Fifth Avenue, New York, USA, June 29, 1976.
Hermione and Severus appeared in an alley located on 77th Street at Fifth Avenue.
They both walked to the bottom of the alley until they came to a brick wall blocking the passage.
Hermione quickly pulled out her wand and stepped forward while Severus just waited patiently in place.
After making a few movements on the wall with his wand, the wall turned into a gigantic door, it looked like a door custom made for trolls to enter.
Above this door was written in golden letters:
Welcome to Magic Fifth Avenue
After a while, the gigantic door opened by itself, allowing Severus and Hermione to pass through.
The two wasted no time and passed through the door.
As they entered Magic Fifth Avenue, the first thing they saw was a district full of magical stores selling all kinds of magical items.
Talking mirrors, diaries, floating lanterns, omnioculars, reminders, cards, pen-flyers, deluminators, rings, pendants, stones, chess, hats, swords, and magic clocks.
Potions, antiques, and magic books
Magical purses and trunks that can store various things that their owner puts inside them, and that only he can take out of there.
Invisibility cloaks(not like Potter's), flying motorcycles, flying brooms.
There were also many food stores selling all kinds of magical sweets or other foods.
The district was full of wizards and witches of all ages.
Other magical beings could also be seen shopping and strolling through the businesses.
"Wow and here I thought Boston's magical shopping district was impressive enough" commented Severus rather surprised with what he was seeing.
"It's very different from Diagon Alley, don't you think so Severus?"
"Yes, even though both are very lively, they have no comparison. Tell me, Hermione, is this why you wanted to go through the door instead of showing up directly at the entrance of the Manor?" asked Severus even though he already knew the answer.
"Well, obviously yes, it loses the essence otherwise, it's like entering Diagon Alley for the first time" Hermione nodded and argued her point.
"But if I remember correctly, you told me that you had already been through the Manor, but when we got to the Boston shopping district, you were just as impressed as I was, so that can only mean one thing," Severus said staring at her, causing Hermione to avert her gaze.
"Hermione, you showed up directly at the Manor didn't you?"
She just averted her gaze for a while until she gave up and sighed saying, "Okay, I admit it, I didn't go through the door earlier and yes, I did show up directly at the Manor, I found it more exciting and fun to wait to see him together, Happy?"
Severus shook his head sighing and smiling slightly.
"Good, I just wanted to make sure," Severus said amused.
The two passed the shopping district, only to arrive at the area where most of the upper-class magical society of the USA stayed.
This area was filled with Mansions side by side that belonged to the most powerful and wealthy families in the magical world.
You could also see several luxury inns that were the official stopping place or hostel for wealthy wizards and witches, high officials traveling to the country, or people of international fame and importance.
And among the row of Mansions in this area is a Manor belonging to the Prince family.
This Prince Manor is much smaller and less luxurious than the main Prince Manor in Great Britain, but that is understandable since one is the size of a huge house and the other is the size of a palace.
Yet this mansion is identical to the rest of the mansions around it that show wealth and social reputation.
It is a sumptuous, luxurious-looking dwelling with recreational areas.
It has a large garden of its own and great amenities.
When Hermione and Severus arrived at the entrance of Prince Manor in New York, they were greeted by a small house elf dressed in very elegant black robes.
"Master! Your most loyal elf, Popper, welcomes you!" said the elf bowing respectfully.
"Oh, Popper, I told you there's no need to bow every time you speak to me, come on, get up."
"Popper thank you, Master," said the elf getting up and then looking at Hermione "Welcome back Miss Prince, Popper reminds you that there are not enough ingredients for the dinner you had planned if you wish Popper you can go shopping."
"Uh..., oh yes that, don't worry Popper, I already took care of the rest of the ingredients," Hermione said looking nervously at Severus.
"So that's why you wanted to go to the Boston shopping district with me, good excuse not to go shopping for things alone" Severus scoffed.
"As I said before, it's more enjoyable in pairs" Hermione excused herself as she walked into the Manor without giving any more answers.
