After That - 7 (Patreon)

Harry sipped his morning coffee with a small smile. Joyce had just left with Buffy to take her to school. It was nice to see her getting her life back little by little. The only downside was a rather selfish one. He had no idea what to do now. Well, there was one thing.

He got dressed for a jog and started his workout with a few laps. Learning how to fight was something he definitely needed to arrange. Staying in Sunnydale any longer would require it. The creatures here didn't hold to proper dueling etiquette. Buffy did some sort of martial arts that included use of the environment and improvisation. It wasn't something that he could learn in a mall. Though there were a couple of options in the local place. Some actual weights and workout gear would be a good idea. He changed his route to the previously mentioned mall. The extra distance would be good for him.

Sunnydale was bigger than it looked, but the commercial part of town was grouped together. The numerous cemeteries stretched the residential area beyond to span more than needed. It did give almost every house a nice lot with a yard, driveway, and even a couple of picket fences. This was the kind of place that Vernon and Petunia would have killed to live. Everything looked so normal and peaceful during the day.

Harry shook the wayward thought of the Dursleys from his head. Dudley had somewhat come around when they last spoke. Hopefully, his cousin would continue on that path to become a better person.

A small smile crossed his face as he came to a cross-walk. The light told him to stop so he took the time to cool down. He couldn't remember the last time he just let his mind wander like this. Maybe History of Magic with Binns, but that was years ago now. A couple of years, but still years. A sudden thought hit him that made him miss the light cycle. This was the first time he could think of when his life was his own. Dumbledore wasn't around putting him on some trail, Voldemort was well and truly dead, the Ministry couldn't send him 'desperate' orders, and he didn't even have to worry about studying. He could do whatever he wanted. This was his life.

His time with Buffy was a choice. Technically, he could sit back and let things play out, but that wasn't in his nature. If he saw someone in trouble, he would help. Plus, he could see some parallels in her life and his. He didn't need to be the Destined Savior here. Just Harry was plenty.

Once he pulled himself out of his musings he made it into the mall. The air conditioning was amazing. California had Britain easily beat on sunlight which made him thankful people liked AC units so much. His new house had one too. It was loud and obnoxious, so he didn't use it, instead he went with temperature control charms. Those were lifesavers when he was on his various adventures. Why did Dark Lords like dark, dank caves and drafty castles so much?

He looked through the sporting-goods store. The variety of axes, machetes, and knives was both amusing and worrisome. It took him a bit longer than expected to find the weights and exercise equipment. He tossed a couple of knives on the pile as well. An axe was tempting, but he didn't have any sort of experience with them. Knives though, a good one was a wonderful tool to have and a weapon in a pinch. It wasn't until he was heading to the check-out when he saw another set of equipment that caught his eye. Boxing gloves, punching bags, hand wraps, and some items that were for something called mixed-martial arts that was supposed to be the next big thing. The MMA gloves weren't as restrictive as the Boxing gloves. He tossed a full set in his overflowing cart. Punching a bag wasn't going to make him an expert, but it would get him accustomed to hitting something.

Harry watched the price rise as the clerk rang up his goods. He tried not to worry about how fast his money was going. Another trip to Willy's Place was in his future. He wasn't broke yet, but he didn't want to let it get away from him.

He paid and moved his cart to a hallway used for employees. A quick spell shrunk everything down to fit in his pockets, then he returned the cart. He wasn't a jerk.

The jog back to the house was pleasant with a gentle breeze to keep him refreshed. There was a small sense of accomplishment as he arrived. He tried not to use magic to put the equipment together. The instructions were in English and even had pictures. Three failed attempts later, one of which he somehow assembled a bicycle even though he hadn't purchased one, he used magic to complete everything in a couple of seconds. He had no idea where the wheels came from.

He had just finished getting everything arranged in what had once been in the living room when he heard Buffy's voice. Willow, then Xander replied, a low addition he took to be Oz, and finally Cordelia added something to the conversation. The words were too muffled for him to get the details, but he did recognize his name by the end of it.

The sound of footsteps on his porch was quickly followed by a whispered conversation. This time, they were close enough for him to get the gist of it. They were trying to figure out if it was better to knock on the door or ring the bell.

Harry chuckled as he went to the front door. He opened it to see the group standing there, looking at him like they had just been caught planning a bank robbery.

