To Margarita Mocha: I hope I don't disappoint you. You seem to have a rather spotty past with guys, and I hope my story can reassure that some of us are good people.
To all reviewers: I don't know any of you. I don't know where you live, I don't know what your hobbies are, hell I don't even know any of your real names, but I wouldn't be writing if I didn't think it would reach anyone (The most grammatically incorrect sentence in the history of mankind). I may be writing this story, but I would have lost interest long ago if I wasn't getting feedback. So, while I may be the one typing out this crappy story, you guys are the ones keeping it going. If nothing else, it gives me something to do at 1:00 in the morning when I can't sleep. And for that I thank you.
Harry was awakened by a soft tap on the door. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he reached over to the bedside table for his glasses. The world came sharply into focus when he slipped them on. "Who is it?" he asked of the presence behind the door.
"Professor Magonagall." came the curt reply.
Great, Harry thought.
"Just a minute." He said as he swung his bare feet to the floor and stood up slowly. He looked over to the clock that hi glasses had been sitting on. 8:30 in the morning. He, Ron and Hermone had gotten close to four hours of sleep, and he was feeling it.
He groggily walked over to the door and opened it. Magonagall was standing there in her Muggle clothing. "Wake Mr. Weasley and be in my room in five minutes. I have an announcement to make."
"Yes, Professor." Harry said and began shutting the door. But before he could close, Magonagall reached out and stopped it.
"Another thing, Mr. Potter. If you ever again have the inclination to sneak out at night, at least change your clothing before I come knocking." she said briskly and strolled down the hall.
Shocked, Harry looked down at his clothing. He was still wearing what he had worn out the night before. He had been too tired to change, and had slept in them. And now Magonagall knew.
Great, Harry thought for the second time that morning.
He walked back to his bed and pulled out his trunk.
"Ron, get up. Magonagall wants us in her room in five minutes." he said as he looked through his trunk for a change of clothing.
Ron moaned and brought a hand up to his forehead. "I feel horrible."
Harry laughed at his friends expense. "What did you expect? Try not to drink so much next time."
"Next time? There isn't going to be a next time. That was my one and only drinking experience for a long time."
Harry slowly shook his head. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Ronald. You might feel lousy now, but you were having plenty of fun last night."
This was a lie actually. Harry was just testing to see if Ron remembered anything from the night before.
Ron just lay on his bed, thinking. "I was? I can't really remember much of it."
"Yeah, I hear that can sometimes happen. Magonagall knows about last night, by the way."
Ron sat up quickly. Which was a mistake considering his current condition. He moaned again and began massaging his temples. "What? She knows?!"
"Yeah."
"Are we in trouble. The rule list said the sneaking out was dealt with 'strict punishment, whatever that means."
"I don't think we're in trouble. Not yet, at least. She actually gave me advice on if we ever wanted to do it again." Harry couldn't help but laugh at the expression on Ron's face when he said the last bit.
"I don't know, Harry. Sounds kind of fishy to me. We should probably walk lightly around Magonagall for a while."
"That's what I thought. Which is why you should get ready. Magonagall won't like it if you're late." Harry said.
"All right, all right. I'm up." Ron said as he made his way to the bathroom. In sharp contrast to his red hair, his face was very pale. Harry heard the faucet turn on and then off a moment later. Ron came out looking slightly better now that he had splashed some water on his face. "Let's go."
Harry looked over at the clothes he had planned on wearing. Oh well, he thought. Magonagall already knew they had snuck out, and him changing his clothes wasn't going to change that fact.
Harry and Ron walked down the hotel hallway an up to the room that Magonagall was staying in. They knocked politely, then walked in.
Magonagall's room was the same as theirs, except it had a large desk against one wall. Gathered in the room were all the Gryffindors. Parvati and Lavender were chatting quietly about something while Seamus and Dean were watching the television. Neville was staring out the window, and Hermione, looking a little haggard from the night before, was still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She, Harry thought as he looked at her plaid pants, had enough brains to change into her pajamas before falling asleep.
Everyone looked up as Harry and Ron walked in.
"What took you so long?" Seamus asked after his eyes returned to the television.
"Had to wake up this one." Harry mumbled as he gestured at Ron.
There weren't any more open seats, so Harry and Ron settled down on the floor. As soon as they were situated, Magonagall swept into the room.
