I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
131st Course – A New Stage
"Hey there, good to see you," Sirius smiled warmly.
"Good to see you as well," Drake said just as warmly. "Ah thank you, Kreacher," he said as the house elf took his cloak. "And how are you doing, my fine fellow?"
"Tolerably existing, Eld Drake," Kreacher croaked.
"If only we all were so lucky," Drake said genially.
"Would Eld Drake care for a glass of Sanguinous?" Kreacher asked.
"That sounds delightful, thank you. How did you know I like that?"
"Master Harry of course," Kreacher said reproachfully.
"Of course, silly me," Drake smiled. "Yes, that would do nicely, thank you."
Sirius shook his head as Kreacher left, muttering under his breath. "He loves being nicer to people in front of me."
"In his defense, it is amusing," Drake chuckled.
"It is," Sirius nodded. Kreacher returned with a pop and poured a large measure of thick blood-red wine into a goblet and gave it to Drake. Sirius frowned when Kreacher poured out a cup of tea for him. "Why do I get tea?"
"No alcohol for Bad Master until late afternoon," Kreacher sniffed before leaving.
"Fair enough," Sirius sighed. He took out a silver spoon and stirred his tea with it.
"Are you worried someone is going to poison you?" Drake asked with interest.
"Just a precaution. Harry told him not to but can't be too careful," Sirius said with half-seriousness as he set the divining spoon aside. He sipped from it and it tasted just like tea should. "So, what brings you by? Not that I don't like your company, but you said it was something a little serious?"
"Somewhat." Drake took a sip of his wine and looked at it appreciatively. "Mmm, good vintage that. Where was I, oh yes." He took a folder out of his briefcase and handed it to Sirius. "Perenelle and Nick told me that you were aware of what I and Miss Skeeter were doing?"
Sirius took the folder and opened it. "Yeah, and I told them to tell you about the message from Gringotts?"
"Yes, I received it. So after some more investigating, we have discovered the identity of the strange person. His name is Alexandre Boulanger, a French magical that is tangentially related to the Department of Entertainment at the ICW. More officially, he is the private chef of the director of the department."
"A chef? Hmm, I guess that's why he was watching Harry at the winter festival." Sirius sipped more tea. "Scouting for something maybe?"
"Actually, I believe you are close to the mark," Drake said. "There have been rumors of the department organizing a large event."
The door to the office opened and Winky walked in. "Master Sirius, important post," she said and handed two official looking letters to Sirius. She then curtsied and left.
"Speak of the devil," Sirius said, seeing the ICW crest on one of them. "And this is from the other devil," he said, showing the British Ministry of Magic crest on the other. He opened that one first and read it swiftly before doing the same to the one from the ICW.
"Well?" Drake asked politely but looked incredibly curious.
"I think we need to talk to a few people about this," Sirius said with a calculating expression. "This is going to need some thought."
-0-
"What have you two done?" Dumbledore asked. After getting a Floo call from Sirius, he had agreed to hosting a meeting at his office in Hogwarts and had not given it much thought. Seeing Nicolas and Drake there together though, immediately made him pause with worry.
"Nothing, and I resent the implication," Nicolas sniffed.
"Fine, what are you two planning to do?" Dumbledore asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Someone is getting more paranoid in their elder years," Drake sniffed.
Dumbledore huffed and looked at the others. Not only were Drake and Nicolas there, but so was Sirius, Andromeda, Ted, Ariana, Aberforth, and Perenelle. Remus, McGonagall, and Flitwick arrived soon after the others had.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Perenelle said. "Sirius said he would explain once we all got here."
"Then by all means, the floor is yours," Dumbledore said, sitting down and conjuring more chairs for everyone with a wave of his wand.
"So we found out who was here during the festival," Sirius said. "And it was actually confirmed with the investigation Gringotts did for us. This guy, Alexandre Boulanger, works for the ICW sort of. He's a chef for the director for the Department of Entertainment."
"The ICW has a department for entertainment?" Ted asked.
"Yes, it is relatively new," Drake said. "It helps organize events as well as keep an eye on secrecy for non-magical entertainment."
