Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 27 (Patreon)

The Quileute tribe had never been as shocked as they were after witnessing Harry and Hermione's transformation into massive wolves. To see outsiders not only share in their sacred shapeshifting ability but also exhibit a power seemingly beyond even the most experienced of their warriors left the tribe in awe. As the campfire’s embers cooled, a tension grew among the elders and the shapeshifters. They wanted answers—who exactly were Harry and Hermione, and how had they gained such abilities?

A few days later, the tribe elders called a meeting with Harry and Hermione, hoping to learn more. Leah stood quietly by their side, her loyalty clearly with her new pack. The elder who spoke first, Taha Aki, was direct but respectful.

"Harry Black, Hermione Black," he began, "we have never encountered others with powers like ours. What you revealed to us was extraordinary, and we would like to understand more. You are shapeshifters, like us, and yet different. It would bring us great peace to know who you truly are."

Harry, who had been expecting this, remained calm but firm. "We understand your curiosity," he replied, "but our secrets are not for sharing. Just as you do not tell your own tribesmen everything about your abilities, we do not share ours with outsiders."

The word “outsiders” stung some of the tribe members, but Harry continued before anyone could protest. "Leah is part of your tribe and has shared what she felt was necessary, but Hermione and I—we are not Quileute. We respect your customs and your strength, but we have our own traditions and responsibilities. Our abilities belong to a world separate from yours."

Hermione nodded There are forces at work that protect the magical world from being exposed. The Statute of Secrecy exists for a reason, to safeguard the magical world from outside interference. It’s not something they can break, even if they wanted to. There are things we simply cannot share, and doing so could put both of them at risk.

The elders exchanged glances, clearly disappointed but understanding. Taha Aki spoke again, his voice softer this time. "We do not wish to intrude on your secrets, but know that we see you as kindred spirits. Your powers, though different, are tied to the natural world, just as ours are. We hope that, in time, trust can grow between us."

Harry met his gaze. "We appreciate that, but our trust does not come easily. What we’ve shared is more than most would ever know, and that must be enough."

Leah, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. "Harry and Hermione have shown more respect to our tribe than many outsiders ever have. They don’t owe us anything, and their abilities don’t make them part of our tribe. They’ve chosen to stand with me, and I with them. That should be enough."

The tribe members murmured among themselves, clearly unsure of how to respond. Harry and Hermione had already proven themselves through their actions—saving Leah from her mental connection with Sam, helping her find her own pack, and showing that they had no ill intentions toward the tribe.

After a long silence, Chief Taha Aki finally nodded. "Very well. We will not press further. But know that the Quileute tribe honors those who stand with us, and we hope that, in time, you will see us as allies rather than outsiders."

Harry gave a respectful nod. "We appreciate that."

With that, the meeting was over. As they walked away, Leah let out a small sigh of relief. She could sense the tension in the air but was proud of how Harry and Hermione handled the situation. They had stood firm in their beliefs without offending the tribe.

Later that night, as the three of them sat by the fire outside their cabin, Leah looked over at her new packmates. "You didn’t have to come to that meeting, you know," she said quietly. "But I’m glad you did."

Harry smirked. "We’re a pack, Leah. We don’t leave anyone to face things alone."

Hermione smiled softly. "Besides, we’ve never really been ones to shy away from a little confrontation."

Leah chuckled, feeling more at ease than she had in a long time. Her new pack might be small, but it was strong—and most importantly, it was hers.

As the months rolled on, life for Harry, Hermione, and Teddy settled into a comfortable routine. They spent most of their time at the Forks property, where the thick forests and misty mountains provided an ever-changing backdrop for their adventures. The tranquility of the Pacific Northwest, with its lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, offered a stark contrast to the bustling lifestyle they had known in the wizarding world.

The visits to their various properties across the country became cherished outings. Each trip was filled with excitement, with Teddy bubbling over in delight at the different experiences each location offered. From the sprawling ranch in Montana, where they spent afternoons horseback riding and fishing, to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where the music seemed to dance through the air, every property held unique treasures and memories.

Harry reveled in the chance to bond with Teddy, who was growing more curious and adventurous with each passing day. He often took Teddy on small trips into the nearby woods, teaching him about the local flora and fauna, and how to track animals. Hermione, with her endless thirst for knowledge, took it upon herself to introduce Teddy to the magical aspects of their properties—like the hidden charms that protected them and the enchantments that enhanced the natural beauty around them.

Harry’s excitement buzzed in the air as he laid out his vision for a baseball tournament at Forks during the town meeting. Ever since he and his family moved into the quaint little town, he had actively engaged with the community, attending various gatherings and becoming more familiar with the local residents. This new idea felt like a natural evolution of those connections—a way to foster camaraderie and bring people together.

As he spoke, he could see the interest growing among the townsfolk. Harry outlined the tournament’s potential: a large cash prize for the winners and runners-up, the excitement of friendly competition, and the chance to showcase Forks as a hub for sports. He explained how his company, which specialized in baseball equipment, could sponsor the event and attract players from across the country.

“The first prize could be substantial, and I’m sure it will attract some talented teams. We could turn Forks into a destination for baseball fans,” Harry said, his enthusiasm palpable. “Imagine the buzz! People will come from all over to watch the games. Local businesses will benefit, restaurants will thrive, and our homestays will see an influx of visitors.”

