Shadow & Love

20* The New Headmaster

The main street in the little fisherman's village lay quiet on an early afternoon. Tourists searched the souvenir shops; others indulged in chit-chat or sat in a small street café. Leonor exited the bus, Eileen carefully wrapped in a baby-sling on her front. She walked in jeans and t-shirt down to the harbour, drinking the colourful maritime life in the summer sun. The cool weather of the past week changed again to bright sunshine. The village was indeed cosy as Severus explained, the traditional cottages carefully painted, most windows and doors decorated with multi-coloured flowers.

Leonor forced a smile to her face, the nagging thoughts about Severus' whereabouts always present in the mind. The Daily Prophet held no news about Potter's relocation nor anything about the Dark Lord. The papers appeared dull with the repeated warnings for the households and held no real news. Leonor's bracelet sometimes tickled, and she had no clue what it meant. For now, she decided to ignore it and explore the area to get a focus on other things than just the cottage and waiting for Severus.

"Your daddy bought that much food that we have time to visit Whitesands Haven today. Isn't it a nice place?" said Leonor and stroked gently Eileen's cheeks who slept peacefully. The village was larger than Leonor expected it, almost a small town with a nice centre around a lovely marketplace.

Leonor walked to a free bench on the mole right opposite the cutter 'Emma', an old ramshackle boat with light blue railings. Right above the harbour wound a narrow lane through small shops. A single guest sat in front of "The Royal Oak" and a waitress served a pint of beer. Next to the pub displayed the outfitter all sorts of muggle cloths on hallstands, beach wear, shirts, rain jackets and hoodies. Before her was the small fishing port, some cutters and a few sailing boats tied to the mole. The sea was blue and calm and a green island visible in the distance.

I've got to do something thought Leonor after observing the centre of the village for a while. She had no idea how to organize baby and work, the travelling with Eileen an unresolved challenge. Once more Leonor settled in a new area, she'd done it many times before but always alone. Contacts to local people became important and she straightened her back, walking determinedly to the vivid shopping street. She walked along several shops and finally browsed through the hallstands of the outfitter enjoying the light and airy feeling of the beach outfits when a chubby faced elderly woman spoke to her. Leonor pushed the wand deeper into the waistband.

"New here?" said the woman with thick grey hair tied back in a tight bun.

"Yes," replied Leonor a bit bewildered.

"You visited the corner shop. I saw you the week before already, though without that beautiful little new-born. How old?"

"Ten days," smiled Leonor and Eileen yawned stretching the small arms slightly.

"Fancy a tea? Not many young people settle here."

Leonor shook her head in agreement. "I don't want to make inconveniences."

"The tea is ready, come in." The woman gestured to the shop and Leonor followed curiously.

All sorts of clothes, hats and shoes were stuffed in the sales room, it appeared larger than from the outside.

"I'm Heather." The older woman gave Leonor a mug with steaming golden tea.

"My name is Leonor. And that is Eileen."

"Oh, such a nice name. And that fine dark hair, the little nose, lovely," said Heather delighted.

"Have you been looking for something special today?"

"No, just a walk," said Leonor truthfully.

"No problem, we have a little chat than," said the woman with a wink. "My husband Thomas and I have no grandchildren. I enjoy seeing the young folks here. Loads of tourists though," grinned Heather.