Age of Innocence

~~~~Age Of Innocence~~~~

~~~~Chapter Ten: A Day In The Life Of The Muggle Tourist~~~~

~~Various Parts Of NYC, NY - Dec, 31st, 1924~~

As the meeting wrapped up at the Hotel and everyone was saying their good-byes, the boy in question was sitting in the lobby oblivious that he was the topic of much discussion. Instead he was being totally fascinated by everything round him. This had so far been an adventure he never could have foreseen, and since the moment he'd found out that he and Sirius were coming to America he had been in almost a joyous stupor. The liner they had taken, The Scythia, had been a wonder for him. A floating paradise like he'd never hoped to imagine. He hadn't even gotten seasick, though Sirius had been a bit green which had amused him.

For a man who could do what Sirius did for a living to get seasick made Harry almost giggle even now at the thought. He however had enjoyed his stay on board immensely, from exploring the entire Second Class that they had travelled in, to catching up on the reading he had wanted to do. He wished they could have gone First Class but that just wouldn't do for people in their position, though he had snuck up to the First Class deck to do some exploring but he nearly got caught up there and had to duck back down to Second Class quickly. He hoped during the return trip that he could get more exploring done, it was something he wanted to remember the rest of his life.

Then of course was the arrival at Ellis Island in the New York Harbour. Despite the fact it had been snowing earlier this morning when they arrived, he had gone to the deck and watched the ship pull in. Seeing the famous Statue Of Liberty with her shiny torch and the hopes and dreams of people from all round the world made his heart beat in pure joy. It almost was like an omen to him coming on this trip and seeing that statue. A promise that something good was going to happen, that maybe even he would find out more of himself and what was going on within him.

They had taken a checkered taxi to the hotel, quite the most interesting experience all told. The man who drove it had an accent that made Harry stare in curiosity till he realised how impolite he was being by staring. He'd never heard anything like it, but apparently it hadn't affected Sirius in the least. He seemed to understand this 'Brooklynese' man's accent without a single problem. It was strange though how the taxi driver seemed to just talk on and on about really nothing at all, just passing time with a passenger. Back in London it wasn't right to do that, and he found it a bit odd to hear some of the phrases the man used.

The hotel was another thing to be awed by of course. He'd been used to the shabbiness of the Yard and the few Inn's Harry and Sirius had stayed at round the UK on business, so to think that they were staying at such a place like the hotel excited him beyond belief. Again though he noticed it didn't phase Sirius in the least for some reason, Sirius was more impatient to check in and go off on his 'business' that he said he had than anything else. The golden chandeliers, the different coloured plush carpeting, even the bellhops didn't even get noticed by Sirius and that made Harry wonder a bit. From the looks of it, it's almost as if Sirius had seen far grandeur things in life, though for the life of him Harry couldn't imagine Sirius being part of anything that grand at all, he certainly didn't fit the bill for that anyway.

When they had gotten to their rooms on the 'second' floor, Harry had laughed at how Americans numbered their floors, not to mention he found out that yanks didn't use the number thirteen in their room layouts. Sirius had told him the more swanky places never used the number thirteen because it was considered 'unlucky' which made Harry only shake his head at the strange America superstitions. As for the floor numbers, Sirius said that's because America was 'backwards' and they just wanted to be 'different' then the rest of the world. Harry slightly agreed because he remembered cringing back in the taxi when they had first taken off and thought for sure they were going to die when the bloke started driving on the right side of the road not the left. Sirius hadn't pre-warned him on that issue and it had been slightly embarrassing when Harry had gripped Sirius's arm hard in fear until Sirius said that's how they actually did drive in America.

Over all despite those few issues, Harry was having already a wonderful time. In the hour and some since Sirius had left him to explore the ground floor of the hotel he had found a lovely little gift shop, a dining hall, a dance hall, a room just for a telephone, elaborate toilets where they even had hot and cold running water in the same tap and little soaps and shampoos for free (of which he helped himself to a few without guilt), and had just simply sat and watched people go to and fro. Children, parents, young and old all seemed to be in such a hurry in New York Harry thought. He however was not in any hurry, and could have sat there all day watching the people go by getting ready for New Year's Eve. New Yorkans apparently made a very big deal of this night, and hats, and party favours and decorations were in full display, all saying 'Happy 1925!' or just 'Happy New Year!'.

