discussion over lunch

As I sat in the bustling cafeteria of Ilvermorny, the clamour of clinking plates and animated conversations did little to distract me from the pressing thoughts swirling through my mind. Around the oak table, my friends and I, all huddled together as a curious mix of anticipation and concern painted our faces. Abby's golden eyes were alight with the fire of debate, Fred's green gaze contemplative, and Robert, with his ever-ready smile, seemed eager to jump into the fray.

"So, Thomas, you've been quiet," Jenna noted, her bright blue eyes fixing on me with an inquisitive tilt of her head. "What's your take on not using family magic in the tournament?"

The question hung in the air, thick as the scent of pumpkin pasties. I leaned back, my thoughts turning inward. "It's a matter of fairness, isn't it?" I began, my voice a steady hum amidst the chaos of the cafeteria. "Family magic can be... potent, unpredictable. Not everyone has the same heritage. How can it be a fair competition if some of us wield powers passed down through generations?"

Abby nodded vigorously, her hair bouncing slightly. "Exactly! It's like bringing a dragon to a duel. Some of these family spells, they're too strong. It'd just overshadow everything else." I could hear the snickering in the back of my head, both dragons finding her words far too amusing.

Fred, usually so reserved, added his thoughts. "There's also the danger aspect. My elemental spells, for example," he said, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "They're not exactly easy to control in high-stress situations. It's safer for everyone if we stick to the standard magical curriculum."

Robert chimed in, his enthusiasm barely contained. "And let's not forget the learning experience! If we all relied on our family's magic, how would we ever grow as individual wizards and witches?"

Percival, who had been quietly strategizing for his Quodpot match, looked up. "Not to mention, it keeps the tradition of the tournament. It's about skill and knowledge of universal magic, not personal arsenals. Keeps the playing field level."

"Besides, relying solely on inherited abilities might make us lazy." John weighed in, adjusting his finely embroidered robe. "Where's the challenge, the artistry of mastering spells that aren't handed to you on a silver platter?" He blew on his nails while mumbling, "I just hope their fashion sense is acceptable."

Everyone laughed at his hushed words. It wasn't long before our discussion turned once more to our upcoming trip to Japan, it was all anyone could talk about. Abby leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Imagine what kinds of duels we'll witness at Mahoutokoro! Their techniques are so different. It's going to be an incredible challenge."

Fred yawned, peering through his locks of hair at Abby. "I'm interested in how they integrate nature into their magic. It's said that their spells have a sort of harmony with the elements that's quite unlike what we learn here."

Robert, with his keen interest in magical creatures, chimed in eagerly. "I've read about the kappa and tengu. I wonder if we'll get a chance to see them in their natural habitat. It would be amazing to compare notes with the magizoologists there."

Jenna pushed her glasses up, "considering one of them is a mischievous spirit, the odds are very high." She shuddered as she spoke, clearly not liking the picture formulating in her heard. She shook her head, "no, I'm looking forward to seeing how they map the magical ley lines." She tapped on the weathered yellowing pages. "There's supposed to be a significant confluence of them at Mahoutokoro, which might explain the intensity of their magical environment."

Percival scrunched his brow as he analysed the chess board, "knight to F6," he voiced, his forehead smoothening out as he watched his knight crush my pawn. It was only then that he deigned to look up. "Do you think we'll have a chance to learn some of their defensive techniques? Their style is so unique—Oh come on!" he cried out exasperatedly, watching helplessly as my queen unhorsed his knight.

John, mirror in hand while plucking his eyebrows, gave everyone a side-glance. "I've heard that their spell casting is almost like a dance, very precise and incredibly graceful. It must be a sight to behold."

Turning to Jenna, I asked, "What about the cultural aspects? I mean, it's not all magic and duelling, right? There's history there, the traditions..."

Jenna nodded, her face alight with enthusiasm. "Absolutely! Japan isn't just known for its prestigious school; it's also the only producer of the famous Dragon's Breath tea." That got everyone's attention: "From what I've read, there is a small village at the summit of Mt Fuji, an enormous Sakura tree at its heart."

