I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

A Taste of Magic

29th Course – A Good Day

Petunia's eyes popped open when she opened the door and saw the man standing there. He was dressed in a very nicely cut suit of plum purple, a fashionable outfit in an unfashionable color. Eyes twinkled brightly behind moon-shaped glasses and he smiled genially. "Petunia, it has been some time. Nice to see you."

"You!" Petunia nearly shrieked, stopping herself at the last moment in an attempt to avoid drawing attention.

Dumbledore's smile remained genial. "Me," he agreed. "I must say, your flowers seem to be flourishing. Not an easy thing to do with such temperamental plants."

"What are you doing here?" she hissed, looking up and down the street, hoping that no one was peering out of the windows at the man and his flamboyantly colored clothes.

"Picking up Harry for the day," Dumbledore said. "Surely he told you?"

"He did but he didn't say why," Petunia gritted out.

"Most likely because I did not tell him why exactly. If anything, I would think you would know."

"Why would I know?" she asked, genuinely confused.

Dumbledore's smile faded slightly, becoming sad and bitter. "Hmm. Perhaps you will remember when we return." His smile bloomed when Harry came to the door. "Ah Harry, good to see you."

"Hello Sir." Harry grinned. "Nice suit."

"Thank you! As you know, I adore brighter and richer colors and I must admit, a well made suit is just as impressive as fitted robes. Are you ready?"

"Wait, how long will you be out again?" Petunia asked.

"Do not worry," Dumbledore said, "I will bring Harry back this evening."

"I wasn't worried about that," she snapped. "What are we supposed to eat?"

"I already made lunch and dinner. You just have to pop it into the oven and it'll be done," Harry said quietly.

"Oh, alright then," she said, no longer concerned.

Dumbledore gave her a cool look before he shook his head. "Come along then Harry, let's not waste the day." He nodded slightly to Petunia and walked down the lane with Harry and continued down the street beside him.

"Where are we going Sir?" Harry asked, seemingly happy at this change in his daily routine.

"To Diagon Alley," Dumbledore said warmly. "I am taking you to a restaurant to celebrate the day. It is a very nice magical restaurant and I know you have not had the opportunity to experience a meal in the Magical World before."

"Thank you, Sir! What are we celebrating?"

Dumbledore stopped and stared at Harry. "Please tell me you are kidding," he said seriously. "It is your birthday, is it not?"

"Oh!" Harry flushed. "Uh, yeah, it is."

"Harry," Dumbledore said sorrowfully.

"No one ever made a fuss about it before," Harry said quietly, sheepishly. "I sort of forgot. The only exciting thing that happened before was my letter first year."

Dumbledore closed his eyes and muttered something low and under his breath before opening them. "Then let us make a proper fuss of it today. Come along Harry. You have experienced Elf Apparition correct?"

"Yes, last year. When Inky took me past the barrier at King's Cross."

"Excellent. Take my arm. Magical Apparition is more or less the same." When Harry took his arm, Dumbledore turned and Harry once more felt like he was being squeezed through a tiny tube and forced out the other side. He landed heavily, gasping for breath and felt the world spinning around them.

"Do you ever get used to it?" Harry asked as he shook his head.

"Most do, eventually," Dumbledore chuckled. "For some, they never do and never quite like that form of travel. It can be a bit hazardous if done untrained or carelessly. You become splinched."

"That sounds unpleasant."

"It is, you leave parts of you behind."

Harry grimaced. "So very unpleasant."

"Yes though it is repairable if done so in time and one a nonessential body part." Dumbledore chuckled at Harry's look.

When the swirling sensation subsided, Harry followed Dumbledore out into Diagon Alley proper. Harry always loved visiting the magical district. He had learned that the main street of the place was called Diagon Alley when it was created. For a while that's all there was. As time passed, the Alley was expanded bit by bit. Additional roads and alleys and streets broke off the main Alley and a large magical district grew and grew, making it the premier central place to shop and get things in all of London and the surrounding areas. Many magicals from around the country would travel to London so they could obtain things more easily and more cheaply at Diagon, not to mention some of the pillar stores like Ollivander's and Madame Malkin's being at Diagon.

Harry noticed that they were walking onto one of the nicer side streets. He looked down at his clothes and while they were the nicest he had, they were still a bit worn for wear. "I'm afraid I might not be dressed appropriately," he said weakly.

