I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
114th Course – A Whirl of Gaiety
"Thanks again for getting me an invite," Steven said with a broad smile.
"You're welcome," Harry smiled back. "You're nice and cool and you've been helping Millie and Ron a lot too. Plus like I said, Sue and I are great friends."
It was the Summer Hunt once again and Harry had been invited by the Tribe to take part once more, along with Ron and Millicent. Harry had asked if Steven could come and the Tribe had easily agreed, since he was a guest of Harry's. They went to the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid and had joined the Tribe again as well as some of the Hunters from the previous year that Harry met. That had happily greeted Harry as well.
"I never knew how involved it was," Steven said. He had jumped at the opportunity and had been respectful of the Tribe. Along with the others, they culled a lot of the big boar singulars, what they called packs of boars. They also gathered wild plants and herbs and there was even some excitement when a carpet of wild crakes came out of one of the caves. They took care of that too and now they were at the preserving part of the Hunt.
"Been a good spring and summer," Hagrid said happily. "Hence why that big carpet of crakes came out. Good thing we bagged them all up. Will let the others thrive a bit and we can trade them with Gringotts."
"How'd that happen by the way?" Steven asked, "trade with Gringotts I mean."
"I discovered a lot of the wild mushrooms deep in the Forest are a lot like the ones the goblins like," Harry said. "And that there are wild crakes. Gringotts liked them and now have a steady trade agreement with the Tribe."
"Good for everyone then," Steven said. He took the boar sandwich Harry made for him eagerly and bit into it. The wild boar loin was juicy, flavored with a spicy marinade and placed between bread with thinly sliced cabbage and pickle. "Mmm, delicious!"
"How's Millie and Ron doing at Hunting things?" Harry asked.
"Really good. Both are tough, fast on their feet, and don't back down. All things you need to have to be a good Hunter. I'll put a word in for them in my Hunting Group and when it comes time, I'll probably take them on as apprentices. They're good kids."
He chuckled and chewed, looking over. "That looks mad by the way."
"They like hurling," Harry grinned. "You did say they were tough."
Steven suppressed a wince as Millicent was knocked over and nearly trampled. He gaped when she rolled to her feet and body-checked the centaur that did it, knocking him over. "Tough might be an understatement," he said admiringly.
"Go Millie!" Harry cheered and others joined him in volume and spirit. He turned back to Steven. "So you're part of a Hunting Group?"
Steven nodded. "There's lots of groups actually. Some informal, some formal. Some are pairs or small and others are big firms that handle requests and things like that. Mine is pretty good sized. We have a nice mix of specialties and so we can handle most things as a group. I never liked lone Hunting all that much unless for like a small break or something."
"Do Hunters supply restaurants with the things they get?"
"Some do in the UK. It's a big business elsewhere in the world where some groups can take offense and start a fight if another group tries to poach their delivery places." He winked at Harry. "Already planning for your future?"
"It's only a few years away," Harry laughed.
"True. I'll put in a good word for you too," Steven said. "If I can get more food of course."
"I'm trying out your family's Hong Shao Pai Gu with boar ribs," Harry said, pointing at his wok over the fire. "Was going to have you take some to Sue too."
"We got a deal," Steven said eagerly. "And I'll fight any group that tries to take you."
"All you have to do is give Millie a club," Harry said. He winced when she traded hits with another centaur and shoved her out of the way before scoring, making the others cheer wildly. "As you can see."
"Yup, definitely taking you lot in," Steven said with a big smile. "My group will kill me if I don't."
-0-
"You know, I thought this year's party would be a little less exciting on the drama part," Dora said with a big smile. "And I'm glad it wasn't. Does that make me a bad person?"
"No, because I enjoy it too," Andromeda smiled.
"Me three," Sirius laughed.
It was Harry's birthday and as now cherished tradition; it was held at Grimmauld with many guests. At the first one, it was a pleasant surprise with all the many different guests meeting each other for the first time. At last year's party, the first group of guests were used to each other, to a degree, or at least knew about each other. The new guests, the so-called 'recovering Purebloods', had been surprised by the Flamels and Drake and had provided the entertainment via their reactions.
This year, there were new guests and definitely surprised a certain groups of people for various reasons.
"Why didn't they come before?" Dora asked.
"Usually they were very busy," Flitwick smiled. "But they also threw Harry a small party in Gringotts before or after. This year they still did, but Dee insisted on coming to this one today and she made it happen in traditional Dee fashion."
"Threats that involve disemboweling?" Sirius asked.
"And other kinds," Flitwick nodded.
