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

A Taste of Magic

133rd Course – Training Start

He looked just like the last time Harry had seen him. He still stood at stiff attention, his spine unbent and unbowed. His eyes were still sharp and calculating. However, there were some differences now. He looked less openly hostile and irritated, expression somewhat smoother and less severe. He wore chef whites and an apron on top, pressed and clean.

"Monsieur Potter," he greeted.

"Bonjour Chef," Harry said politely and respectfully. He blinked with surprise when Gabriel extended a hand first but shook it eagerly. "Thank you again for your time. You must be really busy." He hesitated for a moment. "If you are, I can tell Grandmother that it's okay."

Gabriel relaxed slightly more. "I am busy, but not too busy to not have these sessions. Speaking of." He looked past Harry. "Did Madame Flamel not come with you?"

"She said she trusted you after the last time," Harry said and Gabriel winced and flushed a little. "Though she did give me a stone to summon her if there are any problems. I don't think there will be though. I'm really happy to be here again."

Gabriel nodded and looked at Harry closely. Harry was wearing his Gringotts Main Kitchen One clothes and was already tying a bandanna on and an apron on top. "Your uniform from Gringotts? And what is that mark on your shoulder?"

"Yes Chef, and it's to show I'm junior sous chef."

"Is that so?" Gabriel nodded once more. "And you have learned how to make new things since last summer?" He smiled a little at Harry's obviously happy nod. "Then let us start with that. Make three dishes, show me your range, and we can proceed from there."

"Anything?" Harry asked.

"Yes, it will give me an idea of your current skill level," Gabriel said.

Harry nodded and got to work. He looked at the ingredients that Gabriel had left out along the back tables and after going through it all, decided on what to make. He gathered things and put them in three distinct groups and got to work.

Gabriel watched without saying anything. His eyes followed Harry as he moved about the kitchen, arms crossed and leaning against a prep table slightly. He made no noises, neither approval or disapproval, and was content to watch in silence.

At first it was slightly unnerving to be watched like that. Harry was no stranger to others watching him in the kitchen. His friends and family were there all the time but they usually talked and laughed together. Before, Diglin and Aberforth would watch and help him but nowadays, Diglin only watched him like that if he was doing something new. After getting into the swing of things, however, Harry practically forgot about Gabriel watching silently and worked solidly away, humming softly to himself as he did his tasks.

Gabriel inspected the plates before him. He had remained silent through the entirety of the cook time and had waited patiently. Only when Harry had finished plating and put the plates before him, he finally spoke. "Describe them and explain them, as in, explain why you made them," he said as he started with the first one.

"Those are Chinese dumplings made three ways," Harry said. "Pork mince, cabbage, and seasonings, served with a seasoned dipping sauce. You have water boiled, steamed, and pan-fried. Those are one of the first things I learned to make from a friend and I've always loved them. They're pretty satisfying to make and eat."

He watched with a little apprehension as Gabriel ate them without comment and discernable facial expression. He continued when the older man moved to the second dish. "This is a chicken, bacon, and mushroom pie. I really like pies of all kinds, savory and sweet, and this one is one of my favorites. It tastes very homey to me, comforting. And the salad is for cutting through the rich gravy."

Gabriel continued to eat without comment and change in expression until he reached the third dish. He smiled a little and held the glass cup to the light. "You have improved," he said, inspecting the clear consommé.

Harry beamed. "Thank you, Chef! I like making consommé when I have the time. It's hard and tricky but again, really satisfying. It's chicken with mirepoix and garnished with the chicken skin I pan cooked until crisp and chopped chives." He watched as Gabriel sipped it delicately.

Gabriel leaned back and looked at Harry directly. "So you have some familiarity with Chinese cooking as well as your British and some French."

"Yes Chef. Wouldn't call myself super knowledgeable about Chinese or French cooking though. I learned all I know about Chinese cooking through a friend, Sue Li, and French cooking from what Grandmother, Grandfather, and Sophie BeauSoleil have taught me," Harry said. "I've cooked Indian dishes from the Patils, my sisters, I mean close friends Parvati and Padma and grandmother, their grandmother, Durga. I also know a little Japanese from another friend, Sota Sasaki. His family runs a bento restaurant. I learned a little Italian cooking from when I was at the Showcase and I know a lot about Goblin cooking from Chef, Chef Diglin, and the Crew at Gringotts. I've cooked a couple of African things, Ugandan I think, but not what I'd consider familiar really with that kind of food."

