Chapter 5

Two days later, the Weasleys, Harry and Hermione all left the Burrow early on the last day of August. They got to the depot and met up with Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape. Tow of the professors smiled at the three fifth years and congratulated them on the fine work they did to receive this honor. The third just sneered at them.

"Well, well, well, the famous trio is going to America. I'm going to have to keep my eyes on you," Professor Snape said quietly.

"We're waiting for more students. There is a total of eight of you going, along with Professors McGonagall and Snape," Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling behind his half-moon glasses.

They waited as Justin Finch-Fletchly, Hannah Abbott, Pansy Parkinson, and Draco Malfoy all arrived with their families and made a very rowdy bunch. The parents talked with the teachers while the students all talked about the upcoming adventure.

"Okay, there will be two port keys. Your luggage will be sent over to meet you at the Port key Depot in Boston. There will be two groups with a teacher in each group," Dumbledore said. "Remember, you are representing this school, so act accordingly."

The students all nodded and grouped themselves in fours. Harry, Ron, and Hermione had grabbed Justin to be in their group. They went over and stood next to McGonagall while the other four went to Snape. The teachers each had an item that looked like muggle garbage. They all touched it and waited for the familiar tug in their abdomen. They all held on tight and tried to keep from giggling.

They all arrived, with half of them, including Harry, Ron, and Hermione, in a heap on the Depot floor. They picked themselves up and moved off the platform. They all grabbed their trunks and other items as they looked to their teachers for guidance.

"Okay, we'll go to a counter..." Professor McGonagall started to say when a tall young man in black trousers and a white t-shirt approached and greeted them.

"Hi there! I'm Marcus Quimby and I'm a teacher's aide sent by the Boston school. Mr. Manahan sent me over to bring to the school," he said, jovially.

"Hello, Mr. Quimby. I'm Professor McGonagall and this is Professor Snape. How will we be getting to the school with the trunks and all?" McGonagall asked, very business-like.

"Oh, we'll be using the Floo network. Just bring everything over here," he said briskly.

He pointed to a fireplace that was very large in comparison to which they were used to seeing. He led the way as the student dragged their trunks, cauldrons, and other items in his wake. They were all trying to take in their surroundings and the new sights. For a lot of these kids, this was their first time in the States.

"Wow," whispered Justin in awe, "look at all these people. There wasn't this many in the London Depot."

"This is one of the busiest places in America," Quimby said, as he took out a jar of Floo powder. "Now, if you all know how to use Floo powder, we'll go. Just yell 'Boston School'."

Professor McGonagall went first, followed by the rest. They found themselves in a huge room that was decorated in bright colors and huge windows that opened up to beautiful grounds. There were five long tables that were full with other students. They were told to leave their luggage there and go up to the front of the room.

They all went to the head table and faced the student body. Professors McGonagall and Snape went to the head table and sat down next to a witch in a bright red blouse. The new students stood wondering what they wee supposed to do at that moment.

"Now we'll separate you on to the proper teams. These are Wendelin, Coon, Gryffindor, and Potter. These teams will be your home away from home. You will sip from this goblet, after I call your name and you will walk to the table that will your team for the duration of your stay here at Boston," Quimby instructed them.

Justin went first and sipped. He started towards one of the center tables. he sat down among the cheers. Hannah, Terry and Pansy were called and they each went to the three out of four tables.

"Harry Potter!"

Everyone in the Hall gasped. The great Harry Potter had come into their midst. They had a team named after the Boy Who Lived. The table in which the Potter teams all sat up straighter. They have received one from the exchange school, Pansy Parkinson.

Harry walked up to the goblet and took a sip. He stood there in a trance-like for a minute before his feet started to shuffle. He let them take him towards a table. He went to the Gryffindor table. He stopped there and the trance-like feeling fell away like water.

By the end of the separation, Ron and Hermione were at the Gryffindor table with Harry, while Malfoy ended with the Potter team. Harry was surprised that he was in the house that he was in at Hogwarts. He decided to look in on the history of the school, if Hermione hasn't done so.

"Good evening, all. For those who don't know me, I'm Headmaster Manahan and I would like to welcome you to the Boston School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Here a few words to make your stay more fun. Stay happy and stay focused on your goals," said the wizard, who was in the center of the head table.

At this, the food was served and everyone started to eat. Ron dug in with gusto. He was always hungry and tended to think of only food. Harry was so impressed with the school that after every bite he looked around at everything. Hermione just tried to take in everything all at once, dropping a slice of buttered bread into her lap instead of her mouth.

At the end of the party, the headmaster dismissed everyone and the new students stood and looked around. Three kids came over to Harry, Ron and Hermione to take them to their dormitory. These three seemed to be designated to be their guides.