Under The Starry Sky

Chuff-chuff-chuff—screeeeeeech—clank-clank—chuff… chuff… chuff—thunk!

The Hogwarts Express gradually slowed as it neared King's Cross Station, its magically enchanted brakes hissing in protest. The rhythmic metallic clunking decelerated until, with a final, resounding thunk, the train came to a halt.

Throughout the journey, my compartment had remained unusually empty. None of my close friends were aboard this time, a rarity for me. The train carried only a handful of sixth- and seventh-year students, mostly from Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Honestly, I didn't mind the solitude. It gave me peace to indulge in some idle studying, jotting down notes and flipping through advanced spell books. Even better, it offered the time to think without interruption—about the past, the present, and what lay ahead.

Finally, I stood and grabbed my trunk. The sudden movement caused Hedwig to screech indignantly from her cage. "Sorry, girl," I muttered, casting her a brief, apologetic glance before making my way toward the exit.

The station was eerily quiet. Only a handful of students disembarked, and the usual bustle of the holidays seemed oddly absent. It was around seven in the evening, and the dim lighting cast long shadows over the nearly deserted platform. A few families stood scattered, waiting to collect their children, their voices echoing faintly in the hollow space.

"Is that—?"

I heard the whisper from a small group to my left, but quickly tuned it out. The hushed awe, the starry-eyed glances—I was used to it by now. It felt oddly misplaced, as though they were looking at someone else entirely.

I adjusted my grip on my trunk and trudged towards the wall that marked the barrier to the Muggle side of the station. The wooden wheels of my trunk clattered over the cobblestones as I approached. With a deep breath, I stepped through the barrier, emerging into the bustling world of King's Cross' mundane counterpart.

The transition was jarring, as it always was. Gone were the magical whispers of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, replaced by the hum of fluorescent lights and the distant screech of train wheels on iron tracks. The Muggle world was alive with its own brand of energy—commuters rushing past, voices overlapping in a cacophony of urgency, and the occasional screech of an overhead announcement.

I maneuvered through the crowd, the weight of my trunk dragging at my arms. The stark contrast between Hogwarts and London never failed to strike me. The castle's ancient, enchanted halls seemed like a dream compared to the harsh, everyday realities of the city.

Somewhere in the distance, a clock chimed, its echo serving as a reminder that my time in the magical world of Hogwarts was, for now, on pause. It was time to face the magic of the real world—a magic that didn't care about rules or regulations.

I was about to hail a taxi when something shifted in the air. I felt it—an unmistakable presence, familiar yet unfamiliar. It stood out, like a ripple in the sea of bustling Muggles around me. Instinctively, my eyes scanned the crowd, and there, standing a few feet away, was a redheaded girl with a pigtail. Our gazes locked, and before I could think, my legs moved of their own accord, carrying me toward her.

For a moment, she froze—surprised, confused—before quickly regaining her composure. To anyone else, it would've been barely noticeable, but I knew better.

"So, Professor Dumbledore sent you to spy on me?" I asked, my voice a mix of amusement and curiosity.

This time, she actually froze. Her face paled, and her mouth opened in shock. She was about to stammer out a defense, but I cut her off before she could speak.

"Don't bullshit me. I know he sent you, Nymphadora Tonks."

Her eyes widened, and for the briefest second, I saw the wheels turning in her head. She didn't expect me to know—let alone recognize her.

"Ho—how do you know?" she stammered, her voice betraying her surprise. "You weren't supposed to even know I was a spy, let alone my name." She muttered under my breath, "Damn,Dumbledore said you were good… but not that good. How, though?" 

I raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. "There aren't many Morphmagi in Britain, darling," I replied coolly. Then, with a flicker of amusement, I added, "And there aren't many magicals wandering around Muggle London at this time of year. So, what else could someone like you be doing here?"

I fixed her with a piercing stare, watching as her eyes—once amber—slowly shifted to brown. She was trying hard to maintain her composure, but I could see the cracks starting to show.

I leaned in slightly, letting the silence hang between us like a tangible thing. "And you're not exactly a nobody, are you?"

Tonks' shoulders stiffened, her posture giving away her internal conflict. She hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. Her expression flickered between guilt and frustration. Then, for the first time, I saw a flash of uncertainty in her eyes—like a spy caught in the act.

The tension was thick, almost suffocating, and I couldn't help but break the silence with a teasing grin. "Well, at least now I know who'll been spying on me," I said, my voice dripping with amusement.

