I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
104th Course – Rising Tensions
"Glasswort bulbs," Pansy said with utter confidence.
"Correct," the ICW potion teacher said, nodding with approval. "Glasswort bulbs are the most important component in clarifying solutions. Do you by chance know the other property of using glasswort bulbs?"
They were gathered in a side room, off the arena proper. There were many rooms like this all over the Colosseum, used for workshops and classes and meetings. The main grounds of the arena was used for the largest gatherings and demonstrations as well as the vendors, with the others being held in rooms of varying size. There was always some sort of demonstration of class being held and observers could go to any that interested them to watch unless it was a private event where people had to be invited to.
The general potions class was being held and in the class itself, students from the four invited schools were mixed in with a few from other schools. Most of them stayed with their own schools and there was a beat of awkwardness when Hogwarts students looked at the Sanguis ones. Draco had barely spared Pansy a look while glaring heavily at Harry before he sat on the opposite side of the room with his fellow schoolmates.
Harry had hugged Pansy and she felt better. She still had some complicated feelings involving Draco, ones that she had not entertained in quite some time, but were still there. She had revealed none of them at least but was grateful for Harry, Daphne, Padma, and Hermione being there to support her.
Harry had looked down with surprise before the class started properly, feeling something touch his leg. "Oh, hello Azuki," he said warmly, recognizing the little fox. He felt even more surprise when the fox hopped into his lap with dainty grace and barked a greeting, looking up at him in a friendly way.
"Oh my goodness, she is so cute!" Hermione gushed, leaning over to look at the trickster fox.
"She really is," Daphne said. "And you are already familiar with her?"
"Met her yesterday. Fed her an owl treat," Harry said. He looked up and smiled as a few people walked over. "She belongs to Tsumugi, am I saying that right?"
"You are," Tsumugi said with a smile. Her friends from Mahoutokoro looked surprised at the exchange. "She went running off as soon as we approached the door. She really does not treat strangers like this usually."
"Animals love Harry," Pansy smiled.
"Azuki, come on," Tsumugi clucked. She sighed when the fox ignored her. "I suppose we should sit here then. May we?"
"Of course," Harry said. He introduced his friends with Tsumugi doing the same and then the potions class started.
It was a good class. The instructor was professional and polite, lecturing quite well. He had dove into the topic from the start and engaged with all the students, not showing any favoritism to any school. Every time he asked a question, he gave the person he asked time to think and even gently prompted them if they were nervous.
"Yes Sir," Pansy said. "Like you said, glasswort bulbs are the primary ingredient for any clarifying and revealing potions, with the best results coming from the clearest bulbs. However, if you use ones that are deliberately clouded or are crushed and ground, they aid in hiding and concealing potions."
"Perfectly said," the instructor said happily. "I have always thought that the nature of the glasswort bulbs being used in potions that are on opposite ends of the spectrum to be a bit of a lesson. Clear glass is needed to see clearly of course, and clouded glass is good at hiding. Therefore, the appearance of the bulbs has profound impacts on the nature and the intent of the potion."
"Colored bulbs are also useful coloring potions," Pansy said. "They add clarity and vibrancy to the colors."
"Do they really?" the instructor asked, delighted.
"Yes Sir. If you use the colored ones for the regular applications, it reduces efficacy but if you are making staining potions and dyes, then infused whole bulbs that have been colored will make the color brighter whereas ground ones add intensity," Pansy said confidently.
"Do you dye the bulbs?" the instructor asked. "Like with a charm or liquid dye or paint?"
"Charming them does not work as well. Dipping the bulbs in dye works but you can grow the plants with colored or dyed water and if you're careful, the bulbs take on the coloring," Pansy said.
"I want to try this! Miss…Parkinson? Come up please." The instructor opened a case and started pulling out material and components. Pansy, blushing furiously, made her way to the front and glared at her friends with grateful embarrassment as they cheered and clapped. She helped the instructor prepare a simple red coloring solution. They made the first part and poured some out and then they added some glasswort bulbs that the instructor dipped in red dye. After it finished simmering, they decanted the solution into a vial.
"Oh my! It does look noticeably different!" The instructor held up the vials and people could see the difference between the two. "How lovely! Further proof that you can always learn something new." He looked up at Pansy. "You are from Hogwarts?"
"Yes Sir," Pansy said proudly.
The instructor tapped his chin. "I was not aware that your potions instructor…cared about this sort of thing." There was some chuckling and muffled laughter from some of the watchers and Harry and his friends had to look away to hide their expressions. Snape, who was in the crowd, sighed and glowered while Ariana cackled loudly and brightly. Perenelle poked her side but was also smiling.
"I admittedly learned this from my tutor," Pansy said with pink cheeks. "I adore it though." She nodded to the crowd.
