Harry and Ginny took the kids school shopping. They realized that they would probably need to get Lily's things in the United States when they went over. Harry had already arranged an international portkey to leave on the 11th of August for them to take a trip to the Americas.
They did get Lily her cauldron, trunk, along with a few other things they thought she would need. They also went to Gringotts and got a card type tied to her trust fund in case she needed anything. The Potter Account manager said that it would even take the correct amount out even though they used a different currency in the United States than they used in England.
On August 11th, Harry and the family traveled to the ministry to take a portkey to MACUSA in New York City. The portkey was to leave at noon, Harry took a week off from work to take a vacation with his family and then get Lily on the train to Ilvermorny. Ginny did the same, but she was also going to use the time to write a couple of articles for Luna and her father in the Quibbler detailing what the wizarding world in the United States was like compared to England. Harry had shrunk Lily's trunk and put it in his pocket.
At noon, their portkey activated and they were standing in the arrivals at the Magical Congress of the United States. A witch was standing there.
She smiled, "Party of Five arriving from England. Please state your names and occupation for the adults. For the children, if your attending, please state your school and year."
Everyone did.
The witch said, "What brings you to the United States?"
Harry said, "Family vacation, and getting Lily off to school at Ilvermorny. She's starting her first year."
The witch noted on her paper. She said, "Harry, Ginny, James, and Albus please put your wand in this slot on this machine one at a time for magical signatures."
Harry went first. They knew this was for security purposes.
The witch said, "Okay. Thank you. Please go through these doors, and you can go to the portkey area and take your next portkey if you wish to go anywhere else, or go down to level one, and from there you can enter New York City."
Harry said, "Thank you, miss."
Harry and company left MACUSA after asking where the magical shopping district was in New York City and a place to stay near there. The witch at the welcome desk told him and told him that the Ritz across the street from the magical shopping district accepted magicals and one of the owners' children were magical.
Harry thanked the witch and they took a cab to the Ritz address. At the check-in desk, Harry said, "I would like four rooms please."
The lady looked up and blushed. She said, "You…"
Harry said, "You got that right. I heard you might be able to help us out?"
The lady nodded. She turned to her computer and said, "Your taken care of, Mr. Potter. Here are your room keys. Enjoy your stay with us. Please let us know if you need anything."
Harry said, "I do have one more question, Vivienne. As you are aware of who I am, can you have someone please show us to the specific area where we can get certain things?"
Vivienne said, "Of course, Mr. Potter. I'll have the bellman show you how to access it. Here is also some famous landmarks in the area if you so wish."
Harry said, "Thank you, Vivienne."
For once, Harry was thankful that he was well known.
The rest of the day was spent relaxing in their rooms and the hotel pool. They also planned out their vacation with advice from Vivienne.
Lily said, "Father, can we please make a trip to Salem? It would be so nice to see the history there!"
Harry said, "I too am interested in that."
Over the next few days, they went and saw the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and stopped at Ground Zero where Harry and Ginny paid their respects. Harry also told the children what had happened there as it happened before they were born. On August 13th, they paid a trip to the magical shopping area, which was located in Central Park beyond Glade Arch. Non-magicals, which was what muggles were called in the states would just walk through without a problem. However, if you were magical, when you walked through the arch, you would come out into the magical area. Of course, you had to approach it from one side of the arch for it to work. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to get into the shopping district. While here, they purchased a few souvenirs.
The next day, they took the floo, after checking out, to Salem. There, they learned more about the Salem Witch Trials that wasn't covered in the history of magic texts, and mourned for the loss of so many non-magicals that were suspected of witchcraft, but in fact weren't.
On August 15th, they made it to Boston where they saw the sites there and did the rest of Lily's school shopping. Lily was fitted for her robes and then sized for her other uniform.
The store matron said, "Now, sweetie, do you want to do a mixture of pants and skirts?"
Harry said, "How about we do five of each?"
The matron said, "We can do that, not many do, but you can. The five is just a recommendation."
Lily said, "Lets do Five pants, and three skirts. I don't really care for skirts, but every now and then I do get the urge to wear them."
The matron smiled. They picked up her notebooks and pencils in a store that sold supplies like that. He suggested many things for Lily including folders and binders for each class.
Harry said, "I'm glad that we got you a multi-compartment trunk. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to hold it all."
The store owner said, "At Ilvermorny, you do not leave your items in your trunk, Mr. Potter. The students each have their own room with a desk and shelves to put their books and things on. Helps them personalize their area while they are away from home."
Harry said, "I like that idea."
Next they went and got her books. The store already had the books prepackaged. They just had to tell them what year Lily was in.
"Lord Potter! Can I have your autograph!"
"Mrs. Potter, can I have your autograph on my quidditch weekly magazine!"
Harry and Ginny indulged their fans, Ginny more so than Harry.
Back at their hotel, Lily sighed and organized her trunk. She sent her new owl, Belle on ahead which was recommended by the shop owner where they got her at.
On the 16th, they saw the sites of Boston. This included the site where the Boston Tea Party happened, the home of Paul Revere, and a few other notable areas.
That night at supper, they had a blast. James said, "I never thought that America would be this much fun."
Harry said, "I must admit that it was fun. Maybe each year we can go to different areas of the country and visit to see what areas have what to offer."
This was met with cheers from the James, Albus, and Lily.
"Excuse me, I couldn't help overhear you."
Harry looked up and was shocked. He was looking at an older gentleman who had the same green eyes and red hair as his mother.
The gentleman said, "My name is Victor Murphy. I hail from England also, but I was sent to America in the 70s by my parents during the first war with Voldemort."
Ginny gasped.
Harry said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Murphy. I have had the pleasure of meeting your mother, Belinda. We are close neighbors now that our family has taken over my family's manor."
Victor said, "Potter Manor. It is great to hear that someone is living there again. Mother said that it was different not seeing someone there since James and his lovely wife Lily went into hiding. I presume you are Harry?"
Harry said, "Yes, Mr. Murphy. This is my lovely family: My wife, Ginevra nee Weasley (Call her Ginny though), our oldest, James, then Albus, and our youngest, Lily."
Victor smiled at each of them. He said, "I hope you are enjoying your vacation. I didn't mean to interrupt."
Harry said, "No problem, Mr. Murphy. We will be returning to England day after tomorrow. Tomorrow we see Lily off to Ilvermorny."
Victor said, "Nice. You won't be disappointed in going there, Lily. It's a good school. All my children and now my grandchildren are attending there. Actually, my youngest granddaughter, Renee will be joining the first years this year."
Harry said, "Maybe you can help us find the train tomorrow then, Mr. Murphy?"
Victor said, "Of course. I always join the family at the train station to see everyone off. Be ready about 9:15, It'll take about 15 minutes to get to the station from here."
Harry nodded.