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

A Taste of Magic

78th Course – Coercion Course

"That is a really big fish," Harry said, staring at the incredibly large fish lying in the crate on the floor.

It was over eight feet long and looked very large and heavy. The eyes were milk-white and the whole of the fish was covered in dense rubbery skin. Long whiskers dangled from the face and the fins were wide and long with trailing protrusions.

"We call it caddok," Diglin said. "It's similar to catfish. We think it somehow got into our underground habitat when the catfish was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 1800s. It evolved to suit the environment and here is a pretty decent specimen."

"Pretty decent?" Harry asked. "They can get bigger?"

"Oh yeah, and like most cave-species, they're meaner," Diglin said. "Though I heard catfish are pretty mean no matter where they are." He pointed at the barbed whiskers. "Those can cut you bad and the caddoks aren't shy fighters."

"Wow. How do they taste?"

"Good, if made right. You gotta cook them properly or else the flavor is a bit muddy. You get a decent yield off them too if you butcher them right."

"And how do you butcher them normally?" Harry asked, looking at the immense caddok and the not as immense Diglin.

"Little ones you do just like any other fish. One of the bigguns like this one needs a special setup. Come on." He showed Harry how to set up a hanging brace and set down a tarp on the floor. A hook through the mouth secured the fish and they hauled on a chain, pulling it into the air. It dangled in mid-air, water dripping off. "Here we can remove the fins, and be careful they cut you up too, and then skin it and then break it into halves. Then you can quarter it essentially and finish up on a table like you normally would."

He, Amythyst, and Harry worked together, with them showing Harry how to carefully take it apart. They wore heavy leather gloves for the first part and carefully putting the fins to the side, followed by the whiskers and the spines. It took some time but they eventually broke it down together and had the major cuts lying out on the tables. The skeleton of the fish hung off the brace, still impressive despite being bare bone.

"Bones and other bits go to the forges and people that want them. They're useful for lots of things," Amythyst said, stripping her gloves off. "We don't get big one often to break down like this. It's a pain in the arse to do as you see."

"I think it's fun," Harry said.

"That's 'cause you're young and you've not done it before," Diglin snorted. "I generally prefer the regular ones too but once in a while you get a really good deal and the big ones have a good flavor to them."

"How are we serving it?" Harry asked.

"Fried. We thin slice the fillets, then dredge in cornmeal and shallow fried 'till crisp. Bit of gravy on top. We do some braised greens on the side with some pickles and bread or pasta. Similar to how they do it in the States. We'll also flake it and make a chowder out of it. After some pieces cure a few days, taking the edge of the flavor off, we can do other things too." Diglin clapped Harry on the shoulder. "And since you think it's fun, you get it on line duty."

"Yes Chef," Harry said happily.

"Stop treating him with so much deference," Amythyst sighed with mock-weariness. "He's starting to hold us to that standard of respect."

"I know I don't get any from you lot," Diglin sniffed. "And you don't mean it. Let me have someone that genuinely respects me."

"We respect you Chef," Flynt said as he passed by. "Respect and fear you."

"More fear than respect sometimes," another said.

"Maybe a fearful respect," Hacker called over.

"Or a respectful fear," Amythyst added.

"Harry, make mapo for family meal, half super spicy and half none at all. You know who gets which batch," Diglin said and the Crew groaned.

"Heard," Harry smiled. "Before we send the bones away, can I do something funny? Also do we have a camera?"

Diglin snorted when Harry explained. "I'll go get one. That's too funny."

-0-

Pansy looked at her knocking door. "Come in. Oh, hello Daphne."

Daphne walked in, looking a little pensive. "Hello Pansy."

"Have a seat. I didn't know you were visiting." Pansy pointed at the extra seat by her desk and Daphne sat down.

"My parents are meeting with yours," Daphne said shortly. On closer inspection, she looked worried. "About Sanguis."

"Oh. Are your parents still thinking of sending you and Tori?"

Daphne nodded. "They have been talking more about it and I do not want to go. I told them as such and they think they know what is better for us. They claim we cannot slight the Malfoys and that we would be losing a lot of opportunity if we do not go to Sanguis."

"But they know how much we achieved at Hogwarts," Pansy protested. "Don't they?"

"They do but they claim that it is nothing compared to what Sanguis offers." Daphne lowered her voice. "And if any of us go to Sanguis, Draco will literally make our lives hell."

"Yes, he would," Pansy said, her expression matching Daphne's.

"What has your parents said?" Daphne asked.

"They haven't broached the subject yet, but I know it's coming." Pansy shook her head slowly before her eyes fell onto a box and a picture on her desk. "I will do something."

"You will?" Daphne looked relieved and hopeful.

"I can't promise I'll be successful, but I will do my best." Pansy opened the box and offered the contents to Daphne.

"Of course you still get some even though it is summer," Daphne said, taking a biscuit and biting into it eagerly. She blinked when she saw the picture on the desk. "What on earth is that?!"

"It's called a caddok apparently," Pansy smiled. "Giant cave catfish, though that one is considered to be smaller."

Daphne gaped at Hedwig fluffed up and looking proud, sitting on the head of a giant caddock dangling from a hook. Harry stood next to the fish and was smiling too. The fish dwarfed Harry in size. "Did she capture it?"

"I honestly don't know but it wouldn't surprise me if she did," Pansy smiled.

-0-

"Hey Pansy, are you out of biscuits already?" Harry asked.

Pansy flushed. She and Daphne had gone to the Floo call room and she had hoped Harry would be home. Luckily he was. "No, though Daphne did her best to diminish my supply."