"Oh that makes sense," Flitwick said.
"After Drake came to tell me what he and Rita found, I got two letters. One from the ICW and one from the British Ministry," Sirius said.
"Now that is suspicious timing," McGonagall frowned.
"Basically, the ICW is working with one of the international magical cooking competitions and turning it up a notch," Sirius said. "The World's Kitchen."
"Oh I've heard of that," Ariana said. "It's pretty big if you follow cooking things. They usually do competitions between more famous chefs from around the world. Yuna loves it. She loves Iron Chef more but she said this is a close second. They usually have challengers from different cuisines and cultures battle it out. Winners get recognition and a bit of gold."
"Given Magical Britain's past disdain for cooking and things of that nature, they never registered nor cared about it, do I have that right?" Perenelle asked.
"Yup," Sirius nodded. "Except, cooking and food related media is sort of on the rise because of Rita, and Harry."
"Makes sense. With the recent festivals at Hogwarts and Harry's presentation at the Showcase," Andromeda said proudly. "And the magazine, it is doing wonderfully. I have started to see stores at Diagon now that are starting to cater to cooking and food specialties."
"We are approaching a cultural renaissance of sorts," Dumbledore smiled. "And I for one, love it."
"Wait, why did you get letters about it? No offense," Remus asked, frowning.
"None taken. Here's the twist." Sirius took a deep breath. "They want Harry to compete in it."
"What?" many people exclaimed.
"And the letter from the Ministry was from Fudge saying that he hopes Harry accepts. Apparently they sent him a letter about it too, the committee in charge of the competition and the ICW." Sirius shook his head. "This new international competition will last a while actually. They gave a rough outline but it will be several contests of different themes over the course of a few months, practically fall to spring of this year, with weeks off in between. Winners of each event will move on and eventually there'll be a final showdown between the finalists. The locations for each event will move about and the finale will be in Paris."
"Why do they want Harry to compete? Who else is competing?" Andromeda asked.
"Chefs who own restaurants or work in ones. French, Japanese, American, a few others. I did a quick look while waiting for the meeting and most of them are considered rising stars in their communities," Sirius said.
"And is Kid the only British person on the list?" Aberforth asked.
"So far and probably will be," Sirius said.
"From what I remember of what Yuna told me, and I'll double check with her, the World's Kitchen usually has a younger division, newer chefs that are getting attention and all that," Ariana said slowly.
"But Harry is not working professionally like they are, he is a student still, not even a legal adult," McGonagall protested. "I know he has worked at Gringotts and the Hog's Head and those are professional environments, but it is not the same."
"The Hog's Head isn't really what I'd call a professional place," Aberforth grunted, making Dumbledore smile with Ariana nodding. "Rustic would be a stretch even."
"I agree," Dumbledore continued, "with Minerva I mean. The others are professionals established in their careers. Harry would be at a disadvantage. This situation is highly suspect."
"I got the letter of invitation because I'm his guardian. Though they implied that they are starting later due to his young age so he would be an adult," Sirius continued. "The timeline of the competition will basically go on during his last year of school."
"That would be a lot to ask of him," Flitwick said. "Competing in an international competition while he has his last year of school and his N.E.W.T.s."
"Not to mention why do they want Harry to compete at all," Ted asked. "Like we know he's amazing, but they don't. Not really. Even if they have seen him at the festivals and the Showcase, that's only what, four instances? And I'm not insulting him at all, but he's not exactly at the caliber of professionals doing it every day."
"No, those are all very important questions," Dumbledore agreed. "But let us tell Harry what we have learned. He should have a say in this. I made him a promise many years ago that I would inform him of any life-changing decisions and he would have a say in them."
"Naturally," Perenelle said.
-0-
Harry blinked when he walked into the office. Fawkes had left to fetch him and was sitting on his shoulder, munching on a sausage roll. "I didn't know everyone was here," he said, seeing everyone there. "Are they in trouble?" he asked with a small trace of genuine concern.
