Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 10 (Patreon)

The Ministry of Magic was bustling with activity as Hermione made her way through the familiar corridors. She had walked these halls countless times, but today felt different. With each step, she felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia, knowing she was about to close a significant chapter of her life.

Entering the office of her supervisor, Mr. Grayson, Hermione took a deep breath. He was a middle-aged wizard with a kind face and a reputation for being understanding. As she sat down, he looked up from his paperwork, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

“Hermione, good to see you! What brings you here today?” he asked, putting down his quill.

“Thank you, Mr. Grayson,” Hermione replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’ve come to discuss my resignation.”

Mr. Grayson’s expression shifted to one of surprise. “Resignation? I wasn’t aware you were considering leaving. Is everything alright?”

“Yes, everything’s fine,” she assured him. “It’s just that Harry and I are moving to America. We want to start a new life there, and I feel it’s time for me to embrace this change fully.”

He nodded slowly, understanding her sentiment. “America, you say? That’s quite a leap. Are you certain? The Ministry will be losing one of its brightest minds.”

Hermione smiled, her heart swelling with pride at the compliment. “I appreciate that, but this is something I’ve thought long and hard about. Harry and I want to build a life together, and I believe this is the right decision for us.”

“Of course, I understand,” he replied, his voice warm. “You’ve contributed so much here, Hermione. If you need any assistance with the transition or if you’d like a letter of recommendation, please let me know.”

“Thank you, Mr. Grayson. That means a lot to me.” Hermione stood up, feeling a sense of closure wash over her. “I’ll miss everyone here, but I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”

After exchanging goodbyes, Hermione exited the Ministry, her spirits high despite the bittersweet feeling of leaving. Meanwhile, Harry had his own important errands to run. He headed straight to Gringotts, the goblin-run bank that had been a significant part of his life since childhood.

As he approached the imposing entrance of Gringotts, he felt a surge of determination. Today, he would move his entire bank account from Britain to the American branch in Seattle. The goblins were efficient, and he knew they would handle everything with their usual meticulousness.

“Mr. Potter,” a goblin named Goldaxe greeted him, his sharp features accentuated by the flickering torches lining the walls. “What can I do for you today?”

“I need to transfer my entire account to the American Gringotts branch,” Harry said firmly. “I’m moving to America and want to ensure my finances are accessible there.”

Goldaxe raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A wise decision, considering your new circumstances. I will need to verify your identity and gather some documentation. Please follow me.”

After a thorough process of verification and signing several forms, Harry felt a sense of relief as Goldaxe assured him, “Your funds will be available in the American branch within a few days. You’ll have access to them as soon as you arrive.”

“Thank you, Goldaxe,” Harry replied, grateful for the goblin’s efficiency. With that taken care of, he knew he could focus on the next part of their journey.

Later that day, Harry and Hermione gathered their belongings and prepared to say goodbye to their friends. The mood was bittersweet at their flat as Weasley twins, Neville, and a few others joined them for one last gathering.

“I can’t believe you’re really leaving,” Fred said, his voice a mix of disappointment and understanding. “It’s not going to be the same without you around, mate.”

“I know,” Harry replied, looking around at the faces of his closest friends. “But this is something I have to do. It’s not just about me anymore; it’s about building a future with Hermione and Teddy.”

Neville chimed in, “You’ve always been brave, Harry. Moving to America sounds exciting! Just remember to send us all postcards!”

“I will,” Harry promised with a grin. “You’ll be the first to know about our adventures. Just… keep an eye on things here, alright?”

The group shared laughs and stories, reminiscing about their time together as the sun began to set. Harry felt a pang of sadness but also a surge of hope. He was leaving behind a life that had shaped him, but he was also stepping into a future filled with possibilities.

The next morning, as they arrived at the airport, Harry felt a rush of nerves. Teddy was bouncing around with excitement, his eyes wide as he took in the vastness of the terminal. He gazed up at the high ceilings and the bustling crowds, his energy infectious.

“Look at all the people, Dad!” Teddy exclaimed, practically bouncing on his heels. “It’s like a wizarding market but even bigger! Can we ride on that flying thing?” He pointed excitedly at a nearby airplane, its nose pointed towards the sky.