Ragnok, Doran, Gates, Diglin, Dee, Minla, and Jaspyr had come to the party to celebrate Harry's day with him. The Crew as a whole did not come, but had thrown Harry a party the day before with others who liked Harry at Gringotts. They had arrived together and there was a lot of surprise to see them, most of it pleasant, and some of it pure shock.
"I love seeing magicals looking dumbstruck," Doran said with a politely mischievous smile. "Especially Purebloods and Society ones in particular."
"It really is entertaining," Gates snorted with amusement.
Dee clicked her tongue at them. "Be polite. This is Harry's birthday party and we shouldn't mess it up for him. We can laugh about this later."
"The Director of Gringotts is here," Cyrus said dumbly, trying not to stare and failing slightly at it. "The Director is here. At a party. A birthday party for a young man."
Hugo drank his glass of wine. "I thought we were surprised last year."
"I think I'm beyond surprised," Tiffany said in a slightly punch-drunk tone.
"Why are you reacting so calmly to this?" Linda asked.
Primrose shrugged weakly. "Well, it turns out that one of the goblins that Harry befriended during the Showcase was Signor Leomattok, the Director of Gringotts Italy."
Alan choked on his wine, needing Primrose to pat him on the back. "Not one, but two?!"
Valentina nodded. "Oh yes. And he sent over food to the train before Harry's demonstration and had a hand in assisting Harry for it."
"He was actually very polite," Adele said. "And a wonderful dresser. I have been meaning to get you some suits like his, sized for you of course," she added, patting Cyrus' arm and the others snorted with amusement.
Cyrus snorted too, smiling at his wife. He looked at Alan and Primrose with a serious expression. "I feel the need to thank you once more for convincing us to stay at Hogwarts. With how Hogwarts performed at the Showcase, beating out Sanguis handily, it was the clear winner. Its reputation not only remained intact but is on the rise, Sanguis' suffered."
"Britain is being taken more seriously by the international community as well," Adele said. "We have been getting more inquiries from foreign accounts.
"Same," Hugo said.
Tiffany spoke softly. "And have you all seen the news? The Headmaster of Sanguis passed swiftly and suddenly. I can't imagine what things would be like if our kids were there now. It can't be a stable environment."
"Not only that, but the Malfoys are trying to make amends," Valentina said with a grim smile. "I have received messages as such."
"Same," Linda said with Tiffany, Adele, and Primrose nodding too.
"Hmm, now that is interesting," Cyrus mused. "Lucius made some cutting remarks about us having to return to them on bended knee."
"Perhaps he finally grew up," Alan suggested.
"More like Narcissa finally got sick of his nonsense and has taken the reins," Primrose snorted, and the others chuckled.
"Well, we can always see if they're being sincere and plan accordingly," Hugo said plainly. "And continue to remain united among us and enjoy the benefits that comes with supporting the Blacks and our children."
"Ah yes, us 'recovering Purebloods'," Cyrus said dryly with a small smile.
"It's not completely inaccurate," Tiffany laughed. "And it's catchy at least."
"True, knowing Sirius, it could have been much worse," Cyrus agreed.
-0-
"That is a big pig," Minla gasped, staring at the very large boar on the spit, slow roasting over the fire.
"It's a wild boar, one of the ones we hunted at the Forbidden Forest," Harry said. He nodded at Millicent and Ron. "They helped bring it down."
"Second biggest one of the day!" Millicent said proudly. She blushed prettily when Neville hugged and kissed her cheek.
"How are you guys finding above ground?" Harry asked.
"We visit the upper bank enough so we're kinda used to the sun and things here," Jaspyr said with a small shrug. "It's a little unsettling with the sky though. It's so vast."
"Mum said we should get more used to it and she's probably right," Minla said. "Like most things."
"I can't imagine living underground the whole time," Parvati said. "It sounds cool but so weird!"
"It's equally weird for us up here," Jaspyr smiled back and they laughed. "Lots of goblins live above ground, but for us who are used to underground, it's very different."
"It sounds so cool though," Lavender said. "I hope I can see it someday."
"You're Harry's girlfriend?" Minla asked. "You're practically family then. I'm sure Harry can bring you next time he has a big trip."
"Mother will probably insist," Jaspyr added.
"You talked about me when you visited?" Lavender asked Harry, her voice soft and her eyes shining
"Of course, was I not supposed to?" he asked hesitantly. He smiled when she kissed him sweetly on the lips.
"Not a word out of you two," Lavender growled, glaring at her little sisters. "Hey!" she yelled after they kicked her simultaneously and ran off.