Tonks blinked, taken aback by my casual recognition. I could tell she hadn't expected this to happen, but we both knew why she was here. It wasn't some grand mission; Dumbledore had sent her to watch over me, to keep me safe.

"How do you know?" she stammered, the nerves creeping into her voice. "I—I'm not supposed to be… visible."

"Visible?" I finished for her, raising an eyebrow. "Don't worry, Tonks. I wasn't planning on telling anyone. But you're not fooling me."

I stepped a little closer, my eyes narrowing. "You're new at this, aren't you?" I said softly, but the words carried the weight of understanding. "I can tell. This isn't your world. Dumbledore trusted you, but you're still figuring it out."

Her eyes flickered with something between guilt and frustration. She looked away, her mind racing for an escape, but it was too late.

"I'm supposed to be looking out for you," she muttered, her voice softer now, more vulnerable. "But I wasn't supposed to… be seen by you."

A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips. "Well, I guess he underestimated me," I said lightly, but there was an edge to my tone. "I'm not as oblivious as I look."

She met my gaze again, and for a moment, her face softened. "It's just… Dumbledore was worried about you," she admitted, her words barely above a whisper. "He thought by sending me, he can look out for you."

I sighed, my gaze softening. "I know," I said quietly, the weight of it all settling heavily on my shoulders. "I know he's just trying to protect me. It was one of the conditions to leave for winter holidays, after all."

I turned my head to look at the King's Cross Clocktower, watching the hands tick steadily, oblivious to the weight of everything going on around me. The clock tower seemed to stand as a silent reminder that time was slipping by.

I turned back to Tonks, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "So, how were you going to follow me if I'd taken a taxi?" I asked, amusement lacing my voice.

Tonks blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. She stared at me for a moment, a little startled, before her face broke into a small, wry grin. "Well, I was going to follow you however I could," she said, shifting her weight slightly. "Not that I planned on you taking a taxi, but you never know with you. I might have had to resort to more... subtle methods."

I raised an eyebrow. "Subtle methods?" I repeated, not entirely buying it. "What, like some kind of magical tracking device or a disguised broomstick?"

Tonks gave a mock sigh. "I wish it were that easy. But no, nothing that flashy. Mostly just... blending in." Her tone was playful now, but I could sense the truth behind her words. Despite her clumsy, almost goofy demeanor, Tonks was good at her job. She might not be a seasoned spy, but she knew how to blend into her surroundings, how to go unnoticed when it counted. Just not from someone like me.

"Well, I suppose that explains why I didn't notice you," I said, teasing, my voice a light jab at her. "You've done this before, haven't you?"

Tonks smirked, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "Not really. This is my first time actually doing this kind of thing, you know? Dumbledore's orders and all that." She hesitated, then added almost sheepishly, "I'm not exactly a professional at it."

"Well, now that I've spotted you," I said with a smirk, a light jab at her getting caught, "just drop me off at the Leaky Cauldron, will you?"

Tonks grinned, her eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. "I figured you'd be staying there," she said, giving me a sideways glance as she pulled into a parking spot and we climbed into her car. She then steered the vehicle through the quiet streets.

I nodded, settling back into my seat. "It's the best place to stay when I want a little peace and quiet."

Tonks chuckled. "If you want peace and quiet, you might want to rethink your choice of company." Her tone was light, simply playful.

I raised an eyebrow. "Well, I can't exactly control who my spy is," I joked, then added, "I guess my peace and quiet depends on who Dumbledore chooses, and he chose chaos for now."

"Ouch," she said melodramatically. "Why did you even leave Hogwarts? The holidays aren't exactly that long. And you're staying at the Leaky Cauldron of all places?"

"Oh, just a few little reasons here and there, you know?" I replied, then added, "By the way, do you know how to remove the trace?"

"Why would you want to remove the trace?" she asked suspiciously. "I'm an Auror trainee, and you shouldn't be doing that."

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, yes, Ms. Rule-Abiding Auror Nymphadora Tonks!" I deadpanned.

"Don't call me Nymphadora, it's just Tonks!" she exclaimed, her hair turning pink and her cheeks flushing red. Suddenly, the car hit a speed bump, and it jolted a little, making her squeal as she hadn't put on her seatbelt like I had.

Ah, that's the Tonks I remember—feisty and clumsy. Honestly, her and Lupin's deaths had stung terribly in my last life. I missed her.

"Real smooth," I said, not letting the past ruin my current fun. "And honestly, I don't need my wand to do magic anyway," I added, pointing my finger at a chocolate bar in her car. Instantly, it shot toward me, and I caught it between two fingers.

