Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Full disclaimer in first chapter.

This chapter touches on the fifth year at Hogwarts and we step into the Food Wars part of the story. Also, if you haven't gathered, the ritual to bring back Voldemort failed and, for sake of this story, has essentially ended him. There are no horcrux's or anything like that.

Also, I am American and have limited knowledge of certain cultural things. I am doing what I can to be as accurate as possible…or when I can't as vague as possible. I will probably not be using honorifics or other forms of address because I don't want to use them incorrectly. If I have written something that is incorrect enough to cause you to message me, I ask only that you are polite about it. I will change it when/if I can. But, do remember this is a fanfic and I will probably put incorrect or not-plausible things in for the sake of the story.

Italics are thoughts

/Parseltongue/

Chapter 7: Fifth Year and Totsuki's Director

The end of Harry's fourth year had been a hectic mess. After Lucas and Severus had gotten him to the medical tent to be checked over, the tournament officials had descended and demanded to know what had happened. There were many who were outright denying anything Harry said, some going so far as to say he made it all up to win. Harry, in a fit of frustration, gave an Unbreakable Vow that all he said was true, which caused Severus to berate his impulsiveness. While Harry was contrite, it had solved the problem…everyone had shut up after he demonstrated he still had magic.

The Headmaster was able to point the Aurors to the location based off the description Harry gave of the graveyard, where they found exactly what Harry said they would find. Harry had been awarded the tournament win and the prize money, which he promptly donated to the Weasley twins. They had been discussing how to start up a business and what Harry had done for his restaurant, telling him about their ambition to start a magical joke shop. Harry had been very impressed with their current abilities and their future ambitions and decided that they should receive the prize money. They had tried to refuse at first, but Harry was stubborn and had won in the end…even if the twins demanded it to be as a silent partner.

About a week after the semester had ended, Harry received the notice that he had been awarded a Merlin First Class medal, which had been accepted by Severus in his absence (Harry had fled to France as soon as he could). Harry really couldn't have cared less about that but accepted it and acknowledged the Ministry with a formal acceptance and thank you letter. What really threw Harry was the invitation to Buckingham Palace where he was knighted by the Queen for 'services rendered'.

Thinking back on it, Harry was kind of embarrassed by his behavior. He had been such a chatter box, regaling the Royal Family with his love of cooking and everything that he had done to learn as much as he could. He was honestly surprised that no one had told him to shut up and to leave. As Harry and his father had been leaving the palace, the Queen had mentioned him maybe cooking for the family at a later date, which had caused Harry to gush and quickly agree. Not that he thought it would really happen, but it was a nice thought.

As with the past few summers, the first month of the break was spent in France working on his restaurant. Harry was really impressed with Luc's ability to run his restaurant and handle customers. It was during a late-night brainstorming session about new menu items when Luc suggested going around and tasting some of the restaurants around.

"I know there are some places nearby that have some unique menus, like that Shino's place that seems to specialize in vegetable-based dishes. That might give you some new seasonal items to try. Also, I just received a notice from the World Gourmet Organization that we are up for consideration to be assessed if we are worthy of a star."

Harry, who had taken a sip of his drink, almost covered Luc in said drink in attempts to not choke, "*Cough* Excuse me? What did you just say? I must have heard you wrong. There is no way we can be up for consideration yet! I know we have been receiving a lot of attention and celebrity guests, but we have barely been open for a year!"

Luc, thankfully had been able to dodge most of the spray, slowly shook his head and shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know boss. I called and checked just to make sure it wasn't a prank. It's legit. Their assessors will be here in December and the assessment will take several days. I have already informed the staff and vendors about the importance of that month."

"Holy crap. Okay, yeah. Good move there. I have made some new connections this past year and hopefully I can get some contracts going with them. I will definitely need to push those through sooner than I wanted to. Good thing I am in France for the month. One of them happens to be here. We need to have a meeting with the staff and go over the importance of these people, and how we need to ensure we keep our high level of quality and customer service."

"Sure thing boss. I will get a meeting set and let you know."

"Thanks Luc. I need to inform my dad that we will be making a few stops before we leave for our trip to Japan. I'll see you tomorrow Luc."