"Ahhhhh," the instructor smiled, seeing Ariana in the crowd. "Now that makes perfect sense. Why have you never told me though," he asked.
"You never asked," Ariana said with a shrug.
"That is true," he conceded. "Thank you, Miss Parkinson," the instructor said. "You are a credit to your school and education, from both sources."
Pansy nearly skipped as she walked back to her seat, high-fiving Harry as she sat. She beamed at Primrose's proud look and waved cheerily to her and Ariana who gave her a thumbs-up.
"Who is that?" Tsumugi whispered.
"Auntie Ari, I mean Ariana Dumbledore," Harry whispered back.
"I have heard of her," one of Tsumugi's friends gasped. "She is very good at potions and is internationally renowned."
"She's friends with your school's instructor," Harry said.
"Everyone is friends with Yamada Sensei," another friend said. "She is the nicest instructor in all of Mahoutokoro."
"A nice potions instructor? Interesting," Daphne said in sotto.
"Isn't he your Head of House?" Hermione asked, amused.
"Which means we know more about him and I stand by my statement," Daphne said in a very soft tone and a very small smile.
When the class ended, the Hogwarts students said goodbye to the Mahoutokoro students, with Azuki protesting slightly when she was picked up by Tsumugi, and rejoined the escorts to leave the area.
"That is my daughter," Primrose said with a very large smile, hugging and kissing Pansy warmly.
"Well done," Snape said, nodding with approval.
"You can be a little more praising than that," Ariana sniffed.
"For him, that was positively effusive," Perenelle said. She smiled sweetly at Snape's glower. "What? I am defending you."
"You really should get out of the dungeons more," Ariana said. "I think it's affecting your temperament." She blinked with insincere surprise when Snape sped up, leaving them behind. "What? Was it something I said?"
"He has always been dour like that," Primrose said, hiding a smile. "When we went to school together. I was quite surprised when I learned he became a teacher."
"He has gotten a little better," Pansy said. "As the years passed."
"Thank goodness," Harry sighed.
"What does that mean?" Perenelle asked, narrowing her eyes.
"He was ruder when we first met," Harry said. "I never got the impression that he liked me all that much." He looked up at Perenelle and Ariana. "But he really has gotten better," he added hastily. "Now he treats me neutrally, which honestly, is pretty great."
"If you say so," Ariana said. She shook her head. "Well, if he needs an attitude adjustment, just let me know."
"It's okay, really," Harry said, hugging her. "I appreciate the offer though."
"Of course," Ariana smiled, hugging him back. "We have your back, Harry."
-0-
"Thanks for coming!" Lavender hugged Harry enthusiastically.
"Of course! I didn't really understand most of it but you and Parvati are really good at it," Harry said, smiling back.
He had gone to watch the divination class, sitting with the other observers and was accompanied by Padma, Sinistra, Sybill Trelawney who was the Hogwarts Divination professor, and Dora. He and Padma had applauded and cheered on their sister and their friend when the divination ICW representative had asked them questions and had liked their take on interpretations.
"You two really impressed her," Padma said warmly. "Was some of your interpretations from what you learned from the centaurs?"
"Yeah! We talk to them a lot about patterns and observations of natural things and it's so cool," Parvati said. "They really like astronomy too and we use a lot of what they teach us."
"Uhm, why are Professor Trelawney and Dora glaring at each other?" Lavender asked, seeing some tension between the two people.
"Oh, uhm, apparently I'm 'interesting in a divinatory way'," Harry said with a sigh and a flush. "Professor Trelawney started asking me all these weird things and making these predictions and Dora got really mad."
"Really? Why?" Parvati asked, eyes round.
"She was saying some very strange things," Padma said, shaking her head. "About Harry having a 'blended path' and having a touch of fate or whatever. She was getting a little pushy."
"And she woke up Dora who was napping," Harry said. "So Dora got mad because she got woken up and because she didn't like how the Professor was badgering me. Professor Sinistra had to separate them."
"She does get into weird tangents," Lavender said apologetically.
"It's okay. If I need divination help, I'll just come to you two," Harry said with a warm smile.
"Damn straight," Parvati said. She took Harry's hand and flipped it palm up. "You still got your fate line."
"No honey this time," Lavender laughed.
"What's so funny?" Dora asked when she noticed the four of them laughing.
"I had honey on my hand once and Parvati licked it," Harry said.
"Oh I do that to you all the time," Dora said dismissively. "You don't mind, right?"
Lavender giggled and shook her head. "No, I'll allow you and Parvati to do it."
"I hope that doesn't become a regular thing, you giving others permission to lick me," Harry said with actual concern, making the girls laugh.
"No, it'll be a very select group," Lavender said, face bright red from laughter.