Dumbledore smiled at him. "Do not worry overmuch. You are with me and I promise you, more people will notice me before they do you." He and Harry laughed together. "Besides, the establishment is not so exacting on dress code as long as you come dressed. You brought your school robes, yes? Excellent, those will suffice if need be for the formal aspect."

"I thought Wizarding Britain didn't care too much for cooking and restaurants really," Harry said as they continued to walk.

"As a whole, not really, which is a shame. Most establishments are your smaller eateries and taverns or specialty shops like Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour. There are fancier restaurants that cater more to the Society crowd and they are usually started and ran by foreign magicals that have created a place dedicated to their craft."

"So they're okay with foreign magicals that come here to start a restaurant, but look down on ones that want to make one and grew up here."

"Succinctly summarized."

Harry huffed. "That's pretty stupid."

"I agree," Dumbledore smiled.

"That's also a part of looking down at British food and liking some of the food from other countries because it's fancier or nicer somehow?"

"Yes, which is also pretty stupid," Dumbledore chuckled. "Ah, here we are. Harry, welcome to Sheen."

Harry goggled when he looked at the restaurant's front. The front of the place shone. Every surface gleamed in the sunlight, almost painfully so, reflecting light and image like a mirror. Despite the stonework looking like stone, it shone like metal. "The name looks like Shine."

"And it is pronounced slightly differently," Dumbledore said with a wry smile. They approached an immaculately dressed man who thankfully was not shiny like the surroundings. "I had a reservation for two today."

"Really?" The man gave Dumbledore and Harry a considering look, like one inspecting something for defects and blemishes.

"Really," Dumbledore replied almost blandly. "Albus Dumbledore, and guest."

The man's attitude changed immediately once he checked the appointment book. "Ah, of course Master Dumbledore! Forgive me, I was expecting someone more dressed like one of us."

"A simple mistake, I am sure. Hopefully it does not reflect the rest of the experience," Dumbledore said coolly, making Harry blink with surprise.

The man colored and gasped theatrically. "Of course not! A simple mistake as you said. Please, follow me. Your table is waiting for you and your guest." The man led them into the restaurant, footsteps quick and nervous. The interior of the restaurant was thankfully a scaled down version of the exterior. The floor was mirror bright but not painfully so, the walls and pillars smooth and gleaming softly. While it was not quite lunch time, most of the tables were filled and the guests were dressed in expensive looking robes. Some gave Harry and Dumbledore irritated looks, before some recognized who Dumbledore was.

They were seated in a quiet corner without any tables nearby. Dumbledore waited for the man to leave before winking at Harry. "Forgive the attitude, Harry. Sometimes, one must play the part when expected to."

Harry smiled back. "No problem Sir, it was just a surprise is all." He hesitated. "This place looks awfully expensive-"

"Worry not," Dumbledore said, kindly but firmly. "Today is my treat for your birthday as well as a thank you for your services last school term."

"Oh, uh, thank you, Sir," Harry said, embarrassed but happy. "That's very kind of you."

Dumbledore's smile was a touch sad. "You deserve it, Harry. I took the liberty in ordering a special multi-course meal showcasing the chef's talents. How does that sound?"

"Brilliant!" Harry took a moment to look about the restaurant. He noticed that most of the food was brought by floating trays without anyone carrying them. Looking about more, he saw a witch standing at where he assumed the kitchen was. She took the food from the back and placed them on engraved metal serving trays and would direct them to their designated tables with flicks of her wands. When a guest needed to speak with someone, a well-dressed staff member would walk to their table.

"Where is the chef from?" Harry asked.

"France. He also went to Beauxbatons. The school Nicolas mentioned if you recall. Ah, speaking of, I was asked to pass along a message. They returned to their estate in France and everything went well."

Harry smiled. "That's great!"

"Indeed! Everything was done correctly on their end and the basilisk is a protected entity on their land and is safe. She also seems to be enjoying the grounds and she prefers a forest to sand and cave. She especially likes the sunlight," Dumbledore said. "They have also established a rapport through one of Nicolas' apprentices that is also a Parselmouth."

He chuckled. "Nicolas has only been bit once so far."

Harry laughed. "As long as she didn't use her venomous bite, she did have permission."

"True and she did not. She has also accepted the name Blinky, bestowed by Perenelle."

"Aww, that's cute."

