A Taste of Magic

Chapter 108: 108th Course - Magic's Meaning

"Good morning," Tsumugi said brightly.

Harry smiled back. "Good morning," he replied. He and Dumbledore had arrived to the central platform and saw Tsumugi and an older wizard in golden robes waiting there. "Sir, this is Tsumugi Watanabe." He looked at the other pair. "And this is Professor Dumbledore."

"A pleasure to meet you," Dumbledore smiled, bowing sincerely before offering a hand to Tsumugi. "Your duel was spectacular to see and I have enjoyed watching you play Seeker. I am excited to see your team play against Hogwarts later."

"Thank you," Tsumugi beamed. "This is our Headmaster, Ujio Sanada Sensei."

"Quite nice to meet you both," Sanada said warmly, bowing and shaking Harry's and Dumbledore's hand. "Of course, you need no introduction, Sir," he said respectfully to Dumbledore. "I am glad to see Hogwarts back on the International stage and hope to converse with you on the regular."

"I would like that very much," Dumbledore smiled.

Sanada looked down at Harry. "And thank you for being so kind to our students. I hear that you and Sota traded cooking topics?"

"Sota's a great cook and it's been wonderful getting to know him, Tsumugi, and Chiyo," Harry said brightly. "Oh and Azuki too."

Sanada smiled wryly. "I am impressed to hear that Azuki treats you well."

"She likes to bother the Headmaster," Tsumugi giggled.

"It is fortunate that she is so cute," Sanada sighed.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Tong appeared and smiled at them. "So much to do in closing the Showcase." She clapped her hands, looking at Harry and Tsumugi with genuine warmth and happiness. "I had a feeling about you two when we met. I figured you two would be representing your schools and you both have performed excellently." The pair of students and the pair of headmasters looked very pleased at that.

"We will be having the final demonstrations today, starting at noon," she continued. That gives you a little more than four hours of preparation time. You, the students, will be alone in your presentation but you are allowed to bring whatever you want to the stage. We ask that you do not have assistance from anyone during your performance."

She smiled. "The theme of the final demonstration is: the meaning of magic. A bit broad, but in the hopes that it will inspire you. There is not a time minimum per se, but it is the final demonstration to prove your abilities and your experiences up till now with your school. I would tell you to do your best, but I do not think I need to. Any questions?"

"It can be anything as long as it has to do with the theme?" Harry asked.

"Yes! Use magic of course, but that is all it has to be. Any other questions? If you have some later, simply tell your Headmasters and they can ask me and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Who would like to go first?"

"Ladies first," Harry said easily.

"Such a gentleman," Tong said warmly.

"Harry is a fine British Gentleman," Dumbledore said proudly.

"I've always wanted a top hat," Harry joked, making the others laugh.