"Night boss."

Harry had been running around like a mad man trying to get everything lined up for the WGO assessors visit. He had made a mad dash to the south of France to meet with the Delacour's who owned one of the most exclusive and prestigious wineries in the world.

When Fleur had heard about his cooking ambitions and abilities, she had all but demanded a testing session. During this session, she told Harry about her family's business and what types of wine they made. Harry was fascinated and had asked many questions, to the point that Fleur invited him over the summer to see the vineyard and meet the rest of the family.

Harry had done just that with two goals in mind. The first was to secure several shipments of their wine for his restaurant. The second was to see if they would be willing to partner with him to create a line of fruit drinking and cooking wines. Surprisingly, it did not take much to get the Delacour's to agree to both propositions. Apparently, they had been talking about doing a second line of wine that was exclusively fruit and other flavors. Harry wasted no time in contacting his financial advisors and had them acquire optimal vineyard land and begin constructing the facilities needed.

Around the same time, Harry also had his advisors purchase land in several areas for distilleries and breweries. Harry wanted to try his hand at other types of alcohol, and just happened to have made friends in those industries too. He also was setting up similar purchase contracts with his friends' businesses until his own were up to par and distributing.

Harry had been able to take care of the major plans prior to having to go back to Hogwarts for his fifth year. He had handed the rest off to Luc with orders to keep him in the loop and contact him at least once a week via floo. Harry was all the more thankful that Luc had applied to be his co-head chef. He probably would not have been able to weather the storm ahead.

Fifth year had started off relatively normal, with the exception of a pink toady acting as a professor. Delores Umbridge had not given off the best first impression at all. Harry had almost died laughing at some of the things Severus had been planning to do to her if she tried to interfere with his class or Harry's cooking. Harry just accused him of wanting his cooking, which Severus pointedly ignored while discussing possible potions she could be used in.

Despite her best efforts, and she did try in the DADA class with that nonsense about mind over wand…or whatever she was rambling about, it wasn't until October that she took her first steps in trying to get a rise out of Harry. Harry wasn't sure how she found out about his cooking space, or the instructors flooing in, but she had confronted him in class one day about it being prohibited. Harry had taken great pleasure in informing her that she was wrong, seeing as he was renting the space and paying the cooks for their time (if they wanted, but most really didn't mind giving him lessons) and seeing as he was a Lord several times over there wasn't anything she could do.

Oh, was she pissed about that. She did try and create decrees and even tried to get the Minister involved, but nothing she did worked. Then she tried to gain access to his cooking space, to do what Harry could only speculate, but the castle and the house elves were ever vigilant and foiled her attempts every time.

The last straw for Harry was when the toad had tried to prevent him from leaving Hogwarts grounds for the WGO assessment. Harry had sicced his lawyers on her, getting her removed from Hogwarts and slapping her with several lawsuits for attempts to interfere in his businesses. While he was at it, he had his lawyers do the same to the Headmaster, who had been almost encouraging the toad in her actions.

Harry collapsed onto the hotel bed with a groan. Harry was exceedingly grateful for the break and being all the way in France with his daddy. "Ugh. Why does this year feel worse than last year? That woman is exhausting."

Lucas places his bags down and gives a little chuckle, "From the snarky remarks Severus makes every time we talk, I am surprised she didn't ended up in one of his potions or at the bottom of the Black Lake."

Harry snorted out a laugh as he rolled over onto his back, "If not by him, then by the house elves. They despised her so much. I think they joined forces with Peeves and were pranking her to distraction."

Lucas busted out laughing at the images that statement created, "That would have been a sight. I remember how much they seemed to worship you and your cooking." Lucas laughed even harder as Harry blushed bright red and whined out a 'Daaaad'. "Well, you are in luck. We actually will not be heading to the restaurant until tomorrow, so get some rest son."

Lucas's statement was answered by a small snore, letting him know his son was way ahead of him. "Ha-ha, sleep well son."

In the end, Harry was able to meet with his staff a head of the assessment for some last-minute touches. "Okay everyone. I know we have been ramping up for the assessment, and I would like to thank everyone for your efforts and hard work. I will be here during the whole event, both cooking and greeting. Dinning staff, I know you all know what to do so just keep doing what you do best. Do not give the assessors any special attention or acknowledgement, just treat them as if they are any other patron."