"Good to see you boys could join us." she said to Harry and Ron.
"Yes, Professor." Harry and Ron mumbled together.
"Well, now that we are all here, we can discuss the meaning of this little meaning. This morning I received owls from the three American wizarding schools. It seems, that no matter how much we tried to keep this visit a secret, the word has gotten out."
Harry heart sank. "They're going to make us go back to England, aren't they Professor?" he asked.
"While that was a very distinct possibility, Mr. Potter, the answer to that is 'no'. I spoke with Dumbledore, and he believes that even with the leak, you are safer here. Away from...Voldemort." she said the name quickly. "The purpose of the three letters I received, is to invite us to a gathering being thrown in our name."
"Gathering?" Parvati squealed. "What sort of gathering."
"Well, Ms. Patil, as far as I can tell it will be a formal dinner. Held tomorrow." Magonagall answered.
"That sounds stupid." Parvati said. "Why would we want to go to that? We came here to have fun, not eat dinner with stuffy, old wizards."
"For your information, each of the three schools will bring eight of their own students." Magonagall said.
"What? Students our own age?" Ron asked.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley. Students your own age." Magonagall said, annoyed at all the interruptions.
"That doesn't sound too bad." Ron said, ignoring the look Magonagall was giving him.
Lavender spoke for the first time that morning. "But why would we want to go? We could always just meet kids our own age at the beach."
"If you children hadn't been interrupting me, I could have told you that there is to be dancing at this gathering." Magonagall prompted.
That sealed it. Parvati and Lavender began chatting excitingly. Probably something about how many boys they were going to dance with, Harry thought.
Seamus and Dean seemed pretty excited about the whole idea too. Any occasion that brought attractive, young faces into the picture was always OK with them.
Even Ron and Hermione seemed to be looking forward to the occasion.
The only person in the room who didn't want to go was Harry. He had seen this trip as an escape from the life of the boy-who-lived. He was tried of people gasping when they heard his name and talking quietly as he walked by. He was tired of being famous for something he couldn't even remember. He had thoroughly enjoyed the previous day. It had been refreshing to walk into the club and not have every head turn to look at him. For the first time, he had been sure the girls he danced with were doing it because they liked him and not because he was famous. And now he was going to be thrown right back in the middle of it. He was not looking forward to it.
Searching for any way out, Harry said, "But Professor, none of us brought our dress robes. What are we going to wear?"
"As far as that goes, Mr. Potter, Dumbledore had sent me the funds to purchase all of you new robes. Money is not a problem. We are going to go all out. We have to show these American what true wizards are"
"Sweet." Ron said, always excited to not have to spend money.
Shit, Harry thought.
"So," Magonagall began. "we will be leaving shortly to get you students some new robes. Be back in this room in a hour. We will be walking."
Everyone began filing out of the room. Harry was almost out of the door when he was stopped by Magonagall.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger, I would like to have a word with you." she said.
Great, Harry thought. Here comes the lecture. I knew I should have changed clothes.
"I am fully aware of what happened last night." she said. She fixed her gray eyes on Ron. "And what you did was inexcusable."
Ron began staring at his feet.
"But I will not be punishing you." Magonagall said.
Ron's head snapped back up. "We're not in trouble?" he asked.
"Oh, you are in trouble. But your punishment will be erased if you all would do me a favor."
"What do you want, Professor?" Hermione asked quietly.
"This gathering is a great opportunity. It gives us a chance a to get more support for Dumbledore in the fight against Voldemort. But we have to impress them. We have to show them exactly what a traditional wizard is. To do this, I'm asking the three of you to watch over the rest of your classmates. Mr. Finnigan and Mr. Thomas are usually good students, but when you bring in the opposite sex, they'll do anything to impress. And I know how Ms. Brown and Ms. Patil act around boys. All I'm asking is that you keep an eye on them."
"You can count on us, Professor." Ron said proudly.
"That's good, Mr. Weasley, because you will have a special task." Magonagall said lightly.
"Me?" Ron asked.
"Yes, you, Mr. Weasley. Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, you're excused now. Mr. Weasley and I have some talking to do." Magonagall said with a smile.
"Yes, Professor." they said together and left the room.
Once they were in the hallway, Hermione turned to Harry. "What's that all about? What does Magonagall want with Ron?"
