0140 Dilemma

Leaving the Dursleys and staying at the Leaky Cauldron was much more pleasant than he had imagined. For the first time in years, he had a carefree summer vacation. He could sleep until the sun was already spitting out scorching heat, lazily go downstairs for breakfast, and watch the other guests passing by the bar while chewing on toast. He enjoyed the freedom and comfort of the wizarding world, away from the nagging and abuse of his relatives.

But because of Sirius Black's escape, the business of the Leaky Cauldron had plummeted, and the wizards who stayed there became more and more weird. Most of them liked to hide their faces under large black cloaks or layers of bandages. They looked like they were afraid of being recognized or attacked by someone. 

These people would hide in the corners or behind the wooden pillars that supported the bar, order a drink, and stare at the pedestrians all day long. They rarely spoke to anyone, except for whispering some rumors or gossips. 

Harry had asked Professor Watson what these strange wizards were doing. 

"Competitors, Potter, these are all my competitors." 

Professor Watson glared at those wizards with a 'fierce' and 'gritting' tone, giving him an answer that he couldn't figure out. Harry wondered what kind of competition they were in, and why Professor Watson seemed so angry about it. 

For the first few days, Harry was preparing for the next school year. He withdrew his living expenses from Gringotts, replenished his potion materials, bought new robes, and purchased textbooks for the next year. Harry figured out why Hagrid had sent him a book that looked very unsettling and said it would come in handy. It was a textbook for Care of Magical Creatures, a new elective course that Harry had chosen along with Ron and Hermione.

With Professor Watson's guidance, Harry easily figured out what to write for his summer homework for the two courses that bothered him the most - History of Magic and Potions. He helped him find some interesting facts and anecdotes from the history books, and gave him some tips and tricks for brewing potions. 

A week later, Harry was ready to enjoy the wonderful summer vacation after finishing all the preparations for school, but Professor Watson's behavior became strange. 

Every morning after getting up, he took Harry around Diagon Alley, not on the busy commercial street, but specifically picking those secluded alleys where few people passed by. He let Harry wander around in those alleys by himself, while he hung far behind. 

He pretended to be casual, but Harry could feel his eyes watching him closely. This was really puzzling. Harry didn't want to waste his good time on exploring dark and remote alleys. He wanted to go to those lively shops, especially the Quidditch boutique, where Harry saw what he wanted most in his life. 

"The fastest flying broom in the world, the Irish International Club just placed an order for seven of these fine products!" The shopkeeper shouted enthusiastically. "They are the darlings for next year's World Cup!" 

He was talking about Firebolt, a sleek and shiny broom that looked like it could fly faster than lightning. Harry's eyes widened as he saw the broom on display. He felt a surge of longing and excitement in his chest. He wanted to touch it, to feel it, to fly with it. 

"Stop looking, Potter!" 

Bryan pulled Harry out of the crowd from the front. Seeing his desire in his eyes, Bryan said with a lack of interest and glanced at the displayed 'broom', 

"We have serious things to do!" 

Harry looked at Firebolt reluctantly until he walked away. Then he 'mournfully' and 'tearfully' looked at Professor Watson, 

"Do you expect Sirius Black to attack me?" 

"Oh!" Bryan showed a surprised expression. "You are smarter than I thought, Potter. I thought you couldn't guess it!"

Harry:"-_-"

"Don't be so downcast, Harry?" Bryan affectionately hugged Harry's shoulder and said, "We are engaged in a more noble cause. Think about it. If we catch Black soon, we can prevent more innocent people from being hurt by Black!" 

Harry: "-.-"

"Okay!" 

Looking at Harry who was a bit emotional, Bryan frowned and said with a pain in his heart, 

"Firebolt, right? Okay, no problem! As long as you can lure Black over and let me save the wizarding world from Black's terror, I will pay for it myself and buy you one!" 

Harry's heart skipped a beat. He wanted to tell Professor Watson that he didn't need to do that because he already had a very good flying broom. He had Nimbus 2000, which was still in good condition. But his body was obviously more honest. After hearing Professor Watson's promise, his legs didn't listen to him at all. He darted into the gloomy alley with a whoosh. 

But obviously, Black was not stupid enough to be surprising. Bryan and Harry's attempt lasted for a week, but they got nothing. 

Harry didn't care about it, but as the start of school approached, Bryan became more and more worried. 

Once Potter returned to Hogwarts, back under Dumbledore's protection, it would not be so easy to make this big money unless he followed him back to that school and watched Potter all day long. 

Bryan felt a surge of desperation as he realized this was his last opportunity to capture Black and collect the bounty. He had wasted the entire summer on this scheme, but he had nothing to show for it. He was filled with frustration and anger. In the dark inn, Bryan turned his head and looked at Potter who was making a slight snoring sound. He was sleeping peacefully, unaware of the danger that lurked around him. 

Bryan pondered his next move in silence. To be honest, if Bryan wanted to go back, it was actually a very simple thing. He could always apply for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position again. He had lost the voodoo doll, but he could acquire some centaurs or vampires from the black market and use some advanced dark magic to transfer the curse.

Or, he could take over the Care of Magical Creatures post, since Professor Kettleburn had retired. He was no expert in that field, but he could fool the young wizards by following the textbook. He had done some research on magical creatures, and he knew how to deal with them.

Or, he could simply ask Kakus to negotiate with the board of governors again, and let him return to Hogwarts as a security consultant for the castle.

Hmph, security consultant - Bryan Watson?

Bryan smirked in the dark. That name did not sound as impressive as investigator. It sounded low-end, like the castle caretaker Filch. He imagined himself wearing a uniform and a badge, patrolling the corridors and grounds, checking the doors and windows, and reporting to Dumbledore every day. He felt both amused and disgusted.

Of course, these were just Bryan's idle jokes. On that night a few months ago, after he had confronted Dumbledore by the Black Lake, Bryan had seen through Dumbledore's true intentions for him. If he wanted to go back to Hogwarts, he only needed to write a letter. Dumbledore would welcome him back with open arms.

But every time he thought of Dumbledore standing behind his desk, those blue eyes sparkling in the firelight, looking at him who had 'returned to the light', opening his arms and showing a 'kind and gentle' smile, and saying something like 'Welcome back to Hogwarts', Bryan felt a sickening urge to vomit.

"Even if I go back!"

Bryan turned over and gazed at the bright round moon outside the window. He muttered fiercely,

"It would have to be Dumbledore himself who came to me, admitted his faults, apologized sincerely, invited me eagerly, and promised to pay me at the headmaster's level. Then I would consider it!"

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Author's Note:  Sorry! for the mistake, According to Harry Potter Wikipedia, The Bounty on sirius black is Fifty Thousand galleons, I have edited the mistake in previous chapter and upcoming chapters too.

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