Severus Snape had never been to America, or had any interest in even meeting someone from there. To him, the country seemed full of unrefined ruffians who had no idea what polite society really was. The only reason he was in the cursed country now was because Albus Dumbledore, his mentor, had poked and prodded until Severus was forced to accompany the group of students on their International Learning Adventure. At least his rooms at the Salem Institute were proving to be more than adequate. His study and personal work space was immaculate, a nod to the fact that the school desperately needed a new Chemistry teacher and he was supposedly the one to fit the bill. Little did they know that he would never leave England really. He had never desired to leave his homeland, and although this trip would take him away for nine months, that was all of the time that he desired to be away from Hogwarts and his real home.
Draco and Hermione strolled into his office one Thursday with worried looks on their faces. This seemed rather strange because everthing so far had been going smoothly. His classes had been amazingly calm and the students seemed to be picking up the subject rather quickly. There simply was no reason for the young couple to look so distressed, as their studies had not even begun to overwhelm them, despite Miss Granger's need for overpreparation.
"What can I do for you two? Staying out of trouble I hope."
"Oh yes,sir, of course," Hermione stammered out immediately. "Sir, we have a proposal for you. Well, you see...Oh Draco why don't you tell him."
"Sir, we would really like the opportunity to see all the sights of America while we are here. Next week, a group of our classmates are going to be going to New York City for a day of theatre. We would really love to accompany them."
"You see, Professor, the only thing we need is permission from our advisor. We would be supervised by Miss Williamson and would only be gone for a day and a half. Draco, Ron, Harry, Ginny, and I would appreciate it if you let us go with them."
He sat there for a few moments, contemplating the matter at hand. True, Miss Williamson had proven herself as a disciplinarian. She always had the fewest students in detention, mostly because they all were too afraid to stand in the way of her wrath. However, a trip to the City was hardly practical. They were here for education, not vacations and sight-seeing tours.
"Sir?" Draco finally asked.
"Alright, you may go."
"Oh, thank you. We'll behave ourselves, we promise."
"Of course you will, Miss Granger. I will be accompanying you. I promised Dumbledore I would make sure you were all setting a good example of Hogwarts, and I won't be remisced for a small bit of theatre myself. Yes, I am quite set upon the idea."