"I don't know." Harry answered. "Maybe she's yelling at him for drinking. She seems to know everything."
"Well, I can't say I feel sorry for him. He did it to himself." Hermione said. But she still seemed a little worried. "I'm going to got get ready. Long day ahead of us." She walked down the hall and into her room.
Harry went back to his own room and into he bathroom. He took of his clothes and jumped in the shower. By the time he got out, Ron was sitting on his bed. There was a stack of papers on his lap, and Ron was reading them.
"What did Magonagall want?" Harry asked while drying his thick, black hair.
"Nothing." Ron replied, not taking his eyes off the paper in front of him.
"Nothing? What are those?" Harry asked pointing at the stack of paper.
"These?" Ron replied nervously. "These are nothing." he said and stuffed the papers into his trunk.
Harry knew there was something Ron wasn't telling him, but he didn't want to pressure his friend. "Well, you better come up with a better story than that for Hermione. She won't back off like me. She get irritated when she doesn't know something."
Ron's eyes showed relief that Harry wasn't going to ask anymore.
"You should get in the shower. We don't have much time." Harry said.
Harry put on the clothes he had set aside earlier that morning. Something was bothering him. He tied his shoes and walked down the hall to Magonagall's room. He knocked politely and waited for a reply.
"Come in."
Harry opened the door and walked in. He saw Magonagall sitting at the large desk, reading a letter.
"What is it, Mr. Potter?" she asked, not taking her eyes from the letter.
"Uh...Professor, there's something bothering me. I had thought that this trip was in part to keep us away from Voldemort."
"You, Mr. Potter. This trip was designed to keep you away from Voldemort."
"Yes, Professor. But that's my problem. Why would we go through all this trouble to take this vacation, only to be exposed on the second day. What if Voldemort had agents in America? They might be at this gathering. We'll be doing there job for them." Harry said, staring at the top of Magonagall's head.
"This has all been considered, Mr. Potter. Dumbledore, himself, thinks this gathering is a good idea. Do you want to go against the word of Dumbledore?"
"No, Professor. I just don't under stand how me being seen in America is a good idea." Harry admitted.
"Dumbledore and I agree with you completely."
"What?"
"We believe it would be in you best interest if you entered this gathering with an alias. Make up a name. It doesn't really matter what name it is. I'll cast a Covering Charm on your scar, and no one will know who you really are. You will be completely safe, Harry dear." She continued reading the letter on her desk. After a moment, she looked up at Harry.
"Is there anything else?" she asked.
"No, Professor."
Harry left the room quietly. He still wasn't comfortable with going, but his worries were lessened. He began to look forward to the dinner. It would be the first time he had ever been in the wizarding world without being Harry Potter- Demon Slayer and Protector of the Weak. It would be quite liberating.
After all the students were ready, they walked into town to find the local wizard's robe shop. The American wizard who owned the hotel gave them directions.
As they walked, Harry asked Ron questions about the American schools. Ron spoke only to Harry. He was doing his best to ignore Hermione. They hadn't spoke a word since the night before.
"Well, there are three American school spread out through the country." Ron said.
"Over in Montana is the Stillwater School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I hear it's a lot like Hogwarts. About 95% of all American wizards go to school there. My dad says that they are a good bunch. Fun people."
"What about the other two schools?" Harry asked.
"Up in Massachusetts is the Salem School of Witchcraft."
"Just Witchcraft?"
"That's right. It's an all girl school. They specialize in defensive magic. They have an intense dislike of strangers. That's just the way they're taught. They're still a little shaken up by the Salem witch trials and try to stay in their school as much as possible. It's a very small school. No more that fifty girls at one time."
"I hear they hate men." Hermione said from Harry's other side.
Ron snorted. "Yeah, but I plan on showing them what they're missing." he said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Ron, that's the sickest thing I've ever heard you say." Hermione screamed.
Ron ignored her. "I don't know too much about the last school. Nobody really does. They're a secretive bunch. What we do know is that it's an all boys school. It's called the Bourbon Street Academy Small, like Salem. It's rumored to specialize in the Dark Arts. My dad says that if you're not evil when you enter that school, you are by the time you come out. Sounds like a entire school of Slytherins, doesn't it. But all that's just speculation. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise."