"Damn straight," Parvati and Dora said together, increasing their merriment.
-0-
"What is wrong?" McGonagall asked.
Dumbledore looked at the piece of parchment with a serious expression. "Headmaster Quirrell is demanding a meeting."
"He can demand all he wants," she sniffed. "Who does he think he is, demanding a meeting?"
"He is a fellow headmaster," Dumbledore said lightly.
"Are you going to have it on the train?"
He shook his head. "I rather not. I will ask Drake if I may use his office here. As well as have a few others sit in. I fear that this meeting will be rather contentious."
"You are not honestly threatened by him?" McGonagall gave him a look.
"In some ways, I am. But it is always good to have support and if all else fails, witnesses," Dumbledore said dryly.
-0-
"I love pasta," Millicent said, eating happily.
The ICW and the Italian Ministry had brought a few caterers to the Colosseum and people could try food native to Italy. People could order things and amounts and the caterers would bring them by for lunch and/or dinner depending on what people ordered.
"Lunch is typically the largest meal of the day," Pansy said. "If time allows, it's a sit-down meal with a first course, then a second course with a side dish."
They were eating noodles served with a fresh red sauce that was tangy and light. The second course was a frittata, eggs cooked with meat and vegetables and spices, and a salad of burrata and tomato and spinach was served alongside. They ate hungrily, enjoying the new dishes and the flavors.
"Where's Harry?" Hermione asked.
"In the kitchen car," Lavender smiled. "He was asking the house elf who brought the food questions and the elf went and got the chef that made the food. He and Harry became friends and the chef is teaching Harry a few things in the kitchen car."
"Of course," Tracey smiled. "Harry makes friends with a fellow chef and they're hanging out just like that."
"I guess people like that recognize each other," Sue said. "Like, they know when a person genuinely knows and cares and wants to learn."
"If Harry showed that kind of fervor and intensity for other things, it would be quite interesting," Blaise said. "Imagine if he liked to duel or wanted to learn Dark things."
"No thank you," Pansy said, sticking her tongue out. "I don't want to consider that at all."
At the end of lunch, Luna looked over and saw a group of people walking off. "I wonder where they're going."
"Probably a meeting of some sort," Daphne remarked. "The headmasters and the instructors do that I imagine."
-0-
The door to the office opened and Quirrell walked in with complete confidence, acting as if he owned the space. He was followed by Narcissa and Lucius. When the door closed behind them, he paused and sneered slightly. "I was unaware that this meeting would involve so many people."
Dumbledore smiled politely. "We are using Mr. Tepes' office so he of course is present, and I trust him implicitly in such matters. Since you brought Lord and Lady Malfoy, I brought Lord Black and Madam Tonks. And Professor Snape is here at your request."
"And the others?" Quirrell asked, looking at the last three.
"I need adult supervision from my big brother," Ariana said idly, though her eyes never left Quirrell.
"We go where we want and we want to be here," Nicolas said with a broad smile. "And before you ask, we are also aware of some things."
Lucius and Narcissa exchanged a worried look and Quirrell sneered even more. "Very well." He conjured a high back stone chair and sat in it. "I want assurances, in oath or writing, that you will return what is mine based on the wager that you made."
"Already done," Dumbledore said, holding a folded piece of parchment out. He frowned when Quirrell flicked his wand irritably, snatching it out of his hands.
Quirrell opened it and read it, eyes turning red and his smile grew colder and more predatory. "Excellent," he said when he finished reading it. "At least you can be somewhat trustworthy."
"Very rich, coming from you," Nicolas said. He leaned forward on his cane and the stone on top glowed with red light. He smiled when Quirrell's eyes focused on it. "Caught your attention, Half-Soul?"
"What did you call me?" Quirrell asked, incensed and taken off-guard.
"You heard me. But perhaps I am wrong about that. Maybe even less than Half-Soul. Certainly broken pieces," Nicolas continued. His jocularity was replaced with something colder and sharper, his smile matching his tone. "I remember you. Remember how eagerly you looked at this, all those years ago," he said, twirling his cane idly and letting the light catch the stone. "How you tried to steal it. Was that your idea? Or the broken one inside of you?"
"You don't know what you are talking about," Quirrell hissed while some of the others looked confused.
"I think I do. I am very old, you see, and I have seen many things in my life," Nicolas said. "And you…thing," he gestured at Quirrell, "are nothing special. So many others have attempted what you have done and the vast majority of them share the same fate. Broken forever and sent to eternity unremembered. Save for a few cautionary tales, to warn children about gross stupidity."
"Dumbledore, I must protest," Lucius said, licking his lips nervously. "This is a private matter."
"Nicolas Flamel was involved from almost the beginning," Dumbledore replied calmly. "He has a right to be here and if I am being completely honest, I cannot control him, nor would I want to."