'Stubborn as ever, at least she stopped harping on Popper about being a free elf' thought Severus as he played it down and entered the Manor as well.
For the rest of the day, Severus took the time to diligently look over all the investments he was thinking of making this weekend.
He had been reading all about the current market and came to understand the big picture of everything that was going on in the magical and Muggle world.
He also had Gringotts arrange to give the Prince family an official identity in the Muggle world as a very wealthy ancient and heirloom family that had recently found an heir, he, Severus Prince being the one to inherit all the wealth of this family.
Apparently, it was not difficult as Severus already had a Muggle identity and the Prince family had left a record of their existence in the Muggle world many years ago when they were in Ireland.
Doing this allowed Severus to get into the Muggle market which was afloat and constantly growing, as opposed to the magical market which was very stagnant, thus leaving the once-powerful and wealthy magical families as if they were mere commoners compared to some wealthy Muggles.
Severus wrote several letters to different companies and industries around the world, he was planning to invest and buy several companies that were going through very complicated economic situations at present.
The Muggle world was constantly growing and this also brought a crisis for the industries as there was great economic inflation, and all the prices of the existing goods and services in the market started to increase constantly.
All materials such as metals began to raise their prices rapidly.
Workers began to demand a wage increase that industries could not pay with the massive increase in things, so they ended up going on strikes that increased the social and political crisis.
Companies began to fall behind and ended up closing down.
Everything was constantly changing and this crisis was something Severus wanted to take advantage of to gain wealth and a lot of power.
It was the perfect time to invest if you had the money and knew how and in what to invest.
And Severus not only had wealth but also had a lot of useful knowledge to use.
After sending the letters with the different offers he was making to each one, Severus moved on to his other objective.
Currently, the only thing that identified the Prince was the potion factory they had in the magical world along with some stores where they distributed and sold their potions.
With 51% of the shares, the Prince family usually receives only 7000 gallons per month, from which they deduct all the expenses that the family has, leaving only a profit of 2000 gallons per month.
Added to the gallons earned from the shares held in other magical companies, the Prince family earns a total of approximately 3000 gallons per month.
Compared to the salary of a high official of the Ministry of Magic, who earns between 700 and 1000 gallons, it may seem a lot, but it is not if you take into account the investment made in the factory.
For this reason, Severus plans to create a global industry in the Muggle world called Prince Industries.
And to this, he was going to add the different companies that he was going to acquire during this crisis.
Severus wanted to move forward and place Prince Industries in the center of the Muggle and magical economy.
He had already started with the paperwork required to create Prince Industries with headquarters in New York.
He had decided to create the headquarters in the Chrysler Building until he had his own complex.
He chose this building simply because the owners were currently going through a very bad financial situation and was able to acquire 17% of the building for a total of only $7 million.
This had left him with only $14 million, but it was enough for now.
After finishing arranging the last few things, Severus went to dinner with Hermione.
"So, Severus, this..." began Hermione nervously as they had both finished dinner and were about to go to bed.
"Hermione, you spent a week sleeping with me, what's making you so nervous now?"
"Well, it's just embarrassing, despite us being family and all, it's still awkward."
"If sleeping alone is what you prefer I have no problem" Severus replied.
"Don't be like that Severus, you know that's not an option" Hermione folded her arms giving him an angry look.
"I was just saying, you're the one complaining, not me."
"That's because you're insensitive, it's embarrassing for a man and a woman to sleep together."
"I don't think it's like that between relatives, but sure, whatever you say," said Severus trying not to provoke Hermione's tantrum anymore.
"You...!, you idiot, it's not the same, we're distant relatives" protested Hermione embarrassed.
"Fine, I understand, what do you want me to do, you're not giving me much of a choice Hermione" Severus shook his head tiredly not wanting to argue again.
"No, you don't understand, fine, never mind, let's just go to sleep" Hermione complained as she turned and went to the bedroom.
Severus just followed her without bothering to follow the conversation.
The two lay down together and Severus reapplied his magic as before as he stroked her hair and uttered the song in Irish.