"I am not sorry," Daphne sniffed.

Harry grinned. "I'll send some over for you too. What's up?"

"Our parents are discussing about us going to Sanguis instead of Hogwarts," Pansy said.

"Oh no," Harry groaned. "That's bad on so many levels. I don't want to lose you as friends." He missed their happy flush and smiles. "That and after last year, Draco's going to be terrible."

"Our reasoning exactly," Pansy said.

"What can I do to help? I don't think I can convince your parents really," Harry said. "I've only met your mum, Pansy."

"I hate to ask this of you, but do you think you could have your godfather speak to them?" Pansy asked.

"I'm sure he would if I asked. Why would they listen to him though?" Harry asked.

"The Blacks are one of the most important families in Wizarding Britain," Daphne said. "One of the oldest and the most influential, especially with Sirius' return. If he said something, my parents and Tracey's would listen, I am sure of it."

"He did just have a meeting with Mrs. Malfoy," Harry said. "He refused to support Sanguis."

"Even better," Daphne said excitedly. "I know it is inappropriate to ask this of you, but could you help us?"

"Why is it inappropriate?" Harry asked, tilting his head a little. "We're friends and friends help each other, right?"

"Of course we are, and we do," Pansy smiled warmly.

"I'll ask him and let you know what he says," Harry said. "Don't worry, we'll do something."

"Thank you," Daphne said softly.

"Oh wait, one second." Harry's head disappeared and after a few moments a box came sticking out of the Floo fire. "Muffins I made earlier."

Pansy took them. "Thank you, for everything Harry," she said gratefully. She and Daphne waved goodbye and the Floo went out.

"Well, I feel better," Daphne said, sitting back and looking relieved. "Harry does have a way of making the impossible actually possible."

Pansy nodded without saying anything.

"Hey! You are eating already? Give me one!"

"He gave them to me!" Pansy protested, mouth full.

-0-

"Sure, what's up?" Sirius said, looking at Harry. He leaned forward, giving Harry his undivided attention.

"Pansy called earlier," Harry said. "Her parents and Daphne Greengrass' parents are thinking about sending them to Sanguis Verus instead of back to Hogwarts."

"Not surprising," Sirius snorted. "That place is going to be a Pureblooded purgatory of punishments. I bet they have classes on decorum and legal weaseling and table manners."

"Why are there so many forks?" Dora asked, lounging in a chair. "Why on earth do you need so many forks for one meal? I only know which one you should use to stab someone in the eye with."

"Why would you need to know that?" Remus asked, looking alarmed.

"Self-defense," Dora said blithely. "It's the one that's a little smaller with longer tines if you were curious."

"That one is the salad fork," Andromeda said dryly. "Also you are not wrong. That is the one that has strong tines and is smaller than the dinner fork for more deft and dexterity."

"Don't look at me," Sirius said when Remus looked at him. "I'd go for a spoon, it'd hurt more." He looked back at Harry who looked equal parts amused and mildly horrified. "But anyways, I'm not entirely sure what I can do."

"Apparently they think if you talk to them, Pansy and Daphne thinking if you talk to their parents, you can convince them otherwise. And maybe Millicent, Tracey, and Blaise too come to think of it," Harry said weakly. "If they go, any of them, Draco will really make them suffer over them helping us last year."

"I'm really chuffed that you think I'm so influential," Sirius smiled, "but I don't know if I really am that influential. I sort of knew the parents in passing from when I was younger, but I'm not really close friends with any of them. Andi was friendly with Primrose but not exactly buddies either."

"Our friendship has grown since your party last year," Andromeda said. "It has been nice, I must admit."

"I know I'm asking a lot, but I hate for them to go to Sanguis and be treated so badly," Harry said.

"You barely ask for anything at all and I'm always happy to listen," Sirius said soothingly. "I'm just saying, they might not listen to me at all. And I mean, I can't blame them. Me telling them how to parent their kids? It's kinda ridiculous."

"Don't sell yourself short," Remus said, leaning back into his chair. "You can be quite the cajoler and the groveller. Didn't you go out on a date last week?"

"First of all, I was keeping that under wraps for now," Sirius hissed, groaning when Dora and Andromeda looked up with interest. "Second of all, she asked me out and I didn't cajole, or grovel, or do anything of the sort, thank you very much."

"Well I can bring up many instances of your silver-tongue from school," Remus smiled.

"You better hope my tongue isn't silver or else I'll lick you and see how you react," Sirius said shortly.

"Okay, let us focus on the matter at hand," Andromeda said. "But we will be coming back to the 'you dating again' thing." She smiled at Sirius' groan. "Perhaps we can have a meeting of sorts here. Talk things out."

"Ugh, my father always said I'd eventually have to play the Game," Sirius sighed. "He's probably laughing at me right now, wherever he is."

"I'll help," Harry said eagerly. "I'll do whatever I can."

"Hey, not a bad idea," Dora smiled. "Force-feed them into submission and then get them hooked, then cut them off until they agree to our demands."

"Aren't you supposed to not be doing that as an Auror?" Sirius asked mildly.

"It's a legitimate interrogation technique," Dora sniffed.

Ted chuckled. "She was doing stuff like that as a baby."

"Actually, I have an idea. I remember something Pansy was saying about opportunities and things like that matter a lot, right?" Harry continued when Sirius and Andromeda nodded. "We already showed what we can do as a team last year. And if a lot of students left Hogwarts for Sanguis, then there's going to be a lot of room to grow."

