Ch257- In My Way

Ch257- In My Way

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Getting up from the barstool, Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a few knuts, placing them on the counter with a casual nod to the barmaid.

"I’ll be off for now," he said, sliding the coins across the polished wood. "But I might be back in a few hours. If I head to the Ministry, can I use the Floo Network to return here?"

The barmaid smiled, pocketing the coins. "Of course, love. Just say 'The Three Broomsticks' when you step into the Floo. It'll bring you right back. Safe travels."

Thanking the barmaid, Harry took a handful of Floo Powder from the small pot near the fireplace. With a practiced flick of his wrist, he tossed the powder into the flames, which flared up with a bright green glow. "Ministry of Magic," he said quietly, stepping into the swirling flames. A moment later, the familiar sensation of spinning filled his senses, and he disappeared from the Three Broomsticks.

When he stepped out of the fireplace at the Ministry, Harry was greeted by a familiar sight: a long line of wizards and witches waiting for identity checks. The bustling crowd didn't faze him. He had been to the Ministry enough times to know the drill. Silently, he reached into his robes and retrieved the wand he had acquired in Spain—a wand that housed a piece of Voldemort's soul as its core.

As he approached the checkpoint, Harry's eyes scanned the room, taking in the security measures in place. The Ministry had ramped up security since the Azkaban breakout, and Harry knew that even the smallest anomaly could set off alarms. The purpose of this visit was simple: to test whether the dark magic within the wand would be detected. If the Ministry's workers sensed anything unusual, he would need to disappear—quickly. Although it sounded suicidal, it was nothing as drastic.

When his turn came, Harry stepped forward, handing over the wand with a calm expression. The Ministry worker, a bored-looking wizard with thinning hair, took the wand and began the usual checks. Harry watched closely, every muscle in his body ready to react if necessary. He saw the man's brow furrow slightly as he performed the scan, but after a moment, he handed the wand back without a word.

Harry accepted the wand, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. It seemed the Ministry's security was as ineffective as ever. No alarms, no raised suspicions—he could continue using this identity without issue. Though, he expected as much. Even system didn't sense anything dark or 'wrong' with the wand.

"First time here?" The worker asked, his expression blank as he barely glanced up from the parchment in front of him. Harry could tell the man was running on autopilot, not really interested in anything beyond the routine.

"Yeah," Harry replied with a nod, keeping his tone neutral. "I'm from Spain."

As Harry navigated through the shadowy alleys of Knockturn Alley, he could feel the gazes of the locals on him, sharp and calculating. It wasn’t unusual for a stranger to draw attention here, especially one who appeared both young and unfamiliar with the regular crowd. Whispers started to fill the narrow street as a few individuals pointed in his direction, their greedy eyes sizing him up like a potential mark.

Harry wasn’t concerned. He had faced far more dangerous situations, and if these lowlifes thought they could take advantage of him, they were in for a rude awakening. His steps remained steady, his expression indifferent as he continued down the path. In a place like this, showing fear or hesitation was akin to bleeding in front of sharks.

Ahead, a particularly seedy-looking wizard caught Harry's eye, a smirk playing on the man's cracked lips as he leaned against the wall, watching Harry’s approach. Two others joined him, their hands rubbing together in anticipation. Harry could practically hear their thoughts—an easy mark, maybe a quick payday. He allowed them to believe it, not altering his stride or acknowledging their presence until the last possible moment.

As he neared, the lead wizard stepped forward, blocking Harry’s path. “Lost, are you?” the man sneered, his voice dripping with false concern. His companions moved to flank Harry, ensuring there would be no easy escape. Not that Harry had any intention of running.

Harry kept his eyes on the leader, his expression calm and unreadable. “I’m exactly where I need to be,” he said coolly, not an ounce of fear in his voice. “You, however, are standing in the worst place possible.”

The men around the leader snickered, clearly amused by what they perceived as bravado. The leader, still smirking, took a step closer, his confidence growing with every second. “Oh really?” he sneered. “And where might that be?”

Harry didn’t miss a beat. “In my way.”

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