Tonks blinked, eyes widening in surprise. "Well, that's impressive," she said, glancing between me and the floating chocolate bar. "I think you might be showing off now."

I shrugged, unwrapping the chocolate. "It would just be convenient," I said with a grin. "You don't mind me eating this, right?"

Tonks rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "As if I could stop you," she said, tapping the wheel as she focused back on the road.

Well, she could have, I suppose. Maybe not. I can be childish sometimes.

The rest of the way, I stayed quiet, gently stroking Hedwig's feathers as she dozed off, while Tonks focused on the road. Finally, we reached the Leaky Cauldron.

"Well, thank you, Miss Tonks," I said as I slipped out of her car, grabbing my trunk and Hedwig's cage. I tipped an imaginary hat at her. "I'll rate your service a solid 4.5 out of 5."

Tonks chuckled, shaking her head. "A 4.5, huh? Guess I'll have to work on that last half-point next time."

"Oh, for that, you'd have to not get caught," I teased, grinning. "After all, a spy getting caught? Call me generous for only docking half a point," I joked, slipping inside the magical pub through its weathered wooden door.

The pub was a little more full than usual, likely due to the evening hour and the holiday season. The Leaky Cauldron, with its warm glow and bustling atmosphere, felt like the heartbeat of magical London at that moment. It was no wonder—the place was a hub of activity, the epicenter of many meetings and conversations in the magical community.

Strategically situated as the gateway between Diagon Alley and Muggle London, the Leaky Cauldron held more significance than most people realized. It wasn't just a pub—it was an important landmark that served as a bridge between two worlds. The walls, worn with history and brimming with stories, had witnessed countless moments of magic and wonder.

For many Muggle-borns, the Leaky Cauldron was their first introduction to the magical world, their first glimpse into a realm that seemed both familiar and foreign. The pub's eccentric charm, with its magical patrons and quirks, helped ease their transition, showing them the everyday life of magical folk—the chatter about Quidditch, the clinking of glasses filled with Butterbeer, and the warmth of the hearth in the corner.

Setting all the nostalgia aside, I turned to the counter and was greeted by Tom, the pub owner. His warm smile was a familiar sight, and the way his eyes twinkled as he noticed me made the pub feel even more like home.

"Welcome to the Leaky Cauldron, Mr. Potter," Tom said with a nod. "How can I help you today?"

"Hello, Tom," I greeted him politely, grateful for the friendly atmosphere. "Do you have any free rooms where I could stay?"

Tom's smile widened, and he called over another man in the back, murmuring something to him. After a brief conversation, he turned back to me, his face beaming. "We've got a room ready for you. I'll send a house-elf to tidy it up right away. In the meantime, please have a seat. Would you like something to eat?"

I thought for a moment. The journey had been long, and I wasn't particularly hungry, but a little something wouldn't hurt. "Of course. I'll just have two sandwiches and a glass of water, thank you."

Tom nodded and waved to one of the staff to get started on my order. I stepped away from the counter and found an empty table, recently vacated by a family that had just left. It was quiet in the corner, a perfect spot to relax for a while.

After I had eaten and refreshed myself, Tom approached again, his face bright. "Your room is ready, Mr. Potter," he said, handing me a set of keys. "Enjoy your stay."

I thanked him, then made my way up the stairs, navigating the familiar twists and turns of the old building. It didn't take long before I found the correct room. The key turned easily in the lock, and I entered, closing the door behind me with a soft click. Instinctively, I used wandless magic to lock the door even more securely, reinforcing it with a few simple spells.

Once the door was sealed, I cast a dozen or so wards around the room, carefully ensuring that no one could overhear or spy on me. Satisfied with my work, I carved a couple of runes into the wooden frame of the door, enhancing the protection even further.

"Finally, some peace," I muttered to myself, stretching my arms above my head. The weariness from the day was starting to catch up with me, but the thought of being alone, undisturbed, was comforting.

That peace, however, didn't last long. I was immediately greeted by a series of angry screeches from Hedwig. I sighed, turning to the owl's cage, where she was flapping around in protest, clearly upset about being cooped up for so long.

"Okay, okay, calm down, girl," I said with a chuckle, walking over to open the cage. She immediately flew out, circling the room before settling onto the windowsill. "Happy now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hedwig's eyes gleamed, her feathers ruffling as she gave me a look that seemed to say, Yes, my subject, now fetch me some food. I couldn't help but smile at her feisty attitude. She might have been a bit of a diva, but she was my companion, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Right, food it is," I muttered, heading to my bag to fetch the dried owl treats I kept for her. As I prepared to spoil her just a little, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It was rare to have a moment of peace like this, and I intended to savor it. Because tomorrow won't be peaceful at all.

