satisfying experience for her. She never anticipated that such mundane work would bring so much joy for someone like her.

The afternoon continued with more planting and maintenance, and Tia's confidence grew with each task. Harry and Ru, noticing her progress, shared a look of approval. "You've done an excellent job today, Tia," Harry said, his voice genuine. "It's been great working with you."

Ru added with a smile, "You've embraced the farm's spirit beautifully. It's clear you have a natural talent for it."

Tia smiled, with a blush on her face. "Thank you both."

With the day's work done, the trio each went their way to focus on their individual task. Ru went to her laboratory to continue her experiments, and Harry went to do the work that only he could do thanks to AFT. While Tia went to explore the farm.

—-xXx—-

Ru moved with a grace that belied her keen focus. Her long, white hair was tied back in a loose bun, and her sapphire eyes glinted with a mixture of intellect and mischief. She was in the midst of adding a peculiar herb to a simmering concoction, her concentration absolute.

The door to the laboratory creaked open, and Tia stepped inside. Her expression was one of both curiosity and apprehension. The transition from the battlefield to this serene farm had been significant, and her archenemy that stood before her only added to her sense of unease.

Ru glanced up from her work, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Ah, Tia. To what do I owe the pleasure? If you've come here for another fight, I'm afraid you will be sorely disappointed. It wouldn't end well with wolves and spiders probably coming along to join the frey."

Tia offered a small, hesitant smile. "I came to speak with you, Ru. About Harry."

Ru raised an eyebrow; her interest piqued. She set down her stirring rod and motioned for Tia to come closer. "Harry, you say? That's a topic I could discuss at length. What's on your mind?"

Tia stepped further into the room, her gaze sweeping over the array of alchemical equipment and ingredients. "I've been trying to understand more about him. He's been kind to me, and this place... it's unlike anything I've known. But I'm curious about his past, about what led him to create this farm, about what he is."

Ru's expression shifted from playful to thoughtful. She gestured to a nearby chair, inviting Tia to sit. "Have a seat, then. I'm sure there's much you want to know, and I'd be happy to oblige."

Tia took a seat at the edge of the desk; she adjusted her dress as she settled. "Thank you."

Ru chuckled softly, her eyes narrowing as she considered how best to begin. "To begin with, I only know a little about his past, mostly from small things that he says, as he isn't exactly keen on speaking on it."

Tia leaned in slightly, her curiosity evident. "I've gathered that much. But what exactly led him to this place? Why did he choose to create this farm?"

Ru's gaze grew distant as she began to think about Harry's story. "From what I gathered, he not only was betrayed by those that were close to him; he also was from a young age groomed to become some kind of weapon."

Tia's eyes widened. "Groomed?"

Ru sighed, her expression somber. "As I said, he doesn't exactly speak up about his past, but from fragments that he told, I gathered that there was someone who manipulated everything from the day he was very young."

Tia listened intently, "And the farm? How did he come to build this place?"

"He simply wandered here after his escape from his country and started building," Ru explained. "I don't know where he came from, but I am sure it isn't anywhere on this continent. He came here alone and, after some time, managed to earn the loyalty of the wolves and spiders."

"How did he manage that?" asked Tia softly.

Ru shrugged her shoulders. "I have no idea, but you saw his strength yourself. When you saw him for the first time, you probably couldn't even feel any magic from him, could you?"

Tia shook her head slowly. "No, I couldn't. It was... unnerving, to be honest. I've fought countless enemies, some of the strongest wielders of magic, but Harry... He felt like nothing. Just a void. It was like standing next to a shadow that could disappear at any moment."

Ru nodded her head at that; she, as a magic practitioner, knew firsthand that even humans without any magic talent whatsoever had some magic, not enough to do spells by themselves but enough to detect them.

Ru's lips quirked in a half smile. "That's the part I haven't figured out yet. He doesn't use magic the way we do; without creating magic circles, he practically bends reality to his whims."

"Is he even human?" said Tia under her breath.

Ru snorted at that, "He says so. But it's hard to believe; I myself wondered if he was something else."

"If not human, then what is he?" asked Tia.

Ru returned to her simmering concoction, adding another ingredient with a measured grace. The liquid inside the cauldron turned a deep shade of purple, releasing a faint, sweet aroma. She stirred it slowly, her eyes focused but her thoughts clearly elsewhere.

"I have no idea. I can tell you that his blood is unique," Ru began, "in a way that I never saw. It can be either poisonous or give healing properties depending on his will alone. And the taste of it is almost addictive." Ru shivered at the thought of this: "And feeling the power that he showed yesterday while holding his weapon, I'm pretty sure he can match a Gatekeeper Dragon if he wanted."

Tia swallowed hard, unable to picture anyone facing a dragon in battle. "And what are his plans for the future?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Ru paused, her stirring slowing as she considered Tia's question. The faint bubbling of the potion was the only sound in the room for a moment. Finally, she sighed, her expression shifting to one of uncertainty.

"Harry doesn't talk about the future much," Ru admitted, her tone quieter. "I don't think he's the type to plan ahead, at least not in the conventional sense. He seems more focused on the present, on doing whatever he wants at the moment."