Hermione who was angry and embarrassed with Severus' insensitivity to the situation of them sleeping together, relaxed noticeably with the magic Severus did and after a while, she fell asleep peacefully.
Severus was also tired, so as soon as he finished the magic he went to sleep as well.
Saturday and Sunday were the same, with Severus and Hermione wandering around the USA, seeing all the magical districts they could and visiting different Muggle cities that interested them.
Severus also ended up acquiring some of the companies he had offered to buy them from and also made a few investments.
Sunday afternoon Severus said goodbye to Hermione and went to the magical port of Boston where he caught the ship back to SWI.
The ship arrived for dinner time, so Severus met Gwen and Freyja when he went to eat.
They both demanded that he tell them all about his weekend.
"And that's it, a bit summarized, but there's nothing important that I missed."
"Wow, that's great Severus" Freyja commented with stars in her eyes.
"Looks like at least someone enjoyed their weekend" joked Gwen.
"It's decided!" said Freyja getting Severus and Gwen's attention.
"What's decided ?" asked Severus knowing he would regret asking.
"We have to go the 3 of us together to the shopping district!" said Freyja nodding to herself.
"Oh, I like that idea, besides Prince must be a terrific guide," said Gwen amused.
"Gwen, you've lived in the USA since you were a child, you don't need a guide, what's more, you must know the magical districts better than I do" Severus argued trying to get out of the situation.
"No, no, I was your guide in the institution, it's your turn Prince to be the guide" assured Gwen.
"Please Severus, it will be more fun if it's the 3 of us" insisted Freyja with her puppy dog eyes.
Severus wasn't very interested in going out shopping again unless it was absolutely necessary, besides if he suffered with Hermione at the locals, he didn't want to imagine with Gwen and Freyja.
But it was hard for him to refuse Freyja's eyes.
"You're not getting out of this one Prince" Gwen whispered to him with a smile.
Severus sighed and nodded his head.
Making Freyja and Gwen celebrate their victory.
Severus didn't know he was going to regret complaining about Hermione when Freyja and Gwen were a thousand times worse than her when it came to locals.
After continuing to talk for a while longer, Severus went to his dorm where he found Ethan awake and Sasaki reading as usual.
He talked to Ethan for a while and then greeted them both and then went to bed to sleep.
Monday, July 2, 1976.
Severus was back to the routine of the SCoP program, but it wouldn't last long.
It was already 20:30 and Severus and Ethan had just finished with their dueling class.
"Hey, Grimprince, what do you plan on doing in the 6 days of the midterm break?" asked Ethan as they both walked out of class.
"Well, I plan on seeing the 4th of July festival along with the potions exhibition that SCoP will be doing and also I want to participate in the potioneers contest and you Sparky, do you have plans yet or will you stay studying, from what I was seeing you're not doing very well in classes" teased Severus.
"Man, you're horrible at giving nicknames, Sparky doesn't look good at all" complained Ethan.
"Too bad, I've already decided it fits you perfectly."
"You..., you know, I feel like every day I spend with you I'm practicing my patience" sighed Ethan.
"I'm glad to be of help Sparky."
"Tch, at least Grimprince sounds better" Ethan muttered to himself.
"Well, never mind. And yeah, like you said I'm not fully understanding the classes, so I'm sure going to spend every day studying, but at least for the festival I'll be there, I wouldn't miss it for the world" Ethan commented.
"I understand that Ilvermorny is going to participate in the festival, maybe some of your classmates are going to be there".
"Yes, in fact, I heard from some friends that they are putting on a whole show to impress the different magical representatives from each country that will be attending the festival, the MACUSA wants to show off in front of the other magical communities" explained Ethan.
"Oh, that can only mean that this festival will be very impressive."
"Of course, it will be, it is the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the USA independence, if President Fischer of MACUSA fails to honor this anniversary it will not go well at all with the American magical community, I have also heard that Vicência Santos the supreme head of the International Confederation of Wizards might come to the festival and I wouldn't hesitate to say that the most powerful wizard himself, Dumbledore who is your Headmaster at Hogwarts will be attending," Ethan said confidently.
