Another life. Another identity.

Meeting strangers

Waking up, Harri planned her day. She knew she couldn't be a recluse; it was bad form to stay inside, especially in a small town like Mystic Falls. Plus, if she didn't, unsavory rumors might start, and she didn't want any trouble. She decided to meet the townspeople at the Grill during lunchtime. It was odd that there was no other place to eat. Mystic Falls didn't seem very creative, with places named Mystic Falls High School, Mystic Falls Library, and so on. Oh well, not her problem.

She wanted to make a good impression and decided to dress up in black leggings and a silver top. Her jewelry included a silver choker and rings representing the Potter and Black families. Her hair was done in a high ponytail, reaching her lower back. After eating a granola bar, Harri decided to do some reading on rune making. She wanted to create wards to prevent trespassing on her property and the surrounding forest without relying on her wand.

The clock on the wall soon chimed noon, waking Harri from her reading. There was so much to learn, as rune-making involved complex spells. Rising from her chair, she found her pair of heels, grabbed her bag, and headed out the door to her car.

The Grill was noisy, and a silent hush fell as everyone looked at who walked in. Men and women were trying to figure out who she was. None of them had seen her before, but there was a distinctive aura around her that they could slightly feel. Harri walked to the counter and ordered a light lunch with tea. When she spoke, Matt, who was organizing her order, realized she was from Britain and politely asked if she was visiting or staying. Harri knew she would go through an inquisition and answered the questions.

Sitting down at a booth, Harri drank her tea while waiting for her food. She couldn't help but make a face at the tea. She heard chuckling in front of her and glanced up to see someone sitting in the booth.

"You're British and love tea, but we Americans can't make decent tea," the man said.

"How hard can it be to boil water, put in some tea leaves, and let it simmer?" Harri bantered.

"Don't know. Anyway, I'm Alaric, or Ric, the history teacher at the high school."

"Lady Harriet Potter. Graduated, so you won't see me in your class," replied Harri. She didn't know why she mentioned her title to these strangers. Technically, she was Lady Heir to both the family and in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds.

Ric was surprised, as he had never heard anyone refer to themselves as a Lady or Lord. He thought she must have come from a very old family and possibly be very rich or have done something for the Queen. He didn't know, but he was correct on both accounts.

"Wow, okay, so what are you doing these days if you've graduated?" he asked, trying not to mention anything about her being a Lady.

"I have family stuff to do and will be quite busy the next few days while I get my affairs in order," she replied.

While talking, Harri didn't realize that the whole Grill knew she was a Lady until suddenly someone approached her and bowed.

"It's lovely to hear that the next Lady of the prestigious Potter family is alive. I did hear through the grapevine that the family was murdered but didn't know anyone survived. My name is Klaus, and your family has been quite useful to me long ago."

Harriet froze for a second and replied that she was Lady twice over and hoped that the Potters were able to help him the best they could. Ric sat there listening to him talk to her about her family and felt sad that she had survived a murder that killed her family.

Before she could say anything, her phone rang. Staring blankly at it, she tried to figure out how to answer it. Feeling everyone looking at her, she couldn't help but blush. Ric came to her rescue and pointed out which button to use.

Speaking quietly to the person on the phone, she couldn't help but ask George how he knew how to use it while she couldn't. He replied that it was Arthur who showed them how to use it and told her an owl was coming for her.

Hanging up, Harri gracefully got out of her chair and tipped $80. She quietly told Matt, who came over to check if the food was good, to save the money.

Leaving the Grill, Harri was glad to get home and away from prying eyes. There was only so much attention she could handle, and now she just wanted to relax in her bath.