I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
18th Course – Nurturing Growth
Lavender chewed quizzically, looking at the biscuit in her hand. "Say, does anyone else notice something about the biscuits?" It was close to dinner time and she and Harry and Parvati had gone a bit early to sit and relax at the tables. There were plates of biscuits on the table for people to take before dinner started as a snack.
"What do you mean?" Parvati asked before she took one from the table and bit into it. "Oh wait, yeah these taste familiar. Harry, did you make biscuits lately?"
"I haven't had the chance to," Harry replied. He looked at the biscuits on the table. "They look kinda familiar…"
"I swear this is your recipe," Lavender said as she bit into another one.
"You can recognize my recipe?" Harry asked softly, touched.
"Mmmhmm! I made it a lot too at home and it just tastes good," Lavender said.
"Do you think Inky stole the recipe?" Parvati asked. "Wha-hey!" She had reached out for another and the plate disappeared. "Where'd they go?!"
"Inky might've heard you," Harry snickered. He laughed harder when the full plate appeared before him and an empty plate appeared before Parvati.
"Inky! I'm sorry!" Parvati said. "I didn't mean it like that!" She huffed when a single biscuit appeared on the plate in front of her.
"You better apologize to her properly when you see her next," Lavender giggled.
"I will," Parvati said. She smiled when a few more biscuits appeared. "Are you sharing recipes with her?"
"I cook with her all the time in club," Harry said. "I never said she couldn't use the recipes if she memorized them, I'm pretty happy she likes them enough to want to use them though." He smiled. "It's really flattering actually."
"Gosh, I didn't know students could make suggestions or requests," Parvati said.
"I doubt most can. I also doubt most were able to cook either, before Harry," Lavender said. "It's probably because Harry and Inky are friends."
"Hmm, now I'm curious how the kitchen is run," Harry mused. "When I've visited, it seems like it's only the House Elves that work there and no one is in charge aside from them. I also wonder where they get their groceries and supplies."
"You've visited the kitchens? Wait, of course you did," Parvati laughed. "If anyone could find a way into them, it'd be you."
"You make it sound like Harry creeps around and looks for secrets," Lavender giggled, "sneaking about."
"I can't be the only one," Harry laughed, pushing a giggling Parvati gently. "Knowing where the kitchens are, I mean."
"I think the Weasley twins know, since they bring up all those things after the Quidditch games," Parvati said. "Still, not exactly common knowledge."
"I'll have to ask Inky I guess," Harry said. "Oh wait, I think I know who else might know."
-0-
Sprout looked at Harry with bemusement. "I don't think I've ever had a student ask me that question before. What a novel experience." She smiled at Harry's flush. "Not trying to mock you dear. It's just, most people don't even think of it."
"I'm always interested in where the food comes from," Harry said. "I always think I'm lucky when I get to talk to someone that likes to talk about it."
"You show some sound reasoning coming to me, good show," Sprout said warmly. "I actually do happen to know where a good portion of it comes from though, I'm not as responsible for it. A large portion is purchased and sent to Hogwarts by purveyors and distributors who in turn purchase it from other sources or from farmers. A large portion is grown close by, fields belonging to Hogwarts. If they have a problem with a weed or some other invasive magical plant, Hagrid and I are called to assist."
"Where are they?" Harry asked excitedly, looking about the grounds as if he could see them hiding.
Sprout laughed merrily. "Out in the boundaries of the Forest or among the mountain range. And no, it's not somewhere you can walk to." She waggled a finger at him. "The Forbidden Forest is called that for a reason. It's not terribly safe."
"Hagrid hunts in it," Harry muttered.
"Hagrid is much taller and much stronger than you," Sprout said, thoroughly amused. "He's a wee bit older than you to be fair. You need a few more years of growing and maturing before you can be a Hunter enough to brave the Forest."
"I can hear a difference to how you say Hunter," Harry remarked.
"It's a profession in the Wizarding World," Sprout explained. "Those talented to go after magical animals and plants of that nature."
"Oh that's interesting," Harry said, intrigued.
"You'll learn more about careers and the like soon. You'll have a minor meeting this year. Electives are typically chosen to suit future career prospects."
"Good to know, thank you Professor. Do you think I can visit the fields?"
"Not generally a place for students to go to, mostly because none have shown any interest if I'm being honest." She hummed softly. "I suppose we can ask the Headmaster."
