The AllSpark's Chosen

Chapter 8: Settling Into a New Life^

Saber stepped inside **Howler Manor**, the heavy wooden doors closing behind him with a soft click. The grand entrance hall was everything he had expected—towering ceilings, marble floors, and large arched windows that let in the soft morning light. But as he took his first steps into the mansion, he couldn't help but notice something else: the house felt old. Not just in its structure, but in its decor, its air. It was as though time had stood still within these walls for decades.

Before entering, Saber had instructed Tempest to park in the large garage on the side of the house. The sleek black car fit in perfectly, appearing to be nothing more than a normal vehicle from the outside. No one could have guessed that Tempest was anything other than an ordinary car. Saber made sure Patch, in his Saint Bernard form, stayed by his side as they entered the house, his small bot companion eager to explore their new surroundings.

Saber glanced around, taking in the large portraits lining the walls, their subjects dressed in formal wizarding robes from an era long past. The furniture was dark, heavy wood—beautiful, but outdated. The rugs, though intricately woven, were faded with age, and the curtains hanging from the windows were thick and dusty, their deep red color dulled by the years.

Patch sniffed around the hall, his mechanical paws lightly tapping against the marble floors as he let out a soft, curious beep. Saber smiled faintly at his companion's enthusiasm but couldn't ignore the fact that the house felt stuck in time. Though the bones of the house were strong and the architecture grand, it was clear that it had been left untouched for years.

"This place hasn't been touched in a long time," Saber muttered, running his hand over a nearby table, feeling the fine layer of dust that had settled there.

Patch let out a series of quiet beeps, as though agreeing. The Saint Bernard bot wagged its mechanical tail and followed Saber further into the house as they wandered through the grand hall and into the drawing room, where an enormous fireplace dominated one wall. The room was furnished with plush chairs and long sofas, but the fabric was worn, and the cushions sagged. An old chandelier hung from the ceiling, its once-sparkling crystals now coated with dust.

"It's beautiful," Saber said quietly, his eyes taking in every detail. "But it needs work."

Patch gave a soft bark-like beep, hopping slightly in place. It seemed even the little bot understood the need for change.

Wandering further into the house, Saber found more of the same. The kitchen, with its old-fashioned stove and wooden cabinets, was charming but outdated. The dining room, with its long table and ornate chairs, had seen better days. Even the bedrooms upstairs were elegant but clearly untouched for years.

He would need to bring in help for the renovation—professionals who could handle restoring the old wood, replacing the carpets, and modernizing the kitchen and bathrooms. It was going to be a project, but as he walked through the house, he felt a strange sense of excitement. This was his home now, and he had the power to shape it however he wanted.

After exploring the manor, Saber made his way back toward the entrance, stepping outside into the fresh air. The sun was higher in the sky now, casting a warm light over the sprawling grounds. He could see the neighboring house in the distance, and his curiosity was piqued. According to the goblins, the Witwicky family lived next door—a muggle family with no knowledge of the magical world.

"Well," Saber said, glancing at Patch, "I guess it's time to meet the neighbors."

Patch let out an eager bark-like beep and trotted beside Saber as they made their way toward the Witwicky house.

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The Witwicky house was a stark contrast to Howler Manor. It was a simple suburban home, two stories tall with a well-kept lawn and a driveway where an old yellow Camaro was parked. As Saber approached the front door, he felt a strange sense of normalcy—a world away from the chaos of Britain, magic, and ancient family legacies.