Harry imagined an entire school of Malfoy's when Ron described the Bourbon Street Academy. He wasn't looking forward to meeting that bunch.
"Here we are, students." Magonagall said triumphantly.
Ahead of the group sat a very small building. Like the Leaky Cauldron in London, Harry got the impression that Muggles couldn't see it.
Magonagall led the group into the store. A small, mousy man saw them and came forward. "Hello. Hello. We were told you would be coming. Come in. Come in."
Magonagall left the group in the man's capable hands, and then left the store, saying she had some important business with a witch downtown.
They were led into the central part of the room, but then allowed to go wherever they wished. Harry and Ron immediately went to the Men's section. The robes there were very nice. Harry and Ron stood staring at them until Ron went forward and grabbed a long red one. He looked at the price tag and gasped. "I could build a new house for this kind of money." he said with a smile.
Most of the students didn't take very long to choose their robes. In the end, it was just Ron and Parvati still looking. Parvati was taking a long time because she was a girl and that's what they do. Ron, however, was taking forever because he wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity to get something nice.
Harry had settled on a long, dark blue robe with golden embroidery running around the collar and cuffs. It fit very well and judging by the look on Lavender's face when she saw him with it on, he looked good in it.
Hermione had selected an amazing pale blue dress. It was simple dress, but it's simplicity was what made it good. It was backless and low cut. Ron did a double take when he saw her walk out of the fitting room.
Everyone who had made their selections were allowed to walk back to the hotel. Soon, it was only Ron and Harry left in the store. Harry had decided to wait for Ron to make his choice, but was now regretting it.
***
Hermione walked back to the hotel alone. She had chosen her dress quicker than the rest, and she had decided to go on ahead. She had never really liked shopping. It had always seemed so unnecessary. No matter what she bought, it wasn't ever going to make her look good.
She was about halfway back when someone wrapped their hands around her eyes.
"Guess who." a familiar voice said.
"Kyle." said Hermione with a laugh.
Kyle reached into his sleeve and pulled out a rose. He offered it to her. "Magic." he said with a winning smile.
Hermione, who had seen real magic for the last five years of her life, just smiled.
"What's wrong?" Kyle asked.
"Ron is angry at me for something. He's barely talking to me."
"Which one is Ron? The shorter kid with black hair?"
"No. The tall one with ginger hair."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I was heading back to my hotel room now and boys aren't-"
"Great! We'll talk there." he said brightly.
Hermione thought about it. Magonagall was gone on some business, so she wouldn't get into trouble. And she felt like she needed to talk to someone. It hurt to have Ron mad at her and she needed to work it out. Kyle seemed genuinely concerned.
"All right. Let's go." she said after a moment.
***
About fifteen minutes later, Ron called from inside the fitting room, "I think I've got it, Harry!"
"About time. Let's see it." Harry muttered.
Ron came out of the fitting room and Harry had to admit he was impressed. Ron had selected an all black robe with long sleeves. It had a slimming effect which made Ron seem taller than he already was. His axe-handle long shoulders stood out well in it.
"Looks good. Now let's get the hell out of here." Harry said.
They brought the robes they had selected up to the front desk. The man working there saw what they were holding and smiled. "Excellent selection, young masters. Now put them up here, and we'll have them sent over to the hotel."
"Why can't we just carry them back?" Harry asked.
"They have to be embroided with your school crest. It will take the rest of the day. They will be sent over first thing tomorrow."
Harry and Ron placed their robes on the desk and walked outside. The light breeze was heaven for Harry, who had become slightly claustrophobic in the small building.
When they got back to the hotel, Magonagall still hadn't returned. They tried to open the girl's room, but it was locked. When they walked over to Seamus' room, they saw that everyone was there. Everyone but Hermione.
Everyone looked up at Ron with a sense of anxiety. Something's was going on.
Ron didn't seem to notice. "Where's Hermione?" he asked sitting down on one of the beds.
No one seemed to want to answer. Every one was avoiding Ron's eyes. Something was definitely going on.
Finally Neville lifted his head. "She over there." He pointed over to the girls room.
"Oh. Why is the door locked, then?" Ron asked.
"She's not alone." Neville said nervously.
Sorry about the length. I had actually planned on going farther, but I didn't want to lose your interest. Ron will be very pissed. I know there are mistakes, but I didn't feel like reading through it again. Tell me what you think.