"A very valid point," Andromeda said approvingly.

"And I can do this." Harry briefly described his idea. "What do you think?" he asked when he finished.

"That's…actually a really good point and plan," Sirius said admiringly. "Maybe you'd be good at the Game."

"The Game of Politics," Andromeda clarified. "Plans within plans, wheels within wheels. Measures and countermeasures. And I agree."

"I don't know about that," Harry flushed. "Just thought it would be good with what I've learned from Pansy and Millie and the others."

"And that makes you extra dangerous at it," Sirius said, applauding. "You learn and use what you've learned."

"He is one of the finer students in his year," Remus said proudly.

"Aww, look at you being a little swot," Dora said in a sickeningly sweet tone, ruffling his hair.

"Someone doesn't want dessert," Harry muttered. He whooped when Dora gasped and pulled him into her, wrapping her arms and legs around him and squeezing.

"No! I take it back!" she said, snuggling him close while he gasped and laughed. "Don't starve me!"

Andromeda smiled lovingly at the sight. "Well, I just had another thought. If we can convince the others that staying at Hogwarts would be good, that would weaken Quirrell's position."

Sirius nodded. He had shared with Remus, Andromeda, Ted, and Dora what Dumbledore had told him when he delivered the locket. They all had been deeply disturbed by the connotations of everything and had decided to remain vigilant and plan for the worse. "Not to mention irritating Lucius. That's always a good thing."

He picked up his goblet and sipped his wine. "Guess we're having a coercion course."

"Dinner party," Andromeda corrected.

"Same thing," Sirius snorted.

-0-

"Yes Father?" Pansy had been summoned by her parents and she stepped into the lounge to find them there.

"Do you know about this?" Alan asked, holding up a piece of fine parchment.

"It looks like parchment, fine quality, embossed edges. A formal invitation?" Pansy said almost blandly.

Alan and Primrose smiled. "Yes, correct," he said. "What I mean, do you know about this invitation to a dinner party with Sirius Black and Andromeda Tonks at Grimmauld Place? With the desire to make acquaintances with the families of Harry Potter's friends as well as a discussion about education?"

Inwardly, Pansy cheered and was very happy. Outwardly, she remained calm and collected. "I might know something."

"The time for obfuscation is over, dear," Primrose said kindly but she looked at her daughter directly.

Pansy straightened. "I asked Harry for help," she said plainly. "I have no desire to go to Sanguis Verus and Daphne and the others shared their concerns with me."

"Did you think we would force you to do something without consulting you?" Alan asked mildly.

"Think? No, perhaps not. Rather, I hoped not," Pansy said slowly. "But I know some of the others do not have the luxury to share my sentiments."

Alan and Primrose shared a look. Pansy stood there and tried not to fidget.

"I suppose we have a dinner party to attend then," Alan said at last. He smiled at Pansy' obvious happiness. "I have been wanting to try Mister Potter's cooking. I have heard much about it."

"Thank you!" Pansy hugged and kissed her parents and left with high spirits.

Alan watched her go. "Hmm, she has reached the age where she is being sneaky."

"She has long passed the age where she does things sneakily," Primrose snorted. "However, this is a new level."

"Are we so distrusting?" Alan asked.

"I do not think so, but I am biased." Primrose made a graceful hand gesture. "That said, you remember what it was like growing up in Society. The subtle plays. Trying to find your own means in the Game."

Alan grunted. "And it persists to this day. Never thought I would see Sirius Black play it. This should be interesting."

-0-

"Do I really have to wear this?" Dora complained, tugging at her dress robes.

"Yes Dora," Andromeda said. She smacked Dora's hand lightly. "Stop messing with it. You look beautiful and it is necessary."

"It's really tight and confining," Dora grumbled.

"I have seen the jeans you wear, those are tighter," Andromeda chided. "And unlike the vast majority of us, you can alter your shape a little so please, for your poor mother's sake, try not to make this more stressful than it needs to be?"

"I think you look cool and I already have a big dessert ready for you," Harry said.

"Aww, thanks," Dora smiled and hugged him, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"Thank you, Harry," Andromeda sighed.

"Now we know what to do when we need her to do something," Ted grinned.

"Wow, you look awesome," Harry said when Sirius walked in.

Sirius snorted but admired his look in the mirror. He wore night-black dress robes with a bright red trim. His shirt was deep red and he looked very polished and proper. "Thank you," he said warmly. "If I have to be the Head, then I might as well look the part." They turned to look at the hearth when the Floo roared into life. "Here we go," Sirius said to himself.

Pansy appeared first, holding hands with a smaller girl that looked very much like her. She smiled and waved at Harry, ignoring her little sister's look. Primrose stepped through with Alan last. "Lord Black, thank you for your invitation," Alan said, bowing slightly.

Sirius returned the bow. "Thank you for coming. Welcome to Grimmauld Place."

"Andromeda," Primrose greeted. "Alan, this is Edward Tonks and their daughter, Nymphadora. You have met Pansy of course. This is our youngest, Aster."

"Hello," Aster said politely, curtseying slightly.

"A pleasure to meet you," Andromeda smiled warmly.

"Hi Harry," Pansy said, hugging him.

"Hi Pansy," he said, hugging her back. He offered a hand to Aster. "Hi there. Nice to meet you. Pansy talks about you a lot."

Aster narrowed her eyes at her sister. "What did she say?"

"Mostly good things," Harry smiled.

"Only mostly?" Aster repeated, shaking Harry's hand and giving her sister a cool look.

"You are a monster and you know it," Pansy hissed.

