I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

And here we are, to the Showcase! This was teased way back in year 1 and I've been waiting for us to get here. This is probably some of the most ambitious writing I've done because I made up a lot of new things and had to work and thread it with what we do know on the wikis. I really hope you all like it. I haven't finished writing this arc yet but I can say, spoilers, some pretty big things happen and some of the later chapters are all a little longer than normal. Hope you all enjoy and have a lovely weekend!

-0-0-0-

A Taste of Magic

102nd Course – On Track

"Thought I would find you here," Andromeda snorted, walking into the kitchen at Grimmauld. "There usually is no reason for you to be out of bed this early on a day off."

"I slept over last night," Dora said with full cheeks. "Less of a commute that way."

"Indeed," Andromeda said, deeply amused. She kissed Dora on the forehead and hugged Harry and kissed him too. "Good morning, love!"

"Good morning, Auntie Andi!" Harry replied, hugging her tightly back. "Full plate?"

"Please," Andromeda smiled. She sat beside Dora and took one of Dora's pieces of butter fry bread, ignoring her daughter's outburst and glare. She munched on it and smiled when Harry gave her a very full plate of full English breakfast and Harry added two more pieces of bread to Dora's plate. "Mmm, delicious as always."

"Thanks Harry," Sirius smiled when he walked in and Harry set a plate in front of him. "How'd you think you did on O.W.L.s?"

"I think I did pretty good," Harry said. "Thanks again for all of you coming to help tutor."

"Of course, that's what family does," Sirius said, hugging him. "It's actually kind of fun. Not something I'd do as a career but I might continue to do it through the year. Even after you leave school."

"The Headmaster will appreciate it," Harry said. He sat down to eat with everyone too, moving his bacon and sausages to the side of the plate for Hedwig to take some despite her own plate having food on it.

Sirius devoured a whole fried egg in one big bite, chewing and swallowing. "I'm pretty much done with my work stuff so I can focus on being a proper chaperone for the Showcase. I'm actually in charge of the escorts and chaperones."

"Really? Why?" Dora asked cheekily.

"Probably because Andi will be there too," Sirius said and Andromeda nodded with lordly grace. "But also because I apparently helped manage a few extra contributions here and there, especially from the prominent Pureblood families still at Hogwarts. They've actually let me do most of the official work for them. Their revenge for convincing them to stay I'm sure."

"Sorry," Harry grinned.

"Eh, you're forgiven if you give me more eggs." Sirius smiled when Harry put another fried egg and a spoonful of scrambled eggs. "You're forgiven! But I don't mind. It helps me feel important."

"You are important," Harry frowned.

"I know, but I also like feeling it too," Sirius winked.

Andromeda rolled her eyes. "Who are the final escorts?"

"You and Ted, me, Remus is a teacher so he doesn't count, Primrose and Tina and Adele are representing the recovering Purebloods, Alastor, Ariana, Bill Weasley is coming as one, and Steven Li who's an older cousin of your friend Sue. Oh and the Flamels of course."

"There's going to be an Auror team," Dora said thickly through a mouthful of mushroom and tomato. "Boss' Boss Lady is coming as Team Lead. Me, Kingsley, Proudfoot, and Vance round out the team."

"Wow, that's pretty big, right?" Harry asked.

Sirius nodded. "There's going to be a lot of people at the Showcase so the Ministry thought it would be good to have a full Auror team as both protection and appearance. Some of the Department of Education people will be showing up too but they have their own arrangements and protection details. I think Fudge is going to try and make an appearance."

He made a snooty gesture with his fork. "The Ministry has been eating out on this for the last year. Normally Britain is kinda ignored and looked down on by the ICW and the International community. They're seeing this as a chance for Britain to become relevant again."

"So no pressure," Harry gulped.

"None from us," Andromeda smiled.

"Oh and get this, Gringotts is sending some reps and they're going to be traveling with us," Sirius said with undisguised glee. "When the Ministry said it wasn't proper for them to do that, the liaison from Gringotts said they didn't care. That they were going to safeguard their interests."

"I think that means you," Dora whispered loudly, looking at Harry with an exaggerated expression.

"That's another big thing, isn't it?" Harry asked, feeling touched.

