The move
In a sleepy corner of England, a man named Harry Potter packed his bags with a heavy heart. The small village of Hogsmeade had been his home for years, filled with friends and memories of a past life. Now, with the world of magic growing more distant, Harry found himself drawn to the muggle world, to the warmth and simplicity it offered. His godson, baby Teddy Lupin, slept peacefully in his crib, oblivious to the monumental change about to unfold.
The decision to move to Austin, Texas was not one Harry took lightly. After the tumultuous battles and the loss of friends, he craved a life where magic could be a quiet part of their existence rather than the all-consuming force it often was. His job as an Auror had been a noble one, but the constant vigilance had taken its toll. The vibrant city promised new beginnings, a place where he could guide young Teddy through the challenges of growing up as a half-blood in a society that was mostly unaware of their kind.
The flight was long and tiring, but Harry couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement as the plane touched down. The heat washed over them as they stepped into the airport, a stark contrast to the perpetual coolness of England. As they collected their luggage, Harry felt the weight of his wand in his pocket, a comforting presence amidst the unfamiliar sights and sounds.
They took a cab to the small, cozy house Harry had secured before their arrival. It was nestled in a suburban neighborhood, with a sprawling oak tree in the front yard that reminded him of the Whomping Willow back at Hogwarts. As they pulled up to the curb, the door opened and a smiling woman emerged, holding a casserole. She was their new neighbor, Karen, who had been kind enough to offer her help. The warmth in her eyes was genuine, and Harry felt a flicker of hope that perhaps this move was the right choice.
The interior of the house was exactly as he had left it during his brief visit. The walls were painted in soft, earthy tones, and the furniture had a comforting, worn-in feel. Harry couldn't help but notice the absence of floating candles and moving portraits, but the charm was replaced by the gentle hum of the air conditioning and the welcoming aroma of the casserole. The living room had a large window overlooking the backyard, which Harry imagined would be a perfect spot for him and Teddy to share stories and laughter as the boy grew.
Teddy stirred in his arms as Harry walked through the house, his eyes blinking open to take in the new surroundings. The baby's curiosity was palpable, his gaze flickering from one strange object to the next. Harry felt a mix of anxiety and excitement, knowing that he was about to introduce his godson to a world so different from the one he knew. He placed the baby gently on the plush carpet, watching as Teddy began to crawl with renewed vigor, his chubby hands reaching out to explore the unfamiliar textures.
The first week in Austin was a blur of unpacking, setting up, and getting to know the neighborhood. Karen had been a godsend, introducing Harry to the local playgrounds and giving him the lowdown on the best places to grab a cup of coffee. She had even helped him navigate the bewildering world of muggle appliances, which seemed to have a mind of their own. The quiet muggle lifestyle was an adjustment, but one that Harry found himself appreciating more and more each day. The absence of owl post and the hustle of the ministry was a strange kind of peace.