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

Hello everyone, hope all are doing well. I will be out of town next week for the holiday so I won't be updating until I return. To make up for it, I am going to do an extra update or two this week, depending on how much I get done to maintain a bank of chapters. For everyone that celebrates, I hope everybody has a lovely Thanksgiving next week. Thank you for all the kind words and your time. I'm thankful to be a part of your fanfiction family.

Have a lovely day!

-0-0-0-

A Taste of Magic

93rd Course – Raising Morale

The atmosphere at Hogwarts was a little warmer, despite the raging weather outdoors. Winter was firmly there and the grounds were covered in layers of snow and blown over by freezing wind. Most of the hallways were chilly and the majority of the students moved through them swiftly, congregating in warmer places like the Great Hall and the Library.

It did not feel like Hogwarts from years past, not quite. The size of the school was still noticeably diminished. While the Inter-House Quidditch League was still going, the Slytherin team was on the whole much younger and there was a noticeable difference in skill and play. Though thankfully, the other three House teams were kinder to them, and still quite competitive with each other.

Overall, however, the school was still there and surviving well if not quite thriving. Students still tried their best in varying degrees with the fifth years and seventh years putting in more work due to their coming exams. The visitors that came to help with tutoring had been a surprisingly entertaining moment in the day-to-day affairs. They had originally come to assist the fifth years mostly and the seventh years, but they grew to include others that wished to come.

Sirius and Remus put on a very good display of skills and magic for Defense Against the Dark Arts that resulted in a rather amusing to watch duel that earned a tongue-lashing from McGonagall, a treat for the students to see Professor Lupin reduced to that. Andromeda was an able instructor and many liked her for Charms and Transfiguration and Ted was well-liked and he taught Charms as well. Amelia brought a few Auror instructors to help with Defense and other spells, something that surprised many people including the Aurors that came with her.

Nicolas' legendary row with McGonagall had encouraged more people to come to his next tutoring session and he did not disappoint, starting another argument with her that resulted in a spirited transfiguration competition that was incredible to watch. Perenelle and Ariana were sought for their help again with Charms and Potions and inspired by the visitors, the professors offered more of their time to tutor too.

Even Dumbledore appeared to help with Transfiguration and he recaptured some of his youth by teaching directly once more, something he enjoyed and after getting over their nervousness, the students enjoyed too. And the learning was not limited to only coursework either.

-0-

"Well well well," Rita said, wandering over to Harry and his friends while writing with her quill. She nodded genially at them, smirking slightly at the usual flinch and stare from the Pureblood students or those who knew of her reputation. Her smile warmed when she sat next to Harry. "Do they normally do that?" She gestured with her quill.

"Which?" Harry asked. "Sirius tutoring, Sirius and Remus dueling, the dueling getting out of hand, or them being lectured by Professor McGonagall?"

"All of it," Rita smiled.

"Sirius tutoring is relatively new," Harry smiled. "He's good at it though! The other stuff, yes, that usually happens."

"Very amusing," Rita said, sounding amused as well. "And how are you feeling about your O.W.L. preparations?"

"Really good," Harry said. "The visiting tutors and the professors have been really great about giving us extra time and help."

"And I do believe you are to thank for the additional tutors, am I right?" Rita asked.

"More like they are wanting to help and are happy to help," Harry said firmly.

"You can leave it up to me to paint things in a better light," Rita said with a wink.

"It's the truth," Harry insisted.

"Well, all the better then," Rita said, writing away. "Would anyone like to be interviewed or be willing to give a quote or two? And don't worry, I have made a promise to write things exactly as they are with embellishments limited only to tasteful physical descriptors."

"Would you be so keen to ride the back of a kelpie after being offered?" Daphne asked sweetly.

Rita laughed. "No one is riding me and my hair is much better than seagrass, thank you." She flicked her head and threw her blonde hair over her shoulder. "And I have far more delicious things to eat later."

"Even more stories? Busy are we?" Blaise asked mildly.