"Your face is a monster," Aster hissed back.

"Wow, sisters really do treat each other alike, huh?" Harry said with a bright smile.

"We're nothing. Wait until you see Tori and Daphne," Pansy muttered.

"Tori's great," Aster smiled.

"Because you both like to torture your older sisters."

"You both deserve it," Aster sniffed.

The fire increased in intensity and Millicent came through, holding Sunny in her arms. In rapid succession, two boys and a man and a woman followed. The man was tall with broad shoulders, the woman was tall and thinner. The boys looked like a mix of the two, sharing Millicent's features as well.

"Hi Harry," Millicent said brightly as she walked over. Sunny leapt from her arms and into Harry's, purring happily. "I assumed Sunny was invited too. Actually, she thought she was. Climbed up my robes and wouldn't let go."

"Sunny's never not invited," Harry said, smiling when the kneazle nuzzled his face.

"Meet my terrible siblings. Nathan's the older one technically, Owen is the younger one."

"Wow, she's actually nice to you," Nathan said, staring at Harry.

"Sunny or Millie?" Harry asked, looking slightly confused.

"Both," Owen said. "You let him call you Millie?"

"Yeah, we're friends," Millicent huffed.

"You have friends?" Nathan and Owen asked together in a way that was strongly reminiscent of the Weasley twins, goggling at their older sister.

"Excuse me, I'm friends with Millie," Pansy said indignantly.

"You're practically related to us," Nathan said, "you don't count."

"Then why have you never listened to me?!"

"We don't listen to her, what makes you think we listen to you?" Owen said, first pointing at Millicent before pointing at Pansy.

"You two know to listen to me or else I'll kick your arses up and down the house," Millicent growled.

"Wow," Harry said, watching the five of them dissolve into arguing and bickering.

"Yeah seriously. I feel like we should fight more but I rather you feed me and us snuggle," Dora said as she reached over to pet Sunny.

"Well now, that is something," Hugh Bulstrode mused. "Nathan and Owen are actively talking to him and listening to him. Not that blank-eyed stare they do when they are pretending to listen."

"Harry's good at making friends," Sirius said proudly.

"Clearly," Linda Bulstrode said. "He is somehow on friendly terms with Daphne, Tracey, and Blaise in less than a year's time? How did that happen?"

"I honestly don't know," Sirius shrugged. "Probably a combination of his natural kindness and being friends with Pansy and Millicent. And his cooking of course."

"Millicent says he is very good at that," Linda said.

"It was quite delicious last year," Primrose said. "And he has improved?"

"He has," Andromeda said proudly.

"I am looking forward to it," Linda said with a slight smile.

Blaise was next to appear out of the Floo, followed a woman who was tall with dark skin and piercing eyes. Two more women came right after, Tracey and a woman who was as tall as Tracey with a broad smile and short brown hair.

"Tiffany Davis? Pleasure to meet you," Sirius said. "And I of course remember you, Valentina."

Valentina Zabini snorted richly. "Tina is fine. You look like a proper lordling now, Sirius."

"Doomed to happen apparently," Sirius sighed woefully.

Tiffany Davis shook his hand readily. "Pleasure." She looked about. "Place is less dark and scary than I thought it would be. Well, what Tina told me."

"It looks a lot better than my own memories of it," Valentina said, looking about.

"Lot of work that took," Sirius smiled.

"Hey Trace," Millicent said when Tracey and Blaise walked over. "Hey Blaise."

"Hello," Blaise greeted cordially. He smirked as he looked around. "I knew Daphne would be last."

"They do like being the last to show up," Tracey agreed. "I'm really surprised we're doing this."

"Willingly even," Blaise said. "No threats or blackmail or any of the sort. As far as I know."

"There shouldn't have been," Harry frowned. "Not from Sirius at least."

"Just saying it would have been normal if there was," Blaise shrugged. "Ah, speak of the devils." He frowned at Tracey when she kicked him. "What?"

Daphne appeared with her little sister in tow. Her mother and father walked in after them, looking patrician and severe in feature and body language. After taking the room in with a glance, Cyrus Greengrass approached Sirius with his family. "Lord Black," he greeted coolly. "Thank you for the invitation."

"Thank you for coming," Sirius answered, just as coolly. He smiled slightly as he turned. "Adelle. Good to see you. And your daughters look just like you."

Adelle smiled. "Thank goodness for that." They all chuckled, even Cyrus. "Daphne, the elder, and Astoria, the younger. You may join your friends," she told them and watched them leave. "Andromeda, so nice to see you."

"Likewise," Andromeda replied.

"Hello everyone," Daphne said, relaxing slightly.

"Hello." Astoria looked at Harry. "So you're the weird one that likes to cook? Ow! Hey!" Astoria glared at Daphne, rubbing her head.

"Be polite," Daphne hissed, cheeks red.

"Even you said that he's weird for liking to cook!" Astoria said loudly. "We're not supposed to like it!"

"I am terribly sorry," Daphne sputtered to Harry, growing even redder. "Granted, yes I said that before, but I truly do not believe it anymore."

"You're apologizing to him?!" Astoria gaped at Harry. "What do you have on her and can you tell me please?"

"I like her," Dora said while the others snickered and laughed.

"Oh, are you the one with the Muggleborn father?" Astoria asked, looking at Dora.

Dora's smile was still broad but it became all teeth and Dora leaned over Astoria slightly. "Yup, that's me. Also, I wasn't raised Society so I have no problem being rude and kicking your arse so you better watch what you say around me little miss." Her hair became long and blonde and her eyes turned black.