"Yes, I guess that would be possible to happen."
"Grimprince, tell me, how is Dumbledore in person, I never asked you, but having the most powerful wizard in the magical world as headmaster must be something else"
"I wouldn't know, at first glance he seems like a kind and wise old man, but once you get to know him you know it's not that simple and besides, my personal experience with him is not the nicest, so it's quite a tense relationship" Severus explained remembering the many times Dumbledore preferred his beloved Gryffindors over him.
"Pfff haha, wow you're smart, any other wizard would seek to get on well with the most powerful wizard in the world, but I see that's not the case with you, maybe you're not as clever as I thought" laughed Ethan.
"I've asked myself that same question many times" sighed Severus.
"Come on man it's not that bad either, you just don't get along with your headmaster, I don't actually have a good relationship with the headmaster of Ilvermorny either, even though he's not the most powerful wizard in the world"
"Very funny Sparky."
They both went to their dormitories to change while still chatting about the festival.
At dinner time, they both split up as usual and Severus went to his table with Freyja and Gwen.
As the three of them were eating dinner, the courier began to arrive.
When the courier arrived, Severus proceeded to read first the news from The New York Ghost newspaper which, on Gwen's recommendation, he had been subscribed to keep up to date with what was happening in the USA.
-The New York Ghost-
Exclusive-Exclusive: MACUSA President Fischer confirms the presence of Chief Supreme Vicência Santos at the 4th of July festival in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the USA.
On July 4, all wizards and witches will be able to attend a variety of festivities including elaborate fireworks displays in the skies over major U.S. cities.
The show that will be hosted in Washington, D.C. will be presided over by Muggle President Ford and televised nationally throughout the Muggle community.
And if you're a naval enthusiast, a large international fleet of traditional ships will arrive in New York on July 4 and then be around for a week in Boston.
This nautical parade will be witnessed by several million spectators both Muggles and wizards, the Muggles call this parade "Operation Sail" and this is going to be the second event held of this type, as in 1964 something similar was held.
It is even known that the sailboats will anchor and allow the public to board the ships in both cities.
In other news we also informed you that the U.S. Congress, and thus the presidency, was formed in 1693 as a direct result of the Salem Witches and the Trackers; almost a century before the
United States declared independence from the United Kingdom on July 1, 1776, the Salem Potions College, which is a supporter of the Salem Witches who were involved in the formation of the U.S. MagiCongress as an intermediary between the magical community and the populace, will be hosting an exhibition of ancient potions from Native American wizards at the SWI facility.
So all those wizards and witches who wish to know the Salem Witches Institute and see all kinds of potions that are native to the USA, can not miss this opportunity.
—-
'It seems that Ethan was right, the supreme boss does come to the festival, but for now, nothing was said about Dumbledore nowhere' thought Severus while reading.
"Prince, with Freyja we were planning to go to the festival together, do you want to join?" asked Gwen, as Freyja gave him a suppliant look.
"Yes, sure, although I promised my cousin to bring her to meet SWI if you don't have a problem with her joining..."
"No problem at all, we can go all 4 of us together it's going to be mega hyper fun!" happily commented Freyja.
"If Freyja doesn't have a problem neither do I, besides, I want to meet this first one of yours."
"This, just one thing, keep in mind that Hermione can be a bit...well...a bit intense to say the least" Severus warned not knowing how to explain that Hermione was extremely studious and liked to
correct everything one said along with the fact that she could sometimes sound like a total nutcase.
'Well, I guess they can get along, what's the worst that can happen' Severus thought.
"Come on Severus, don't worry, I'm sure we'll get along excellent, won't we Gwen?"
"Sure Freyja, unless Prince thinks differently," Gwen said looking at Severus jokingly.
"Hey, I was just warning," said Severus.
"Great, now all that's left is to define where to meet and what time," said Freyja.
"We would have to meet at 7am if we want to make it on time and since Freyja is staying at my place the two of us would already leave together, where does it fit you like Prince?" asked Gwen.
"Well, if you have a fireplace connected to the Floo Network at your house Gwen I can give you the address of my house in New York and meet you directly there" proposed Severus.