Despite the fact he was truly enjoying his time in the lobby he wished Sirius would hurry up in his business meeting. He really had wanted to go the Museum of Natural History after reading an article in the paper whilst waiting for Sirius to check in. He had hesitantly approached Sirius on wanting to go, and Sirius said that after his meeting he would consider it as long as Harry behaved himself and didn't get into any trouble whilst he was gone. Harry was overjoyed and vowed to Sirius he wouldn't, his enthusiasm almost bringing a smile to Sirius's lips. However Sirius took off almost as soon as they had settled into the room, and now he prayed Sirius wouldn't forget his promise.

It was already close to noon now, and Harry was getting antsy. The article said the museum would be closing at promptly six o'clock tonight for the New Year's festivities, and he wanted to get in as much time as he could there. Personally he wanted to just go on his own, but he didn't think Sirius would agree to that, so he resigned himself to the fact Sirius would have to take him. Maybe though he could get Sirius occupied or just get him to stay in the refectory whilst he went round on his own. With that thought as a possibility he brightened up a bit, and continued to wait patiently for his boss.

'Guess you kept your part of the bargain kid. Seems you earned yourself a trip to a museum eh?' someone said behind him now causing him to nearly jump out of his seat.

He had been so caught up in an article he was reading in The World, a local New York Paper, about some thugs named Bugs Moran and Hymie Weiss that he didn't even notice anyone had approached him. Looking up in surprise now at the person who'd spoken, a smile came across his face at the words, and he nodded happily. 'I promised I'd be good didn't I boss? I always keep my word,' he said with a grin, then seeing something, or rather, someone behind Sirius his eyes grew round in shock. 'H-H-Hermione?' he half whispered in a nervous voice.

Hermione smiled at him and nodded her head, and walked up to him. 'Hiya Jimmy. Bit of a surprise to see me here I guess eh?' she said with a slight chuckle as Harry nodded his head in agreement.

'Umm..yeah...it is. How...err...what are you - ' he began to say, but then another person came into his view and he couldn't even finish his sentence. All he could do was stare at the new person, he palms going sweaty, his mouth going dry, and his heart starting to beat a kilometre a second. It was him...the one person he'd been dreaming about for a week now...the one person whom he wondered if he would ever see again and silently prayed he would.

Draco himself was under some sort of temporary paralysis as he looked back at Harry. It was one thing to be discussing him upstairs in the room, but quite another to see him again in person like this. In Draco's eyes Harry looked even more handsome and more desirable than he'd first seen him, and it sent tiny little shock waves through his body. Harry's emerald green eyes displayed such a range of emotions all at once and for a tiny moment Draco wondered how he could look at Harry and not sweep him into the biggest snog of probably both their lives.

A slight cough from Sirius brought both boys back from their silent gazes and they both turned away almost guiltily from each other at the same time. It was clear at that point to Ron, Hermione and Sirius that there was an obvious connection between the two boys, and it was more than blatantly mutual for which they were very glad. However now was not the time for musing on this, now it was time to continue the day's plans and get Harry to begin to trust everyone.

'Well, since you already know Hermione and Draco, perhaps we should introduce the last member of our little group today eh? Jimmy, this here is Ron Weasley. Ron, this is Jimmy Norbury,' Sirius said giving Ron a nod.

Ron held his hand out a bit shyly and Harry looked up at Ron carefully, examining him with a deep gaze. Ron felt a bit worried about this, but Sirius had pre-warned him that Harry did not like to be touched, nor even shake hands easily. This was Harry's way of getting the gen on a person, his intense 'gaze' so to speak was his way of deciding if you were a friend or foe. After a few moments though Harry did shake Ron's hand though it was only a brief seconds touch, and nodded at him. 'Nice to meet you Ron,' he said with a slight smile now.

Ron, not to mention everyone present was relieved that Harry had accepted him. 'Nice to meet you too err..Jimmy,' Ron said with a smile back. 'So, I hear you want to go to the Museum of Natural History huh? I can't wait to see the place either. My dad's told me all 'bout it, he really loves Mug-er..New York and all,' Ron said sheepishly as Hermione stepped on his foot at his almost slip up.

At the mention of the museum Harry's eyes lit up again and he nodded at Ron. 'Me too! I mean, I haven't seen much of the place yet, New York that is, but so far I'm finding it amazing don't you think?' Harry said in an excited tone of voice. This Ron bloke can't be a bad kid he thought if he liked museums, and from the slight glances at Ron from Hermione whom he did semi-trust, it was clear the two of them were friends as well. If Hermione trusted him then Harry would too, for now anyway.

