I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
51st Course – You are Cordially Invited
"Is something wrong with the list Harry made?" Andromeda asked.
"Not wrong, really," Sirius said slowly, looking at the list. It was the day after and Harry had finalized his list and handed it to Sirius for his permission. He had no reason to deny anyone of course, but seeing the names on it gave him pause. "I know Harry's not like a spoiled kid who wants to invite people because he can and the family might be able to make it happen."
"Like when you asked for the Harpies to come to one of yours," Andromeda said, smiling.
Sirius grinned. "Yeah like that. But like I was saying, kind of surprised by some of these names. Like for example, the Flamels."
"The Flamels? As in THE Flamels?" Andromeda asked, eyes wide.
"Oh he does know them well actually," Remus said. "They have visited the school several times and I do believe they exchange correspondence. They are genuinely fond of him."
"Huh, I have to hear that story eventually," Sirius said. "He invited old man Abe and Ariana as well as the Headmaster."
"Makes sense," Andromeda said. "They have become close these last few weeks, Aberforth and Ariana rather."
"Yup. A fair chunk of his classmates of course. A Muggleborn, a general mix of others." Sirius' eyebrows rose. "And a few Purebloods."
"Oh?" Andromeda took the offered list and her own eyebrows rose. "Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode and Sunny Bulstrode? He is friends with the Parkinsons and the Bulstrodes?"
"He is, and close friends," Remus nodded.
"Huh, have to hear how that happened too," Sirius said. "Wait, Sunny, isn't that Bulstrode's kneazle?"
"Yes, and she is very fond of Harry too," Remus smiled.
"I'm fond of her too," Sirius grinned. "Helped me she did, same with Granger's kneazle Crookshanks."
"Who also has an invitation," Andromeda smiled. "That's darling."
"Those two helped me out a lot," Sirius said seriously. "They're welcome too."
"What are you thinking?" Andromeda asked. "Reluctant to invite the Parkinson and Bulstrodes?"
"No, not if they make Harry happy. Just the whole getting back into Society thing and who knows if they'll let them come. I never was the paragon of Purebloodedness after all. And with all the hoopla of me coming back and the Blacks coming back," Sirius mused.
"Well, perhaps we should extend invitations to parents to accompany their children," Andromeda suggested. "Let you interact with them and make some new acquaintances, allay their fears, and provide a more open environment for all. Ted and I will assist of course."
"I like that, great idea," Sirius said gratefully. "My mind healer has been wanting me to slowly be more social and not dwell. As good as a way as any really." His smile grew. "Gosh, I'm getting excited too."
"Then let's finish up the floor and then we can make proper preparations," Remus grinned, also growing enthusiastic.
"Yeah! Then I'll knock up a formal invitation letter and then send them all out later." Sirius blanched a little when he noticed Hedwig perched on a lantern holder and looking at him intently. "And ask Hedwig to deliver the letters."
Hedwig fluffed up and nodded. She gave him what was obviously a stern look and waggled her tail feathers at him before fluttering off.
"Does she act like that normally?" Sirius asked.
"Oh yes, she's very intelligent and incredibly protective," Remus said.
"Right, don't mess with her then," Sirus said.
-0-
"Ah Harry, how are you?" Dumbledore asked with a warm smile.
"Doing great, how are you?" Harry smiled back, setting a large hot full breakfast in front of him.
"Wonderful, thank you. I also received your invitation. You can count on me to attend with great enthusiasm. I also sent Nicolas' and Perenelle's invitations after telling Hedwig I had alternate means to save her a trip since she was busy with the rest of the letters. They replied within moments saying they will be there as well." Dumbledore started tucking into his meal, enjoying the food and Harry's look of happiness.
"Before you ask, we're closing for the day," Aberforth said, putting a glass in front of Dumbledore. "I don't mind, been a bit since I took a day off. Still don't know why you just didn't bring the invitations with you."
Harry shrugged. "Sirius was making them when I left for Gringotts today."
"Ah makes sense. I know Ari will be in Britain that day and she'll come. I already sent her a message asking and she's on board." He snorted at Harry's happiness. "You look like a kid when you smile like that."
