They got off the train, a group of students wearing similar long robes in varying shades of silver and gold, accompanied by a few adults. They looked around the quaint little train station with delight and interest, curiosity evident in their expressions and eyes. One had a camera and took pictures of the train, of the surroundings, and of each other. Some with them posing, others in candid shots.
"Hello!" Dumbledore walked up to them with a big smile. "Welcome to Hogsmeade Station and Hogsmeade Village. I hope your trip was pleasant."
Sanada smiled and bowed before enthusiastically shaking Dumbledore's hand. "It was, thank you Dumbledore-sensei. The Hogwarts Express is very wonderful. Thank you again for hosting us for a short time as we make our way to the States."
"It is mine and Hogwarts' pleasure," Dumbledore said sincerely. "I had hoped we would be able to entertain more visitors from the other schools after the TriWizard and the Showcase and I was very happy when our schedules aligned. Would everyone like to ride the carriages to the school or would you prefer to walk after your trip? You need not worry about your luggage; the House Elves will take care of them."
"Walking will be fine," Sanada said after the others had voted to walk. The students and instructors from Mahoutokoro followed Dumbledore from the station and they looked around with interest. Spring had arrived and the air was warming noticeably. The grass was turning lush and green and the clouds that filled the sky were fluffy white, no longer grey from winter's discontent.
"How did the exhibition game go in Paris?" Dumbledore asked.
"The Quidditch team did very well," Sanada said proudly and the members of the team beamed with pride. "Bettered the Beauxbatons team though they did play well."
"Our teams have been practicing," Dumbledore smiled. "Hope to give you a proper contest, especially after your win at the Showcase."
"We appreciate the opportunity to play," Yuna Yamada said brightly, "as well as learn from our fellow students and instructors."
"As do we," Dumbledore said. His smile turned wry. "Also, I bear a message from my sister. She wanted me to tell you that she returns tonight as well and to 'prepare your liver'."
Yuna laughed brightly while Sanada sighed and the other escorting professors and students looked confused. "Ariana is so much fun," Yuna smiled.
"Remember we are guests and should behave appropriately," Sanda said with a stern look.
"Of course Sensei," Yuna sniffed, affronted.
The visitors gasped with delight as Hogwarts came into view, marveling at the very old structure and the immense magic saturating the air. Dumbledore felt that the school looked especially welcoming and picturesque at that moment. The clouds parted and sunlight shone down and the gates opened without his touch, inviting them onto the grounds.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," he said proudly.
"It is so beautiful in a very old way," Yuna said with delight.
"You can feel the magic everywhere," another professor said, looking about.
"Shimatta!" Tsumugi tried to catch a leaping Azuki who jumped out of her arms. The small red-furred trickster fox landed daintily and looked about, tail and ears twitching with excitement and she took off at a run, straight for the castle. Three more trickster foxes followed her lead, scampering off after her.
YOU ARE READING
A Taste of Magic
FanfictionMagic is easy to see, to feel, to hear, to touch. The magic on the plate and the palate, however, is one that Magicals and Muggles alike can appreciate. Harry Potter will go on a journey to find the taste that he is looking for, and the magic that...