'Well then, all we have to do is wait for Arthur and we'll get going,' Sirius said almost jovially, and sat down in a chair next to Harry and lit up a fag for himself inhaling deeply and watching Harry carefully. Now that he knew this was Jamie and Lily's son, he was torn between wanting to take him into his arms and hold him tight, and the need to maintain the distance of being just a 'boss'. It wasn't going to be easy though Sirius knew, it would take a lot before Harry probably could and would accept things for what they were.

'Arthur?' Harry asked puzzled. 'Who's that?'

'That's my dad, you'll like him. He's a bit over enthusiastic I think sometimes but he's a jolly good bloke all told. I wish Bill could have come instead, he knows everything 'bout Egypt, he works there you know,' Ron said.

'Oh Ron, he doesn't know that you git. Honestly,' Hermione said rolling her eyes. 'You'll have to pardon Ron sometimes, he's a bit weird, thinks everyone should just know things.'

'Hey, I am not weird!' Ron pouted.

'No, just a pain in the arse half the time Weasley,' Draco drawled in a mocking way and lit up a fag.

'Cripes, you all just don't appreciate having a big family round do you. I can't help it if I just am expected to 'know' things,' Ron mumbled.

'Err..how big is your family Ron?' Harry asked hesitantly, surprised at how these three were able to banter so casually like this and not get really offended by it.

'Err...that is...big. I'm the sixth out of seven kids. There's six of us boys, me being the youngest, and then my younger sister Ginny. Now you want to talk weird, she's the one who's weird,' Ron said with a chuckle.

'And why is Ginny weird? I think she's sweet,' Hermione asked.

'Oh come on, she's dating Neville Longbottom for fuck's sake Hermione, how can you not think that's weird,' Draco said huffily whilst taking a drag.

'Nev's not a bad bloke Malfoy. A little clumsy but not bad. He appreciates her and at least he isn't a bad chess player either,' Ron said in defence of both his sister and his friend.

'So...wow there's seven of you?' Harry said gazing in awe at Ron. 'I don't think I can even imagine what that's like. How do you do it?'

Ron grinned and shook his head. 'Not easy mate I can tell you that much. It's fun and all though, but it's a lot to live up to also,' Ron said with a slight sigh.

'Oh Ron, that's not true, you're fine as you are,' Hermione said and wrapped her arm through his, giving him a kiss on the cheek. 'At least I think you are.'

Ron blushed slightly, it always got him when Hermione acted that way with him in public. 'Awe 'Mione...' was all he said back though and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek as well.

'Oh this is fucking good, are we going to have to watch the two of you being cozy all day? If so I think I'll go upchuck now and get it out of my system before the museum,' Draco said rolling his eyes. Privately all he was wishing right now was that he could do the same thing to Harry, but since that wasn't an option he wasn't going to let Ron and Hermione have the only fun without being his normal sarcastic self to them.

'All right then, everyone ready?' a new voice spoke up jovially, a pair of blue eyes twinkling under thinning red hair.

'Ah there you are Arthur, everything set then?' Sirius said with smile at the man who was nodding happily back.

'Just perfect Sirius. Now, you must be Jimmy eh? Pleasure's all mine young man, yes indeed,' Arthur said with a smile at Harry. He too held his hand out to the boy and waited as Harry gave him the once over as well. Harry took his hand as well, again only a brief seconds touch, but it was enough for Arthur apparently. Rubbing his hands together he said in a very excited voice, 'Well, shall we head to the museum? I cannot wait to see what things the Muggles have come up with these days!'

'DAAAD!' Ron groaned and Arthur looked completely crestfallen as he realised he'd made a heck of an error. 'Err...that's all right, let's go!' Ron said and dragged off his father quickly before anyone else could say another word.

Draco just coughed and put his fag out, Sirius looked at Harry a bit oddly, Hermione seemed a bit pale suddenly, and Harry just sat there looking at all of this with a bit of amusement. 'He is a bit umm....strange...isn't he,' he reflected and watched as Ron was quietly speaking to his father.