"Possibly! Though luckily, with this arrangement, I won't have to go out looking as much which is a relief in a way. Less work on my part." Her eyes danced when Harry pushed a box to her. "Thank you Harry dear," she said warmly and tucked the box into her purse and patted it fondly. "I'm not even going to check it right now; I will wait with anticipation. I think I'll meander over there to listen to Professor McGonagall give those two a lecture and then circle back." She wandered off, making her way over to McGonagall upbraiding the two men.

"What are you drugging her with?" Daphne asked boldly.

"What are you saying about my cooking?" Harry asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

"She's not saying anything!" Astoria cut in, stomping on Daphne's foot and making her yelp in pain.

Harry grinned. "I'm not drugging her with anything. Just cooking like I normally do."

"Harry doesn't need to drug anyone," Luna said. "He's perfectly seductive without any aids."

Harry sighed while the others laughed themselves hoarse. "I thought it was my food that was seductive."

"I'm sure you can be too," Luna said brightly. She patted his shoulder. "I believe in you."

"Thanks Luna," he said wryly and hugged her when she blinked at him slowly, pouting slightly.

"I still can't believe she's so…pleasant," Blaise said, shaking his head. "After all the stories we've heard and seen her write."

"Hey, anything that helps us is good, right?" Parvati said. "Something about the devil you know."

"I know she has that reputation and I believe everything you all have said to me." Harry shrugged a little. "But she's been surprisingly nice to me so far."

"And you keep her sweet with sweets," Tracey said admiringly.

"It's a perfectly valid defense tactic," Harry said with a smile. "It's helped me a lot."

"Hey, you better not be talking about us," Lavender said, poking him. She brightened when he gave her a biscuit but once she took a bite, she stopped when others started to laugh. "Wait…did that just happen?"

"What? No, I mean, I don't think so. Another biscuit?" He winced when she glared at him but smiled sheepishly when she took the second biscuit too.

-0-

"Hey, so uh, Trace was just being helpful in her dumb way," Millicent offered.

Pansy smiled a little. "I gathered as much," she said. She sat on her bed and shuffled a little when Sunny climbed into her lap. "I wasn't intruding on your date with Neville, was I?"

"No of course not. Like I said, we did date stuff after." Millicent smiled. "I'll spare you the sordid details."

"Please do," Pansy said, sticking her tongue out. "I love you but there are many things I don't want to imagine you doing."

"Same with you." Millicent hummed a little. "So…what are you thinking?"

"That Sunny has gained weight." Pansy scowled back at a scowling Sunny. "Don't look at me like that. You're literally on my lap and you feel heavier, greedy beast."

"She's grown into her cat form from her kitty form," Millicent protested. "Also, that's not what I was talking about."

"I know." Pansy sputtered when Sunny spun in her lap, smacking her in the face with her tail. The kneazle then burrowed into Pansy's bed covers and blankets, moving about. "Now she's shedding into my sheets," Pansy complained.

"You did just call her fat."

"No I didn't, I said she gained weight. Discernible difference." Pansy leaned against the wall. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what I'm thinking."

Millicent did not say anything, waiting patiently.

"I mean, we both remember how…devoted I was to Draco," Pansy said softly, twisting her face a little at the memory. "Goodness, that was embarrassing."

"You didn't know any better," Millicent said gently.

Pansy smiled. "Thank you. And you're right. Still, more than a little embarrassing."

"Are you worried you're going to be like that with Harry?"

"I don't know? I mean, I don't think I will. Who I am now isn't the same as who I was," Pansy said. "And I do like Harry, a lot. He's done so many incredible things for us and me and he's everything Draco isn't. I think I had a crush on him," she confessed with pink cheeks, "maybe I still do? But after all his help last year and helping us come into our own and avoiding Sanguis, I see him…differently."

"In a bad way?"

"No, never," Pansy said firmly. "I still think very highly of him and I would count him my closest friend after you. I want the best for him." She laid down on her bed and looked up at the stone ceiling.

"You don't think you'd be the best?" Millicent asked, eyebrow raised.

"No, not that either," Pansy said. "I'm not making much sense, am I?"

"I'm used to it." Millicent smiled when Pansy threw a pillow. She caught it and hugged it, leaning over it slightly.