"Which they?" Andromeda asked with a big smile. "These two or those two?" She pointed first at Sirius and Remus and then at Nicolas and Drake.
"Yes," Harry said with a smile, making everyone laugh.
"Surprisingly, no one is in trouble," Dumbledore chuckled. "At least, as far as we know. Please, have a seat and we will tell you something."
"Thank you for the snacks, cheri," Perenelle smiled and kissed him as she took the box of sausage rolls from him.
Sirius and Drake told Harry everything they had discovered together and Harry listened with wide eyes. "Oh wow, I've read about the World Kitchen competitions in the international food magazines I've been able to get," he said.
"I mean, it is a legitimate competition that is internationally known. It's not a complete scam," Ariana said.
"That is some comfort," Andromeda said.
"I don't know if I can even compete at that level," Harry said. "I know I'm good, but I don't know if I'm that good. Doing it at the Showcase and cooking against Sophie and Sota are one thing."
"Now that I have thought more of it, I do not like your Minister asking Harry to shoulder this responsibility," Perenelle frowned. "That is asking far too much."
"I agree with you," Sirius said. "I think it's rubbish too."
"That is something I had desperately wanted to avoid with all that happened before," Dumbledore said softly. "Throwing the weight of a world on Harry's shoulders for something that should not be his responsibility."
"Is he basically implying that if Harry does not participate, he would do something inappropriate?" Nicolas asked, looking annoyed.
"Fudge is dumb but not that dumb," Sirius said baldly. "He won't put that in writing. But he's been preening about being the Minister during Britain's return to…oh what's that word…"
"Relevance?" Remus offered.
"Right yeah, that's the word. Thanks. Britain is relevant to the international community with the Showcase and all that and Fudge is desperate to stay there. Which, don't get me wrong, it has been good for Britain. There are tons of meetings in the Wizengamot now about new trade and all that and the Department of Magical Cooperation has been working overtime for over a year now," Sirius said.
"There are new stores and things popping up in Diagon," Ted nodded. "I've gotten more business with people needing accountants and financial managers."
"Grocers and things have improved," Aberforth said. "More shipping and delivering options."
"Yes, Magical Britain is improving. Slowly but noticeably," Dumbledore nodded. "And credit where it is due, Harry's efforts and the efforts of his classmates during the TriWizard and the Showcase is what started it. And this is a happy continuation. But I will not be a party to force Harry to do more than he should, or wants to."
"How are you feeling about all this?" Perenelle asked Harry.
"Still a bit overwhelmed by the idea of it," Harry said honestly.
"Understandable," McGonagall said kindly. They all sat in soft silence while eating thoughtfully.
"Can we ask someone else to come and get their opinion?" Harry asked.
"Sure, but who would you like to ask?" Sirius asked.
"Well I've learned from all of you that I should go to someone who knows more about the thing for advice," Harry said. "If I need help with doing tricky things or with thinking about my parents, I go to Sirius, Remus, Uncle Ted, and the Headmaster. Professor Flitwick for goblin things, as well as Chef and Dee and the Crew. When it comes to work things and how people are arseholes, I go to Mr. Abe." Dumbledore sighed heavily and gave Aberforth a flat look while he chuckled and ignored Ariana kicking him.
"If I need to learn something about fancy or with protocol and doing things really tricky, Grandmother and Grandfather and Mr. Drake," Harry continued. The Flamels and Drake looked very pleased with that. "Oh and if I need to learn magic that is concerning or are 'odd and have a very strange application that is very specific with potentially dire consequences', I go to Auntie Ari and Aunti Andi," Harry said with a very big smile.
Dumbledore sighed even more heavily and looked at a beaming Ariana while Andromeda looked very pleased and Ted chuckled beside her.
"So if this is all about entertainment and all, I think Rita might be able to help," Harry concluded.
"Very well-reasoned," Dumbledore smiled. "Let us see if she can come over and when." As it turned out, she came over readily after Fawkes flashed out to look for her. He returned and nodded to them and after a few minutes, Rita came walking through the door.