Astoria gulped a little and looked at Daphne.

"Do not look at me, I will not save you from your mouth," Daphne said scathingly. She looked at Harry wearily. "She likes to push the limits and see what she can get away with, obviously."

"Uncle Ted is an amazing Wizard," Harry said softly but surely. "Blood status doesn't matter here, and I'd be grateful if you didn't say anything more about it. Same with my mother. She was Muggleborn too."

"I won't," Astoria said hurriedly, shrinking slightly at the looks from Pansy, Daphne, Millicent, Dora, and even Sunny. "I understand completely."

There was a bit of an awkward pause before Millicent cleared her throat. "So did Hedwig catch the caddy-thingie? I'm pretty sure she didn't but I'm also pretty sure she did."

"Caddy-thingie?" Blaise asked.

Harry grinned and summoned a picture on the wall with his wand. "It's called a caddok."

"That is a really big fish," Tracey gasped, looking at the picture. "And Hedwig caught it?!"

"Doesn't surprise me," Blaise said, looking up and around. "That bird is a menace."

"Right, let's move to the dining room, shall we?" Sirius led everyone to a room where a long and very fancy-looking dining table sat in the middle. It was made from dark wood and it gleamed in the lantern light. It was long enough for everyone to sit at it comfortably with room to spare.

"I didn't know we had a dining room," Harry whispered to Dora.

"We never used it before I guess," she whispered back.

"We can save the stuffy talk for later," Sirius said with a big smile and a few of the guests snorted with a couple looking faintly scandalized. "I want us to enjoy a really excellent meal and a lot of work went into it, so no sense in ruining it with politics and the like."

"I see your distaste for protocol remains," Adelle snorted, making her daughters look at her with surprise.

"For some things," Sirius agreed. "But seriously, once you taste the food, you'll understand."

Inky, Kreacher, and Winky appeared and Inky wore her Hogwarts attire but also wore a Black family badge for the occasion. She greeted the other students there before she went to serving with Kreacher and Winky.

"Inky's here?" Pansy asked with surprise.

"I asked the elves at Hogwarts if any wanted to help," Harry said. "We could have had a ton of them if we wanted but we only needed a few extra. Kreacher and Winky weren't happy with any help so we had to negotiate down to the minimum 'allowed' amount. Ebbers and a couple others are in the kitchen right now too."

"The hors d'oeurves," Kreacher announced. "Sausage on puff-pastry, rounds of tartiflette, and mini-quiches."

"Mmm, these are so good," Aster exclaimed.

"Oh this is your potato dish cut into small rounds," Blaise said. "I like it."

The adults ate, chewing slowly and looking down at the small bites with surprise.

"A formal multi-course meal?" Valentina asked.

"If I have to play the part, might as well play it like it should be," Sirius said, popping a quiche into his mouth.

After the plates were cleaned without a bite remaining, they were removed and the elves brought the appetizer course. Zhen jiao and guo tie were arranged on the plate in an alternating pattern surrounding a salad of scallions sliced into thin delicate ribbons and mixed with thinly sliced carrot and sprinkled with sesame seed that was drizzled with ginger dressing. A small shallow bowl of simmered soy sauce accompanied the plates and a central plate appeared in the middle with more soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili oil.

"My goodness," Linda said as she chewed. "This is incredible!"

"Chinese dumplings," Andromeda described. "Pork mince and cabbage filling and prepared two different ways."

"Wow, I love potstickers and these are the best I've ever had," Tiffany said as she ate appreciatively.

"You'll want the red sauce," Pansy told Aster. "It makes them even more delicious."

Harry winced when Aster added a large dollop to her sauce and ate a dumpling after liberally dunking it into the sauce. Aster's face went bright red and she grasped for her cup, glaring at Pansy while she drank greedily, making the others laugh. "I hate you," Aster coughed.

"Revenge is sweet and spicy," Pansy smiled.

Cyrus looked down at his soup dish, the next course. He had taken one sip and a bite of some meat before he stopped and stared. "This is dragon meat," he said.

"Scottish Rarebit," Sirius nodded. "Pretty tasty right? Wasn't a fan of dragon before, but it's grown on me."

"Are there any firepepper pods?" Millicent asked eagerly.

"They were ground up this time," Harry smiled. "Didn't think fire breathing was appropriate for a dinner party."

"Boo," Millicent sighed.

"Oh, is this the dragonfyre stew?" Hugh asked. "The one that the children made and Rita wrote the article about?"

"Yes it is," Ted smiled. "Isn't it delicious? Nice and hearty and rich but just shy of too heavy."

"Where did you get the dragon meat?" Cyrus asked, a glint in his eye. "I thought it was slightly out of normal season for it."

"Gringotts," Sirius said, enjoying the looks of shock on the faces of the other adults.

"You must have paid an astronomical price for it," Valentina said. "And they just sold it to you?"

"Oh about market average really, given the season," Sirius said. He ate a large spoonful and smiled, seeing the question on Cyrus' lips. "I'll explain after."

"Mmm, that smells incredible," Linda said. She looked down at the creamy sauce that was pale red. She ate a small spoonful. "My goodness, it's fragrant and spicy! Chicken?"

"Butter Chicken," Ted nodded. "One of the finest I've ever had and it's one of the unofficial dishes of Britain so I've had a lot."

"I've really missed having this," Millicent said as she dug in eagerly.