The room buzzed with conversation as the townspeople contemplated his proposal. Some exchanged excited glances while others seemed more reserved, pondering the implications of such an event. The town’s mayor, an older gentleman with a well-trimmed beard and a keen sense of the community’s needs, leaned forward.

“Harry, it’s a grand idea, but we need to gauge the interest of the locals first. A baseball tournament could draw crowds, but we want to ensure our residents are on board with the concept. It’s essential that they feel included in the planning process.”

Harry nodded, understanding the mayor's concerns. “Absolutely. I want this to be a community effort. If we’re going to do this, it should reflect what the people of Forks want.”

The mayor suggested they hold a town hall meeting specifically to discuss the idea further. “Let’s invite everyone to share their thoughts. We can create a survey to gauge interest in participating and attending. If there’s enough enthusiasm, we’ll move forward with the planning.”

Encouraged by the support of the town leaders, Harry left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose. He began formulating a plan for the town hall meeting, eager to engage the community. He envisioned flyers advertising the tournament, with images of baseballs and excited crowds, and perhaps a few inspiring quotes about teamwork and community spirit.

In the weeks that followed, Harry worked tirelessly to rally support. He spoke to local business owners, encouraging them to participate and share their ideas. He reached out to schools and youth organizations, hoping to get young players involved. His enthusiasm was infectious, and soon he had volunteers ready to help with everything from logistics to marketing.

Finally, the day of the town hall meeting arrived. The community center was buzzing with anticipation as residents filled the seats, chattering amongst themselves. Harry took the stage, heart racing, and began to present his idea once more. This time, he included testimonials from local business owners who expressed their excitement about the potential economic boost.

“Forks has always been about community,” he said, his voice steady. “This tournament is an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our town, and welcome visitors who will appreciate all that we have to offer. Let’s make Forks a destination, not just for baseball, but for family, fun, and friendship!”

The response was overwhelmingly positive. People began to raise their hands, eager to voice their support and ideas. A woman from the local diner suggested hosting a barbecue during the tournament, while a group of teenagers volunteered to set up activities for younger children. Others chimed in with ideas for decorations and merchandise.

As the meeting continued, Harry felt a swell of pride in what they were building together. This wasn’t just a baseball tournament; it was a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and collaboration. As he looked around the room, he saw familiar faces from the town meeting, now transformed into enthusiastic supporters.

By the end of the meeting, it was clear that the baseball tournament was going to be a reality. With everyone on board, they established committees to handle different aspects of the event, from sponsorship and promotions to logistics and security.

Harry left the meeting that night filled with optimism. The energy in the room had been electric, and he could already envision the baseball fields bustling with life. As he and Hermione walked home under the starlit sky, he couldn’t help but smile. They were on the brink of something wonderful, a chance to create memories and deepen the ties within their community.

“Can you believe how well that went?” Hermione asked, beaming.

“I really can’t,” Harry admitted, excitement bubbling up within him. “I think we’re going to do something truly special for Forks.”

As they arrived home, the couple shared a quiet moment, both understanding that this was just the beginning of an incredible journey for their family and the town they had come to love. With the festival on the horizon, they were ready to embrace whatever challenges and joys lay ahead.

The people of Forks were well aware that the British couple who had recently moved to their town, along with their son, were exceptionally wealthy. Their affluence was evident in the luxurious cars they drove and the effortless way they engaged with the community, seemingly unfazed by financial matters. When Harry proposed to cover the prize money for the upcoming baseball tournament, it felt like a mere drop in the bucket for him—something he could do without a second thought.

Yet, the residents recognized that Harry’s intentions were genuine. He wasn’t just looking to bolster the reputation of his company, Phoenix Sports Equipment, or gain publicity for himself. Instead, it was clear he wanted to create something that would benefit the entire community. Forks had long been a place of routine, where excitement and novelty were rare commodities. Many locals had grown weary of the mundane pace of life, yearning for opportunities to bring in visitors and generate some economic activity.

With this in mind, Harry’s idea for a baseball tournament sparked interest and hope among the townsfolk. They understood that the tournament could be more than just a game; it represented a chance for their community to thrive, to draw people in from neighboring towns and beyond. The prospect of families flocking to Forks to watch the matches, dine in local restaurants, and stay in nearby accommodations felt like a dream coming to life.

As word spread about the tournament, excitement began to brew. Residents gathered in cafes and living rooms, discussing strategies for attracting visitors and brainstorming ideas to enhance the tournament experience. Parents envisioned their children playing baseball, restaurants prepared to showcase local flavors, and shop owners began to think of ways to promote their businesses during the event.

Through it all, Harry and Hermione remained active participants in the planning. They listened to suggestions, shared their ideas, and emphasized the importance of collaboration. As the tournament approached, the sense of unity within Forks grew stronger. People who had once been strangers began working together, united by the shared goal of transforming their town into a lively destination.

The baseball tournament was set to become a defining moment for Forks, and as Harry watched the community rally around his vision, he felt a deep sense of fulfillment. He had hoped to create something meaningful, and it was clear that they were on the verge of achieving just that.