Harry Takes a Break

Chapter 12

          The morning of Day 5 began with a flurry of activity as the trio prepared to check out of the Thompson and switch hotels. ("I hope they still have OJs") The Beekman, located in the financial district of Manhattan, was their new destination. Hermione had meticulously planned the day, as usual, but there was an added complication this time—hauling their newly bought, size-enchanted suitcases across the city.

"Couldn't we just Apparate there?" Ron grumbled as he wrestled with his suitcase, which, despite its unassuming appearance, felt suspiciously heavier with all his M&M haul inside.

"You know we can't," Hermione replied, not for the first time. "We're in a Muggle city. It would cause absolute chaos if anyone saw us disappear with luggage in the middle of Fifth Avenue."

Ron sighed, clearly unconvinced by the logic. "Right. But dragging these things around for an hour and a half—in this heat—feels like a proper punishment."

Harry, meanwhile, was too preoccupied with his camera to join in the debate. He had purchased a Canon camera, complete with a lens at Heathrow, and had spent the last few days snapping photos as discreetly as possible. It had quickly become his new favorite gadget.

"Come on, Ron," Harry said, adjusting the strap of the camera around his neck. "We've got plenty of time to stop along the way. Besides, this'll be fun—think of it as a walking tour."

Ron shot Harry a look that suggested it was anything but fun, but he didn't protest further.

The journey began just after breakfast, their new suitcases rolling awkwardly behind them, despite Hermione's attempt to cast a subtle Featherlight Charm on them earlier. They cut through the heart of Manhattan, weaving through the crowds of commuters, tourists, and delivery bikes, each step bringing them closer to the Beekman.

By the time they reached the Empire State Building around 11:30 AM, the morning sun was high in the sky, and the air had grown thick with heat. The towering structure loomed above them, casting a long shadow over the streets. Harry, ever the photographer now, took the opportunity to pause and snap a few photos of the iconic skyscraper.

"Here we go," Harry muttered, adjusting the lens with the care of a Quidditch Seeker about to catch the Snitch. He angled the camera upward, framing the Empire State Building perfectly in the shot. The click of the shutter felt oddly satisfying, and he stepped back to admire his work.

Hermione glanced at him, smiling. "You're really getting into this, aren't you?"

Harry shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. "It's a good camera. You know, for documenting the trip."

Ron, wiping the sweat from his brow, peered over Harry's shoulder. "I still don't see why you need such a big lens for all these pictures. What's wrong with just pointing and shooting?"

"It's about capturing the details," Harry explained. "This lens lets you zoom in and get close-ups without having to, you know, stand right next to everything."

Ron seemed unconvinced but gave a half-hearted nod. "Well, I'm not about to lug one of those things around."

By the time they reached the Flatiron Building at around 12:20, Harry had already taken dozens of photos—sweeping shots of the city skyline, candid pictures of Ron frowning at his suitcase, and even a few of Hermione lost in thought as she stared at the bustling streets. The Flatiron Building itself, with its distinctive triangular shape, became the focus of several more photos.

"Alright, group shot," Harry announced, holding up his rarely-used phone.

Ron groaned but didn't resist as Harry arranged the three of them in front of the Flatiron. "Say Quidditch!"