"I think what has me so hesitant is that I'm also seeing myself differently too," Pansy said after some thought. "With what Professor Snape said to me, my role as being a prefect, others looking up to me as a leader, it's a very big difference to who I was before. And if I'm being honest, I really like it."

"I mean, yeah, you're awesome," Millicent said sincerely. "You are a leader and I'm not saying that because I'm your best friend."

"You usually say the opposite because you're my best friend," Pansy smiled.

"Exactly! But you really stepped up. You convinced the others to support Harry and break free from Draco, you've held us together, and now you're this more confident leader-type person and it's really good. You went from someone so carefully concerned about what others want you to do, and you're doing what you want now and being good doing it."

"You're the best," Pansy said, her smile growing.

"I know," Millicent said, pretending the pillow was a mirror and inspecting herself in it. She sobered a little. "So now you're wondering if you like like Harry like you would before, or how you are now."

"I think so," Pansy said slowly. "Is that silly?"

"I don't think so. We were so used to being told what to think, it's kinda refreshing to think for ourselves."

"It is, isn't it." Pansy looked at her friend. "I'm really proud of you talking to your parents about being a Hunter. I never knew you liked that sort of thing."

"Thanks! I always thought about it and when I got a chance to try it out, it was amazing."

Pansy smiled. "I'm glad! Hurling sounds barbaric though."

"Absolutely barbaric and it's so much fun," Millicent gushed. She turned thoughtful. "Harry's really made things possible for us, hasn't he?"

"He really has," Pansy said, looking up in the direction of the tower. "I guess, I just want to think about my feelings some more while thinking about what I truly want and go from there."

"That's good. Here, scootch."

"You can lie in your own bed," Pansy said but moved over.

"I know," Millicent said, lying beside Pansy. She shifted when Sunny crawled out from the covers and curled on her stomach. "I'm glad we're here."

"Me too," Pansy said sincerely.

"Have you wondered how things would be at Sanguis?"

"Not at all. Have you?"

"Nope. Well, one thing I guess."

"What?"

"We'd probably be hungry. I bet the food doesn't taste good."

Pansy smiled. "You're right. Hungry for many things."

-0-

"Come in," Harry called out, looking at the door to the Uncommon Room. He smiled when he saw Dumbledore walk in. "Hello Sir!"

"Hello Harry," Dumbledore said warmly. He took a deep breath. "My! It smells wonderful in here!"

Harry beamed. "It really does, doesn't it? I'm glad the others love the place as much as me."

The Uncommon Room was well decorated. Garlands of holly leaves and their bright red berries were strung around the room with silver tinsel and bright cheery paper. A tree brought in by Hagrid sat in the corner and it was decorated with shiny baubles and ornaments. Little fairy lights, conjured by Harry and Hermione and Daphne, floated about and a cauldron in the corner burbled and bubbled, releasing smells of winter mint and pine needles and citrus.

Dumbledore smiled. "I am glad to see it as well." He accepted a cup of hot chocolate from Harry. "Mmm," he said, taking a sip. "Delicious."

"Thank you, with how cold things are, I almost always have a pot of it on the stove to keep warm."

"A grand idea." He took a seat at the long prep table. "How is your end of term going?"

"Well, thank you. I think I did well on term exams and I've kept up with my study guides for O.W.L. prep. I even did a little extra reading on some things I learned at the last tutoring session. Who knew learning could be so much fun?"

Dumbledore chuckled richly at that and at Harry's expression of false-innocence. "I will be sure to pass that along to the other Professors."

"You don't have to," Harry demurred.

Dumbledore chuckled more. "Amidst all that hard work and just before the start of the holiday, do you have a bit of time to help me with something?"

"Sure thing. What can I help with?"

"The impromptu outdoor bonfire dinner we had on Halloween was incredibly successful. I feel the school improved in mood and feeling after it. I was thinking of something somewhat similar for the day before holiday starts."

"That does sound like fun!" Harry said enthusiastically.

"I figured you would like it," Dumbledore said warmly. "You are quite good at raising morale and I had hopes you would continue to do so with this."

"I'm not doing anything special," Harry protested.

"The fact you think so makes it that much more sincere and endearing."