Noises of appreciation and wonder were made when the main course was revealed. Large gleaming wellingtons were brought in, the crust golden-brown and crackling. The meat within was pink and juicy, gleaming prettily in the light. The deep savory scents of beef and mushroom and ham filled the air and the wellingtons were sliced expertly by the elves and each person received a large slice. French sauce bowls with a handle and a spout drifted around the table, some with creamy horseradish and others with brown sauce au poivre.

"This is the best wellington I have ever had," Alan said, looking down at it with surprise. "It's perfect."

Pansy ate happily, her smile never fading.

"I don't love beef that much and this is really good," Astoria muttered through a full mouth.

"I love beef and this is really good," Nathan said, almost gobbling it down.

"That sauce is a bit spicy," Harry warned Aster, pointing at the horseradish. "It's a sharp spicy like intense mustard, not the burning like the chili oil though."

"Thank you," Aster said, smiling at him before glaring at Pansy.

Valentina's head whipped up when the dessert appeared. "That smells divine," she gasped when the tiramisu was revealed. "My word, if that tastes half as good as it looks and smells, it will be some of the best I've had outside of Italy."

Small glass bowls were placed beside each plate of tiramisu, an English trifle in each. Cake layered with custard and cream and jam with sliced strawberries decorating the whole. Just like before, everything was eaten to the bare plate with nary a crumb left.

"Why does she get a bigger dessert?" Owen asked, staring at Dora as she demolished a large bowl of trifle and a large piece of tiramisu.

"Harry loves me more," Dora said smugly and slowly licked her spoon clean.

"My compliments to the elves," Cyrus said once the dessert plates were removed.

"They're really good at preparing and serving, yeah," Sirius said agreeably.

"Only preparing and serving?" Cyrus asked, eyebrow raised.

"In this instance. If you want to compliment the chef, he's at the table," Sirius said proudly. He grinned while Harry flushed when everyone turned to stare at him.

"He made everything?" Tiffany asked. She looked at Harry. "You made everything? On your own?"

"Not on my own," Harry said. "But I did most of the prep work with Inky and Ebbers and Basil and Sage. And we cooked together but all these recipes are ones I've used for a while now. Some I got better at this last year. I learned how to make dragonfyre stew with help from the others, based on a previous beef stew recipe." A flicker of emotion went over his expression before he steeled himself. "The sausage on pastry is based on a Bulgarian dish and the quiches and tartiflette rounds are French in nature. I learned how to make the dumplings from a friend at Hogwarts and I learned how to make the tiramisu from a recipe but was inspired by my godfather and one I consider an uncle.

"The butter chicken was the first new dish I learned while at Hogwarts. It's a family recipe, like the dumplings, and they're some of my favorite things to make. I've practiced them a lot and really appreciate the flavors and the thought and the effort that goes into making them."

"And you all have eaten these things during the year at school?" Hugh asked.

Millicent nodded. "The tiramisu is super rich today though, something a little different."

"I can use alcohol here," Harry said. "I don't drink any of it though," he added hurriedly.

"Wait, I just realized, when we have the butter chicken at meal times, that's your recipe?" Blaise asked.

"Technically the Patils' recipe but I taught it to the elves with their permission," Harry said. "Isn't it good?"

"Thank you for the meal, it was incredible," Adelle said sincerely and the other adults said the same.

"Right, I remember how boring it was for us to listen to the adults yammer, so run along." Sirius grinned at them and watched as Harry left with the younger people.

"Which do I count as right now?" Dora asked.

"Do you want to accompany us?" Andromeda asked.

"God and Merlin no," Dora said firmly, making Ted and Sirius laugh and some of the others snort.

"Then go off and join the others," Andromeda smiled, rolling her eyes slightly.

"Thanks Mum!" Dora shifted her hair back to bright pink and executed a proper curtsey before waving cheerily. She sauntered off, already removing the upper part of her dress robes.

"My daughter," Andromeda said, her voice a mixture of pride and exasperation.

-0-

"You really made all that food?" Astoria asked once they reached a sitting room on the second floor. It was a comfortable place full of squashy chairs and pillows, looking comfortable and homely amid the austerity that was Grimmauld Place.

"I did," Harry said, undoing his tie a little. He smiled when Hedwig fluttered to him and plumped on his head, ignoring the looks from the younger individuals. Hedwig and Sunny had their dinner here and were waiting for them.

"How long did it take you?" Aster asked.

"A long time, prepped for most of the day and I was cooking up until I had to change and get ready. Inky and the others finished things for me." He sat down and scratched Hedwig's belly and she nipped and nibbled on his fingers lovingly.

"That was some of your best yet," Millicent said.

"Seriously, it was amazing," Tracey said.

"Thanks!" Harry smiled proudly. "I wanted to make sure I did my best for you all."

"Truly?" Daphne asked softly.

"Well yeah. If I didn't do a good job, it would sort of defeat the purpose," Harry said. "Not to mention I always want to do well when I cook for people."

"You were proving that you learned to do a lot of that at school," Blaise said. "And that if you weren't at school, you wouldn't have learned how to do all that."

"Yup." Harry leaned back in his chair and Hedwig climbed down to plump in his lap. "At least I hope that's how it looked."

"Not to mention the diversity," Pansy said. "Showing different kinds of cuisine as well as the traditional to show the breadth of things."

"Auntie Andi helped me with deciding the final menu. She's really smart," Harry said admiringly.

"Do you have something to say," Daphne said, smiling sweetly but glaring heavily at Astoria.

"Right, yeah, don't think you liking cooking is weird anymore. It's actually really amazing," Astoria said without any hesitation. "Can you cook for me forever?"