"I'd like that!"
"Splendid. I personally prefer growing magical plants and things but any kind of horticulture is good with me," she smiled. She lowered her voice in a companionably exaggerated whisper. "I like the magical plants more because they're more feisty and a challenge."
"You sound like Hagrid," Harry laughed.
"That's why we get along so well," Sprout smiled. "Kindred spirits, he and I."
-0-
Lupin was actually enjoying himself and it worried him slightly.
He had been more than a little concerned about taking the role as professor of Defense against the Dark Arts. While he never shied away from teaching others skills and experience in the field, it was something else entirely to teach children.
Being at the school again filled him with so many complicated feelings. He was happy to be back of course. He loved Hogwarts, it was like a second home to it. When he was there, he felt hopeful, at peace. He felt promise, as if many things were possible. Which to a very young werewolf boy, just being at the school was a possibility he never imagined.
He remembered the joy of learning here. He remembered the wonder of having friends, of spending time with them. The fear of his condition impacting his friendships. The pure unbridled happiness when they accepted him after learning his secret.
Which of course, he remembered the hell of what came after school. The terror of fighting a war. The horror of seeing his friends die, see relationships shatter forever. The despair of thinking he knew something and then discovering that he in fact knew nothing at all.
The first few classes, his smile was more a rictus of nervousness and despite that, he had proved to be an adequate professor. The students seemed to like him more or less. Sure, he heard a few comments about his physical appearance: looking prematurely aged, his less than pristine wardrobe. He even heard a few clever nicknames but when compared to the ones he had used with his friends, they were tame and made him chuckle. As the first week drew to an end, his nervousness started to fade.
Until he saw Harry sitting in his classroom.
Remus had been looking forward to and dreading this moment for years. He still hated himself for withdrawing from the world, cutting ties and links and fading into misery and obscurity. Seeing the son of his best friends there, looking so much like his father with his mother's eyes, broke his heart.
Throughout the lesson, he kept waffling back and forth, debating on what to do. Harry seemed fine to the unaccustomed eye. He looked healthy, he was friendly with two girls, Oh how proud James would be, he seemed intelligent and paid attention in class. He definitely seemed fine. But Remus was not sure if he actually was.
When the class ended and the students gathered their things to leave, Remus took a deep breath. "Mister Potter, would you stay behind for a moment?"
Harry looked up and nodded shyly, looking nervous. After waving goodbye to his friends, he waited as his desk until Remus approached.
"You're not in trouble," Remus said hurriedly, and smiled when Harry relaxed noticeably. "Forgive me for alarming you."
"No problem," Harry said easily. He looked at the older man quizzically. "Did I do something else?"
"No, not at all." Remus coughed awkwardly. "I wanted to introduce myself a different way. I am Remus Lupin…I was a friend of your parents."
"Really?!" Harry looked at Remus directly.
Remus' heart broke further at the expression of longing. "Yes, I was in the same year as James and Lily. In fact, I counted them to be very good friends of mine." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a photograph. Unlike the coat, the photograph was in pristine condition. He handed it to Harry and the boy took it with shaking hands.
"Wow," Harry said softly, eyes wide and staring. It showed James and Lily, smiling and laughing. They were dressed in casual clothes in front of a small cottage. "That's them?"
"Yes," Remus said, frowning slightly at the question. "We helped them move into Godric's Hollow that day, their home after leaving school. You may keep that, I had it copied for you."
"Thank you!" Harry said aloud. He hugged the picture to his chest with desperate strength. "Thank you, Sir. I've…I've never seen them before."
"You've…you've never seen them before?" Remus asked, shocked. "Well, that won't do. I will try to go through my old things and will see what pictures I have that can be copied."
"Thank you," Harry repeated, a glint in his eye. "I really appreciate it, Sir."
Remus' regret rose once more, clawing at his throat, making it difficult to breathe. "You're quite welcome…Harry. May I call you that?" He smiled gently at Harry's nodding. "And you may call me Remus, outside of class of course."
"I'm not sure if I can," Harry smiled weakly. "It seems a bit disrespectful."
Remus snorted and laughed. "Oh my, if only James could hear you say that now. He never cared about coming off disrespectful. Neither did your mother come to think of it." He saw how hungry Harry looked, how he clung to each detail. "I'm sure I can share many stories with you through the coming year, and hopefully more."
