Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 20 (Patreon)

Life at the Blacks continued to flourish, each day a testament to their hard work and determination. Harry's sports equipment company had become a thriving success, far exceeding their expectations. Orders poured in from professional teams and schools alike, eager to stock their facilities with high-quality baseball bats, balls, and other gear. The once modest operation had expanded dramatically, requiring Harry to hire new workers almost weekly.

Harry and Hermione worked tirelessly together, complementing each other's strengths. With Hermione’s organizational skills and Harry’s vision, they devised grand business strategies that propelled their company to new heights. “I never thought we’d need another building this soon!” Harry said one morning, standing outside the massive factory they were in the process of upgrading.

“I know,” Hermione replied, peering at the blueprints laid out on the table. “But with the orders doubling, we don’t have a choice. We’ll need to add more machinery if we want to keep up with the demand.”

“Plus, we can’t forget about our workers. They deserve the best tools to help them produce quality items,” Harry said, determination in his eyes. “We need to make sure they have everything they need.”

Even as their business flourished, Harry and Hermione remained grounded. Money had never been their primary motivation; they were already financially secure, and their wealth gave them the freedom to pursue their passions. Their true desire was to create a company that would be known for its integrity and quality, a legacy they could be proud of.

As the company expanded, Leah embraced her new role within the Blacks’ household. While Harry and Hermione were busy managing the company, Leah took on the responsibility of looking after Teddy. She loved every moment spent with him, relishing the bond they had formed. Teddy, with his infectious laughter and adventurous spirit, was the center of attention among the factory workers.

“Can you believe how popular Teddy is?” Leah said one afternoon, watching as several employees bent down to play with him. They tossed a soft baseball back and forth, their laughter echoing through the spacious factory floor. Teddy beamed, soaking in the affection.

“He’s practically a mascot around here,” Hermione chimed in, joining them with a smile. “Everyone loves him. I think he’s become the unofficial company cheerleader!”

Leah laughed. “He should get a salary for all the joy he brings! But honestly, it’s so heartwarming to see how much they adore him.”

As the factory buzzed with activity, Leah found herself in her element. She moved seamlessly between her duties—preparing meals, helping organize toys for Teddy, and even assisting in minor administrative tasks whenever she could. Though she was considered a “servant” to outsiders, within the walls of the Blacks’ home, she felt like family.

On one particularly busy day, the factory's expansion was in full swing. Harry was on-site, overseeing the delivery of new machinery while Hermione coordinated the logistics of the growing workforce. Leah brought Teddy along, and he marveled at the sights and sounds of the bustling factory.

“Look, Leah! That machine is huge!” Teddy exclaimed, pointing to a giant piece of equipment being unloaded.

“It sure is! And it’s going to help make your favorite baseball bats,” Leah replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Teddy’s eyes widened with excitement. “Can I help?” he asked, his little voice full of determination.

Leah chuckled, tousling his hair. “Maybe when you’re a bit older! Right now, your job is to keep making those amazing sandcastles. How about you show me what you’ve built when we get home?”

“Okay!” Teddy agreed, his smile infectious. “But you have to help me with the monsters!”

As the day wore on, Leah often found herself immersed in the vibrant energy of the factory. She exchanged friendly banter with the workers, learning their names and stories. Many of them were impressed with Harry and Hermione’s commitment to creating a supportive work environment. “You really hit the jackpot with those two,” one of the employees said, wiping sweat from his brow. “They care about us, not just the profits.”

Leah nodded, proud to be part of something meaningful. The camaraderie among the workers made her feel like she belonged. They treated Teddy like a little brother, and she cherished the way they would play with him during breaks.

By the time evening rolled around, the factory had made significant progress. Harry and Hermione returned home, their faces filled with satisfaction. Leah greeted them with a warm smile as they settled into the living room.

“How was your day?” Harry asked, ruffling Teddy’s hair affectionately.

“Busy!” Leah replied. “But it was fun. Teddy was a superstar today! Everyone loves him.”

Hermione laughed, “I think he should get his own title: Chief Happiness Officer!”

Teddy giggled, clapping his hands in delight. “Yes! I’ll make everyone happy!”

