Harriet: From Solitude to Slayers

Chapter 2: Solitude and Training

Weeks passed, and Harry gradually adapted to this new world. She and Teddy lived in a modest house on the outskirts of the village, isolated but close to the mountains. Harry made sure that Teddy wanted for nothing while dedicating herself to her daily training, away from prying eyes.

Life in this world was different, more peaceful in a way, but Harry could never fully relax. The war against Voldemort had changed her irreversibly. She was wary of everything and everyone, even though the villagers seemed harmless. They never spoke of demons, for here, no one believed in them. For them, demons were merely tales meant to frighten children. However, Harry knew there were dangers lurking in the shadows, and she had to be prepared.

Teddy, for his part, was growing up in this new environment. Despite her wariness, Harry did everything to ensure he led as normal a life as possible. She taught him to read, to write, and sometimes spoke to him about the world they came from, but never in detail. She wanted to spare him the weight of those memories.

One morning, Harry went to the village to buy provisions. The sun was still low, and mist floated lightly over the surrounding fields. She wore a large coat to conceal her distinctive features and blend in with the crowd. Teddy walked beside her, holding his mother's hand while looking at the colorful stalls.

As usual, Harry headed to the small market shop, where the owner, Madame Sato, greeted her with a smile.
"Hello, Harry. How are you today?" she asked, arranging some vegetables.
"I'm fine, thank you," Harry replied in a calm voice, but with the same distance she always maintained. "I just came to get some fruit and rice."

Madame Sato looked at her with a mix of curiosity and kindness. "Your son is growing fast. He looks a lot like you, you know."
Harry gave a faint smile, politely thanking her. "Yes, he's growing."

She quickly paid for her provisions and prepared to leave the shop. However, before she could step outside, Madame Sato called out to her again.
"You know, Harry, you're always welcome here. You don't have to stay away; we don't bite."
Harry froze for a moment, then turned to her, her eyes piercing beneath her hood. "I prefer to stay discreet. It's simpler that way."
Madame Sato nodded, understanding she wouldn't get more answers. "Very well, take care of yourself and Teddy."

After leaving the village, Harry and Teddy took the path home through the wooded hills. Teddy ran ahead, carefree, while Harry remained alert, her gaze sweeping the surroundings.
"Mom, why don't you talk to people more? They're nice, aren't they?" Teddy asked innocently as they approached the house.
Harry sighed softly. "Just because they're nice doesn't mean we can trust them. We must always be careful, Teddy."
Teddy frowned slightly. "But they don't seem dangerous..."
Harry knelt in front of him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe, but we have a different past, Teddy. We've seen things others cannot understand. It's better to keep our distance. It's safer for us."
Teddy nodded, although he didn't fully understand the reasons behind his mother's wariness. "Okay, Mom."

In the following days, Harry devoted herself even more intensely to her training. Every morning, at dawn, she would rise and head to a hidden clearing in the forest. She practiced tirelessly the sword techniques she had learned on her own. Her movements were precise, her body agile, but she felt that something was missing. I need more discipline and refinement in my technique, she thought, but she refused to approach anyone for help. My path must be a solitary one.

She stayed away from the other villagers, only going into town for necessary purchases, always with Teddy by her side. Her appearance, though concealed beneath loose clothing, still piqued curiosity. The villagers often whispered as she passed, wondering about this mysterious woman with foreign airs.

One day, while she was buying fabric in a shop, an old woman ventured to approach her.
"You're new here, aren't you?" she asked, squinting her eyes. "You have a... particular look. Not like the people here."
Harry remained impassive. "Yes, I'm new. But I prefer to stay discreet."
The old woman looked at her for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Is that how you want to live, huh? Very well. But be careful. Strangers aren't always well-received in these parts."
Harry didn't respond, simply paying for her purchases before leaving.

In the evenings, Harry often settled in front of their small house, watching the sunset with Teddy snuggled against her. There was an unexpected peace in these moments of solitude, a sense of calm she had never felt before. Yet she knew that this tranquility was only temporary.
"Mom, do you think we'll stay here for a long time?" Teddy asked, his eyes lost in the sky turning red.
Harry remained silent for a moment before answering. "I don't know. As long as it's necessary."
Teddy nodded, accepting this vague answer. For him, as long as he was with his mother, he needed nothing else.

Weeks turned into months, and Harry's routine settled in. She continued to train relentlessly, perfecting her combat techniques while always ensuring Teddy's safety. The rumor of this strange and distant woman spread through the village, but no one dared to approach her, except for a few exchanges of courtesy.

Every day, Harry strove to become stronger, while keeping a vigilant eye on her surroundings. She knew that this world still held many mysteries, and although the villagers didn't believe in demons, she couldn't shake the feeling of a lurking threat. This world is more dangerous than it appears, she often thought as she gazed at the distant mountains. And I must be ready for what awaits us.