I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
62nd Course – Proper Slytherins
Dumbledore waited for the applause to settle. It was the day after the First Task and he had waited for everyone to arrive for breakfast before rising to make an announcement. He had started it with a round of applause for the Champions and once it faded, he continued.
"Now, it is my pleasure to announce the first of the school-wide events where everyone can participate," he said and smiled when people perked up at that. "First, anyone who wishes to participate in the inter-school Quidditch tournament, please submit your team to Professor McGonagall by the end of the weekend. Second, there will be a competition on coursework and spellwork coming in the second term, so any who wish to compete in that, there will be sign-up sheets on the main board for you to sign up for your preferred topics. There will be individual as well as team opportunities for that."
"The first big event however, will be coming in a few weeks' time. Hogsmeade will be hosting a Winter Festival! At this Festival, groups of students will be able to make a booth or a stall to showcase a talent or wares of some sort. The Festival will be held on a Saturday and each group will be able to sell their products and things. Throughout the Festival, people and patrons will be allowed to vote for their favorite stall and when the Festival ends, the stall with the most votes will be the winners, earning a prize and of course, bragging rights."
He smiled as excited whispering could be heard. "The schools will have operational budgets for students who present a comprehensive plan and each team will need a teacher to vouch for them. That said, once you are approved, then you are allowed to operate on your own merits. There will be rules of course about outside funding and the like but those will be firmly laid out. Please present your plan and team to your Head of House or Headmaster or Headmistress by weekend's end as well. Thank you for listening and happy planning!"
"Oooh, that sounds like fun," Lavender said brightly when the Great Hall filled with excited chatter.
"Yeah it does," Parvati agreed.
"Oh this must be what the Headmaster was talking to me about," Harry mused. He smiled when Hedwig came in for a landing, the owls having come in after Dumbledore finished his morning announcement. He smiled when she bonked her head against his and nuzzled his cheek. "Good morning," he greeted and pushed his bacon to the side of the plate for her to munch on.
"Oh yeah," Hermione said. "I'm assuming you'll be cooking something for your stall."
"Me? Cook something?" Harry gasped and Hedwig mimicked his expression, letting her beak fall wide and her eyes becoming very large and round. Everyone chuckled at that. "Yeah, probably, it's what I'm good for," Harry said.
"Good at," Lavender corrected, poking him.
"That too," he smiled.
"I want to help of course," Lavender said, "I also want to do something with sewing though."
"No reason we can't do both," Parvati said.
"We're probably going to be helping the twins," Ron said, pointing at himself and Ginny. He pointed down the table and Fred and George were indeed already whispering and writing something. "They make all sorts of prank things, as you know, and we'll probably be helping them."
"No problem," Harry said. "I won't begrudge anyone that wants to do something on their own or with someone else. I've cooked on my own before."
"But you're going to have to do more than just cook," Hermione said. "It sounds like we're expected to manage more than just a simple product."
"Plus there's going to be a lot of people," Sue said. "The school students sure, but Hogsmeade residents, ICW people, and more."
"Oh, I mean I learned about kitchen management over the summer," Harry said, eyes growing wide, "but I think you're right."
Pansy and Millicent shared a look but did not say anything else.
-0-
"What's on your mind?" Millicent asked as they left the breakfast table. "Still bothered over your conversation with Draco yesterday?"
"No, not really," Pansy said slowly. "I think I have finally realized that Draco…doesn't actually care about our friendship. At least, not in an equal one."
"Yeah," Millicent said, bumping Pansy sympathetically.
Pansy smiled a little. "And I think I'm okay with it." She frowned a little. "He said some concerning things but I don't want to focus on that right now."
"Fair. Is this about the Festival thing then?" Millicent hummed when Pansy nodded. "I'm assuming we're helping Harry of course."
"Of course," Pansy said firmly. "But it sounds like he might need more help. The more help there is, the better it seems."
"Yeah, especially if some of the others are off doing their own things. Problem is, I don't really know who else to ask to help. The only people I can think of are our friends with each other."
"I can think of some," Pansy said slowly.
"Really? You can?" Millicent thought for a moment. "Oh. Wait. You think they might?"
"They might," Pansy said. "Problem is, we're going to have to convince them."
"That won't be easy," Millicent sighed.
"No it won't." A glimmer of determination grew in Pansy's eye. "But I've been thinking of something somewhat related for a while now and I think I can at least put in a good showing. There will be some risk, but there will be much reward too."
