Finding a Place in the World
Chapter 3: Finding a Place in the World
The morning air in Bon Temps was thick with humidity, clinging to Harry’s skin like a second layer. He had never quite gotten used to the heaviness of the Southern heat, but after everything he had endured, it was a minor discomfort in the grand scheme of things.
Sitting at the kitchen table, he idly twirled his spoon in his bowl of cereal, only half-listening as Sookie chatted away about her shift at Merlotte’s last night. She had a way of filling the silence, as if she knew Harry wasn’t always ready to talk but still wanted him to feel included.
“I swear, if Arlene gives me one more of those looks like I’m some kinda freak, I’m gonna lose it,” she huffed, shoving a bite of toast into her mouth. “Like, I get it. People ain’t always comfortable with what I can do, but that don’t give ‘em the right to act like I’m some kinda monster.”
Harry hummed in response, understanding that feeling all too well.
“She sounds like she’s just jealous,” he mused, finally taking a bite of his cereal. “Not everyone can hear the truth in people’s heads.”
Sookie snorted. “Yeah, well, I’d trade it in a heartbeat. It ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
Harry thought about that for a moment. He knew what it was like to have something forced upon him that he never asked for. A scar, a prophecy, a war he never wanted to fight. Maybe he and Sookie had more in common than he originally thought.
Grans entered the kitchen with a warm smile, placing a gentle hand on Harry’s shoulder as she passed. He had tensed up at the touch, but she didn’t comment on it, just like she never did. She had this way of making him feel like he wasn’t broken, even when he felt like he was.
“Harry, sweetheart, I was thinkin’,” Adele began, pouring herself a cup of coffee. “Now that you’ve gotten your test results back, maybe it’s time to start thinkin’ about what comes next for you.”
He stiffened slightly, suddenly feeling cornered. “What do you mean?”
“I mean college, sugar,” she said gently. “You’ve got yourself a fresh start here, and I want you to have all the opportunities you deserve.”
Harry shifted uncomfortably, not sure how to respond. The idea of going to college had never really crossed his mind. He had spent so long just trying to survive, to keep himself and others alive, that planning for the future had seemed… impossible.
Sookie leaned forward, resting her chin in her palm as she studied him. “You don’t have to decide right now,” she said, her voice softer than usual. “But it might be good for you, y’know? Get out, meet people, figure out what you wanna do now that you’re not… well, you know.”
A weapon. A soldier. A sacrifice.
Harry swallowed, looking down at his hands. It was strange, really. He had spent so long being defined by others—The Boy Who Lived, the Chosen One, the Savior—that he wasn’t sure who **Harry** was supposed to be now.
“I’ll think about it,” he said finally, and Adele beamed like he had just promised her the world.
“That’s all I ask, sweetheart.”
The conversation shifted after that, and Harry was grateful for it.
---
Later that afternoon, Sookie dragged him into town for another attempt at getting him comfortable in his new home. It wasn’t as bad as he had expected, though. The town was small, easy to navigate, and most people either ignored him or offered polite nods when they passed.
That was, until they stepped into Merlotte’s.
The second they entered, a few heads turned, eyes lingering on him with curiosity. He wasn’t sure if it was because he was new, because he was with Sookie, or because something about him just set people on edge.
“Don’t mind ‘em,” Sookie whispered to him as they made their way to the bar. “Small-town folk always get nosy when a new face shows up.”
Harry just nodded, keeping his expression neutral. He had learned long ago how to blend in when needed.
As they took seats at the bar, a man with tousled blond hair and sharp blue eyes walked over, drying his hands on a rag. He was handsome, in an easy, effortless way, but there was something about him that made Harry’s instincts sharpen.
“Well, well,” the man drawled, his Southern accent thick but smooth. “You must be the new kid Sookie’s been talkin’ about.”
Harry tilted his head slightly. “That depends. Who’s asking?”
Sookie groaned. “Oh, for the love of—Harry, this is Sam Merlotte, my boss.” She turned to Sam. “Sam, this is my nephew, Harry.”
Sam’s expression didn’t change much, but Harry caught the flicker of curiosity in his eyes.
“Nice to meet you,” Sam said, offering a hand.
Harry shook it, noting the strength in Sam’s grip. There was something… off about him, though. Not in a bad way, necessarily, but enough that Harry could tell he wasn’t a normal No-Maj. He knew the signs.
“You, uh… new in town for good?” Sam asked, wiping down the counter.
“Seems that way,” Harry replied.
Sookie rolled her eyes. “He’s stayin’ with us, Sam. So be nice.”
Sam smirked. “I’m always nice.”
Harry wasn’t convinced.
They spent the next hour at the bar, Sookie catching up with a few friends while Harry observed, trying to get a feel for the place. He didn’t mind it here, not really. It was strange, but then again, he was used to strange.
As they were leaving, Sam called after him. “Hey, Harry.”
He turned back, raising a brow.
“If you’re lookin’ for work, let me know,” Sam said, eyes unreadable. “Could always use an extra set of hands around here.”
Harry didn’t answer right away. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for something like that. But still, the offer stuck with him as they walked back to Sookie’s car.
“You should take him up on that, y’know,” Sookie said as she buckled in.
Harry shrugged. “Maybe.”
She gave him a knowing look but didn’t push.
For the first time in a long time, Harry felt like he had a choice in what happened next. And maybe—just maybe—he was ready to start figuring out what that meant.