Under the Cursed Moon - CH - 45

The Black Mansion was alive with excitement as Forks began buzzing with early visitors, eager to immerse themselves in the town’s growing reputation for thrilling events. Though the baseball tournament was still weeks away, memories of last year’s surfing competition had drawn surfers of all ages to Forks early, determined to hone their skills on Harry’s private beach before the big event.

Harry’s beach, secluded and pristine, had become an unexpected highlight of the previous year’s tournament festivities. The surfing competition had been a major success, with categories for both adults and children. The shimmering waves, combined with the scenic backdrop of the forested cliffs, had made it an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike.

This year, word had spread, and many arrived weeks in advance to practice, hoping to gain an edge in the competition. Harry, ever the gracious host, opened his beach to the public once again, ensuring everyone felt welcome.

Surfers from all over gathered at the beach daily, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Young children paddled out on small boards, their laughter mingling with the sound of crashing waves. Experienced surfers carved through the water with practiced ease, offering tips to newcomers and children.

Teddy, of course, was ecstatic. He spent hours on the sand, running back and forth between the surfers, cheering them on, and occasionally insisting he could surf better if only someone let him try. Harry, amused by Teddy’s energy, promised to give him a lesson during one of their quieter moments.

“Remember, Teddy,” Harry said one morning as they stood on the beach, “surfing isn’t just about winning. It’s about feeling the rhythm of the ocean and having fun.”

“I’ll do both!” Teddy declared, his confidence earning a chuckle from Leah and Hermione, who watched nearby.

The Cullens, intrigued by the buzz surrounding the beach, decided to visit and offer their support. Esme marveled at the energy and joy of the surfers, while Alice took it upon herself to design special waterproof outfits for the competition. Edward, though hesitant at first, found himself pulled into the excitement by Teddy, who insisted he teach him “vampire surfing tricks.”

“I don’t think I’m quite built for surfing, Teddy,” Edward said, amused.

“Nonsense!” Teddy countered. “You’re fast enough to beat the waves, I bet!”

As the days passed, the surfing beach became a hub of activity. Music played in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere. Residents of Forks who weren’t surfers themselves often stopped by to watch, enjoying the communal spirit the event brought to the town.

Harry spent his mornings on the phone, coordinating last-minute arrangements for the tournament, and his afternoons on the beach, ensuring everything ran smoothly. He was constantly approached by both participants and visitors, each eager to thank him for opening his beach and for organizing such a remarkable event.

“It’s not just me,” Harry insisted to one visitor. “This is all of Forks coming together. I’m just lucky to be part of it.”

One afternoon, a small argument broke out between two surfers over practice times, drawing a small crowd. Before things could escalate, Harry stepped in, his calm demeanor diffusing the tension.

“We’re here to celebrate and enjoy ourselves,” he reminded them. “This competition is about bringing people together, not tearing them apart.”

The surfers, embarrassed, apologized and shook hands, earning applause from the onlookers. Teddy, watching from nearby, nodded approvingly.

“You handled that like a true leader, Dad,” he said later.

With hundreds of people flocking to Harry’s private beach every day for surfing practice, the locals approached Harry with an idea. They suggested setting up food courts, refreshment stalls, and small stores along the beachside to cater to the visitors and enhance the overall experience. Recognizing the potential benefits for both the visitors and the community, Harry quickly gave his approval.

Jacob Black was appointed by Harry to oversee the operations at the beach. As the new manager, Jacob took charge of organizing the setup. He worked closely with local vendors and craftsmen to establish a temporary yet vibrant marketplace that complemented the lively atmosphere of the beach.

Within days, the beachside transformed into a bustling hub of activity. Food stalls offered a variety of local delicacies, refreshing beverages, and quick bites for surfers and spectators alike. Artisan booths displayed handcrafted souvenirs, while small stores provided essential surfing gear and other beach-related items.

