I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
103rd Course – Start the Showcase
They clustered at the windows, watching the city go by. The Hogwarts Express had arrived in Rome and they gasped in wonder at the city's architecture. The train had merged onto an existing track that magical trains took and they zoomed past with plenty of walking people not noticing them. The buildings gleamed in the sunlight and they saw how close they were to one another.
"Rome is so pretty," Lavender said, staring out the window.
"Definitely feels different from London, that's for sure," Parvati said.
"Oh I see the Colosseum!" Millicent exclaimed.
The Colosseum could be seen in the distance, and it grew larger as they approached. It looked ancient, in a way that felt different to Hogwarts Castle. The crumbling edifice added a sense of resolve to the landmark, a testament of endurance against time and history. The arches ran around the sides of the Amphitheatre and the walls reached up into the sky.
"How are we all going to fit inside?" Hermione asked. "And aren't there tours for exploring the interior?"
"The Showcase is held during a time of repair and rejuvenation," Dumbledore said. "No tours save for some very specific ones with very specific paths. Charms and wards will protect the space within and no one can enter without permission. Members of the Italian Ministry as well as their Aurors will be watching over everything. The Colosseum was an important place for Roman magicals and now Italian ones so the spaces for the magicals inside are much larger. In fact, the dimensions within the Amphitheatre are larger than what the outside shows, yet the walls still encompass the space. It is a marvel of Roman magic that persists to this day."
"Oh, like the Tardis," Ted said with a big smile.
"What's that?" McGonagall asked.
"It's something from a Muggle telly program," Hermione smiled. "It's a police box that's much larger on the inside. It's owned by Doctor Who."
"Doctor who?" Daphne asked, looking confused.
"That's the bloke's name," Dora said. "I've watched it before, it's a bit silly of a program but fun."
"Not a completely foreign concept or ability," Sirius said. "Grimmauld is like that. Still, costs a lot to do and in a place as old as the Colosseum, that's really cool."
"We're still going straight to it," Harry said.
"We'll be going inside and the Express will be parked within. It will serve as our dormitory and home base for while we are here," Dumbledore said. He smiled. "Plus, we will be showing ourselves off a bit, much like Durmstrang and Beauxbatons did when they came."
As the Express came to the landmark, it went down into a tunnel below the ground. Lanterns gleamed outside along the walls of the tunnel as the train puffed through. They felt the train rise slightly and they came up within the building proper. The space within already had a lot of people and their attention was firmly on the Express making a grand entrance. Students wearing all sorts of clothes and uniforms along with all sorts of adults waved and cheered at the shiny black locomotive engine and the bright red and cheery cars behind it. Steam billowed from the smokestack and flags appeared on the top of the train. They had the Hogwarts Crest as well as the symbols of all the Houses.
"There's so many people," Ron gasped.
"I'm sort of intimidated now," Pansy gulped.
Dumbledore looked at them all. "Remember, we were invited here, based on your hard work and merit. You have no reason to be intimidated or to feel lesser, compared to anyone. We are the first in almost a hundred years to be invited back to the Showcase. Take pride in that. We are here through your collective hard work and effort."
He smiled when they all straightened at that, giving everyone an encouraging look. "Trust each other, do your best, and most importantly of all, be safe and be happy. You earned this. Now! Let us not only see what the world has to offer, but to show what Hogwarts has to offer!" He opened the door with a flourish and stepped out.
An ocean of sound slammed into them. Music and chatter from an orchestra of different languages hit them all at once. Dumbledore waved and smiled broadly as very official looking officials approached wearing ICW markings. The others filed out behind him, looking around in wonder.
Harry's eyes were wide as he looked all around. The sheer display of magic here was on a scale like the Ministries of Magic he had visited as well as the Flamel estate, only even more so. The air felt like it was tingling from the amount of magic there. Various objects were flying through the air while clocks hovered in place. Boards and placards floated too, showing off writing in different languages. There were stalls and stands filled with things that he could not immediately recognize. In the far opposite side, a Japanese styled castle stood, looming high and looking like it was built there. Along another part of the colosseum, a large flat mountain side was there, also looking like it belonged. Carved edifices of animals and things decorated the mountain side and windows and openings could be seen.
