I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
122nd Course – Friendly Competition
The enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall was bright white from cloud and snow. Thick clouds moved about with snow constantly falling but the magical flakes melted well above the heads of the people below. The windows rattled from the wind and just looking at the ceiling and the outdoors was enough to instill a sense of chilliness, but the rooms were warm and the atmosphere was fine and friendly.
Dumbledore rose to his feet and smiled genially. "Good morning, everyone," he said warmly and the conversation died as the students looked up at him. "It seems like winter has finally arrived. Luckily, I have some news that will hopefully make it more palatable for us all."
His smile grew, eager to be shared. "It is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Winter Festival will now be an annual occurrence!" He clapped along when the students erupted into cheers and applause. "After our impromptu version last year that was loosely based off the one during the TriWizard, I am pleased to make it a regular event. This year, we will be having the same stores from Hogsmeade setting up stalls to sell things at reduced prices for the students. We will also be having Quidditch and Shinty and Hurling games as well. There will be some other things set up but we will have a special event."
His eyes twinkled with delight. "During the day of the event, we will have a competition like we had during the TriWizard. People who wish to, can set up a stall and have something to sell. Then there will be a vote and whoever wins, will receive a prize. The prize will be a special treat made by our Raiser of Morale and the architect of the events, Harry Potter."
Dumbledore chuckled at the whispering and looks of interest that filled the Great Hall. "Now, of course, do not fail in your studies because the Festival is taking place after term ends and right before holiday begins. Submit your proposals to your Head of House. That will be all. Enjoy your breakfast and do look forward to the Festival because I certainly am." He sat down and breakfast appeared on the tables while people started chatting excitedly.
"What's the treat?" Parvati asked immediately.
"You'll have to wait and see," Harry smiled.
"Harry! Keeping information from your family?!" she gasped.
"I'm sorry," Harry said with a weak smile. "But it'll be a good one! If I can make it right. I'll need to practice."
"Don't be sorry," Padma snorted, poking her sister. "Don't weaponize family like that."
"Grandmum does it," Parvati grumbled.
"Okay, fair," Padma laughed.
"Also, I'm not judging or taking part in the judging," Harry said, "to make sure it's fair."
"There goes my plans to bribe you," Daphne sighed with a wink.
"Oh wait, does this mean you're not taking part in the competition?" Tracey asked. "Wait, you can't be if you're making the prize."
"No I'm not," Harry nodded. "We're going to have lunch and dinner so I'm doing that of course while helping the organization stuff. I'll have enough on my plate. Literally!" He grinned as the others groaned at his joke.
"Oooh, this means we might be splitting up to compete then," Hermione said. "Based on what we want to do."
The extended friend group looked at each other soberly.
"We can do it without any hard feelings," Lavender said sincerely.
"Can we still rib each other?" Parvati asked.
"As long as we don't really mean it," Harry said, wagging a finger at her.
"I think you all are forgetting something," Pansy smiled. "I think it is safe to assume that we won't be missing out on anything Harry makes, even if it is something special for the Festival."
"Oh hey good point," Millicent said. "Which kind of makes the whole competition moot for us."
"There's still bragging rights," Parvati, Pansy, and Daphne said together, making the others laugh.
"Oh right, that's important too," Millicent conceded with a smile.
"Right then. Friends first, then for the bragging rights for copious face rubbing, and then sharing any treats either from winning or from Harry being the best," Parvati said warmly and everyone agreed heartily to that.
-0-
"Ah Harry, thank you for coming." Dumbledore smiled when Harry came into his office with a tray. "I must say, aside from the fact that I genuinely enjoy our meetings and interacting with you in any situation, your meetings usually are the best."
"I can't imagine why," Harry smiled as he poured out a cup of tea and placed sandwiches and scones on a plate for him. He did the same for Fawkes who nuzzled Harry happily and immediately started munching away.
"It certainly is a delicious mystery," Dumbledore agreed. "Speaking of, to satiate my nosiness, may I ask what the prize is?"
"I'm still working on it," Harry smiled as he served himself. "But I'll let you know if and when I finish it successfully. I'll probably be making more of it."
"Splendid," Dumbledore chuckled. He bit into a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. "Mmm, that is delicious. Oh and congratulations on a wonderful club. It has been the talk of the school and the staff."
"I'm glad people like it," Harry said with relief. "Never thought I'd see so many people interested."
"Truthfully, neither did I," Dumbledore said. "But I am more than happy to be proven wrong." His smile grew warm and fond. "I am so very lucky to have you here, Harry. You have left a very wonderful mark on Hogwarts that will continue, and the castle and the school can and will only be a better place. And we have you to thank."