"So he is going to continue to insult our Headmaster?" Lucius continued.
"Yes," Nicolas said. "I am." He held his cane out and waggled the end of it at Quirrell. "Well? It is within your reach. Go on. Take it."
"You must think me a fool," Tom said, eyes dark red and skin pale white. His voice changed, deepening. His posture became more unsettled, unsettling.
"Yes, I do," Nicolas taunted. "Come on then. It is so close, almost within your grasp. What are you waiting for?" He held his cane carelessly, moving it about in a circle. "True power, right here."
"I will have no need for it once I receive what is mine," Tom said coldly. He tore his eyes away from the cane and the stone, taking a deep breath. A cold and cruel smile grew slowly on his lips. "Tell me, Severus, do your little compatriots here know why you are here?"
"No, and I do not know why I am here," Snape said cautiously, shifting a little when the others turned to him.
"Oh surely you do," Tom said, his voice oddly merry. "Are you not happy to be in the presence of your master once more? My faithful servant?"
"You had my service, once," Snape said slowly. His eyes were almost as cold as Tom's, though his gaze smoldered and burned. "A long time ago."
"I see not everyone knew that," Tom said gleefully, enjoying the looks of shock on the faces of the others. "Such a good and faithful follower. Talented, despite your origins."
"One could say the same about you," Dumbledore said quietly, his eyes focused on Tom.
Tom growled, a low and threatening tone. "Tell me, Severus, do the others know? Hmm? Do they know that you are the architect of the end of things?"
"What does that mean?" Sirius asked sharply.
Voldemort's smile was the coldest yet. "Why Severus was the one that informed me of the prophecy of course! The one that sent me on the path to how things…unfortunately ended. He had heard it and told me, his master, and I had gone to account for it, but as we see now, I was not completely successful." He sighed theatrically. "How is Harry Potter doing by the way? Still obsessed with being a pathetic house elf?"
"Keep his name out of your mouth," Perenelle said. Her voice was quiet but it filled the room effortlessly. "Look at him, and I will make you devour your eyes after removing your teeth and tongue."
Everyone shuddered at the threat and even Tom looked at her with askance. Everyone jumped and looked at Dumbledore when he cleared his throat. "Your actions are childish, Tom or Quirinius, or Voldemort," Dumbledore said with remarkable lightness. "We are here to put things right. And things will be made right, in the end. You have your oath written, my promise is made. We will see who becomes the final two to present and since you have accepted my written word, then I will see you on the day before the final."
Tom nodded shortly and rose to his feet. "Well? Severus? Are you coming?"
Snape shook his head. "I know where my place is."
"Perhaps," Tom said and he left the room with Lucius and Narcissa following. A final look passed between Narcissa and Andromeda before the door closed behind them.
When the door closed, Nicolas rose to his feet and pulled his wand out and aimed it at Snape in one smooth fluidic motion. "Explain yourself," he said coolly.
"I owe you nothing," Snape said just as coolly.
"The hell you don't!" Sirius stood beside Nicolas, also aiming his wand. "You told him?! You told him about the prophecy?! You killed James and Lily!"
"Wait what?!" Andromeda asked, appalled.
"Yes, I overheard the prophecy," Snape spat. "Yes, I told him when I served him. But I also begged him to spare her!"
"Only her?! You pathetic little snake!" Sirius laughed coldly. "Were you hoping to be her friend again? After her dropping you for the sack of shit you were?! You murdered them!"
"Perhaps you are truly addled," Snape retorted, his own wand out. "He killed them! Voldemort did! Yes I played my role but so did your little friend Pettigrew!" He laughed harshly at Sirius' flinch. "And your hands are not pure and clean, Black. I know of more than a few students in the years since who had no parents due to you! The blame is not solely my shoulders!"
He glared at the others. "And do not think I fear any of you," he added, looking at the expressions on the faces of Ariana, Nicolas, Perenelle, Drake, and Andromeda. "None of you were friends with James and Lily, none of you even knew them save for Andromeda. You only think to cast judgement on me for Potter's sake as you know him now!"
"And?" Ariana aimed her wand at him. "So what?! Doesn't absolve you from what you've done!"
"Do it then!" Snape shouted. "Come carve your pound of flesh over what righteousness you think you have!"
"Enough." Dumbledore's voice cut through the rising words and feelings. He looked at everyone, one by one. "Tom knew what he was doing, by inviting Severus here. He wishes to distract us by causing us to go after one another. He wants us off-balance so we become careless."
"You knew?" Perenelle poked him in the chest. "You knew he did this?!"
"I did," Dumbledore said calmly. "He came to me as soon as he did what he did, begging me for help. I made him pay a price for my aid and Severus was instrumental in saving many others and ending the war more swiftly. His accounts and testimonies brought many to justice and protected who we could."