Luc takes over, "We will have the last of the holiday decorations set up tonight and the last of the remaining shipments will be in tomorrow morning. Please arrive for you shift early so we can take care of any last-minute issues and prepping. Alright, everyone go home and get a good nights rest. Make sure your uniforms are cleaned and pressed. Anyone have any questions?"

When no one spoke up Harry and Luc dismissed everyone for the night. "Alright boss, anything you want to talk about or change? They are going to be here for three days, right? Are you still doing the Chef's Choice on the third day?"

Harry nodded his head, "Yeah, I want them to see what we have normally and then the special and seasonal stuff as well. Do we have the menu inserts printed and ready to go?"

"Yup, everything is ready, just need to get the decorations set up and the last shipment in tomorrow morning."

"Okay, if you will handle the decorating tonight, I will be here in the morning for the shipment and start on some of the prep work for the seasonal dishes."

Luc simply nodded his head and waved Harry out the door.

The next day, both Harry and Lucas arrive just in-time for the morning shipment to arrive. As they were putting away the produce and alcohol, Lucas turned to his son, "So how are you really handling this? I know this is a big deal for you…for anyone really. This is really early in your restaurant career to be receiving a visit from the WGO."

Harry slowed to a stop at his father's question and took in a deep breath, held it, and then slowly let it out. "Truthfully, I'm freaking out a little. I don't understand why we have gotten this kind of attention so early…or at all really. I have been to some of the best restaurants around here and they don't have any stars. Granted…some like Shino's has seemed to be focused on other awards and accolades. Side note, did you notice anything off about Shino's?"

Lucas took a seat and watched his son begin to gather ingredients for prep work, "What do you mean? It seemed just as good as last time."

"Yeah, technically it was superb…but…it felt flat. (Flat?) Or maybe boring is the better term. There wasn't any feeling in his food. Kind of like the difference between a home cooked meal and a frozen meal. Or maybe the feeling difference of take out and a home cooked meal. It's hard for me to describe."

"I think you are doing well so far. Why do you think you feel that from his food?"

Harry hums a bit in contemplation as he begins to chop, peel, and mince vegetables, "I think he has stagnated in his cooking…or maybe in his goals and his cooking is reflecting that lack of ambition."

"Hm, I will keep that in mind next time we go there and see if I can taste or feel what you do. I am fascinated in your ability to feel the intent and emotion in the food."

Harry smiled at his dad, "Let me know what you think. Okay, old man! No more being lazy! Help me prep and start the marinades!"

The assessors had arrived during the lunch session on the first day wanting to assess if there was a difference in food and atmosphere between the two dinning periods. They had expressed their delight in the bright and colorful aspect of the dining room with the sunlight streaming in through the stained glass and the Christmas decorations present. They also commented on the fact that the restaurant, as a whole, gave them a very real feeling of being inside an English or Scottish castle, which was exactly what Harry had been aiming for.

The second day they came during the evening session and were even more impressed with the atmosphere of the dining room. That night happened to be one of the nights they were having an immersion dining experience for the holidays. One of the assessors noticed the sign when they came in and asked Harry about it, "Chef Prince, what is an immersive dining experience? I saw the sign upon entering, but I don't remember seeing anything in the notes about it."

Harry gave a small smile before answering, "We do not do these events often, so we do not advertise the event until the day of. What it means is that we put on a show of sorts that makes the patrons feel even more like they are in a medieval castle during the time of King Author and his Court in Camelot…or whichever court you would like to imagine. It's not so overt that there is a skit, but more like background sounds, armored knights patrolling, period music, and the like. Sometimes we will add ghosts or spectral shows that tell a story. We change it every time."

Another of the assessors, after ordering his sampling for the evening, remarks, "That is an interesting concept, and with the randomness of the event it doesn't seem as an attraction trap like some of the other theme places that cater to children and young adults. But we will have to see the show to see if you actually pull it off well. Even though we do primarily focus on the food served we also do take into consideration atmosphere and something so kitschy as a ghost show can bring a place down in ratings."