"I'd love that," Harry beamed.
"Unfortunately, we may have to wait on that for now. I don't want you to be late for your next class. Until next time, Harry."
"Thank you, Sir!" Harry carefully put the picture in his bag and still hugging it close, dashed off, his smile from ear to ear.
"That wasn't so bad," Remus whispered to himself. "I have a lot to make up for."
And I'm going to do it right this time.
-0-
"Ah Mister Potter, how are you doing today?"
Harry smiled up at Dumbledore. "Hello Headmaster, I'm doing fine. Great even actually."
"Wonderful! Happy to hear it," Dumbledore said with a wide smile. He did like seeing Harry happy and the boy was clearly quite happy. "Good day of classes?"
"Yes Sir. And I learned that Professor Lupin was friends with my parents. He gave me a picture of them!" He proudly showed the picture.
"Ah, now that is a fine photograph," Dumbledore said warmly, growing misty-eyed at the picture.
"It's the first time I've ever seen them," Harry said softly, looking at the picture fondly and forlornly.
"The first time?" Dumbledore coughed. "Your caretakers never showed you any pictures, not even of your mother?"
"No Sir." Harry's expression fell. "Aunt Petunia said she never kept any pictures of my mother." He continued to look down, missing the expression on Dumbledore's face.
"I see," Dumbledore said but inwardly he did not. "Well, then I will have to see if I can rectify that as well. I might have a picture or two somewhere. I will look for you."
"Thank you," Harry said, brightening once more. "I'm not in trouble, am I?"
"As far as I know, you are not," Dumbledore chuckled. "Shall I go speak with the other professors?" He laughed when Harry did. "Actually, if you have a few moments, your presence was requested and some arrangements of things can be made."
"Oh sure, I was about to go do some homework but it can wait a bit."
"Worry not, it will not take too much time," Dumbledore said. He set off briskly and Harry kept pace. Eventually the pair walked through the door behind the picture of fruit and Harry gasped with delight seeing the kitchens at work. The House Elves ran about in orderly chaos, chatting and shouting and food floated around and about as they cooked and prepared and worked away industriously.
Dumbledore smiled, watching Harry follow the action. "Such a grand sight, is it not? The Elves have remarkable teamwork and work so hard and well."
"They even have some stations," Harry said excitedly. "They look like they're doing raw preparation, they are doing meat preparation. They look like they're making all the sauces. It's like a professional kitchen!"
He looked up at the Headmaster. "I was wanting to ask, is there someone that runs the full kitchen or is in charge?"
"That is partially why I brought you today," Dumbledore said. "While the Headmaster is the decider of all things in Hogwarts, a good Headmaster knows how to delegate. In many years past, a witch or wizard was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the kitchens but eventually the House Elves took responsibility. As more House Elves came to serve Hogwarts, they were able to run the kitchens just as well if not better than many other magicals in the past. Especially since the House Elves of Hogwarts have a peculiarity that most others in Wizarding Britain do not, they are loyal to the school and tangentially loyal to those that work or inhabit it."
He pointed at a chef's toque with a large knife pinning it to the wall. "That was the toque of the last wizard that tried to enforce his will over the kitchen elves, many many years ago. I will have to try and find the story in its entirety; it is rather entertaining if I recall. Ah Inky! Do you have a moment? You and Ebbers?"
"Yes Headmaster. Hello Mister Harry!" Inky set a pan aside and another House Elf slid into place at her station. She dashed through the organized chaos and came back with another House Elf. He looked older than Inky but had the same giant eyes and large ears that all House Elves had. He wore a chef's toque and his apron over his toga had a badge clipped to, one with crossed knives.
"Headmaster," he said respectfully, nodding slightly. His eyes opened with interest when he looked up at Harry. "Ah, this is the wizardling that cooks?"
"That's Mister Harry," Inky said with mild reproof. "Mister Harry, this is Ebbers. He is Head Chef Elf."
"Nice to meet you Sir," Harry said respectfully.
Dumbledore hid his smile at Ebbers' shocked expression. Inky giggled, amused. "No one calls Ebbers Sir," Ebbers said. "Not even the Headmaster."
"I can if you wish," Dumbledore smiled fully. "I always thought you preferred your name or your title when things were more formal."