Jacob’s efforts did not go unnoticed. He ensured that everything ran smoothly, maintaining order amidst the growing crowds. He also coordinated with volunteers to keep the beach clean and welcoming.

“Jacob’s doing a fantastic job,” Harry remarked to Hermione one evening. “The place looks incredible, and everyone seems to be having a great time.”

With the increasing number of visitors, managing the property became more demanding. Jacob implemented systems to control access and ensure the safety of both people and the environment. Parking zones were established, and additional staff was brought in to manage waste disposal and security.

Teddy, of course, was thrilled by the newfound energy on the beach. He loved visiting the stalls, trying different snacks, and chatting with the vendors. Whenever Harry or Jacob mentioned a challenge, Teddy eagerly offered his “expert” solutions, much to everyone’s amusement.

As the tournament drew closer, the beachside marketplace became a prime attraction, with visitors praising the organization and community spirit. For Jacob, it was a valuable experience in leadership and coordination, and for Harry, it was another reminder of the power of teamwork.

After the tournament, Harry planned to evaluate the success of the setup and decide whether to make the marketplace an annual feature during events. For now, he was content to see Forks thriving and the community coming together in ways he hadn’t imagined when he first opened his beach.

With Jacob handling the day-to-day responsibilities and the tournament’s excitement building, Harry found himself looking forward to what the future held—not just for the tournament, but for the enduring bonds being forged in Forks.

Even though Harry didn’t need the money, he decided to implement a small fee system for the vendors who had set up stores at his beach, as well as for parking and using the beach for surfing practice. His reasoning was practical: all the money collected would go toward covering the tournament’s expenses, ensuring that the event would remain self-sustaining and even more spectacular than the previous year.

Jacob, with his natural leadership and charisma, took charge of collecting the fees and managing the influx of visitors. His fair approach and organizational skills made him well-respected among both the locals and visitors. Vendors appreciated the opportunity to sell their goods, while surfers and tourists found the small fees reasonable for the vibrant experience they were getting at Harry’s beach.

As the tournament grew closer, Forks saw a surge in visitors, and the town began to buzz with excitement. The accommodation programs Harry and the community had organized proved to be immensely helpful. Almost every homestay in Forks was completely booked, with visitors thrilled to immerse themselves in the local hospitality.

For those unable to secure rooms, Harry and Jacob came up with an innovative solution: allowing visitors to camp on unused land near the beach. Several families and landowners around Forks generously offered their land for camping, and Harry ensured that the campsites were equipped with basic amenities like water and portable restrooms. The arrangement created a lively and inclusive atmosphere, with campers enjoying bonfires and sharing stories under the stars.

Teddy was, of course, thrilled by the hustle and bustle. He loved walking among the camping grounds, chatting with the visitors, and showing off his collection of toys to the children. He took great pride in explaining how his father and Jacob were running everything.

One day, while visiting the vendors’ area, Teddy confidently told a group of tourists, “My dad says this tournament will be the best ever because we’re doing it together!” His enthusiasm was infectious, drawing smiles from everyone around him.

With Jacob managing the collections and accommodations, Harry had more time to focus on coordinating with the tournament committee. The funds raised from the fees were carefully allocated to ensure the event would be a grand success. From building better facilities for the players and spectators to organizing entertainment programs during the downtime, every detail was meticulously planned.

The residents of Forks were deeply appreciative of Harry’s efforts. Many remarked how the tournament was not just about sports but about bringing the community together and putting their small town on the map. The Cullens also played their part, ensuring their contributions enhanced the tournament's appeal while continuing to strengthen their ties with Forks.

The Cullens' active participation in the tournament was an eye-opener for the locals. Known for their usual reclusiveness, the Cullens now immersed themselves in every aspect of the event, from organizing logistics to setting up activities and even engaging with the crowds. Their ethereal beauty, grace, and unparalleled coordination stood out, drawing attention wherever they went.