"Well, it's mostly because I have the time. Good thing I'm not a prefect." They laughed together.

"Indeed. Perhaps if you continue to aid in this way, I need to create a position for it and give it to you."

"Do I get a shiny badge?"

"I can certainly make one," Dumbledore smiled.

"That'll be nice," Harry grinned. "So something to do together that's fun. Fitting for the season. Hmm."

"It will not be just us. I do believe I can have some help from various individuals from Hogsmeade as well if I bring a good idea to them. I will not expect too much given the short-term notice and nature of it. If it is successful, we can make it an annual event with proper planning time in the future."

"How about another outdoor Winter Festival?" Harry suggested. "Less about students running stalls, but the Hogsmeade stores can have a stall with special things to sell or give out. We can have a big central bonfire again and little ones around for warmth. And we can have fun throughout the festival and a bigger outdoor dinner."

"Splendid idea!"

"We can have a snow sculpture contest too, not sure what we can do for a prize though."

"I can procure one for that and I am sure there will be plenty of Hogsmeade individuals willing to participate. I knew I could count on you," Dumbledore smiled. "Come, let us go to the kitchens and speak with Ebbers and Quarters about supplies and I will speak to the Heads and the people in Hogsmeade."

-0-

"You look tired," Hermione said with a sympathetic smile.

"I'm exhausted," Parvati sighed. She flopped facedown onto her bed and laid there unmoving. "That test was brutal."

"It was very difficult," Hermione admitted. "And very similar to the practice O.W.L. that I did earlier this year."

"Good to know," Parvati groaned. She grunted when Crookshanks clambered onto her and curled up in the center of her lower back.

"Crookshanks," Hermione scolded while laughing.

"He can stay for a bit, he's warm," Parvati said. She propped her chin up. "Still, I'm glad that things are done. I think I did okay on that test despite it being hard. Thanks to all the extra reviews that Harry and you suggested."

"Did you just admit that I was right?!" Hermione gasped.

"That's your Christmas gift this year," Parvati giggled. "As well as what I did get you."

"Honestly, I might be pleased enough with you admitting I was right," Hermione smiled.

"It'll only happen once," Parvati declared.

"And not even once for Padma?"

"Of course not," Parvati said and they laughed together.

Hermione coughed awkwardly. "So, uh, I learned something the other day."

"Only something the other day? I thought you learn many things every day."

Hermione smiled. "Okay, yes, but this was something that you might want to know."

"Oh?" Parvati's eyes glittered. "Do tell!"

Hermione grew serious. "I heard that Pansy might fancy Harry."

"Oh? Oh. Oh dang," Parvati said. "Actually, I think I kinda knew that before when she would look at Harry funny sometimes and be shy about some things but lately she hasn't really done that so I haven't thought about it."

"Did she really?" Hermione asked.

"Back when we were all getting used to hanging out with each other. Sometimes I wondered if it was her not feeling comfortable being a Slytherin around us but other times it was more of a shy longing thing I think." Parvati crooked an eyebrow. "Where did you learn that?"

"That Hogsmeade day, Tracey and I were there earlier and Tracey asked to join Millicent and Neville. Pansy was there and there was a joke about her being a fifth wheel and then Tracey had Harry join us to be Pansy's date."

"Oof," Parvati grunted.

"And after Harry and Pansy left, Tracey and Millicent said that Pansy had a crush or liked Harry," Hermione sighed. "And Neville said Lavender might like Harry and I sort of confirmed that."

"Big oof," Parvati grunted again.

"Do you think Harry likes Pansy?" Hermione asked timidly.

"I don't know for sure, but I honestly don't think so. He was going to ask Lavender to the Ball last year."

"He was?!" Hermione gasped with delight.

Parvati nodded. "Then Tom-arse had to be an arse and muck it all up."

"And Lavender seems to have complicated feelings about Harry," Hermione said sadly.

"Yeah," Parvati sighed. "I love her, but she's dim sometimes."

"Feelings are hard," Hermione said.

"Yeah they are," Parvati said. "How did Harry act on his so-called date?"

"Like he normally does, sweet and kind," Hermione said.

"Which doesn't mean much really," Parvati hummed.