Tia frowned, leaning back in her seat as she absorbed Ru's words. "That's... troubling," she said after a moment.

"You know," began Ru after a moment, "sometimes I wonder if he even is from our world at all."

"What do you mean?" asked Tia.

Ru set down her stirring rod and leaned against the table, folding her arms thoughtfully. Her sapphire eyes glowed with a mixture of curiosity and concern as she stared into the cauldron's swirling depths. "What I mean is... well, after living here with him for the last few months, I noticed a few things about him. For example, he doesn't even know what this forest is called."

Tia raised an eyebrow at that. "He doesn't know the name of the forest? How could he not? It's... one of the oldest and most well-known regions in this part of the continent."

Ru shrugged, a thoughtful frown tugging at her lips. "Exactly. At first, I thought it was a simple oversight, maybe just him being aloof. But then I realized—he's not ignorant of the world around him. He just doesn't seem to have common knowledge. So he either lived somewhere under the rock and never heard the most common things, like names of the countries, or he came from another world; this is the only conclusion I made."

Tia looked thoughtful at this information. "And you never asked him?"

Ru sighted, "Unless he starts speaking about it, he isn't exactly forthcoming with his past. Even the small amount that he told me was something that he did by mistake."

"And what did you gather about his past?" Tia leaned forward.

"Just enough to know that he was betrayed in the past by those whom he trusted. This is the main reason why he allowed me to stay here, because he can relate in some way to me," said Ru.

Tia's eyes softened for a moment, considering Ru's words. "Betrayed... that would explain a lot about his nature. The way he keeps people at arm's length, his lack of trust." She paused, then added, "But why did he let me stay? I came here as his enemy, yet he shows no hostility. It doesn't add up."

Ru smiled faintly, her eyes drifting back to the potion as she stirred it. "Harry has a strange sense of morality. He doesn't view people as threats unless they cross certain lines. You may have come as an enemy, but I asked him to let you stay. As long as you don't try to manipulate him or harm the things he holds dear, you may stay. He respects strength, but not in the way you or I would think. I guess, in some twisted way, he sees you as... interesting."

"Interesting?" Tia echoed, her tone laced with a hint of disbelief.

Ru's eyes landed on the angel. "I'm pretty sure you are the first angel that he met."

"The first angel he's met..." she repeated softly, more to herself than to Ru.

"You don't have to worry about it," Ru started, her tone softening. "Harry doesn't seem to care much for labels—angel, human, demon. He only sees people for what they do, not what they are. Your background doesn't concern him unless you make it his problem."

Tia's expression shifted, a mixture of relief and continued uncertainty. "I suppose that explains why he hasn't cast me out."

Ru, sensing her internal conflict, leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table. "I can see you're still trying to make sense of it all. Trust me, I was the same when I first arrived here. Harry's... unlike anyone I've ever met. But one thing is certain: he isn't a bad person."

Tia pondered Ru's words, her thoughts swirling like the potion in Ru's cauldron. The more she learned about the mysterious Harry, the more intrigued she became. He defied everything she understood about people, magic, and power. If she truly wanted to uncover the depths of who he was, it was clear she couldn't rely solely on Ru's insights—she would need to stay and observe him herself, learn from his actions, and maybe, in time, uncover the truth behind the enigma.

Ru's hands moved deftly as she continued to stir her potion, though her focus remained on Tia, as if sensing the angel's deepening thoughts. Tia sat in silence, absorbing everything Ru had said. The air in the room was thick with the mixture of alchemical scents and unspoken tension.

"You're staying, then?" Ru asked, her voice breaking the quiet with a soft, knowing edge.

Tia's gaze lifted, locking with Ru's sapphire eyes. She hesitated for a moment, the weight of her decision settling on her shoulders. "Yes," she finally admitted. "I need to understand him. There's something about Harry... something I can't just walk away from."

Ru smiled faintly, her lips quirking at the edges. "I thought as much. You'll learn more by watching than asking. He's the type that reveals himself in subtle ways—through his actions, not his words."

Tia nodded, knowing Ru was right. Harry was a puzzle, and her instincts told her that whatever his past was, it held power over his present. She had seen enough to recognize that the quiet strength he carried came from more than just magic or combat prowess. There was something deeper, something darker. She would need patience to unravel it.

"Thank you, Ru," Tia said, standing from her seat. "For the insight... and for letting me stay here."

Ru waved a hand dismissively but gave her a nod. "Just don't go poking too deep too soon. Harry's like one of those spiders outside—if you get too close without caution, you'll get bitten."

Tia smirked at the warning, appreciating the analogy. "Noted," she said before turning toward the door.

As she stepped out of the laboratory, the farm stretched out before her under the golden afternoon sun, peaceful and serene. But beneath that tranquility lay a mystery she was now determined to solve. She looked toward the distant treeline, where Harry often disappeared during his wanderings.

Tia took a deep breath and made her way toward the big tree, her mind already turning to how she might approach Harry next. If she wanted answers, she would have to be clever, patient, and—above all—careful.