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HP: A Moment of Magic
Chapter 51: City That Never Sleeps

Chapter 51: City That Never Sleeps

Adam and Harry wake early, excitement buzzing between them as they prepare for their day exploring New York City. Elara, always the organized sibling, has taken the day off to act as their personal guide. Adam appreciates the effort, knowing how important her work is. It’s rare for her to take a break, and he senses her eagerness to spend time with them, even if she disguises it with her usual air of nonchalance.

After a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel’s grand dining hall, the three step into a sleek black car waiting at the entrance. The driver, dressed impeccably, tips his hat as he holds the door open for them. Their plan is to travel by car for longer distances while walking through key areas to fully absorb the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Elara insists they experience the city like true tourists, leaving no stone unturned.

Their first stop is downtown Manhattan, where the towering skyscrapers seem to pierce the clouds, and the streets pulse with life. As they step out of the car, the cacophony of honking horns, chattering crowds, and distant street performers fills the air. Adam watches Harry’s reaction, grinning as his friend takes it all in with wide eyes.

When they arrive at Times Square, Harry is visibly stunned. Massive flash advertisements and theatrical trailers in every direction. Throngs of tourists with cameras mill about, capturing moments against the dazzling backdrop. Adam nudges Harry playfully.

"Speechless, Potter? That’s a first," he teases.

Harry chuckles, shaking his head. "I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s overwhelming… in a good way."

Elara smirks, leading them toward a vendor selling hot dogs. "Wait until you see what’s next."

They make stops at several iconic music venues, marveling at the architecture and history. Elara shares interesting tidbits about each place, blending humor and insight into her commentary. Passing cultural hotspots, they explore unique shops and enjoy the occasional street performance.

When they approach the Twin Towers, Adam slows his pace. The gleaming structures stand tall against the skyline, their reflections rippling across nearby water features. For a moment, Adam grows quiet, his thoughts lingering on their significance. He considers staying longer, but a part of him knows that some moments are better left untouched by change. Instead, he focuses on the present, turning his attention back to Harry and Elara.

The highlight of their day comes at Central Park. The sprawling greenery provides a refreshing contrast to the concrete jungle. They stroll leisurely along winding paths, taking in the vibrant foliage and calm waters of the park’s ponds. At the Central Park Zoo, Adam lingers at each exhibit, captivated by the natural wildlife. He finds the animals fascinating, their behaviors a soothing reminder of the magical creatures he often encounters.

Harry, on the other hand, is drawn to the street performers scattered around the park. He watches a group of breakdancers with rapt attention, clapping along with the crowd as they cheer for impressive moves. Vendors selling everything from pretzels to miniature statues of the Statue of Liberty tempt Harry, and Adam indulges his friend’s curiosity by buying a few souvenirs.

Elara, walking a step behind them, seems content to let her brother and Harry enjoy the day at their own pace. Her occasional interjections—usually sarcastic remarks about Adam’s tourist-like fascination or Harry’s wide-eyed enthusiasm—add to the lighthearted atmosphere.

By the time they return to the hotel in the late afternoon, they are exhausted but undeniably satisfied. Harry can’t stop talking about the places they visited, his excitement bubbling over.

"I still can’t believe how much we packed into one day," Harry exclaims as they step out of the car.

Adam smiles, pleased to see Harry so carefree. The city seems to have a rejuvenating effect on him, and Adam makes a mental note to cherish these moments.

That evening, Elara treats them to dinner at the hotel’s upscale restaurant. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with soft lighting and the gentle hum of conversations in the background. They indulge in hearty American dishes, laughing over shared stories.

After dinner, the three of them part ways for the night. Adam and Harry return to their rooms, while Elara prepares to resume work the next day.

The next morning, Adam and Harry finalize their plan to visit the wizarding market hidden in New York. Over breakfast, Elara explains how to find the entrance, detailing the process with her usual precision.

“It’s tucked into a small alley near the hotel,” she says, gesturing with her coffee cup. “Look for a worn-down door with a faint shimmer. You’ll need to open it and say the password. Don’t mess it up, or you’ll just look like a tourist poking at a weird door.”

Adam chuckles. “What’s the password?”

“Brooklyn Blossoms,” she replies. “It changes weekly, but that’s this week’s.”

After double-checking the instructions, Adam and Harry set out, accompanied by four family wizards assigned for security. Both wear dark robes under casual Muggle overcoats, blending seamlessly with the city crowd.

The alley Elara described was as unassuming as promised, with a worn-down door barely noticeable in the dim light. Harry wrinkled his nose. “This doesn’t exactly scream ‘magical.’”

Adam smirked, stepping up to the shimmering wall. “That’s the point.” He opened the door in the sequence Elara had described and whispered the password. The door creaked open, revealing a cobblestone archway beyond.