"But James and Lily died because of him!" Sirius shouted. "Harry endured hell because of him!"
"Much like James and Lily, much like myself, we put our trust in the wrong people," Dumbledore said, his voice growing heavy and sad. "James and Lily trusted Peter, and I failed to trust them by believing you to be the fault. Severus trusted Tom to abide by a promise and trusted me to prevent the tragedy. We both failed there. I failed by not entering the war properly from the beginning. I lost the trust of so many. We have all done awful and terrible things and can only try to make amends, to account for what we have done."
Dumbledore looked at Ariana sadly. "Even if some amends can never be truly made, no matter how hard we try." He looked ancient and weary when she touched her throat in reflex. "We can only continue to try our best, and atone for what we have done by being better. Doing better."
Nicolas spat in French before glaring at Snape. "Have you aided your master since?"
"He is not my master, not since that day," Snape said coldly. "And no, I have not nor will I ever."
"So you swear?" Nicolas asked, leaning in so his wand tip touched Snape's chest.
"I owe you nothing," Snape repeated with remarkable calm. "But yes, I swear, as I have sworn to the Headmaster those years ago."
"And he has remained faithful," Dumbledore said. "So I swear."
After a few moments of silence, Nicolas moved his wand away. "And I swear, should you prove faithless, I will make your suffering last an eternity and unlike the vast majority of people in this world who utter that, I am fully capable of making that threat a reality."
"Every moment spent near you is already an eternity," Snape said coolly. "It cannot possibly get any worse."
"I thought you reasonably clever," Nicolas retorted. "Please, continue to taunt me. We will see what happens."
"Enough, please," Dumbledore said. "We have all said our piece, and we all know what is at stake. Let us remain together, united, to accomplish our goal." He looked at Snape. "Please go inform Minevra that I will be back soon, so we can go to our next appointment."
Snape nodded and left the office, not sparing a second glance at anyone. When the door closed and the sounds of his footsteps faded, Perenelle looked at Dumbledore. "Can he be trusted?"
"He can," Dumbledore said.
"Even after what he did?" Andromeda asked, looking furious.
"Yes," Dumbledore said firmly. "He has done nothing to make me think otherwise since that day. Severus has many flaws, as do we all, but in this, I trust him. He knows full well the consequences of failing once more. Not everyone gains a second chance. He knows this. That said, he has changed since then. I say that with no doubt."
"Doesn't he have the most complaints out of any professor the school had in the last century?" Sirius asked.
"Not all change is swift nor complete," Dumbledore conceded. "But it is there."
"What was the thing you said, about the day before the final?" Drake said, looking at Dumbledore.
"I challenged Tom to a formal duel, in front of everyone," Dumbledore said. "On the surface, it will be an exhibition to show the skills of the two Headmasters, a chance to show our talents and abilities. It will go until one concedes verbally to the other."
"What if you're put in a state where you can't verbally concede?" Sirius asked, looking concerned.
"Then one could die if their opponent is feeling particularly cruel," Dumbledore said.
"What is to keep him from killing you then?" Andromeda asked.
"Because he will want me to verbally admit to the entire world that he has bested me," Dumbledore said with conviction. "To him, that would be worth almost anything. He also knows he will not get the locket unless I give it to him. So he cannot afford to kill me."
"He can cripple you though," Pernelle protested.
"Certainly, a risk any need to accept before a duel," Dumbledore nodded. "That said, I will do my best not to give him the chance." Something flickered in his eyes and he stroked his beard slowly. "I have my own pride at stake, and this will be my chance to atone as well. Now, please excuse me. I must make it to my next appointment. It will not do to make Madam Crenshaw wait."
"No it will not," Drake chuckled. "She carries a grudge." They watched Dumbledore leave the office.
"We won't have to worry," Ariana said, catching their attention. "About Al dueling I mean."
"What makes you say that?" Sirius asked.
"He got a look to him," Ariana said, looking proud. "I can feel it too, his conviction. He's going into this to win."
"Ah, good," Drake said with a hungry smile. "Seeing Albus duel seriously is a treat."
"Good," Perenelle repeated. "Much is at stake here."
"He won't let us down," Ariana said confidently. "Not us, not Harry. I know it."
-0-
"Is that really the Nicolas Flamel?"
Harry turned and looked up at the tall youth that walked up to him. He wore very colorful pants and a cream-colored shirt with a colorful wrap around one shoulder. Harry nodded. "Yup! Hard to believe he's that old, right? He doesn't look it."
The young man chuckled. "He looks quite young still, you are right." They watched as Nicolas and several older magicals talk to one another. The transfiguration class had been very interesting and it had ended with Nicolas giving an impromptu lecture that drew a lot of people's attention. "I know my professor was very excited to meet him."
