Summary: Astoria was a Malfoy now, and she was determined to re-establish the name to the right people. The Minister himself felt like a good first step. Chef!AU
Rated: K
Genre: General
Competition/Challenge Block:
Written For: Monthly Challenges for All (Year 3); Hogwarts (Term 14)
Hogwarts: Ravenclaw; A.8 - Criminology & Forensic Studies #2: Write about someone's motive for doing something.
MC4A: Sp Bingo (4A-Puddle); Chimera; Link; FPC (Not a Lamp; Ladylike); Star (Pocky Pockets); Fence (Bee Haven; Machismo); SN (Ameliorate); ICs (In a Flash (Y); Bucket Listing (Y); Two Cakes (Y); Eating Cake (Y); Green Ribbon; Zed Era (Y); Chef MC; Rian-Russo Inversionx2; Ethnic & Present; Ravenclaw MCx2; Old Shoes (Y); Culturally Inclined; Tastebuds
Word Count: 728
Food for the Soul
Astoria went over her menus countless times now while she took the elevator that would send her to the Minister's office. She was determined to make sure it was absolutely perfect before presenting them to the Minister for Magic, working exceptionally hard on it in order to offer a variety of cuisines ranging from the staple British meals to a mix of Jamaican, Nigerian, and Tanzanian signature entrées to aid in appeasing his culture.
Being the appointed head chef has its perks, after all. It allowed her to be extra meticulous in every single thing that involved food and drink. The hors d'oeuvres and beverage choices all had to compliment each other, but they couldn't outshine the main dishes or desserts. It was a lot more complex process than most would think.
The gates opened and she stepped out onto the sleek stone floor. Scanning the space, she had to admit that Minister Shacklebolt had good taste in his interior decorating. Approaching the assistants desk, she signed in with the reason for her visit and appointment time before taking a seat facing the corridor.
It certainly was an honor to be the head chef to a Ministry event, and despite the Greengrass credentials already held with the Minister himself, Astoria was going in as a Malfoy. A name that had fallen hard and was desperate for redemption, she was going to help make that happen, but using her family's name wouldn't do. Astoria wanted to earn it. She would be lying in saying she wasn't anxious, but she was skilled in concealing her puddle of nerves.
"The Minister will see you now, Mrs. Malfoy," the assistant said, sweeping a hand toward the corridor.
Astoria got up and walked passed the desk, feeling the assistants scrutinizing eyes follow her. Approaching the ornate oak door, she let out a breath and knocked, waiting for a reply.
"Come in."
She opened it with a smile on her face and a pristine posture. Her modest heels clapped lightly on the wood floor as she approached Minister Kingsley Shacklebolt's desk. He stood, showing off his signature ornate purple and blue robes and a matching headwrap.
"It is a pleasure to meet with you, Minister," she said, holding out a hand to him.
"Please, Kingsley is fine, Miss Greengrass," Kingsley said, accepting her hand. "Do sit."
"It is actually Mrs. Malfoy now, Kingsley," she stated, taking her seat in front of him and placing the menu folder on the desk. "We've married in the Spring, Draco and I."
"My apologies, Mrs. Malfoy. Congratulations are in order, then," he said, his Jamaican accent showing through some. She knew that meant he was slightly taken back by the news. "I am quite busy and haven't kept up with the daily announcements in the Prophet. You have my apologies."
"None needed. We kept it small, otherwise we would've gladly invited you," Astoria assured, opening her file. "We mean no offense."
"There is none taken," Kingsley said, smiling.
"Now, for the Ministry Solstice Ball, I have three of each menu for you to approve: Main entrée's, drinks, desserts, and hors d'oeuvres. Of course, any refinements and adjustments can be made if you wish to do a combination of everything."
He chuckled some, having Astoria meet his gaze. "Right down to business. I like it."
"I value our time, sir," she said. "I made sure to provide photos of everything as well for visual reference."
She slid the menus toward Kingsley to look over. He nodded slowly as he examined each one carefully. It was difficult for her to read him.
"You are quite talented, Mrs. Malfoy. I especially admire your diversity of choices. It is rare to see cuisine that caters to my roots," Kingsley said, grabbing a fountain pen to jot down a few notes on the pad beside him. "I trust that you will do amazing with this event."
"Thank you, Minister Kingsley. I will present my very best for it," Astoria replied, accepting the notes from Kingsley. "I will not disappoint you."
Astoria shook his hand and departed a few minutes later, holding an outline to the finalized menu she would prepare and submit to him next week. If all goes well, perhaps the Malfoy name could be honorably re-established in the Ministry. She liked the idea of being the Minister's private caterer, after all.