"Very," Andromeda said. "Most, well all really, goblin clans typically do not align themselves to magicals in general. They usually make a distinction for individual magicals and not organizations or groups. Gringotts usually more so. Traveling with us so publicly shows considerable trust and influence."

"And Sanguis Suckademy doesn't have any of this," Sirius said smugly.

"Wow," Harry said. "How are we getting to Rome anyways? Lots of portkeys? Super big Floo?"

"For some groups, you'd usually do that," Sirius nodded. "There are other ways though but I know our way of getting there will be both familiar and flashy. I won't ruin the surprise quite yet."

"Not even for more food?" Harry wheedled. He laughed at Sirius' clear look of uncertain indecision. "I'm kidding. I'll wait." He loaded Sirius' plate with more breakfast.

"Thanks," Sirius laughed. "You'll love it, I guarantee it."

-0-

Dumbledore walked into his office and stopped, sighing deeply. "What are you doing?"

"Organizing my things and packing," Ariana said in a matter-of-fact tone. She was surrounded by all sorts of things and clothes and a large trunk sat beside her with its top open. "What does it look like?"

"Why are you doing that here?" Dumbledore asked, picking his way through the maze of things to get to his desk.

"You have more room here," Ariana said. She held up a cloak and inspected it. "Not to mention I can just leave the trunk here when I'm done to be packed."

"Fair enough," Dumbledore conceded. He sat at his desk and watched her for a moment. "When was the last time you cleaned that trunk out?"

"This one? Been a while. Hence the mess," she said blithely. "I'm not using my normal travelling trunk."

"Why are you using this one?"

"Has more space for holding things, you know, just in case."

Dumbledore snorted. "Well, at least we will not be lacking for space. There will be ample room for things and people."

"Ooh so I can pack another trunk?"

"If you so desire, but you will be responsible for it all."

"I'll just take half of your trunk then," she said, smiling as he snorted again. "Are things pretty much set up and ready?"

"Yes, essentially. The school will be well protected and watched over. The professors are ready. The small group of Hogwarts House Elves accompanying us have been selected. The school uniforms will be finished and ready. And the teams are selected and finalized."

"Ooh, how do those look?"

"Very good." Dumbledore spread several pieces of parchment on his table and Ariana came over to look. "Each class has a few students representing them, a mix of fifth, sixth, and a few seventh years. They will take the classes at the showcase and show off their knowledge scholastically. And we have decided upon the ones we want to be in the practical demonstrations."

"I see a lot of familiar names on these lists," Ariana said approvingly.

"Yes, they have performed quite well all year," Dumbledore said proudly.

"And Harry's been picked to represent the school at large for the final?" Ariana asked.

"Yes, he has my full faith and support," Dumbledore said confidently.

"Of course, he's our boy," Ariana said proudly. Her smile faded a little and she looked at her brother seriously. "And what about dealing with short-thread?"

"Short-thread?" Dumbledore asked, confused.

"You know, Quirrell-Riddle-Fuckface." She smiled at Dumbledore's third and deepest and richest snort yet. "I never know what to call him so I decided to think of him as coming to the end of this thread and we're Atropos. Not to mention Drake said he's coming apart at the seams and barely holding himself together."

"A bit grim of a metaphor but apt," Dumbledore nodded. "Well, I hope to have things dealt with before the end of the Showcase. I know the perfect way to draw him out and if I am successful, it should drain his stamina and make him more desperate."

"Which means he'll make that last mistake," Ariana said approvingly. "But desperate magicals are especially dangerous."

"I know," Dumbledore said quietly. "But this will be the best way to deal with him once and for all. He will be out of his element, without the majority of his supporters-"

"And surrounded by his enemies, namely, us," Ariana said. "And he's being forced to maintain appearance so he can't exactly go wild either, until it's too late."

"That is my hope," Dumbledore said quietly. "I admit, there will still be a lot up to chance. We cannot control every variable or plan for everything, but this is the best I can come up with."

"It'll work," Ariana said confidently. "With all of us there, no way it won't."

"Thank you," Dumbledore said softly, smiling at his sister.

"Besides, I doubt that'll be the hardest part of the plan."

"Drawing him out? No. Before he was more cautious but he has been more impatient and reckless as of late. And he always did like attention." Dumbledore took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "What do you think will be the hardest part?"