Harry fights to keep his face polite and not show his irritation and anger at the remark from the older assessor, "Yes, you will. Please do enjoy, I will have your orders out soon."

Harry turns away and makes his way to the kitchen. Has he crosses into the kitchen he lets out a rude sound and starts gathering items with aggressive movements. Luc stops and turns to see who was make all the noise, "Uh…boss? You okay?"

"Just fine." Luc could see and hear that he wasn't fine. The irritation was palatable in Harry's voice, "They just expressed their concern over the possible deductions our 'kitschy show' could generate. That's all."

Luc and several of the kitchen staff wince, but do not say anything knowing it would just raise Harry's ire. Lucas, having heard, walks over to assist his son and to help calm him down, "I know how much you like and put into those shows, and the assessors will eat their words once they see it, but just remember that there are places that try to elevate their popularity by using gimmicks and shows to draw away from their culinary negatives."

"Yeah, I know. Well, I will just have to give them the best show possible for now. I'm calm. I can do this. Thanks dad."

"No problem Little One."

"Yes! Take that old man! Kitschy my butt! Nothing but praise for the atmosphere by the end of the night!"

Lucas and Luc both were laughing when Luc had to point out, "They also liked the food too boss. You know…the main reason they came here."

Harry waved his hand as if to knock away Luc's words, "Whatever…I knew the food was going to be excellent as always. It was the show they insulted and insinuated was an attraction trap. I wasn't going to stand for that at all. It was a subtle insult to my food and staff as well."

The staff simply shook their heads at Harry, they were used to his antics and pride in both his restaurant and staff. "Yes boss. Well, everyone let's get this place ready for tomorrow and then get a good nights rest. Tomorrow is the last day of the assessment."

The assessors had arrived for the evening session again to try out the "Chef's Choice" event. "Chef Prince, could you explain to us how this "Chef's Choice" works?"

"Of course. It is simply what it says. When someone chooses Chef's Choice, I will come out and meet them and get a feel for what they may like. I will then make it without asking them what they like or telling them what I will be making. And the dish I make may or may not be on the menu."

"Interesting…how has the bad choices worked out? Have you had anyone complain about your choice or have a bad reaction?"

"Oh no. I have never had anyone not like my choice or have an allergic reaction. That is part of the appeal and magic of the "Chef's Choice", I have not been wrong yet."

With a look of shock, the female assessor asks, "How did you come up with "Chef's Choice"? How have you never been wrong?"

Harry paused for a moment to think back before answering, "Well, it was a few years back and I was cooking with my father at one of his friend's restaurants. I had met the gentleman upon him being seated and I had a good idea of what he would have liked, so when I heard the order for their table I knew he wasn't going to like the dish at all. So, with the permission of the chef and owner I made my way to the gentleman and explained to him what I felt. He was kind enough, and I think amused enough, to indulge in my request to chose something he would enjoy much more than his original choice. He was exceedingly impressed with my gumption to tell a customer what they would like, and that I had been completely right. A few of the other tables had heard what went on and wanted to see if I could also provide them a dish they would enjoy without knowing any of their preferences. It just went from there. Several of the other places we went to cook also had heard about my ability to choose correctly and had added it as a choice during the time I was there."

"Amazing! How do you know what they would like though? You said you don't ask them about their preferences or anything?"

Harry shook his head, "No, I just talk with them about general small talk really. Unless it is someone I know or a regular." Harry shrugs one shoulder, "I'm not sure how I know, I just get a feeling and a sense of what they would prefer to eat for that meal. Sometimes I would have to deviate from the menu, but I always had the permission from the chef and owner to do so. Since it had been so popular and well received, I decided to also have the option here on certain days." Not like I can tell you it has to do with my magic and the ability to somewhat sense future events.

"Facinating. Well, we all with have the Chef's Choice."

"Yes, we eagerly await your chosen dishes."

Harry gave a small bow and smile, "Very well, I will have some appetizers out soon for you to enjoy while I prepare your food."

Harry makes his way toward the kitchen swinging by the bar to have a several glasses of Delacour wine sent to the table that would best pair with the dishes he was going to make. "Okay! Three Chef's Choices, Shar I need you to make the top three appetizers and have then sent to the assessors table."