"Auntie Ari said there's nothing wrong with that," Harry said, still smiling. He walked into the kitchen to get back to work.
"I can see you smile, or whatever passes as a smile for you," Dumbledore said, smiling into his eggs.
"Kid's making me soft," Aberforth said with an empty grumble in his tone.
-0-
Parvati yawned, smacking her lips as she tugged on the blanket covering her. She was napping in her favorite napping chair; it was the perfect dimensions to sprawl out and be somewhat reclined. It was placed in the corner of the sitting room beside the window, perfectly situated to let sunlight fall over the body but not the head for maximum comfort.
The blanket resisted her tugging and she was slowly waking up, irritated by the blanket's refusal to cooperate. After tugging it some more without any improvement, she blinked slowly, frowning. As her eyes focused, she realized she was eye to eye with some very large amber eyes, framed by snow-white feathers and a very sharp beak very close to her nose.
She shrieked and flailed, rolling out of reflex and fell from the chair while Hedwig flapped her wings, hovering in place and hooting happily when Parvati hit the ground. "Hedwig!" Parvati sat up, hand to her chest, feeling her heart beat wildly. She glared when she saw Padma shrieking with laughter beside her. "Why?!"
Padma dodged a pillow swipe. "It wasn't my idea! I came in and found her perched on your chest and just looking at you. It was too funny to interrupt and you know that if it were me, you'd watch too."
"Okay yeah, but still." Parvati took a deep breath, calming down. She sighed when Hedwig landed on the chair, plumping down in the middle of the warm spot that she had left behind. "You think you're so clever, don't you?"
Hedwig nodded, giggling. She thrust her chest out and Parvati noticed a little harness buckled across Hedwig's chest. A strap sealed a pouch on the front and Parvati undid the cord keeping it sealed, opening the pouch and taking out a letter with her and Padma's name on it. "Wow, that's a cute harness."
"Oh I see a lot of envelopes in there," Padma said, taking a peak. "Better for mass deliveries it seems." She gently rubbed Hedwig's head when the owl nodded, smiling when Hedwig nibbled her fingers lovingly.
"Oh Harry's having a birthday party!" Parvati said excitedly, reading the letter. "And we're invited of course. Wow this is a fancy looking invitation."
"Oh wonderful!" Padma looked at it. "Oh wow yes it is. It's very formal. That's an official family seal at the top."
"Guess that means he's got a decent home now." Parvati smiled when Hedwig nodded. "Thank goodness."
"Hmm, it says parents and guardians are invited too," Padma said, after taking the invitation from Parvati. "We can ask Mum or Dad or Grandmum to see if they want to come."
"They trust us to visit friends but we haven't visited Harry before, not to mention with the Blacks back on the scene."
"Yeah, we'll ask them later." Padma offered an arm and Hedwig hopped daintily onto it. "I don't think we have any bacon, but we have some leftover lamb from last night. And some chicken. Want something to nibble on before moving on?" Hedwig nuzzled her cheek, making her laugh.
"She's nice to you," Parvati complained. She whooped when Hedwig flapped over to her and sat on her head. "Well, I'll take what I can get," Parvati said with a wry smile as Hedwig wiggled comfortably.
-0-
"Oh hello," Jean Granger said, smiling as Hedwig came swooping in. She still remembered the first time the beautiful snowy owl had appeared at their window. For the longest time, Jean had thought the owl had been blown off course or something and was lost. Hedwig had shown remarkable patience and had sat there calmly enough, tapping the window with her beak, but Jean had learned that the owl could communicate through very expressive facial expressions.
She was utterly flabbergasted when she learned that owls were used as messengers and post carriers by the Wizarding World. The letter that Hermione had sent from Hogwarts had been a delight, something she and her husband David thought impossible when Hermione left for school. Since Hermione's first year, Hedwig had flown regularly between Hogwarts and the Granger home and they had all been very happy for the assistance.
Hedwig hooted hello and thrust her chest out, making soft noises as Jean opened the pouch and took out the letter with Hermione's name on it.
"Thank you, dear," Jean said. "Have a rest and I'll call Hermione down. Would you like something to eat and drink?" She remembered how vaguely silly she felt the first time she talked to Hedwig but that was a very long time ago. Speaking to the owl now felt normal and comfortable even. She smiled when Hedwig nodded eagerly and sat on the roost they purchased just for her.