He looked at Harry. "I saw you arrive with him, which is why I asked you."
"He's my grandfather," Harry said proudly, making the other boy make a double-take. "Not from blood sadly, but he adopted me."
"That is very fortunate!"
"I'm lucky sometimes," Harry smiled. "I'm Harry by the way. Harry Potter, from Hogwarts."
"Pleasure to meet you. I am Akin Okoye, from Uagadou." They shook hands. "Are you as talented as he?"
"Not nearly," Harry laughed honestly. "Sadly I'm not that great at transfiguration, but I try my best."
"That is all you can do," Akin said. "Transfiguration is a very popular school of magic at my school. Lots of uses for it."
"I noticed you all don't really use wands. Do you really do everything wandless?" Harry asked.
"For some things, yes," Akin said.
"That's really hard!" Harry said admiringly.
Akin smiled warmly. "It is difficult at first. Like most things, it can get easier in time. Many use staves or staffs for the bigger spells or later in life when they cannot be bothered to use the effort for wandless. Others use small totems or focuses to channel their magic more easily. I have learned in our history classes that most European magicals and American magicals use wands though."
"I think we learn how to do some wandless and silent casting after fifth year, but not everyone can do it," Harry said.
"It is like that for us as well," Akin said. "There are many spells one cannot cast without a focus, but they teach us many basic ones you can do without one. For the stronger spells, a focus is almost always needed or it is cast as a ritual."
He watched as Nicolas demonstrated a spell using a wand. "I would think the Alchemist could do a lot without a wand however."
"Grandfather likes using one. Says it makes him feel fancy." He and Akin laughed. "He said it's also a tool of efficiency. There's no reason for him to expend more strength and magic without one when he can get more done with one. Plus he likes to think of himself as a conductor of magic, making it bend to his will."
"Not an incorrect mindset," Akin nodded. "The conductor part is somewhat arrogant," he said, before flushing and looking at Harry apologetically.
"Oh it definitely is, but that's Grandfather," Harry smiled.
-0-
Dumbledore smiled at his staff. They assembled in the second sitting car on the train after the first day of the Showcase. "I see we all are still looking rather enthused."
"It's been wonderful," Bathsheda said. "I finally got to meet people I've exchanged messages with in person. It's so nice to be able to share ideas and have discussions like this."
"Not to mention seeing some new products and teaching materials," Sinistra said. "I'm hoping to purchase something and bill it to the school as an expense."
Dumbledore chuckled. "By all means, go ahead. I will try to compensate you for as much as the budget allows. How are we looking scholastically compared to the others?"
"Excellent!" Flitwick said happily. "Our students have been engaging and have shown their skills and their knowledge and I am happy to say without any embellishment that we stack up very well."
"I agree," Sprout smiled. "All the ones I've observed have been very even and equal, and I've done my best to go to the core ones."
"Our electives have been good too," Vector said. "I am proud to say ours did very well in Arithmancy."
"That does seem to be the general consensus," Dumbledore said proudly. "A credit to ourselves and our students. And I for one am looking forward to the Quidditch games. I think our combined school team will be very good."
"They certainly will," McGonagall smiled. Her smile turned sharp. "I am also, more than a little happy, to report that we have outperformed Sanguis in multiple ways."
"They came with a rather small team, of former students," Sprout sniffed.
"While we do not need to enjoy their shortcomings, we also do not need to not enjoy it," Dumbledore said lightly, making everyone chuckle. "Excellent. And there has been no trouble from anyone, has there?"
"Thankfully not," Remus smiled. "Even with the…well, usual pair."
"Thank goodness that Bill is here," McGonagall sighed.
"Yes, probably a deciding factor," Dumbledore laughed.
-0-
"Hogwarts! Hogwarts! Hogwarts!" Harry and his friends cheered.
Part of the grounds were transformed into a Quidditch pitch and the schools were playing against each other. Quidditch was one of, if not the most, popular magical sport and it was clear that the schools played too. The Mahoutokoro team was especially fierce and played very well.
The Hogwarts team had brought stiff competition though. Angelina, Katie, and Timothy Myers from Hufflepuff were the Chasers, Fred and George were the Beaters, Ron was the Keeper, and Cedric was the Seeker. They regularly subbed people in and out from the other Houses for the positions so the team was usually half-fresh and they played very well.
"You know, with how much the teams fight each other during the year, they play together really well," Susan said, clapping her hands.
"School pride is on the line instead of House pride," Hermione said as she cheered when Ron blocked a shot.
"Not to mention they're proving a point in pounding Sanguis into the dust," Tracey said with a big smile. They all cheered once more when Angelina scored against the Sanguis Keeper.