"Ebbers does, it was just novelty to be called Sir." Ebbers smiled at Harry. "Ebbers likes you. No wonder the Elves do."
"Thank you, Sir. Or Chef if you prefer?"
Ebbers beamed. "Chef is good. Ebbers wanted to meet you. Your recipes have been making the rounds in the kitchen. Of course, Inky speaks of you, highly and often."
"Inky told you Mister Harry can cook," Inky sniffed.
"Ebbers never said he couldn't," Ebbers retorted. "Inky made your biscuits for snacks today. Before only for the Elves to munch on in between but they were sent up for the students and Elves hear they like them. Inky also made your soup for us to eat and wants to make the butter chicken."
"Oh wow, I'm glad you like them so much," Harry said, deeply flattered.
"They taste good and are good recipes," Ebbers said plainly, without any exaggerated flattery. "Ebbers thought best to ask you before we do so again."
"Of course, they aren't like secret recipes or anything," Harry said.
Ebbers blinked a few times and Inky looked smug. "Told you Mister Harry is kind," she said.
"Ebbers never said he wasn't," Ebbers sniffed. "House Elves have their own pride. We won't poach or steal another's recipes without proper return."
"What does that mean?" Harry asked.
"It means we are in uncharted territory," Dumbledore said. "Very rarely in the history of Hogwarts has a student had any effect on the kitchens and that is typically due to a food allergy or restriction, which are rare in the Wizarding World. In my tenure as Headmaster, and farther back even, there's been no record of a student prompting any kind of dietary change in the kitchen."
"House Elves usually cook by The Book," Ebbers said and Harry could hear the emphasis on the words. "Recipes written from back to the time of the Founders with small additions here and there. In fact, many in the past refused to deviate. But when food is good, it is good and we are willing to try new things."
"Some Elves have said food is getting boring," Inky whispered, the last word uttered with horrified revulsion.
Ebbers shuddered a little too. "So we is wanting to change some and Inky and some of the other Elves swear by your cooking. But we don't expect you to give us recipes willy nilly or for nothing." He shrugged slightly. "And we have to try and cook it ourselves and see if it's good for the school to eat."
"Well I don't mind keeping to cook with Inky and a few others in club and the like," Harry said. "I like cooking with Inky," smiling when her own smile spread from ear to ear. "And if you want to take the recipe and change it to serve the school, I'd be awful flattered by that."
Ebbers looked pleased. "Good! But Mister Harry is needing to be compensated fairly for it."
"I don't know if I feel right getting paid for it," Harry frowned. "Oh well, I've been a little worried about borrowing things from the school kitchens. I know the club has funds we've used to buy things and I've used my own money too. How about we trade for ingredients and things?"
"I am fine with that, within reason from both parties of course," Dumbledore said.
"Mister Harry is as generous as kind," Ebbers said in awe. "Very good. Ebbers will introduce you to Quarters. Quarters is in charge of supply and the pantry and storage. Quarters! Up front!"
"Quarters is short for Quartermaster," Dumbledore explained to Harry. "One of the past magicals that worked in the kitchen had experience in the military and dubbed their assistant House Elf as such. The name was shortened and has become a title of great importance for the Hogwarts House Elves. The latest Quarters has been at the post for quite some time."
An even older looking House Elf appeared, his skin less shiny and more wrinkled compared to the other two House Elves, though his eyes were bright and glittered. Much to Harry's delight, he wore a military style cap with the Hogwarts crest on it and had a belt festooned with pouches around his toga. He also held a small swagger stick that he tucked under one arm.
"Ah, the wizardling," Quarters croaked, looking at Harry with intelligent eyes.
"Mister Harry," Inky hissed.
"Ah, wizardling Mister Harry," Quarters croaked, smiling at Inky's huff.
"You all can call me Harry, really," Harry smiled.
"Ah, wizardling Harry reall-" Quarters started.
"Yes yes," Ebbers said, waving his hands impatiently. "Harry has been kind to share recipes with us and cook with us. The Kitchens will help Harry and we will trade for things."
"Understood," Quarters said. He poked Harry gently with his swagger stick. "Don't take advantage, wizardling Harry."
"Harry would never!" Inky said indignantly, smacking the stick away. She glared back at Quarters, hands on her hips and ignoring the way he shook his stick at her.