"What should we do?" Hermione asked.

"What are we doing?" Lavender asked as she walked in. She stopped and stared when both Hermione and Parvati flinched and jumped a little. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Uh, well, uhm," Hermione stammered, looking at Parvati with near panic.

Parvati closed her eyes for a moment before she opened them and looked at Lavender. "Harry and Pansy went on a mini-date on Hogsmeade visit day."

Lavender went still. "Oh?"

"Just a little one," Hermione said slowly. "Sort of got pulled in by Tracey. She and I were with Millicent and Neville and Pansy."

"Oh, I see." Lavender sat beside Parvati with a pensive look on her face and reached out to pet Crookshanks.

"Is that a problem?" Parvati asked, tilting her head and twisting a little to look up at Lavender.

"A problem? No of course not. Pansy's our friend and so is Harry," Lavender said.

"And you've been on dates with other blokes before," Parvati said.

"You're right, I have," Lavender said slowly. She continued to pet Crookshanks just as slowly.

"I don't think Harry's replacing you," Hermione said softly.

"Thank you," Lavender said wryly. "I haven't gone off the deep end like last time."

"Well that's a relief," Parvati snarked. She glowered when Lavender poked her in the back of the head. "Wait hold on, speaking of, didn't someone ask you out to Hogsmeade that day?"

"Yes and I didn't go with him because I was with you and Padma and Sue if you remember," Lavender said.

"Aww, you chose us over him?" Parvati batted her lashes.

"Yes, and for many other reasons," Lavender snorted.

"Who asked you out?" Hermione asked.

Lavender rolled her eyes. "Seamus, if you can believe it."

"No way," Parvati laughed. "He's an idiot if he thought you'd go out with him!"

"I basically said the same thing!" Lavender said loudly. She shook her head. "I asked him why would I say yes given how he treated Harry our first years here and Harry and I are so close and he said he didn't think I'd still hold it against him over old history."

"What an idiot," Hermione said, sticking her tongue out. "History matters a lot! Sometimes how you felt about someone might change as your feelings do, but even then, you have to really take that into account."

Lavender nodded then stopped again. She tilted her head and stared off into space, lost in thought.

"You okay?" Parvati asked, noticing her friend's stillness and expression.

"Hmm? Oh! Yes, I'm okay. Just something Hermione said. And you said. Made me think a little."

"Sorry to make you think," Parvati teased. "Stop poking me! If you're going to do that, aim lower and do more of a scratching motion."

Lavender laughed and scratched her neck. "Thanks girls, you're the best, you know that?"

"Obviously," Parvati said.

"You're welcome?" Hermione said. They watched Lavender get up and go to the bathroom. "What was that?" Hermione whispered when the door closed.

"I have no idea but hopefully it'll be a good thing," Parvati whispered back.

"That was a gamble just saying what you did like that."

Parvati shrugged awkwardly. "Yeah, but had to try something."

"I guess so," Hermione sighed.

"Can you move Crookshanks please? My neck is starting to stiffen and I think it's getting hard to breathe."

"But he looks so comfortable."

"Hermione!"

-0-

"Hmm, he's not here," Pansy said as they walked into the Uncommon Room. "I wonder where he is?"

"He's either here, the Great Hall, the common room, or the library," Padma said. "Usually. We even checked the infirmary too."

"He might be in the kitchens," Luna said.

"Oh yeah, guess that's our next stop," Millicent said.

"Oh look." Lavender walked to the window and opened it, letting Hedwig in. "What's this?" She took the small note from Hedwig and opened it. "It's from Harry. He's telling us to dress warmly and go out onto the grounds. There's a Festival!"

"Ooh! Let's hurry!" Parvati said eagerly. The friends split for their common rooms and dorms and met back in the foyer of the castle and stepped out into the cold together. A short trip through the courtyard took them to the main grounds and they gasped with delight.

A large fire crackled prettily in the center, the fires high and hot. Smaller fires sat in bronze braziers all over with stings of holly and pine cones and bells going all over. Lanterns danced and moved between glowing balls of lights and while the wind continued to blow, it was more gentle and less driving.