I tucked in for the night early, knowing that tomorrow would be a long day. I had plans to visit Nocturnal Alley—a place that I knew would help me get a ticket to Germany without any Ministry procedures. It was shady, sure, but I knew what I wanted and how to get it. After all, the last war hadn't left any saints behind, and I had learned more secrets than most.

Nocturnal Alley was known for its darker, more mysterious shops—places that catered to the needs of those who didn't want to play by the Ministry's rules. Some said it was where you could find everything from cursed objects to forbidden knowledge, and I had a few things on my mind that needed attention. Things I couldn't just ask for openly in Diagon Alley.

But I couldn't afford to be reckless. There were answers I needed to find, and I was determined to do it carefully, without drawing too much attention to myself. I had no illusions about the risks. There were eyes everywhere, especially from Dumbledore's side. Tonks might be clumsy, but she was good. She was trained for this, even if she didn't always show it.

Flap-flap, Hoo-hoo!

My hands shot up instinctively, grabbing the unruly owl that had decided my face was the best place to perch and wake me up. I glared at her with a mix of annoyance and exasperation. "Seriously?" I muttered.

"Hoot Hoot!" She retorted, her beady eyes sparkling with defiance as she extended her leg toward the window, demanding to be set free.

"Couldn't you have waited a little longer?" I grumbled, still trying to clear the sleep from my eyes, but I absentmindedly began petting her feathers, despite my irritation. "Stupid, pretentious bird," I mumbled under my breath, but she didn't seem to mind.

Without warning, she pecked my bicep—sharp and unexpected.

"Ouch! What the hell?!" I yelped, rubbing the sore spot as she fluttered her wings in delight. "Fine, fine! I'm opening the window," I relented, getting up and shuffling towards the window. I threw it open, letting her fly out into the open sky, where she could stretch her wings and soar freely.

I quickly went about my morning routine—getting fresh and ready for the day. There was no time to waste. After a quick wash and change of clothes, I made my way downstairs to the pub for a bite to eat. The familiar scent of sizzling food and the soft murmur of conversation filled the air, giving the place a comforting sense of normalcy.

Breakfast was quick but satisfying. Tom, the barman, was already bustling about, serving a few early customers. After I finished, I made my way to Gringotts, my pockets heavier now, ready to take out some money. The Goblins behind the counter were their usual no-nonsense selves, but I managed to get what I needed without much hassle.

On my way back, I stopped by Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour for a quick chat. Florean Fortescue, the owner, had always been kind to me. He was a jolly, soft-spoken man with an uncanny knack for remembering little details about his customers. In fact, he'd helped me quite a bit with my history homework before third year, giving me advice on magical civilizations and ancient creatures I hadn't even thought to research.

"Hello, Mr. Fortescue," I greeted as I entered the shop, pushing the door open. The bell chimed above me.

"Harry! How've you been?" He smiled, a twinkle in his eyes. "Haven't seen you in a while. Need your usual?"

I shook my head. "Not today. Just stopping by to say hello."

We chatted for a while, discussing the latest news from Hogwarts and a few of the magical oddities that seemed to pop up every now and then. Fortescue had a way of making even the most mundane topics feel interesting, and I found myself relaxing in his company. He didn't seem to mind the chaos of the magical world and always found time to make people feel welcome.

After a while, I bid farewell to Fortescue and made my way toward my next destination. I couldn't afford to linger too long—Nocturnal Alley was still waiting, and the sooner I got there, the sooner I could get what I needed. The clock was ticking.

But before heading there, I had to ensure I wasn't being followed. I was aware of Tonks keeping an eye on me, but Mundungus Fletcher had been shadowing me since the morning as well. I wasn't entirely sure of his intentions, but I had learned long ago that there was no such thing as too much caution when it came to people like him.

I quickly merged with a bustling crowd, using the constant movement of people to my advantage. Once I was far enough into the maze of streets and alleys, I ducked into one that was deserted, ensuring no one was around. With a wave of my hand, I cast the Disillusionment Charm, my body blending seamlessly into the surroundings.

Then, with careful precision, I focused on masking my magical aura. A few subtle enhancements were all it took—shielding my presence from any magical sensors or prying eyes. I wasn't taking any chances.

