NOVEL NEXT Chapter 2: Chapter:2
The warmth of the sun filtered through the thin curtains, and Steven Hart—or John Stein, as he once was—woke to a new day. For a moment, he lay there, the faint sounds of the countryside seeping into his consciousness. Birds chirped, the distant clatter of pots echoed downstairs, and the faint scent of tea wafted through the air.
He sat up slowly, his head clearer now, though the strangeness of his situation lingered. His new body was weak but recovering, and today marked an important day—it was his eleventh birthday. A memory surfaced, unbidden: the day he had begged his parents for a private room on his tenth birthday.
Young Steven had declared himself "grown-up" and demanded his independence, a request that had amused his parents at first. Yet, their stubborn son persisted, and despite their initial reluctance, they finally relented. They'd expected him to run back to their room in fear on the first dark, stormy night, but he'd kept his word. Even as a grown man trapped in this young body, John respected the boy's quiet determination.
He dressed quickly, fumbling slightly with his smaller hands, and descended the creaky wooden staircase. The warm, rustic charm of the house struck him again. He might not have been British by birth, but this house—its old-world charm, the worn furniture, the faint smell of lavender and tea—already felt like home in a way his real childhood home never had.
"Happy birthday, darling!" His mother's voice greeted him warmly as he reached the kitchen. Before he could react, she pulled him into a hug, planting a kiss on his forehead. Her affection was genuine, untainted by anything but love, and for a moment, he felt a pang of emotion.
He'd grown up in a single-parent household in the States, where his father's idea of love was a harsh slap or a drunken tirade. His mother had left when he was young, leaving him to fend for himself. The kindness of Steven's parents was a balm to old wounds he hadn't realized still hurt.
"Thanks, Mom," he said, his voice soft but genuine. The words felt strange on his tongue, but he meant them.
"Good morning, champ!" his father said, stepping into the room with a broad smile. "Big day, huh? We're throwing you a birthday party tonight, so don't forget to invite your friends and some neighbors. We'll make it a day to remember."
John—or Steven, as he now forced himself to think—nodded and smiled back. "I'll make sure to invite everyone," he said. His father patted him on the shoulder, and the simple gesture sent another wave of unfamiliar warmth through him.
As he grabbed a piece of toast and headed for the door, his mind wandered to his new home. Godric's Hollow, the town was called. The name sounded strange to him, almost something like he heard before, but he chalked it up to his unfamiliarity with the body. It didn't matter much to him; the village seemed safe enough, far removed from any conflicts or struggles he'd known in his previous life.
He told his father he'd be heading out to invite his friends and to the park to play. Saturdays were free of school, something he would've found dull in his old life but now welcomed as a break to gather his thoughts. His father nodded and waved him off with a cheerful, "Have fun, and don't be late for dinner!"
Walking down the cobbled street, Steven tried to maintain the cheerful, carefree persona the boy had likely been known for. His first stop was the house of Austin, one of Steven's two friends. When Austin answered the door, he greeted Steven with a grin.
"Happy birthday, mate!" Austin said, his enthusiasm genuine.
"Thanks,make sure to come to the part at evening" Steven replied, matching his tone.
"Sorry, though," Austin added, scratching the back of his neck. "We're heading out for a weekend trip with my family, so I can't make it to your party tonight."
"No worries," Steven replied, waving it off with a laugh. He had expected some setbacks today, though this was minor in the grand scheme of things. After a quick goodbye, he set off to find Dursley, his other friend, who lived just across two roads.
Reaching the park, he spotted Dursley playing with his cousin. He plastered on his most natural smile, waving as he approached.