An Enchanted Evening"
Jack, are you sure this is the right place?" Harry asked, peering through the tinted car window at the unassuming restaurant.
Jack O'Neill, a man of stoic demeanor and piercing blue eyes, gave him a reassuring nod. "Trust me, Harry, this place has the best steaks in town."
Harry, still adjusting to the muggle world, glanced at the sleeping baby Edward Lupin in his car seat, a bundle of blankets and a hint of his mother's coppery hair peeking out. "I hope so," he murmured. The baby's tiny fist clutched at a frayed corner of his shirt, reminding him of the life he had left behind. The magical world felt a million miles away in this bustling American city, but here they were.
Jack opened the car door and stepped out into the cool evening air, his military posture as straight as ever. He leaned back in, extending a hand to Harry. "Come on, I'll show you how the other half lives," he said with a smirk. Harry took the hand and climbed out, his eyes darting around nervously. He had been to Muggle places before, but always with a clear objective or undercover. This was different; this was a date, and Jack knew nothing of his true identity or the world of magic.
They entered the restaurant, the warm glow of pendant lights reflecting off polished wooden surfaces. The scent of sizzling meat and the low murmur of conversation filled the air. The hostess, a young woman with a bright smile, led them to a booth in the corner, far enough from the other patrons to allow for some privacy. She gave Harry a curious look, likely noticing the scar on his forehead, but said nothing. He adjusted the blanket around Edward and whispered a soft spell to keep him asleep and comfortable.
Jack ordered a bottle of wine, and as they waited for their meals, he told Harry stories of his own adventures, of battles fought across distant galaxies and friends made and lost along the way. Harry listened intently, the weight of his own secrets pressing on him like an invisible cloak. He found himself drawn to Jack's easy manner and the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his past. It was a stark contrast to the life Harry had led, one of constant vigilance and danger.
Their food arrived, and Harry was surprised to find that the steak was indeed as amazing as Jack had claimed. They laughed over the muggle cutlery, Jack teasing Harry about his tentative use of the steak knife. Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of ease, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time. The hum of the restaurant, the clink of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter created a soothing backdrop to their conversation.
Jack looked over at baby Edward, his eyes softening. "He's a good kid," he said, his voice low so as not to wake the sleeping child. Harry nodded, his chest swelling with pride. "His mother would be proud," he murmured. The sudden mention of Tonks sent a pang of pain through him, but he quickly pushed it aside. Tonight was about moving forward.
The conversation flowed easily, the two men finding common ground in their shared experiences of loss and the weight of their respective worlds on their shoulders. Jack spoke of his time in the military, the battles he'd fought, and the peace he'd found in the simplicity of a good meal with good company. Harry, for his part, talked about his recent move to Colorado Springs and his new venture – a small coffee shop nestled in a quiet corner of the city. It was a stark contrast to his former life, but he found comfort in the routine and the ability to be just another face in the crowd.