As they shared stories of their day, Leah felt a warmth spread through her heart. Life at the Blacks was more than she could have ever imagined. The bonds they formed transcended the boundaries of traditional relationships, creating a unique family dynamic that filled their home with love and laughter.

That night, as Leah tucked Teddy into bed, she couldn’t help but reflect on how far she had come. Just a few months ago, she had been living a completely different life, uncertain of her future. Now, she had a place where she belonged, surrounded by people who supported and cared for her.

As she leaned down to kiss Teddy goodnight, she whispered, “You’re my favorite adventure, you know that?”

Teddy’s sleepy eyes fluttered open, a small smile spreading across his face. “You too, Leah.”

And with that, Leah felt a sense of peace wash over her. No matter what challenges lay ahead, she knew they would face them together, as a family.

Days later, Leah was returning home after a delightful afternoon with Teddy. They had spent the day at the beach, building sandcastles and collecting small crabs to decorate them, with Teddy’s infectious laughter echoing in her ears. Now, as they drove into Forks, Teddy’s eyes sparkled with excitement at the prospect of indulging in his favorite treat: ice cream.

“Can we get ice cream first, Leah?” Teddy asked, bouncing in his seat.

“Of course, Teddy! But just one scoop today, okay?” Leah replied with a smile, pulling into the parking lot of the local ice cream shop. The quaint little building was buzzing with families enjoying their sweet treats.

Once inside, Teddy’s eyes widened at the array of flavors displayed behind the glass. “Look at all the colors!” he exclaimed, tugging at Leah’s hand. They joined the line, and Leah couldn’t help but feel a wave of contentment wash over her. Life was good.

But as they waited, Leah’s instincts kicked in. She felt a subtle change in the atmosphere, a shift that made her heart race. The air felt charged, and an all-too-familiar chill washed over her. She scanned the room, her senses heightening, and that’s when she saw them. Two members of the Cullen family stood by the back wall, their presence unmistakable.

One was a striking blonde girl with an ethereal beauty that caught Leah off guard, and the other was a tall, muscular boy with an easy smile. They exuded a charm that both intrigued and terrified her. Leah instinctively placed a protective hand on Teddy's shoulder, ready to shield him from the unknown danger she sensed.

Before Leah could fully process the situation, Teddy’s innocent voice rang out, “Hi, Rosalie! Why didn't you come to play with me? again?”

Leah’s heart dropped. She hadn’t prepared for this moment, and Teddy’s carefree words felt like a betrayal. How could she explain to him who these people were without revealing the truth about the Cullen family? She had promised the tribe that she wouldn’t disclose anything about their kind, yet here was Teddy, blissfully unaware and inviting danger into their lives.

Rosalie bent down to meet Teddy’s gaze, her expression softening. “Hey there, sweetie! I’m really busy right now, but I promise I’ll come to play with you soon, okay?”

Teddy’s face lit up, completely enamored by Rosalie’s charm. “Really? Can I show you my sandcastle?”

“I’d love to see it,” Rosalie replied, her smile genuine.

The big man, Emmett, stepped forward, his playful demeanor lightening the mood. “And I’ll come to play too! I can help you build an even bigger sandcastle, Teddy!” he added, giving Teddy a friendly nudge.

“Yeah! You can help!” Teddy giggled, completely enamored by the idea.

“Great! We’ll plan something fun,” Emmett said, his laughter warm and inviting.

With that, Leah felt the weight of their presence looming over her. As Rosalie and Emmett turned to leave, Teddy waved goodbye, completely oblivious to the turmoil raging inside Leah.

Once outside, Leah took a deep breath, trying to process the encounter. She had spent so much time building a life for Teddy, integrating him into the Black family, and now, the possibility of the vampires infiltrating that world loomed heavily over her.

How could she protect him from the dangers that came with the Cullens? The very people she had promised not to reveal to him? The contradictions of her life felt unbearable.

“Leah, what’s wrong?” Teddy’s innocent question broke through her thoughts.

“Nothing, sweetheart. I just… I want you to be careful, okay?” Leah replied, kneeling down to his level. “Those friends of yours, they’re… they’re different.”

“Different? Like how?” Teddy asked, tilting his head, confusion etched on his face.

Leah hesitated, searching for the right words. “They just have a different lifestyle. It’s important to remember that not everyone is who they seem. I want you to promise me that you’ll be cautious around them.”