Next, I turned my attention to my appearance. I cast several spells to alter my facial features—my nose, jawline, and cheekbones subtly reshaped themselves. My hair lengthened, darkened, and became straighter, and my eye color shifted to a deep brown, a complete contrast to the usual green. I wasn't just trying to avoid recognition; I was trying to become someone else entirely. A new identity for a while, until I finished what I had to do.

I took a moment to check my reflection in a small puddle on the ground, adjusting the final details to ensure the disguise was flawless. With everything in place, I felt a rush of relief—no one would recognize me now.

Still concealed by my disguise, I walked through Nocturnal Alley with an air of confident ease, each step purposeful and deliberate. I knew exactly what I was doing here—there was no hesitation, no doubt in my mind. I was in control, not just of my surroundings, but of myself, my magic, and whatever was coming next.

The alley twisted and turned around me, its atmosphere thick with dark magic and strange energies. But it didn't faze me. I had seen worse, dealt with worse, and I'd walked through shadows far deeper than these without so much as a flinch. Nocturnal Alley was just another place to get what I needed, and nothing more.

The walls around me shifted in color—brown, grey, orange, black—each turn revealing a new corner of the twisted marketplace. At one stall, someone was offering rare eggs, their colors unnatural, their sources suspicious. I didn't even bother to glance at them. I'd seen stranger things in the Forbidden Forest. At another shop, old tomes were stacked high, their covers worn and faded. If I had more time, I might've perused them, but I was on a mission.

And then, there was the brothel. Its flickering sign told me everything I needed to know. This was not a place for casual visitors. It was for those who wanted things hidden, things traded under the table. I didn't belong here. It was a repulsive place.

As I approached the place I needed, I was calm, collected, and fully aware of my power. The people here might have been used to the darkness, but I had faced darkness' epitome in both Death and Voldemort.

It's almost funny, really. Despite all I've faced, despite the battles and the darkness that has tried to swallow me whole, I still find myself sometimes slipping back to those moments of insecurity—the nervous wreck that little 11-year-old boy used to be. The one who had never known anything except abuse and loneliness, the one who first set foot in Hogwarts, unsure of who he was or what he was capable of.

It's strange, really. After staring down a basilisk, surviving dragon fights, confronting the darkest wizard the world had ever known, and facing a murderer who would stop at nothing to see me suffer, I sometimes still feel the weight of that child in me. That boy who just wanted to be loved, to find belonging, to have a home. He never truly died, I suppose. Maybe he's just buried deeper, only showing up when the world feels a little too heavy, or when I stand on the edge of something I can't control.

But I've learned to live with it. It's a part of me, that uncertainty. It's not weakness, now that's just a lie. It definitely is a weakness. But it is also a reminder of how much I have gone through and what I have become and what I am yet to be.

It's the part of me that keeps me grounded, reminds me that I'm still human, still capable of growth. No matter how far I've come, no matter how many times I've faced down danger, that boy is still there in me.

I entered a dimly lit shop, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and something faintly metallic. Shadows danced across shelves filled with items I could only begin to guess the purpose of—twisted artifacts, vials of strange liquids, and objects humming faintly with restrained power.

Behind the counter stood two men: one an elderly, hunched figure with a shock of grey hair and a face lined like crumpled parchment; the other a tall, broad-shouldered man cloaked in black, his posture alert and his gaze sharp.

"Hello, good sirs," I said, my voice smooth and calm as the Disillusionment Charm melted away with my words. My right hand tipped a hat that appeared out of thin air, a flourish as unnecessary as it was theatrical. My disguise, however, held steady—a face unrecognizable, a voice slightly altered.

Both men jumped, their reactions gratifyingly startled.

"Merlin's beard!" the younger man exclaimed, his hand flying to his wand. The older man, however, let out a string of colorful expletives that would have made a sailor blush.

"Apologies for the surprise," I said, smiling faintly as I stepped further into the room, my movements deliberate and composed. "But I've found that entrances like these tend to discourage... unnecessary aggression."

The younger man's grip on his wand tightened for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he sized me up. The older man, recovering faster than I expected, shot me a look that could curdle milk.

"Who the bloody hell are you, and what do you want?" he barked, his voice raspy and sharp.

I ignored the hostility, letting my gaze drift lazily over the wares displayed on the counter. "I'm here for business," I replied, my tone casual yet carrying an undercurrent of authority that made the younger man hesitate. "And I think you'll find that I'm a customer worth your time."

The older man scowled but said nothing, while the younger one exchanged a glance with him, clearly unsure whether to take me seriously or hex me on the spot.

