Amidst the bustling crowd, those people walked toward them at a seemingly casual pace. Leading them was a man and a woman, both tall and slender, appearing very capable.
The woman in the front had her hair styled in the same manner as Professor McGonagall, revealing clear and slightly stern facial features. Her eyes were gray-blue, her nose high-bridged, and her gaze sharp, making it momentarily difficult to discern her age.
Moody quickly stepped forward, blocking Vid, and stared at the others vigilantly.
With thousands of Muggles around, unless one is crazy, no one would use magic in such an environment. Otherwise, Moody would have immediately Apparated with Vid.
Meanwhile, Remus stood at Vid's rear flank, his body slightly turned to monitor the sides and back of their trio.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen."
The woman was the first to approach, her voice carrying an air of efficiency, her gaze sweeping over the three of them, finally focusing on Vid.
"I am Selena Goldstein, an Auror in the Law Enforcement Department of the Magic Congress. This is Rex Grim, the Deputy Director of the Auror Office."
The man beside her nodded slightly, his face bearing large scars from dragon pox, even pulling at the muscles near his left eye, making it appear to be perpetually half-squinted and watchful.
"On behalf of the Magic Congress, I welcome you to the United States," Rex said in a deep voice.
"May I ask... what do the Aurors intend to do?"
Lupin looked at the Aurors forming a ring around them and frowned, "Have we violated any law?"
"Certainly not, you misunderstand, Mr. Lupin."
Selena looked at Vid and said, "Mr. Vid Gray performed outstandingly in the recent competition, and the significance of the Poppet is increasingly important."
"However, we believe that the remnants of the Mysterious Man have not been completely eradicated. They might still be lurking in the shadows, ready to attack Mr. Gray at any time."
"Therefore, to ensure Mr. Gray's safety, the Magic Congress has decided to dispatch an elite Auror squad to protect Mr. Gray until the competition is over and you leave the United States."
"Please believe, this is a necessary measure," Rex said. "At the same time... it is also to ensure the safety of the ordinary people on this land."
His gaze also fell on Vid, adding, "I suppose you might not fully understand yet, child. The legal system of the American Magic Congress is very different from that of the British Ministry of Magic, and the most crucial aspect is..."
He paused briefly and then said, "Our law enforcement is more iron-fisted and does not bend easily, absolutely not tolerating any leniency due to personal connections or management."
Vid said nothing; he was, of course, aware of the American laws before coming, including the now-abolished Rappaport's Law of thirty years ago.
Due to historical reasons, most of America's wizards and Muggles were in a very hostile state, and there was no cooperative relationship between the Magic Congress and the Muggle Government.
Under the Rappaport's Law, wizards would be severely punished if they got too close to Muggles, and friendships or marriages between the two were not permitted—a stark contrast to the lenient and relaxed atmosphere in Europe.
Although those inhumane laws have since been abolished, the living habits accumulated over many years and people's perceptions have not been abolished along with them.
However, Vid was silent at the time, standing behind Moody's firm silhouette, his gaze quickly scanning the surroundings.
The surrounding Muggles were completely oblivious to the tense situation, as if everyone standing on this piece of ground was air.
But Masking Spells and Ignoring Charms are not panaceas; they can only reduce the presence of wizards and magic to a very low degree in the eyes of Muggles, making them subconsciously overlook and ignore it.
If magic were used... no doubt, it would break this state of turning a blind eye.
This was why the two sides could still talk peacefully.
Selena continued, "According to our laws, wizards under seventeen are not allowed to possess a Magic Wand outside of school, and during holidays the wand must be left at school..."
As Vid's group's gazes grew colder and warier, Selena changed course:
"Of course, Mr. Gray is an honored guest, and we certainly won't ask you to hand over your Magic Wand. However, during this competition, please abide by the law and refrain from using magic. If you need assistance, we are always willing to help."
She curled her lips into a smile, seemingly to express friendliness, but it also appeared business-like.
Moody's magic eye rotated quickly, and he gruffly said, "Prove your identities!"
Several Aurors exchanged glances, seemingly displeased with Moody's suspicion, but Selena nonchalantly presented a document and her Auror identification.
"I believe this should be sufficient proof... or does Mr. Moody need to speak with Mr. Fontaine to be convinced?"
Moody nodded unceremoniously, "Yes, I do."
Selena couldn't help but be choked by his attitude, then revealed a smile that seemed much more genuine.
"Mr. Moody is indeed just as Director Fontaine described... rest assured, once he's done with work for the day, he'll visit."
Moody raised an eyebrow, "What is he busy with today?"
A hint of darkness appeared on Selena's face as she looked towards Rex.
Rex said quietly, "We found some strange corpses in Eugene, and Mr. Fontaine went to handle it."
"What's strange about them?" Moody pursued.
"Sorry, that's part of what cannot be disclosed," Rex indicated. "Please, follow us. Congress has already arranged accommodations for you."
But Moody did not immediately agree; he turned to look at Vid behind him.
Although Vid was much younger than them, Dumbledore had instructed them before departure that Vid's opinion takes priority on this trip.
Vid nodded slightly, not expressing any opposition.
Seeing this, Selena and Rex exchanged a glance, showing a bit of surprise.
They didn't personally know Moody, but they had heard from Auror Director Alistair Fontaine what a paranoid, confident, fierce, and cold man this "Mad-Eyed" character was.
Such a person... at this moment really seemed to position himself as a bodyguard?
Lupin asked, "Wait... where are our suitcases?"
"There's no need to worry about that."
Selena said, "All luggage will be directly sent to the hotel rooms by our people, I guarantee there won't be a scratch."
"So... please follow me, gentlemen."