I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Thanks for all the well wishes everyone, I really appreciate it. My procedure went well and I'm in recovery. It'll be a little bit before I can get to my past writing schedule but I still have chapters in wait so I can still update fairly regularly. Hope all are doing well and as always, thank you for reading and commenting. It helps so much. Have a lovely day!
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A Taste of Magic
44th Course – Course Correction
"That's amazing," Lavender said, eyes wide.
It was the next day and Harry was in the clubroom with his closest friends, telling them what happened the night before. He had not woken early for once, the exertions from the previous day keeping him in bed, and it had worried Lavender, enough for her to ask Percy to check on him, something the older boy did in a bemused fashion.
Harry came down soon after, holding Sunny, and went to the clubroom with Hermione and Neville while Parvati and Lavender went off to gather Luna, Sue, Padma, Millicent, and Pansy. He moved as he spoke, cooking something while describing the events from his point of view and what happened after when he went to find Sirius. Pansy and Lavender had not shared their story really but did when Harry shared his point of view.
"That is so scary," Parvati gasped, hugging Lavender who hugged her back.
"Seriously," Millicent said, doing the same to Pansy.
"That's incredible that you cast a corporeal Patronus," Hermione said with awe. "That's really difficult magic!"
"I'm glad you're all okay," Luna said, hugging them in turn.
"Me too," Harry sighed gratefully. "It's been quite the…day. Wow, only a day, not even a whole one."
"So what's going to happen now?" Neville asked.
"Well, Sirius' trial is today," Harry said. "There's going to be an emergency one and Sirius should be found innocent."
"The Ministry is going to pay for this," Pansy said. "Incarcerating a Pureblood without a trial, not to mention a completely innocent one. They are going to be paying for this for a very long time."
"Yeah, that's not nothing," Millicent said.
"It's good he got justice," Lavender said. She looked at Harry sadly. "And that you sort of got it too, you and your parents."
Harry had told them everything, the circumstances involving the murder of his parents and how Peter betrayed them. They had been shocked and horrified at the telling, and looked at Harry with sympathy and care.
"Yeah, it is," he said quietly, feeling better when she hugged him tightly.
"Does that mean you will be staying with Sirius now?" Sue asked. "Since he is your godfather?"
"Oh, I didn't even consider that." Harry looked startled while Pansy, Lavender, Millicent, the Patils, and Luna shared a look.
"Uhm…" Millicent started to say, "just so you know, the Blacks have a bit of a reputation."
"Like what?" Hermione asked.
"I don't know if we should bring that up now," Pansy hissed.
"I remember Pansy saying something like that before. Well now I want to know," Harry said dryly.
"The Blacks are a really old family," Neville said slowly. "One of the oldest in Wizarding Britain. When Wizarding Britain was founded, they were one of the Primus families. They also have a reputation like Millicent said."
"For what?" Sue asked.
"Being…a little…crazy," Millicent said weakly.
"How crazy is a little crazy?" Parvati asked.
"One of them tried to implement a Muggle hunting bill through the Wizengamot, as in make it legal," Millicent said with a wince.
"That's more than a little crazy," Padma gasped.
"I think one of them caused a financial collapse when they were in the Department of Finances," Neville said.
"Oh and there was the one that almost started a Goblin rebellion by pissing off the clans," Millicent continued.
"Wait, that was the same one," Neville said. "That's what caused a financial collapse. A bad bet."
"Oh right right. Didn't one start that war too? The one that slept with both ambassadors and-"
"Those are very specific examples and they happened a very long time ago," Pansy said loudly, glaring at Millicent and Neville and patting a very alarmed looking Harry on the arm. "I'm sure Sirius isn't like that, despite being in Azkaban for many years."
"Sorry Harry," Millicent and Neville said sheepishly.
"Wizarding history is crazy," Hermione said.
"Oh boy I could tell you crazier stories," Millicent muttered.
"Look, let's talk about something else like what are you cooking Harry?" Lavender asked loudly.
"I'm making fish for Sunny and Crookshanks and making a big piece of slab bacon for Hedwig," Harry said, smiling at the pets who were seated on the table and watching him eagerly. "Then I'll make something for us."