"Wow, you sound really fired up about this," Millicent said, smiling. "I haven't heard you this enthused in a while."
"I will fully admit that a part of this is to stick it to Draco and to pay him back for what he has done," Pansy confessed.
"Hey, spite is a good motivator in my mind," Millicent said airily.
Pansy smiled. "But I do think that helping Harry is the right thing to do for multiple reasons. I'll just have to try and make them see it too."
"I'm there with you," Millicent said stoutly.
"Thank you," Pansy said, threading her arm through Millicent's. "It will be hard, but it will be worth it."
-0-
"Hey Harry, what are you doing during your free period?"
Harry looked up from the bowtruckle he was sketching. "Was going to do some homework and then maybe kinda think about something for the Festival."
"Would you do me a favor?" Pansy asked.
"Of course, if I can."
"Can you make me some biscuits and muffins? Or whatever else treats you can make?"
"Sure, for you and Millie?"
"Well, yes, but that's not the primary reason. I'm going to find us some help for the Festival."
Harry smiled. "Us?"
Pansy flushed. "Of course, unless you don't want my help," she said with faux-frostiness.
"I'll always want your help," Harry said, making her beam with delight. "Sure thing. May I ask who?"
"Not yet, in case I don't succeed. I do not want to promise and not deliver and lose face."
"I believe in you," Harry said honestly.
She blushed happily. "I'll try not to let you down," she said to herself.
-0-
Millicent opened the door to her and Pansy's dorm. "Hey there."
"Hello." Daphne and Tracey walked in and sat in the two desk chairs. Daphne's eyebrows rose when Millicent shut the door firmly and Pansy waved her wand, recognizing the incantations. "My, going a bit overboard on privacy?"
"Can't be too careful right now," Pansy said. She put her wand down and looked at the other two girls. "I'm just going to cut to the bone here, are you two doing anything for the Festival?"
"No," Daphne said.
"Sounds like a lot of work," Tracey said.
"That and I have absolutely no desire to assist Malfoy in anything," Daphne said softly. "And since you are either supporting him as our so-called 'Champion', or do nothing to imperil his 'chances', I have elected to do nothing."
"That too," Tracey said.
"Would you be amenable to an alternative?" Pansy asked.
"Depends on the alternative," Daphne replied. She narrowed her eyes. "Hmm, I do not know about this."
Tracey looked at her friend before looking at Pansy. "Oh wait, Potter? Really?"
"Really," Pansy nodded.
"I don't know," Tracey said slowly. "It's kinda dangerous."
"I have to agree," Daphne said. "The pleasure in upsetting Draco is not outweighed by the risk of displeasing him."
"I disagree," Pansy said.
"Of course you would," Daphne said dryly. "You are friends with Potter. However, his power will not protect us here."
"Are you sure about that?" Pansy asked.
A slim eyebrow rose. "Explain."
"Have you talked to your parents about going to this Sanguis place?" Pansy asked.
Daphne frowned. "Yes, unfortunately. It sounds dreadful but they think it might be best."
"Have you considered what it would be like if we didn't go and everyone else did?" Pansy asked.
"It would be quieter for one," Daphne said, making the others laugh. "Not dealing with those that go would be very pleasant. But missing out on the opportunities this new Academy could provide would not be good either."
"What kind of Slytherins would we be if we did that," Tracey said snootily before making a face.
"If we went, we'd be the wrong kind," Pansy said quietly but emphatically.
The other three girls looked at each other before looking back at her.
Pansy cleared her throat. "Look, I've been thinking about this for a long time. You've noticed how the boys treat us. How we're supposed to act in Society and all that."
"Yes," Daphne said slowly. "As is tradition."
"Who's tradition?" Pansy asked.
"Society's," Tracey said.
"Right, but why do we have to accept it? Because we're told to?"
"I never saw you as an equalist," Daphne said wryly.
"Because I never knew better," Pansy pushed.
"But to fight power, you need power," Tracey said. "That's a basic rule. If we don't go to the Academy, if we don't support the Malfoys, there's not a lot of power in doing that."
"Yes, there is," Pansy said.
"Where, with Potter?" Daphne asked. She snorted a little. "I think you think too much of his so-called power."
"Only because you don't know what kind he has," Pansy insisted.
"He has power?" Tracey asked, intrigued.
"Lots of it," Millicent said, making the other girls look at her. "It's really something and yeah, I'm friends with Harry too, like genuinely. I think he's great but he definitely, objectively, has power."