"On it boss!"

"Alright, here I go!"

Lucas and the rest of the staff were laughing and toasting each other as they watched Harry dance his way around the dining room. "Little One, calm down."

"I can't! It went so well! They were impressed with everything!"

One of the wait staff snorted a laugh before saying, "Impressed is an understatement boss. I thought I would have to clean up a few messes by the time they finished eating. There was do much moaning going on, I was embarrassed for them. "

"Yeah, no kidding. They did that all three days. It was really embarrassing to see…and the poor patrons near their table." Snickering broke out among the surrounding staff.

"That's even better! That is a great compliment from people who have tasted so many dishes and cuisines! AHHHHHHH!"

Everyone bursts out laughing again as Harry screams in delight. "Do you know when they will announce the new star lists?"

"They usually announce the new listings after the first of the year, but before March." Lucas answered, "So it will be a bit before we hear if Harry and The Pale Horse receives a star rating or not."

"Yes, so in the meantime just go about business as usual. My father and I will be here for a week or more and then we will be traveling to Japan. Don't forget that we will be having a Christmas party the weekend before Christmas and you can submit any ideas for seasonal and holiday menus, show ideas, and decoration ideas."

Luc chugs his drink and then claps his hands, "Alright people. Let's wrap this up and get this place ready for tomorrow and head on home."

Harry once again threw himself down onto the hotel bed and let out a loud groan. Lucas just laughed, "Again Little One?"

"I have been running ragged since September, and I am ready for a break." Harry mumbled into the mattress.

"Only you would think cooking at a five-star resort for a couple of weeks would be a break." Lucas laughed as he finished putting away the luggage.

"Well, compared to the nonsense I have been dealing with it will be! Mutant pink toads, running all over Europe getting contacts and new businesses set up, and then dealing with the WGO. This will be a cake walk compared to all that!"

Lucas just laughed. We will see. You might be surprised by the end of this trip. I hope you like it here in Japan, I have a feeling you will be here for a while. Good thing you have some companies and properties located here.

"Well, get some rest then. We will start bright and early tomorrow with checking in and then some sight seeing before getting into the kitchen."

Just like last time, Lucas's statement was met with a muffled snore. Harry had not bothered with turning over this time. Lucas chuckled and adjusted Harry into a more comfortable position, removed his shoes, and then tucked him in. "Good night son."

As Harry had predicted, it was a much smoother and more enjoyable time cooking with his father for demanding clientele than dealing with the mess of the Wizarding world and the WGO. Nothing significant happened until the last week they were there. It was during one of the dinner sessions that a waiter flagged Harry down, "Hey, your father is on the floor at table eighteen and would like you to go meet the people there."

Harry was confused, his father almost never asked him out onto the floor unless it was during a Chef's Choice event…which was not happening that day. "Okay, I'll head on out when I am done here."

Harry headed toward the area his father was supposed to be and saw him standing next to a table with two gentlemen. The elder looking gentleman…well kind of…the man certainly did not have the body of an older man, but he did have the coloring. He looked like he would have fit in with that one fighting game Harry saw in an arcade once…Immortal Combat or something. The younger one looked to be related to him, he had similar looks but looked more modern and had black glasses.

"Father. Sir. Mr. Nakiri, I almost didn't recognize you in the suit. What can I do for you?"

"Harry, I would like you to meet Senzemon Nakiri, who is the director of the world renowned Totsuki Academy here in Japan, and you remember Soe Nakiri."

Harry gives a small bow, "Yes, I do remember. I had so much fun and learned so much!" Soe gave a chuckle as Senzemon smirks, "What can I do for you gentlemen tonight?" Harry sneaks a look at his dad as he said this.

"I was just telling them about your goals and your ability to correctly guess customers desired dishes." Lucas gives a little smirk as Harry turns red in embarrassment and starts to wave his hands, "Don't listen to him. I'm not that good."

"Humph, well let us put your father's boasting to the test." Senzemon said with a gruff voice, one that Harry thought fit him quite well. "How about you make us something for dessert, but…instead I would like to put a stipulation."