Harry blushed but sat up proudly. "Thank you for the chance, Sir. I'm grateful for all the help you've given me. All I can do now is due to your help."
"Not all of it," Dumbledore demurred.
"Not a small part of it," Harry insisted.
Dumbledore clinked his teacup gently against Harry's. "Well, we can agree to disagree on the ratio but it has been a genuine pleasure from the very beginning." He sipped his fragrant tea and pushed a piece of parchment over. "Here is the final list for the vendor stalls from the Hogsmeade stores and we actually have a few from Diagon that wish to partake as well."
"Really?" Harry asked, delighted.
"Truly! Word has spread and I think I know how." Dumbledore pointed at a name on the list.
"Oh wow, good for them," Harry said. "Weasley Wizarding Wheezes. That's fun!" He looked at Dumbledore with concern. "What did Professor McGonagall say?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "Some things I should not repeat." He laughed when Harry did. "That said, I had words with Misters Fred and George and they will be on some sort of behavior when they come with their wares. And Mister William will be here to keep an eye on them as well."
"That'll be good," Harry said. "They listen to him, it seems like."
"More so than most others," Dumbledore snorted. "Molly will be coming as well to help so that should help keep them in line. Actually, we have extended invitations to the families of the students so that will be nice as well. With them, the Hogsmeade residents, and the Tribe and Gringotts, we will have a very full and merry Festival."
"Just like they should be," Harry said happily.
"Indeed!"
"Oh I got a message from Dee. She's coming to set up a booth and don't worry, it's not Gemcut," Harry said, grinning at Dumbledore's relief. "She's going to set up a smithy booth to make small things and to show off goblin metal working."
"Ah, now that will be a treat," Dumbledore smiled. "Wonderful. Oh and I also extended an invitation to Drake and others at the ICW. That will help us continue to grow our relationship with them and be a firm member of the international community. Actually, Drake is coming and should be here soon."
"Awesome! Have you heard about this year's Showcase?"
"It will be in South America this time," Dumbledore nodded. "Castelobruxo will be demonstrating as well as Durmstrang this year. Are you interested in attending?"
"Maybe, I'll have to see what my other plans are," Harry said.
"Let me know if you would like to join the party going. Professor Sprout is going because there will be a lot of Herbology related classes and workshops. Castelobruxo is famous for their program."
"I bet Nev is excited."
They discussed the last of the plans for the coming Winter Festival and Dumbledore finished writing a note and setting it aside. "Excellent. That should be all set then. Any last questions?"
"Just one and it's not really related to anything we've discussed up till now." Harry reached into his bag and pulled out a wrapped bundle. Fawkes chirped happily when he saw it and took it from Harry eagerly. "Do you know why Fawkes wanted this?"
"I have no idea." Dumbledore watched Fawkes unravel the bundle and he looked at the contents. "Those are herbs?"
"Yes Sir. Rosemary, thyme, and oregano."
"Why are they tied to a loop of twine? Wait, how did you know Fawkes wanted them?"
Harry showed Dumbledore a piece of parchment. There was a surprisingly skillful drawing on it but not with ink. Instead it was as if someone sketched with a burning point and drew by burning the surface of the parchment. It was a drawing of various long stemmed and leafy looking things tied to twine and there was a burnt footprint at the bottom. "It popped into the kitchen as I was getting ready for our meeting. It popped in with fire so I figured it was Fawkes. Plus that looks like his footprint."
Dumbledore groaned when Fawked gently pecked Harry's hand and dipped his head, prompting the boy to loop the string of spices around his neck. "Oh, I think I understand now."
"Is it a phoenix thing?" Harry asked as he settled the spices around Fawkes neck.
"No, it is purely a Fawkes thing involving Drake," Dumbledore snorted.
As if summoned, the door opened and Drake came walking in. "Hello Harry!" he said jovially.
"Hello Mr. Drake!" Harry replied and returned the fond embrace. "Aren't you cold?" Harry asked, seeing that Drake wore a short-sleeved shirt and thin pants.
"Not really," Drake smiled toothily. "I dressed like this to mess with the sensibilities of the other passengers and with Ministry officials. To amuse me."
"You usually knock before you enter," Dumbledore sniffed.
"I smelled Harry's cooking and could hear him and you," Drake said dismissively, sitting down and happily taking a plate of food from Harry. "I figured if it was something important, I would be invited to join. If it was something private, I would have waited." He smiled as he ate, smiling wider at Dumbledore's grunt. "What's that smell?"