"You're not overworking, are you?" Pansy asked worriedly.
"I'm tired but feel better," he said. "Besides, I want to cook and eat with everyone and I want to thank them first."
"I can't believe they did all that," Neville said, looking at the cats. "I thought they just really wanted to eat Scabbers because of them being kneazles."
"Hagrid did say they were very protective and they must have realized something was funny with Scabbers." Hermione rubbed Crookshanks' head proudly.
"Poor Ron, imagine your pet getting killed and replaced by a crazy person," Sue said.
"Yeah, that's what Dumbledore said happened," Harry said. He had told them that small difference at least, something the Headmaster decided to make a small falsehood about to help people feel a little better.
"It's such a long trek from the dungeons to the tower," Millicent said, shaking her head. "All summer she made me carry her places at home!"
"But they're good pals," Harry said, depositing large filets of seared salmon in front of Sunny and Crookshanks and putting an indecently large piece of slab bacon in front of Hedwig. He smiled when they started eating with noisy enthusiasm.
Harry decided to make beef stew for them to eat and he went through the motions smoothly, getting things prepared and cooking swiftly. As the others chatted amongst themselves, Lavender stood next to him by the stove.
"How are you feeling?" she asked softly.
"Tired still but okay physically. Otherwise, a bit jumbled. I learned so much in such a short period of time, I'm still kinda processing it," he said.
"Yeah, it's a lot," she agreed. "If you had the option of leaving the Dursleys, would you?"
He stirred the stew slowly. "I…don't know. I mean, I know what I went through isn't right, like you told me. And I know if I stay there I'll start resenting them and cooking and I don't want that. But…well…"
"-it's what you're used to and what you know," she said sadly. When he nodded, she hugged him tightly. "You deserve so much better, Harry."
"Thanks," he said, leaning against her slightly. "I mean, I don't know if it even is an option, you know?"
"Well, we can hope," she sighed.
"As soon as he's been cleared, I'm going to meet him, like properly," Harry said. "Remus promised he would be there too to make things go smoothly."
"Is he a danger?" Lavender asked slowly. "I mean, he was in a terrible prison for so long."
"No, Remus said that his personality flaws were present before he went to prison." Harry grinned when Lavender snorted. "And that he was awkward before, so he wants to be there to help. He also feels guilty for everything too."
"That's good." She squeezed a little tighter. "Thank you for saving us," she said quietly.
"You don't need to thank me," Harry said, hugging her back.
"It feels weird if I didn't."
"Yeah well, there's no way I was going to let anything happen to either of you."
She felt warm and happy. "One day I'll do my best to save you."
"You already have," he whispered to himself.
"I still can't believe your Patronus is Hedwig," Lavender giggled, not having heard his whisper. "I mean, it makes sense actually. She is very protective."
"She really is," Harry said, smiling fondly as Hedwig finished her bacon, licking her beak.
"Can you cast it again?" Hermione asked, hearing the last part. "I'd love to see it."
"Sure!" Harry held up his wand as Lavender let him go. He took a deep breath, focused on how he was feeling at that moment. "Expecto Patronum." He felt that same wonderful rushing feeling, an upwelling of warmth that started deep in his chest that built up and went through his arm and into his wand before the tip shone as bright as the sun. Silver light gathered and took shape and form and then a silver snowy owl leapt daintily onto the tabletop.
"Oh my goodness!" the Patils squealed as they leaned in to look at her closely.
"Wow," Neville said, eyes wide. "That's incredible!"
Hedwig flapped over and she and the Patronus inspected each other closely.
"It's like a mirror!" Luna said with delight. She laughed brightly when the owls did act like mirror images, raising first one wing, then the other before shaking a leg and then waggling their tail feathers. With identical hoots of glee, the two started dancing, mirroring each other perfectly.
"And you're not controlling the Patronus?" Pansy asked excitedly.
"Not at all! I feel the charm being active and drawing on my magic but she's doing what she wants to do," Harry smiled, enjoying the sight.
"You know, I had a nightmare about this once," Parvati remarked. "Two Hedwigs chasing me." She blanched when both owls turned to look at her. "Wait, hold on." She scrambled and ran squealing when both owls flew after her, barking happily.