People of all kinds wearing clothes of all sorts of colors and styles walked around. Some were obviously students like he was, looking young and wearing a uniform of sorts. Others were older and had the same presence that the professors had, that assumed quality of learned acumen. Others looked even older, wizened and erudite, like the Headmaster and the Flamels. After some gawking, he and the other students lined up behind the professors and Dumbledore.
"Thank you for having us," Dumbledore said, bowing politely to the ICW officials that came to them. "It is an honor and a pleasure to be here."
"It is an honor to have you here," a witch said. She wore the long grey robes that all the ICW officials wore, the symbol of the global organization emblazoned over the chest and back. She had long black hair and she took Dumbledore's hand, shaking it heartily.
"Thank you, Director Tong," Dumbledore said happily. "It has been too long since Hogwarts took part in the International Scholastic Showcase."
Huifan Tong, Director of Educational Matters for the International Confederation of Wizards, smiled back. She nodded at the assembled professors and students. "It has been," she agreed. "I was rather surprised to see Hogwarts on the rise and wanting to rejoin the international community. Your efforts have been recognized and are welcomed. I was very much impressed with your performance at the TriWizard last year. I see your Champion is here."
She nodded at a grinning Cedric. She looked around at the rest and Harry was surprised to see her recognize him. "Ah and the winner of your delightful Winter Festival. Lovely bit of stew if I recall." She looked to her side. "Of course, you had a firm supporter here as well."
Drake held a hand to his chest. "I beg your pardon. I hope you are not insinuating anything untoward."
"I absolutely am," Tong said dryly, "in terms of you solely."
"Probably accurately and for the best," Drake conceded with a broad smile. After exchanging some small talk and introductions between the senior Hogwarts staff and the other ICW officials, they all left save for Drake. "A fine entrance," he praised. He looked up at the train. "I see that the special car worked."
"Splendidly well," Nicolas said smugly. "As if there were any question."
"I am sure there were plenty ranging from 'why', 'how much of a fuck Nicolas is being', and 'how much of it was Perenelle's work'." Drake said blandly. He smiled when Harry approached, ignoring Nicolas' indignant look. "Harry! My friend, good to see you. And so many familiar faces, hello hello!"
"Were we the last of the invited schools to arrive?" McGonagall asked.
"Oh yes." Drake pointed at the castle. "Mahoutokoro was first. Those giant storm petrels of theirs brought it over piece by piece and it was built in rapid succession, a very fun display." He then pointed at the mountain edifice. "That is a replica of the mountain that houses Uagadou. Not the same size of course, but of comparable scale. Their staff grew it and carved it to much applause."
"What about Sanguis?" Sirius asked.
Drake's smile of sympathy was wholly insincere. "Arrived with little fanfare I am afraid. They went to the Italian Ministry of Magic and were escorted over with very little pomp and no circumstance. In fact, there was a bit of a miscommunication and you arrived right when they did."
"Oooh dang, what a pity," Sirius snorted.
"It truly was," Drake sighed dolefully. "Many were a little surprised by the lack of splendor from one of the British schools, but thankfully you have salvaged the reputation some with your display."
"I bet that upset them," Flitwick grinned.
"They did look rather put out some," Drake confirmed, sharing Flitwick's obvious glee.
Dumbledore turned and faced the students and the others. "The opening ceremony will be tonight. There will be a speech or so and they will bring some food around. Until then, explore to your heart's content. It is relatively safe." He pointed out the Italian Aurors and the ICW Aurors and what they wore. "If you need assistance, either go to one of them or press the emblem on your cloak. An escort or a professor will come to you as soon as possible. Please, though, show good judgement and stick in groups with at least a professor or a chaperone with you."
"I better follow my brothers," Bill said as the students broke into groups. "They'll listen to me some."
"One of us should always be with Harry too," Sirius said quietly. "Especially if we see anyone from Sanguis close by."
"There'll be plenty of us for that," Dora said softly.
"And there he goes with my sister," Dumbledore sighed.
"Harry, come with me. I see a colleague from Mahoutokoro," Ariana said, arm around Harry's shoulder and leading him away with some of his friends following. "Unlike some, she's decent at teaching potions and you'll like her. She cooks too!"
Snape turned away with a snort and Dumbledore shook his head. "Well, they will be watched over," Dumbledore commented when Primrose and Valentina and Adele followed after.
"Let's get a feel for the place then, just in case," Sirius said.
