Fellow Travelers 2

Michael's arrival seemed to flip some sort of switch. The next morning, when they went downstairs for breakfast, they found the inn's subtle calm shattered by a burst of lively commotion.

"Look at that crystal chandelier!" Hermione stood beneath it in amazement, tilting her head back. "They aren't using candles! Is it electricity, or magic?"

"...I bet by tomorrow morning, Fred and George will have figured out where the joke shops in America are!"

That was Ron's booming voice. He dragged his luggage behind him while looking around excitedly. "Merlin, it's my first time in the United States!"

"Don't act like such a country bumpkin, Ronald!" Fred said, raising an eyebrow. "And you've underestimated me! I found out everything worth knowing before we even left! Not one second of this trip will be wasted!"

The identical Twins came in through the door. George said with a grin, "People in front, hold it right there. Let the sponsors enter first!"

Ginny, following behind them, was flushed in the face—half because Harry was walking behind her, and half because of the brothers who were making her feel rather embarrassed.

"Your hat—Ginny, you forgot your hat!" Mrs. Weasley hurried over from behind and plopped a hat with wavy lace trim onto her daughter's head.

The wheels of the suitcases rattled over the floor. Arthur Weasley ignored the noisy voices behind him and went straight to the front desk. "Checking in... Arthur Weasley, from Britain... I reserved rooms in advance..."

Sirius and Harry entered through the doors a step later. Harry looked around at the White Bridge Inn's decor and quietly asked his godfather:

"Sirius, do you know much about the American wizarding world? I've heard some things from Ilvermorny students, but I don't know much..."

"I don't know much either, but isn't that