Chương 137: 0137 Meeting Again
Bryan was blissfully unaware of the silent conspiracy that Greyback and his pack had hatched against him. If he had known, he might have welcomed it with a smirk. After all, he had been itching for some action since his return from the mystical Avalon Island, where he had gained a tremendous boost in his magical power. In order to adjust to the sudden surge of magic coursing through his veins, he had checked into a secluded hotel in the outskirts of London and spent a few days in solitude, meditating and practicing his spells. When he felt that his body had fully adapted to his new level of strength, he packed his bags and headed back to the wizarding world.
He walked into the Leaky Cauldron, the famous pub that served as a gateway between the Muggle and the magical realms. He had changed back into his wizarding robes, but he still wore a pair of sunglasses to conceal his eyes, which had acquired a more sharp glow after his trip to Avalon. He scanned the dimly lit hall with a slight frown on his face.
The Leaky Cauldron should have been bustling with activity at this time of the year, especially during the summer holidays when many young witches and wizards would visit Diagon Alley for their school supplies. The air should have been filled with the aroma of freshly baked pies, roasted meat, and butterbeer, as well as the chatter and laughter of the patrons. But instead, the pub was eerily quiet and almost empty. Only near the inconspicuous seats by the wall, there were a few shady figures who covered themselves with cloaks and hats and smoked long pipes that emitted strange-smelling smoke. Bryan glanced at them casually and calmly, but he felt a pang of curiosity in his heart.
Bryan had spent a long time in the underworld, the dark and dangerous side of the wizarding world where criminals, outcasts, and rebels lurked. He had learned to recognize the 'smell' of those who belonged to that place, and these people definitely had it. They were not ordinary customers who came to enjoy a drink or a meal. They were here for some ulterior motive.
Bryan didn't think there was anything wrong with these people appearing in the Leaky Cauldron. After all, it was a public place that welcomed anyone who could pay. What puzzled him was that when he looked at them with seemingly unintentional glances, they were also looking at him, and what's more, they cast naked and undisguised probing eyes on him.
And this, it seemed very wrong.
The wizards who were active in the underworld knew a 'basic common sense', that is, not to have too strong curiosity. If you are not determined to deal with someone, then you'd better not stare at someone, otherwise you are very likely to cause some unnecessary misunderstandings. You might offend someone who was more powerful than you, or attract someone who was looking for trouble.
These people came from there and couldn't possibly not know this common sense.
"Cliodna Coffey–"
The first thought that came to Bryan's mind was whether this woman who had escaped from his hands had exposed his true identity and thus attracted a group of people who had conflicts with 'Golden Viper' in the past. But then he thought it was unlikely.
It's not that he thought Cliodna wouldn't do that, but that if she did, he wouldn't be so ignorant.
He still had some well-informed friends in the underworld, such as Kakus, the goblin who ran an illegal pawn shop in Knockturn Alley. If his identity was exposed, he wouldn't get no warning.
While Bryan was pondering over this mystery, the group of sneaky guys by the wall withdrew their eyes one after another. They looked at each other and shook their heads secretly. Then they lowered their heads and dealt with the pipes and rum on the wooden table.
"These guys are looking for someone, but not me–"
Bryan squinted his eyes and came up with this conclusion.
Just then, a large group of people came out from the other side of the bar. They were in a hurry and carried large and small bags of luggage. They tightly protected a six or seven year old boy in the middle.
"Mommy, why do we suddenly have to go to Paris?" The little boy who was almost dragged along had a look of resistance on his face and muttered,
"Oh, I've told you several times already, dear. It's because your grandmother is not feeling well. We need to go and see her–" A middle-aged witch with messy hair who looked like she hadn't had time to tidy herself up before leaving answered anxiously.
"You're lying, Mommy. I know why." The little boy's childish face showed dissatisfaction with the perfunctory answer. "It's all because of that little–"
"Shut your mouth, Beck!" As they passed by Bryan's side, the boy's father glanced at him warily and scolded him in the most severe tone. "This is not something you can discuss in public. We don't know who is reliable!"
Bryan turned his head and watched as the family of three hurried out of the Leaky Cauldron's door, clutching their luggage and looking over their shoulders nervously. Their figures quickly disappeared from his sight, swallowed by the busy London street. He turned his head back and happened to see that the group of people by the wall also withdrew their eyes. Their eyes met in mid-air and moved away quickly, as if they had been caught doing something wrong.
Something was definitely wrong. And judging by the looks of it, it wasn't a small matter.
Bryan could smell the tense and uneasy atmosphere in the air, as if a storm was brewing. He easily came to this conclusion, based on his sharp intuition and experience.
"Wait a minute. Let me think. Oh, yes, Minister, room 11 is still vacant. You can put him there!" A voice came from the passage next to the bar. Bryan could tell that it was the hunchbacked owner of the Leaky Cauldron, Tom, speaking. He had a friendly and respectful tone, but also a hint of fear.
"Minister." Bryan's eyes moved slightly.
'At Dinner time, the busy Minister of Magic should be appearing at the noble parties held by the pure-blood families, but he ran to the Leaky Cauldron to arrange a room for someone?' This question crossed Bryan's mind. In less than a second, he made a decision and decided not to meet Cornelius Fudge for the time being.
From the two meetings before and after solving the Chamber of Secrets incident last semester, Bryan could see that Fudge was a typical politician.
The 'friendship criterion' of a qualified politician is whether this person has any use value, or in other words, whether he can bring enough benefits to himself.
Bryan didn't want to have too much involvement with politicians, especially big politicians like the Minister of Magic. Admittedly, connections are a very valuable resource, but in order to obtain this resource, you need to pay a huge price, or, along with it, a lot of trouble.
"–Well, that's fine. As long as it's comfortable, by the way, Potter's luggage." Fudge's voice came from inside the passage.
"I'll send Mr. Potter's luggage to his room. You don't have to worry, Minister!" The bar owner Tom said attentively.
Potter?! Bryan's footsteps stopped abruptly as he was about to leave quickly. He looked at the corridor with a stunned expression.
How many Potters in the wizarding world could make the noble Minister of Magic care about their luggage personally?
But Potter shouldn't be spending his summer vacation at his uncle and aunt's house. How did he suddenly appear in the Leaky Cauldron?
It had only been a week since they last met. Bryan was sure he didn't get the date wrong.
The footsteps inside became fainter. Bryan narrowed his eyes and then changed to a friendly expression. He quickly pulled open the barrier next to the bar and walked in. His eyes jumped over Tom who was coming out and looked at the short and fat wizard in a striped cloak inside. He waved his hand and shouted,
"Please stay, Minister Fudge!"
Fudge stopped in his tracks as he was about to climb the stairs. He turned around and saw the young man who had called out to him by the bar. His eyes widened in recognition and delight, and his face brightened up. The deep wrinkles on his forehead that betrayed his fatigue and stress smoothed out a bit.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't…" Fudge exclaimed and walked towards Bryan with open arms.
"The hero of the hour, the brilliant young wizard who cracked the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets and generously donated a priceless Basilisk to the Ministry of Magic - Bryan Watson!" He said with enthusiasm and admiration.
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