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

A Taste of Magic

28th Course – Lettered Concern

"Boy! What's the hold up?"

"Almost done," Harry called back through gritted teeth. He continued to stir the sauce in the pan, tasting it for seasoning, and sprinkled in a pinch of salt. "I just wanted to make sure it's good since it's for Aunt Marge."

"Leave the boy be," Marge Dursley said from the dining room, her disdain for Harry plain. "It's all he's good for anyways." She said something more quietly and the Dursleys roared in appreciative laughter.

Harry continued to stir the sauce, trying to ignore them. He had known what to expect when Marge's visit was announced. She was a very opinionated woman and was not shy in making her opinions known, especially to the one she was making the opinions of. Even more so when said opinions were quite rude.

She had never liked Harry and it was mutual. She used to set her dog on Harry before he became the full-time cook, delighting in giving Dudley gifts and giving Harry nothing but harsh words. When he became the cook, she would constantly criticize his efforts and decry his cooking as fit for dogs.

Which never stopped her from cleaning her plate before, he thought rebelliously. Guess that makes you a dog too, at least a kind of one.

The summer with the Dursleys was going as well as Harry expected it to. The second he returned from Hogwarts; he was expected to make up for not being at Surrey for the whole year. Party after dinner party was thrown, almost several times a week, and Harry had to purchase, prepare, and cook everything as per usual.

Luckily, he had been able to practice here and there while at school and his skills were still sharp. He was able to do his homework and personal reading during the day and keep up with that. This time, no one interfered with his post so he regularly wrote to his friends and delighted in receiving letters from them in turn.

He smiled a little, thinking about the end of the school year. With the closure of the Chamber of Secrets and bringing a basilisk to justice, the end of the year was fairly normal. There was the rush to prepare and study for final exams and like the last year, they met as a group and studied together while he was still able to cook and eat with his friends. Consequently, he earned very good marks and was high up there in the class rankings, something he was proud of.

At the end, there was a bit of a shock. Dobby had appeared and he was going to be employed at Hogwarts, receiving pay and clothes that he wanted. He had apologized to Harry for his actions in 'helping' him. The apology was earnestly, and nervously, delivered because Inky, Quarters, and a few other House Elves had accompanied Dobby and held him at implement point essentially. They were still very furious with him for what he did. Inky told Harry later that he would be under close eye if he tried to approach Harry with Quarters making a vague reference to smashed knees while waiving his swagger stick threateningly.

The others had given Dobby some strange looks and Hermione had been drawn into a debate at how House Elves were treated and how they thought, something Luna, Sue, Millicent, and even Neville had gotten into as well. Pansy had looked at Dobby strangely and later said it was odd to hear what he did having known him somewhat from childhood. In the end, Harry was grateful for his friends among the House Elves and while he 'forgave' Dobby, he certainly would not forget the odd elf's idea of helping.

Harry sighed, no longer able to ignore the snide complaints coming from the dining room. He finished the sauce and poured it into a sauce boat and put it on a tray. He then put the steaks he had resting on their plates and added a few stalks of asparagus and a spoonful of roasted potatoes to each plate. A basket of rolls was put on last and he carried it all to the dining room.

"About time," Marge complained when he appeared.

He said nothing and served everyone a plate of food and left the basket and sauce boat in the middle of the table. "The chocolate cake is ready for pudding," he said when Vernon opened his mouth, cutting him off. "I finished it earlier and I frosted it already. Dark chocolate and rum, Aunt Marge's favorite."

"Very good," Vernon said with what he thought was a dignified air.

Harry turned to leave but was stopped by Marge's words. "What's wrong with the sauce?"

He turned back, looking at her. "What do you mean? It's mushroom and onion, made with the fond from the steaks and red wine. You liked it last time."

"Don't get smart with me, boy," she said angrily. "It tastes off! Are you trying to poison me? Or make something poor on purpose?!"

Harry's eyes narrowed. "I have never wasted food or made anything bad on purpose," he said, his voice shaking.

Petunia's eyes widened as she noticed the glass beside Marge's hand shaking as well when it had no reason to. "Now now, it may not be the boy's fault entirely," she simpered.

"And why not? He made it!" Marge argued.

Vernon noticed the shaking glass as well and he coughed hurriedly. "Maybe the product wasn't up to the usual standards. Where did you get the groceries boy?"

"The new store, like you told me to," Harry said stiffly, trying to calm down. The glass stilled as his breathing became slower and more measured.

"There, probably substandard stuff," Vernon blustered. "I'll complain to the manager later. And we've had to suffer with poorer red wine lately so I'm sure that has an impact, right?"