"I swear," Harry grinned.
"Good good," Quarters said approvingly. They stared when Harry held out his hand to them.
"Shouldn't we shake?" Harry asked, all of a sudden uncertain. "We have a deal, right?"
Quarters and Ebbers stared at each other and looked even more shocked when Inky shook Harry's hand enthusiastically. Ebbers than followed suit and after a moment, Quarters did the same. "Very good," Ebbers said, his warm tone still laced with surprise. "If Headmaster and Harry will excuse, we still have much to do before dinner."
"Thank you for your time," Dumbledore said.
"Thank you," Harry said happily. "See you later."
"Bye Harry!" Inky said, waving energetically and Ebbers waved too while Quarters waved his stick.
"Did I do something wrong?" Harry asked when the pair left the kitchens.
"Not at all," Dumbledore said. "They were just very surprised. Not many treat the House Elves with such kindness and respect."
"Why not?" Harry asked, frowning.
"Unfortunately, they are seen as lesser beings since they serve people," Dumbledore said slowly. "Most treat them as an afterthought and plenty treat them rather poorly."
"Well that's stupid," Harry said. "They have feelings just like anyone else."
"That they do," Dumbledore said. He looked at Harry with pride. "You are a good person, Harry."
"Oh, well, thank you, Sir," Harry said, embarrassed. "I guess, I know what it feels like to be talked down to because you cook or do things for others."
Dumbledore frowned. "Empathy to others that you understand their experiences is a valuable thing yes, but it does not preclude you from being a good person." He felt better when Harry brightened. "I look forward to your partnership with the kitchens as well as to the amazing food that will be coming. Oh and I spoke with Professor Sprout. I think we can find time for you to visit the fields and the like."
"Thank you, Sir," Harry said brightly.
"It is a genuine pleasure," Dumbledore said warmly.
-0-
"Mister Potter, a word if you please."
"I've been called out by a lot of professors lately," Harry grinned as he walked to Flitwick.
"Oh? Nothing troubling I hope?" Flitwick asked with a broad smile.
"No Sir, actually, all very nice."
"Then I am pleased to continue the trend. I just received a notice that you and the kitchens have come to a close agreement on groceries and things?"
"Yes Sir! I'm sort of sharing recipe ideas with them and they're going to trade for groceries for us."
"How wonderful! And I knew the biscuits they laid out in the staff room were familiar!" Flitwick clapped his hands. "I knew you did not make them directly but I like to think I've tasted it enough to recognize the recipe."
"I'm still surprised people can do that," Harry beamed.
"It's high time you are recognized properly for your efforts," Flitwick said quietly and sincerely. "Remember Mister Potter, your efforts are appreciated, as are you."
"Thank you, Sir," Harry said, flushing but feeling warm.
"You are quite welcome," Flitwick said kindly.
-0-0-0-
Arnie1701 - He's trying. Not his hardest or well, but he's trying. For some reason.
odonnellzoo99 - Sunny loves Pansy, in a 'I like seeing you suffer at my paw' sort of way. Hedwig and Angelina have a mutually belligerent friendship going on. I also liked the picture of Pansy running around with a kneazle wrapped firmly around her face.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Yup, and friendships will hopefully deepen with time.
agnar - Yup, cats adore people that are allergic to them. Something about that contrary vibe they feed off of.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Hope things are better for you.
poka - Yeah, something about Inky hit's just right. So all of the dishes I've talked about so far have been things I've made before and make about once a month save for the tikka and the beef stew. I make butter chicken once a month, eat eggs everyday if I can, and make biscuits once every few weeks as well though I call them cookies because I'm a degenerate American. In a couple of chapters, we're going to visit one of my favorite things to eat in the world. Honestly, try any of them if you can get comprarble ingredients.
alix33 - Butter chicken is fairly easy to make and the ingredients aren't too bad to find I don't think.
Navn Ukjent - Perhaps soon.
- Thank you.
DarkRavie - Thank you.
Darth Void Sage of the Force - That was one of the inspirations for this. That, at least the first 4/5s of the manga, is one of my favorites. I'm not really taking suggestions or requests please but something comparable will happen at some point perhaps.
tumshie - Fair, though the kids save for the Patils might not know and they enjoy the heat. I certainly do when I am in the mood for spicy Chinese food.