"Deciding who gets to finish the bastard off," Ariana said. "Drake and Nicky and Penny have been arguing about it for a long time now, and Sirius and Remus and Andromeda have thrown in as well. Me too of course. I want the satisfaction in killing him for good."

"I am staying out of that argument," Dumbledore said firmly. "For I know I will never hear the end of it and with three of you lot being functionally immortal, never hearing the end of it will be quite literal."

"Hey! I'm your little sister! You should be favoring me!"

"Why do you think I have not kicked you out of my office yet?" Dumbledore smiled.

-0-

Harry looked around the Great Hall. It was the day they would be leaving for the Showcase and he, Sirius, Remus, and the Tonkses came to Hogwarts early. Everyone going on the trip were meeting there before leaving for their transportation together. The space had been marked off with a corner dedicated to luggage and baggage and things, another for people to get their final fittings for the school uniforms, and a long table filled with treats for people to snack on while they waited.

"I have to say, I really like these uniforms."

Harry turned and smiled as Parvati and Padma walked up. They were wearing new uniforms provided by the school. All the students wore grey shirts and black pants or skirts but instead of colored ties, the ties were black as well. They all had new overrobes that went down to mid-thigh. The Hogwarts crest was lovingly embroidered over the heart with their House color and symbol having special gem-hued thread sewn through it, making them shine and pop a little more compared to the rest.

"They're comfy too," Parvati said, twirling a little and admiring how the overrobe flared out a little. "Makes up for not having a House tie."

"It's supposed to show school solidarity without the differentiation of the different Houses," Harry said.

"So we can look united to the rest without showing how we normally fight each other for points," Padma laughed.

"We don't even do that these days really," Parvati snorted.

"That's true," Padma said. "Do we know who's coming?"

"Pretty much our friend group for the fifth years," Harry said. "Katie, Alicia, Angelina, and the Weasley twins are too for the rest of the Gryffindors as well as Ginny. There's apparently a small Quidditch league thing too so they made a school team and they're coming to be on it as well as their individual subjects. I know Cedric is as well, and Cho. Couple more from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, but I'm don't know them really. And Luna."

"That's a pretty big team," Padma said.

"Yeah, we're lucky to have all the contributors so we can bring a few more," Harry said.

"Nice," Parvati said. "I'm so excited to see Rome. We haven't gone before."

"Not sure we'll get much time to sight see," Harry said.

"Eh, even so, it'll be cool," Parvati said with a shrug. "And I fully expect you to learn Italian cooking things and we get to benefit from it."

"Me? Learn to cook something?" Harry gasped theatrically.

"Weird, right?" Parvati laughed.

"Oh, Mum and Dad want us to thank Mr. Black for being head chaperone," Padma said. "Or does he prefer Lord Black?"

"From us? Sirius honestly. For people he doesn't know or care about, Mr. Black. From people he doesn't like, Lord Black," Harry said. "He still thinks it's funny that people are looking up to him to be watching us behave ourselves. He actually had a fit about it the other day, something about becoming one of the enemy. As in being responsible and the like."

He smiled while the Patils giggled. "Auntie Andi made it worse by pointing out that he's in a relationship with the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. He said it was a good thing that he's normally contrary as it is."

"Well our parents are pretty happy, they like Sirius and Mr. and Mrs. Tonks," Parvati said. "Grandmum said she wasn't worried. She knew you'd take care of us."

Harry felt very warm and touched by Durga's faith. "Of course, sibs," he declared. His smile grew when the sisters threw an arm around his shoulders from either side and he reciprocated the gesture, feeling even warmer.

Others began to arrive and do their fittings and put their things to the side. Harry waved when Flitwick walked over. "Hello Sir," he said warmly.

"Hello Harry," Flitwick greeted just as warmly. "Excited?"

"Sure am! Oh by the way, do you know who is coming with us from Gringotts?"

"Not exactly," Flitwick said. "I know it's a smallish delegation but a substantial one. Doran for sure."

"Oh no, what's the Director going to do without Doran for a few days," Harry laughed.

Flitwick laughed too. "Get his own food and answer his own messages for a bit, the horror." He shook his head a little.