"Yes Sir," Harry said coolly.

"I would think you'd know how to pick a better wine since you think you know how to cook," Marge said snidely.

Harry squashed the rush of heat in his stomach. "I'm not allowed to drink alcohol due to my age," he replied thinly.

Dudley all of a sudden looked nervous and shot Harry a hateful glance while Marge snorted. "What an excuse, avoiding responsibility. Much like your drunkard father I suppose. Bad genetics there, it's a wonder that Dudley turned out so well. Petunia was the lucky one." She gave a start when the glass cracked audibly and fell into pieces, the water within spilling out.

"Clean that up," Vernon ordered, eyes wide and staring at Harry. "Then set the cake out with plates and you can leave for the night."

"Yes Sir," Harry said coldly. He grabbed the dustpan and swiftly swept up the broken glass and left a cloth to soak up the water. He brought out the cake and dessert plates and forks and went back to the kitchen. He piled the leftovers and small portions he made for himself and Hedwig and left, ignoring the return of conversation from the Dursleys.

He put the tray of food down on his desk in his small room and sighed, angrily wiping at his eyes. He sat down and held his head in his hands, as if he could block the sound out from below by covering his ears. After a moment he put a finger into the sauce and tasted it.

"Does it taste bad?" he asked himself. He took small bites of everything and sat back, feeling troubled. He sat there, thoughts running rampant in his head, and only looked up when he heard hooting. Hedwig came fluttering through the window and dropped a pile of letters onto the desk. She looked at him carefully, tilting her head before she waddled close and started nuzzling his cheek.

"Hi," he said gratefully, hugging her. He smiled when she cheeped lovingly and bit his nose gently. "Did you have a good flight?"

She bobbed her head and pointed at the small pile of letters with a wing.

"Aww, thank you," he said, happy to see them. He filled her food dish with a good amount of everything and smiled as she started eating, her tail feathers wiggling back and forth with delight. "Say, does anything taste off to you?"

She looked at him seriously and shook her head emphatically.

"Are you sure? You're not just saying that to spare my feelings, right?" he asked, worried.

She narrowed her eyes at him and shook her head firmly. She tilted her head questioningly.

"It's what they said," Harry muttered, pointing down.

Hedwig made an angry noise and mooned the direction of the dining room moodily. She opened her beak wide and made fake retching noises and kicked with one leg.

"Thanks," he smiled, catching her meaning perfectly. "I know you wouldn't lie to me. I'm just, well, you know."

Hedwig rubbed her head against his and playfully headbutted him before she stole another bit of steak from his plate and went back to eating with noisy enthusiasm.

Feeling a little better, Harry ate too. He still was not completely sure if everything tasted like it should however, and it bothered him more than a little bit. He looked at the door when it shook from knocking. "We're heading out for the night boy," Vernon said, his voice muffled by the closed door. "Clean the mess in the kitchen before we return."

"Yes Sir," he said dully and waited for them to leave, hearing the front door close and the car start and fade away into the distance. Instead of waiting, he decided to clean first and went and did so. He gathered the last of the leftovers, including a bit of cake, and brought it back up. He refilled Hedwig's dish and patted her back as she munched on the seconds happily.

He sat there, lost in thought for long moments before he felt Hedwig pushing an envelope into his face, the corner of the letter poking him in the cheek. He snorted and smiled at her, taking the letter and opening it.

Hey Harry!

Hope you're doing okay! I know we just wrote to you but we wanted to test something and it worked! One of our aunties knew this handy spell to transfer writing from one thing to another and we tested it with the wax tablet and parchment and this is it. Isn't it neat?! Padma wrote the letter on the tablet first and we pressed the parchment to it and cast the charm and it appeared here. Now you can transfer writing things so much easier and faster! We'll teach you when we see you again.

Everyone in the family loves the tablets now too, after learning this charm. Everyone is practically getting one and we told everybody that it's all due to you since you gave Padma the first one. I hope I get a nicer one from someone sometime soon…

Can you have any more shame?

Yes. You have the lion's share of shame which is ironic because you're a Ravenclaw.

Harry, I should teach you the charm first. When Parvati attempted it the first time, she set the parchment on fire. Luckily we were using auntie's tablet and also luckily it wasn't damaged.

Hey Harry, one of our cousin's friends is sweet on Padma and it's super awkward and super funny and-

I am going to kill you!

And it's in writing! That's a written threat! Harry will avenge me if I don't show up at school!

There were a lot of scribbled out words and blots and messy scrawls here that made Harry smile.