She stopped at the threshold to look at everyone, blinking with surprise before she smiled broadly and walked in. "Well well well, quite the gathering! Hello everyone, Headmaster, Eld Tepes. The Alchemist and the Alchemist. Lord Black." Her smile warmed. "And hello Harry dear! How can Rita help you?" She sat down in a newly conjured chair and listened quietly to all that was said, nodding to herself.
"It's nice when your discoveries are verified," she said at last when Sirius finished. "A novelty for me, verifying information for accuracy." She smiled cheerily at the mixture of annoyed and amused expressions from the adults. "And you wanted to know my opinion?"
"Yes please," Harry nodded.
"And may I ask why? Not that I mind of course. I just like to know because again, it's a bit of a novelty for me for someone to ask for my opinion and not for me to just give it," she said.
"Because you know about writing and entertainment," Harry said honestly. "And you've always treated me well and I appreciate it. I trust you."
She blinked a little more and her eyes glinted slightly. "Bless you," she said warmly. She took a deep breath. "I have to agree with the others. There is a bit of a game at play here. The people running the competition want you to compete because you are a new face and something that's a bit unheard of. Someone from somewhere famously known for disdain for culinary pursuits and bad food. In my recent travels and interviews, many look down on us for it. Which, fair, given our past reputation."
"So they want Harry to make a fool of himself," McGonagall growled. "And to poke fun at Britain as well."
"Quite possibly," Rita said plainly. "Here's the other thing. It's a competition and yes, the better person will usually win based on their skill. Usually being the operative word."
"You think they would keep Harry on even if he didn't legitimately win?" Remus asked, eyebrow raised.
"To a degree, it's possible," Rita said. "They want the attention you see, drive up the drama. Harry's going to be the youngest and the most inexperienced and everyone loves an underdog. This will be a good way to drum up even more attention for this competition and get people engaged. Or, they could have him lose in the beginning to humiliate him and Britain."
"Which would have a heinous impact on his future and reputation," Andromeda gasped.
"Yes, it would and they wouldn't care because they already got what they wanted," Rita said simply.
"So he shouldn't compete," Ariana said.
"Which would also impact his reputation," Drake sniffed. "I can see it now; they would paint him the coward and which would then impact Britain's standings and any future individuals that would want to be on the international food scene."
"Precisely," Rita said. "It's basically a lose/lose situation for Harry. Not compete, be labeled an undesirable and future reputation and opportunities will be tainted. Compete, and risk being humiliated on the international stage which would also potentially be negative for his and Britain's reputation. Not to mention Fudge might hold it against Harry personally."
"Bastards," Perenelle hissed.
"None of that sounds good," Harry gulped.
"No, it doesn't," Rita said sympathetically. "All that said, and this is my honest opinion, I think you should do it."
"Really? Why?" Ted asked.
"Because while it doesn't sound good, we can make it sound good," Rita said, smiling once more. Her eyes twinkled. "Do you know what is the most important thing about journalism?"
"The truth?" Sirius asked mildly, making most of them snort.
"Well yes, but you know what is a big component of the truth?" Rita asked without missing a beat.
"The truth?" Remus repeated wryly.
"The perception of the truth," Rita said. "Let's say you get knocked out early and they make fun of you for it. We reply with that of course you got knocked out early. You don't have nearly the experience of the other competitors but that you still entered on good faith and that you were honored for even being included. The fact that you actually believe that and embody that makes it that much more sincere. Humility instead of humiliation."
She waggled her other hand. "And if you win, then you were honored to be included and that you learned so much from the experience. That you heartily enjoyed it all and were grateful for the process from beginning to end. They knock you out at the end, then it's even more impressive in a way. We say that you knew the odds were against you but you still went in with a stiff upper lip and with all the nobility of a proper British gentleman. It didn't matter that you were slighted at any point, that you went in despite the carefully stacked deck against you."
She sat back. "So no matter how you lose, you actually win. Sure you will have those bitter types that will denigrate you no matter how you do. But like I said, everyone loves an underdog. They love to see you, a proper young man, respectful and polite and kind to a fault, competing against the rising stars and titans in the industry, and you come out with grace and a smile and they'll love you. More people will applaud your grit and your attempts and those few that would call you arrogant for even trying will be drowned out by the multitudes that admire you for even trying despite the heavy odds."