"Gates and his team are placing some extra protections around our space," Flitwick said. "Standard operating procedures thankfully."
"I ensured for some additional protections," Drake said.
"I'm going to go meet with the local security head," Amelia said. "Make sure we know what's available and the local procedures."
"I'll poke around too," Alastor grunted.
"I'll go about and see what I hear," Rita said.
Dumbledore beamed at them. "We are blessed with such talented and dedicated individuals. Thank you all."
"When can we start?" Perenelle asked, looking off at the tent that was being raised in a faraway space, one that was gleaming white and had the symbol of Sanguis Verus on it. She stared with an expression of undisguised hunger and intensity.
"Soon," Dumbledore said quietly. "We cannot ruin everything by being impatient."
"We are the picture of patience," Nicolas said. His eyes glinted. "While it lasts, anyways."
-0-
"I think I'm in heaven," Lavender said, her eyes large and filled with awe.
While Ariana spoke to her friend, they found themselves where a collection of stalls had set up together. It turned out that they were all clothing and fabric stalls and they had all sorts of beautiful clothing on display. The clothing of magicals from different countries were all laid out or were worn by mannequins, with rolls and bolts of fabric floating about. Patterns and colors of all kinds were out and a lot of people were inspecting them critically. The vendors were showing their wares and were assisting people, letting them try on clothes while espousing the qualities of their things.
Harry smiled, watching his girlfriend and other friends looking through all the clothes and things with undiluted enthusiasm. He wandered about the racks of clothes and cloths and found himself with accessories. He reached out and picked up a ribbon of rich purple material that felt light and smooth. "Would you like one Hedwig?"
Hedwig had been sitting on his shoulder and she fluffed up, nodding. She waddled down his arm to look at the ribbon but stopped all of a sudden, her head turning around and she suddenly jumped off his arm, flapping her wings. She flew behind him and fluttered in the air, giving a warning hiss.
"Hedwig? What's wrong?" Harry spun and saw Hedwig dive at a form on the ground that hopped back, dodging the owl's talons. Harry blinked at the red-furred fox that dodged once more and it bent low to the ground and growled at Hedwig, its tail fluffed up and lashing the air. Long pointed ears flicked back and forth and the fox barked at Hedwig who barked back loudly, undeterred.
"Azuki!" A Japanese girl wearing long sliver robes came dashing up. "Azuki! There you are and what are you doing?!" She gaped at Hedwig who glared at the fox. "Why is your bird bothering my fox?!"
"I don't think Hedwig started it," Harry said politely. "She's very protective though. Your fox was coming at me from behind I think."
The girl looked startled and looked at Harry with surprise. "You speak Japanese?" she asked in accented English.
"I can understand it with this," Harry said, tapping the plug that was in his ear. "It's translating for me."
"Oh, that is very useful," the girl said. She leaned down and scooped up the irate fox. "This is Azuki. She is my fox. My name is Tsumugi Watanabe."
"Harry Potter," Harry said pleasantly. "This is Hedwig." He reached out and plucked her from the air and hugged her close. He hugged her when Hedwig continued to glare at Azuki who was doing the same in return.
"Nice to meet you," Tsumugi said politely. "Azuki normally does not approach strangers. But she is a trickster fox so she does like playing tricks here and there. Mostly stealing little things."
"Hedwig likes to steal things too, but usually only mine," Harry smiled.
Tsumugi smiled too. "All of my things are Azuki's." She looked down at her fox. "Why were you going to bother him?"
Azuki gave her a flat look and looked back at Harry. She stretched out a little, sniffing and looking at Harry's cloak closely. She bared her teeth when Hedwig clacked her beak at the fox.
"Oh, she might have smelled the treats I have on me." Harry reached into his pocket and took out a couple of owl treats. "I make these for Hedwig. They have bacon in them."
"She's usually a picky eater," Tsumugi said with surprise. "Is that what you wanted?" She looked even more surprised when Azuki nodded, licking her chops.
"Do you mind sharing?" Harry asked.
Hedwig glared at him, minding very much.
"I'll make you more tonight, we have the stuff on the train." Harry fed her the bigger one and offered one to Azuki who sniffed it delicately and picked it up daintily before chomping on it with unmistakable enthusiasm.
"What is an owl treat?" Tsumugi asked, smiling at her fox's obvious enjoyment.