She bit me! Harry! She actually bit me! Act your age!

We are the same age! Harry, I know you're an only child, but would you like a sibling? I have one for sale, very cheap.

You're cheap! I'm telling Mum!

She actually kicked me and is off tattling on me! I can completely understand if you do not reply for some time out of sheer embarrassment. Hope you are doing well.

Sincerely,

Padma

And Parvati!

Harry smiled brightly, feeling his spirits lifted. He had gotten used to the Patil sisters' brand of fighting and arguing and to be honest, he was a bit jealous of their closeness. They still cared deeply for one another and loved each other, that was plain to see. The lengths they go to annoy each other, even Padma despite her protests, was also impressive and Harry liked watching it.

He pulled out some sheafs of parchment and unstopped an ink bottle, smiling as he started writing.

Hey Padma and Parvati!

That charm sounds amazing, can't wait to learn it. I really like writing on the tablets in the kitchen and stuff, so much nicer not having to worry about ink and things around food. I'm sure Parvati will get better with the charm by the time we meet. If she practices of course.

I'd feel bad only buying one of you so I'll just stay good friends with the both of you. And good to know, I don't have to think as hard about gift shopping this year for Parvati. That will make things easier.

I'm doing okay. Keeping busy as you know. I did manage to finish my homework already. That essay about the International Confederation of Wizards was actually kind of interesting. I had no idea just how big the Magical World was and what they all do. I actually read more about it after finishing the essay, Padma's influence, I'm sure.

Your friend,

Harry.

He set the letter aside and reached for the next one. He saw the impeccably neat handwriting and instantly knew who it was from. He opened it and started reading eagerly.

Hello Harry,

I hope you are doing well.

I am briefly back in England for only a short while. Summer is the time where my parents travel to their international business holdings and I go with them because I am learning and because they do not trust me to 'fend' for myself for a long period of time. Which is galling because I am the eldest child and therefore the most responsible. That said, I like travelling so my point is pertinent but is also moot at the same time.

I thought of you while we were in France. We had a quiche Lorraine and all I could think was that yours tasted better to me. Nothing was wrong with the one we had at all, I preferred yours however. When I asked for the recipe, I was rebuffed. Something about trying to steal it and they got more upset at me when I said I had a better one elsewhere and I simply wanted it to be a point of comparison.

My Father thought that was amusing and did not scold me for my lapse in etiquette though he has asked me where I had the better quiche. I told my parents about you briefly; I hope that is okay. My Mother said that she might ask for it one day to see if it was worth insulting the chef. I apologize if you're forced to make one for such a silly reason.

Millie says hi and Sunny says meow. The beast has finally stopped trying to claw my things but she still enjoys biting me, the creature. Sunny, not Millie if you needed the clarification. Millie is less amused than I am for the clarification.

Your friend,

Pansy

Harry grinned as he penned a reply.

Hi Pansy,

Thank you for the letter. Say hi to Millie for me please and meow back at Sunny. I'll make sure to ask Millie and Sunny if you meow too.

That was really nice of you and of course I don't mind making one for you to send back. I'm glad you didn't get in trouble over it. I've managed to make it a couple of times here for a dinner party. It's weird. The Dursleys don't really like French cooking but French cooking is seen as super fancy and high class and that's what they want too so they'll allow me to make it for certain dinner parties and that's it.

From what you've told me about some Society things, I bet you can understand.

I'm doing okay otherwise. Finished my homework and am keeping busy. Haven't had the opportunity to learn anything new but maybe I'll get to go to a bookstore soon and pick up a cookbook or something. I hope you're doing well too.

I'm glad you're enjoying your traveling and I hope you get this letter before you leave on the next one.

Your friend,

Harry

"You don't have to go out again so soon," Harry said when he noticed Hedwig looking at the finished letters eagerly. "You can rest and go tomorrow or the next day."

She sniffed at him, looking at him and rustling her feathers.

"I know you take your duties seriously," Harry grinned and scratched her head. "Just saying, no rush at all."

She hooted and nodded before pushing the next letter to him. He smiled when he recognized the cheery handwriting on it.

Hi Harry!

How are you? I hope you're doing okay with your other aunt visiting. She sounds unpleasant and hopefully it's not too bad.

Thanks for the quiche recipe! We tried it here and honestly, we made a mess! It was lumpy and the crust was terrible but my sisters and I had fun trying. I'll have to learn it from the beginning with you when we go back to school. But we're visiting Grandmum soon and she's good at baking and cooking so I'm going to show her the recipe and see if we can do it better with her.