To all reviewers: I don't know any of you. I don't know where you live, I don't know what your hobbies are, hell I don't even know any of your real names, but I wouldn't be writing if I didn't think it would reach anyone (The most grammatically incorrect sentence in the history of mankind). I may be writing this story, but I would have lost interest long ago if I wasn't getting feedback. So, while I may be the one typing out this crappy story, you guys are the ones keeping it going. If nothing else, it gives me something to do at 1:00 in the morning when I can't sleep. And for that I thank you.
Harry was awakened by a soft tap on the door. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he reached over to the bedside table for his glasses. The world came sharply into focus when he slipped them on. "Who is it?" he asked of the presence behind the door.
"Professor Magonagall." came the curt reply.
Great, Harry thought.
"Just a minute." He said as he swung his bare feet to the floor and stood up slowly. He looked over to the clock that hi glasses had been sitting on. 8:30 in the morning. He, Ron and Hermone had gotten close to four hours of sleep, and he was feeling it.
He groggily walked over to the door and opened it. Magonagall was standing there in her Muggle clothing. "Wake Mr. Weasley and be in my room in five minutes. I have an announcement to make."
"Yes, Professor." Harry said and began shutting the door. But before he could close, Magonagall reached out and stopped it.
"Another thing, Mr. Potter. If you ever again have the inclination to sneak out at night, at least change your clothing before I come knocking." she said briskly and strolled down the hall.
Shocked, Harry looked down at his clothing. He was still wearing what he had worn out the night before. He had been too tired to change, and had slept in them. And now Magonagall knew.
Great, Harry thought for the second time that morning.
He walked back to his bed and pulled out his trunk.
"Ron, get up. Magonagall wants us in her room in five minutes." he said as he looked through his trunk for a change of clothing.
Ron moaned and brought a hand up to his forehead. "I feel horrible."
Harry laughed at his friends expense. "What did you expect? Try not to drink so much next time."
"Next time? There isn't going to be a next time. That was my one and only drinking experience for a long time."
Harry slowly shook his head. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Ronald. You might feel lousy now, but you were having plenty of fun last night."
This was a lie actually. Harry was just testing to see if Ron remembered anything from the night before.
Ron just lay on his bed, thinking. "I was? I can't really remember much of it."
"Yeah, I hear that can sometimes happen. Magonagall knows about last night, by the way."
Ron sat up quickly. Which was a mistake considering his current condition. He moaned again and began massaging his temples. "What? She knows?!"
"Yeah."
"Are we in trouble. The rule list said the sneaking out was dealt with 'strict punishment, whatever that means."
"I don't think we're in trouble. Not yet, at least. She actually gave me advice on if we ever wanted to do it again." Harry couldn't help but laugh at the expression on Ron's face when he said the last bit.
"I don't know, Harry. Sounds kind of fishy to me. We should probably walk lightly around Magonagall for a while."
"That's what I thought. Which is why you should get ready. Magonagall won't like it if you're late." Harry said.
"All right, all right. I'm up." Ron said as he made his way to the bathroom. In sharp contrast to his red hair, his face was very pale. Harry heard the faucet turn on and then off a moment later. Ron came out looking slightly better now that he had splashed some water on his face. "Let's go."
Harry looked over at the clothes he had planned on wearing. Oh well, he thought. Magonagall already knew they had snuck out, and him changing his clothes wasn't going to change that fact.
Harry and Ron walked down the hotel hallway an up to the room that Magonagall was staying in. They knocked politely, then walked in.
Magonagall's room was the same as theirs, except it had a large desk against one wall. Gathered in the room were all the Gryffindors. Parvati and Lavender were chatting quietly about something while Seamus and Dean were watching the television. Neville was staring out the window, and Hermione, looking a little haggard from the night before, was still rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She, Harry thought as he looked at her plaid pants, had enough brains to change into her pajamas before falling asleep.
Everyone looked up as Harry and Ron walked in.
"What took you so long?" Seamus asked after his eyes returned to the television.
"Had to wake up this one." Harry mumbled as he gestured at Ron.
There weren't any more open seats, so Harry and Ron settled down on the floor. As soon as they were situated, Magonagall swept into the room.
"Good to see you boys could join us." she said to Harry and Ron.