To everyone’s amazement, the Cullens also shared a striking feature: each member wore a similar necklace around their neck. The necklaces were works of art—delicate and elegant, featuring a pendant made of a translucent gem that shimmered with a subtle, mesmerizing light. The craftsmanship was impeccable, with intricate designs etched into the surface, and they radiated a charm that captivated anyone who looked at them.

The necklaces were immediately recognized for their beauty, sparking admiration and curiosity among the townsfolk and visitors. Some said the pendants looked like rare moonstone or enchanted quartz, their shimmering light catching the sun at just the right angles. However, as beautiful as they were, it served another purpose.

The necklaces were actually the brilliant creation of Hermione Black. Ever since she discovered the true reason behind the Cullens’ aversion to sunlight, Hermione had been both fascinated and empathetic. She learned that their bodies sparkled like diamonds under the sun—a beautiful yet glaringly unnatural phenomenon that forced them into a life of secrecy. The Cullens couldn’t step into sunlight without revealing their nature, which meant they missed out on so many simple joys that others took for granted.

Hermione, known for her relentless determination and ingenuity, took it upon herself to find a solution. She spent countless hours poring over ancient tomes, researching spells, and experimenting with various enchantments. Her goal was clear: to craft an enchanted object that could conceal the Vampires’ shimmering skin in sunlight, allowing them to appear completely normal.

The result of her hard work was the set of enchanted necklaces. Each pendant was designed with the utmost care, combining Hermione’s mastery of magical knowledge and her sense of aesthetics. The pendants contained a rare gem sourced from a magical supplier, enhanced with complex enchantments that counteracted the Vampires’ unique reaction to sunlight.

The process was arduous and required incredible precision. Hermione explained to Harry one evening, “It’s not just about hiding their sparkle. The enchantments have to align with their specific physiology. Their skin’s reaction to sunlight is unlike anything I’ve seen before—it’s both magical and scientific. I had to craft something that works seamlessly without causing any harm.”

When the necklaces were complete, Hermione invited the Cullens over to the Black Mansion for a private gathering. As she handed each of them a necklace, she explained how they worked.

“These pendants are enchanted to reflect the sunlight in a way that masks your natural glow,” Hermione said, her tone both serious and hopeful. “To the human eye, your skin will appear normal, no matter how bright the sun is. You’ll finally be able to enjoy the daylight without fear.”

The Cullens were initially stunned. Carlisle, the family patriarch, spoke first, his voice filled with gratitude. “Hermione, this is… beyond anything we could have hoped for. You’ve given us a chance to live more freely, to experience a part of life we thought was lost to us.”

Esme’s eyes glistened as she held the pendant close. “It’s beautiful in every way. Thank you, Hermione.”

Even Rosalie, often reserved in her praise, managed a heartfelt, “You didn’t have to do this, but you did. Thank you.”

From that day forward, the Cullens wore their necklaces with pride and gratitude. For the first time in their immortal lives, they could step into the sunlight without drawing attention or risking exposure. The necklaces didn’t just hide their sparkle—they gave them a semblance of normalcy, allowing them to blend more effortlessly with the community.

The townsfolk noticed the change almost immediately. The Cullens, who once avoided daytime events, were now seen strolling through Forks in the sunshine, helping with the tournament preparations, and even enjoying the vibrant outdoor atmosphere.

Hermione, however, downplayed her achievement. When Harry and Leah complimented the necklaces, she simply smiled and said, “It was the least I could do. Everyone deserves to enjoy the sunlight.” But to the Cullens, the necklaces were far more than simple gifts—they were symbols of Hermione’s compassion, ingenuity, and willingness to bridge the gap between their worlds.

The Cullens’ gratitude was boundless, and their newfound ability to participate in everyday life without fear further cemented their place in the community. The necklaces became a subtle yet powerful testament to the bonds formed between the Black family and the Cullens—proof that even the most extraordinary challenges could be overcome with understanding and compassion.