Oh and I have to tell you that Daddy got scared by Hedwig again! She came flying in and she walked up super sneaky like, climbing up the arm of his sitting chair and stood on it and stared at him until he lowered the newspaper and noticed! He shouted and kicked and the whole chair went falling over! We all thought it was hilarious!

"Why are you bothering Mr. Brown?" Harry asked Hedwig.

She shrugged in a clear 'why not' sort of way.

"Be nice to him," Harry smiled, rubbing her belly.

Don't worry, he still likes her even if he thinks she's cheeky. Which, she is to be fair. Clover and Marigold love her of course and so does Mum. They've asked Mum and Daddy if we can get an owl and they're thinking about it.

I better finish my homework too. I just have to do the ICW essay too. Thanks for telling me what chapters to look at. I normally would leave it to last minute but between you and Padma and Hermione, I guess it's better to do it sooner rather than later. Daddy's proud that I did most of it already too. Have you to thank!

Miss you. Hope you're doing okay.

Your best friend after Hedwig,

Lavender

Harry sighed softly, finishing the letter. He enjoyed reading it and hearing from Lavender as well as the others. The letters were nice little bright spots while he was at Number 4. It made him feel a part of things when he felt so isolated while in Surrey.

Hi Lavender!

Hope you're doing well!

Please apologize to your dad for me. I tried to ask Hedwig to be nicer but she just shrugged at me. At least you all find it entertaining and not bad. You're right, she's very cheeky. In fact, she waggling her tail feathers at me right now.

I'll be happy to make the quiche with you from start to finish when we get back to school. It's not that bad. Shortcrust is a little tricky but you'll get it, I'm sure. It's easier than that fancy and lovely embroidery you do. If I can roll out the crust, then you certainly can.

I already finished my homework and did some extra reading if you can believe it. There's not much to do here, save homework and cook. There's been so many dinner parties and things that I panicked a bit thinking I might not have time to finish my work. Thankfully I did so I can just read what I like and practice cooking things. I haven't had the chance to make anything new but maybe I can try something one day on my own.

I miss you too. I'm glad you're enjoying your time with your family!

Your best friend after Parvati,

Harry

A sudden burst of fire and light made Harry shout but Hedwig only sighed and rolled her eyes. Fawkes appeared and trilled a greeting, dropping a folded bit of parchment into Harry's hands. The phoenix looked around the room with interest, waving a wing at Hedwig who returned the gesture calmly.

"Hi Fawkes," Harry greeted, patting the bird on the head. "Surprised me a bit. Would you like to eat something?" He grinned when the phoenix began eating from Harry's plate and opened the parchment to read it. "Oh, the Headmaster wants to visit tomorrow? And take me out for the day? That'll be nice." He wrote a reply and gave it to Fawkes. After a goodbye trill, Fawkes disappeared in another flash.

"Hmm, I better go make food for the Dursleys tomorrow," Harry said. He hummed softly as he poked about the fridge and decided on what to make for lunch and dinner while he was not there just in case. "I wonder why he's visiting," he mused to himself. He smiled as he worked. It would be the first time he had a visitor looking for him for once, not counting Dobby of course. At the very least, it would be a pleasant distraction.

-0-0-0-

odonnellzoo99 - I like the idea of Nicolas treating people differently based on how their individual relationships are in very different ways. Him and McGonagall being belligerent with one another is a lot of fun. They will pop up here and there. They are surprisingly going to be more involved than initially planned but it seems a lot of my more popular decisions and characters happen on accident.

Guest - Thank you for the suggestion, I will check that book out.

ecoBlade - But she will be happy in France at least and she might show up again.

poka - Tartiflette sounds like a very rich potatoes gratin to me, which who doesn't like cheese and potatoes? Only with bacon making it more better really. We will see if I am successful with Dumbledore as a whole but with where I am now in writing, I've been pleased with his character development as well. I know his character can be very polarizing with him being all over the good to evil spectrum but I'm hoping mine will make sense and be fun and good. Thank you for the high praise and I hope you continue to enjoy the story.

MultiversalCosms - I am trying to show them learning as time goes by. I don't think it isn't unreasonable for them wanting to learn more, waiting for Harry to trust them more and open up, before acting more accordingly. Maybe they cannot act so rashly on something they aren't sure if it's something out of context. I like to think they have been trying to help Harry, providing him advice, getting to know him better, and providing more support.

alix33 - The biting line made me laugh to write it.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - thanks for reading.

DarkRavie - Thank you.

- Thank you, doing my best to maintain quality.