Chapter 2

Though it had been morning when they had gotten on the plane, it was still so when they got to the United States, despite the fact it should be night by now. Most of the group had managed to sleep on the plane, but Harry noticed as he lay awake that Draco hadn't slept either. Something seemed to trouble the youth.

Finally though the plane landed at Louis Armstrong International Airport and the sleeping students awoke and prepared for their first look at the United States.

Harry couldn't even imagine what Draco had been put through recently. No one could. It had been a living nightmare.

The Dark Lord's return had left the Malfoy family in absolute devastation. Lucius had finally come to his senses and had tried to hide the family away in the Manor but Bellatrix had broken through. She had tortured Lucius in front of Draco and Narcissa. The elder Malfoy was lucky to be alive.

They had fought her off once Draco managed to get back their wands, but the damage was done. The Malfoys would now be targets. They had turned against the Dark Lord and there was no going back.

Lucius had used the last threads of people he knew to ensure Draco was sent on this trip since Potter was going on it. Draco was to get close and tell Harry what had happened. Lucius and Narcissa had retreated to an extremely secret ancient family home that was Unplottable. Draco didn't know if he would ever see them again.

He stood, stretching his legs before walking off the plane with his hands shoved in his pockets. He hoped that this year would be worth it. After all, no one knew what the Academy of Magic was like. They were extremely secretive about the goings-on in their school.

Unconsciously he looked over at the Trio as they looked around the tarmac, where cars were waiting for them. They seemed overly excited, especially the Weasel with his obnoxiously loud voice. Draco shook his head as he strode to one of the cars. Let them look like tourists. He just needed to make sure that he was nice to them for a change.

That would be easier said than done.

Hermione finally managed to get the boys into a car. The other passenger car was full, so they ended up climbing into a car with Jace and Draco. Ron (being Ron) couldn't help but try to mess with Draco's sullen mood.

"What's wrong with you Malfoy? Daddy cut off your allowance?" Ron said nastily.

"Leave him alone Ron," said Harry looking at Draco wondering why he wouldn't speak up himself.

"You are not sticking up for him are you?" Ron practically yelled.

"Can't you tell there is something bugging him Ron?" hissed Hermione. Draco rolled his eyes at this. He looked at the Trio sternly.

"You can stop talking about me as if I am not here," he said before turning back to the window. An uncomfortable silence fell over the car. Jace looked between the Trio and Draco and shook his head. School rivalries he supposed.

"So who do you think is the better American Quidditch team?" he asked to break the silence.

"The New York Giants," said Ron.

"I thought that was just the name of their football team," said Harry.

"Honestly Potter. Do you know nothing about these teams?" Draco said with a smirk that seemed like a slightly mirrored image of the old Draco, "The American Muggles name some of their teams after the Quidditch teams. And Weasley, isn't it obvious the California Dragons are the better team?"

This started a heated argument that seemed almost friendly instead of fraught with rivalry and malice. Harry and Hermione shared grins, not wanting to say that. Ron and Draco would really start arguing if they pointed out how much it seemed like an argument between friends.

Harry looked out at the rising architecture and smiled. The busy city definitely wasn't what he was used to.

Finally, they stopped and got out of the car on a sidewalk in front of a building the Muggles avoided. They all looked around until Pansy grew bored and strode right into the building with everyone else following.