The tension in the lobby eased visibly as Hermione, Draco and Sirius seemed to relax. Apparently, or thankfully, Harry had not picked up the word Arthur had used, or at least hadn't deemed to question what it's meaning was. Sirius privately thought it might be far better if when they arrived at the museum if he and Arthur were to go off alone and let the children fend for themselves. In fact, that was exactly what Sirius was going to do, there was no way he could let the very overeager Arthur make more slip ups at this tender early stage of the game.

'Well, err...shall we go then? I think we should take a checkered taxi however, it's snowing again,' Hermione said thoughtfully as she glance out the large french windows of the hotel lobby.

'Right,' Sirius said with a nod and got up off the chair. 'Oi, Arthur, Ron, let's get a move on eh? Don't got all day!' he called out to the others who nodded and came back over to the group.

'Everything all right Ron, Mr. Weasley?' Hermione asked worried and stole a quick glance at Ron's father who was still a bit subdued.

Ron nodded back and glared at his father for a moment. 'Yeah, everything's all right now 'Mione,' he said firmly. Looking back over at Harry he said, 'So, you like Egyptian things too?' he asked in a much brighter mood as they all headed outside to have two taxis actually called for since not all of them would have fit in one.

Sirius, Draco and Harry ended up taking one taxi, Hermione, Ron, and Arthur the other. Harry was very conscious that he was sitting next to Draco, and the feeling was mutual. The driver of this taxi was an Scotsman though and had quite the conversation with them at first on catching up with events back in the UK. Harry nor Draco however paid attention after a few moments, letting Sirius take over the conversation. Instead they were both trying to find the right words to say to each other without it sounding completely stupid or far worse.

'So...umm...I didn't err...think you were the type to umm...like a place a museum,' Harry said hesitantly, though as soon as the words were out of his mouth he mentally kicked himself. That probably wasn't the right thing to say to the son of Lucius Malfoy, it made it sound in Harry's mind like Draco was a complete moron.

Draco however wasn't offended, though at the last moment had to keep in mind he was supposed to behave exactly as expected for a Malfoy. With a slight smirk he said back to Harry, 'You'd be surprised what I might or might not like kid. I can say the same 'bout you too you know. Makes me wonder how a kid who works for Black here would even know what culture is.'

Sirius actually had heard that comment and turned to give Draco a slight glare when he realised that Draco had little choice to say such a thing. Instead he sniffed and said, 'I'm not a complete fucking imbecile kid. I do appreciate the finer things in life even if I never get much chance to see them.'

Draco snorted though he was fully aware of the fact that Sirius had actually quite a bit of Galleons hidden in Gringott's, not to mention a family home somewheres. With a silent groan however he realised that being round Harry was going to be far more difficult than he thought it would be, and he hoped he would be able to keep up his normal attitude. Not just with Harry either but with Sirius, for now he had a grudging respect for the man he never had had before. Now that he knew the truth, and what was planned, Sirius actually had risen to the top of his list in preferred allies and acquaintances.

'I do hope we won't have to spend our time at the museum with you and Weasley. The last thing I think I could handle right now is having to listen to that man go on and on 'bout things like a fucking child,' Draco said huffily, and gave Sirius a silently almost pleading look that they would somehow be left to their own devices.

Sirius internally chuckled, amazed how the kid read his mind so well. With a scowl however he said in a gruff voice, 'Now what's the idea of that kid? I was sent here to protect you, not let you and a bunch of kids loose in a public place. You want me to fucking get the tear down from your father if I were to let you outta my sight for even a moment?'

'Umm...boss? I think we should be all right. I mean it's not like Dra-err...Mr. Malfoy's son will be 'alone' really. I'll be there anyway, and you know I'm pretty good with a shiv now, and I do have my piece on me,' Harry said quietly and tapped his pocket.

Draco actually stared at Harry at hearing that, and turned to give Sirius a full on glare. Harry was not only carrying a shiv but a gun now? Quickly however Draco realised that of course Harry would be doing that being Black's runner, and until today why shouldn't Black have trained Harry to use the weapon's of the trade. 'He's got a point Black. Not that I want to admit this but...if you trained him I doubt anyone would get to me,' he said with a slight edge in his voice. He didn't like it at all that Harry was adept at being a thug these days even if till now it had been necessary.

Sirius didn't return the glare however he did nod in understand, hoping Draco would see it was more a nod at the fact that he could see how upset Draco was. 'Well, seeing as you will also have Ron and Hermione there, perhaps it will be all right. But if I get a whiff of trouble I swear I'll fucking kill the lot of you myself,' he muttered and gave both Harry and Draco a look that meant all business.

