Chapter Text
Harry sighed with satisfaction as he watched the installation finish before his shop. The contractor waved at him and said a gruff goodbye before he was on his way, payment in hand.
Above the doorway, a proud new sign gleamed in the sun.
“Prongs’ Tea Parlour,” Harry said, and turned to the open shop door. “We’re just a prong short of a seafood fork.” Fairy snorted in response as he ambled through the shop, shaking his head. A few moments later, the sound of the local news station filtered through.
Learned to sass, that one.
Still, Harry was finding Fairy’s company more pleasant than expected. He was quiet, picked up after himself, and made for a decent housemate. In the cafe, Fairy’s extra pair of hands (claws?) took a load of Harry, who couldn’t exactly rely on magic outside the backrooms and kitchen.
Meanwhile, his regulars (typical New Yorkers) didn’t even flinch at the Chitauri’s presence at the cash register after the first day or two. As long as orders were served with efficiency, customers were happy.
Harry stepped back toward the shop, stopping at the propped door to straighten the “Open” sign and peel off outdated signs with the old name. (Hermione thought he was ridiculous, renaming the shop by “moving an apostrophe, Harry. Don’t you think it’s a waste? You’ll need to redo all the menus and signage-” Ron interrupted, “Oh, it’s brilliant though, innit? When will you call it Forks?”)
Around the shop, New York was rebuilding from the last catastrophe it had weathered. The sight made Harry wonder if the local construction companies were in cahoots with the villains or the superheroes. Why else did the fighting keep taking place in one of the densest cities in the world? There must be money involved.
As he thought this, a jingle came on the radio.
“Another sighting of -”
Overhead, Harry heard a distinctive woosh. He looked up as something flew past, blowing his hair askew. Moments later, a man in red tights swung overhead, bouncing from building to building with wild recklessness.
“- the ‘friendly, neighborhood Spiderman’ on the west side. Stay tuned as we follow the action…”
Harry shook his head to himself as he kicked up the door stop and let the door close gently behind him.
Just another day in the big city.