"Dear me, you are frighteningly good at that," Perenelle admired.
"It's how I've stayed on top," Rita said without shame. "I am a master at the spin and I can spin any situation you end up in so well that no matter what, you will look and sound good. The way I see it, if you win, you win. If you lose, you win more. And the best part, it'll be true! Which again, a third novelty, writing the actual truth," she laughed.
She smiled her warmest smile yet at him. "Besides, if Rita knows you like Rita thinks she does, and I like to think I've come to know you fairly well, you're going to want to compete."
"How's that?" Ariana asked.
"Because what is the one thing Harry loves more than his friends and family?" Rita asked. "Cooking and food and learning about how to do it better. And not to do it better for the attention or just for the satisfaction of knowing, but out of the pure genuine desire to get better at making tasty food for his friends and family."
She looked at Harry. "You will be cooking with and against people who would never voluntarily share their abilities publicly. You'll be put into situations that will challenge you and force you to think differently and grow your skills. You'll be learning a lot of new things." She winked at him. "Now you tell Rita if she said something false just now."
Harry flushed a little but grinned. "You're not wrong. I do love cooking and learning how to cook better and try new things."
"I'm giving you my most honest opinion, not a shred of spin or falsehood," Rita said solemnly. "And for all that and more, I believe in you, Harry dear. I think you can give the best chefs in the world a run for their gold because your cooking and your food has real heart to it."
"Thank you," Harry said, touched.
"I mean every word," Rita said with a big smile. "And I'll be with you every step of the way and I'll spin things so well, the ones running the World Kitchen will be thanking us for the opportunity."
Harry sat back, thinking hard. "Mind if I talk to my friends before I decide?" Harry asked.
"Not at all," Dumbledore smiled. "It is a big decision but rest assured Harry, whichever decision you come to, we will aid you however we can."
"I know," Harry said warmly to them. "I know you all will always be there for me and I really appreciate it." After a few hugs he left the office, deep in thought.
"You really did mean all that," Sirius said with approval.
"I sure did," Rita said, picking up a sausage roll and eating it heartily. "Rita is no stranger to lying but I didn't lie to Harry. I believe everything I said, meant it too. Another novelty."
"You would go through all that effort for him?" Nicolas asked mildly. "A bit of a change from your reputation, if you do not mind me saying."
"Not at all," she replied easily. "I know what my reputation was before, and I know how hard it is to change it, to work your way past it." For a moment she looked very tired, a weariness that was set deep in the bone. She took a deep breath and smiled once more. "But for Harry, it won't be an effort."
"Because you like him and love his cooking, if I recall you saying," Dumbledore said warmly.
"Precisely," Rita said. Her eyes glinted again. "Do you know the last time I heard someone say to me that they trust me and they actually meant it? That they weren't lying or being sarcastic?" She smiled again as everyone shook their heads. "I don't. I don't remember at all. And I will do terrible things and risk much before I ever dream of risking that."
-0-
Harry found his way to the Uncommon Room and was happy to see a good portion of his friends there, especially the ones he wanted to consult with. They had noticed his pensive expression and had listened when he explained the situation to them, retold what he heard from the adults, especially what Rita said, and showed them the invitation letter from the ICW.
"That's amazing!" Lavender cried, hugging him tightly.
"Hell yeah!" Parvati cheered as she and Padma hugged him too. "That's too cool!"
"Are you having reservations?" Pansy asked seriously.
"Some," Harry admitted. "What Rita said makes a lot of sense. Both the pros and the cons."
"It's so unfair that the Ministry wants you to do this for the betterment of the Magical side," Hermione fretted. "That's too much to ask of you."
"I agree," Daphne frowned. "They profit if you succeed and you become a ready scapegoat if you do not."
"I'd feel a lot worse about it if you didn't have Rita's help," Millicent said. "And that's still a weird thing to say even though we've seen how much she's changed and all."