"I don't know about forever, but as long as you're nice I will," Harry smiled. "Or you might have to be nice to Daphne for her to share with you."

"But that's hard," Astoria whined, glaring at Daphne who looked at her with a superior expression.

"I didn't even know people could cook like that," Owen said. "I thought House Elves cooked everything or if a magical does it, they have like special magic or training."

"Not at all, anyone can cook. Some people aren't great at it but that doesn't mean you can't try and make something that tastes good," Harry said.

"Really?" Nathan asked.

"Yeah. Actually, come on." Harry got to his feet, putting Hedwig on one shoulder and Sunny on the other.

"Where are we going?" Aster asked, following him readily.

"We're going to have some fun," Harry said brightly.

-0-

Sirius waited for everyone to get a drink, sitting in his chair by the crackling hearth comfortably. He sipped at his firewhiskey and waited for someone to break the silence.

"He really made everything?" Cyrus asked.

"You calling him or me a liar?" Sirius asked mildly.

"No, but it beggars' belief," Cyrus said. "I have eaten in many expensive and lauded establishments and I would put that meal against any I have had before. It was not a perfect meal, but it was a delicious one."

"Harry's a great cook," Sirius said proudly. "You can taste how much he thinks of cooking and of food in every bite."

"I'll say, those were amazing dumplings," Tiffany said.

"Nathan and Owen are fairly picky eaters and they cleaned their plates," Linda mused.

"Astoria too," Adelle said.

"Is this your ploy?" Alan asked. "Plying us with delicious food in an attempt to seduce us?"

"Yes and no," Andromeda said while they chuckled. "I always found that sort of bribery to be rather shallow. I rather appeal to your natures."

"Which ones?" Hugh asked.

"The ones we were raised with, self-serving and preservatory," Andromeda said to even more chuckling.

"It seems we will be more blunt here," Cyrus said with a faint smile. "Go on then."

Sirius set his glass aside. "You saw our main point. Harry has talent, yes, and he had the drive before starting Hogwarts. But Hogwarts has made him better and better. He learned recipes there. He works with other people there, people from all the Houses and made connections with people from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. I never knew a thing about Bulgarian cooking but Harry brought some frankly delicious dishes from there."

"So if they go to Sanguis, we would be losing out on these so-called opportunities," Adelle said. "What about the ones we would lose by not going? You have heard of the families sending their children there. All the power there, the future power, the future connections, it is not inconsequential."

"What about the power at Hogwarts with all those families leaving?" Ted asked. "With them gone, there's more power to be had at Hogwarts without fighting others for it."

"That's a fair point," Valentina mused.

"But the quality of the power is lacking," Cyrus argued.

"Maybe, on the surface," Sirius said. "But remember, this is Hogwarts we're talking about. So many other schools tried to take them down, both in the United Kingdom and outside of it, and none has succeeded. The name still means something around the world. It's fallen a bit lately, sure, but you saw how well we did in the Tournament."

"The Hogwarts Champion did not win," Linda said.

"But neither did the Sanguis one," Andromeda said. "He did not even place technically, he withdrew."

"And if you look at all the other events and just the fact we hosted it and everyone seemed to like it well enough, that's something," Sirius continued. "And staying at Hogwarts provides one of the biggest things all Purebloods care about the most."

"Reputation?" Alan asked.

"Education?" Hugh said.

"Money?" Cyrus asked sardonically to shared amusement.

"Close, opportunity," Sirius said. "Like you said Adelle, it's all about opportunity. And not just opportunity through connections and power. Take a look at your kids."

"What's wrong with our kids?" Tiffany asked, eyes narrowing.

"Nothing! I think they're great and if you asked me years ago if I'd say something like that, I'd laugh in your face," Sirius said, making the others snort and roll their eyes. "But when was the last time you saw them acting like they did tonight? And not in the privacy of your own homes?"

The other parents looked at each other soberly.

"We were all raised as Purebloods in Society," Andromeda said quietly. "Can any of you honestly tell me, looking back, that it was an ideal childhood?"

"We are who we are because of it," Cyrus said coolly.

"But were you happy?" Andromeda asked.

Silence greeted her.

"If you had a chance to be happy as well as successful, would you not take it?" she asked.

Even more silence.

"There's one more thing that Hogwarts provides that I'm pretty sure Sanguis won't, not the same quality of it rather," Sirius said. "Possibility. Look at Harry. He grew up…in a real bad way. His caretakers were terrible. He came to school knowing nothing. He didn't even know that our culture looked down on people that like to cook. He had it ground into his face from day one and yet, he's still cooking. He's still trying."

"He was mistreated?" Adelle asked sadly.

"Very," Sirius said, his eyes flashing before he took a deep breath. "He was treated like a House Elf, and a poor one at that."

"Despicable," Cyrus glowered.

"But he rose through it, rose because of it. He never turned his back on it and enjoys it. He made it his own. And has made friends through it. I was honestly surprised he was genuinely friends with Pansy, no offense," he said to Alan and Primrose.

"None taken," Alan smiled. "I was surprised myself when I found out."

"But not only that, he's friends with all your children," Sirius continued. "He's friends with House Elves. Something we never ever would have thought of. The Hogwarts ones came to help because they wanted to. He asked them and they wanted to come. When was the last time that ever happened? Also, he's made friends with the Tribe in the Forbidden Forest. He works with Gringotts. Gringotts! The Goblins! They actually like him!" Sirius pointed at the plaque over the hearth and the others stared at it.