"Why is Doran coming though? Isn't he the Director's assistant?"

"Yes, but more than just that. He's more of a khabor."

Harry thought for a moment. "Axe bearer?" he translated.

"Very good," Flitwick praised. "But yes. Axe bearers are very important. They are a Head's closest confidant as well as their personal assistant. They also act with their authority."

"That's a really important thing, isn't it?"

"Oh yes. You see, traditionally, the khabor is responsible for the Head's most favorite and prized weapon and also defends their Head with their life. So they have to be skilled and intelligent." He gave Harry a meaningful look. "Quite frequently, a khabor also knows how to use their Head's style of weapon if need be and are very dangerous."

"Doran's so nice though," Harry said.

Flitwick snorted deeply. "To you he is," he smiled. He looked over as a group of goblins came walking into the Great Hall. "Ah, speaking of the gems, here they shine." He and Harry waved as the goblins saw them and came over. "Oh no," he groaned softly.

"Give us a hug, Harry dear," Dee smiled and crushed Harry in a firm embrace. "Good to see you!"

"Great to see you," Harry wheezed. "I didn't know you were coming!"

"I'm representing Main Kitchen One and the StoneHeart clan," Dee said, looking very assured of herself. "Sadly none of the Crew could come so I told Diggy I would. You're practically one of us anyways, StoneHearts."

"Really?" Harry gasped.

"Was it even a question? You're a good boy and a descendant of William Potter, we care about you." She flicked her fingers at the other goblins. "And someone has to keep these ones in line."

"Indeed," Doran smiled. "While Diamonda is not one of the higher bank officials, she still commands the respect of all of them."

"More like fear," Gates muttered. He smiled insincerely at Dee's look. "How you doing, lad?" he asked, smiling sincerely at Harry.

"Doing well, thanks. Good to see you and your team," Harry said happily.

"Glad to be here," Gates said and his team nodded in agreement. "Gotta make sure Gringotts Britain is represented right and all her employees treated right."

"Not to mention enjoying a few days of traveling in luxury and eating quite well," Doran added with a sardonic smile.

"Someone's gotta enjoy it," Gates snorted. "Might as well be us. We'll still be watching things and working proper. We know our business."

More and more people arrived and the Great Hall filled with noise and activity. Despite holding a bare fraction of people it normally did, it was as loud as a Feast day and seemed all the fuller due to the luggage and things. People walked about and chatted and laughed with one another, excited for the upcoming new experience and adventure.

"Well well well," Rita said, coming over to Harry with a smile. "How are we feeling, Harry dear? Excited? Nervous? Determined?"

"Can I determine that later?" Harry asked, making Rita snort. "A bit of both really, but looking forward to traveling. I've only traveled once before, last year actually for the first time, and am looking forward to doing it again with friends and family."

"A fine answer," she replied. "I'm looking forward to traveling in luxury and to all the potential stories that I'm sure will be coming."

"Hopefully interesting ones, but not too interesting," Harry remarked. He smiled when she snorted and walked away with a friendly wave.

"Hey Harry!" Sue came over with a young man following behind her. He was tall and stocky with short straight black hair and warm brown eyes. "This is my cousin, Steven. Steven, meet Harry."

"Pleased to meet you," Steven said pleasantly, offering his hand. He shook Harry's with enthusiasm. "So you're the one that can cook Chinese food too?"

"Only because Sue and Mrs. Lin have been teaching me," Harry said with a smile. "Your family recipes are amazing."

"Wish there was someone like you when I was here," Steven laughed. "Boy, I missed Chinese food while I was here. I ate so much on breaks and gobbled up what could be sent through the post."

"Thanks for coming and being an escort," Harry said.

"Happy too. Sue's my favorite cousin. Besides, the things I hunt for are dangerous enough so I think I can handle some kids." He ruffled Sue's hair and jumped back with a laugh when she kicked at him.

"You're a Hunter? I have some friends who'd love to talk to you," Harry said. He whooped with surprise when someone tackled him from behind, hugging him tightly. He smiled, recognizing the feeling of the hug and twisted a little to hug them back. "Hi Lavender!"

"Hi Harry!" She kissed him on the cheek, making him blush with pleasure. She then presented hers to him, batting her eyelashes. She beamed when he flushed even deeper but kissed her cheek back willingly.

