The sea breeze blew, and seagulls soared.
The weather in New York wasn't very good today.
A few thick rain clouds drifted across the sky.
"Woo-woo!"
The enormous cruise ship slowly drew near, its deafening roar filling the air.
Before long, a wide gangplank was lowered, and the crowd streamed off in a crush.
More and more people disembarked. By the end, only an elderly man with a neat suit and a white-flecked beard remained on deck.
He carried a suitcase. Looking up at the weather, he shook his head with a wry smile.
Though it was known as the "Land of Freedom," Dumbledore felt the air here didn't seem any sweeter than elsewhere.
He took out a handkerchief, covered his nose and mouth, and muttered,
"Not much better than London's fog."
Still, complaining about the weather was simply an Englishman's nature. Dumbledore's expression turned serious as he picked up his suitcase and walked down the gangplank.
He was here on important business, after all!
"Ah, Mister Dumbledore, you've arrived."
People from the American Magical Congress were already waiting for Dumbledore at the dock.
When they saw the tall, white-bearded old man, two young wizards immediately came forward with respectful smiles.
"Heh, that long trip nearly wore me out. It's good to see you."
He had come to America by Portkey, with the arrival point in the storeroom of the ship they had just seen.
Well, traveling by magic was never as comfortable as taking ordinary transport.
The old man smiled and removed the brown hat from his head.
"Then please take me to your Congress Headquarters."
"Of course. This way, please."
The two young wizards were about to lead Dumbledore to the car where Chairman Samuel was waiting.
But the instant they opened their mouths, a burst of dazzling