"The Potters cannot rival the Malfoys," Daphne said. "Potter. Singular, and I am not trying to be cruel."
"You're not wrong, but his power isn't from that. It's from who he is with and what he does," Pansy said.
"And pray tell, who and what is that?" Daphne asked, looking bored but her eyes glinted.
"He is a ward of the Flamels," Pansy said. "They see him as their grandson." She smiled when Daphne sat up at that and Tracey's eyes widened. "He is also a friend of the Tepes Eld. He is also the legal godson of Sirius Black."
"And he's friends with the goblins, and not just any goblins, but with Gringotts," Millicent took over.
"That does make a big difference," Daphne said softly.
"Holy crap, really?" Tracey asked.
Pansy nodded. "He's also very loyal to his friends. Last year's Honor Duel? It came from him standing up for Lavender. Draco insulted her and he took umbrage at it."
"And he really drove it home after Draco insulted Pansy," Millicent said. "He sticks up for the people that stick with him."
"That all sounds good," Daphne said after some thought. "And I am willing to admit his power seems considerable, but how does that help us in the long run?"
"Don't you see? We help him, prove we're friends and prove our worth, and he helps us in his way," Pansy said. "He can do the impossible. You all know how Society cares about what is proper and all that nonsense. He can change it. He already has changed so much that we considered absolute. He's a friend of Gringotts for Merlin's sake. And he's our age. How many would kill to be in his position?
"And what's more, he does it through kindness and food. You know how Wizarding Britain normally looks down on it, especially Society. Only caring about it if it's fancy and how it looks. But there's people who care about it now. His recipes are showing up on the Hogwarts tables. When was the last time that's happened?"
"But how does that help us and our situation?" Daphne asked.
"Because he is change, change for the better," Pansy said firmly. "We all know how…devoted I was to Draco. Yet Harry showed me what I was worth, what I was missing. Millie told me I deserved better and Harry showed that to me that there is better." She blushed a little. "How many of you actually believed I would have broken apart from Draco before all this?" She tried to ignore their snorts and headshakes, knowing the truth of what she said.
She took a deep breath. "We all have heard so many stories about people in Families that have been cut out for many reasons. Because they didn't go along."
They all quieted at that.
"Do you think your parents would let you continue to play music if you wanted to?" Pansy asked Daphne, watching her flinch without pleasure. "Or if your future Family doesn't want you to? Or if you wanted to continue to dance?" she asked Tracey.
Daphne and Tracey looked at each other soberly.
"You really think he can do all that?" Tracey asked.
"He already has," Pansy said. "I've seen him break through so many rules and traditions that we thought were impervious just by being himself. The way I see it, we can either be the Slytherins we've been told that we are, or we can be the Slytherins that we actually are and take this opportunity and make things better for us. Take advantage of the chaos of this new Academy and cement true change for us."
"Before I answer, I want an answer to a question," Daphne said after some time.
"Fine."
"Are you actually wanting us to do all this because of sheer opportunity? Or do you have another motive?"
"I don't know what you mean," Pansy said evasively, looking away.
Daphne leaned in, scenting blood. "I believe you do. Are we doing this for purely selfish reasons to improve our lot, or are you doing it for another reason?"
"Both," Pansy gritted, spitting the word out. "I can do it for multiple reasons." She tried to ignore Daphne's look of triumph, Tracey's look of amusement, and Millicent's knowing and sympathetic look.
"Fair enough," Daphne said. She leaned back and closed her eyes. "Tracey?"
"I think it's a good idea," Tracey said softly. "And it's better than doing nothing."
"If we lose, we lose it all," Daphne said.
"If we lose, we actually lose nothing because nothing will change," Millicent said quietly.
"And if we win, everything can," Pansy said. "Besides, here's something to literally sweeten the deal." She took off the cloth on the table revealing a plate of biscuits, some muffins, and a large portion of tiramisu.
"Dear Merlin," Tracey gasped. "Does that taste as good as it looks?"
"Better," Millicent said emphatically.
Pansy put a portion of everything on a plate and handed it around and Daphne and Tracey immediately applied themselves to the sweets.
"You've been having this for years now?!" Tracey cried through a full mouth. "Not fair!"
"To be fair, the tiramisu is new," Pansy said. "The biscuits are a mainstay, as are the muffins."
"My word, I thought the Wellington was amazing," Daphne said, looking at her plate with wonder. "This is exquisite!" She took a deep breath and looked at Tracey. When Tracey nodded, she looked at Pansy. "Very well. Let us try it."