Gabriel looked impressed. "That is a wide range of different kinds of cooking and flavor. That will serve you well in the competition." He looked at Harry seriously. "I will not lie to you. You will be very much at a disadvantage compared to the other competitors. They have worked in the industry and professionally for longer than you have. While you do have experience, considerable experience given your age and circumstances, it is not up to the standards of the others."

Harry nodded. "We figured," he said honestly. "I'm still going to try my best though and learn what I can."

Gabriel nodded with approval. "Well said. Do you use a lot of magic during your cooking? I noticed you did not today."

"I do for some things," Harry said. "Cleaning mostly, and summoning things if I can. Learned not to do that with knives though." He smiled sheepishly at Gabriel's loud and knowing snort. "I learned how to cook without magic for so long so I'm used to it. But I'm doing some things. I made an animated cake that looked like a crab and did a Yule Log cake with charmed fire on top."

"Knowing how to cook without magic is an advantage too," Gabriel said. "Some of the more open-minded magicals that can cook without magic are able to work in the non-magical world as well. They can also participate in other such competitions, providing of course, they do not accidentally use their magic or use it to influence." He frowned. "Some do abuse it however and are punished accordingly. I personally find that sort of underhanded trickery to be very loathsome."

"That's not fair at all," Harry agreed indignantly. "You should show what you can cook and how good it is."

"Precisely," Gabriel said, once more nodding with approval. "The World's Kitchen will be a different sort of challenge. While you are not expected to use magic, it is not discouraged either. Typically, the one that provides the best tasting dish to match the challenge wins but depending on the judge, the skill of the chef may also mean their skill with magic as well. There will be a variety of challenges as well that not only challenge your ability to cook, but how you approach the challenges."

"Have you competed in it before?" Harry asked.

"A few times for singular events, nothing prolonged," Gabriel said. "And I stayed with the purely cooking ones. I prefer the Bocuse d'Or as my competition of choice." He smiled at Harry's eager look. "It is a competition involving the best of culinary skill and creativity. Teams of two must create two elaborate dishes showcasing traditional and modern techniques of exacting standards."

"That sounds amazing," Harry said, eyes sparkling.

"Luckily, the World's Kitchen will not require the level of cooking skill or display," Gabriel continued. "If it were, I would be very hesitant about your chances to learn the necessary skills before it. To be honest, I believe your chances are slim for the World's Kitchen." He smiled at Harry's slightly crestfallen look. "Slim does not mean no chance at all. I do believe you have a chance and will do my best to impart some help to prepare you for it."

"Thank you, Chef," Harry said gratefully, brightening a little. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you helping me? Just because Grandmother is forcing you to?"

Gabriel snorted and looked amused. "Madame Flamel is not forcing me, really. One does not ignore a Flamel's request, yes, but the Flamels have been good friends of the Robuchons for many years and we owe them much. I personally am indebted to her and would do most anything she would ask without much hesitation. If I truly did not wish to aid you, I would not. And she knows this."

He clasped his hands together and looked at Harry. "To be perfectly honest with you, I am helping because you intrigue me. You come from a culture that looked down on the culinary arts with a hunger for said culinary arts that I found surprising and refreshing. Not only that, you have an attitude that many would dream to have. One that I appreciate. I routinely have to deal with many that harbor delusions of grandeur and an inflated sense of worth and skill. The fact that you want to learn and listen is a relief."

He ate another of Harry's dumplings. "That, I happen to like your cooking. You are inelegant in some ways, not as polished and refined, but it tastes good. You respect food and the process and I appreciate that as well. I believe you can be great and I would be derelict in my own passion if I did not help you find yours."

"Wow, thank you," Harry said softly.

"And finally, again to be perfectly honest, I saw the list of competitors for this coming competition. There are a couple of people on it that I would not mind to watch lose," Gabriel said plainly. "Their mentors are chefs that I know and they annoy me."

"Rivals?" Harry asked.

"They wish they were my rivals," Gabriel sniffed. He sighed and waved a hand. "Such a base and crude reason, but it is what it is."

Harry smiled. "It doesn't bother me. I've heard my best friends and sisters say that spite is an incredible motivator."