"That would be fine, we have Floo Network at home so we can do that."
"Perfect, it's defined, July 4th at 7 am at Severus'" defined Freyja with a smile.
On Tuesday, July 3rd, Severus finished his classes and then together with Freyja and Gwen took the boat back to the magical port of Boston.
They arrived in Boston quite late.
"Severus!" said a young woman approaching Severus who was getting off the ship along with Freyja and Gwen.
"Hermione, may I introduce you to two friends I made in the SCoP program, Gwen Stacy and Freyja Jinlǜ."
"Hi, you can call me Freyja, I guess Severus must have already told you about me" Freyja greeted with a warm smile.
"This, it's nice to meet you Freyja, I'm Hermione, Hermione Prince and I'm sorry to tell you that Severus doesn't usually tell me much about his life, so I didn't know about you."
"Nice to finally meet you, Hermione, I'm Gwen, and don't worry, Prince doesn't talk to us much about his stuff either, if it wasn't for him letting your name slip in a conversation we probably never would have known about you," Gwen said jokingly.
"I'm happily not the only one then, Gwen... Wait, Stacy is your last name?" said Hermione suddenly.
"That's right," said a doubtful Gwen.
"Is your father George Stacy?" asked Hermione with wide eyes.
"Yes... do you know my father?"
"Do I know your father? George Stacy is the overall head of all auror divisions in the USA, he's a great symbol of strength in the American magical community, I can't believe he's your father" said an astonished Hermione.
"Well, I'm sure my father would be happy to hear that he is known even by witches in Britain" replied Gwen not knowing what else to say about it.
"What do you mean he is Head General of the Auror divisions, isn't he head Auror Hermione?" asked Severus not understanding what Hermione was referring to.
"Oh come on Severus, don't tell me you didn't even read how the American Magicongress is composed?" reproached Hermione.
"I may have only read the gist of it at the time."
Hermione rolled her eyes and then proceeded to explain.
"You seem to know a lot about our country Hermione, but I can't blame Prince for not knowing that, the USA is the only country that has this system and only implemented it after the conflict with Grindelwald."
"It's good to know that some do learn from conflict" Hermione muttered to herself as she thought about how Britain's Magical Ministry in her time did nothing to improve security or prevent the possible arrival of another Dark Lord when they had already been through that situation.
"I see, I hadn't read about that, it seems your parents are on another level Gwen" Severus scoffed
"That Gwen, your parents are great, and to think I'm going to your house today with the two of them, what nerves," said Freyja as she jumped up and down anxiously.
"Well, we already talked a lot don't you think, it's already late, tomorrow we have to get up early and Prince, don't forget to tell Hermione everything, see you tomorrow" finished Gwen grabbing Freyja who was still jumping anxiously and appearing at her house.
Once Freyja and Gwen had already left Hermione looked at Severus.
"So, looks like we have company tomorrow then don't we?"
"Oh, you seem to get the idea already, that saves me having to explain a lot of things to you."
"Severus."
"Yes?"
"Sometimes you can be a big idiot,"
Hermione said appearing in the manor and leaving Severus confused.
'Looks like tomorrow is not going to be as quiet a day as I would like it to be' sighed Severus as he appeared in the mansion as well.
July 4, 1976.
Freyja and Gwen appeared on Red Flu at the Prince Mansion in New York.
"Wow, Gwen, did you know Severus lived in such a big house, it's like my father's mansion" commented Freyja surprised to see Severus' house.
"Well, I assumed that the Prince as an old family would have a mansion in Britain, but I didn't expect them to have one on Magic Five Avenue which is the most coveted area in New York."
"Gwen, Freyja, you arrived, you girls...wow you look gorgeous, your dresses are beautiful, I just dressed casually" greeted an embarrassed Hermione who saw the dazzling Gwen and Freyja in very elegant and beautiful dresses while she was in ordinary clothes.
"Oh, good morning Hermione, thank you for the compliment, and don't worry you look very beautiful like that too," said Gwen who was wearing a yellow dress with black decorations.