"Old fears linger," Daphne snorted.
"What do you want to do?" Luna asked.
"Well, like I said, Rita isn't wrong." Harry shrugged a little. "I love to cook." He grinned as everyone made surprised sounds and exaggerated expressions. "And love to learn how to cook even better and all that. And it does sound fun in a really intimidating way with plenty of potential consequences about my future.
"As far as those said future potential consequences go…" He shrugged again. "Is it weird to say I'm not that worried about them? Yeah, getting blamed for things would really suck, but I can only do my best. And if I do my best and lose, then that's it. I tried. I'll know how I compare and can only try to do better."
"That's a good way of looking at it," Sue said.
"But I wanted to come talk to you guys because I value your opinions too," Harry said, making everyone smile and beam.
"It'll be really hard," Hermione said slowly. "You'll have to do all your seventh year N.E.W.T.s things on top of practicing and preparing for the competition."
"Which we can help with," Padma said. "Help with notes and doing homework together and study together like we do. Just like we have since fourth year and it was Harry's great idea."
"Hey that's my joke!" Parvati said indignantly. "But yes, we'll do that."
"I wasn't saying we wouldn't," Hermione said. "And yes, I know I worry the most about scholastic things out of all of us but I just wanted to mention it."
"No I know, and I appreciate it," Harry said. "It's something I was thinking about too."
"Also, you haven't neglected your studies up until now, even with all the cooking you do on a normal basis," Tracey pointed out. "You're pretty close to the top of our year."
"We will make sure you don't overdo it in either way," Luna said. She looked a little grumpy and poked him. "Like how you wouldn't let me ignore my O.W.L.s studies."
"And how did you think you did on them?" Harry asked with a smile.
"I think I did well!" she said brightly and hugged him tightly.
"It pains me to say it, but I think I agree with Rita too," Pansy said. "You do love to cook and learn about it. You approach challenges with differing levels of eagerness." She smiled. "As in you were a bit reluctant to represent the school due to the attention but you still did so with the best of your ability." She looked over the invitation. "Also, I do think you have a good chance and I am not trying to butter you up."
"That's my job," Luna said stoutly.
"Yes it is," Pansy smiled. She pointed to a name on the invitation letter. "I have been to that restaurant in Paris. Actually, the quiche I said that was not as good as yours? It was theirs."
"Hey, that means you already beat someone," Parvati smiled. "Already have an advantage."
Harry smiled at that. "You all think I have a chance?" he asked hesitantly.
"We believe in you," Lavender said and the others echoed her words. "And if you want to do it, you and not others wanting you to, we'll help you however we can and cheer for you because you're our friend and we believe you can do it."
Her eyes sparkled. "And Rita's not wrong. You always like to try your best in cooking and see how you are and how you can improve. It's what makes you awesome, besides how you treat the people you care about."
Harry blushed happily and hugged her, kissing her on the cheek. "What would I do without you guys?"
"Have way too much food," Parvati said and the others laughed. "And be less awesome without our awesomeness enriching yours."
"That's for sure," Harry agreed.
"But Lavender is right," Pansy said. "Do it because you want to, not anyone else."
"Even if I'm going to be setting Magical Britain back?" he asked.
"Allegedly, setting it back," Daphne said. "And it is not your responsibility."
Harry nodded and looked into the distance for a long moment. After a nod, he looked back at his friends and smiled. "Guess I'm going to see how the World's Kitchen is." He laughed as his friends cheered and hugged him, feeling like he could very well take on the world with their support.
-0-
"Welcome back," Dumbledore smiled. "Thank you for the snacks and the game to keep the children entertained."
Harry grinned. He had sent some food and his Gemcut set back with Fawkes when he went to the Uncommon Room and Sirius, Perenelle, Nicolas, Drake, Ariana, and Rita were playing while the others chatted. "Who's winning?"
"Perenelle of course," Drake said, putting his latest hand down with disgust. "Luckiest person I know, after Nicolas."
"I used up all my luck marrying Perenelle," Nicolas said with a beaming smile as he set his hand down. "Do not regret it at all."