As they step through, the atmosphere shifts. The vibrant magical market stretches out before them like an entirely different world, concealed within the heart of the city. Stalls and shops spill onto the bustling streets, their colorful signs glowing with enchantments. Witches and wizards in robes of various styles and colors move about, their chatter mixing with the hum of spells and magical devices.

Harry’s jaw drops. “It’s like Diagon Alley—but… different.”

Adam nods, taking in the towering buildings with their urban, industrial charm. “The architecture fits the city, doesn’t it? My family has a few businesses here. I’ll show you.”

They began their exploration, wandering through rows of shops that offered everything from enchanted jewelry to rare potion ingredients. Adam paused occasionally to greet the shopkeepers tied to his family’s business, exchanging polite pleasantries with practiced ease.

At one store specializing in enchanted artifacts, Harry picks up a small glass orb that glows faintly in his hand. “This would make a great gift for Hermione,” he says, turning it over.

“It’s a memory orb,” the shopkeeper explains. “Perfect for storing small moments you want to revisit.”

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Harry buys the orb and a few other trinkets for his friends back in England. Meanwhile, Adam browses a section of rare books, selecting a few for his parents and Elara.

"Another family shop?" Harry asks as Adam pays.

Adam grins. "Of course. We’ve got a hand in everything magical here."

They move on to a clothing store where Harry admires a stylish enchanted jacket, though he decides against buying it. Adam, on the other hand, picks up a charm necklace for his mother and a small enchanted quill for Elara. His magically expanding bag swallows everything with ease.

Though magical pet stores are conspicuously absent—restricted by stringent American magical laws—Adam doesn’t mind. He’s content wandering through the market, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells.

After a few hours of shopping, the pair grows hungry and stops at a wizard-owned diner tucked into a quiet side street. The menu is a mix of traditional wizarding dishes and American comfort food. Adam orders a hearty stew, while Harry opts for a towering stack of pancakes that glow faintly blue.

“I could get used to this,” Harry says between bites, his eyes darting around the diner to take in its enchanted décor.

Adam chuckles. “It’s different from England, isn’t it? The magic feels… louder here.”

Harry nods. “Louder, but it works. I like it.”

Once they finish their meal, they step back through the archway, returning to the Muggle world.

Harry stretches with a yawn. “I’m beat. I think I’ll head back to the hotel and rest.”

Adam feels a lingering restlessness, the bustling energy of the market still buzzing in his veins. “I think I’ll revisit Central Park,” he says. “I could use some fresh air.”

Harry raises an eyebrow. “More exploring?”

Adam shrugs. “Something like that. I just want to see the park again—there’s something peaceful about it.”

Harry didn’t argue, too tired to protest. Two of the security wizards accompanied him back to the hotel, while the other two stayed with Adam.

As Adam strolls through Central Park, the serenity of the afternoon envelops him. He tosses breadcrumbs to a flock of pigeons, chuckling as they squabble over the crumbs. Nearby, squirrels dart between the trees, their bushy tails flicking as they scavenge for food. The crisp breeze carries the distant sound of children laughing, mingling with the rustling leaves.

But the tranquility doesn’t last.

A sudden chill prickles the back of Adam’s neck, an almost tangible shift in the air. His instincts flare, the comforting sounds of the park fading into an eerie silence. He slows his pace, his senses sharpening. Then, out of the shadows cast by the surrounding trees, four figures step forward, their faces obscured by masks. Wands rise in unison, their tips glowing menacingly.

Adam reacts instantly. With a flick of his wrist, he summons a shimmering golden barrier between himself and the assailants, just as the first spell cracks against it. His two security wizards spring into action, their wands emitting precise, well-practiced counterattacks. Spells fly back and forth, the bright flashes of magic obscured by a carefully placed concealment charm, ensuring the battle remains invisible to unsuspecting Muggle onlookers.

The attackers are relentless, clearly skilled, but Adam isn’t without his own strengths. He dives into his Legilimency, focusing on the nearest assailant. The man’s mind is a chaotic tangle of thoughts, but Adam quickly unravels the truth. They had followed him from the wizarding market, attracted by the expensive items he’d purchased. Greed fueled their actions, paired with the mistaken assumption that Adam, a teenager, would be an easy target.

“You picked the wrong person,” Adam mutters under his breath, his confidence solidifying.

With a wave of his wand, Adam sends a precise powerful spell toward one of the attackers, catching him off guard and knocking him unconscious. Meanwhile, his guards expertly duel the remaining three, their teamwork impeccable. They conjure a powerful chain-like spell, binding an assailant’s legs.

Within minutes, the skirmish ends. The attackers lie bound on the ground, their wands confiscated. Adam lowers his barrier, breathing evenly as the tension dissipates.