Gabriel smiled widely. "It very much is." He clapped his hands. "Well then. In our times together, I will teach you what you should do for competitions like this in terms of plating, which you can use whenever of course, as well as a few other techniques to elevate and improve. I cannot hope to teach you all there is about French cooking, but a mark of a proper chef is to learn different techniques and make them your own to improve your own cooking."

"Yes Chef! I'm ready," Harry said enthusiastically.

-0-

"Still going at it?"

Perenelle had walked into the kitchen and had smiled seeing Harry still obviously enjoying himself. He was standing in front of the stove and watching something sizzle in the pan. He waved and smiled at her but did not leave, his eyes flicking away for a brief moment before he focused back on what he was doing.

"He has not stopped," Gabriel said. "He continues to ask questions, listens attentively, takes notes, if only everyone I have taught would behave like this." He looked at her and stifled a sigh, seeing her smug expression. "Is this when you say, 'I told you so'?"

"Would I say something so banal?" she gasped theatrically.

"Yes," he replied flatly. "I have heard you say it many times."

"Well since you are expecting me to, I will not. I will let Harry's actions say them instead." Perenelle smiled at Gabriel's unstifled sigh. "So, how are his chances?"

"Somewhere slightly above slim," Gabriel said honestly. "Of course, I will have a better idea by the end of the summer, but he will be going to professionals that have worked hard in the industry from good places. He will very much be at a disadvantage."

"I appreciate the honesty," she grumbled.

"That said, if he continues to improve at the rate that he does, I think he will have an honest chance. Still a slim one, but a good one nonetheless. His food and cooking have a distinct taste to it that is appealing," he continued.

"It certainly does," she said proudly. She smiled when Harry walked over with two plates. "Mmm, that looks and smells wonderful!"

Harry beamed. "Sole meuniere," he said, putting the plates down. A fillet of browned fish sat on the plate with a pool of sauce around it, garnished with chopped parsley. A nutty scent filled the air that was rich with butter. "Fillets of sole, dredged in flour and pan cooked and finished with butter, lemon, and parsley. Chef wanted me to learn how to cook something simply and focus on timing."

Gabriel and Perenelle ate readily, enjoying the well-cooked fish and the simple flavors of salt, pepper, butter, parsley, and lemon. "Not overcooked, browned evenly, butter did not burn or break, well done," Gabriel said as he ate.

"Simple and delicious," Perenelle praised.

"Chef said I should have a few different ways to prepare different proteins," Harry said. "Get really good at a couple different preparations and that way if they surprise me with something, I have a point to start off with."

"Sometimes, simple is more," Gabriel said.

"And other times, complicated is more," Perenelle snorted.

"The dichotomy of French cooking," Gabriel snorted. "Are you here to fetch him then?"

"Yes," Perenelle said. "You have been working for many hours and he needs to go home tonight. And Blinky will be very upset if she does not get some snuggle time with Harry before he leaves."

"Blinky?" Gabriel asked.

"Our basilisk," Perenelle said with a broad smile.

Gabriel looked at her levelly before turning to Harry. "Well done today, Potter. Continue to polish what you have learned and I expect continued improvement." He gave him a look. "Do not waste my time nor this opportunity."

"No Chef," Harry said. "Thank you so much!"

Gabriel watched them leave and he turned back and finished his plate of meuniere. "Well done indeed," he mused softly.

-0-

He looked just like the last time Harry saw him. He wore a very fine Italian suit, the jacket open and a waist coat buttoned with matching pants in navy blue, over a shirt of light blue and a silver tie. His shoes were polished and the heels clicked as he walked. When he saw Harry, he smiled from ear to ear and approached eagerly with his hands out. "Harry! Good to see you, my friend."

"Hello Director!" Harry said happily, shaking Leomattok's hands.

"We are friends," Leomattok said with a playful frown. "Call me Mr. Leomattok to appeal to your sense of propriety but no Sir nor Director from you."

"Yes Sir, I mean, Mr. Leomattok," Harry smiled. "How was your trip?"

"It was fine, thank you for asking. We do not have direct Floo access and the distance is a bit much for it, but we were able to Floo to Paris and then come over that way. Shorter trips and more comfortable."

"Gringotts Paris lets you do that?"