"I prefer knocking," Harry said as he stepped aside.

The group entered.

"Looks good," Xander said. "You can't even tell an old lady was murdered here."

"Xander," Willow squeaked.

"Thanks, I think," Harry chuckled.

"Is that a gym?" Cordelia asked.

"It was the living room," Harry replied. "But I wanted to get some better use out of it."

"A TV has plenty of use," Xander countered.

"I've never been much of a TV guy," he shrugged. "Didn't have the time for it."

"You do now," Willow added helpfully.

"I can give you a list of required and recommended viewings," Oz said.

"I'll get a TV next," Harry said with a smile before he turned his attention to Buffy. "How was your first day back?"

"Strange," Buffy replied.

"Strange good, or strange bad?" Harry asked.

"I'll let you know when I figure it out," Buffy sighed.

"We're going to the Bronze tonight," Willow cut in. "Would you like to come?"

"Yes, thank you," Harry smiled at her. "I've never been to a club."

"What did you do in England?" Cordelia asked. "Read Jane Austen and drink tea?"

Xander stared at her.

"I know who Jane Austen is," she rolled her eyes.

"Where are you going to put the TV?" Xander asked, turning the conversation back to the important topics.

"The old dining room," Harry motioned to the mostly empty room directly across from his new gym. "Or the basement."

"Basement," Oz said. "You could make it a wizard sanctum."

Harry thought about it for a second.

"I can help with the décor!" Cordelia offered. "Your style isn't horrible."

"Thanks," Harry chuckled. "When do you want to meet at the Bronze?"

"Do you know where it is?" Buffy asked.

He shook his head.

"I'll get you when I'm heading there," she offered.

"Thank you," Harry replied. "Do you all want the tour?"

"Sure," Willow said with a bright smile.

"As you can see," Harry motioned to the room. "This is the gym, over here is the dining room." The room had a small café-style table with a few chairs but was otherwise empty. "The kitchen is just through here."

Of all the rooms on the ground level, this one was clearly the most used. A few plates were being magically washed, dried, and put away as they spoke.

"Woah," Willow gasped. "How did you do that?"

"Magic," Harry replied. "Household charms."

"Can you teach me?" Willow perked up.

"I can try," he said. "I only have the one wand…" He paused. "I might be able to get more, but I'll have to look into it."

Willow was practically vibrating with energy.

"Continuing on," Harry motioned for them to follow. "The basement is finished with a cement floor and laundry hookups."

"Where are the washer and dryer?" Xander asked.

"Magic," Harry replied with a smug smile. "Cuts down on bills too. Let's head upstairs."

They followed.

"My room," he motioned to the large bedroom that was now furnished. "And two other rooms, for guests, or maybe a potions lab." He looked at Oz. "That reminds me, I'll get a batch of wolfsbane going before the next full moon."

"Wolfsbane?" Oz asked. "That doesn't sound wolf-friendly."

"It's a potion that helps werewolves keep control while transformed," Harry explained. "I don't know what type of werewolf you are, so I'll start with a diluted formula."

"You could rent the rooms," Xander offered. "I know at least one person who would love to move out of their parents house." He gave a brief pause. "I'm talking about me."

"We know," Cordelia sighed. "Xander is right, you could rent out a room. You already furnished them."

"It felt weird to leave them empty," Harry shrugged. "I'll have to think about it."

"We have to go," Willow said. "We'll see you at the Bronze."

Oz gave a nod in agreement and followed Willow back down the stairs.

~

Harry wore casual clothes and comfortable shoes, just in case he needed to do some running or fighting. They had assured him that the place was more relaxed. He didn't need to dress-up. Transfiguration would do in a pinch if he misread the situation.

Buffy walked beside him as they made their way down the street. There were more people out at night than he expected. He did note that they all traveled in groups.

"Why are places still open at night?" Harry asked. "The town knows about the vampires, even if they don't admit it. I went to the sporting-goods store today, it was kitted out with more sharp, pointy things than actual sport equipment."

"That would be giving up," Buffy answered after a moment. "This is our town, these are our lives, and we won't let them have it. If we give them the night, what's next? Do we just not go outside? Do we let them take over the town? Imagine what they could do with the entire night to themselves."

"I guess that makes sense," Harry nodded.

