⚜ EVENING, 23RD JULY, 1990, THE MAHŌ-SHŌ — THE JAPANESE MINISTRY OF MAGIC ⚜
THE WORLD SNAPPED back into focus as the pull of the Portkey released the Potters abruptly.
They had arrived in the Tokyo Portkey Hub.
Much like its British counterpart, the space was alive with movement. Wizards and witches bustled about, some in richly embroidered robes denoting high-ranking officials, others in more modern magical attire.
The platform beneath them was polished dark wood, marked with intricate shimenawa (sacred ropes) and kanji-engraved seals that softly glowed, pulsing with stabilizing magic to prevent Portkey sickness.
Enchanted paper talismans fluttered gently in the air, adjusting the ambient magic levels, while warding charms kept fluctuations in check. Ahead of them stretched a grand hall lined with shoji panels inscribed with spells that allowed security officials to monitor arriving travelers.
Above them, just like in the London Hub, the high, vaulted ceilings stretched above them, enchanted to display a vast, shifting map of global Portkey routes, glowing leyline paths connecting magical cities across the continents like a pulsating nervous system.
Jasmine's eyes instinctively flicked to their recent path — the golden strand stretching from London now pulsed faintly before fading, indicating that the Portkey had completed its route.
Notice boards hovered at different sections of the atrium, updating with real-time information, ensuring ease of navigation in the bustle of the hub. Jasmine glanced at a few of the constantly shifting messages.
"Weather anomaly over the Pacific leyline — expect minor turbulence for Portkey travel to Oceania." "Increased security screening for travelers arriving from the Americas." "Portkey to Seoul temporarily delayed — magical interference detected in the leyline path."
"Welcome to the Tokyo Portkey Hub," a calm voice intoned. Of course, the Veil of Understanding was in place as well.
A robed official, like the Portkey moderator on this end, approached, his movements precise and formal. Unlike the British Portkey Conductor's simple navy robes, this official wore a mix of black and deep crimson, his attire reminiscent of ancient onmyōji sorcerers.
Embroidered on the sleeves was the sigil of the Japanese Ministry of Magic — the Five-Element Seal, representing Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
"If you would head over to the customs' check point, please," the Portkey moderator spoke
The Potters stepped forward toward the customs checkpoint, where a line of Ministry officials waited behind enchanted desks. Unlike the rigid formality of the British Ministry, the officials here conducted their work with an air of practiced efficiency.
Another robed official greeted them from behind the desk.
"Welcome to Japan," she said, her voice smooth and professional. "May I see your travel documents?"
James handed over the necessary paperwork without hesitation. The official flicked her wand, causing the documents to hover midair as she examined them. A second wave of her wand produced a faint, shimmering glyph, a verification seal that confirmed their legitimacy.
"Everything appears to be in order," she said after a moment. "Your luggage has already been transferred to the designated claim area. Do you require any assistance with navigation?"
Lily offered a polite smile. "I think we'll manage from here, thank you."
The official gave a small bow before gesturing toward the exit. "Very well. Enjoy your stay."
The Potters thanked her as they walked away. As they did so, however, Jasmine could see people eyeing them and murmuring to each other.
Ah, even in a foreign country, this still happens, Jasmine thought resignedly.
"So," James spoke up as they picked up their luggage. "Like we planned, we'll be heading to our estate first, then we'll go sightseeing for some time. Follow me."
With their travel documents cleared and their luggage safely transferred, the Potters made their way toward the designated Apparition area. Unlike the Portkey Hub's arrival section, this part of the atrium was quieter — though still alive with movement.
Travelers disappeared with soft cracks of displaced air, while Ministry workers ensured that the Apparition points remained orderly. A large, intricately inscribed kanji symbol for "Movement" (移動) was embedded into the polished wooden floor, glowing faintly whenever someone Apparated.
Circular markers, infused with stabilizing magic, indicated the safest places to use Apparition. The protective enchantments woven into the area helped guide even less-experienced travelers, reducing the risk of splinching.
"Alright, let's go," James said, rolling his shoulders as he turned to his daughters. "Remember to focus. You've done this before."
The girls nodded, though they knew the reminder was less for their benefit and more for their parents' peace of mind. They weren't strangers to Apparition — they had mastered it early, far ahead of their peers.
Lily took one last glance around, ensuring they had everything, before she grasped James' arm. Jasmine and her sisters did the same, steadying themselves as the familiar, weightless pull of Apparition took hold.
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Author here.
Just another mandatory author's note — I'd go crazy if this wasn't here, almost like some malevolent OCD. 😭
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Anyway, have a nice day! Ciao! 😅👍