There were a few stalls. Honeydukes had one and boxes of treats and things sat on the counter and on racks behind it. Gladrags had scarves and jumpers and gloves and hats. Scriveners had bottles of ink and quills and rolls of parchment. Bookington's Books and Things had a small book display. The Three Broomsticks had a few barrels and things lined up against the back of their stall. There was a large open space with piles of round stones that they used as hand warmers waited alongside paints and etching tools.

"Hey guys!" Harry waved energetically. He was standing beside the fire and a large grill was set over a large low coal bank beside him as well as a portable stove and all sorts of kitchen things. A long table covered in food sat behind him and piles and bags of things were about.

"What's all this?!" Lavender asked excitedly, hugging him.

"It's a Winter Festival! The Headmaster wanted to do something for the school and we set it all up. There's going to be a snow sculpture competition and the back field there will be for snowball fights. The different stores brought sample things and are going to sell things at a big discount. And we're going to have all kinds of food being made and a big dinner at the end of it out here."

Harry smiled when Hedwig swooped down, her bells tied to her legs and she danced energetically beside him on the table top, filling the air with silvery music. "I sent Hedwig to find you lot so you could get here first."

"Thanks!" Parvati and Padma said together and hugged him too.

"Oh and the Tribe are coming and guess what," he said, smiling at Millicent.

"Hurling?!"

"You got it," Harry laughed.

"Brilliant! I bet it's even more fun in the snow," Millicent said excitedly.

"You and the Headmaster did all this for us?" Hermione asked.

"Yup! Well of course with the Heads and professors and the Hogsmeade people too. A lot of the families in Hogsmeade are coming too."

"That is so kind of everyone," Daphne said, eyes wide.

"It's been a tough year and the Headmaster wanted to thank us for doing our best," Harry said proudly. "It's going to be so much fun!"

-0-

Remus shook his head. "And I thought rugby was violent."

Dumbledore sipped his cup of hot chocolate, chuckling. "Like most things, adding a club to the mix does seem to add an extra bit of chaos."

"I'd thought Poppy wouldn't approve," Remus laughed. "If she wasn't there in the thick of it. I'm surprised Minerva is playing."

"Hurling has strong Scottish and Gaelic roots," Dumbledore smiled. He watched as McGonagall struck the ball with her club and practically overran a centaur that was in her way. "No way she would not play."

"We might need to start a league for it soon," Flitwick chuckled. "With some rules for our students. It looks like it might be popular with how many students I see there."

"Could be a slightly more violent alternative to Quidditch," Dumbledore nodded. He looked about with satisfaction. The students mingled with Hogsmeade residents all around the space. Laughter filled the air and the cold chill was kept at bay. House Elves roamed about and more than a few of the centaurs were examining things and chatted easily with others. There were goblins too, walking about and doing the same as the others.

"A fine idea," Flitwick said, looking about. "I'm glad you thought of it."

"I am as well," Dumbledore said proudly. "I am happy that Gringotts sent a group over with some things, that was quite nice of them."

"Diglin wanted to ask Harry something, I think an event over the holiday, and once he caught wind of the preparations, wanted to throw in. If we do make this a regular thing, they might even have their own stall of some sort," Flitwick smiled. "But don't worry, I will carefully vet it."

"If you ever told me I would see something like this at Hogwarts, I wouldn't believe it," Remus said softly.

"It does my soul good to see it," Dumbledore said. "And gives me hope for the future as well as a drive to ensure that Hogwarts will have a future." He looked over at the small group at what was called the kitchen around the fire. "It is the least I can do."

"We will do it," Flitwick said comfortably but with a hint of steel in his voice and eye.

"Together," Remus said, raising his cup of hot chocolate and the other two followed suit in a heart-felt toast.

-0-

"Look at my new hand warmer," Lavender smiled, showing it off.

"That's really cute," Harry smiled. "I like the colors and the etching. Did you do that?"

"Not at all," she laughed. "One of your friends on the Crew did it for me."

"Oh Amy, yeah, her family are jewelers and gem-smiths. She did the decorations on my knife case. Isn't she awesome?"