Harry looked at Fawkes questioningly. The phoenix waddled to sit in front of Drake and was smoldering lightly, burning the spices and herbs around his neck so that their fragrance filled the air. Fawkes then bent his head back, exposing his neck and closed his eyes. He whistled invitingly, looking the picture of helplessness. "What are you doing?" Harry asked, completely flummoxed.
Dumbledore laughed while Drake sniffed and glared at the magical bird. "You know of Drake threatening to eat Fawkes before?"
"Oh you changed your mind about that?" Harry asked.
"After seeing how the serpent fared after swallowing the pigeon, I may have second thoughts," Drake muttered. He growled when Fawkes sat like a roast chicken would, waggling his rear at Drake. "I work hard on my complexion and it would be annoying to ruin it for a meal."
"Fawkes, don't taunt Mr. Drake," Harry laughed. He and Dumbledore laughed all the harder when Fawkes laid on his back and elevated a leg and wiggled it back and forth at the vampire that was doing his best to ignore the display of incredible cheek. "No wonder he wanted the spice necklace."
"I will have my revenge, pigeon," Drake hissed. "I can and will have vengeance that does not include consuming you!" He seethed when Fawkes laughed musically, like jingling bells, and Fawkes mooched off, expressively waggling his rear at Drake as he walked down the length of the desk.
"I'll make you a snackigy," Harry said after he stopped laughing.
"What is that?" Drake asked with interest.
"A snack you eat like when you burn an effigy, to symbolize what you wish to do and to replace what you want to do," Harry grinned.
"I gratefully accept my fine friend," Drake smiled.
"You know you do not have to indulge him," Dumbledore smiled.
"Bite your tongue," Drake hissed.
"I don't mind any more than indulging anyone else I care about," Harry smiled. He looked at Fawkes who flew to Harry and warbled at him. "I don't think you really need one, but I guess I can make you a snackigy too," Harry grinned.
Fawkes nuzzled Harry happily and looked over at Drake through half-lidded eyes, making a smug sound like a particularly sassy bassoon.
"I hope you choke on my edible effigy," Drake growled.
"He probably thinks the same," Dumbledore said, daubing a scone with extra jam and cream.
"Or gives you heartburn," Harry said, making Dumbledore and Fawkes laugh while Drake groaned.
-0-
"Well done, Harry," Flitwick praised as Harry walked up to him after class. "Very well done. I was very happy with your marks on the test."
"Thank you, Sir! I was happy too," Harry smiled. "I'm lucky that I'm taking Enchanting too, it helps me understand things a lot more."
"Indeed and good on you for applying learned information from other classes," Flitwick said warmly. "Though enchanting and charms are essentially related. How can I help you? I know from your excellent test score you don't have any complaints or questions about that."
"No but it's a charms and/or an enchanting question," Harry said.
"Oh goody! Go on then."
"Are there spells that are similar to Gubraithian Fire? As in fire constantly burning or at least the illusion of burning fire?"
"Oh yes, several. Depending on severity and appearance and a whole host of factors that are picky enough to make Miss Patil irate," Flitwick said, making them chuckle. "As you know, Gubraithian Fire is terribly tricky and difficult to cast."
"Oh I bet. I don't need something that special or difficult. I just wanted something that burns or like I said, looks like it's burning. Actually, it reminds me of the time Professor Dumbledore took me to Sheen for my birthday, right before my third year. There was a chicken dish where it came out still on fire but the fire went away when we ate the chicken and the chicken was cold."
"The illusion of fire, no heat, not burning the material it was cast on, simple enough. I can think of two charms that could mimic that," Flitwick said easily. "Not easy to cast but for a splendid charms caster like yourself, should be simple enough with a touch of practice. Come with me, let me double check my books in my office but I'm sure it will be easy to find and cast."
He led Harry out of the classroom and down the hall. "Doing something fun with it?"
"If it works," Harry nodded. "I think I know what I want to do for the festival prize and it'll make it even more fun."
"Oooh I can't wait to see it!"
"Aren't you going to try and get me to tell you what it is?" Harry asked with a smile.
"I can wait with giddy anticipation," Flitwick smiled back. "It's half the fun for me."
"Now I want to tell you because you're so patient," Harry laughed. "Or was that your goal all along?"
"Perhaps, perhaps not," Flitwick demurred, making Harry laugh more. "Forgive me for asking, but I thought you were rather reluctant about mixing magic and cooking."
"I was," Harry agreed. "And sometimes, I still am. When I want to cream butter and sugar by hand for biscuits, I still do it by hand sometimes, for example. Other times I'll use the mixing spell. I remember when I was really reluctant about using magic for cooking."
