A/N: Harry is a girl in this fic. Her full name is Haradriel, but she goes by Hari. this chapter takes place just after 2nd year.
Sioux Falls, 2004
Hari was tired and hungry. The trip to the states had been long, and the aeroplane ride was nerve wracking. They had passed through a storm with turbulence that had her white knuckling the armrests the entire way. Of course the ride didn't help the mood of the professor escorting her, which was the always moody Professor Snape. She had been surprised when they landed to learn that Snape not only knew how to drive, but also that he had a license. So with the rental car they left Sioux Falls Regional Airport and headed out of the small city.
Trees passed the window quickly as the car speed down the road, as they drove for nearly 20 minutes. With the only noise filling the car was that of the engine and the tires on the on the soon gave way to farmland and then they were pulling into a junkyard. Hari glanced up at the sign arching over the entryway. Singer Salvage Yard. She raised an eyebrow, salvage indeed, all the automobiles looked well past salvageable. Under his breath, she heard Snape mutter about how savage Americans were. She rolled her eyes, not wanting to get into an argument with the man, and stayed silent. They pulled up to the rickety old house and Snape shifted into park.
"Are you waiting for an invitation, Potter?" He sneered as he opened his door. She sighed and opened her door. It smelled, weird. She moved to the boot of the rental and pulled her trunk out.
"Hurry up Potter, I haven't all day." Snape bit as he stood at the base of the porch, waiting for her. She trudged up to him, heaving the heavy trunk up the steps. The front door creaked open and there stood a middle aged man, with his brown hair and beard creased with gray hairs, and a ratty old american baseball cap, most importantly though, in one hand he held a shotgun.
"You the kid?" the man asked. Snape placed a hand on her shoulder and pushed her forward slightly, how her wide eyes were glued on the shotgun in fear.
"This is Haradriel Potter, I assume you're the contact, Robert Singer?" Snape introduced. The man, Mr. Singer reached his free hand into his pocket and pulled out a flask. He handed it to Hari.
"Take a sip, both of you." He ordered. With eyes still glued to the shotgun Hari accepted the flask and raised it to her lips. She paused, noticing briefly the engraving of the flask to showan intricate design of a christian cross. Strange, she thought as she took a sip of distilled water. Her nose scrunched as she handed it to her professor. He did so without ceremony and handed it back to Mr. Singer.
"Are we good?" Snape asked as he handed the flask back.
"Yeah, we good." Mr. Robert set the shotgun down, much to Hari's relief. "Come on in." Stepping aside to let them in.
"I'm afraid I'm short on time so I will be leaving Miss. Potter, in your… capable hands." Snape sneered before turning to Hari. "I expect you to behave yourself Potter." He sneered and walked away. He was in the rental and moving before Mr. Singer could do much.
"Well ain't he a ray of sunshine." He mumbled under his breath. He looked down at Hari and sighed. She was staring at her feet, black hair tumbling over her shoulder. The clothes she was wearing was obviously a school uniform, with gold and red lining the vest.
"C'mon kid, lets get you inside." He grabbed her trunk and ushered her in. She moved with quick uncertain steps. It was dark and dusty in the house, with faded wallpaper covered by piles of books. He lead her up creaky stairs and into a small room. Setting the trunk at the foot of the bed he drew the curtains and turned to her.
"You'll be stayin here until your daddy takes ya. He should be here later tonight or early in the morning." He paused as Hari nodded. "I've got lots of books here, don't touch them unless I say ya can. Also, if ya see a knife or gun, don't touch it. Ya can explore the yard while ya here, or do your school work. Just don't do nofin stupid."
"Thank you Mr. Singer." She whispered, her hair covering her face from view. He sighed.
"Lets go, I'm sure ya hungry and you're daddy wont be here yet."