"Let's just say," I continued, my eyes finally meeting the older man's glare, "that I've come a long way to find the right people for a... delicate matter. And you don't strike me as the sort to turn away paying customers. Am I wrong?"

The old man grunted, a sound halfway between irritation and resignation. "Depends what you're buying," he muttered, leaning forward slightly. "We don't sell junk to amateurs or curiosities to tourists."

I smirked, my hands resting lightly at my sides, every inch of me exuding confidence. "Good," I said simply. "Because I'm neither."

The old man squinted at me, suspicion etched on his lined face. The younger man, calmer but wary, kept his hand close to his wand, his sharp eyes flickering between me and the pouch of gold I'd placed on the counter.

I leaned forward slightly, keeping my movements deliberate and unthreatening. "I need passage to Germany tomorrow morning," I said, my tone even and steady, "and I'll need to return the evening after next. Completely undetected."

The older man let out a sharp bark of laughter, leaning back in his chair. "Germany and back in two days, undetected? You've got a death wish or a fool's purse if you think that's simple."

"I think you're men who specialize in making the impossible happen," I replied calmly. "And I pay in gold. No favors, no vague promises. I want the exact price for the service."

The younger man tilted his head slightly, curiosity flashing behind his caution. "Why Germany? And why the need for secrecy?"

I gave him a faint smile, sharp enough to hint at a warning. "I'm not here to answer questions. Your job is to get me there and back safely. Nothing more, nothing less."

The older man snorted, folding his arms. "Cocky, aren't you? A job like this... it'll cost you. And it's risky as hell."

"Which is exactly why I'm here," I countered, my voice firm. "You've done this before, haven't you? If you couldn't handle it, I wouldn't be wasting my time."

The younger man exchanged a look with his companion, the weight of the moment thick in the air. After a long pause, he nodded slightly.

"Fine," the older man grumbled, leaning forward. "Portkeys. One to Germany tomorrow morning, and one to bring you back the evening after next. But it won't come cheap."

"How much?" I asked, cutting straight to the point.

"Six hundred Galleons for the round trip," he said, his gaze unyielding.

I didn't so much as blink. I had prepared for a hefty price. "Done," I said without hesitation, my tone brooking no argument. "You'll have it all upfront."

The older man's eyebrows shot up, clearly not expecting me to agree so quickly. The younger man smirked faintly, his interest in me growing.

"Alright then," the older man said after a beat, his tone grudgingly respectful. "Be here tomorrow morning, sharp at six. Your Portkey will be ready. If you're late, the deal's off, and we keep the gold."

"I won't be late," I said confidently.

I slid the pouch of gold across the counter, the heavy jingle of coins breaking the tense silence. The older man opened it, his practiced hands counting quickly before nodding in satisfaction.

"See you at dawn," he said curtly.

"But remember…" I let my words hang in the air, my voice cold as steel, "If either of you tries sabotaging me…" I allowed my eyes to glow eerily bright, a green light filling the corners of the room, casting long shadows. The temperature in the shop seemed to drop, and an oppressive aura wrapped around the space, thick and suffocating. "Money would be the last thing you'd be worrying about," I finished, my tone low and dangerous.

The younger man's hand moved instinctively to his wand, but he stayed still, his expression hardening. The older man, for all his bravado, seemed to swallow nervously, a flash of something like fear passing across his face.

I stood there for a moment longer, letting the atmosphere settle, before turning on my heel. The quiet footsteps behind me told me the men hadn't moved, but I wasn't worried.

Without another word, I stepped out of the dim shop, the cool, stale air of Nocturnal Alley brushing against my face. I drew in a steadying breath, allowing the magic to dissipate as I walked. With a flick of my index finger, I cast the Disillusionment Charm, blending into the shadows around me, undetectable to anyone who might still be lurking in the alley.

Tomorrow morning, Germany awaited. The evening after that, I'd return, and by then, I'd hopefully have the answers I needed.

Author's note: I am back Baby! So let me put all the excuses out at once: I hadn't uploaded because, 1 I was sick, 2 I had my periodic assessment, 3 I had notebook work to do, 4 I had my birthday, my mother's birthday, my parent's anniversary and my sister's anniversary all in this period. So yeah, these are all my reasons.
Now let's talk about this chapter. Personally, I find it nice. I have also proofread it a few times. But mistakes are quite common in my work so please tell me if you find some. Tell me if you don't like some part or some part is boring as it would help me to write more engaging nerrative and improve my own skills. Anyways, next chapter hopefully Grindelwald, or maybe the one after that, I don't know man.