Chapter 765
For Safety
Chapter 765 For Safety
In the bustling crowd, those people walked quickly toward them at a seemingly casual pace. Leading them were a man and a woman, both tall and slender, and appeared very capable.
The woman walking ahead wore a hairstyle similar to Professor McGonagall's, revealing sharp and somewhat aloof facial features. Her eyes were grey-blue, her nose was high and straight, and her gaze was sharp, making it difficult to discern her age at first glance.
Moody quickly stepped forward, blocking Wade's path and watching him warily.
There were thousands of Muggles around, and unless they were insane, no one would use magic in this environment. Otherwise, Moody would have Apparated with Vader immediately.
Remus stood guard to the side and behind Wade, his body not standing straight, but slightly turned, watching the sides and backs of the three of them.
Good afternoon, gentlemen.
The woman stepped forward first, her voice carrying a businesslike efficiency. Her gaze swept over the three men in turn, finally focusing on Wade.
“I am Salina Goldstein, an Auror from the Department of Law Enforcement, Magical Congress. This is Rex Grimm, Deputy Director of the Auror Office.”
The man next to her nodded slightly. His face was covered with large scars from smallpox, which even pulled on the muscles near his left eye, making that eye look as if it was always half-closed and alert.
“On behalf of the Magical Congress, I welcome you all to America,” Rex said in a deep voice.
"Excuse me... what are you Aurors trying to do?"
Lupin glanced at the Aurors surrounding them and frowned. "Did we break any laws?"
"Of course not, you've misunderstood, Mr. Lupin."
Salina looked at Wade and said, "Mr. Wade Gray performed exceptionally well in the recent competition, and the significance of the puppet is becoming increasingly important."
“But we believe that the remnants of the mysterious man have not been completely eliminated. They may still be lurking in the shadows, watching Mr. Gray, ready to attack you at any time.”
"Because, in order to ensure Mr. Grey's safety, the Magical Congress has decided to send an elite Auror squad to protect Mr. Grey until the end of the competition and you leave the United States."
“Please believe me, this is a necessary measure,” Rex said. “At the same time… it is also to ensure the safety of ordinary people on this land.”
His gaze also fell on Wade, and he said, "I think you may not know this yet, child, but the legal system of the Magical Congress of the United States is very different from that of the British Ministry of Magic, and most importantly..."
He paused briefly, then said, "Our law enforcement is even more iron-fisted and will not be arbitrarily flexible. We will never make exceptions for personal relationships or management."
Wade didn't speak. Before he came, he had of course learned about American law, including the Rappaport Act, which was repealed only thirty years ago.
Due to historical reasons, most wizards in the United States are in a very hostile relationship with Muggles, and there is no cooperative relationship between the Magical Congress and the Muggle government.
Under Rappaport law, wizards who become too close to Muggles are severely punished, and the two are not allowed to befriend or marry each other—a stark contrast to the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere in Europe.
Although those laws that violated human nature have now been repealed, the ingrained habits of life accumulated over the years, as well as people's beliefs, will not be abolished along with them.
However, Wade did not speak at this moment. He stood behind Moody's solid back and quickly scanned the surroundings with his eyes.
The Muggles around them were completely oblivious to the tense situation, as if the people standing on the floor were just air.
However, neither the shielding spell nor the ignore spell is omnipotent. They can only weaken the presence of wizards and magic to a very low level in the eyes of Muggles, causing them to subconsciously ignore and disregard them.
If magic were to be unleashed... it would undoubtedly break this charade of ignoring each other. This is why the two sides can still speak peacefully.
Salina continued, "According to our laws, wizards under the age of seventeen are not allowed to possess wands outside of school, and must leave their wands at school during holidays..."
As the gazes of Vader and his companions grew increasingly cold and wary, Salina changed the subject again:
"Of course, Mr. Gray is a distinguished guest, and we will not ask you to hand over your wand. However, please abide by the law and refrain from using magic during this competition. If you need any assistance, we are happy to provide it."
She curled the corners of her mouth in a gesture of friendliness, but the smile also seemed businesslike.
Moody's magic eyes darted around rapidly, and he said in a gruff voice, "Prove your identities!"
Several Auror subordinates exchanged glances, their expressions seemingly displeased with Moody's questioning of them. Salina, however, remained expressionless as she produced a document and her Auror certificate.
"I think this should be enough to prove it... or does Mr. Moody need to speak with Mr. Fontaine in person to believe it?"
Moody nodded without hesitation: "Yes, I need it."
Salina was momentarily speechless at his attitude, then gave him a smile that seemed much more genuine.
"Mr. Moody is just as Director Fontaine said... Please rest assured, he will visit you after he finishes his work today."
Moody raised an eyebrow: "What has he been busy with today?"
A hint of gloom crept onto Salina's face as she looked at Rex.
Rex said in a low voice, "We found some strange corpses in Eugene, and Mr. Fontaine has taken care of them."
“What’s strange about this place?” Moody pressed.
“I’m sorry, that’s a topic I can’t discuss.” Rex gestured, “Please come with us; Congress has arranged accommodations for you.”
But Moody did not agree immediately; he turned to look at Wade behind him.
Although Wade was much younger than them, Dumbledore had instructed the two of them before they set off that Wade's opinion should be given the highest priority on this trip.
Wade nodded slightly, offering no objection.
Seeing this, Salina and Rex exchanged a glance, their expressions showing a hint of surprise.
Although they didn't know Moody in person, they had heard about him from Alistair Fontaine, the Auror director, and knew how paranoid, confident, fierce, and ruthless this "Mad-Eye" was.
This person... seems to have really positioned himself as a bodyguard at this moment?
Lupin asked, "Wait...where are our suitcases?"
"There's no need to worry about that."
Salina said, "All the luggage will be delivered directly to the hotel room by our people, and I guarantee that there will be no damage whatsoever."
"Then... please follow me, gentlemen."
(End of this chapter)