"She is! And all your friends from Gringotts that came. I know I met a few of them in passing before but it was nice to really meet them here and put names to faces. Oh by the way, what does Poittor mean?"

Harry laughed. "It's my nickname. It's a tall skinny stick they use to measure how tall a tunnel is as well as helps them move hanging things around."

"That's kinda cute," Lavender giggled. "It's so fun watching you cook with the Crew."

"They're a lot more laid back here," Harry said.

"Less pressure?"

"That and Chef is wandering around."

"What were you two talking about earlier? It looked serious."

"Oh it's nothing bad. Gringotts is throwing a fancy dinner party over the holiday and he asked if I wanted to help, which of course I do. There's going to be visiting members from foreign branches."

"That sounds like fun, but you should relax on holiday too."

"I will. Grandmother and Grandfather are coming again. The international Floo is all set up so it's really not hard anymore which is going to be really nice."

"I'm sure." Lavender happily took a large mug from Harry and breathed deep of the rich savory aroma. "Mmm! Is this dragonfyre?"

"No." He hesitated for a moment. "It's regular beef stew. But as best as I can make it with how I am now."

"Oh, from your original recipe?" she asked, looking at him sympathetically.

"Sort of. I made some changes to it but yeah. Or inspired by the original recipe at least." He watched as she started to eat.

She first sipped a little of the stew without any meat or veg. The thick heavy stew was rich and savory, a depth of flavor that was sharp with black pepper, mild with clove, savory with salt. It flowed over the tongue, smooth in feeling and taste. The peas were soft and slightly sweet, the carrots firm but with soft edges that were even sweeter. Bits of caramelized onion were soft and pliable, adding even more rich sweetness that added to the weight of the stew. The potato was soft and almost creamy, absorbing the flavor of the stew. The beef was tender, falling apart with the barest pressure from her teeth. She breathed out, her breath a cloud of fragrant white steam.

Lavender smiled at Harry, the warmth of her smile matching the warmth in her stomach and chest. "It's delicious. Really. Better than the first bowl I had in first year."

"Really?" Harry asked, eyes brightening.

"I'll never lie to you," she said stoutly. "It's amazing."

"I'm glad," Harry said with relief. "I know it was built on a lie, but beef stew is really nice. I'd hate to let it always have such bad feelings with it forever."

"I can taste good feelings in this," Lavender said sincerely.

"Good. You're the first one to try the new version," Harry said.

"Really?" Lavender asked softly.

He nodded. "It was only right since you were the first to have the original."

Lavender looked down at the mug in her hands. After some thought she continued to eat and leaned against him. "Thank you, Harry," she said between mouthfuls.

He leaned back against her. "Thank you," he said softly in reply.

They sat there together on the prep table, leaning against one another in the falling snow, feeling warm by the fire and each other.

-0-0-0-

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - It will be a few chapters more I'm afraid.

odonnellzoo99 - So my very first series I ever got into for reading as a child was the Redwall series. There are so many lovely descriptions of food in that series and it was also written by a British author. I thought all the food in it was so strange and different before years later that I learned it was English/British food. Farls were described in it as well as bannocks and scones and lots of other things I had never heard of. I was so happy to be able to use farls here in honor of it.

poka - This is what I really wanted to show. Dumbledore being devious and manipulative but for a 'good' reason. I was really happy with the conversation between him and Rita. I thought it was fun and scheming and and had an element of twistiness to it. I also really liked the cameo. They're great characters in Family.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - So many negotiations. Thanks for reading.

xXMoonlitSorrowsXx - The point to draw Sanguis into the showcase is to give them a chance to go after Quirrelmort, not so much highlighting Sanguis as a school. That was them provoking QM to dance to their tune.

Arnie1701 - Ruffle many things indeed.

Hoodedgenious98 - And Rita stands to earn some gold by writing a lot, so the gold is the seasoning I suppose.

alix33 - Drunk Fawkes doesn't start fights really, he just becomes an adorable nuisance.

TheSphynx - That has happened a few times already. At the end of Harry's first summer at Gringotts, and when Wilkins did it to Harry when he first started at the Hog's Head.

SebSpellbinder - Thank you, glad you enjoy it.