Harry blinks in surprise while his father and Soe smirk again. There sure is a lot of smirking going on…am I missing something? What do they know that I don't? "Of course."

"You may make any dessert you would like; you just have to use oranges as the main ingredient." At this both Lucas and Soe jump and quickly look at Senzemon with surprise.

"Of course. I will have your deserts done by the time you are done with your main dishes. Excuse me." Harry bows again and hurries off to the kitchen.

When they were sure Harry was out of earshot, they both whip around to Senzemon, "What are you doing? You hate oranges! How is this going to be a fair entrance exam?"

"I want to see what he can do, especially with an ingredient that I generally don't prefer. And I don't hate oranges…just don't prefer them."

"Don't hate them? I have seen you remove yourself from judging events when someone uses oranges. How does that not translate to hate?" says Soe.

"I do that because I know I wouldn't be entirely neutral when it comes to that ingredient so to be fair, I excuse myself. This isn't a typical judgement, so I would like to see what Lucas's miracle son can do."

Lucas's jaws drops, "What? Miracle son? What do you mean?"

Soe bursts out laughing, "We never thought you would get married much less have children. Then you come out of nowhere with a full-grown child following you around like a little duckling. You are a great father and your son is amazing. So, he is your miracle child."

Lucas just smiles with a happy and proud look. "Yes, he is."

"Here you are gentlemen, I hope you enjoy." Harry places the dessert places in front of the two Nakiri's.

"Wow, nice presentation. What have you made us?" Both Nakiris were already smiling.

The dish consisted of what looked like a chocolate brownie or dense cake with a whole orange on the top. On the plate were two different colored sauces. "The base of the dessert is a chocolate and almond brownie with hints of figs. The top is a white chocolate and orange ice cream housed within an orange peel. If you would indulge me, try the brownie first before opening the orange peel."

"Of course."

Both take a bite of the brownie, "Mmmmm…an interesting choice, using Mexican chocolate in the brownie, as well as almonds and figs. This is a very rich brownie. I wonder if it will overpower the rest of the dessert."

Senzemon then cuts into the orange peel and both men are surprised as a white creamy substance oozes out and onto the brownie. Senzemon scoops some up with his spoon and takes a bite and gasps, "Here is the orange. You mixed the orange into the white chocolate ice cream, along with cinnamon, clove, and star anise. This is a great balance, and the white chocolate helps to elevate the flavors without letting any overpower the other."

Soe also takes a bite, "There are finely chopped bits of walnut and cranberry to give it some nuttiness and texture. Delightful. I wonder how this will complement the brownie."

At this, both men combine the two and both have a surprised reaction, "Oh my! The white chocolate helps to calm the flavor of the brownie and the spices in both complement each other wonderfully. This is a very fall or winter themed dessert, one that brings to mind cozy evenings by the fire, sweaters, and snow-covered pine trees. This is just delightful."

Harry was all smiles as he reminded them of the sauces on the plate, "Don't forget to try the sauces. The one on the left is a spicy sauce that will give the desert a kick of heat. The one on the right is a citrus one that will change the flavor of the ice cream the most, but also pairs well with the brownie."

"The spicy sauce, made with ground cayenne powder, elevates the Mexican chocolate used in the brownie. And the citrus sauce, made with lemon and mint, completely changes the flavor of the ice cream but is so good. I am impressed with your ability to highlight the orange while still giving a variety of flavor options."

Harry smiles and accepts the praise with a nod of his head, "Thank you. I was a bit confused that Director Nakiri would request oranges, since I get the feeling you don't like them much." Here both Nakiris look at each other in surprise as they had been talking about that earlier, "So I thought to give the option of changing the flavor without taking away from the original request of oranges."

Lucas just beamed with pride at his Little One, who had thoroughly surprised the two culinary giants. After the two taste testers seem to have a silent discussion the Director turns to Harry and askes, "How would you like to transfer to Totsuki Academy?"

Authors Note: Here is the end…giving a cliff hanger because I want the next chapter to start out in the anime. Hope everyone likes it so far.

Thank you to everyone that has liked, favorited, followed, or commented.

Harry starts in surprise and confusion, "Eh?!"