"What did they do?" Hermione asked, amused.
"They spied on me and Harry and grassed us to my parents," Lavender grumbled, flushing.
"Yikes, poor kids," Parvati said sympathetically. "Ow! Hey!"
"Oh the joys of being a single child," Hermione smiled, watching Parvati and Lavender poke and pinch and push each other.
The party was warm and fun. Harry had worried the rooftop garden would not be big enough to hold everyone but it did comfortably. Drake managed to beat the Flamels to it this time, something he lorded over Nicolas with much superiority. The goblins had reacted somewhat hesitant to Blinky when she arrived but had warmed up to her as time passed. When it came time for gifts, they were the first this time.
"This is from Emmie," Minla said, giving Harry a small box.
"Who's Emmie?" Parvati asked, eyes sparkling.
"Our sister's Rubi's daughter, our niece," Jaspyr explained. He smiled. "She was very upset when they couldn't come. We tried to get her for them but it wouldn't have worked but they did send over this."
Harry smiled as he opened it and the ones nearby and watching cooed and aww'd over it. It was a drawing of Harry and Emmie with Happy Birthday scrawled on top. "I'll have to send her a thank you card," Harry said happily.
"She's very good," Luna smiled.
The others, save for Diglin's family, had given Harry his gifts at the bank and Minla and Jaspyr gave Harry books about goblin culture and things he was interested in. Dee put a large stone case in front of him. "And this is from me," she said proudly.
"Dee, you did not," Ragnok groaned when Harry opened the case.
"What's wrong with my gift?!" she asked indignantly.
"That looks very fancy," Daphne said admiringly.
"Is this a Gemcut set?" Harry asked with delight.
"It is! All of it is handmade and enchanted to be completely tamper proof and cheat proof, by goblin magics and other kinds of magic. All the pieces are also enchanted to stay close to each other so no one can make off with any of them without being harshly punished."
Harry looked at her. "Define 'harshly punished'."
"Very good dear," Dee smiled. "Let's just say the results will be very shocking."
"Is this the game you all were playing on the Express?" Padma asked.
Dee nodded. "These round pieces are the cards but they're made of metal here. These are the betting pieces of course. And this is the dial to spin to determine which stone is high-value and which is low-value."
"Is this real gold and silver?" Harry asked weakly. "And are those real stones in the dial?!"
"You think I'd let you play with inferior quality or worse, plated materials?" Dee sniffed. "Please, I have my gambler's pride and I won't let family use substandard things."
"Are there rules about gambling at the school?" Doran asked.
Dumbledore groaned softly, face in hand. "Please do not start a gambling league or anything of the sort at Hogwarts, Harry."
"I won't Sir," Harry promised. "I'm nervous touching this if I'm being honest."
"It's just a tool dear," Dee said comfortingly. "Meant to be used. And if pieces somehow do go missing or break, we can replace them easily."
"I do like the game for fun," Harry said. "Thank you so much!"
"I kind of want a set," Valentina said softly.
"Same," Ariana said.
Towards the end, Lavender gave him a small box. "And this is for you," she said, eyes bright and merry.
Harry opened it and looked at the small gold necklace that sat within the box. It was bright and shiny with well-made links and there was a pair of words dangling from it, also made of gold. "Hare Bear?" he read.
Lavender nodded. "I got it special for you."
"Thanks!" Harry began to put it on and then laughter broke out with some of his friends groaning. "What?" He looked at them confusedly.
"I knew he'd wear it without saying anything!" Parvati crowed. "Pay up!"
"I thought you would refuse," Ron groaned.
Lavender was giggling fit to burst. "I'm really flattered you would wear something like that but I won't do that to you!" She waved her wand and the words changed into a charm: a crossed knife and fork.
"Oh that's really nice too," Harry said, smiling with pink cheeks. "I really like it," he said and put on the necklace.
"But hey, now you know what Harry will wear," Sue laughed.
"You just need something sweet and sappy to call Lavender and put it on a necklace," Hermione said with a smile.
"Please don't call her Lav-Lav," Padma snorted.
"Harry no," Pansy said, smiling but firm. "We can help you get something appropriate and elegant, befitting her better."
"Whew, I have nothing to worry about," Harry said with relief, making everyone laugh more. He smiled. "Then again, I had Hedwig help me for our first date and she did great."
Hedwig nodded emphatically before looking up at Pansy and gave her a superior look and smirk.
"Aww, what did she do?" Millicent asked.
"Got me a harebell to give to Lavender."