"Ew, you're so gross," Parvati said, sticking her tongue out at Lavender.

"So are you but at least I don't say it," Lavender said, sticking her tongue out back.

"No, by all means, say it," Padma said.

After everyone had arrived and finished getting things situated, Dumbledore stood in front of them with a smile that went from ear to ear. "I never thought I would see this day," Dumbledore said with sincere warmth. "To see Hogwarts invited once more to the International Scholastic Showcase, all of us united in purpose, to show what we can do to the international community. It is wonderful."

He opened his arms wide. "All of you should feel proud of yourselves. You are here through your own merits as well as the teamwork and the connections you have made with one another. Here, right now, is a shining example of what Wizarding Britain can accomplish and it is a model for the future. And our future is bright indeed. I see people from all walks of life, from all backgrounds, and see everyone here for a common goal, to benefit ourselves and each other, to enrich our lives and our future."

He held a hand to his heart. "I salute each and every one of you. Thank you, for your sacrifice and your efforts." He started to clap his hands and everyone joined in, applauding sincerely.

He waved his wand and a large blackboard appeared beside him. Words appeared all over it, written by an invisible hand and a drawing of a very famous structure appeared too. "As you know, we will be heading to Rome, where the Showcase is being held this year. More specifically, the Colosseum will be the stage. It once held the great games and gladiator battles of Ancient Rome, and it will be a fitting place for us to learn of the world and to show what we can do.

"This is the schedule for the classes and workshops. You students have been divided among them based on your likes and your abilities. Here you will ask questions and answer them, treat them as you would a class here. A few of you have been selected for other events as well." He winked at the Quidditch players who preened a little. "Those selected for demonstrations will perform at the designated times."

He looked fondly at Harry. "Harry Potter will represent Hogwarts as a whole for the final demonstration if we are so chosen, as well as some other ones. I trust no one will object to this?"

"Can I object to it?" Harry joked feebly, making everyone laugh.

"You can do it," Lavender said brightly.

"We believe in you," Pansy smiled.

Dumbledore chuckled. "Do not worry Harry. Unlike the TriWizard, you do not stand alone. We will all support you."

"Lucky," Cedric said with a smile.

"Hey, you chose to be a Champion," Harry retorted.

"The professors and the escorts will always be nearby for classes and demonstrations," Dumbledore continued. "I do ask that when you go exploring, do not go alone and if at all possible, go with one of the escorts. We also are blessed by an Auror Team led by Director Bones." He nodded to Amelia and the Aurors beside her.

He sobered slightly. "There will be a lot of magicals there. Students from all the major schools with three of them having more of a presence, the others that have been invited to specifically demonstrate at the Showcase. There will also be many ICW members and others interested in academia. While I do not anticipate any trouble or danger to the vast majority of you," he paused at that, "I do want everyone to be safe. Trust each other, look out for one another, but rest assured, we will be watching out for you too."

His smile returned. "Well then. Let us start our grand adventure! Follow me everyone!"

With a cheer, they did. They followed Dumbledore out of the Great Hall and out of the castle, making their way down the path leading away.

"How are we getting there?" Blaise asked. "I hope our flying carriage is better than the Beauxbatons one."

"Ooh, flown by dragons?" Luna asked.

"If only," Hagrid sighed wistfully.

"Let's hope it's not the Knight Bus," Sirius said.

"Don't even joke about that," Remus shuddered.

"Wait, where's Grandmother and Grandfather?" Harry asked worriedly. "Are they meeting us there?"

"No, they are putting on the finishing touches to our transportation," Dumbledore smiled. "And here we are!"

"We're going on the Hogwarts Express?" Hermione gasped. The familiar and favored train looked a little different. The cars connected to the gleaming locomotive looked different from the usual passenger cars, especially the one behind the engine car. "Are there tracks from here to Rome?"

"Not technically," Dumbledore said. "We can take the usual track to England of course and past London. Actually, the Hogwarts Express can run on any mostly level ground. Much less smoothly and efficiently of course, but it can, it has in the past. It can even go over water and fly to a degree, well, hover is more correct, but it costs considerable amounts of magical energy and fuel to do that and it is very slow."