Pansy sat back, feeling accomplished and relieved. "You won't regret it."
"No, I do not think I will until I weigh myself," Daphne said as she gobbled the cake with enthusiasm.
Millicent smiled when Sunny licked at the tiramisu, nibbling at the edges until she cut it in half and shared it with her. "Anyone else that might join us?" she asked.
"Blaise will," Tracey said without hesitation. "He just needs a reason."
"Sticking it to Draco wasn't reason enough?" Pansy snorted.
"He did not want to do it alone," Daphne said. "He will help, I am sure of it, once he learns we are doing it. We should not even think of asking Nott, Crabbe, or Goyle."
"Agreed. Any of the upper years?" Pansy asked.
"None that I can think of," Daphne hummed. "As far as the under years…perhaps the Carrow Twins but I think they want to remain apart for the most part, at least right now."
"And the firsties and secondies aren't really going to be able to do much at all," Millicent said.
"If Astoria was here, she would be of some use," Daphne said. "That will be next year though, Merlin and Circe help us all."
"Aster too in two years," Pansy sighed.
"Owen and Nathan too," Millicent groaned.
"Wait, I thought Nathan was older," Tracey said.
"They're close enough within a year and Nathan is going to wait for Owen so they both can be awful together," Millicent said.
"If we are allowed to remain here," Daphne reminded.
"We prove our worth here, our parents won't have a choice," Pansy said.
"You think," Daphne countered.
"I hope," Pansy sighed.
"At least we'll have tasty food," Tracey said. "I still can't believe you two ate like this for so long without telling us."
"Hey, we became friends with Harry," Millicent said.
"If I knew his cooking was that good, I could have pretended to be one," Tracey said. She blinked a few times. "Uhm, why is your kitty looking at me like that?" She yelped when Sunny swatted her with her paw and took half of her muffin, chewing on it while maintaining direct eye contact.
"Oh animals love Harry and if you're rude to him, they'll do things on his behalf," Pansy smiled. "So word of warning, do not be rude to him in front of them. His owl is especially vindictive."
"Really?" Daphne asked, incredulous.
"Oh yeah," Millicent said. "She's a menace and so is Sunny. Hermione's kneazle is the same and didn't you hear about the snakes in the greenhouses torturing Smith? They do it for Harry too."
"I thought that was a rumor," Tracey gasped.
"And he is friends with a basilisk," Pansy said, eating a biscuit.
"That…no, you must be joking," Daphne asked, shocked. "A real basilisk?"
"She's adorable, her name is Blinky," Millicent nodded. "We've met."
"And the Headmaster's phoenix is a regular visitor to club gatherings," Pansy smiled.
Daphne and Tracey shared a look. "Perhaps this will not be as foolish as it sounds," Daphne smiled.
-0-
"Okay, we need to start walking more or exercising or something," Lavender said.
"I hate exercising," Parvati groaned.
"Why do you need to do that?" Harry asked. "I think you all look fine."
Lavender giggled and patted him on the arm. "First of all, that's sweet of you to say. Second of all, if you keep making tiramisu for us to eat, we're going to need to so we don't gain weight."
"I can make something else," Harry smiled. "I only made this one for Pansy as a favor. She wanted some for something."
"But if you don't make any, then we won't have any to eat," Parvati gasped.
"I don't know what the right decision is here," Harry said while the others laughed.
"You lose no matter what," Neville laughed.
"Are you sure you all want to help with the Festival?" Harry asked. "If you want to do something else or don't want to at all, I totally understand. It'll be a lot on top of our schoolwork and things."
"Of course we do," Lavender said stoutly. "At least I definitely do. As long as we can do something some clothing and sewing, even just bandannas and things."
"Yeah, what she said," Parvati smiled.
"You're our friend Harry, of course we want to support you," Padma said.
"I have no one else I want to help or work with," Luna said spritely.
"Same," Sue said. "I know some of my other friends in Ravenclaw have ideas but I would rather work with you lot. It'll be more fun in my mind."
"I think it will be fun and I like working with you," Hermione smiled.
"Same here," Neville grinned.
Harry felt very warm and happy at the moment, bustling in continuing to cook to hide his well-earned embarrassment. "Thanks, I really appreciate it," he said sincerely with a wide smile.
"Susan didn't want to help us?" Padma asked Sue.
Sue shook her head. "She's helping Hannah and I think a bunch of them are helping Cedric. Makes sense really. Terry is helping his mates do something."
