I had only walked a few steps when several taxi drivers leaned out from the roadside, enthusiastically soliciting passengers. "Need a taxi?"
Some Black drivers, whistling with a hint of smirk, called out, "Ladies, get in! We'll give you a discount!"
"No need, we have cars." Higgins waved her hand, and the drivers, seeing her clear stance, went to solicit other customers.
Draco ignored the comments; their words weren't particularly offensive, just typical street solicitation tactics.
The three men quietly followed Higgins through rows of vehicles, finally stopping in front of a low-profile dark gray sedan.
Higgins unlocked the car door, turned around, smiled at the three of them, and said, "I'll take you to your accommodation first."
The three got into the car, Higgins started the engine, and slowly drove out of the parking lot, merging into the Manhattan morning traffic.
The car drove along the wide street, the tall buildings on both sides receding into the distance. Higgins, while steering the car, glanced at Draco in the back seat through the rearview mirror and asked:
" Mr. Malfoy, do you intend to stay in the accommodations provided by the Magical Congress, or would you prefer to live in the Muggle world?"
" Muggle World, I guess," Draco replied.
"Okay." Higgins turned onto another road.
Before setting off, Draco learned about the relevant background:
The Werewolf that exist in the North America Wizarding World are descended from the traditional Europe Werewolf migrations. Their genes are still of the HP werewolf lineage. On the night of the full moon, they uncontrollably transform and lose their minds.
However, in the local Muggle world, a mutant Werewolf with completely different habits has appeared. It is said to be elusive and unafraid of the full moon.
Furthermore, given that Trillian cannot enter the Wizarding World, staying in the Muggle world temporarily is the safest option.
" Ms. Higgins, you're a Muggle Commissioner, so you're quite familiar with the Muggle world here. How much do you know about the new variant of Werewolf?" Draco wanted to see if he could get some information about the new Werewolf from Higgins.
" Mr. Malfoy, you've come to the right person. I happen to know a little about the new mutant Werewolf." Higgins glanced at the rearview mirror and gave a confident smile.
"There is indeed a race in the American Continent that is completely different from traditional Werewolf," Higgins said slowly as he drove, revealing the hidden structure of the native inhabitants of the Americas.
"They live in abandoned areas beneath New York City—old subway tunnels, abandoned drainage pipes, remote factory buildings, and some abandoned development zones designated by the city government, like exclusive territory allocated to the mob."
"But they are not Magical Creatures; they are more like an undead race that has evolved independently over a long period of time. Their physical functions far exceed those of ordinary people, and their regenerative abilities are extremely powerful."
Draco confirmed, "So these new Werewolf aren't bound by the full moon phenomenon and can control their bodies independently?"
"Exactly," Higgins replied affirmatively. "Moreover, this underworld is a melting pot of all sorts of people. Besides the new Werewolf, there are also vampire clans that have been their ancestral enemies for centuries. The two clans have been fighting each other ruthlessly and mercilessly for hundreds of years."
Hearing this, Hermione asked, puzzled, "Won't the Magical Congress do anything about it? Won't these alien races endanger Muggle?"
" Miss Hermione, the primary responsibility of MACUSA is the secrecy of the Wizarding World," Higgins patiently explained to Hermione.
"These alien races have no magical abilities and should be under the control of the Muggle government. As long as the Muggle government doesn't seek help from the Magical Congress, the Congress shouldn't interfere in the affairs of the Muggle world."
"I see..." Draco said, stroking his chin.
"That's right." Higgins continued, seeing that the group understood the situation. "The greatest support Congress can give you is access to all public magical resources."
"You are free to enter and exit the Magic Library, the Wizard's Apothecary, and the Licensed Magical Healing Clinic; you can consult materials, purchase supplies, apply for potions, and undergo magical tests."
"However, the conflicts between underground races, racial slaughter, and investigations into underground forces require you to explore on your own and bear the risks yourself. The Magical Congress will remain neutral and observe, and it is not appropriate for them to intervene."
Draco inquired about crucial information, "If we were to explore on our own, are there any marked areas where the alien races are generally active?"
"It's all prepared for you." Higgins freed one hand, took a thick booklet and three exquisite silver badges from the glove compartment, and handed them to Draco in the back seat.
"The booklet marks the approximate areas where the underground alien races operate. These three badges are the highest temporary pass issued by the Magical Congress. Holding these badges grants exemption from inspection in the aforementioned magical areas."
Draco reached out and took the map and badges, glanced at them, and then handed them to Hermione and Trillian. He thanked Higgins, and Hermione and Trillian put away the badges and began to look through the booklet.
"Of course, Mr. Malfoy! Congress also attaches great importance to your arrival," Higgins said politely.
After putting away the badge, Draco didn't rush to look through the booklet, but instead remarked, " North America is truly a free country."
Upon hearing this, a look of pride appeared on Higgins ' face. "Freedom is the soul of this land."
"We don't forcibly control everything. As long as the International Statute of Secrecy isn't violated, all kinds of forces have room to survive."
Higgins then gave an example. "Besides the new Werewolf and vampires, there are many other gray forces entrenched in the underworld. For example, the Presbyterian Church, the Night of the Church, and so on..."
"What forces are these?" Draco asked curiously.
"They're mostly family-run wizards, and a lot of wild wizards," Higgins explained. "They don't want to be controlled by the Magical Congress, and generally they won't actively threaten the Wizarding World or the Muggle world. As long as they don't cross the line, Congress basically turns a blind eye to them."
"This lawless existence can be tolerated..." Draco couldn't help but marvel at the level of freedom in North America.
Higgins smiled, then turned curiously and asked, " Mr. Malfoy, is the relationship between the Wizarding World and the Muggle world in Britain a little different from ours?"
"They are indeed quite different."
Hermione picked up the conversation, objectively comparing the differences between the two places.
" Britain is a small country with a concentrated wizarding population, and the Ministry of Magic has highly centralized power, with its oversight permeating every aspect of life."
"Wild alien races, unlicensed wizards, and privately established forces are rarely allowed to exist. Any dangerous individuals who wander off are quickly brought under control or eliminated; there is virtually no lawless zone."
After listening, Higgins commented, "Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Highly structured systems are safe and stable, with a high tolerance for error; while moderate freedom can preserve more unknown forces and ethnic diversity, and is more likely to breed opportunities, but it comes with greater risks."
As the conversation continued, the car slowly drove onto a tree-lined street and finally stopped in front of a detached three-story brick villa, a villa with a typical American style.