Harry shrugged. "But then we learned that the better you are at a spell, the less magic taste it leaves and well, magic is a part of me just like my cooking skills are. Sometimes it's fine to mix the two, but it's okay to cook without it too, right?"
"I think so," Flitwick said honestly. "Sometimes you can't be bothered to get up and summon the objects. Other times, you make the effort to collect them yourself."
"Exactly, just how you feel in the moment. Though I do admit I use the produce cleaning charm all the time now because it's faster and saves time," Harry said to Flitwick's chuckles. "Same with the Scouring Charm for when things get really dirty and greasy. Though I do wash some things by hand, like my knives."
"Even for goblins, we don't use our magic for everything," Flitwick said. "Some rather keep certain things apart and others want to mix them." He patted Harry's arm. "While I never would begrudge you for never wanting to use more magic for cooking, nor will I wish to force you to mix the two, I am happy that you have found what makes you happy."
"Thank you, Sir," Harry smiled. "I love how wonderful magic is and how useful it is. But even now when I want to use magic while cooking, I want it to be for a reason. Not just because it's useful. I don't want to make the food magical just for it to be magic. I want it to taste good and be good and make the person eating it happy because it's good and because of the magic."
"And that is why your cooking is so satisfying," Flitwick said with appreciation. "Because you want all of that. Not just for the adoration to swell your head."
"I can't imagine how much more messy my hair would be if my head did swell up," Harry joked while Flitwick laughed brightly.
-0-
The Uncommon Room was full of activity and motion. The friends had formed small groups and were planning as well as working on things for their stalls while enjoying the warmth of the room and the general feeling of comradery that the room always provided. It was decorated once more to reflect the season and it smelled sweetly of mint and pine and citrus and cinnamon while lights danced about and a miniature Hogwarts Express moved about the room. Snow globes drifted lazily through the air, leaving a trail of snowflakes behind them as they levitated about.
"Are you allowed to be helping us?" Ivaan asked when Harry was cutting out fabric for Lavender.
"Shut it, we have enough to do without the extra help," Parvati said, poking her cousin.
"I'm not doing any judging," Harry said, "for the contest I mean."
"Oooh, nice one, who taught you that?" Sue laughed.
"Me," Pansy and Parvati said at the same time and glared at each other.
"I'd say Auntie Ari but she's very open about her judging," Harry chuckled. "But I'm helping all my friends since I'm not really having a stall of my own."
"You're not overworking, are you?" Lavender asked, looking torn.
"Not at all! The Crew is coming to help cook all day with the elves and me so I'm going to have plenty of time for other things now, aside from schoolwork of course. Everything else is pretty much set up. Oh, thanks for mentioning things to your brothers by the way," Harry said, finishing another pattern.
"You're welcome," Ron smiled. "It sounds like fun and they could use the business and stuff. They set up a small stall at Diagon and hope to have their own place soon."
"We're helping them again. And we're going to get paid for it this time," Ginny said. "I'm also helping Luna. What's everyone doing for the Festival?"
"Sewing and knitting lots of things like scarves, hats, and I'll have some other things ready like a few jumpers. I'll also do embroidery work too," Lavender said. "Oh and owl and pet accessories." She beamed at the large bow that Sunny had around her collar and she finished a small knit beanie with a tiny pom on the top and put it on Hedwig who shook her head about and hooted happily. Lavender had put a small bell inside the pom and it tinkled musically.
"Yes I see, super cute," Harry praised when Hedwig flapped to him.
"Professor Sprout and I are doing winter plants and flowers," Neville said. "And we're also getting some stuff from the Tribe to sell and trade for like dried plants and things, thanks to Millie."
"I'm helping Luna too with an art stall," Sue said. "We're putting up a lot of her drawings and paintings and things."
"I could be doing more for it now," Luna grumbled rebelliously.
"Finish your homework first and your O.W.L. prep," Harry said, ignoring her pout. "Don't want you risking your exams for something like this." He smiled when she pouted more and hugged her warmly before she got back to work with slightly less grumbling.
"I'm helping Hannah again, running a bakery stall," Susan said. "She's been so enthusiastic about baking again," she said with a grateful look to Harry.
"Are you lot having like a 'how to be sneaky' stall or something like that?" Parvati asked cheekily.
Blaise snorted. "No but that actually is a fine idea. I inquired about a wine stall but was told I had to wait until next year." He rolled his eyes theatrically.
"We're not going to do a formal stall," Tracey smiled. "But Daphne is going to play music through the day and we're going to dance and do a couple of dance lesson things."
