White Bridge Inn

Salina looked at Wade, and her tense expression eased slightly as she said:

"The judges include Mr. Egbert Fontana, Headmaster of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is renowned for his expertise in Ancient Runes and Theory of Magic."

"Then there is Terrence Murray, an Alchemy professor from Hogwarts, and Clarence Abdullah, an Alchemy professor from Uagadou. You should know the former well enough; the latter represents the highest standards of the African school of Alchemy."

"Also, Madam Seraphina Piquery, former President of the Magical Congress of the United States of America. She has conducted extensive private research into the properties of North American magical plants and their applications in Alchemy, and she holds several patents."

"Lastly, Mr. Silas Hawthorne, Director of the Department of Magical Building Protection. He specializes in Spatial Magic Expansion Technology, so I imagine he will have more in common with you."

Just as Salina finished introducing the last judge, the car gave a light screech of brakes, and everyone swayed with it.

"We're here."

Salina opened the car door and stood beside it. After Wade and the other two got out in turn, she said politely, "White Bridge Inn, exclusively for wizards. I hope the rest of your journey goes smoothly."

She did not exchange any further pleasantries, nor did she wait for a full response. While Wade and the others were still looking up at the inn, Salina had already returned to the car. It swiftly disappeared around the street corner, leaving only exhaust fumes behind.

"It feels like she thought we'd eat her if she didn't run fast enough..." Wade muttered. "Is the Magical Congress of the United States of America always like this?"

"I think this lady is simply an exception," Remus said gently. "I've worked with some American Wizards before.