"Yes, Professor." Harry and Ron mumbled together.
"Well, now that we are all here, we can discuss the meaning of this little meaning. This morning I received owls from the three American wizarding schools. It seems, that no matter how much we tried to keep this visit a secret, the word has gotten out."
Harry heart sank. "They're going to make us go back to England, aren't they Professor?" he asked.
"While that was a very distinct possibility, Mr. Potter, the answer to that is 'no'. I spoke with Dumbledore, and he believes that even with the leak, you are safer here. Away from...Voldemort." she said the name quickly. "The purpose of the three letters I received, is to invite us to a gathering being thrown in our name."
"Gathering?" Parvati squealed. "What sort of gathering."
"Well, Ms. Patil, as far as I can tell it will be a formal dinner. Held tomorrow." Magonagall answered.
"That sounds stupid." Parvati said. "Why would we want to go to that? We came here to have fun, not eat dinner with stuffy, old wizards."
"For your information, each of the three schools will bring eight of their own students." Magonagall said.
"What? Students our own age?" Ron asked.
"Yes, Mr. Weasley. Students your own age." Magonagall said, annoyed at all the interruptions.
"That doesn't sound too bad." Ron said, ignoring the look Magonagall was giving him.
Lavender spoke for the first time that morning. "But why would we want to go? We could always just meet kids our own age at the beach."
"If you children hadn't been interrupting me, I could have told you that there is to be dancing at this gathering." Magonagall prompted.
That sealed it. Parvati and Lavender began chatting excitingly. Probably something about how many boys they were going to dance with, Harry thought.
Seamus and Dean seemed pretty excited about the whole idea too. Any occasion that brought attractive, young faces into the picture was always OK with them.
Even Ron and Hermione seemed to be looking forward to the occasion.
The only person in the room who didn't want to go was Harry. He had seen this trip as an escape from the life of the boy-who-lived. He was tried of people gasping when they heard his name and talking quietly as he walked by. He was tired of being famous for something he couldn't even remember. He had thoroughly enjoyed the previous day. It had been refreshing to walk into the club and not have every head turn to look at him. For the first time, he had been sure the girls he danced with were doing it because they liked him and not because he was famous. And now he was going to be thrown right back in the middle of it. He was not looking forward to it.
Searching for any way out, Harry said, "But Professor, none of us brought our dress robes. What are we going to wear?"
"As far as that goes, Mr. Potter, Dumbledore had sent me the funds to purchase all of you new robes. Money is not a problem. We are going to go all out. We have to show these American what true wizards are"
"Sweet." Ron said, always excited to not have to spend money.
Shit, Harry thought.
"So," Magonagall began. "we will be leaving shortly to get you students some new robes. Be back in this room in a hour. We will be walking."
Everyone began filing out of the room. Harry was almost out of the door when he was stopped by Magonagall.
"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger, I would like to have a word with you." she said.
Great, Harry thought. Here comes the lecture. I knew I should have changed clothes.
"I am fully aware of what happened last night." she said. She fixed her gray eyes on Ron. "And what you did was inexcusable."
Ron began staring at his feet.
"But I will not be punishing you." Magonagall said.
Ron's head snapped back up. "We're not in trouble?" he asked.
"Oh, you are in trouble. But your punishment will be erased if you all would do me a favor."
"What do you want, Professor?" Hermione asked quietly.
"This gathering is a great opportunity. It gives us a chance a to get more support for Dumbledore in the fight against Voldemort. But we have to impress them. We have to show them exactly what a traditional wizard is. To do this, I'm asking the three of you to watch over the rest of your classmates. Mr. Finnigan and Mr. Thomas are usually good students, but when you bring in the opposite sex, they'll do anything to impress. And I know how Ms. Brown and Ms. Patil act around boys. All I'm asking is that you keep an eye on them."
"You can count on us, Professor." Ron said proudly.
"That's good, Mr. Weasley, because you will have a special task." Magonagall said lightly.
"Me?" Ron asked.
"Yes, you, Mr. Weasley. Mr. Potter, Ms. Granger, you're excused now. Mr. Weasley and I have some talking to do." Magonagall said with a smile.
"Yes, Professor." they said together and left the room.
Once they were in the hallway, Hermione turned to Harry. "What's that all about? What does Magonagall want with Ron?"