'We'll be good boss, promise. I won't let none of us get into any trouble,' Harry said firmly and nodded at Sirius.

Privately he knew Harry was a good aim in both shiv and gun, but it still meant leaving his godson and Draco exposed which although at first had sounded like a good idea back at the hotel, now he was more than worried. He couldn't bear to lose Harry again, not now, not when so much rode on him. He really wished Petey could have joined them, but he knew it was impossible since Petey was supposed to be back in London taking care of things with Severus whilst Lucius was here in New York. Maybe one day though when this was all over he and Petey would come back to New York and take their own holiday, he would plan on that anyway.

'I'm not without my own devices either Black,' Draco said with a knowing look.

Sirius understood perfectly however and realised that Draco must have his wand on him, which meant that if there really was any trouble Draco wouldn't hesitate to break the Under Age Magic Laws and cast away on anyone daring to hurt Harry or himself. Knowing Draco as Sirius did he would be surprised if the kid didn't know how to duel, and probably knew the Unforgivables as well. Sirius didn't have his wand on him though, he learned a while ago that his shiv was all it took, and his wand was back at the Yard sitting at the bottom of his wardrobe. Especially after he took on Harry it was a liability, though he suspected that it would be dug back out soon enough when the time came to tell Harry who he was.

Sirius nodded at Draco now and they finally pulled up at the museum. Sirius paid the driver the $2 fare with a thanks, and was slightly worried when he saw that the second taxi was still sitting there. An argument however was taking place between the driver and Arthur and Sirius had a suspicion now what it was probably about. He quickly walked over to the second taxi and it was obvious that it was what he had thought.

'Now see here my good man, I don't know what this 'dollar' is, but surely you will accept a few Sickles or Knuts perhaps?' Arthur was saying in exasperation. Seeing Sirius now his face brightened and he said. 'Oi, thank Merlin your here Sirius! This man wants something called a 'dollar', what is he talking about?'

Sirius rolled his eyes and fished out two American dollar bills and handed it to the taxi driver who took it with a sour look. 'An' ya ken tell dat man we don' accep' no futzing crap coins here. American dollars or nuttin'. No dough, no service. Tourists,' he muttered with a shake of his head, then got into his taxi and sped away in a hurry.

'Well, that was most decidedly unusual. Are all taxi err...drivers so expressive?' Arthur said in a daze at the way the man had spoken.

Sirius sighed though it was more because of the taxi driver than anything else. He did wonder why on earth Hermione or Ron hadn't tried to stop Arthur from trying to pay the man with wizarding money, but the looks on their faces was enough to tell him that Arthur had offered before they could say anything. 'Only when they're being fucking gits Arthur. Now let's get a move on, it's bloody freezing out here,' he said and wrapped his coat round him tightly.

Without another word all six of them headed inside the museum. It was free to get inside which Sirius was grateful for. He really hadn't brought a lot of America money with him at the moment and didn't want to have to deny anyone if they got thirsty or hungry. He figured that none of the others would have any America money, so he was for the moment the banker in the group.

Looking at his watch he saw it was just getting on for 12:30 PM, and said, 'Do you all want to just go in and get right to it or eat something first? I don't know 'bout none of you but I ain't eaten it seems in days.' He wasn't going to even touch the fact that on-board ship he felt so sick he barely could even stand to look at the food much less touch it. For someone who had been a beater on the Gryffindor House Quidditch team and could preform incredible movements on a broomstick at hundreds of feet in the air, a little thing like being on a boat had made him ill and he practically seethed at that fact.

'Food? You said the magic word Sirius! Led on mate!' Ron said with a huge grin which made even Draco slightly chuckle.

'I agree, I'm peckish myself boss. I haven't eaten since before we docked,' Harry said nodding his head as well.

'I admit I haven't eaten a thing since we left the Bu- err...since we arrived,' Arthur said.

Hermione nodded as well saying, 'I think it's unanimous then. Draco? Are you hungry as well?'

Draco nodded his head in agreement. 'I think I could eat something although I had quite a good breakfast this morning. The Hotel actually has decent food though American food is a bit odd if you ask me,' he said with a slight sniff.