"I am surprised you do not play," Tsumugi remarked. She and some friends from her school sat beside Harry and his friends, as well as Akin and some of his friends from his school. "You fly well."
Harry had flown a little earlier, trying a new broom that a broom maker was letting students fly on. "Thanks! I like flying but not too big on Quidditch. You're a great Seeker, do you play on your school team?"
She nodded. "We have many teams at our school and mine does very well every year."
"We only have four at our school, one per House," Lavender said. "Do you have Houses?"
"What are Houses?" Tsumugi asked. "Not what you live in, yes?"
"We're Sorted into Houses when we get to school our first year. It's the people we live with and go to classes with," Lavender explained. "The Houses are named after the Founders."
"Oh no, we are not separated like that, officially," Tsumugi said. "We have clans, but they are more for recreation or for shared interests. Or certain families are close together based on history and family affairs outside of school."
"We do not do that either," Akin said. "We have groups based on regions and shared communities and cultures, but they are not official either."
"So everyone gets along?" Parvati asked.
The other students laughed at that.
"Not at all," Akin said. "There is still plenty to argue and fight about." He looked at Harry with mild interest. "Are you a mganga?"
"I don't know what that is," Harry said. "Is it a good thing?"
"Yes. Sorry, a shaman," Akin translated. "They are magicals that have an affinity with nature and spirits. Some are particularly close to animals. I ask because Moriti is usually not very friendly with strangers."
Harry looked down at the African wild dog who was resting his head in Harry's lap. The dog looked up at Harry and made a soft noise, crooning happily when Harry scratched his head. "He's very nice," Harry said, continuing to scratch Moriti.
"He's really not," one of Akin's friends said, looking surprised. "I have seen him chase someone around the school for slighting him and our school is a mountain. He is usually very suspicious of people."
"Animals love Harry," Lavender smiled. "Almost every animal that meets him loves him. Even Mrs. Norris."
"A cat that belongs to one of the staff," Pansy said. "She hates everyone but she is surprisingly cordial with Harry."
"The owl looks a little upset," one of Tsumugi's friends observed.
Hedwig did indeed look upset. She was sitting on Harry's head, feathers fluffed with irritation. She clacked her beak at Azuki who was sitting on Harry's shoulder and at Moriti who both gave Hedwig a defiant look.
"She's very possessive," Luna smiled.
"She doesn't act that way with Sunny or Crookshanks," Millicent snickered.
"She's used to sharing with them," Hermione giggled.
"Do not bother the owl," Akin said to Moriti, sighing when the wild dog gave him a flat look and flicked his tail back and forth. "I told him to be nice to your owl. Moriti can be rough."
"I'm not too worried," Harry said easily. "Hedwig doesn't pick a fight unless it's necessary but she can handle herself."
"She's caught a caddok," Parvati said. "Big magical catfish thing. That one was seven feet long and a couple hundred pounds, right?"
"256 pounds," Harry nodded. "Also Hedwig can break a door open by kicking it. Like a regular door. She did it when we were home before coming here. Granted, the door was already a little shaky on the hinge but she kicked it clean off."
"Don't bother Hedwig," Tsumugi said, shaking a finger at her fox. "I don't want to catch you if she kicks you flying."
"We're all friends here," Harry said kindly. He winced a little when Hedwig tugged on a lock of hair. "Some slightly less friendly admittedly."
-0-
"Hello there Sir!"
A goblin in a very neat and sharp looking suit turned and his look of suspicion became one of genuine surprise and delight. "Mister Potter! So good to see you." Leomattok extended his hand and shook Harry's warmly, much to the surprise of the goblin beside him.
"Same here, I thought it was you. Your suit is very nice," Harry smiled.
Leomattok smiled toothily. "Thank you, Mister Potter." He tugged on his lapels a little. "I do adore fine clothing, a hobby of mine. I am happy to see you here. I thought you might be after meeting with Doran and the Britain group. How are you finding Rome?"
"It's beautiful here," Harry said sincerely. "And the food is amazing of course. I got to try fresh pasta and a lot of different sauces here and other dishes. It actually makes me feel good when you said my lasagna was good at the party."
"I do not lie about fashion or food," Leomattok said seriously. "And it was quite good. The tiramisu was good as well. You said it was a family recipe?"
"Oh no Sir, uhm, not so much. But it was my mother's favorite dessert so I hope that I make it well for her," Harry said softly.
"Surely she would not say it is not a good example," Leomattok said with a trace of disbelief.
"I don't think she would." Harry's mood diminished slightly. "She passed when I was very young, and I don't really have many memories of her."
Leomattok turned solemn. "I see, my condolences. Well, as someone who has had it many times, yours is a very fine example. Have you had it before?" He looked surprised when Harry said he had not. "Well, that will not do. I will have some sent to you from my favorite bakery."