"I agree. Nicolas thinks it lacks a certain gravitas but seeing how she likes it, he has no room to speak. Especially considering he could write a memoir accurately titled 'Lacking Gravitas'."

A tray came floating towards them and Harry looked on with excitement as two plates floated before them, settling on the table. A single flat bottom spoon sat on the plate and it contained a piece of fish that was cut and grilled. A foam sat on top and a garnish of long green stems sat delicately on the foam.

When he ate it, he was surprised. The foam, while looking light and airy, was actually incredibly dense somehow. It tastes strongly of lemon and citrus, just shy of being overly sour. The fish was cooked well, and the lemon foam was pleasant on top and the entire bite was far more substantial than it originally appeared to be. Chives provided a sharper green contrast to the delicate fish and the not-so-delicate foam.

"An interesting application to a Bubble Charm," Dumbledore said as he ate his. "Or perhaps the Foaming Charm, when you create a bubble from something instead of creating a bubble on its own. That would make more sense, given the taste."

"It's very rich," Harry said.

The spoons and plates were taken away by the magically floating tray and soon it returned with two bowls of soup. Harry looked down at it, marveling at how the flat and seemingly shallow bowl was actually a lot deeper. The soup also appeared to have layers to it. The soup became increasingly dense and opaque as you got to the actual bottom of the bowl, the spoon pushing through the layers easily, parting them like a knife through a multi-layered cake. He tried to taste each layer of soup on its own before mixing the layers together.

"Hmm, I am not too sure how this is created but it is rather clever," Dumbledore said with interest.

"Each layer is a different vegetable," Harry said as he tasted them carefully. "There's pea, potato, carrot, tomato, and parsnip I think. That's fun. You can make different combinations of the layers and have slightly different soups. It's like a terrine."

"And they are all slightly different temperatures and textures," Dumbledore observed. "Very tricky and like you said, rather fun."

The next dish raised some eyebrows. It came to them on fire. Orange and red flames danced on the plate and the pieces of chicken were fully consumed by said fire. Harry looked at it and then at Dumbledore. "I think they sent it out early."

Dumbledore chuckled richly. "This I know, it is a dancing fire charm that provides the illusion of flames but not any heat." He gently passed his hand through it. "It feels quite cool. Looks very impressive." He bit into a piece of chicken. "Hmm, how odd. The chicken is served cold. Flavorful, but definitely a touch of whimsy at play here. Serving chicken that looks hot, literally on fire, but tastes cold."

The main course was a small Wellington for the both of them. The golden brown pastry crust crackled when cut into and the beef within had a rosy-red center. The dark mushroom duxelles gleamed within the pastry, encompassing the meat. A rich dark brown gravy was pooled beneath and a small forest of broccoli steamed alongside with some roasted potatoes that gleamed with butter.

Harry took a bite and his eyebrows rose as he chewed. He expected beef with rich and hearty mushrooms in crackling pastry but he tasted lobster instead of beef. He chewed and swallowed, looking very confused as he inspected the wellington once more.

"This is the specialty of the house," Dumbledore said as he ate, "Transfigurer la viande en patisserie. Transfiguring meat in pastry. I just had a bite of pork chop. How about you?"

"Lobster," Harry smiled. He took another bite. "That's chicken, but a different kind from the last dish."

"Filet of beef if I had to guess," Dumbledore said as he chewed another piece of his own. "It is simple enough to transfigure one thing into another, but to somehow differentiate between bites and into different things? I would have to literally dissect this one to fully examine how this was made. Clearly a lot of effort and creativity."

They ate slowly, finishing the final course and savoring every bite. When they finished, the man from earlier asked if the experience was mistake-free and Dumbledore said it had been. After paying surreptitiously, the pair left the restaurant. "They had a dessert course but I have had it before and it is rather lackluster I am afraid," he said to Harry. "I figured some ice cream from Fortescue's would be more to our liking."

"Oh you already took me to an amazing meal," Harry protested.

"And we cannot send you home without something sweet," Dumbledore insisted. "I will feel rather self-conscious if I am eating ice cream on my own, do not make me suffer so." He smiled when Harry did and after purchasing a pair of raspberry white chocolate cones, they sat at a small park to enjoy them. "How did you like your first fancy magical meal?"

"It was really good," Harry said happily. "Really strange to be honest. A lot of it seemed…"

"Magical for the sake of being magical?" Dumbledore hummed when Harry nodded. "Something many magicals do. For many, what is the point of doing anything without using magic?"