Harry chuckled, his heart warming at Teddy’s enthusiasm. “That flying thing is called an airplane, Teddy. We’ll be getting on one of those soon. And yes, it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

“Do you think it’s like riding a broom?” Teddy asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“It’s similar, but you have to stay seated. No flying around on your own,” Hermione interjected, kneeling beside Teddy. “But it’ll be an adventure, I promise.”

“I can’t wait!” Teddy said, practically vibrating with excitement. “What else do Muggles have? I want to see everything!”

Harry couldn’t help but think of Arthur Weasley and his endless fascination with Muggle inventions. “They’ve got all sorts of things, Teddy. Cars that drive themselves, machines that make toast, and they even have these little things called phones that let you talk to people without being in the same place.”

“Phones? That sounds amazing!” Teddy exclaimed, his imagination running wild. “Can we get one? I want to call everyone!”

Hermione laughed. “We’ll get you one eventually, but for now, let’s focus on getting on the plane.”

As they made their way through security, Hermione knelt beside Teddy, fastening the magic suppression necklace around his neck. “This will help keep your magic in check while we’re around non-magical people, Teddy,” she explained gently. “It’s very important that we don’t accidentally reveal ourselves, especially on our flight.”

“Okay, Aunt Hermione,” Teddy replied, his eyes wide with anticipation. “I’ll be good! No magic, I promise!”

Harry leaned down, ruffling Teddy’s hair affectionately. “You’re going to be great. And just remember, if you feel anything funny or want to use your magic, you can talk to us.”

Teddy nodded eagerly, holding tightly to his toy dragon as they moved through security. Harry and Hermione exchanged knowing glances, understanding the weight of the moment.

As they boarded the plane, Teddy’s excitement bubbled over. He peered out the window, his mouth forming an ‘O’ of amazement. “Look at how big the wings are! Are we really going to fly in that?”

“Absolutely!” Harry said, smiling at Teddy’s wonder. “And soon enough, we’ll be in the air.”

Once seated, Teddy kept asking questions, his curiosity insatiable. “What happens if it starts to fall? Can you use magic to make it fly again?”

Harry chuckled, “I wish we could, but this is a Muggle airplane. We’ll be perfectly fine. And if anything goes wrong, there are safety measures in place. Just think of it like a really big, safe broomstick.”

“Wow! That’s so cool!” Teddy exclaimed, bouncing in his seat.

Hermione couldn’t help but smile at their son’s excitement. “Just wait until you see the clouds up close. It’s like flying through a fluffy dream.”

As the plane taxied down the runway, Harry whispered to Teddy, “We’re going to America as non-magical, so it’s essential to keep your voice down about magic while we’re around other people, okay?”

“Got it, Dad!” Teddy grinned, his enthusiasm radiating through the cabin.

Harry and Hermione settled into their seats, holding hands as the plane taxied down the runway. They could see the familiar landscapes of London shrink beneath them, a world they had known for so long.

“Are you ready for this?” Hermione asked, glancing at Harry.

He nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. “Ready as I’ll ever be. This is just the beginning of our adventure together.”

With a deep breath, Harry closed his eyes, envisioning their new life in America, filled with magic, love, and the promise of a bright future. As the plane soared into the sky, he felt the weight of the past lift, replaced by the thrilling anticipation of what lay ahead.

As the airplane landed smoothly on the runway, Teddy could hardly contain his excitement. The moment the wheels touched the ground, he pressed his face against the window, his eyes wide with wonder. “We did it! We really flew in an airplane!” he exclaimed, bouncing in his seat.

Harry chuckled, glancing at Hermione, who smiled at their son’s enthusiasm. “What did you think, Teddy?” Harry asked, enjoying the sight of the boy’s unrestrained joy.

“It was amazing! Can we go again? Can we fly back right now?” Teddy pleaded, practically jumping up and down.

Harry laughed, shaking his head. “I think you might be a little too eager, kiddo. But it’s good to see you so excited about flying. I must say, it’s quite a change from riding the Gringotts carts, isn’t it?”

“Way cooler!” Teddy declared, his eyes sparkling. “The Gringotts carts are fun, but this is like a magical adventure! I want to go back up in the sky again!”

Hermione reached over and tousled his hair affectionately. “We’ll have plenty of adventures, but first, we have some important things to take care of.”