"Maybe divination is real," Padma smiled as everyone else howled with laughter.
Finally, the Patronus and Hedwig flapped to Harry, sitting on his shoulders. After hooting musically together for a few moments, the Patronus faded, her eyes being the last to disappear and they did so with a wink.
"So troublesome," Lavender smiled. "You need two Hedwigs looking out for you."
Hedwig's weary sigh and adamant head-bobbing, coupled with Harry's look of indignation, sent everyone else into hysterics.
-0-
"Hello Sir," Harry said happily, setting a tray on the table.
Dumbledore smiled. "Hello Harry. As always, thank you for the treats."
Fawkes warbled his greeting and thanks and immediately started munching on his plate of sandwiches without further delay.
"You're welcome," Harry said, settling down comfortably.
"There are a few things I would like to discuss with you," Dumbledore said, a note of seriousness creeping into his tone.
"Oh, of course," Harry said, straightening a little.
"First, Sirius is now free and completely innocent of the charges. He had to register as an animagus but the usual fine and punishment was waived and he is legally clear of any suspicion and charges." Dumbledore smirked a little. "He also obtained a very large, and very well-deserved, settlement from the Ministry. Fudge and the Departments are paying quite a bit in many ways for it."
"That's good. How did it happen in the first place?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore sighed. "Things were desperate during the war and Bartemious Crouch, the previous Director of the DMLE, did drastic things that were…I will not say necessary but were hard and needed. Yet he went too far and Director Bones discovered more irregularities."
He chewed a bacon sandwich. "I will tell you this but do keep it under wraps for the moment if you please. Director Bones, after investigation, went to confront Crouch at his home. It turns out that he did many things worth investigating and while confronting him, it was found he was harboring his son who was supposedly dead in Azkaban."
"Really?!"
"Really. A fight broke out and Crouch and his son were apprehended. There are now large-scale investigations going through the DMLE and there is talk it will be spread through the other departments." Dumbledore shook his head. "It was a shock to say the least. That said, there is a chance more justice will be had, proper justice, so that will be good."
Dumbledore sipped his tea. "Which leads me to this. Sirius, as you know, is your godfather. He was supposed to raise you as a primary caretaker and he has reasserted his desire to do so." He held up a hand. "That is, of course, you desire for it to happen. I told him that the decision will be up to you and you alone. That is your right and I swore before to account for mistakes and to do my best to help you."
Harry sat back, slightly winded by the news. "He…wants me?"
Dumbledore looked at him sadly. "Yes, he wants you. Very much so. He and James were brothers in all but blood and he wants to care for you properly."
"That's really nice of him," Harry said, his voice small and wondering.
"He will need time to recover," Dumbledore said plainly. "He cannot assume the responsibility immediately. He will need to regain some strength, settle into a home, and settle his neglected estates. However, he will have the assistance of his cousin, Andromeda Tonks and her family, as well as Remus and myself and others. He understands, as do we, that this is not something done on a whim or lightly, and if you do go to him, you both will be properly supported."
Dumbledore took a deep breath. "Which leads me to ask you this, do you wish to live with Sirius? If I may be so forward, I believe it is not a false statement to say that your time at the Dursleys is not pleasant?"
Harry gulped. Put on the spot, so directly addressed, made him panic a little. Fawkes sang softly and the song soothed him and comforted him a little, and he appreciated that Dumbledore sat there patiently, neither pressing him nor judging him. "No Sir," he said at last. "It's…they…it's not nice."
Dumbledore swallowed his shame as best as he could and released a heavy breath. "I am terribly sorry," he said, meaning every word and sentiment.
"I don't think they want me," Harry said, his voice wandering and lost. "I think they only want what I do for them. I think it took me a while to learn the difference."
"From your friends," Dumbledore said softly.
"Yes Sir," Harry said, straightening a little again. "And from you and the Professors."
Dumbledore smiled sadly. "It is only right for you to know your worth Harry, and you are worth quite a lot to more than a few, for many many reasons."
Harry flushed and felt happier. "Thank you, Sir."