The streets around them transitioned from houses and the occasional business to warehouses and factories in the span of a block. Even here most streets had lights spaced out in regular intervals. The alleys too were rather well lit, considering they were alleys.

"What was your hometown like?" Buffy asked.

"I grew up in a cookie-cutter neighborhood," Harry chuckled. "Every house looked exactly the same. You could get lost if you weren't paying attention. After school, I lived in a house in the city. I didn't know my neighbors, they were muggles and the place was covered in wards to keep it hidden. I could have danced nude in front of the window, and no one would have known."

"Sounds kind of lonely," Buffy said.

"At times," he nodded.

"And here we are," Buffy said presenting the door to the Bronze.

It looked like the others warehouses in the area, aside from the neon sign. His face must have shown his thoughts.

"It looks better on the inside," she assured him.

She led him in. Live music greeted them as well as the mingled chatter of dozens of conversations. The area was split into a couple sections, seating, a couple of billiard tables, and a second level with more seating. There was a dance floor in the middle of the room in front of a stage.

"Do you want a drink?" Buffy asked. "They have soft drinks and virgin mixed for minors."

"Right," Harry chuckled. "You can't drink until you're twenty-one here."

"Oz and Willow are right over there," Buffy pointed out the couple.

Harry gave them a moment as the two were in the middle of a rather deep kiss and he didn't want to interrupt. He headed over once they stopped to take a breath.

"Harry!" Willow greeted him. "You came."

"Welcome," Oz said.

"Thanks," Harry nodded. "Buffy is getting drinks." He paused. "How did you two meet?"

"School," Oz said. "She was adorable, I was there."

"Oz!" Willow blushed.

Buffy came over holding a couple of drinks for the couple and one for herself. She gave Harry a teasing look when she didn't have one for him.

"I didn't know what you wanted," Buffy shrugged.

"No problem," Harry waved it off. "Where is the bar?"

"Let me show you," Oz hopped up.

The two walked away. Harry recognized the guy that had a crush on Buffy approach as they passed. Oz gave the guy a nod of acknowledgement.

"Were you serious about wolfsbane?" Oz asked.

"Yes," Harry nodded. "I don't know how it will effect your wolf form, but it's worth a shot. What do you look like when you change? I'm learning that the creatures I know are just a small portion of things."

"I kind of look like an angry monkey," Oz said. "Without the French accent."

"Of course," Harry nodded. "Angry monkey, hm? You don't grow taller or have a more lupine face?"

"No," Oz shook his head. "I've seen pictures. Have you seen the other sort?"

"My sort-of uncle," Harry replied. "It only takes a couple of hours once I get the supplies."

"You don't have to," Oz offered.

"I offered," Harry said. "Brewing a potion isn't a big deal for me, but it could be for you."

"I'd appreciate it," Oz said.

The drinks menu was rather impressive. It had soft drinks, mixed drinks, old-fashioned malts, shakes, and smoothies. The flavors were quite varied as well. It was tempting to try some strange concoction, but he went with a soda from a classic fountain. They made it back to the spot at the same time as Xander and Cordelia.

"Did you see Slut-o-rama and her Disco Dave?" Cordelia asked as they all arrived at the spot. "What was the last thing that guy danced to, KC and the Sunshine Band?"

They turned their attention to the dance floor. A brunette around the same age as the group was dancing with a guy that, as Cordelia said, looked like he belonged in the 1970s, complete with bell-bottoms. The guy led her off the dance floor, heading outside.

"I don't think that guy thrives on sunshine," Buffy said, before she got to her feet and hurried after them.

She was interrupted by the guy from their impromptu school picnic the other day. Harry thought his name started with an S, or sounded like it. The rest of the group hurried after her. It didn't take long to find the two. All they had to do was follow the sound of violence.

"It's ok," the brunette said as the vampire behind her got back to his feet. "You're, uh.. Buffy, right?"

The vampire grabbed her from behind. Faith slammed her head into the vampire's face.

"I'm Faith," she said as she wrenched the hands away and tossed the vampire into a wall.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say there's a new slayer in town," Oz stated.

Faith snagged the stake that Buffy held loosely in her hand, "can I borrow that?"

A moment later the vampire was dust and everyone stood watching.

"Thanks, B," Faith handed the stake back to Buffy. "Couldn't have done it without you."