"Hermione! Hedwig's here!" Jean called as she filled a water dish with fresh water for Hedwig. She opened the fridge and looked about. "I'm out of bacon I'm afraid. Will some ham do?" At Hedwig's hoot of affirmation, she took out the ham and made a pile of thin slices and put them on the food dish in front of Hedwig, smiling as the owl ate hungrily.
"Hi Hedwig," Hermione said brightly, walking into the kitchen. She opened the letter and read it swiftly. "Oh! Harry's having a birthday party this year! His first one."
"His first one? What does that mean?" Jean asked.
"Oh, uhm, it turns out his guardians from before weren't very kind to him," Hermione said sadly.
"That sounds downright abusive," Jean frowned.
"From what I heard, that's not very far off the mark," Hermione said quietly. She looked over when Hedwig shredded the ham angrily and gobbled it down with even more fervor.
"Poor thing," Jean said sadly. She sliced more ham for Hedwig. "He's in a better place now?"
"Yes, living with his godfather. You and Dad are invited too."
"Oh? Hmm. Are we welcome? With us being Muggles."
"It says on the invitation," Hermione said, handing it over. "And there's an extra note here, saying that Harry's new god-uncle is Muggleborn like me and if we had any questions, he'd be happy to help us."
"Oh well that would be incredible," Jean said with a sigh of relief. "I know I would love to learn more about things and your father would too. That's very generous of them. We'll have to find something nice for Harry for his birthday. You know what he likes, yes?" She grinned when Hedwig cheeped loudly. "Besides Hedwig of course."
Hermione giggled. "We can't go wrong with anything cooking related."
"Oh right, you've had many good meals with him and I'm still astounded he helped to figure out how to make smoothies. Well, guess we better prepare for a party then!"
-0-
Pansy looked up when she heard knocking. "Yes?"
The door slid open and a House Elf poked her head in. "Pardon Mistress Pansy, but you have owl visitor. Is Miss Hedwig."
"Oh, please bring her in, thank you Tulip." Pansy only waited for a moment before Tulip returned with Hedwig sitting on her arm. "Thank you, Tulip."
"You is welcome Mistress Pansy." Tulip was still slightly unused to Pansy thanking her and even acknowledging her. To be fair, for about eleven years or so, Pansy barely showed any kind of attention to her, positive or negative. Yet as the years passed while Pansy attended Hogwarts, the girl had started treating Tulip very differently. Asking instead of telling. Chatting instead of sheer disinterest. Saying please and thank you.
It was very strange still but Tulip liked it.
"Hello Hedwig," Pansy smiled as Hedwig flapped over landing on her desk neatly. "Would you like something to eat?" She turned to Tulip when the owl nodded. "Would you get Hedwig some bacon and some water please?"
"Yes Mistress Pansy, Tulip will be right back." Tulip curtsied and left, humming softly.
Pansy took her letter out of Hedwig's harness. She opened it and her smile grew even wider, going from ear to ear. "Oh lovely!" she exclaimed as she read. "Good, he is going to have a proper birthday. I was worried with what happened before and that he is working. How is he, is he happy?" She sighed happily when Hedwig nodded emphatically. "Good."
Tulip walked back in with bacon on a plate and a shallow dish of water. "Mistress Pansy is popular right now. Miss Millie is calling from the small Floo."
"I will be right back, take your time," Pansy said to Hedwig. "Thank you, Tulip." Pansy left her room and went to the small Floo room, the room reserved for Floo calls and not traveling. "Hi Millie."
"Hi Pansy," Millicent said brightly, her head hovering in the flames of the small hearth. "Did you get your invitation?"
"I did!"
"Great!" Millicent frowned slightly. "So Mum and Dad are a bit nervous since it's being held at the Blacks."
"Oh right, I wonder if my parents will be the same," Pansy said, also frowning.
"Dad has to work but Mum said she could escort us if we wanted her to. But she did say she'd feel better if Auntie Rosie would and that if she'd escort both of us, that would be great."