"I suppose," Harry admitted. "Magic is pretty great."

"I think so," Dumbledore agreed. "But as you and I have discovered, it is not everything when it comes to food."

"I could taste the magic. I think it's more because I know what the ingredients taste like normally and once you do, you can taste the magic on top. It's not bad, but noticeable."

"I am grateful you and Professor Flitwick discovered that little fascinating facet," Dumbledore said. "I have paid more attention to what I eat and I find myself also recognizing magic in things. And it goes beyond taste as well. It's very interesting."

"Nothing tasted bad, it was all good," Harry nodded. "But, some of it, it was…"

"Why do it?" Dumbledore laughed when Harry did. "I agree honestly. The burning cold chicken was fun to look at but strange and I cannot imagine all the hard work going into the wellington pastry thing. To me, I am unsure if it is worth the effort but perhaps that is why they can charge for it."

He shrugged. "I suppose it will depend on the eater and the maker on what they believe is worth it or not."

"It did taste fancy," Harry smiled. "Very fancy." His face fell a little, looking pensive.

"What is wrong?" Dumbledore asked, concerned at the boy's expression.

"It's nothing," Harry mumbled.

"It does not appear to be nothing. How about you tell me, and I will tell you if it is nothing," Dumbledore said kindly.

After a moment's hesitation, Harry spoke. "I made dinner for Aunt Marge and the Dursleys yesterday and they complained it didn't taste too good, that it tasted off. But I didn't try to make it taste bad. I've never done that. Food is too important to mess with. But later, when I was eating, it did taste a little different to me even though it's stuff I've made before."

"I see. Was the produce lacking in quality?"

"That's what Uncle Vernon said but I don't know," Harry sighed. "Hedwig didn't say it was bad and it didn't taste bad to me either, but it wasn't…as good. If that makes sense."

Dumbledore looked at Harry for a long moment. "Harry, if I may ask, how were you feeling when you were cooking?"

"What do you mean?" Harry asked, confused.

"What were you thinking, and how were you feeling?"

Harry thought. "Well, Aunt Marge was being especially rude and insulting and I guess I was reminded of how nice it was to cook for you and my friends compared to the Dursleys." He looked glum and oddly guilty at that admission. "I didn't resent cooking, but I wasn't as…happy cooking as I normally can be."

"Ah. Well, I think I know what happened."

"You do?"

Dumbledore smiled softly. "I have a guess. When you cast a spell, you expect it to work. When you are comfortable with it, it becomes easier to cast, taking less effort and concentration. Though for some spells, you still need to maintain a high level of power and concentration to cast, but we will get to that later in your school career.

"I have always believed that magic can be, and is, emotional as well as intellectual. Of course you can cast spells without emotion, but certain spells require a certain mindset to cast correctly and properly. And in some spells, you can feel the emotion behind the spell, as well as the skill and the intent."

"Oh, that makes sense." Harry ate more of his ice cream. "So, it is my fault that it tasted bad then, because I felt bad," he said morosely.

"No, not quite," Dumbledore said. "I mean, yes, you were not feeling your usual joy for cooking," and Merlin knows I do not blame you in the slightest, "but you were unaware of the impact of your emotions. So you did not intend on making it taste different. And it is important to focus on the difference. I have been blessed to eat a lot of your cooking and each time I have, I have enjoyed it immensely. Tell me, what are you thinking of when you cook for me and your friends?"

"To have it taste good, to make you happy and satisfied," Harry said. "I want the food to be satisfying and to make you feel better."

"Indeed, and that is what makes your cooking so good," Dumbledore said firmly. "Your food warms the heart and the soul, Harry. You can taste the care. The meal we had today tasted good, and it was good, but I did not have the same level of satisfaction I do when I eat your food.

Dumbledore patted Harry's shoulder. "You have a kindness that is amazing. You can tell that you put yourself into your efforts. You can taste it. And that is a special thing. Never lament it."

"Thank you, Sir," Harry whispered, feeling much better. "But, that means I still didn't make yesterday's food as well as it could have been."

"You are human, Harry," Dumbledore sighed. "Sometimes, our emotions interfere with our intentions. In time, I truly believe you will be able to cook with a professionalism that will not deter from your efforts, despite how you are feeling at the time. It is a part of growing up."

Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Thank you, I really appreciate it."