"And Ron and Ginny are helping Fred and George," Neville said.
"Mirabelle and Lyla were a little torn, but they're going to be with Katie who's helping the Weasleys," Harry said.
"Will we have enough people? I don't know how much we need but more people would be nice I assume," Hermione said.
"I thought Pansy and Millie would be helping us," Lavender frowned.
"They are," Harry said. "But Pansy mentioned she is going to try and get us some more help."
"Really?" Parvati tilted her head. "I wonder who. I thought our friend groups were more or less the same really."
As if on cue, a knocking was heard. "Come in," Harry called out.
Pansy came through, looking nervous and proud all in one. She smiled at the people within the clubroom and Millicent waved merrily from behind her, dropping Sunny as the kneazle leapt from her arms. Everyone smiled and waved back but smiles and waves faltered when they saw that Pansy and Millicent were not alone.
"Everyone, we brought help," Pansy said once everyone was there and the door closed behind them. "Allow me to formally introduce Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, and Blaise Zabini." She gestured at the club members, pointing at them in turn. "Formally, that is Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Padma Patil, Sue Li, and Luna Lovegood. Oh and Harry Potter, of course."
At a slight hoot Pansy pointed at the last two in the room. "That is Hedwig, Harry's owl. And that is Crookshanks, Hermione's kneazle."
Both groups of people looked at each other with Pansy and Millicent standing in the middle, looking back and forth as if at a terribly awkward tennis game. Sunny joined Hedwig and Crookshanks at their table and they looked on with amusement.
"Good to see you," Harry said at last. "It's been a while since the Honor Duel."
Daphne smiled a little. "Indeed. And I am told you have improved since?"
"I like to think so," Harry said with a similar small smile. "Nice to formally meet you, Tracey and Blaise. Pansy and Millicent talk about you often."
Blaise snorted. "Nothing kind, I assume."
"Not entirely unkind," Harry said after some thought.
Blaise's smile was a touch more genuine. "That sounds like them." He gave the two girls a look who returned it in kind.
"Have a seat," Harry said. "I'm just making us a light lunch thing right now so we can brainstorm and eat at the same time."
"They really wanted to help us?" Lavender whispered when Pansy sat next to her and the rest shuffled about.
"To a degree," Pansy whispered back. "It's not for completely altruistic reasons but they'll help sincerely enough," she said at Lavender's look.
"They better not mess things up or sabotage Harry," Lavender hissed.
"I'll be the first to Curse them if they do," Pansy hissed back. "Trust me on this."
"Okay, I will," Lavender said, giving the three newcomers a look. "I trust you and Millie."
"Thank you. It will not be unwarranted," Pansy said with relief. "I think," she added and winced at Lavender's look.
"This is going to go great," Millicent sighed from Pansy's other side.
"Don't you start too," Pansy hissed. "This will work out."
Millicent looked at her.
"I think," Pansy added and stifled a yelp when both Lavender and Millicent pinched her, pinching them back.
-0-0-0-
odonnellzoo99 - That ending to the that chapter of Family is still one of my favorite things I have ever written. It was such a tonal shift of the whole chapter and it was so dumb, I still adore it. Yeah, poor Ron. He means well, sort of. Just doesn't execute things properly.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Sunny is a good kneazle kitty. And Draco rarely thinks. He thinks he knows, but he doesn't actively think much at all typically. Thanks for reading.
Jamervan - There will be highs and lows.
justanfanboy - Not necessarily. Perhaps it is a spell that only affects dragons. Also, the Conjunctivitis Curse exists in canon and sounds similar to what was done here. Draco can be dangerous, yes, but so can anyone with a wand. I'm hoping more will be made clear as the chapters come.
poka - I was going for something like that yes. Hopefully you enjoy today's chapter in terms of your last point. I've been sitting on this moment for a very long time and hope people enjoy it.
Arnie1701 - That would be very nice, though it has been open more or less up till now too. But different too, in terms of Sanguis Verus.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Yup, that is the name, you got it. That's the thing about people who are so sure of themselves, they don't consider the alternatives and think themselves infallible.
alix33 - Sunny is never sorry.
DarkRavie - Thank you.
61394 - I'm trying to show a logical progression of people learning of things and drawing their own conclusions as things happen, and then tying the events together to make sense. Hope you are enjoying.
Uber Ghidorah - That is silly, and it could certainly happen.
Mitkon2001 - I'm not trying to stick to every canon point.
ironhair - Thank you for reading, glad you like it.