"I will ask," Pansy said. "I intend on going no matter what they say."
"Me too. We can't not go to Harry's first real birthday." Millicent smiled. "And guess what, Sunny got an invite too! Sunny Bulstrode."
"Adorable," Pansy smiled. "And the beast's ego will inflate even more."
"When she bites you later, you'll know why," Millicent laughed.
"As if she needs a reason."
"She sure has plenty. Do you want to go in on a present together or get something related?"
"Ooh, that might be fun. Let me think on that. But I'll ask my parents right now about escorting us."
"Sounds good, let me know what they say." Millie waved and her head disappeared from the hearth.
Pansy returned to her room. "Tulip, are my parents home?"
"Yes Mistress Pansy. They is in the parlor."
"Thank you." Pansy gently patted Hedwig's back. "Thank you for bringing the invitation. Safe flight home and give Harry a nuzzle for me please." She smiled when Hedwig hooted warmly and nipped her finger gently. With a smile, Pansy left her room once more and went to the parlor that her parents favored for relaxing at home. She knocked on the door and at her father's voice, walked in. "Hello."
"Hello Pansy," Alan said warmly, looking up from the paper.
"Is something wrong?" Primrose asked, looking up at her with concern.
"No, not really." Pansy took a deep breath. "I want to attend a birthday party."
"Oh no," Alan said, "have we forgotten someone's birthday?"
"Surely not," Primrose replied but looked alarmed. "At least I do not think so."
"Millicent is not until later this year, same with Nathan and Owen."
"Blaise's birthday has already passed."
"I always get the Greengrass girls birthdays mixed up-"
Pansy coughed. "It is someone's birthday that you have not met."
"Oh?" Alan and Primrose looked at each other and then at their daughter. "And you are close enough to them where you wish to attend their birthday?"
"Yes. He is a very important friend." She flushed at Primrose's look of interest and Alan's look of suspicion.
"Is he now," Alan said slowly. He ignored Primrose's look. "And who is he, exactly?"
"Harry," Pansy said coolly, though her face was warm.
"Harry who?" Alan asked, frowning in concentration.
"Harry Potter," Pansy said through gritted teeth.
"Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived?" Primrose asked, clearly surprised.
"Don't call him that, he doesn't like it," Pansy said sharply, flushing even more when her parents looked at her.
"We are just surprised that you are friends with him," Alan said in a measured tone.
"Perhaps you do not read my letters home then," Pansy sniffed.
"You never gave your friend Harry a surname," Primrose said with a raised eyebrow. "And I do read your letters very carefully." She smiled when Pansy flushed even more.
"Yes, well, that was a lapse on my part apparently," Pansy said. "But yes, I want to go, please. It is very important."
"Why?" Alan asked.
"It will be his first proper birthday party." She looked sad when she said that, something her parents did not fail to notice. "He was not…allowed any prior to now. His prior guardians were failures."
Alan grunted. "Hmm, well, that is bad and there is no other way to say it."
"Prior guardians, so he has new ones?" Primrose asked.
"Yes, and one more appropriate, sort of." Pansy took another deep breath. "His godfather is Sirius Black."
Alan coughed, having chosen the wrong moment to sip his drink. He sputtered and Primrose looked at Pansy for a moment in surprised shock before she belatedly pounded him on the back. "Sirius Black is his godfather?!"
"Black and Potter were close in school, makes sense I suppose," Primrose said slowly. She took the invitation from Pansy when the girl offered it.
"Parents are invited as escorts and Millie received an invitation as well. Auntie Linda wanted to see if you would be willing to escort us. Uncle Hugh has to work."
"I believe we can make something work," Primrose said. "Allow me and your father a moment to discuss please." She sighed when Pansy's expression hardened. "Pansy, you will be allowed to go in some way or form, no need to give us the eye."
"Oh, well, thank you," Pansy said. She hugged and kissed them before leaving, unable to stop herself from smiling as she did.
"Well now, this is an interesting situation," Primrose mused.
"How did she become friends with a Potter? With Harry Potter?" Alan asked, flummoxed. "They are not in the same House."
"No, but that does not necessarily prevent friendships typically."