"I still have it," Lavender smiled. "I pressed it and dried it and it's in my favorite book." Her smile grew when Hedwig flew around the rooftop garden and came back with a brilliant red poppy flower. She took it from Harry after the owl gave it to him. "Thank you, Hedwig," she said and slipped it behind her ear and kissed Hedwig on the head.
Drake's present raised a few eyebrows. "Here you go, Harry my boy," he said warmly, handing Harry a long and slim box.
Harry opened it and looked at the object within. "Is this a sword?!"
"Yes, but more specifically a rapier! Nicolas told me you are getting into fencing so I went about and found this for you. The blade is 40 inches, basket guard, point heavy for thrust and cut, and it comes with a matching parrying dagger." Drake smiled proudly. "It should serve you well."
"I know that design," Nicolas said, frowning lightly. "That is late 17th century France. Used by the Musketeers."
"Like D'Artagnan, Porthos, Aramis, and Athos?!" Hermione gasped.
"Who?" Luna asked.
"The Three Musketeers," Hermione said. "It's a very exciting and romantic story."
"But you said four names, there were only three?" Ron asked.
"Well three were formal musketeers and the fourth eventually becomes one," Hermione explained.
"Those exact individuals did not exactly exist, but the Musketeers were a renowned French group of brave soldiers," Perenelle said. "May I, cheri?" She picked up the rapier and swung it experimentally in hand, listening to the air swish around the blade. "Beautifully made and still in wonderful condition. We should not use it for Fencing practice though."
"Of course, but once he has obtained the skills for it, it will be very nice to have," Drake said. "And it is a good decorative piece. Deserves more than sitting in my holdings."
"How did you get this?" Sirius asked interestedly. "Weapons and things from that era are hard to get."
"Knowing Drake, someone probably tried to kill him with it and he kept it as a trophy," Dumbledore smiled. He sighed at Drake's expression. "Really?"
"I mean, that is probably what happened," Drake admitted sheepishly.
"As if you do not keep trophies of your victories," Nicolas sniffed.
"Generally no," Dumbledore sniffed back.
"Thank you, Mr. Drake," Harry said, hugging him. "It's beautiful and I really appreciate it!"
"You are most welcome," Drake said, hugging him back. "Oh and I wanted to pass along the compliments of the ICW Educational Committee. They were very pleased and impressed by you and Hogwarts. One of the best Showcases that has ever happened."
He looked even more pleased. "And Miss Skeeter's articles have become quite popular. She gave a very detailed and in-depth look at things and people have really enjoyed it."
"She must love it," Andromeda smiled. "The usual response to her articles here is usually dread if you are in them, or with morbid fascination otherwise. Granted, that was her old work. I will admit her new articles are refreshing and lacking in defamation and inflammatory accusations."
"Huh, I wonder why," Remus said dryly.
Dumbledore smiled and hummed. "It is a mystery, but a pleasant one."
-0-
He could hear her before he saw her. Harry opened the kitchen door with a flick of his wand and Hedwig came soaring in, barking a victory song. She flew about the room a few times before landing in front of him, looking plump and smug.
"Hi girl," Harry smiled. "You have something for me?" He took the envelope from her as she nodded. "Whoa, wait, how did you get this?!" he gasped, looking at the official seal on the envelope.
Hedwig barked and made grasping motions with her talons and flapped her wings.
"You took it from the other owl?" he groaned. "Is the other owl okay?"
Hedwig nodded. She hopped from one foot to the other and pecked the ground, opening and closing her beak.
"Oh you had them drop it and you finished the delivery. That's good. Thanks!" He rubbed her head and she nibbled on his fingers lovingly.
Remus smiled at the exchange before looking at the envelope. "O.W.L.s results? Do you want some privacy?"
"I'm going to tell you soon anyways," Harry smiled. His hands shook a little as he opened the envelope and took out the parchment within, eyes scanning the page rapidly. "I did good!" he said with relief and Hedwig hooted happily. "Acceptable on History, Outstanding on Charms, Potions, and Care, and Exceeds Expectations on everything else!"
"Congratulations!" Remus high-fived him and hugged him tightly while Hedwig flew around the room hooting with glee. "Excellent work! I'm so proud of you!"
"Why are we proud of him?" Sirius asked, walking in and smiling at the sight. "I'm sure it's warranted though."
"O.W.L. results," Remus said and passed him the scoresheet.
"Hey! That's my boy!" Sirius mussed Harry's hair and hugged him. "Good job! That's some excellent scores!" He winked at Harry. "I'm surprised you got an Outstanding in Potions. Has to be all the cooking experience."