Leomattok snorted deeply. "Not without charging you and being insufferable. I would not give them satisfaction either. No. There are Gringotts Floos in the city beneath Paris and it is much more pleasant there." He beckoned over another goblin who had appeared around the corner, looking faintly lost. "Ah there you are. What took you so long?"

"You left me at the Floos," the other goblin said sourly, glaring at Leomattok. "I've never been here before!"

Ah, my apologies. I was eager to see my friend here," Leomattok said smoothly. "Harry, this is my chef and friend, Rocko. Rocko, this is Harry Potter. Oh and he has a grasp on Gobbledegook, is that right?"

"Getting better," Harry said throatily. "It's very nice to meet you, Sir," he said to Rocko, holding his hand out.

Rocko looked impressed and shook Harry's hand easily. "English is fine. It is nice to meet you as well. Leo has sung your praises." He gave Harry a look. "Hopefully you live up to them."

"I'll do my best to," Harry grinned. "I really appreciate your time and help. Follow me, Chef Diglin said we can use Main One after the lunch service for practice."

"He is polite," Rocko mused as they followed Harry.

"I told you and I expect you to be the same," Leomattok sniffed.

"I am here, aren't I?" Rocko retorted. As they entered the kitchen, they looked around with interest. "Not a bad space," Rocko observed.

"Main One is a great kitchen," Harry said with a small frown.

Rocko smiled at Harry's stout loyalty. "I am sure it is. I personally prefer to cook somewhere with windows and lots of light."

"Not much of that underground," Diglin said, walking in. "Why'd you want a window looking at rock?"

"Fair enough I suppose," Rocko said lightly. "Chef Diglin? Of StoneHeart?"

"That's me." Diglin and Rocko shook hands. "And you must be Chef Rocko of LandFang."

"Have you heard of my clan?" Rocko asked, surprised.

"I have," Diglin said with a wry smile. "My grandfather was Anbin."

"Ahhh," Rocko said with a laugh. "I believe he and my grandfather were rivals of a sort."

"Yup. Anbin respected him, to a degree. Thought he was better of course."

"Naturally my grandfather felt the same," Rocko smiled.

Diglin smiled too and inclined his head respectfully to Leomattok. "Director. Welcome to Gringotts Britain and Main One. I'm just going to be over here watching and doing some paperwork."

"Of course," Leomattok smiled. "Now go on Rocko. Do your thing."

Rocko snorted and looked at Harry who had changed into his uniform and was tying on his apron and bandanna. "Alright then. Make a few things then, Mister Potter. Show me what you can do." He watched as Harry got started, observing quietly and intently. He nodded with approval as Harry made a pasta dough. When Harry set it aside to rest, he picked something else that made Rocko's eyebrows rise. "Crake? You know how to cook crake?"

"Yes Sir," Harry said as he stunned them and put them in the pot. "One of the first things I learned here. I really like it."

"He can cook goblin things?" Rocko asked, looking at Leomattok and Diglin with surprise.

"He works here and serves goblins," Diglin snorted, "did you not expect him to?"

"I said I met him first here," Leomattok said. "And he made a very delicious consommé that had crake in it."

"I assumed he would not have done much with goblin specific things," Rocko said.

"No shirkers in my kitchen," Diglin said smugly. He snorted at Harry's look. "Some can be lazy though if allowed."

"Luckily you were not allergic to it," Rocko said. "Were you tested before you had it?"

"Uh, not really," Harry hedged. "It turned out okay though and I'm not allergic to teagale either."

Diglin shrugged when Leomattok and Rocko frowned at him. "What? He turned out fine. And he still likes them."

"I still don't drink teagale that much yet," Harry said as he continued to cook. "Not legal yet and yes I know that goblin law is different."

"I'll let you and Emmie share the same kind later, one for goblings," Diglin said and he and Harry laughed.

"Ah good," Leomattok said eagerly when Harry finished cooking. He rubbed his hands together and smiled as he breathed deep of the scents. "I do enjoy your cooking."

Harry smiled happily. "I made crake ravioli in a butter sauce, a salad of mushrooms and root veg that's also lightly pickled, a sole menuiere that I also just learned how to make, and I made this tiramisu earlier to wait for you. And some gelato and espresso."

Rocko took a bite and he looked at the ravioli with surprise before devouring the rest of it. He took bites of all the other main dishes and chewed thoughtfully. "Hmm, very good," he said, looking at Harry. "You treated the mushrooms very well."