"Chickpeas ground and mashed that are mixed with water and honey and some safe spices," Harry said. "These also have pieces of bacon mixed in." He dug out another one and popped it into Hedwig's beak when the owl opened her beak to lambaste Azuki.
"Thank you for sharing," Tsumugi said. She blinked when the fox nuzzled Harry's hand in thanks. "She's almost never this friendly with anyone new!" She looked at Harry and inspected his robes. "You mentioned a train? Are you from Hogwarts?"
"That's right. I'm guessing you're from Mahoutokoro?"
She nodded. "We have heard of Hogwarts of course, but we were surprised to hear of your invitation. According to our instructors, your school has been absent for a very long time."
"We have," Harry nodded. "I'm afraid I don't really know much about your school or the others."
Tsumugi smiled. "You will. We will show just how good Mahoutokoro is and what we are capable of."
"Looking forward to it," Harry said sincerely. "And we'll do our best too."
She looked at him for a moment before nodding. "Then perhaps we will speak again. See you later, Harry Potter." She blinked when Azuki yipped a few times and her eyes widened when Azuki licked Harry's hand. After a short bow she walked off, speaking softly to the fox in Japanese.
"That was strange," Harry murmured. "Ow!"
"Why is Hedwig trying to eat your finger?" Hermione asked, appearing at his side.
"We just met some new people and she's a little irate I shared her treats with one of them," Harry said with a wince. "Hedwig, come on, don't be rude."
Hedwig bit his finger hard again and scolded him with severe barks before she fluttered out of his grasp, landing on his head and yanking his hair irritably.
"I'm going to make more! And I'll get you a ribbon and-ow hey quit it okay, two ribbons!" Harry winced again. "And something shiny!"
"You just wanted to share owl treats with someone?" Hermione asked, smiling broadly.
"Well, not with a human person. A Japanese trickster fox approached and Hedwig and her were about to fight before her owner appeared. Someone from Mahoutokoro. I guess the fox could smell the treats on me?"
"Oh I've read about them," Hermione said enthusiastically. "Trickster foxes are supposed to be really clever and act like messengers. Plus they're really cute."
"She was pretty cute," Harry agreed.
"Who was cute?" Parvati popped up, looking very interested. "Harry Potter and Hermione Granger both agreeing that 'she' was 'cute'?"
"Oh no, don't you twist our words and get us in trouble," Hermione said severely, glaring at Parvati.
"Azuki," Harry smiled, shaking his head. "A Japanese trickster fox, like an actual animal."
"Awww," Parvati said, "I want to see her!"
"I'm sure you will, she belongs to a student from the Japanese school," Harry said. "It looks like she likes to play tricks and get in trouble."
"Sounds like someone we know," Hermione growled.
"Excuse me, I don't get into trouble," Parvati sniffed.
"You fight and get jinxed a lot," Harry observed.
"I meant officially," Parvati clarified. "But I'm gratified to know you think I'm cute. Hey Trace! Your girlfriend thinks I'm cute."
Tracey smiled as she joined them. "I think you're cute, but not my type."
"I'm everyone's type," Parvati gasped.
Harry chuckled and winced once more. "Okay okay! Show me what else you want," Harry said hurriedly. "Stop pulling my hair like that! "
"Why is Hedwig trying to scalp you?" Parvati asked.
"I shared her owl treats with Azuki."
Parvati gasped again. "Poor Hedwig! Let's go find something expensive for you. Something very shiny and befitting an owl of your status." She smiled when Hedwig hopped onto her head. "I think I saw some beautiful necklaces over there. Let's find something Harry can get us to make up for things."
"Wait, why am I getting something for you now?" Harry called after. He sighed and grinned wryly as Hermione and Tracey laughed.
-0-
A series of bells tolled and fires flared into life all around the Colosseum. Conversations died and people turned to look at the center of the open space. A large platform rose and lights illuminated it fully. Tong stood there and smiled broadly.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming," she said, her voice magically amplified to fill the entire space with little effort. "The Department of Magical Education of the ICW is proud to welcome you to this year's International Scholastic Showcase!" She led the applause, and continued when it faded away. "We are happy to see so many familiar faces as well as new ones. To have so many people here who are interested in continued education, to see magical education prosper, is truly heartening. For you are never too old to learn something new, and magic is always changing and even now we are still learning more about it.