"The Headmaster said it would count for the competition however," Daphne said happily, "which is awfully kind of him to allow."
"So are you abandoning us for your girlfriend?" Parvati asked innocently.
"I can help multiple groups," Hermione sniffed. "I'm helping you and Lavender as well as Tracey's team."
"Increasing your chances at the prize?! That's proper sneaky," Parvati smiled.
"As if that's the only reason," Hermione replied. "Are you going to give Millicent any grief for helping Neville?"
"I could! Millie! Are you abandoning us to help your boyfriend?"
"Yup," Millicent said boldly, popping the P loudly. "Abandoning you especially."
"Ow my feelings!" Parvati cried while people laughed.
"You'll survive, maybe," Millicent sniffed. She smiled. "I should fuss at Pansy but I'm not because she looks happy."
"I am happy," Pansy smiled. "Some of my things will be up for sale!" She proudly showed off knitted scarves.
"I'm still really surprised that you made these," Aster said, picking one up. "You used to say you'd never do anything by hand if it wasn't with magic."
"I did," Pansy admitted. "It's really satisfying though and I haven't poked myself with a knitting needle so I still enjoy knitting."
"It is nice," Aster said. She held up one of Lavender's works. "Not as nice, but still kinda nice." She squeaked when Pansy poked her with a knitting needle. "Hey!"
"I've been doing it a lot longer than Pansy," Lavender smiled. "And she's better than I was when I just picked it up."
"You don't have to lie to her," Aster said. "Or for her. Stop poking me!"
"No poking with needles, of any size or sort," Harry said when Aster tried to grab some to retaliate. "I really don't want to have to take someone to Madam Pomfrey and explain what happened."
"She started it!" Aster complained when Pansy gave her a superior look.
"Hmm, you're not wrong," Harry mused. "Okay, you can poke her back once with your finger because she started it and then you can help me with making some snacks. Fair?"
"Yes!" Aster said.
"No! Hey!" Pansy swiped back at Aster who danced out of range and fled laughing. "Harry! You're supposed to be on my side!"
"You know she would just escalate and she'd do it while in Slytherin," Harry smiled. "When you're sleeping even."
"He's not wrong," Millicent laughed.
"You guys said I had to help wrangle, so that's what I'm doing," Harry grinned at Pansy's sour look and her poking him, but not using one of the knitting needles. "Through negotiations and the applications of treats for good behavior." He handed Lavender a biscuit who took it happily before she frowned at him and poked him while the others laughed.
"And as the aggrieved party, you'll get the first of the snacks, which will be one of our mainstays," Harry continued.
"Roti and eggs?" Padma asked eagerly.
"Yup! And some cong you bing." He walked to the kitchen side of the Uncommon Room, followed by Aster, Clover, and Marigold with Hedwig riding his head. Ivaan, Owen, and Nathan finished what they were doing and went over to that side too.
"They really do listen to him more than us," Daphne said when Astoria walked over too.
"He has an army of sibling minions at his beck and call," Millicent snorted. "I'd be worried if it wasn't, you know, Harry."
"I think it's wonderful," Lavender said lovingly. Her gaze softened as she watched Harry cooking with the younger students and at him looking genuinely happy. "He said he always wanted younger siblings."
"Only because he never grew up with any," Parvati snorted. Her features softened too. "Then again, I bet growing up with Harry wouldn't have been bad at all."
"Harry has a kindness that only grows the more he shares it," Pansy said softly. "And it's wonderful."
"The man has a patience of a saint," Blaise nodded. "And I can say that having grown up very close to your siblings."
"You're not wrong," Millicent said with Daphne and Pansy nodded.
"That said, it would be nicer if they treated us with a modicum of patience and care they do him," Pansy added wryly.
"Won't happen, they grew up with us and have preconceived notions of normalcy," Millicent snorted.
"Another reason to stay very good friends with Harry," Daphne smiled openly. "To mediate for us."
"Another reason out of many," Blaise laughed.
-0-0-0-
AshokaTheGreat - I thought it would be fun to come back to it and show all the fun around it.
poka - You know I like my call backs and I was able to do a few here. Glad you enjoyed.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Yup, very important to do in any kind of situation really. Thanks for reading.
odonnellzoo99 - They are masters of phrasing things a certain way for either minimal or maximum carnage. Plus it was really funny. Same with Ariana, she has some really great lines.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Susan really should've known better honestly.
alix33 - I like that idea of how fairy cakes are made. Like Keebler elves cookies.
TheSphynx - I like playing with those random throwaway jokes and seeing how I could make them a little bit better, the nemesis thing.
DarkRavie - Thank you.