"Hermione!, you look lovely, nothing like common and comfortable clothes, if it wasn't for Gwen insisting that I wear this dress I would have worn the same as you," said Freyja who was wearing a white dress with green that made her look like a little angel.
"Thank you girls and Freyja, Gwen was right with insisting you wear that dress, it looks perfect on you."
"You saw Freyja, Hermione shares my thoughts, you are quite the princess like that, so pretty and pure," Gwen said making Freyja immediately embarrassed.
"This... and Severus?" said an embarrassed Freyja trying to change the topic of conversation.
"Ah yes, Severus, he'll be down in a few moments, he came back a few minutes ago from working out" replied Hermione.
"I see, it seems your dear cousin is the exception to the saying that women take longer than men" scoffed Gwen.
"I agree and the worst thing is that I told him he could exercise tomorrow, but no, he wanted to do it today anyway, Meril, yes he will be stubborn" complained Hermione.
"I let you two get to know each other alone for a few minutes and already you start badmouthing me, it certainly wasn't a good idea for you two to meet," said Severus approaching the group of three wearing black shirts along with black dress pants.
"Severus! Wow, you look..., different, but I like it!" commented Freyja thoughtfully as she saw him arrive dressed differently and without the typical black tunic that was elegant but always gave him a dark and gloomy touch, now he was completely different.
"Hey Prince, you look good, you should start wearing more of this kind of clothes and leave your black tunics, I assure you that many young witches will be very interested if you do that" commented Gwen approaching Severus and then whispering in his ear with a flirtatious voice "And maybe I will not be the exception".
Hermione was the only one who didn't say anything about how he dressed, but she did stare at him up and down in silence for quite a while.
"Thanks, but next to you ladies I'm just an extra, you look stunning"
"Careful with those words handsome, otherwise you might make someone fall in love with you" Gwen joked.
While Severus just looked at her and nodded his head, ignoring her jokes.
"You really mean it, I still feel it's just very awkward" Freyja commented innocently and tenderly not understanding Gwen's jokes, while for her the white dress she was wearing was just annoying.
"Oh, I'm very serious Freyja, you look as beautiful as an angel."
"That's not true because angels don't exist," Freyja said sticking her tongue out at her.
"Who knows, maybe they do and you are one" Severus joked making Freyja smile.
"This..., Hermione...everything alright?" asked Severus as he saw her lost in thought as to when he first met her.
"Eh?... Oh yes, no, It's already 7:05 Severus, we're going to be late" complained Hermione disguising her embarrassment at being lost in thought.
"I see, my mistake, what do you say we get going?" asked Severus and then the three of them nodded.
As they left Prince Manor, the four could see a large number of wizards and witches of all ages celebrating the Bicentennial on the streets of Fifth Avenue Magica, many wearing tunics in the colors of the US flag.
On the houses and streets, you could see flags flying that were exact imitations of the first flag of the new nation in 1776.
It was only 7 a.m. but the celebration across the country was already showing signs of being huge, exuberant, and full of enthusiastic patriotism on the part of Americans.
The flags and this celebration will remind many Americans who are half-English of the living history that also belongs to them, though many barely understand it. It links the distant past of all of them.
The magical community in the USA organized many events across the country to celebrate their heritage;
Quidditch teams flew around on their broomsticks painting the skies with the colors of the flag, and other wizards and witches used their magic to entertain the younger ones with stories of those times.
There were also many places to taste ethnic foods and buy all kinds of magical products and objects from the bicentennial.
Severus, Hermione, Freyja, and Gwen arrived at 7:15 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia to see and hear in person the speech given by Muggle President Gerald Ford in celebration of the 200th Bicentennial on this July 4, 1976.
After a brief speech, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip of Great Britain made a symbolic appearance and presented a replica of the Liberty Bell, cast in the same foundry as the original, with the inscription, "To the people of the United States of America from the people of Great Britain July 4, 1976, LET FREEDOM SOUND."
And by 9:00 all present could see and hear the first burst of color pass overhead.