"May I offer a suggestion?" Dumbledore asked.
"Of course."
"Do you remember when I said I would help you try and find something that suits your interests and further your abilities?" He smiled when Harry nodded. "I am happy to report that I have succeeded somewhat in starting that. If you like, there is an opportunity to work in a somewhat professional environment over the summer. Not a full kitchen or a restaurant, but a tavern. It is owned by someone very dear to me and whom I trust completely. I know summer is a time for rest and relaxation, but if you like, there is a position for you to learn how to run a small kitchen, experience learning a business, and gaining experience."
"That sounds fun," Harry said, eyes sparkling.
Dumbledore's smile widened. "And Filius has informed me that, again as long as you wish, his efforts have borne fruit as well. You showed a desire to learn about Goblin cooking culture and food? He has secured an opportunity for you to learn and cook in a kitchen as well over the summer and both opportunities will not clash with one another."
"Really?! That's amazing!" Harry said excitedly.
Dumbledore enjoyed seeing Harry so excited and enthusiastic. "Regardless of your decision of moving in with Sirius or staying at the Dursleys, both opportunities will be available to you. For both places, it will be more convenient for you to stay at the castle and you are welcome to do that. Of course, if you do choose to live with Sirius when he can have you, it will be easy enough to have you live there and go to both. If you choose to stay at the Dursleys, we will make it work."
Harry sat back, feeling elated. "I definitely want to work at both places and don't worry, I'll make sure to do my summer homework." He chuckled with Dumbledore. "As far as living with Sirius…" his expression faded a little, "…it's better to be wanted for you, right?"
"Yes, it is," Dumbledore said quietly.
"I think I would like to live with Sirius," Harry said after some thought. "But…I don't know how the Dursleys will take it."
"I will accompany you," Dumbledore said. "And I will…explain it to them if they claim to not understand."
"You will?" Harry asked, feeling better.
"I will. Truthfully, I should have been more observant. I have neglected you and I am sorry for it."
"I appreciate the help," Harry said sincerely, "whenever I get it."
"You are a kind soul," Dumbledore praised. "Oh and one more thing. Sirius would like to come and see you here within the next couple of days. How does that sound?"
"I'd like that," Harry said. "Thank you, for everything."
"Thank you, Harry," Dumbledore said.
-0-
"Are you okay?" Harry asked worriedly.
Remus smiled wearily. "I am, thank you. It's just the full moon and with everything going on lately, running a little ragged but I am fine, don't worry. In fact, I am quite happy. Justice has been found and I can try and mend my friendship with Sirius."
"That's good," Harry said. "All of it."
"Indeed." Remus took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Excited to meet Sirius properly tonight? Don't worry, I will be there too."
"I'm not worried, nervous a little," Harry said with a smile. "What if he doesn't like me?"
"He will adore you," Remus said firmly. "He loved you when you were a baby. He was so happy when he was named godfather. Nothing has changed that. He's been looking forward to it."
"Oh, that's really nice," Harry said, feeling happy. "Do you know what his favorite meal is? I'd like to make it if I can, especially since he probably didn't eat good things in Azkaban."
"He loves hamburgers," Remus said without hesitation. He looked melancholy for a moment. "One of the first times we went into the Muggle world together, all of us together, we went to a place that sold them with Lily and her friend. Sirius took a bite and loved it from then on. Any chance he got, he would order one."
"I'll make sure he gets some really good ones tonight then," Harry said.
-0-
"What if he doesn't like me?" Sirius narrowed his eyes when Remus chuckled. "It's not funny."
"No it's not," Remus apologized. "But I'm chuckling because Harry asked me the same question about you earlier today."
"Oh, that is funny," Sirius said, smiling a little. "Well, where is he?"
Remus opened the door to his quarters, where they had Floo'd to from St Mungo's. "I'll take you to him right now." He led Sirius down the halls and approached the clubroom. When he opened the door, a cloud of savory aromas flowed over them.
"Hey, that smells great," Sirius said. He saw Harry and his face split into a broad smile, a smile that was a mixture of genuine excitement and genuine apprehension. "Harry!"