Just as the guards secure the scene, a sharp crack echoes nearby, signaling the arrival of several MACUSA Aurors. Clad in dark uniforms adorned with the Congress’s insignia, they approach swiftly, their expressions a mix of curiosity and authority.

“What happened here?” one Auror demands, his wand raised as he surveys the subdued attackers.

Adam steps forward, his tone calm but firm. “These men followed me from the wizarding market and attacked. My guards and I defended ourselves.”

The lead Auror nods, his gaze flicking to the restrained attackers. “Do you have proof of their intentions?”

Adam gestures to the nearest masked man. “Legilimency. They thought I’d be an easy target because of what I purchased earlier.”

The Auror exchanged a glance with his colleagues before turning back to Adam. “Understood. We’ll take it from here.” With practiced efficiency, the Aurors levitated the bound attackers and requested Adam and his guards to accompany them. Moments later, they all disapparated.

Though Adam remained outwardly calm, one of his guards discreetly sent a message to Elara.

Adam and his guards appear insdie the Woolworth Building, MACUSA’s grand headquarters hidden in the heart of downtown Manhattan.

Stepping into the Woolworth Building, Adam is struck by the sheer magnificence of the magical enhancements woven seamlessly into the architecture. The lobby hums with enchantments: chandeliers glowing softly with ethereal light, portraits of past MACUSA Presidents shifting slightly as they observe the comings and goings, and golden filigree winding up walls that seem to stretch endlessly.

After a brief security check, Adam is directed to a comfortable waiting area while the Aurors process the attackers and finalize their reports. The waiting room, though cozy, exudes an air of authority with its dark wood paneling and enchanted maps detailing magical activity across the country. Adam’s curiosity keeps him occupied as he studies the room, though he remains keenly aware of the quiet murmurs between his guards.

Soon, an Auror escorts Adam and his guards into a conference chamber to meet the President of MACUSA. The elderly wizard, clad in elegant robes with silver accents, exudes a commanding presence, his sharp eyes tempered by a kind smile.

“Mr. Morgan,” the President begins, extending a hand. “I regret the unfortunate events of today. It’s troubling that such brazen acts still occur in a city like ours. Please accept my apologies on behalf of MACUSA.”

Adam shakes his hand, nodding politely. “Thank you, sir. My guards and I handled it, but I appreciate your concern.”

The President’s lips twitch into a faint smile. “Impressive, though not surprising, considering your family reputation. Rest assured, we are implementing heightened security measures in light of this incident. We take the safety of all magical citizens and visitors seriously.”

Before Adam can respond, the door opens, and Elara strides in, her expression a mix of worry and frustration. She’s impeccably dressed, though her brisk movements reveal her agitation.

“Adam!” she exclaims, crossing the room in quick strides. Her eyes scan him for any sign of injury, and upon finding none, her shoulders relax slightly. Turning to the President, her voice takes on a firmer tone. “This is unacceptable. My brother was targeted in broad daylight. What guarantees do we have that this won’t happen again?”

The President meets her gaze calmly. “Miss Morgan, I assure you, we are addressing this with the utmost seriousness. We’ve already apprehended the culprits, and additional protective protocols are being implemented.”

Adam gently places a hand on Elara’s arm. “Elara, it’s fine. The Aurors were quick to respond, and the situation was handled. Let’s not escalate this further.”

Elara hesitates, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studies Adam’s composed demeanor. Finally, she exhales, nodding reluctantly. “Alright, but only because you’re okay.”

The President offers Adam a grateful nod. “Your understanding is appreciated. If there’s anything else MACUSA can do during your stay, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

After a few more formalities, Adam and Elara leave the Woolworth Building, accompanied by the guards. Elara wastes no time ushering Adam back to the hotel, where they find Harry pacing anxiously in their suite.

The moment Adam steps through the door, Harry spins around, his relief evident. “Finally! What took you so long? Are you okay?”

Adam laughs, clapping Harry on the shoulder. “Relax, Harry. I’m fine. I just had to fill out some paperwork and meet the President of MACUSA.”

Harry groans, flopping onto the couch. “Of course you did. Only you could turn a random park stroll into a meeting with a magical president.”

“Well, it’s not like I planned it,” Adam teases, smirking.

As the evening winds down, Adam and Harry prepare for bed. Adam pulls out a notebook, jotting down plans for the next leg of their trip.

“Alright,” Adam says, showing Harry the list. “Next up: Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and then Orlando. We’ll hit the magical and Muggle highlights in each city.”

Harry’s eyes widen slightly at the ambitious itinerary, though a hint of excitement creeps into his expression. “That’s... a lot.

“That’s what makes it memorable,” Adam counters with a wink.