Jenna's eyes shined, "its petals are what they carved our tokens out of. But Dragon's Breath is made from the dew that falls from its crown once a year. There is a very small quantity, but it can cure even the gravest of ailments… or so it's said." She shrugged, her brows furrowed, clearly unhappy with her lack of solid information.

Jenna tapped her pen against her notebook. "I'm planning to chart our journey there, you know. From the ruins in Cairo to the monasteries in the Himalayas. We could learn so much about how different cultures shape their magical practices."

"And let's not forget about the food!" Percival joked, lightening the mood. "I hear Japanese wizarding cuisine is something else. Maybe they have magical sushi!"

John laughed, the sound bright and clear. "As long as they don't serve us any potions in teacups, I'm looking forward to it."

 ***

A week and a half slipped by like sand through our fingers, each day filled with intense training and preparations for our impending journey. The air at Ilvermorny was thick with excitement and the scent of spell-cast magic. As we honed our skills, every flick of the wand and every incantation brought us closer to our departure.

It was during a particularly vigorous session in the training room, where spells crisscrossed the air like vibrant threads weaving an invisible tapestry, that Headmaster Violet entered. She was a formidable figure, her robes billowing silently around her as she walked, and her presence immediately commanded silence.

"Students," she began, her voice resonant and clear, cutting through the residual echoes of magic. "I trust your preparations have been thorough, for everything is now ready for our journey. Gather your belongings and steel your minds. Our first destination is the ruins of the once-great witches' market in Cairo."

A murmur of excitement passed through us. Abby's eyes shone with unspoken thrill, while Fred adjusted his grip on his wand, no doubt imagining the ancient spells he might uncover.

"We will be travelling by Portkey," Headmaster Violet continued, her eyes sweeping over each of us. "For some of you, this will be your first journey in such a manner. Remember, Portkeys are enchanted objects that will transport us instantaneously to our designated location. The sensation can be... disorienting, so brace yourselves."

She gestured to a large, intricately carved wooden hourglass sitting on a nearby table. It glowed with a deep, pulsating blue light. "This will be our conduit to Cairo. When I give the word, each of you will place a hand upon it. Do not let go until you have fully arrived at our destination."

Jenna, notebook in hand, edged closer, her eyes wide with the prospect of documenting this new experience. Robert, ever the enthusiast for all things nature and history, looked eager to step onto the soils where wizards and witches once bartered magical artefacts.

"Once there," Violet continued, "we will explore the market ruins. This site, though now in ruins, remains steeped in magical history. It was once a bustling nexus for magical folk from all corners of the globe. You will see remnants of old spells and enchantments that linger like whispers of a bygone era. It is an invaluable lesson in the interconnectedness of our magical world."

Percival, looking up from a tactical game board, asked, "Will we be practising any local spells there, Headmaster?"

"Yes," she replied with a nod. "It is crucial to our learning to not only observe but also engage with the magic of the places we visit. The spells we will explore in Cairo are ancient and quite complex, reflecting the depth of magical trade that once flourished there."

John, who had been meticulously checking his reflection one last time, pocketed his mirror and focused intently on the headmaster's words.

"And remember," Violet finished, her gaze sweeping across us all, her voice imbued with a mix of stern command and warm encouragement, "this trip is as much about learning from the past as it is about representing Ilvermorny with pride and respect for the cultures we will encounter. after all, accommodations will still be set at Cairo's new witch market."

With that, we lined up beside the glowing hourglass, each of us placing a hand upon its cool, smooth surface. The familiar rush of anticipation tingled through my veins, mixed with a hint of apprehension about stepping through space and time.

"Ready," Violet announced. "On three. One... two... three!"

In unison, we tightened our grips. The world twisted, the colors and sounds of the training room blurring into a swirling vortex. My stomach lurched as the ground seemed to fall away, and then, just as suddenly, solid ground returned under my feet. We had arrived, standing amidst the sand-swept ruins of the ancient witches' market in Cairo, ready to unravel its secrets.