Severus' small group settled on their backs in one of the seats in the venue to admire the fireworks.
No doubt the celebration in the magical world would have been more interesting than the Muggle one, but most chose to watch the Muggle celebration.
After a while, everyone in the audience began to take a place to admire the Fourth of July.
Any other noise in the place was silenced by the crackling sounds of the fireworks that colored the entire sky.
It was quite hot.
It was one of the hottest Independence Days on record to be exact.
When the four of them were done watching the fireworks they decided to go to SWI, something Hermione was full of eager to see.
Just for today, the ships from Boston's magical harbor going to SWI would be leaving every 1 hour, apparently, the institution had made a large investment to bring a large number of magical ships to the harbor.
Severus' group boarded the ship that was sailing at 10:30.
From the ship, they could see in the distance in the skies above the institute a group of witches floating on their brooms doing acrobatics and pirouettes.
Arriving at the Salem Witch Institute, the four found a large crowd of wizards and witches strolling around the outside of the institute.
SWI had allowed access to its outside grounds to all wizards and witches and had even set up tents where they could shop and browse for whatever they wanted.
Some of them even seemed so excited looking for things among the tents that they seemed to be searching for some kind of treasure, it was as if they were on an adventurous treasure hunt.
There had also been organized events with activities of all kinds, for people of all ages, there were children riding brooms in some recreational and safe spaces, and babies pushed on magical brooms controlled by the witches of the institute to keep them amused or asleep.
By the time they landed, Hermione was already ecstatic and was asking questions from side to side, also giving explanations of everything she had read even though in many cases they were unnecessary explanations since Freyja, Gwen and Severus already knew those things, but they let her be happy.
"I told you she was a bit intense" Severus commented quietly to Freyja and Gwen as he watched Hermione go back and forth mentioning and explaining everything she saw.
"I think I owe you an apology Severus if you were right to warn us" commented Gwen jokingly but still a little nervous to see someone as talkative as Hermione.
"I think she's funny, it's like everything seems new to her, I share that feeling," said Freyja tenderly.
"Yes Freyja, but it's one thing to be amazed by everything and another to explain everything all the time" sighed Severus.
"Hey Severus, over here, the potions demonstration is about to start, you don't want to miss it" shouted Hermione who had already wandered quite far from the group because she was walking all over the institute.
Gwen and Freyja only smiled when they saw Severus' tired face.
"You know Prince, even though you're 16 sometimes I feel you have the soul of an old man" laughed Gwen.
"Don't be mean Gwen, he's just not used to these things, isn't he Severus?" said Freyja.
"You're right Freyja, you know, you really are an angel, if I had to come along with Gwen and Hermione I would probably have disappeared by now," said Severus drawing a smile from Freyja.
"This way, Severus; Hurry up!" turned to hear Hermione shout.
"Well, I'm off to see the exhibition before Hermione goes mad, I don't think it will interest either of them much, so I'll meet you in a bit."
"Don't make yourself a problem Prince, with Freyja we will be at one of the games that the institute organized, they seem to be quite fun, we will meet at this very spot in a few hours."
Severus just nodded and went to see the exhibit.
And despite not wanting to accept it, he knew he was just as excited or even more excited than Hermione to see all those ancient potions made by the Native Americans.
He was fascinated by the idea of seeing such unique potions and had even heard that there would be some potions on display that were no longer even know what the brewing was like due to the time that had passed since they were made.
Gwen and Freyja chuckled and shook their heads in amusement at Severus' obvious enthusiasm at going to see the potions display.
"I don't even know why he tries to disguise his enthusiasm, we already know he's a potions nut" laughed Gwen.
"I think it's just his way of taking things, no matter how enthusiastic he is about something he tries to look calm and collected" commented Freyja, making Gwen look at her with surprise when she heard the wise and accurate comment her innocent and tender friend had made.
When the show was over, Severus and Hermione went to the meeting point they had agreed upon with Gwen and Freyja.
"Oh, Merlin!, Severus! That was great, I had never seen those potions before, and some I hadn't even read about, it's amazing the variety and how old they are, to think that so many years ago they had already managed to do all that!" exclaimed Hermione as she plopped down on one of the seats there.