Nicolas appeared, wiping his hands clean. "We came up with a better alternative," he said with unmistaken pride. He pointed at the large car behind the engine. "That is a track assembler and disassembler. It will actively build a magical track ahead of the train and then take the track apart after we pass by. It is set to build out several miles and leave several miles intact while taking apart the rest. The tracks can be built on almost any surface, within reason of course considering elevation and stability. But it will go smoothly and safely over water."

"We will be using the ley lines," Perenelle said, climbing out of the special car and leaping to the ground gracefully. "There will be plenty of ambient magic along those lines and they lead directly to Rome so it will be perfect. The train will go slower than usual, but faster than going over untracked ground and water and air."

"That's amazing," Harry gasped.

"Yes, praise me more," Nicolas said happily. He grinned when Perenelle rolled her eyes at him. "It will take around a day to arrive at Rome, give or take a few hours depending on weather and terrain. But we will arrive in comfort and more importantly, style." He and Perenelle lapped up the attention that the others showed at the marvelous plan.

"How long did it take to come up and implement the idea?" Amelia asked with great interest.

"The idea was actually fairly simple," Nicolas said. "Actually, I found an example of it with ancient Roman architecture and road building. Turns out they had magics to help make their roads. It was fairly simple to translate it into making tracks. We spent considerable time making sure it was efficient and safe for the train however. A lot of testing."

"Did you test it with the Express a lot?" Andromeda asked.

"We made an engine at our home estate and tested it exhaustively there," Perenelle said. "Blinky also was instrumental in acting like a train for us."

"Did she come?" Luna asked.

"Sadly not," Perenelle said, smiling at Luna's pout. "We did not wish to make her uncomfortable for the duration of the trip. But we will bring her over the summer once more for visiting, after the Showcase."

"Feel free to decide on sleeping arrangements," Dumbledore said. "There are plenty of sleeping cars and they can be changed about some for families and friends."

"Oh and there is a fully functional kitchen car," Perenelle smiled to a delighted Harry. "We will move it to be next to where you choose to sleep."

"This is going to be so cool," Millicent said happily.

-0-

The first part of the journey was very much like any trip back to London from Hogwarts and Hogsmeade station. It was a little strange not walking through the passenger cars with the familiar sitting compartments full of comfortable benches and seats and overhanging luggage racks. The majority of the back cars had the same hallway but had sleeping rooms instead where some had beds that could be folded up or more sturdy ones that were always out, built firmly into the car. Each car had a set of bathrooms with showering capabilities too.

There was a large dining car with tables and another passenger car that was filled with seats and long open windows. The very back was the luggage car and where the elves had their own sleeping rooms. The aforementioned kitchen car was narrow like all train cars but was well set up and laid out.

The track car was a wonder to walk through. Ties and rails lined the walls and the bottom of the car was open to the air. Nicolas and Perenelle showed them how it worked and magic would assemble a long section of rails and the whole section would fly out the bottom and line up at the front of the train. Ones behind would be sucked up by the magic of the dissembler and be taken apart and stored. The pieces slowly moved up the length of the car to be reassembled and sent out before eventually returning.

The train had made it past London in a shorter amount of time than it normally would take and everyone had crowded at the windows to watch as the train left the established tracks to keep on going over bare ground. They gasped and cheered when they saw the tracks being assembled in front of the train's path and the trip over the magic rails was nice and smooth. Like the Flamels said it would, the train did slow down at this point, but the motions were very smooth and felt safe. A large number of the passengers gathered in the free sitting car while the Flamels gave a brief description of how the magics worked together and what they did to do parts of the process.

Everyone divided themselves into the sleeping cars. Most of the friends shared the same compartments and the escorts and chaperones did the same as well as the teachers and the goblins respectively. Harry and Dora had one together at the end of the cart that Sirius, Remus, Andromeda, and Ted took. They decided to take the first of the sleeper cars so that they did not have to move the kitchen car.

People typically congregated in the main sitting car or the dining car if they were not in their sleeping compartments, some of the cars having smaller sitting rooms for smaller groups to interact with some privacy. Harry also spent a lot of time in the kitchen car, to no one's surprise, and he was rarely alone when he was.