'Oh, well I'm sure it will be an experience for us,' Hermione said with a smile. Opening up the printed map of the museum they had gotten when they entered she spotted the refectory on the lower level. 'Seems to be downstairs. This way I think,' she said and pointed to a stairwell.

They headed downstairs now, ordered their food and sat down at a table, discussing what the plans for the afternoon would be. Draco only half listened however, wishing that they would all sod off and just let him and Harry have the afternoon to themselves. Now that Hermione and Ron were here he wondered if he ever would find that so-called 'time alone' with Harry as he was supposed to, and he was trying desperately to think of ways to get Harry alone here at the museum without too much trouble.

'...so is that all right with you Draco? Draco, are you listening?' Hermione was saying now causing Draco to look up her and blink in slight confusion. He hadn't heard of course she had been speaking to him and it was a bit of a shock that she had been.

'What's all right Hermione?' he muttered now, hoping it didn't sound too embarrassing that he hadn't been paying attention.

'I said that we have decided that Sirius and Mr. Weasley were going to go to the Roman Exhibit first, Ron and I were going to go to the Greek Exhibit first, and we thought you and Jimmy would like to explore the Egyptian Exhibit first. I figured since we don't have a lot of time we would all take a section and meet in-between, this way if we don't get time to see all of it we can tell each other what it was about,' Hermione said with a semi-grin.

Draco couldn't believe his luck and almost was about to reach over and kiss Hermione for her thinking. With a quick glance at Sirius and Arthur and Ron to confirm this really wasn't a joke, and they really were going to let him go with Harry alone, he was internally in a state of bliss. Not to mention worry, apprehension and flat out fear. Being alone with Harry even though it was in a public place was right now his idea of heaven, but he hoped he would be able to control himself and not just ignore the exhibit entirely and take Harry to a corner and snog his brains out. The fact that the museum was virtually deserted as well being it was New Year's Eve was only a bonus as far as Draco saw it.

Collecting himself however so as not to raise too much suspicion with anyone, especially Harry, he nodded his head slightly. 'Whatever Hermione, if that what you think is best,' he said and took out a fag and lit it up since he was finished with his lunch.

'Well than, it's all decided. Let's say we meet at the Japanese Shogun Gardens and Exhibit by umm....five o'clock? Is that good?' she asked.

Everyone nodded and agreed to the plan. 'Sounds good 'Mione. I do hope we can see the Egyptian Exhibit too though, can't we?' he whinged and gave her his puppy dog eyes knowing she could never resist that.

Hermione chuckled and with a dimpled coy smile said, 'We'll see Ron. You can always see things from Egypt at home...'

'No I can't! Bill never brings the good stuff home!' he grumbled and pouted.

'Weasley I'm more than sure you're girlfriend here will provide you with time for the Exhibit. Although I'm sure you might just enjoy the Greeks far too much to worry 'bout the Egyptian's,' he said with a wink at Hermione who slightly blushed at that.

'Eh, what's that supposed to mean?' Ron asked looking from Draco to Hermione puzzled.

'Err..nothing Ron. Let's get a move on shall we than?' Hermione said and quickly put everything back on the trays and had Ron help her take them to the rubbish bins. 'We'll see you all later than!' she called out and in seconds she dragged Ron off towards the stairwell disappearing out of sight.

'That was cruel Draco, you fucking know that right?' Sirius said with a slight amused grin.

Draco chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. 'He'll figure it out soon enough Black,' he said with a grin and stubbed out his fag in the ashtray. Standing up he stretched and said in one of his usual Malfoyish drawls, 'Well guess it's our turn to head out eh kid? It's a fucking good thing those mummies are already dead if they had to sit 'round waiting on our sorry arses.'

Jimmy actually chuckled at that however, not put off at all. Standing up he gave Sirius and Arthur a nod and a smile then said, 'See you in a bit then boss, Mr. Weasley. Have fun.'

Sirius and Arthur nodded back with smiles of their own and watched as the two boys headed off. Turning to Sirius with a bit of a worried look on his face Arthur said, 'You sure this is a good idea Sirius? What if something goes dreadfully wrong? What if - '

'Now Arthur nothing will go wrong. Harry's a good kid, quick on his feet these days and he's carrying his shiv and piece. I doubt anyone in New York even will care 'bout two boys running round a museum. 'Sides, what are the chances anyone would have followed us anyway. Our group are the only ones interested in the kids, why would the Muggle's give a shite what the son of Lucius Malfoy does?' Sirius said.

