Chapter Two

Arthur and Molly stood at the front door, waiting for Harry so they could leave for the airport. Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table, messing with her bowl of cereal. "Ginny, either eat it or throw it away." Molly said. Ginny had been sitting there for almost 20 minutes. Ginny got up and rinsed out her bowl just as Harry came walking down the stairs, Ron close behind him. "Too bad Fred and George aren't here to see you off, Harry." Arthur said, picking up some of Harry's luggage that was sitting at the door. Harry and Ron grabbed the rest of Harry's belongings and headed out to the car to load everything. The three men loaded everything into the car and then they all got in and headed to the airport.

Harry sat next to Ginny on the ride there, his arm around her shoulders. He knew this was going to be difficult for their relationship, but he was certain their love would triumph. Ron kept trying to crack jokes on the way to the airport, but none of them were really funny. When they got to the airport, Molly and Arthur took turns saying their goodbyes. "Harry, we'll all miss you terribly. Be sure to write. And wash. And study. And make friends. And—" "Okay Molly," Arthur interrupted, laughing. "I think he gets it. Harry, I know you'll make us all proud. Good luck." Harry hugged each of them and then turned his attention to Ron. "So, it's really happening. Off to the States. Let me know how it is, yeah?" Ron said, choking back tears. Harry smiled and hugged Ron tightly. Of course I will." The rest of the family left give Harry and Ginny some privacy to say goodbye.

Harry could see tears in Ginny's eyes, and he didn't want to leave her on a sad note. "Hey," he said, lifting her chin gently so their eyes met. "Remember that picnic we went on last year, when I got attacked by that giant bird?" Ginny smiled slightly, "Yeah. Yeah, I do. Oh Harry, I just can't imagine being away from you for so long. How will I manage?" Harry pulled Ginny into his arms and held her tightly. "Everything will be alright. I promise." *Now Boarding: Flight 436 – Tempe.* "That's my flight. I have to go." Harry waved goodbye to the Weasleys one last time, headed across the terminal, and boarded his plane.

Harry had never been on a plane before, but all in all, he didn't much care for it. The seats were too tightly packed together, and people had the worst manners. Was this what University would be like? He hoped not. Harry landed in Tempe around 5:00 pm, and after gathering all of his bags from the luggage carousel, (something that he didn't see much point in at all) he called a taxi to take him to ASU. When Harry arrived, he found his dorm room fairly easily. It was on the first floor of his building. He was in room 221, Artman Hall. Harry opened his room door slowly, taking in the surroundings. He placed his belongings on his side of the room, noting that his roommate had not arrived yet. Good, Harry thought. This gives me some time to get set up. He spent the rest of the night arranging his room, and then went to sleep.

Harry awoke to a shrill alarm going off and a red flashing light. He checked his alarm clock: 4:26 am. Harry groaned and rolled out of bed, grabbed his room keys, and headed outside to join the rest of his building mates who were standing outside on the cold grass. Many of them look really pissed, Harry thought. After standing outside for a good 10 minutes, the fire department cleared the building, saying that someone had just pulled the alarm as a prank. Everyone was swearing under their breath as they headed back inside to get some sleep before orientation the next day. Harry sighed. If this was only the first night, what more would be in store for him?

The next day, Harry got up and headed to orientation, which from what he understood was much like the sorting ceremony at Hogwarts, without the magic of course. Everyone sat around and learned where they would be and who they would be with. Harry sat through presentation after presentation, ranging from learning about the campus health center (most people only seemed concerned if they could get free condoms or not) to learning about how to pay for college (a problem that Harry didn't have, considering he had all the money he'd ever need in Gringotts.) After what turned out to be a very boring day, Harry went back to his room to relax before going to dinner in the cafeteria. When he got back, he was greeted by a tall boy, about his age. He was dressed in a navy blue polo that was tucked into his khaki pants. He had black dress shoes on, and his hair was cut military short. The boy stuck out his hand, and Harry shook it. "Eric Watson, nice to meet you." The boy said. "Harry. Harry Potter. Nice to meet you as well." The two then sat around and told each other a little bit about themselves. Eric was from Ohio, and he was studying to become a Pastor. He seems nice enough, Harry thought.

Later that evening, the two boys were sitting on Harry's side of the room, chatting. Harry reached into one of his drawers to retrieve something, and Eric caught a glimpse of something that sparked his interest. "What is this?" Eric said, reaching in and pulling out one of Harry's wands. Crap. He had forgotten that was in there. "Oh, that's just a Halloween prop." Harry said, lying through his teeth. "I was a wizard with my kid sister last year, and I guess it just got thrown in with all my other stuff." "Oh, good." Eric sighed, looking surprisingly relieved. "For a second I thought you were going to be one of those people who believe in magic. Everyone knows that magic isn't real, and those who believe in it will be condemned under our Lord and Savior." Eric said, crossing himself as he said it. "Haha, yeah," Harry agreed, laughing nervously. Thankfully, he was saved by his phone ringing in his pocket.

"Hello?" Harry said, answering the phone. "Harry, it's me," said Ginny, her familiar voice coming through the phone. "Hey, how are you?" Harry smiled, grateful to hear her voice. "Well, I'm fine. Uhm, we need to talk. I just, I can't do this anymore." "What do you mean 'you can't do this'? Do what? I've only been gone one day!" Harry was quite irritated at this point. (Wouldn't you be?) "It's too hard being away from you, even for one day. I can't be with you when you're all the way in the States, Harry. I hope we can still be friends and you'll come back to see us soon." "Yeah, fine. Whatever," Harry said, hanging up the phone and throwing it on his desk. He flopped down on his bed, put a pillow over his face, and screamed. "You okay over there?" Eric called from his side of the room. "Do I need to pray for you tonight?" Harry rolled his eyes and sat up on his bed. "No thanks, Eric. I'm fine." Damn, Harry thought. This is going to be an interesting year.

Thanks for reading. :) Please feel free to review!

Eridium Blight