Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 13 (Patreon)

Harry stood at the window of his home in Forks, Washington, gazing out at the lush forest that surrounded them. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light on the ground. He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, pine-scented air. It felt good to be home, but he knew that with great opportunity came great responsibility.

The factory was humming with activity now, but it hadn’t started that way. In the beginning, production at Phoenix Sports Equipment Co. was a slow and meticulous process. The workers, though skilled in their crafts, were unfamiliar with the modern machinery they now had to operate. Mistakes were inevitable; a bat would come out with an uneven finish, or a glove’s stitching would be too tight.

As he made his way down to the factory floor, Harry reflected on how far they had come. He found himself smiling, watching the workers struggle at first but then slowly finding their rhythm. The sounds of saws cutting wood, the whirring of machines, and the chatter of the workers filled the air. Each day had brought new challenges, but he was proud of their determination.

“Harry!” called out Tom Elder, one of the experienced carpenters, as he approached. Tom was in his late fifties, with a thick beard and calloused hands that bore the marks of a lifetime spent working with wood. “You might want to take a look at this bat. The finish isn’t quite right.”

Harry walked over to the workbench where Tom stood, scrutinizing a bat that had just come off the assembly line. He ran his fingers over the surface, feeling the uneven texture.

“Yeah, I see what you mean,” Harry said, frowning. “Let’s make sure we sand it down more before it goes out. The last thing we want is for someone to get a splinter while they’re playing.”

“Right,” Tom replied, nodding. “I’ll make sure to pass the word along. We want our products to be the best they can be.”

As Harry moved through the factory, he saw Sue Clearwater and the women from the Quileute tribe working diligently on the leather gloves. They were stitching the pieces together with care, their hands moving deftly as they chatted amongst themselves.

“How’s it going, ladies?” Harry asked, leaning against the wall to watch them work.

“Just about finished with this batch!” Sue replied, holding up a nearly completed glove. “We’re getting the hang of it now. Thanks for believing in us, Harry.”

“I’m just glad to have you on the team,” Harry said with a warm smile. “Your craftsmanship is what makes our gloves stand out. I’m excited to show everyone what we can do.”

After a quick round of encouragement, Harry found his way to the factory office, where Hermione was reviewing paperwork. She had been instrumental in helping him set up the business side of things, from ordering supplies to managing finances.

“How’s the inventory looking?” Harry asked as he stepped inside.

“Pretty good, actually,” Hermione replied, glancing up from the stacks of papers. “We’ve got a lot of bats ready to go, and I’m still working on finalizing our leather supplier’s contract. But we should have enough materials to keep production going for a while.”

“Fantastic,” Harry said, feeling a surge of excitement. “But we need to get these products out into the world. I’ve been thinking—what if I do a road trip to show off what we’ve made?”

Hermione’s eyes lit up. “That sounds like a brilliant idea! You could visit sports shops, schools, and local baseball clubs to showcase our equipment. It’s a great way to connect with the community.”

“Exactly!” Harry agreed, pacing the room. “But we need to figure out logistics. I can’t just walk into stores without a plan.”

“Let’s start with the first steps,” Hermione suggested, pulling out a notebook. “We need a list of towns to visit, and I can help you set up meetings with shop owners. You’ll want to showcase our best products, so we need to prepare a good display.”

Harry nodded enthusiastically. “Right! We’ll show them the baseball bats, gloves, and balls. I’ll personally demonstrate the quality of our equipment.”

Over the next few days, Harry and Hermione worked tirelessly to prepare for the trip. They compiled a list of towns across Washington and nearby states, making notes of shops that specialized in sports equipment. Hermione helped him create an attractive brochure detailing the features of their products, highlighting their craftsmanship and quality.

Finally, it was time to hit the road. Harry packed his enchanted airbag full of equipment, making sure to include a variety of sizes and types to cater to everyone—from Little League players to high school teams and adult leagues. He felt a mixture of nerves and excitement as he prepared to leave.

“Ready for your first big adventure?” Hermione asked, standing at the door with a supportive smile.

“More than ready,” Harry replied, grinning. “Let’s do this!”

He set off toward the nearest magical checkpoint, excitement bubbling within him. Upon arrival, he approached the attendant, a friendly witch named Clara, who was reading a book while waiting for travelers.

“Good morning, Mr.Black!” Clara greeted him, glancing up. “Heading out on another adventure?”

“Yeah, I’m going on a business trip to showcase my sports equipment,” Harry replied, beaming. “Can you help me get through?”