"But Gryffindors and Slytherins? Black got away with it but he was sorted into Gryffindor so that does not really count," Alan said. He rubbed his face. "We cannot afford to prevent her from going to this party."
"No we cannot," Primrose said dryly. "For multiple reasons."
"What reasons are you thinking?"
"You first."
"Well, we cannot afford to offend the Blacks," Alan said prosaically. "With him exonerated, his star is on the rise. The return of the Blacks to the stage is something that cannot be ignored. It is only a matter of time before Sirius shows more of a presence and he is going to wield considerable power. If we do not go, the insult may ruin us."
"That is true," Primrose said, nodding.
"Now what is your reasoning?"
"We would not survive the aftermath of Pansy's displeasure," Primrose snorted. "She said she wanted to go. Not that she would like to, but want to. If we tried to prevent her or limit her, I do not think she would take that well at all."
She sat back. "Not to mention, we might have this Harry to thank."
"For what?"
"Surely you have noticed how she has changed since attending Hogwarts. She is more polite, more aware of things. She is kinder to the House Elves, and is more calm. She is not the same girl that left for Hogwarts three years ago. And yes, she has matured, but she is not the same…slightly spoiled girl that left for school."
Alan sat back too. "You are not wrong. You think he has had such a positive effect on her?"
"As much as I want to take credit for her change, I have a feeling that someone else had an influence on her."
Alan laughed, making her tilt her head. "I just realized that he may also be part of the difficulties Pansy and Draco were having."
Primrose laughed too. "Astute of you! I think you might be right." She tapped a finger on her chin. "I wonder if that is the sole cause of their rift? No, Pansy mentioned the problems started prior to starting Hogwarts."
"Hmm, I might have to thank the boy myself. Irritating Lucius is a good thing." Alan read the invitation. "Oh, and Andromeda Tonks will be there as well."
"Andromeda and I got along well enough before she was cast out," Primrose said. "It would be good to reacquaint ourselves."
"You will escort the girls then?"
"Yes, I will. I know you have business that day and you can take care of Aster as well."
"Agreed." He gave his wife a level look. "Things are about to become rather interesting I think."
"They really are," Primrose said thoughtfully.
-0-
Lavender smiled, hearing a keen grow louder. She looked up eagerly and was rewarded with the sight of a snowy owl flying in. "Hi Hedwig!" she called cheerily, smiling brightly when Hedwig hooted back, extending her wings and gliding in for a gentle and graceful landing. The owl landed on the table beside the chair Lavender sat in, barking a greeting.
"I love your harness," Lavender said. "Look at what I'm working on for you." She showed a length of pink ribbon she was sewing. She giggled when Hedwig danced up and down and tugged on her hair playfully. "What did you bring me?" She took the letter from the pouch and read it, her eyes widening as she did. "Yes! Finally! Oh I'm so happy," she sighed.
She finished the end of the ribbon and tied it around Hedwig's harness into a big bow and Hedwig puffed her chest out, admiring it. "Let's go ask my parents now." She held out her arm and Hedwig walked daintily on, climbing up her arm and shoulder and nestling down in her hair. Lavender walked into her home and found her parents in the sitting room.
"Hello Lav," Daniel said warmly. "Hello Hedwig," he said wryly, seeing the owl peeking out from Lavender's hair.
"How's Harry doing?" Leena asked.
"He's well, he's all moved in and has a good home finally." Lavender had shared some of what she learned from Harry about his past circumstances, glossing over the more private parts with broad terms. She had been gratified to hear that her father and mother also found the situation entirely unacceptable, that it was not normal in the slightest.
"That's good," Leena said. "I'm still surprised he's working all summer."
"Nothing wrong with a bit of work when you can," Daniel said comfortably.
"Yeah, he wants to. Oh and his first real birthday is coming this weekend." Lavender put particular emphasis on those words. "And I need to go. Can we go please?"
"Need to go?" Daniel repeated, eyebrow raised.
"We?" Leena repeated.
Lavender handed over the invitation. "Mmhmm! Remember when I said his terrible relations never celebrated his birthdays? Well a bunch of us swore we would this year and now he can and it'll be great and I need to go or else I'll be sad forever and hold it against you until I die."