"Hi," Harry smiled back, waving from the stove. "Come on over and have a seat."
"Thank you." Sirius walked over eagerly and sat down with Remus beside him. Sirius looked around the room. "What's this room?"
"It's the Household Charms clubroom," Harry said. "It's also an unofficial hanging out place and study room my friends and I use because of the mini-kitchen here."
"Hey, you're cooking. You know how to cook?" Sirius said, finally noticing what Harry was doing.
"I do, it's my favorite thing to do," Harry said as he flipped the patties in the pan, listening to them sizzle.
"Oh. You didn't inherit James' abilities, did you?" Sirius asked, half-joking and half-sincere.
"He did not," Remus laughed. "I already told him how awful James was."
"He really was," Sirius said fondly. "Never would've believed it myself if we didn't prove it a couple times. It made no sense because his mother was a great cook. I swear, one time he opened a ketchup bottle and the ketchup inside tasted funny! A brand-new bottle too!"
Sirius' good cheer faded. "Have you…do you know a lot about your parents?"
Harry shook his head sadly. "I know some. Remus and the Headmaster and some of the Professors have been nice and told me some stories."
"Oh, well, we can fix that easily," Sirius said, trying to sound upbeat. "I know plenty of stories! Good and bad." He looked at Harry wistfully. "Gosh, you really do look a lot like James, but you have Lily's eyes." He smiled sadly at Harry's look of wistfulness too. His smile then turned sly. "Well, actually, I think you look better than James right now. He was an ugly bloke, let me tell you."
"Harry does have some pictures," Remus snorted. "You and James regularly fought over the mirror in our dormitory. You two were terribly vain. Like peacocks."
"My feathers are better," Sirius said, throwing his hair over his shoulder. "Sorry lad, you got your dad's hair. Nothing can make it behave."
Harry grinned. "I don't mind really." He pulled the burger patties off the heat and assembled them right in front of Sirius and Remus. Sirius licked his lips like a dog when he saw Harry spread the condiments on the grilled buns and put the patties down with pickles and onions and bacon and tomatoes.
"How do you know how I like them?" he asked with wonder.
"Remus told me," Harry smiled. "Said you always get them the same way."
"Gosh, even I forgot that," Sirius said. "Well that looks great. Let's eat!" He took an enormous bite and stopped, staring at the burger and then at Harry.
"Is something wrong?" Harry asked, worried.
"Nothing," Sirius said with a full mouth. He chewed slowly and then swallowed, still looking shocked. "You made this. You actually cooked this in front of me."
"Yes, we saw him," Remus said softly.
"No I mean, you really made this, you cooked it. From the beginning?" Sirius beamed at Harry's nod. "This is wonderful! This is the best burger I've ever had!" He took more giant bites, chewing furiously.
"I'm glad you like it," Harry said, "I'm sure you've had better though."
"No it's, damn I'm making a mess of this." He took a napkin from Remus and set the remains of the burger down. "Let me try to explain. You know Dementors suck out positive thoughts and feelings right? Make you remember the worst things?"
He looked haunted when Remus and Harry nodded. "You get desperate in there, trying to find one nice to think about, something to focus on. Something, anything to keep from going mad. The littlest things even eventually go. Like thinking about rain or your favorite color." He looked at his plate. "Your favorite food. I forgot about my favorite food."
He looked up, eyes wet. "But one bite, one bite of your cooking made me remember. I remembered! I remember I love burgers, I love bacon, I love how it all tastes together. And you made this for me, you helped me remember." He smiled as the tears fell. "That means the world to me, Harry."
"I'm glad," Harry said softly, his own eyes prickling.
Sirius devoured the rest of the burger. "Alright, first part of the house I'm renovating will be the kitchen. It's going to have everything you could ever want in one. It's going to be huge with the best of the best. You're going to cook, I'm going to eat, and we're going to be happy. I swear it."
Harry grinned. "That sounds really nice."
"Good! We're going to get along great; you'll see. There'll be a place for Remus here. Andromeda, my cousin, and her family will visit a lot. They're good people, you'll like them, I'm sure. There'll be a place for your owl and your friends can visit and it'll be grand."
