Written for the Countdown to Christmas Day 2
Prompt: Eggnog Latte
The Great Hall always looked incredible in the winter, as that was when the Prefects decided to decorate it with all kinds of Kwanza, Hanukkah, and Christmas decorations. A lot of student enjoyed the scenery when they were eating, especially if the enchanted ceiling started snowing. However, some students were definitely not morning people, and did not care for the decorations.
"We've been at Hogwarts for six years now, and I still can't believe they don't serve coffee!" Hermione grumbled into her pumpkin juice.
Harry peered over his glasses at her. "Why don't you go down to the kitchens-"
"-Harry! I'm not going to have a House-Elf slave away for me more than they already do!"
"If you'd let me finish, I was going to suggest you find a way to make coffee in this castle, without electricity."
"Oh," the brunette said, giving Harry a sheepish smile. Then her eyes brightened, "Harry, that could actually work! They have a stove down there, I can use that. Oh, Harry. Do you know what this means?"
Harry, used to Hermione's excitement over small things, just shrugged. "Er, you'll be able to make coffee?"
"Even better!" she exclaimed. "I'll be able to make all sorts of lattes! Maybe even an eggnog latte for the holidays," she muttered the last part. "Eggnog lattes are my favourite."
"What's a latte?" Ron asked, dropping onto the bench and sitting next to them. He filled his plate up with practically every single type of food on the table, as he usually did.
"Good morning to you, too. A latte is a type of coffee with some espresso and hot steamed milk in it. It's milkier than a cappuccino."
"What's a cup of chin oh? Wait. Coffee, that's that Muggle drink you're always going on about, right?" He asked, shoving his face with bacon.
"Yes, Ronald. I've only been complaining about the castle's lack of coffee for six years now, glad you've finally caught on."
"Don't mind her," Harry waved his hand in front of Hermione, "You know how she is in the mornings. Rumour has it that in the summer she's actually pleasant."
"That's because I get to have my coffee at my favourite coffee every single day. And I get it for free, since I work there."
"So why don't you just open a little coffee shop here at Hogwarts?" Harry asked.
"W-what? I mean, I could, but... I'm sure Dumbledore wouldn't mind it too terribly..." she rambled on.
"With Voldemort back, I'm sure he doesn't have any time to worry about an illegal coffee shop in his school. You could set up in the kitchens, or the Room of Requirement. I'm sure all the Muggleborns and Half-Bloods would love it. You never know, maybe you can introduce it to some of the Purebloods."
Hermione grinned, "Harry, that's the second great idea you've had today," then she jumped out from the bench.
"Hey, wait!" Ron called out, "I thought you were going to help me with my essays today!"
"Sorry, Ronald!" Hermione yelled over her shoulders, almost at the doors, "But I've got a business to start!"
Thanks for reading!