"What shows are you watching with Mum?" Daniel asked, alarmed.
"She said not to tell you," Lavender replied, smiling brightly. She immediately shifted gears, her eyes turning large and doleful, her lip trembling. "Please Daddy?"
"Oh no, don't do this to me," Daniel said, putting his hand over his eyes. "I can't handle that-hey!" Hedwig hopped off Lavender's head and landed on his chest and started gently prying his fingers apart with her beak. "Stop that! No fair!"
"Please?" Lavender begged, making her voice quaver. She leaned in close and helped Hedwig in prying her father's fingers open. "You don't want me to be sad forever, do you?"
"Leena help!" Daniel cried, fighting for his life.
"I know I should but this is really adorable," Leena smiled, enjoying the show.
"Hedwig!" Clover and Marigold came running over when they saw Hedwig. "What's going on?" they asked in tandem when they noticed what was happening.
"Your older sister is trying to convince your father into something with Hedwig's help," Leena said. "And it's probably going to work."
"Convince what?" Clover asked.
"Can we help?" Marigold asked.
"No!" Daniel shouted.
"Harry's having a birthday party and I need to go," Lavender explained.
"Can we go?!" the girls cried out. "We can help and we want to go!"
"Girls, it's rude to invite yourselves to a party," Leena said gently.
"But you two are invited and I'm sure they can be, I'll ask," Lavender said. "Harry likes them too. Harry's godfather wants parents to come to meet and make sure everyone is comfortable and all."
"Oh, that's rather nice of him," Daniel said, peeking out from between his fingers. "Will it be a problem with me being there?"
"No. Hermione was invited and her parents were invited I'm sure. Plus Harry's god-uncle is Muggleborn, it's written on the invitation too."
"Hmm, well, that is very nice. Who is Harry's godfather anyways?" Leena asked.
"Sirius Black," Lavender said. Her eyes widened when Leena coughed and hacked, startled. Everyone turned to look at her. "Are you okay?!"
Leena rubbed her chest. "Yes, sorry, wrong time to sip something. Did you say Sirius Black?"
"Yes? Oh is this about the prison thing? He was found innocent. He was sent to Azkaban without a trial and it turns out he wasn't guilty at all."
"Wait hold on, he was in prison?" Daniel asked, looking very alarmed.
"He was sent to Azkaban without a trial?!" Leena gasped.
Lavender nodded. "Yeah there was a huge thing about it but it ended up okay and he's Harry's godfather. He's taking good care of Harry I think."
Daniel looked at his wife with concern. "And he's completely okay? Now I mean?"
"I think so," Lavender said. "The Headmaster helped them a lot and Professor Lupin is too."
Daniel looked at his wife again, not liking how still and lost she looked. "Okay, well, I'd like to exchange some messages with Mr. Black but I think we can at least go for a bit."
"Nothing will happen," Lavender insisted. "Harry's the best and he won't let anything happen. I know it."
Daniel saw the look of sincere belief on her face and he sighed when Hedwig nodded emphatically. "Okay, well, like I said, we can at least go for a little bit. But yes, ask them if Marigold and Clover can come. We can bring extra things to make up for it."
"Thank you, Daddy!" Lavender hugged him and kissed his cheek soundly and did the same to Leena who smiled distractedly back. "Oh and I'll ask if we can bring Cokie, I've been wanting them to meet too anyways, she's going to love him." She ran out of the sitting room, trailed after by Hedwig and Clover and Marigold.
"Are you okay?" Daniel asked after he heard the girls and the owl run upstairs.
"Yes…no…maybe?" Leena looked slightly shell-shocked. "It's just…I haven't thought about Sirius Black in so long."
"Is he a danger?" Daniel asked bluntly.
"I don't know, I mean, I never imagined he was capable of what he was originally accused of in the first place but things were an awful mess back then," Leena said. "I didn't really know him. My cousin did a little, she was more their age, and he seemed like a nice enough person." She snorted a little. "A terrible flirt but otherwise fine. But to hear that he was falsely accused and incarcerated for so long, that's really something."
"Is this too much?" Daniel asked gently. "I know you never really talked about your past aside from how you left it because of the war and everything."