"You are most welcome," Dumbledore beamed.

-0-

"Thank you again, Sir," Harry said when they returned to Number 4, Privet Drive. "This was one of the best birthdays ever, just as good as the one two years ago really," Harry said happily.

Dumbledore suppressed a flicker of emotion. "It was my honor and my genuine pleasure to have celebrated the day with you. I will be seeing you soon at school. As I said before, send me any messages you need to. Oh, before you go, perhaps you can have your aunt come speak with me?"

"Sure." Harry looked concerned for a moment but waved brightly and walked within the house.

A moment later Petunia came out and closed the door behind her, glaring at Dumbledore. "And what do you want?" she asked, looking about nervously.

"Rest easy, I have placed a few charms to deter others from eavesdropping or seeing us. I know you value your veneer of normalcy," Dumbledore said quietly.

She relaxed a little, letting her nervous energy turn into angry energy. She crossed her arms and glared at him. "What do you want?" she repeated.

Dumbledore took a deep breath. "I do not know what happened before, and I am not necessarily entitled to know. However, now that I am aware of things happening, I want to inform you that I will be keeping a closer eye."

Petunia paled and reddened at the same time, a curious mixture on a curious expression. "What has he told you?"

"Nothing in so many words, but I have paid attention to what was not said out loud."

"It's none of your business," she hissed.

"Perhaps. Before, certainly. Now, however, it is. Harry is one of my students and I am making it my business."

"And what, you go to every single one of your students' homes and meddle in their private lives?" she asked. "Or does the boy have some sort of special treatment?"

"If I must, I will." He gave her a very direct look. "To my knowledge, Harry is the only one needing special consideration. Imagine that. A school full of students and only Harry seems to be in some sort of trouble. I find that sort of odds to be very abnormal."

Petunia nearly shrieked from outrage. "You have no room to talk! In fact, this is all your fault!"

His face stilled, as if carved from cold stone. "And how do you justify that?" he asked politely but coldly.

"We never wanted the brat," she growled. "You left him here. Therefore, everything the boy has experienced is on your head, not mine." As the silence dragged, she grew nervous, acting as if she wanted to escape back to the safety of the house.

"If that is how you want to see it," Dumbledore said slowly and quietly, "then nothing I say will change your mind. You are not entirely wrong." He nearly snorted at her look of vindictive triumph. "Thus, I will do what I must to rectify the situation."

"W-What does that mean?" she gasped. "Is that a threat?"

This time he did snort. "I will respond to you how I have responded to everyone who says that to me." He leaned in closely, making her quail. "I do not make threats. I am an educator at heart and I educate people. Take that how you will."

He leaned back and looked incredibly old and weary. "What happened, Petunia?" he whispered. "What happened to the girl that loved her sister?"

Petunia scowled. "She grew up. And you are the fool if you thought that love could ever be extended to someone else. Just because he is her son does not mean I have to love him."

Dumbledore sighed. "I did not think that. I had hoped, however." He straightened his shoulders and his weary look evaporated, replaced by gentlemanly calm. "Heed my words, Petunia. I am aware now, and I will be paying attention." He turned and started to leave.

"That sounded like a threat," Petunia blustered.

He turned to look at her, his eyes no longer twinkling. "I said I do not make threats. That does not mean I do not know how. Trust me when I say this, when I threaten you, you will know it." She shivered as he whispered. "That, Petunia, was a threat." He took a few more steps and apparated away.

Petunia stayed on the doorstep for long moments, waiting for her limbs to stop shaking.

-0-0-0-

ecoBlade - She will appear again in some way or form I'm sure.

odonnellzoo99 - It's been fun writing for the Patils. They sort of became this very funny sibling and sister and twin relationship where you know they love each other but have absolutely no problems fighting each other at the drop of a hat. Gremlin cheeky Hedwig is always the best.

poka - I hope you enjoy today's chapter. Looks like you were on the money too with that other thought you had.

alix33 - I really liked writing the twin letter.

DarkRavie - Thank you.

emilysouza221b - As I said to someone else, I am trying to show a gradual change and improvement in relationship. I personally think it would be more unrealistic for the Flamels to show up and 'intimidate' someone. I don't think it's unreasonable for people wanting to learn more before acting accordingly. That's why I'm trying to show a believable growth where Harry is trusting the adults more and is opening up to them. We as readers know things but the characters don't and they have other things they have to do as well.