"I don't know." Harry answered. "Maybe she's yelling at him for drinking. She seems to know everything."
"Well, I can't say I feel sorry for him. He did it to himself." Hermione said. But she still seemed a little worried. "I'm going to got get ready. Long day ahead of us." She walked down the hall and into her room.
Harry went back to his own room and into he bathroom. He took of his clothes and jumped in the shower. By the time he got out, Ron was sitting on his bed. There was a stack of papers on his lap, and Ron was reading them.
"What did Magonagall want?" Harry asked while drying his thick, black hair.
"Nothing." Ron replied, not taking his eyes off the paper in front of him.
"Nothing? What are those?" Harry asked pointing at the stack of paper.
"These?" Ron replied nervously. "These are nothing." he said and stuffed the papers into his trunk.
Harry knew there was something Ron wasn't telling him, but he didn't want to pressure his friend. "Well, you better come up with a better story than that for Hermione. She won't back off like me. She get irritated when she doesn't know something."
Ron's eyes showed relief that Harry wasn't going to ask anymore.
"You should get in the shower. We don't have much time." Harry said.
Harry put on the clothes he had set aside earlier that morning. Something was bothering him. He tied his shoes and walked down the hall to Magonagall's room. He knocked politely and waited for a reply.
"Come in."
Harry opened the door and walked in. He saw Magonagall sitting at the large desk, reading a letter.
"What is it, Mr. Potter?" she asked, not taking her eyes from the letter.
"Uh...Professor, there's something bothering me. I had thought that this trip was in part to keep us away from Voldemort."
"You, Mr. Potter. This trip was designed to keep you away from Voldemort."
"Yes, Professor. But that's my problem. Why would we go through all this trouble to take this vacation, only to be exposed on the second day. What if Voldemort had agents in America? They might be at this gathering. We'll be doing there job for them." Harry said, staring at the top of Magonagall's head.
"This has all been considered, Mr. Potter. Dumbledore, himself, thinks this gathering is a good idea. Do you want to go against the word of Dumbledore?"
"No, Professor. I just don't under stand how me being seen in America is a good idea." Harry admitted.
"Dumbledore and I agree with you completely."
"What?"
"We believe it would be in you best interest if you entered this gathering with an alias. Make up a name. It doesn't really matter what name it is. I'll cast a Covering Charm on your scar, and no one will know who you really are. You will be completely safe, Harry dear." She continued reading the letter on her desk. After a moment, she looked up at Harry.
"Is there anything else?" she asked.
"No, Professor."
Harry left the room quietly. He still wasn't comfortable with going, but his worries were lessened. He began to look forward to the dinner. It would be the first time he had ever been in the wizarding world without being Harry Potter- Demon Slayer and Protector of the Weak. It would be quite liberating.
After all the students were ready, they walked into town to find the local wizard's robe shop. The American wizard who owned the hotel gave them directions.
As they walked, Harry asked Ron questions about the American schools. Ron spoke only to Harry. He was doing his best to ignore Hermione. They hadn't spoke a word since the night before.
"Well, there are three American school spread out through the country." Ron said.
"Over in Montana is the Stillwater School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I hear it's a lot like Hogwarts. About 95% of all American wizards go to school there. My dad says that they are a good bunch. Fun people."
"What about the other two schools?" Harry asked.
"Up in Massachusetts is the Salem School of Witchcraft."
"Just Witchcraft?"
"That's right. It's an all girl school. They specialize in defensive magic. They have an intense dislike of strangers. That's just the way they're taught. They're still a little shaken up by the Salem witch trials and try to stay in their school as much as possible. It's a very small school. No more that fifty girls at one time."
"I hear they hate men." Hermione said from Harry's other side.
Ron snorted. "Yeah, but I plan on showing them what they're missing." he said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
"Ron, that's the sickest thing I've ever heard you say." Hermione screamed.
Ron ignored her. "I don't know too much about the last school. Nobody really does. They're a secretive bunch. What we do know is that it's an all boys school. It's called the Bourbon Street Academy Small, like Salem. It's rumored to specialize in the Dark Arts. My dad says that if you're not evil when you enter that school, you are by the time you come out. Sounds like a entire school of Slytherins, doesn't it. But all that's just speculation. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise."
Harry imagined an entire school of Malfoy's when Ron described the Bourbon Street Academy. He wasn't looking forward to meeting that bunch.