"Like I said, taught him all sorts of things," Diglin said proudly as he ate. They finished the ravioli and salad and fish and greatly appreciated the dessert that followed.

"Mmm, simply splendid," Leomattok said as he ate the affogato with relish.

Rocko finished his portion and set the cup aside. "Well, you have a pretty good grasp on flavor and things," Rocko said, looking at Harry. "You have skill and if you work here, you have the drive and the ability to keep up."

"He does," Diglin confirmed.

"Competition cooking is a whole different thing," Rocko continued. "It is simultaneously just like service and worse. You see, when a person goes to a place and has a less than ideal experience, they might give them a second chance, especially if they have a good reputation. In a competition, you do not really have a second chance. All your efforts, all your abilities, must be as close to perfect as possible on that single plate and you must make that distinct impact that not only sets you apart from your competitors, but also to prove why you deserve to be there, deserve to continue. If you get eliminated, that is usually it for you."

He sipped a cup of espresso. "And unfortunately, you are also being judged by your performance as a whole in extended competitions. Because if it comes down to you and another, the only thing saving you from being kicked off is the fact that you performed better up until that challenge and the belief that you may continue to do well on future challenges."

Harry nodded slowly. "That makes sense."

"So you have to approach the competition like a marathon. Yes, each challenge matters, but you have to constantly be as close to the top as you can and maintain that quality throughout," Rocko said. "It will be grueling, and demanding. And if you go in without conviction, you will be thrown out without a second thought."

"So no pressure," Harry joked feebly.

"Plenty of pressure," Rocko said not unkindly. "And it'll be up to you if you endure, bend, or break."

"Harry's tough," Diglin said. "He can do it to the best of his abilities."

"I am sure he is," Rocko said without any sarcasm or condescension. "Most humans would not work with goblins so closely or for so long. And even those that do, do not gain the respect and the enjoyment he has."

"I still don't think goblins are as bad as most people say," Harry protested. He blinked when the other three goblins laughed loudly.

"That is because you are a good person," Leomattok said, wiping tears of mirth away.

"And we treat you just a little better than most other humans," Diglin smiled. "You know, eventually. And only a little better."

"When I proved my metal," Harry said.

"Precisely," Diglin nodded.

"I think you will have a good advantage though," Rocko said. "Many humans are unfamiliar with goblin cooking and sometimes, the new will be a good thing. Though you will of course have those that avoid the new and cling to the familiar, either out of preference or arrogance. And of course, there are the bigots who will dislike it on bigoted principle."

"I'll just have to do my best and convince them that good food is just good," Harry said.

Rocko smiled. "Very good. And I know how to help you. Your cooking skills are solid and I will teach you Italian things and some other goblin things but I think what I can help you most with is plating. You eat with your eyes first, then your nose, then your mouth. If it does not look inviting, most refuse the invitation."

-0-

"How are things?" Ragnok asked. Several hours had passed and the older goblin walked into the kitchen.

"Quite well I believe," Leomattok said, shaking hands with Ragnok. "Harry is an eager student and Rocko is the type of teacher that teaches more enthusiastically based on the student."

"Still don't think there's anything wrong with our usual plating," Diglin grumbled.

Leomattok smiled warmly. "Pay no mind to Rocko. He is fussy about appearances much like I am. Plus he is used to high-end ristorante ambiance. Which is what the judges will most likely hold dishes to as far as standards go."

"I suppose," Diglin sighed.

"Bene!" Rocko nodded with approval at Harry's latest offering. They had made a pasta dish with shellfish in it and Harry had twirled the noodles with a long-tined fork and placed it in the center of a plate that had a shallow center and rising walls. He had lifted the fork as he plated, making a tall mound with the noodles and arranged the shellfish around it and garnished it with a drizzle of olive oil while making sure the sauce was artfully drizzled around. "Well done. For some dishes, the taller the food, the closer it is to God and the Powers, therefore, divine in taste and presentation."

"Is he usually this dramatic?" Diglin asked softly, making Ragnok frown at him and Leomattok laugh.

"More so even," Leomattok smiled.

"I never really thought about the different plates and things before," Harry said, looking at the plate of food happily. "Aside from making sure it was clean of course and could hold the food."