"I would like to start things off by thanking the Italian Ministry of Magic for being this year's host to the Showcase." She led the applause once more and lights focused on a few individuals who stood nearby. They wore the colors of the Italian Ministry and they smiled and waved proudly when they found themselves under the spotlight. "Italy and Rome have such a storied history of magical tradition and it is no exaggeration to say that much of our teachings have a foundation established by the Roman Magicals.
"Now, I would like to introduce the demonstrating schools for this year's showcase. As we all know, we regularly invite specific schools to perform and demonstrate their studies to us. First among equals is the oldest school in the entire world, Uagadou!" The lights focused on the mountain edifice and a loud cheer came from the students there and more than a few in the large crowd cheered too before everyone clapped. Drums began to play, a bright sound with a rhythmic beat.
Tong waited for the drumbeat to subside. "Uagadou is not only the oldest, but the largest of the magical schools, teaching students from all over Africa. Her students have achieved many things all over the world and one of the founders of the ICW was one of her most illustrious alumni.
"Next, Mahotokoro!" The lights focused on the Japanese castle and a new drum beat filled the air, deeper than the one from Uagadou with a heavier beat. A loud shout filled the air from her students and they were joined by shouts from the crowd before everyone applauded again.
"One of the other of the ancient schools," Tong said, "with a history that rivals the others. Mahotokoro's students have contributed much to the world of magic as well and are a prominent figure in the international committee.
"It is with great pleasure for me to announce the return of a school that has been missing for far too long," Tong said with a warm smile. "Please, join me in welcoming Hogwarts!" When the magical lights shone on the Express, the engine blew the whistle, filling the air with its loud but pleasant sound. Puffs of smoke left the smokestack and Harry and his friends and the other students cheered as the immense lights on the front blinked on and off, making the crowd laugh with appreciation and they clapped and cheered too.
"They have been sadly absent for nearly a century," Tong said, "but they are finally back. As the third of the ancient schools, it is only right for them to return and it is a joy to see them once more! Her students in the past had been welcome additions to the international community, and it is hoped we will be seeing more of them from now on." She smiled and gestured to the very large tent. "And last but not least, a new school also hailing from the British Isles, welcome Sanguis Verus Academy!"
There was no blast of sound or music at the announcement and the crowd applauded politely, murmuring softly to one another.
"Sanguis is very new, founded within the last few years," Tong said. "I am sure, in time, that they will grow and contribute to the world of Magical Education as well, much like the other schools." She clapped her hands happily and once more, the crowd joined in.
"Tomorrow will start the Showcase proper," she announced. "Feel free to sit in on the workshops and classes that will be held throughout the day as well as the many demonstrations. We encourage all of you to meet your fellow educational enthusiasts and professionals, trade ideas and thoughts and experiences and wares. The ICW Committee will be watching and near the end of the Showcase, we will have a series of final demonstrations from the four schools. Two of the four will be picked to present a final demonstration at the end to finish the Showcase. Thank you all once more for being here, the future is certainly bright!"
She held her arms wide and fireworks shot into the sky, exploding brilliantly. Magical lights flew all about with booms and cracks and pops and people laughed and cheered at the display. Servers started appearing on the grounds and tables of food followed them and people mingled to chat and converse as a general festival-like atmosphere took over.
"Good show with the locomotive," Sirius said. "When I heard the other schools play some music, I was afraid we wouldn't be prepared."
"I confess, I was somewhat unprepared," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Luckily, the Express was ready without us needing to intervene."
"We don't really have school music, do we," Remus smiled.
"I really should bring the school singing club back," Flitwick said. "I always did like it."
"We probably could have conjured some bagpipes, Hogwarts is in Scotland after all," Sprout smiled.
"Heaven forbid that," Nicolas shuddered. "Why would you wish to be associated with such terrible caterwauling?"
"You do not have an opinion on that," McGonagall sniffed severely.
"I have plenty of opinions on many things," Nicolas countered.
"Aww and poor little Sanguis looking ever so new and pathetic," Ariana said with undisguised glee. "Looking so small and brand new without any storied history. So sad!"
"Show a little tact," Dumbledore said with a look.
"No thank you," Ariana replied sweetly.
"Do we wish to so openly antagonize them?" Andromeda whispered.