As they exited the airplane and made their way through the terminal, the hustle and bustle of the airport captivated Teddy. He pointed at everything with uncontained enthusiasm. “Look at all the people! And those shops! What’s that?” He gestured toward a café filled with Muggles enjoying pastries and coffee.

Harry smiled, remembering his own wonder at the Muggle world during his first experiences. “That’s a coffee shop, Teddy. Muggles love their coffee and treats. We can stop by later.”

After going through customs and collecting their bags, the trio made their way to the designated area where they could arrange for their next flight. The airport in New York was impressive, but Teddy was particularly eager to see the airplane that would take them to Seattle.

“Can we fly there next?” Teddy asked, bouncing on his heels.

Harry exchanged a glance with Hermione, and they both nodded, knowing how much this meant to their son. “Sure thing,” Harry replied. “It’s actually faster to fly to Seattle than to drive, and we’ll get there sooner so we can start exploring our new home.”

Once they secured their tickets and made their way to the boarding gate, Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him. The initial chaos of arriving in a new country was settling down, and he was grateful to have Hermione and Teddy by his side. They went through the security procedures once more, with Teddy eagerly following the rules.

“I can’t wait to see the plane again!” Teddy exclaimed, practically dancing on the spot.

Hermione smiled, her heart warming at his excitement. “You know, Teddy, the Muggle world is full of fascinating things. There’s so much for us to explore together.”

As they boarded the next plane, Teddy’s face lit up with glee. He took his window seat again, eagerly looking out as the flight attendants prepared the cabin for takeoff. “It’s just like last time!” he shouted, clapping his hands.

“Just remember to keep your voice down around the other passengers,” Harry reminded him gently. “We want to blend in, remember?”

Teddy nodded seriously, then whispered, “I promise, Dad. But can I still tell you how awesome it is?”

“Absolutely,” Harry replied, smiling at the boy’s infectious enthusiasm.

As the plane took off, Teddy watched in awe as the ground fell away beneath them. “We’re flying!” he whispered, gripping the armrest tightly. “This is the best thing ever!”

Hermione couldn’t help but laugh at his excitement. “Just wait until you see Seattle. It’s beautiful there, and we’ll have so many adventures lined up.”

As the plane touched down in Seattle, Harry glanced out the window at the gray, overcast sky. The clouds hung low, cloaking the city in a soft, misty blanket that reminded him of the weather back in England. The air was fresh and crisp, and he felt a wave of anticipation wash over him. “Welcome to Seattle, everyone,” he said, a smile breaking across his face as he turned to Teddy and Hermione.

Teddy peered out the window, his excitement dimmed by the familiar gloom. “It looks just like home,” he remarked, crossing his arms and leaning back in his seat, clearly less enthused about the view. “I thought America would be sunny and bright.”

“Don’t worry, Teddy,” Hermione reassured him, ruffling his hair affectionately. “We’ll find some sunny spots soon enough. And besides, every place has its own charm. Sometimes the clouds make things feel cozy.”

After disembarking, they made their way to the taxi stand, and Harry hailed a cab. “To the Grand Hotel, please,” he instructed the driver as they slid into the back seat. Teddy buckled in, eyeing the seatbelt warily, as though it were an unfamiliar spell.

The driver, a friendly Muggle in his forties, glanced at them through the rearview mirror. “First time in Seattle?” he asked, a smile on his face.

“Yeah,” Harry replied. “We just arrived from London.”

“Ah, London! Quite a place. You’ll love Seattle, even if the weather’s a bit drab. It’s known for its coffee culture and stunning views when the clouds clear,” the driver said, skillfully maneuvering through the bustling city streets.

Teddy watched the scenery flash by, but his excitement didn’t quite match his previous experiences in the air. “I like the airplane better than this car,” he muttered, staring out the window at the rain-soaked streets and the dimly lit storefronts.

“Just wait until we visit the Space Needle!” Hermione chimed in, trying to lift his spirits. “There’s so much to see, and I promise you’ll love it all.”

As they drove closer to their destination, the architecture shifted from modern glass buildings to more historic structures, each telling its own story. Harry felt a rush of thrill at the thought of exploring this new place with Hermione and Teddy by his side.