"Here we are, students." Magonagall said triumphantly.
Ahead of the group sat a very small building. Like the Leaky Cauldron in London, Harry got the impression that Muggles couldn't see it.
Magonagall led the group into the store. A small, mousy man saw them and came forward. "Hello. Hello. We were told you would be coming. Come in. Come in."
Magonagall left the group in the man's capable hands, and then left the store, saying she had some important business with a witch downtown.
They were led into the central part of the room, but then allowed to go wherever they wished. Harry and Ron immediately went to the Men's section. The robes there were very nice. Harry and Ron stood staring at them until Ron went forward and grabbed a long red one. He looked at the price tag and gasped. "I could build a new house for this kind of money." he said with a smile.
Most of the students didn't take very long to choose their robes. In the end, it was just Ron and Parvati still looking. Parvati was taking a long time because she was a girl and that's what they do. Ron, however, was taking forever because he wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity to get something nice.
Harry had settled on a long, dark blue robe with golden embroidery running around the collar and cuffs. It fit very well and judging by the look on Lavender's face when she saw him with it on, he looked good in it.
Hermione had selected an amazing pale blue dress. It was simple dress, but it's simplicity was what made it good. It was backless and low cut. Ron did a double take when he saw her walk out of the fitting room.
Everyone who had made their selections were allowed to walk back to the hotel. Soon, it was only Ron and Harry left in the store. Harry had decided to wait for Ron to make his choice, but was now regretting it.
***
Hermione walked back to the hotel alone. She had chosen her dress quicker than the rest, and she had decided to go on ahead. She had never really liked shopping. It had always seemed so unnecessary. No matter what she bought, it wasn't ever going to make her look good.
She was about halfway back when someone wrapped their hands around her eyes.
"Guess who." a familiar voice said.
"Kyle." said Hermione with a laugh.
Kyle reached into his sleeve and pulled out a rose. He offered it to her. "Magic." he said with a winning smile.
Hermione, who had seen real magic for the last five years of her life, just smiled.
"What's wrong?" Kyle asked.
"Ron is angry at me for something. He's barely talking to me."
"Which one is Ron? The shorter kid with black hair?"
"No. The tall one with ginger hair."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I was heading back to my hotel room now and boys aren't-"
"Great! We'll talk there." he said brightly.
Hermione thought about it. Magonagall was gone on some business, so she wouldn't get into trouble. And she felt like she needed to talk to someone. It hurt to have Ron mad at her and she needed to work it out. Kyle seemed genuinely concerned.
"All right. Let's go." she said after a moment.
***
About fifteen minutes later, Ron called from inside the fitting room, "I think I've got it, Harry!"
"About time. Let's see it." Harry muttered.
Ron came out of the fitting room and Harry had to admit he was impressed. Ron had selected an all black robe with long sleeves. It had a slimming effect which made Ron seem taller than he already was. His axe-handle long shoulders stood out well in it.
"Looks good. Now let's get the hell out of here." Harry said.
They brought the robes they had selected up to the front desk. The man working there saw what they were holding and smiled. "Excellent selection, young masters. Now put them up here, and we'll have them sent over to the hotel."
"Why can't we just carry them back?" Harry asked.
"They have to be embroided with your school crest. It will take the rest of the day. They will be sent over first thing tomorrow."
Harry and Ron placed their robes on the desk and walked outside. The light breeze was heaven for Harry, who had become slightly claustrophobic in the small building.
When they got back to the hotel, Magonagall still hadn't returned. They tried to open the girl's room, but it was locked. When they walked over to Seamus' room, they saw that everyone was there. Everyone but Hermione.
Everyone looked up at Ron with a sense of anxiety. Something's was going on.
Ron didn't seem to notice. "Where's Hermione?" he asked sitting down on one of the beds.
No one seemed to want to answer. Every one was avoiding Ron's eyes. Something was definitely going on.
Finally Neville lifted his head. "She over there." He pointed over to the girls room.
"Oh. Why is the door locked, then?" Ron asked.
"She's not alone." Neville said nervously.
Sorry about the length. I had actually planned on going farther, but I didn't want to lose your interest. Ron will be very pissed. I know there are mistakes, but I didn't feel like reading through it again. Tell me what you think.