"Technically we are not," Dumbledore said softly back, looking around surreptitiously
"And technically, the ICW is not either," Drake said smugly. "We are treating them very well. It just pales in comparison because of their lack of legacy."
"And in any case, them being embarrassed and irritated serves us well," Perenelle said. "Keeps them on the wrong foot and making them more susceptible to mistakes."
"Until their last and fatal one," Nicolas said with relish.
"Indeed," Dumbledore nodded. "However, let us enjoy the moment for now and keep our eyes open."
-0-
"Mmm, this all looks really good," Padma said, looking at the platters of food on the table. "Did you get some of everything?"
Harry nodded. "Well Inky did. She got some of everything and brought it to us."
"Well go on, be useful," Daphne said, nudging Blaise. "What are these?"
"I don't know every Italian thing," Blaise protested.
"Yeah, he only half knows Italian things," Tracey snickered.
"Oh I have the info here," Harry said, holding up a small piece of parchment. "Inky asked one of the House Elves who made the food tonight and wrote it down for me."
"Of course she did," Lavender smiled.
"These are arancini," Harry said, pointing at small golden-brown balls. "They're risotto balls." He stopped and looked around. "No one's laughing? Right okay then, they're balls of risotto, which is a rice dish, then fried with cheese in the middle. The sauce is a tomato sauce. Those are bruschetta, seasoned tomatoes and veg on top of bread. That's caponata. It's a salad of tomato, eggplant, onion, olives, capers, and herbs mixed together. And finally, a selection of cured meats sliced thin with mozzarella balls and pickles."
"Mmm, rice balls," Parvati said, munching on an arancini. "Gosh, these are so good! Creamy and cheesy and fried. What's not to like?"
"The bruschetta is so fresh," Daphne said.
"Oooh the caponata is really tangy," Neville said. "I like it. You also eat it on bread looks like."
"I still can't believe we're here," Sue said, looking around. "There're so many people here. I've visited some of the larger magical communities in China before too and I thought those were big."
"Magical Venice and Paris also feel smaller somehow," Pansy agreed. "Not to mention Diagon and Hogsmeade."
"The world is really big," Hermione said. "I mean, I knew that, but to see all the magicals here, it's really intimidating."
"Yeah, but remember what the Headmaster said," Harry said encouragingly. "We were invited here because we earned it. And we have a right to be here and we can show that we're just as good as anyone else in the world. We deserve it."
"Yeah we can," Millicent said with a big smile. "We're not from some no-name place, we're from Hogwarts!" The other nodded and looked resolute, emboldened.
"Speaking of no-name places, anyone run into any of the Sanguidiots?" Ron asked.
"Excellent name," Parvati said, "and not directly. I saw a few walk around though. They're wearing light grey robes with high collars. They look really uncomfortable and ugly."
"I did as well, another reason to be thankful we did not go," Daphne shuddered. She sobered a little. "Recognized them though. Former Housemates."
"Well, like Harry said, we will do our best and prove our worth," Pansy said. "To everyone."
They all nodded in agreement and enjoyed the food and the company without a second thought, ready for the trials to come.
-0-0-0-
Kaya - Yeah, I had to put a lot of thought what I wanted to happen as well as do some research into the schools and see if what I thought of would fit with what we do know of the schools. Hope you continue to enjoy.
61394 - I pretty much envisioned just poaching from Hogwarts and a few new students. His goal was to diminish Hogwarts directly. And you won't have to wait long for the answer to you other question. Thank you.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Glad to help you revisit that memory. I was rrerally happy with the way they're travelling. I thought about it for a while and I came to this, it felt right. Thanks for reading.
odonnellzoo99 - I worked hard on the Showcase. I'm about 6 chapters ahead and I'm about to end this arc so there should be plenty to enjoy. I'm glad you liked the Express. I really liked the idea of the train traveling and making its own tracks.
The Sphynx - Hope you enjoy the fun.
Lucy Elizabeth Dawson - Thank you so much. I'm glad you tried it. I really want to try and make it one day.
alix33 - I thought it would be fun for the train to make it's own tracks like that.
DarkRavie - Thank you.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I thought the magical track layer was a nice touch.
poka - I wanted to give the Showcase a proper showing. I had sat on the idea ever since teasing it way back in first yearr when people didn't even probably register it as a future thing, a treat for rereads. I hope you like it.
scpotter - You won't have to wait longer.