"It's a bit sudden," Leena admitted. "When I found out Lavender was a witch, I knew I'd have to face it again, and especially once we learned Marigold and Clover are witches too. I…truly thought I was fine with leaving the Wizarding World behind, never to return. It took everything from me." She started to sniffle. When Daniel wrapped his arms around her, she melted into him. "I never thought I'd ever have my own children so I'd never have to go back."
She looked up at him with a watery smile. "But then I met you and found the most darling little girl that was a magical like me and a sweet man that needed help and I couldn't resist."
"Thank God for that," Daniel said soulfully, making her laugh.
"When we had the girls, a part of me wondered if they were squibs and a part of me was very fine with that, as awful as that sounds."
"I won't force you back," Daniel said quietly.
She kissed him. "I know and I'm grateful. But the girls deserve to know their magical heritage too and make their own ways in the world, either world. It's time for me to at least look back maybe, and well, maybe it really is a better place now."
She dried her eyes and sat back, feeling tired but relieved. "It's just, well, the Blacks are one of the most…famous and infamous Wizarding families in Wizarding Britain. It's rather daunting."
"Like royalty levels?" Daniel teased. His smile faded when Leena nodded. "Really?"
"Oh yes, one of the First Five if I recall. They date back to the beginning of Wizarding Britain."
"Wow. And Harry is the godson of them. That's not nothing."
"No it isn't." Leena rubbed her eyes. "Well, after hearing about him for so long and so much, I doubt he will change from something like that. I like the boy myself and him being cared for and loved is a very good thing."
"Agreed." Daniel had seethed when Lavender had told him about Harry's last 'family'. He had shared her assessment that even when he and Lavender struggled, she did not lack for love at least and it was terrible what Harry endured. He sighed and rubbed his neck. "So, uh, I couldn't help but notice when Lavender said she needed to go. And she's never gone straight for the sad forever thing before on anything, even when she was little. Do you think that means something?"
Leena smiled at him and patted his cheek before getting up and walking to the kitchen, not saying a word.
"Wait, is that a yes or a no? Leena? Baby? Stop laughing! I can hear you laughing in there!"
-0-0-0-
doRodrigo - A pretty diverse group of people will be invited.
Arnie1701 - There will be a lot of different people invited and I'm pretty happy with the chapter when I wrote it.
Jaysto - Yup, never a boring day in any kind of professional kitchen. I didn't even think about it and I think there would be a riot. People really liked Blinky. I knew Hedwig directing Harry about like that would be a lot of fun. Glad you enjoyed.
odonnellzoo99 - I liked Aberforth being the voice of experience here and figured it was good for Harry to learn that way. Ironic that you mentioned it, here's a chapter of seeing the others. Hope you like it.
jaclon - Glad you are still loving the story. I wanted this to be a rambling slice of life with low stakes and more fun to it overall.
please don't1 - Thank you so much.
guest - Thank you. I knew I wanted a kind Harry in this story, one that communicates and experiences through food and thought that would carry over well.
Accio698 - Thank you. I really like a believable/realistic story and characterizations so I'm glad you find it so.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Hedwig's luxury mobile throne even. I had a lot of fun writing the birthday chapters, hope you enjoy them when they come.
Starmaker60 - I've gotten complaints about my posting schedule believe it or not. I prefer smaller chapters for faster uploads as it is. Think it's more fun that way.
DarkRavie - Thank you.
alix33 - I'm glad you found your new job and get to do what you like again. Seeing-eye owl is a great mental image.
emilysouza221b - Thank you.
poka - Oh I remember watching an episode of A Cook's Tour and Anthony Bourdain eats kangaroo in the outback and that was really fun to watch. I remember reading up on the differences between lamb and mutton for some reason, it was cooking related but it was interesting to learn the differences in time. I was really satisfied with the birthday chapters so hope they make up for the heart break. Thank you for all the kind words, I'm always glad to see your comments.
TheMatze99 - This will be a long one. I barely started 4th year proper and at 50 chapters, and I know some of the later arcs will meander for a bit. I have not exactly decided what to do after this one is done, though I already have an idea, but we will see when it comes. I'm not that far ahead in writing this one yet.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Here you go, another one to enjoy.