“Of course! Just a moment,” she said, waving her wand to check his credentials. After a quick confirmation, she smiled. “You’re all set. Have a great trip!”

Harry stepped through the shimmering barrier, and in an instant, he found himself in the vibrant streets of Seattle. The city buzzed with life, and the scent of fresh coffee filled the air as he navigated the bustling sidewalks.

His first stop was a well-known sports shop called "Seattle Sports Haven." It was a large store filled with various sports equipment and memorabilia. As he entered, the bell above the door chimed, and a friendly sales clerk greeted him.

“Welcome to Seattle Sports Haven! How can I help you today?” the clerk asked, smiling.

“Hi! I’m Harry Black, and I’ve just opened a new sports equipment factory in Forks,” he said, enthusiasm shining in his eyes. “I’d love to show you some of our products.”

The clerk raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Sure! What do you have?”

Harry reached into his airbag and pulled out a beautifully crafted baseball bat, its surface gleaming in the store’s lights. “This is one of our signature bats, made from high-quality maple wood. I’d love for you to take a closer look.”

As Harry demonstrated the bat's weight and balance, the clerk’s eyes widened with interest. “This is impressive! I’ve seen a lot of bats, but this one feels special. How did you make it?”

“We use traditional craftsmanship combined with modern techniques to ensure the best quality,” Harry explained, his passion shining through. “Each bat is carefully sanded and polished to perfection.”

After an engaging conversation, the clerk agreed to place a trial order for the store. Harry left the shop feeling accomplished, buoyed by the successful interaction.

Over the next few days, Harry visited multiple towns and shops, each time meeting new people and building relationships. In Tacoma, he met a local coach who was particularly interested in his equipment.

“We’ve been looking for a reliable supplier for our youth league,” the coach said, examining a bat closely. “These feel fantastic. Can we arrange for a bulk order?”

“Absolutely!” Harry replied, exhilarated. “I can offer you a special price for bulk orders. We want to support the local teams as much as we can.”

The coach nodded enthusiastically, discussing details of the order as they shook hands. Harry was thrilled—what had begun as a simple idea was transforming into a thriving business.

The next stop was in Portland, where Harry visited a quaint sports shop owned by a retired baseball player named Mike. As Harry entered, he was greeted by walls adorned with jerseys and memorabilia from various baseball teams.

“Welcome! What can I do for you?” Mike asked, leaning on the counter with a welcoming smile.

“Hi, I’m Harry Black, and I’ve started a new line of sports equipment,” Harry introduced himself. “I’d love to show you what we have.”

“Sure! I’m always open to trying new products,” Mike said, stepping forward.

Harry showcased several items, and Mike’s eyes lit up as he inspected a glove. “This is excellent! The craftsmanship is top-notch. I’d like to place an order.”

“Great!” Harry said, feeling a rush of excitement. “I can even have them delivered directly to your shop.”

As he traveled from city to city, the magical checkpoints allowed Harry to cover vast distances quickly. He felt empowered by the ease of movement, and each successful meeting filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

By the time he reached Los Angeles, he had established connections with dozens of shops, and orders were flooding in. Harry’s enthusiasm had transformed into confidence, and he was eager to take things further.

In Los Angeles, he had arranged a meeting with a prominent sports shop representative named Robert Pearson. Harry arrived early at the meeting location, a sleek, modern store located in a bustling part of the city. The bright lights and glossy displays set the perfect backdrop for his ambitious plans.

As Robert entered, Harry stood to greet him, extending his hand. “Mr. Pearson, it’s a pleasure to meet you!”

“Likewise, Mr. Black,” Robert replied, shaking his hand firmly. “Let’s see what you’ve got,” Robert continued, gesturing for Harry to show him the products.

Harry beamed with pride as he retrieved his airbag, carefully pulling out a selection of their best-selling bats, gloves, and balls. He arranged them neatly on a table, ensuring that each item was showcased to highlight its quality and craftsmanship.

“First, let’s take a look at our baseball bats,” Harry began, picking up a bat that had a beautiful, polished finish. “This one is made from premium maple wood, which gives it a perfect balance between durability and weight. It’s designed for both casual players and serious athletes.”

Robert inspected the bat closely, turning it over in his hands. “It feels good—very well made. I like the grip too. How do you ensure quality control in your production process?”

“That’s a great question,” Harry replied, his enthusiasm palpable. “We have a team of skilled carpenters who handcraft each bat. Every bat goes through a rigorous inspection process to ensure it meets our standards before it leaves the factory.”