"Yes, it's really interesting the method of brewing and the ingredients that were used back then, to think that everything back then was magic without a wand, something very unique" Severus added as he nodded at Hermione's comment.
The two continued their conversation about the exhibition while waiting for Freyja and Gwen.
A few minutes later the two heard mention of their two companions at one of the events near where they were.
They both decided to go and see what was going on there.
The two arrived just in time to witness an event that had just started.
And at that event appeared to be Gwen and Freyja.
The master of ceremonies explained that the objective of this traditional game was to see who could answer the questions that would be given to each team the fastest and by getting each given question right they would be given the parts of a gigantic magical puzzle that they would be forming with their magic, the first one to get to complete it won.
To Severus' surprise, a crowd had gathered around the event; all cheering and chanting for their favorite.
Gwen and Freyja received a lot of support, which was to be expected due to the beauty of both, but several other competitors have their fans.
Apparently, some well-known figures were participating in the event, from quidditch players to well-known duelists.
When the event kicked off, Severus was surprised to hear Hermione loudly cheering her friends on, while he just watched and analyzed the competition.
Severus was competitive by nature, so when he watched a competition he couldn't help but think about the odds of each team.
Although in that case, he had no idea about the questions since they were all about USA history, both magical and Muggle.
But he did know that Freyja was a basket case just like him, so it was likely that Gwen would answer the questions while Freyja formed the giant puzzle with her magic.
At the end of the event, the winners were two well-known duelists from the USA.
Gwen and Freyja were only two puzzle pieces away from winning, but still, everyone congratulated each other and no one seemed upset with the results.
When the two-spotted Severus and Hermione in the crowd, they quickly went to their side to chat and go along for the ride with them.
"Did you see that We almost won!" said a happy Freyja who seemed more excited than the event winners themselves.
"Yes, we saw it Freyja, it was impressive, very well used that magic to put the puzzle together, I don't think I could have been faster" Severus congratulated her.
"I agree with Severus, impressive magic handling Freyja and you too Gwen, you seem to know USA history to the letter" complimented the two Hermione.
Freyja just nodded happily at the two.
"Thank you, Hermione, it seems some people do appreciate my knowledge, not like your dear cousin who doesn't seem impressed at all" replied Gwen jokingly.
"Yes, yes, congratulations Gwen, if I didn't say anything it's because I was already aware of your knowledge about your own country" replied Severus rolling his eyes.
You must understand Prince that we all like compliments, if you say something nice to someone and you don't say anything to me, it's obvious that I'll get jealous" Gwen joked again as she
winked at him and kept walking, making Hermione look at her surprised by the flirtatious comment she made to Severus.
"Very well, I'll keep that in mind for the next one, my lady" Severus joked and kept walking as well to continue the tour, leaving a thinking Hermione behind.
"Hermione!" called Severus to her turning around when he saw that Hermione was not following them.
Hearing her name, Hermione snapped out of her thoughts and looked over her shoulder to meet Severus' confused gaze as he approached her.
"All right Hermione, that's the second time today you've been lost in thought, I thought we were past that stage" Severus scoffed.
"Mmmm, this... yeah, it's nothing, come on, they left us far behind if we don't hurry" replied Hermione who again had embarrassed herself by thinking unnecessary things.
"Okey..., after you lady," Severus said allowing her to pass in front of him in a gentlemanly and obviously joking manner.
"I didn't expect the Severus I knew to be such a gentleman" Hermione joked sticking her tongue out as she walked past him.
"I like to think I can always surprise people" Severus replied amused.
"And I'm beginning to think that you're not wrong to think that, you always manage to surprise me," said Hermione as she quickened her pace to catch up with Freyja and Gwen.
Severus just smiled and continued walking behind the group.
A few hours later, as it was getting dark, the four of them decided to end the day with dinner.
After dinner, Freyja and Gwen said their goodbyes and left together for Gwen's parents' house.
While Hermione and Severus went to Prince Manor in New York to rest.