"Sirius, remember you need to recover too," Remus said quietly.
"No yeah, I got that," Sirius said. "I'm going to do things right this time. I gotta. I will. Trust me."
Harry nodded. "I believe you."
Sirius looked visibly relieved. "Good good. I'm glad. Dumbledore told me you're going to do some summer work stuff? You sure you want to?"
"I do."
"Okay good. Yeah, this will be great." He brightened when Harry put another burger in front of him. "More for me?"
"I've got plenty," Harry smiled. "As much as you want."
"Don't say that," Remus teased. "Sirius is a walking bottomless pit."
"Your face is a pit," Sirius sniffed as he took a dignified bite, chewing slowly. "Seriously, Harry, you're an amazing chef. This is delicious!"
"I like cooking," Harry said shyly.
"You're modest. You didn't get that from your parents, either of them. A modest Potter, that's weird," Sirius grinned as he continued to eat.
"James was rather proud of his achievements," Remus smiled fondly.
"He put the cock in peacocking," Sirius said, making Harry and Remus laugh loudly. Time passed pleasantly and Sirius sat back after his fourth burger, massaging his stomach. "Okay, maybe that last one was a bit too much."
"You did just get out of prison and are still technically in the hospital," Remus sighed. "Show some moderation."
"Exactly. I just got out of prison and got my first burger in twelve bloody years. You want me to restrain myself?"
"My apologies, whatever was I thinking," Remus said dryly. "You weren't known for self-control at your best either."
"You'll be well-known for my foot up your arse," Sirius growled.
"It's fun seeing you two like this," Harry smiled. "Professor Lupin is so proper normally."
"Oh Professor Looopin," Sirius said in a sing-song tone, "I'm so sorry Professor, please don't take points away from me."
"Is this about me putting you in detention when I was a prefect? Are you still harboring a grudge about that?"
"I am a Black so yes, I am! Blacks don't get over grudges, we nurture them until they manifest and have to be put down violently!" He gave Harry a look of suffering. "This prat gave your father and I detention! Can you believe it? His best mates!"
Remus wore an expression of suffering that spoke magnitudes. "You two started a brawl on the Quidditch pitch! One that got members from all the Houses involved! That was the first recorded incident of a brawl involving members of every House! In the entire history of the school!"
"Which is something to be proud of!"
"No it is not!"
Harry chewed on his own burger and watched and listened happily as Remus and Sirius shouted at one another, perfectly happy.
-0-0-0-
odonnnellzoo99 - I was lucky in that they weren't bothering me before the surgery, it was more something that had to be done to prevent future problems. I'm told things went well and I didn't have too many ill effects from it thankfully. You know me, I appreciate a well delivered understatement and it's funnier coming from someone reputedly so wise as Dumbledore.
sfu - Thank you, glad you liked it.
DarkRavie - Thank you.
poka - I think he wasn't Chief Warlock at the time and he could have gone back, but I'm assuming here that he had no reason not to believe a trial was had. Plus with the chaos of trying to get things back to normal, it was one of those things that fell through the cracks unfortunately. I was trying to ride that line of him genuinely not knowing and feeling bad about it and wanting to make amends, instead of him knowing and wanting things to be this way and all that. Sirius will still have a ways to go of course, but I suppose hyper-focusing on things kept him in the moment. Things went well, thank you.
Kaya - Thank you. I wanted to let people see that bit of Dumbledore that others were so afraid of. Fudge knew that Dumbledore had the means to do some genuine damage politically as well as being right to boot. And Fawkes and Hedwig being protective were some of my favorite bits, same with the angry kneazle brigade. I'm doing okay, thank you.
DustieDaven - I'm doing okay on the pain management, thank you. Grateful for the well-wishes. Glad you enjoyed.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - No, I uploaded once per day, once on Saturday and once on Sunday. Self-aware Dumbledore is funny Dumbledore.
alix33 - The lines with Sunny and Hedwig were my favorite.
TonyGabagool - Thank you, glad you enjoy.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - The procedure went well, thank you. I'm feeling okay, taking it a day at a time. I liked the idea of the animal companions going after Peter like that with no one really knowing why.