“Impressive. What about the gloves?” Robert asked, reaching for a glove that featured intricate stitching.

Harry grinned, pleased with Robert's interest. “Our gloves are handcrafted by skilled artisans, including members of the local Native American community, who have been making leather products for generations. We prioritize quality materials, like top-grade leather, and pay attention to every detail, ensuring comfort and durability for players.”

Robert tried on the glove, and Harry watched intently as he flexed his fingers. “This fits perfectly,” Robert remarked, nodding appreciatively. “I can see how it would give players an edge on the field.”

After a thorough presentation, Harry felt confident that he had made a lasting impression. “I believe our products could do well in your store. We can offer a competitive pricing model and exclusive deals for bulk orders.”

Robert leaned back in his chair, considering. “You’ve got a compelling pitch, Harry. Let me run the numbers, and I think we can work something out. How about we set up a trial order for a few bats and gloves to start? If they sell well, we can expand our partnership.”

“That sounds perfect!” Harry replied, barely able to contain his excitement. “I’m looking forward to working together.”

As they finalized the details of their agreement, Harry couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. This was only the beginning of what he hoped would become a successful venture.

After a few days in Los Angeles, Harry continued his journey, visiting shops in San Diego and beyond, each time returning with new orders and connections. He stepped out of his SUV, a bag full of meticulously crafted baseball bats, gloves, and balls slung over his shoulder. As he approached the entrance, the cheerful chime of the doorbell announced his arrival. The interior was bright and inviting, filled with the scent of new leather and fresh paint. Shelves lined with sports gear stretched as far as the eye could see.

“Hey there!” greeted a middle-aged man behind the counter, his smile wide and welcoming. “Welcome to All-Star Sports! What can I do for you today?”

“Hi! I’m Harry Black,” Harry said, extending his hand. “I’m the owner of Phoenix Sports Equipment Co. I’ve just started a line of baseball gear, and I’d love to show you what I have.”

The man’s eyes lit up with interest. “Oh, I’d love to see it! We’re always looking for new quality products. What do you have for me?”

Harry reached into his bag, pulling out a sleek baseball bat. He presented it with pride. “This is our flagship model. It’s crafted from premium maple, giving it a lightweight feel with maximum durability. Take a swing!”

The store owner, whose name was Frank, stepped forward, gripping the bat and swinging it effortlessly. “Wow! This feels amazing! The balance is perfect. You can tell it’s made with care.”

Next, Harry showcased the gloves, each one hand-stitched and designed for optimal performance. Frank was clearly impressed, running his fingers over the soft leather and testing the flexibility.

“I can see you put a lot of thought into these,” Frank said, his voice tinged with admiration. “What kind of price point are you looking at?”

Harry quickly outlined his pricing strategy, explaining how they could offer competitive rates while ensuring quality. The conversation flowed easily, with Frank asking about the production process and Harry sharing insights about the craftsmanship behind each piece of equipment.

“You know, if I can get these at a decent price, I could easily sell them in my store,” Frank mused, his mind racing with possibilities. “Parents are always looking for good gear for their kids.”

Harry nodded, sensing Frank's enthusiasm. “That’s exactly my goal! I want to make sure young athletes have access to top-quality equipment without breaking the bank.”

As they discussed potential orders, other shop owners began to wander over, drawn by the buzz of excitement surrounding Harry’s products. Each one wanted to get a look at the bats and gloves, their expressions shifting from curiosity to genuine interest.

“I heard you have some new gear,” a young woman named chimed in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Is it true you’re offering custom options?”

“Yes!” Harry responded eagerly. “We can customize bats and gloves for teams or individual players. It’s all about making the player feel connected to their gear.”

“Listen, I want in,” Frank declared, slapping a business card on the counter. “Let’s get a deal in writing so I can start selling these right away. I’ll spread the word about your company. I can already envision my customers going crazy for this!”

Harry felt a surge of pride as he watched the enthusiasm of the shop owners. It was clear they recognized the quality of his gear and were excited about the opportunity to provide their customers with something exceptional.

“Absolutely,” Harry agreed, writing down the details of their conversation. “I’ll make sure to prioritize your orders. You won’t regret it!”

As he packed up the remaining equipment and exchanged contact information with the eager shop owners, Harry couldn’t help but feel a wave of satisfaction wash over him. This was the beginning of something special, not just for his company but for the community of young athletes who would benefit from having access to high-quality sports gear.

