When Harry Potter started dating Fleur Delacour, the wizarding public didn’t bat an eye. For them it was completely understandable that Harry Potter would date the Champion of Beauxbatons, a supernatural beauty of Veela ancestry, connected to a politically powerful family. When the war was finished, nobody was surprised that Harry and Fleur were at the epicentre. People were somewhat surprised when Harry returned for his last year at Hogwarts while his now fiancée studied as an apprentice under Charms Master Flitwick. Again, people expectations were fulfilled when Harry Potter graduated with honours, among the top students of his year. But then the surprises began. Many expected him to become an Auror and lead the elite force to victory after victory against the forces of darkness. Neither did he join the international duelling circuit, although he certainly had both power and skill. Neither did he join the Wizengamot, unlike quite a few of his peers. No, instead of all that, Harry Potter bought the now abandoned space where Florean Fortescue once had his shop. Many were curious what was happening inside, until, finally, new decorations and new signs appeared. The Potters’ Ice Cream Parlor. Harry and Fleur Potter, the new owners, welcomed the wizarding public with broad smiles and an even broader selection of ice cream flavors. Nobody knew how, but the Potters have managed to give the place a welcoming, homely feel. Whoever entered the shop, they were welcome either by Harry Potter who remembered each customer and had a kind word for everyone or the charming Fleur Potter, whose smile always lit up the Alley.
There were many frequent visitors, the renowned researcher Hermione Granger who also did much to support House Elves’ rights, Chief Mugwump Neville Longbottom often came and could be found deep in a friendly chat with his old classmate while enjoying a sundae. The Magical Law Patrol always had one sundae free when they finished their patrol in the Alley. Lady Greengrass appeared suspiciously often, but none dared to say anything bad about the owner of the largest British Dragon Reserve, for she was formidable enough to wrestle misbehaving dragons. It became a tradition for numerous Hogwarts students to visit the Potters’ Parlor when coming to the Alley. They may have learned about the legend, but every Hogwarts student went to school, remembering delicious ice cream, Mrs. Potter’s warm smile and Harry Potter’s friendly greetings. Whether they wanted to talk about Quidditch, charms, history or defense against the dark arts, Mr. Potter had the time to listen to them and talk to them. Even for the orphans, the Potters’ welcoming, homely shop was often one of the first experiences they had of the Magical World.