"That's really kind of you Sir, thank you," Harry said, touched. "I'd be happy to pay the delivery fee for it."
Leomattok smiled and shook his head. "Consider it a gift, from me to you and yours. You served your finest to me and mine before, allow me to repay the favor. I appreciate your offer however." He winked. "Your colleagues from Gringotts Britain have taught you well."
"They're the best," Harry said proudly. "Thank you, Sir! And if I get a chance to, I'd love to make you something before we leave."
"I look forward to it. You are staying in the train, yes? Very good. I will have some sent for tonight." He waved and bid Harry farewell.
"Who is he?" the other goblin asked.
"The chef I was telling you about," Leomattok replied. "The one that made very good food at the Gringotts Britain party."
"Really? If he is here, he must be a student, still young."
"I thought he was older as well, but obviously not. He has a kind nature and as you see, very polite. Treats goblins well."
"That's rare and interesting," the other goblin remarked.
"Indeed. Let us reward such kindness and thoughtfulness."
-0-
"Oh my goodness," Daphne gasped, licking her lips. "This tiramisu is amazing!"
"Right?! It's rich and delicious but not too heavy," Harry said happily. "It's incredible."
"Where did it come from?" Tracey asked as she continued to eat.
"I saw Mr. Leomattok out there and he said he wanted to give me some because I've never had it before," Harry said. "It was so nice of him. I cooked for him and the delegation from Gringotts Italy during the Christmas Party."
"You never had it before and you make such good ones?" Sue thought for a moment and shrugged. "Actually, doesn't surprise me at all."
"I think yours is still super good," Parvati said. "And I'm not trying to butter you up."
"That's my job," Luna sniffed.
"Right, that and you know I don't say stuff like that if I don't mean it," Parvati continued.
Harry smiled. "Aww thanks guys. Still, I'll admit when I have something that's better than mine. Doesn't mean I won't make it again or try to figure out how to make it better though."
"That's because you're a professional," Pansy smiled. "And why you're good at it."
"That's so nice of Mr. Leomattok sending so much," Millicent said. Everyone had been surprised when a delivery from a bakery appeared with several very large tiramisus. Valentina had said the bakery was known throughout Italy and was top quality as well as somewhat expensive. A rush order like that had to have cost some money.
"He's really cool," Harry said happily. "I'll make him something tasty before we leave. He's really fashionable, wears really nice suits."
"Sounds Italian to me," Blaise smiled. "Impeccably dressed, appreciates the finer things, and is generous."
"So what's your excuse for not being those things?" Millicent asked cheekily.
"Excuse me, I am typically impeccably dressed and I very much appreciate the finer things," Blaise sniffed. "As far as generous, well, I'm half so me missing a third of a quality is actually a point in my favor."
"You did teach me how to dance that day," Harry said. "That was generous."
"I did do that! See?" He looked down his noise at Millicent who replied with a rude gesture. "You know, it has been a long time coming, but thank you, Pansy."
"For what?" Pansy asked, looking confused.
"For convincing us to join you for the Winter Festival. I made a kind and supportive friend that I needed," Blaise said, nodding at Harry.
"See, this is why we're not typically nice to Blaise," Tracey sighed. "He's ungracious."
"And you're an ingrate," Blaise retorted.
"Aren't you going to defend her?" Parvati asked, nudging Hermione.
"She can handle it," Hermione said stoutly. "I believe in her." She flushed when Tracey kissed her cheek.
Harry smiled as he served a second helping of tiramisu to Hedwig, Sunny, and Crookshanks. He sat back and enjoyed listening to his friends banter and squabble, feeling even better when Lavender leaned against him.
-0-0-0-
TheSphynx - It certainly will one way or another. Spoilers. Kind of.
Andi Aradan - More provoke justly instead of bully, maybe. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Not like she needed one lol. No, the ICW are a bit more competent. Generally. Thanks for reading.
odonnellzoo99 - That's true, poor Harry and poor Hedwig. She's so selfish and adorable. I do enjoy the sib relationship she and Padma have with Harry. It's awfully satisfying.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Yup, Tsumugi made an appearance and another name should be familiar today.
alix33 - I liked the idea of the whole train fitting inside the Colosseum so neatly and having its own designated space.
poka - Thank you. Today's chapter should have some really large progression too and I was really happy with how one scene happens. Been sitting on it for a while. Glad you are enjoying it and hope you continue to do so.
TheMatze99 - Hedwig is a little selfish and possessive. Poor Hedwig.
DarkRavie - Thank you so much.
1529 - I just finished writing the arc and was pretty happy with how things progressed and came out. Hope you continue to enjoy it too.
Kaya - Today's chapter should have some really big revelations too.