Arthur looked pensive but nodded his head slowly. 'Yes, maybe you're right. Oh I do wish Molly had come though, I get awfully lost in big places like this. Though I dare say she'll be far worse for the wear if we have to use Muggle money again. Bad enough she knows little of the Muggle world as it is,' he said with a sigh.

'I'm sure it'll work out Arthur, and I'll give Hermione a few pointers on how to use America money as well. Just make sure she sticks to you, and you and Molly'll be fine. Now let's go, I'm anxious to actually see this place. Sort of reminds me of Hogwart's don't you think?'

Arthur grinned and nodded, anxious now himself to get to exploring. His eyes now shone with all the amazing Muggle things he would learn today, and he even had hopes he could take home something even if it was only a writing instrument or such. Anything would be lovely to add to his growing Muggles collection. 'Yes, yes it does actually remind me of Hogwarts with all the interesting things they have here. However I can't wait to see all the Muggle artefacts and texts. Oh do let's hurry!' he said and got up quickly as an excited two year old who asked why the sun was yellow and the sky was blue.

With a laugh Sirius followed the childlike man up the stairs, oblivious to the fact that they weren't exactly 'alone' here in the museum. In fact, the Marauder's were not the only one's who had interest in Draco Malfoy, and especially in the black haired boy with him at the moment. No, the man in the unobtrusive grey clothes also had interests in them, and all the people here at the museum today really, but the boys were the main targets. He silently followed the two men up the stairs, making sure to keep them well in his sights, but out of theirs.

Why he had chosen to follow the men first was easy. He needed them out of the way, and somehow he hoped to be able to do that before the day was over. With the adults out of the way, especially Sirius 'Fingers' Black, it'd be child's play to get to the one's he really wanted. Ah yes, this man had waited for a long time for this, for revenge, and revenge would be sweet in the end. He would not only have the sons of his rivals, but he would make them his. Mould them to his specifications, and when the time was right, reclaim what should have been his.

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Few A/N's:

gen - British word, means 'information'.

refectory - British word, means cafeteria (though most of you should know this one :P)

Bugsy Moran and 'Hymie' Weiss were real gangsters in the 20's. Bugsy was said to be 'buggy' or 'crazy' hence the nickname Bugsy. 'Hymie' though he sounds Jewish wasn't, he adapted the name since the Jewish 'mafia' was just as strong and powerful at the time though more underground. It sounded more intimidating anyway to him from the sources I heard.

Again please let me know if you would prefer the review answer at the beginning or end. I truly do not want anyone upset with me for taking any room from the fic :sigh:

The Scythia was a set of trio ships, all the same in speed and tonnage in the R.M.S. lines. Owned by Cunard, the only difference between them was the way they were designed internally. Each of them however were floating luxury by any standards. Again by 1924 most of the shipping lines had altered Second and Third Classes to accommodate the 'new' set of US travellers to Europe.

I am not 100% if during the '20's this would still have applied, and I can find little reference sadly of anything past early 1900's, however the individual classes did not mix together before that. In the mid to late 1800's and early 1900's First Class Decks were off limits completely to Second and Third class (or what was commonly called 'steerage') passengers, reserved for the elite and nobles only. To be caught on the First Class deck was not a good thing per say, and could even get you cordoned off to your deck for the rest of the journey with a serious reprimand by the captain of the ship. Again though I did write Harry as almost getting caught but I still am trying to find out if that was still a practice in the '20's. If anyone finds out more let me know. :)

When my father's family came through Ellis Island in 1921 they were on the Second Class deck. They had money even back in Russia, my grandad I found out was the town 'mayor'. My dad's family actually managed to get into the US just under the date of the cut off of the new immigration laws. My mum's family I believe was also Second Class, though since it was already 1929 when she came here as an infant it was much cheaper to travel Second Class and steerage was a thing of the past.

I do remember me dad telling me that when he came here he saw what Third Class (steerage) was like and he said he was glad he wasn't there. It was cramped, cold (he too arrived in wintertime), and they were from his view penned in like sheep. Not a way I would have wanted to travel but for those risking everything to come to the US at that point it was heaven. I guess now I know why they called it 'steerage' because it was nothing more than a cage atmosphere like you would put animals in.

August 10, 2002 5:25 PM ©Piriotessa/Piri Lupin-Snape