"I can't believe we're on a train going over the ocean!" Hermione said brightly. "Magic is amazing!"

Daphne smiled at her expression. "How do Muggles normally travel overseas?"

"Well there is a train that goes through the Chunnel, the channel tunnel," Hermione said. "That does go from London to Paris. Otherwise they fly in airplanes or some take a cruise ship. But the latter is more to stay on the ship and visit ports they go to."

"Can you see fish in the Chunnel?" Luna asked.

"Sadly not," Hermione smiled. "The train doesn't run in water."

"That's a missed opportunity," Luna sniffed.

"I'm glad with how smooth things are," Tracey said. "I can get pretty seasick but I feel just fine on the Express."

"Too bad we won't be visiting one of the other schools on the Express for a TriWizard," Blaise said. "I bet that would be quite impressive."

"They had to build the tracks in the past too, when they went or would go close and get the rest of the way there another way," Harry said. "The Headmaster told me. But Grandfather and Grandmother are letting Hogwarts keep the special car for future use."

"That's a lot of sandwiches," Parvati remarked, seeing the large platter of sandwiches that Harry was making. She looked at him and reached out for one.

"Here, take one of these," Harry smiled, pushing another plate to her. "I'm making them as snacks. There's a pretty big game of cards going on right now and it's getting pretty competitive."

"Oh yeah? Who's playing?" Padma asked as she nibbled on a bacon sandwich.

"Grandfather, Sirius, Auntie Ari, Gates, Dee, Professor Flitwick, Miss Tina, and Mr. Shacklebolt," Harry said. "And it's intense, they're throwing around some serious money."

"Mother loves to gamble," Blaise groaned. "And she's good at it."

"So is Auntie Ari and I've heard Dee is too," Harry said. "The Headmaster made them play in the second sitting car so that none of the students could see and hear them."

"They're that bad?" Sue asked.

"Let's just say what I heard them say in Gobbledegook is pretty rough," Harry laughed. "And no, they aren't cheating. They're using it to insult each other."

"Mother loves to do that too," Blaise groaned. "And she's really good at it. I didn't know she was fluent in Gobbledegook, however."

"Grandfather and Auntie Ari and Professor Flitwick are translating for the others," Harry said, shaking his head. "I'm going to take these down. Be right back." He left the kitchen car with the platter of sandwiches and made his way to the impromptu gambling car.

"Hello, love," Andromeda smiled when she opened the door for him. "My, those look wonderful. Thank you."

"Wow, it got bigger and more intense," Harry said, looking over at the table. Bill and Amelia had joined and they were all talking loudly and made lots of hand motions with plenty of smiles and laughter. "Is someone winning?"

"Ariana is winning the most, followed by Miss Dee," Perenelle said, hugging Harry. "Sirius has lost the most."

"At least he looks like he's enjoying himself," Harry said, smiling as his godfather threw his cards down in disgust and exchanged a sharp word with a grinning Gates, making them both laugh.

"He can afford to lose too," Ted chuckled, "thankfully."

"I hope you do not get a taste for gambling," Perenelle said, giving Harry a look.

"Not really, unless you count mystery pies," Harry said.

"That sounds like fun," Ted said after Harry explained what it was. "We should do that one night when we get back."

After delivering the sandwiches and saying hi to the card players, Harry returned to the kitchen car where the others were munching on the sandwiches and were preparing more ingredients and things for his return.

"I wonder what the other schools will be like," Ron said as he helped wipe down a counter. "I really don't know much about them at all."

"That's going to be part of the fun, learning about the other schools, especially the ones demonstrating with us," Sue said.

"I wonder who is coming from Sanguis," Neville mused. "Or if they're coming in a fancy way."

"They are using portkeys," Daphne said. "Father told me, something he heard in passing."

"This is way more fun, and cooler," Susan said. "Also, we'll beat them, like we did during the TriWizard."

"I'm sure we will," Pansy said solemnly. She shared some of her bacon sandwich with Hedwig who cheeped with thanks as she munched. "We will prevail."

"Yeah, what she said," Parvati said confidently.

-0-

"Are you okay?!"