"Very important too but as you see, the right vessel means it will float successfully or sink dismally," Rocko said. "Putting this on a much larger plate with a wider center means the focus is spread out. The pasta falls and the shellfish is not as close, making the illusion that it is less than it is."

"But doesn't putting it on a too small plate to make it look more make it feel just as…not true?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Rocko said baldly. "Which is why you have to pick the right plate for the right presentation for the most success."

"I'm glad I ate his food earlier so I know he can at least cook and not put false cladding over things," Diglin grunted.

Leomattok chuckled. "Rocko knows that Harry is learning well from the cooking side from you. Rocko is guilty of many things, but taking liberties is not among them. He will not seek to interfere with your teachings on what you know best, but he will be very adamant on what he knows best. And appearances is something he has an eye for."

"Fair enough," Diglin said. "I'll be less of an ass."

"No you will not," Ragnok said knowingly.

"Thank you so much for coming," Harry said, shaking Rocko and Leomattok's hands warmly. "I really appreciate it and I learned a lot."

"Excellent!" Rocko said approvingly. "We will come as often as we can or perhaps you may come to us. You are a good student and I believe you have much to learn and use." Rocko grinned toothily. "Besides, when I saw who was competing in the competition, let us say I had inspiration to come assist you besides Leo asking me to."

"Saw someone on the list you don't like and want to spite them?" Harry asked with a smile.

The goblins laughed heartily. "He really does understand us," Leomattok smiled. His smile faded as he took a closer look at Harry. After cleaning the kitchen, Harry had changed into his usual clothes and the goblin looked at Harry critically. "What are you wearing?"

Harry looked down at his jeans and t-shirt. "Uh, I usually wear these when I'm not in a kitchen uniform or my school clothes."

Leomattok frowned even more and reached into his jacket pocket. He pulled out a loop of measuring tape and after saying a few words, it wriggled as if alive. It slithered out of his hands and began moving up and down Harry's body, measuring him.

"Good thing I'm used to Blinky or else this would be a little unnerving," Harry said as he held his arms out and the tape continued to measure him. When it was done, the tape slithered back to Leomattok and coiled around itself easily. "What was that about?"

"For future reference," Leomattok said, tucking the tape back into his pocket. He checked his watch. "We must be going. Thank you for the space, Director and Chef Diglin, and we will be back another time. Thank you for the food too, Harry." After another series of warm farewells, he and Rocko left the kitchen, speaking softly to each other in Italian.

"Is there something wrong with what I wear?" Harry asked, looking down at himself.

"Not to me but I don't really care about that sort of thing," Diglin said. "I don't mind Dee dressing me for not work-related things."

"Fashion is one of Leomattok's passions," Ragnok said. "Probably expect some sort of sartorial solutions that he will provide in the future."

"He already does so much for me though," Harry protested.

"Just let him do it," Ragnok said with some amusement. "He can certainly afford it and if you feel the need to do something back, he will probably happily take whatever you cook for him."

"See, when you all treat me like this, how can I not think you all are great and the rumors to the contrary to be exaggerations," Harry said. He shook his head and smiled as Ragnok and Diglin laughed raucously.

"Never change, Harry," Ragnok laughed.

-0-0-0-

Arnie1701 - She'll do something I'm sure.

poka - I was pretty happy with the start too. I like setting a scene and try not to over describe if I can help it. I also like how the goblins came out in this fic and setting. I wanted to give them a slightly different identity that still fits them but expands and makes them less of the caricature you can see of them sometimes. Aberfoth is that nice gruff and grumpy but still good person that is familiar just enough.

odonnellzoo99 - It's fun seeing how he gets along with the adults and how much they like him and trust him without showing him favoritism like it can be perceived. I like making up weird words like that too. As you see lol.

TheSphynx - With Abe being so confused all the while.

darthjohn - Glad you enjoy it. I'm glad people also seem to like this rambling slice of life, it's been nice to write.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - Yeah. A critique I got a while back was that Harry was too much of an adult and that I was going too far in that because it wasn't believable that he would work so much at Gringotts and at Hog's Head and I always thought that Harry would be one of those people so eager to do what they love after finding a different sort of validation when the circumstances changed. Still, I can see the others making sure he doesn't overdo it. Thanks for reading.

alix33 - Hedwig slauting and then looking up at Harry with the same look made me laugh while writing.

DarkRavie - Thank you.

DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I'm sure you'll like today's chapter then.