"You better not," she said and kissed him sweetly. "Well, cheri? Have you decided?"
"I'll accept," Harry said. "Not because I feel like I should, or for Magical Britain and the Ministry, but because I want to and because my friends and family believe in me."
"That's my boy," Ariana said proudly and hugged him.
"And because I love to learn how to cook different things and learn more," he added, making the others laugh and snort. He looked over at a smiling Rita. "They agreed with you, my friends I mean."
"What a day for novelty," she said with a smug smile.
"I'll do my best with my studies and will try not to neglect them," Harry said.
"I did not think you would," McGonagall scoffed. "But we will help you when and where we can. Do not worry."
"Thank you," he said gratefully to his professors. "I'm not sure how to prepare though."
"We talked about that a little in case you did decide to compete," Flitwick said. "I'm sure Diglin will be more than happy to help you on technical things and you already work in a professional kitchen at Gringotts. Main Kitchen One is essentially a restaurant and Diglin has worked in other restaurants before. He will be able to aid you there."
"I'm going to investigate the opposition, learn what I can, and try their food if I can," Rita said. "And report everything to you."
"I will send a message to Gabriel," Perenelle said. "He has extensive experience in the larger and more fancy cooking competitions. He will assist you."
"I wouldn't want to bother him," Harry said. "Isn't he usually very busy?"
"He will make time," Perenelle said loftily.
"And I will see what I can do for you as well," Drake said. "I have a few that might be able to help in different ways. I also need to pay a visit to my colleagues in the entertainment department. I am still a bit annoyed at how they approached this." His eyes flickered a little, changing hue.
"Don't go too far over me," Harry said hurriedly. "It wasn't too bad."
Drake sighed dramatically. "Very well, but only because you insist. I will make sure they know who to thank."
"You are going to be very busy this summer and next year," Andromeda remarked.
"Yeah I guess," Harry nodded. "Better to be active than not though." He grinned at Dumbledore. "Good thing I'm not a prefect, right?"
Dumbledore laughed merrily and the others joined in while McGonagall huffed a little but she smiled as well. "Then I suppose you would not wish to be Head Boy?" he teased.
"No Sir, but I'll keep my Raiser of Morale position and I'll still do my best with that too. I rather like it and Hedwig likes the badge," Harry laughed.
"Splendid," Dumbledore smiled. "I have the utmost faith in you Harry. I know you will do well and will not falter in your other responsibilities. We are with you."
Harry smiled and though he felt some apprehension about what was to come, it was dwarfed by the confidence and warmth he got from his friends and family, the ones he looked up to and cared about. Amid all the swirls of conflicting and combining emotions, there was a tiny bit deep within that was excited for what was to come.
-0-0-0-
Arnie1701 - Something like that.
TheSphynx - I know I talked a lot about Gemcut for a while now and thought it'd be fun to share a version of it now. And the mystery is now somewhat concluded. Hope you enjoy it.
alix33 - I actually didn't like raw apples for the longest time and loved cooked apples and applesauce. It wasn't until way later when I tried other kinds of apples instead of the erroneously named red delicious and now I like having a honeycrisp with my lunch at work.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I thought it would be fun to show the two sides of the situation and to continue the theme where the adults can and will adult properly and not rely on Harry to solve everything. And now you learn what the mystery was about. Hope you like it.
odonnellzoo99 - A good guess as you see. Oh yes, he would very much regret things if any of those three get involved, including Andromeda and Perenelle.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Bored Hedwig is dangerous for everyone. That sounds like a nice time. I've seen it where people can get a little raucous over it. Especially if money is involved. Thanks for reading.
- Thank you very much.
poka - I hope you enjoy today's chapter and the conclusion of the mystery I've teased for a bit now. I think it came to a head well and hope people like it. Again, since this is slice of life, I wanted to show more magic and school things as well as food things to really give life to the setting and world. I think it's fun that way. Hewdig already had a lot of fun way back in this fic with a pillow but I'm sure it'll come back more. Thank you.
DarkRavie - Thank you.