With each shop he visited, the word of his products spread like wildfire. Harry moved on to the next town, buoyed by the success he had already achieved. Each shop owner he met greeted him with the same enthusiasm as Frank, each eager to secure a piece of his burgeoning brand.

Over the next few weeks, Harry traveled the country, from California to New York, visiting sports shops of all sizes. In each location, he was met with the same excitement. From cozy family-run stores to larger chains, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Back in Forks, Charlie Swann had been a tremendous help throughout the process. His connections in the community allowed them to promote their factory and products effectively. One evening, as Harry returned from a long day of meetings, he found Charlie waiting for him at the factory.

“Hey, Harry! I’ve got some good news,” Charlie greeted, his expression serious yet hopeful. “I spoke with a few schools in the area, and they’re interested in partnering with us for their baseball programs. They’re looking for equipment for their teams, and I mentioned our products.”

Harry’s eyes widened in excitement. “That’s fantastic, Charlie! This could be a significant opportunity for us.”

“Exactly. We could provide them with discounted rates for bulk orders, especially if they commit to using our gear exclusively,” Charlie suggested, already pulling out his phone to make notes. “I can help set up a meeting with the coaches and school administrators if you’d like.”

“Please do!” Harry replied enthusiastically. “I want to make sure they know about our products and the quality we offer. It’s important to me that the local community supports us.”

Charlie nodded, a proud smile on his face. “You’ve built something incredible here, Harry. I knew you had it in you.”

With new energy, Harry returned to his office and began preparing for the upcoming school meetings. He wanted to create an engaging presentation that would resonate with the coaches and athletic directors.

A few days later, Harry stood in front of a group of local coaches, his heart racing with anticipation. They had gathered in a conference room at Forks High School, and he could feel the weight of their expectations. Charlie sat in the back, giving him a reassuring thumbs-up.

“Good afternoon, everyone!” Harry began, his voice steady despite the butterflies in his stomach. “I’m Harry Black, and I’m thrilled to share with you the exciting new sports equipment we’ve developed at Phoenix Sports Equipment Co. Our mission is to provide top-quality gear that helps athletes reach their potential.”

As he presented his lineup of baseball bats, gloves, and balls, Harry saw the coaches’ faces light up with interest. He demonstrated how the bat felt in his hands and explained the technology behind the gloves’ design. The more he spoke, the more confident he became.

“Imagine your players using equipment that not only looks great but also enhances their performance on the field,” Harry continued passionately. “We’re dedicated to supporting youth sports in our community, and I’d love to partner with each of your programs to provide our gear at special rates.”

The room erupted into enthusiastic chatter as the coaches exchanged glances. Harry could see that he had captured their attention.

“I know budgets can be tight, especially for youth programs, which is why I’m committed to offering you the best prices possible,” he added, wanting to make the partnership as appealing as he could. “I truly believe that investing in quality equipment is investing in your players’ future.”

After the presentation, the coaches approached him with questions and inquiries. They were impressed by the craftsmanship of the equipment and eager to learn more about how they could incorporate Harry’s products into their programs.

By the end of the meeting, Harry left feeling exhilarated. He had made valuable connections with the community, and he felt like they were genuinely interested in supporting his business.

As the weeks turned into months, business boomed. The factory was running at full capacity, and they had hired additional staff to keep up with demand. Harry was amazed at how quickly everything had progressed, and he found joy in witnessing the transformation of his vision into reality.

One day, as Harry and Hermione were discussing future plans, Hermione looked up from her notes with a thoughtful expression. “Harry, have you ever considered expanding our product line? We could introduce more equipment for other sports.”

Harry considered her suggestion. “That’s a great idea! We could branch out into soccer, basketball, or even hockey equipment. There’s a lot of potential there.”

“Exactly,” Hermione said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “We could reach a broader market and establish ourselves as a premier sports equipment brand.”

Harry nodded, feeling inspired. “Let’s do some market research and see where the demand lies. I want to ensure we’re making the right choices for the business.”

As they worked on expansion plans, Harry couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the journey he had embarked on. From a young boy in the Wizarding World to a business owner in the Muggle realm, he had faced numerous challenges, but he had also achieved incredible success.

He knew that with his friends by his side, there was no limit to what they could accomplish. As he looked out over the factory floor, he felt a profound sense of belonging and purpose. This was more than just a business; it was a community—a place where people could come together to create something extraordinary.

With determination in his heart and the support of those around him, Harry was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. He had built a foundation for success, and now, the sky was the limit.