They finally arrived at the Grand Hotel, its towering facade glimmering with a hint of elegance even under the gray sky. Teddy’s mouth fell open as he stepped out of the cab, eyes wide with wonder. “Whoa! This place is huge!” he exclaimed, looking up at the intricately designed entrance and the grand awning.

“Just wait until you see the inside,” Hermione said, grinning at his reaction.

Inside, the lobby was even more breathtaking. A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow over the polished marble floors. Teddy darted ahead, his footsteps echoing as he explored the lavish surroundings. “It’s like a castle!” he shouted, delighting in the opulence.

Harry chuckled, watching as Teddy marveled at the ornate furnishings and the sprawling seating areas. “It really is something special,” he agreed with Hermione as they approached the front desk to check in.

After a smooth check-in process, they made their way to their room. The key card slid into the lock with a satisfying beep, and as the door swung open, Teddy gasped again. The room was spacious, with large windows that overlooked the city skyline, albeit shrouded in clouds. There was a king-sized bed, plush seating, and even a little kitchenette.

“Dinner is waiting for you in the dining area,” the hotel attendant informed them with a warm smile.

Teddy’s eyes widened at the sight of the table set with an assortment of dishes. “Did they just bring us food?” he asked, astonished. “Like, right here?”

“Yup! Room service is one of the perks of staying in a place like this,” Harry said, helping Teddy pull out a chair at the dining table.

They dug into the meal, a delightful spread of American favorites: grilled chicken, pasta, fresh vegetables, and a decadent chocolate cake for dessert. Teddy was particularly thrilled, his face lighting up with every bite. “This is the best food ever!” he declared, practically inhaling his chicken. “I could get used to this!”

Hermione smiled, enjoying her own meal. “Well, it’s not just the food; it’s also about the experience. New places, new flavors!”

After their satisfying dinner, they settled in for the night. Teddy, worn out from the day’s excitement, snuggled between Harry and Hermione as they watched the muted lights of the city flicker through the window.

“Can we sleep in tomorrow?” Teddy yawned, his eyelids drooping.

“Of course, buddy,” Harry said, wrapping an arm around him. “We’ve got plenty of time to explore.”

They all drifted off to sleep, the soft sounds of the city lulling them into a peaceful rest.

The next morning, they awoke to the smell of fresh coffee and pancakes wafting through their hotel room. Harry stretched, feeling refreshed and ready to embrace the day.

“Rise and shine, sleepyheads!” Hermione said cheerfully as she pulled back the curtains, letting in the soft morning light, though the clouds still hung thick outside.

“Is it breakfast time?” Teddy asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

“Absolutely!” Hermione replied, her smile infectious. “Let’s head to the hotel cafeteria. I hear they serve a fantastic American breakfast.”

Teddy jumped out of bed, his earlier drowsiness forgotten. “What’s an American breakfast?” he asked, bouncing on his toes. “Is it like breakfast in England?”

Harry and Hermione exchanged amused glances. “You’ll see,” Harry replied, chuckling at Teddy’s curiosity. “Let’s go find out.”

They made their way to the hotel cafeteria, and Teddy’s eyes widened at the spread before him: fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and an array of colorful fruits.

“This is so much food!” Teddy exclaimed, eyes darting from one dish to the next. “Do we really get to eat all of this?”

“Yes, we do,” Harry assured him, grabbing a plate. “Grab what you want!”

Teddy piled his plate high with pancakes and bacon, a gleeful smile plastered on his face. “I think I love America already!” he declared as they settled down at a table, eager to dig into their breakfast.

As they ate, Harry marveled at how quickly Teddy adapted to this new world. He watched as his son chatted excitedly about the different foods, his laughter ringing through the cafeteria.

“Today, we’ll explore the city,” Hermione suggested after they finished their meal. “We can visit Pike Place Market and maybe even see the Space Needle!”

“Can we ride the elevator to the top?” Teddy asked, bouncing in his seat again. “I want to see everything from up there!”

“Of course!” Harry replied, his heart swelling with happiness. “It’s going to be an adventure, just like we promised.”

With their spirits high and hearts full, they finished their breakfast, ready to embrace whatever Seattle had in store for them. The city awaited, and so did the many memories they were about to create together.