“Okay,” Teddy agreed, although he didn’t fully understand. “But they’re nice! They said they’d come play with me!”

“Yes, they are nice, but sometimes nice can be deceptive. Just promise me you’ll keep your guard up, alright?” Leah said, her heart heavy with the weight of her unspoken fears.

As they finished their ice cream and headed back to the car, Leah couldn’t shake the feeling of dread settling in her stomach. She had worked so hard to build a safe life for Teddy, and now the very people she had tried to keep at bay were getting closer. She had to find a way to navigate this new complication without jeopardizing her relationship with Teddy or the Blacks.

The drive home was filled with Teddy’s excited chatter about sandcastles and plans for the future, but Leah’s mind raced with concern. How would she manage this? Could she keep Teddy safe while still allowing him to experience joy?

As they arrived at the Blacks’ home, Leah knew she had to talk to Harry and Hermione about what had happened. They needed a plan—before Teddy’s innocent friendship with the vampires became a risk too great to ignore.

When Harry and Hermione returned home from work that evening, they immediately sensed that something was off. Leah was pacing in the living room, her brow furrowed in concern, and Teddy was quietly building with his blocks, seemingly oblivious to the tension in the air.

“Hey, Leah,” Harry called out, his voice filled with warmth as he stepped inside. “Everything alright? You look a bit worried.”

Leah paused, taking a deep breath to steady herself before replying. “Can we talk?” she asked, her tone serious. “It’s about the Cullens.”

Harry exchanged a glance with Hermione, who nodded slightly, her curiosity piqued. “What about them?” Hermione prompted, sensing the urgency in Leah’s voice.

“Do you know the Cullens?” Leah asked, her eyes searching theirs for understanding.

“Yes,” Hermione replied cautiously, unsure where this was headed.

Leah took a moment to gather her thoughts, choosing her words carefully. “The Cullens are not like other people. They may seem nice, but they’re… different. Dangerous, even. I know you’ve seen them around, and I need you to understand that it’s important to keep our distance from them.”

Harry’s brow furrowed as he processed her words. He and Hermione had long been aware of the Cullens’ true nature but had chosen not to disclose that information to Leah. They wanted her to form her own opinions without prejudice, and they certainly didn’t want to limit Teddy’s friendships. “Why? What do you mean they’re dangerous?”

Harry turned to Leah, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Honestly, I don’t see them as dangerous. They’ve always been kind to us, and as long as they don’t harm my family, I don’t have a problem with them being around. Teddy loves them, and they clearly adore him.”

“I just... don’t know how to explain to Teddy that they’re not exactly like us,” Leah admitted, her brow furrowed in thought. “I mean, they’re not like any of us. They’re... different.”

Hermione, who had been listening intently, decided to steer the conversation to a more comfortable topic. “Speaking of different, when can we see you transform into your wolf form, Leah? I’m really curious about it,” she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Harry nodded in agreement. “Why don’t we plan to see Leah’s wolf form on the full moon? It’s a special time for the our family, and it would be a great way to introduce her to our real world.”

Leah smiled at Harry’s suggestion. “I can shift whenever I want, but I’d prefer you see me on the full moon. It’s when my wolf is at her strongest.”

As they continued to chat, the atmosphere in the room lightened. They shared stories and laughter, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Leah felt a deep sense of belonging, one that she had longed for.

After dinner, Teddy tugged at Leah’s sleeve, his eyes wide with excitement. “Can we have ice cream? Please?”

“Sure, buddy,” Leah replied with a smile, ruffling his hair. “How about we make it a little adventure? We can go to the ice cream shop together.”

“Yay!” Teddy cheered, jumping up from the floor. He dashed off to grab his shoes, leaving Leah and Hermione to share an amused glance.

“Isn’t he just the best?” Hermione said, her voice warm with affection.

“He really is,” Leah agreed, her heart swelling with happiness. “I’m so glad to be here with both of you.”

As they made their way to the ice cream shop, Leah felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. She knew the road ahead wouldn’t always be easy, especially with the complexities surrounding the Cullens and her own identity. But with Harry and Hermione by her side, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And as the sun set behind them, Leah couldn’t shake the feeling that she had finally found her place in the world—a place where she could be herself, free from judgment, and loved for who she truly was.