Dora had walked into the sleeper compartment and after a double-take, had tripped and crashed in the wall hard. Harry, as well as anyone that knew her, knew Dora was somewhat clumsy here and there and her usual accidents usually did not warrant any concern. This time, the sound of her hitting the wall was loud and she looked more dazed than usual.

"What? Me? Yeah I'm fine, not even a bump." Dora scrambled to her feet and her smile was from ear to ear. "Soooooooooo," she drawled, her voice that perfect mix of sing-song with hints of sibling malice and traces of pure glee, "are you two a thing now?"

Harry looked down while Lavender looked up. They had been sitting together on Harry's bed, With Lavender leaning back into him. They flushed identically as they realized the state they were in. "Uh, yeah," Harry said, cheeks pink. "We're..." He looked back at her. "We've been on a few dates now, right?"

"Oh, uhm, I thought of you as my boyfriend after the second one," Lavender confessed, her face red. "And yes, I counted the dinner at the Hog's Head as our second one and also yes, I'm a bit of a hippo. Hypocrite I mean."

"Brilliant," Harry smiled goofily. "They us thing, not the you're a hippo thing. You're most definitely not." He looked up at Dora again. "I'm Lavender's boyfriend."

"Gosh you two are disgustingly cute," Dora grinned. She looked concerned. "You're not going to abandon me, right?"

"What? No, never!" Harry said indignantly.

"Good," Dora said brightly. She looked at Lavender. "Harry and I snug a lot. That okay?"

"Of course," Lavender smiled.

"Also good," Dora said brightly. Her smile turned sharp and her hair became long and black, her eyes sapphire blue. "You break Harry's heart figuratively; I break your heart literally. We clear?"

"Dora! Don't threaten my girlfriend!" Harry exclaimed.

Lavender shivered a little at Dora's open expression but she smiled and nodded. "I won't hurt him. At least, not on purpose. I promise."

Dora relaxed, hair turning pink and spiky and her features became merry once more. "Good! Glad we're all on the same page. Besides, I like you and your little sibs so it's all good." She winked at them. "I'll give you two the room. Want me to ward it shut to keep others out or from noticing?"

"We were just sitting together!" Harry said.

"Just being a good older sister," Dora laughed. "Does anyone else know?"

"Our friends do," Lavender giggled.

"Ooh I can't wait till the adults find out. Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Dora made an exaggerated zipping motion in front of her mouth and her lips shrank into a thin line. She then took very large steps to leave, making a show of closing the door behind her after drawing the curtains to cover the windows. They could hear her laugh as she ran down the hall after Harry threw a pillow at her.

"She's fun," Lavender laughed. "Though I'm pretty sure she taught Clover and Marigold some things and they've played some pretty decent tricks on me since they started chatting."

"She's the best older sister," Harry sighed, smiling ruefully. "She's going to tease us for so long though."

Lavender wriggled a bit, snuggling back into Harry comfortably. "It'll be worth it."

He rested his head on hers. "Totally worth it."

-0-0-0-

Arnie1701 - They'll make an impressive appearance, spoilers.

Kaya - Thank you so much.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - So many owls and all of them wonderful, except for the tests, but at least they werer funny. That's a really good point. The Claws and the Gryffs must get more exercise. Thanks for reading.

odonnellzoo99 - That joke will never get old for me. I liked doing the OWL chapter in Family and thought it would be fun to explorer here too.

l4w - Indeed, yay milkshakes.

DustieDaven - Good to see you. Glad you are still enjoying it, even on a reread. Hope you continue to enjoy.

DarkRavie - Thank you.

poka - Oh sure, It's best to try and succeed on your own merits, but it's always nice to have help when you can.

TheSphynx - Thank you. Here is the start of the Showcase and hope it meets your expectations.

alix33 - I love soup dumplings. Dangerous and delicious food.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - First single Patronus did grow to fight the Dementors, but I thought it would be funnier for the Patronus to appear as giant first this time before splitting. You just might get to see them, spoilers.

Uber Ghidorah - Those sound tasty. And you won't have to wait too much longer.

Xissel - Thank you forr the kind words. I really like plausible stories so I try my best to weave things together well. I'm so happy to hear you might try some recipes and hope you find them tasty. We haven't seen it yet, but maybe one day Harry won't love something. Thank you for reading.

Guest - Hope you enjoy today's fluff.