"Now I'll be the first to say Harry's special and just because he can do something doesn't mean everyone can," Sirius said. "I won't lie and say all your kids will do the same. That's disingenuous. But look at tonight, look at the last year. Look at what they did together."

"Not to mention, not even Rita Skeeter is writing poorly of him," Andromeda said. "And I still have no idea how they managed that."

"I still cannot believe Pansy made a deal with her," Alan groaned. "I thought we taught her better!"

"And that is more proof," Andromeda continued. "They, the children, they are doing things of their own accord for their own benefit, and they are happier for it."

"Harry said if any of Draco's former Housemates go to Sanguis now, after this last year, Draco will make them suffer," Sirius said bluntly.

"He's just like his father," Valentina snorted. "Vindictive and petty."

"Do you honestly want to make them suffer by sending them?" Andromeda asked. "And I say this with Narcissa being my sister."

The other parents looked at one another.

"I won't lie, there's a bit of selfishness in this for me," Sirius said. "I want Harry happy. His friends at Hogwarts will make him happy. Also I so very much enjoy seeing Lucius upset." There were more chuckles. "But I also honestly think things will be better if your kids stay at Hogwarts, for all sorts of reasons. Yes, you might lose a few opportunities by not going to Sanguis, but the ones at Hogwarts would more than make up for them."

He sat back. "And they're happy. It's hard being happy," he said softly. "I wouldn't want to take that away."

Silence reigned for long moments as everyone was lost in thought.

"Pansy will remain at Hogwarts," Alan said after sharing a look with Primrose. "Aster will go there too. I share Sirius' sentiment that an upset Malfoy is a good Malfoy." He smiled. "Also, I feel like I would never have a moment of peace if Pansy was not allowed to return. So there is self-preservation in my decision as well."

"She has threatened as much," Primrose snorted. "And I agree for the same reasons, and that, well, Pansy is truly happy. It's wonderful."

"Millicent will also remain at Hogwarts," Linda said. "She and Pansy are inseparable and I have seen such a wonderful change in her. She's finally comfortable in her own skin. She was always quiet and reserved, even with her best friend. But now she is bold, she is bright, and I will not diminish that."

"Not to mention it would be cruel to take her away from the boy she is interested in," Hugh chuckled comfortably.

"Blaise won't go to Sanguis," Valentina said. "I had my reservations anyways but with others remaining behind, I feel better about it."

"Tracey will go where Daphne goes," Tiffany said. She looked at the Greengrasses. "But she would rather stay at Hogwarts too. I wouldn't trust her safety at Sanguis." Tiffany smiled. "And her girlfriend is also at Hogwarts and that would be cruel to separate them."

Cyrus and Adelle looked at each other. Adelle finally nodded and Cyrus sighed deeply. "I hope we know what we are doing," he said. "Fine, Daphne will remain and Astoria will go to Hogwarts." He looked at Sirius frankly. "We are going to have to deal with a very irate Lucius and an angry Malfoy is a dangerous one."

"Yeah, but it's one versus six," Sirius said, smiling broadly. "Not to mention he's going to be trying to run a school, and be a governor, and try to handle all six of us politically. He's going to be stretched thin."

"A fair point." Cyrus sighed. "Well, we might as well tell the children then."

"Kreacher, where are the kids?" Sirius asked.

"In the kitchen, where else?" Kreacher said creakily when he appeared. He shook his head fondly. "Master Harry's doing of course."

"What are they doing there?" Linda asked.

Andromeda smiled. "I have an idea." She led everyone down to the kitchen and they looked through the door. The other parents watched on with obvious surprise at their younger children wearing aprons over their dress robes and were mixing and rolling out biscuit dough with Harry. The older ones were assisting too and Dora lounged against the counter, stealing bites. They were arguing and talking loudly, but smiling and laughing even louder.

"Owen! Nathan! Stop filching all the chocolate chips!" Millicent shouted. "They go into the biscuit dough, not your mouths!"

"There's so many!" Nathan and Owen shouted back.

"Astoria, wipe your hands on your apron, not me!" Daphne shrieked.

"But it's so cute, I don't want to get it dirty," Astoria said back.

"They're…cooking," Cyrus said faintly.

"Baking technically," Ted smiled fondly.

"Mother! Father!" Aster ran up to them holding a tray. "Look! We made biscuits together! We mixed them and baked them!"

The adults took the still warm biscuits and munched appreciatively on them. "These are wonderful," Primrose smiled. "Well done."

"It's so much fun," Aster smiled. "Harry's so cool!" She dashed back to join the others.

"They really do look happy," Adelle murmured softly. She looked at Sirius, Andromeda, and Ted. "Perhaps you are right."

"Bit of a surprise to me too," Sirius said, smiling broadly and popping the biscuit into his mouth. "It's good that they're happy."

"Yes, it is," Primrose said firmly.

-0-0-0-

Arnie1701 - Slowly but surely.

DOOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Certainly looks that way. Angry Flamels are dangerous and scary ones. Right. I got some comments to the tune of 'why don't the Flamels and Dumbledore just do this because they're so powerful and blah blah' so I'm trying to make it make sense in the setting.

DarkRavie - Thank you.

alix33 - Tea sandwiches as in sandwiches with a tea like cucumber and butter and bacon and things like that.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - The website has had some troubles lately. A lot of people are reporting missing or wrong chapters or also unable to review. I haven't been able to see daily counts for weeks now. I hope it's fixed soon. To be fai, Narcissa is intelligent in many ways but blind in others, like a lot of parents. But I think she is slowly learning too. Thanks for reading.