"It did help," Harry nodded. "I can't wait to show Professor Flitwick and Hagrid. They're going to be happy."
"Have you decided on what you're doing for your N.E.W.T.s courses?" Remus asked.
"I thought about dropping Defense but you'd get bored and lonely," Harry smiled.
"That is true," Remus grinned.
"I'm keeping my five main classes," Harry said. "And I'm also keeping Care. I'm also doing that hybrid class that Professor McGonagall made possible for me. The one that combines Enchanting, Alchemy, and Runes."
"Oh yeah, that'll be a good one," Sirius said. "Those all work together. Arithmancy would really make sense with them too but plenty of people only learn what they need to as they go. It's a tough subject."
"I didn't want to overwork myself. Plus I still have my position of Morale Raiser," Harry said. "I want to do more with that too."
"Fine goals," Remus smiled. "We know you are not lazy. And I look forward to the morale raising."
"Do you remember how my parents did?" Harry asked.
"Lily had Exceeds Expectations on everything and Outstanding on all her core classes," Remus said fondly. "And I recall it so well because she rubbed it into James' face."
"James did fine. Didn't fail anything and had Outstanding in Transfiguration, Defense, and Muggle Studies." Sirius and Remus laughed. "Which we really gave it to him for that."
"I think it's nice that he did it for Mum," Harry said with a smile.
"Oh it was a very sweet gesture and it proved how he was maturing, slowly," Remus chuckled. "We still teased him terribly however."
"Oh, I just remembered I owe him a few Galleons," Sirius said, growing a little melancholy. "He bet me he would get an O on the test and I said he wouldn't." He smiled sadly at Harry. "Guess I should pay it to you."
"How about we save it for something fun?" Harry suggested.
"Great idea," Sirius said, good humor returning. "He'd like that." He coughed a few times and smiled once more. "Should we go out to eat to celebrate your good scores?" he asked with a wink.
"Or perhaps spend the money we would eating out on something interesting for you to cook instead," Remus smiled.
"I rather cook something and eat with everyone here," Harry smiled. "I appreciate the offer though. Say, how about we do mystery pies and beans?"
"What's that?" Sirius and Remus asked.
"I make lots of hand pies and fill them with mystery fillings. Nothing bad, just you can't tell what the fillings are until you eat them. But you also pair them with a Bertie Bott Bean," he explained.
"That sounds like fun!" Sirius said. "Let's do it!"
-0-
"Poor Grandfather," Harry said with a wince as Nicolas scrubbed his tongue with a brush.
"Oh he is just being dramatic," Perenelle said dismissively. "Pay him no mind."
The Tonkses and the Flamels were there as they usually were as well as Harry, Sirius, and Remus. They had congratulated Harry on his excellent marks and had eagerly agreed to the mystery pie and bean meal idea.
Nicolas had found the ham and mushroom pie to his liking but the surstromming bean was not to his liking in the slightest. He had literally turned green and had hastily vanished the bean in his mouth but the taste persisted.
"You know, this Bertie guy is a prick," Dora said, guzzling water. She had eaten a durian bean and while the taste was slightly unpleasant, the smell she got while eating it was very unpleasant. "And a monster."
"He's not so bad," Ted smiled. He had eaten the tomato sauce bean with his pork pie with relish.
"Only 'cause you got lucky," Dora growled.
By the end of the night, everyone only had one bad combination while enjoying many good or neutral ones. Sirius had gone out and gotten Harry some very nice treacle tarts to celebrate his marks and the sweet dessert smoothed out the last of the bad beans they had.
-0-
"Woo! Go us!" Padma cheered.
Harry invited his friends to Grimmuald for a party for good O.W.L.s marks and everyone had come to congratulate each other and to celebrate together. Everyone had scored well and they were happy for the results of all their hard work.
"Heck yeah," Parvati said with feeling. "We did good!"
"I still can't believe I did as well as I did," Lavender smiled. "Studying with everyone really helped."
"And we can do just as well with N.E.W.T.s that way," Hermione said. "As long as we stay on task and start this year."
"Hermione, please, this is a party," Parvati sighed. "Save that for next year. Trace, come on, do something."
"Hey, I work hard in getting her to relax, thank you very much," Tracey said severely.
"Don't tell them that," Hermione said weakly while glaring at Parvati.
"We may need to factor in the time now," Pansy sighed. "We're not going to have as easy of a time in the next two years."
"Why? I know N.E.W.T.s are harder but are they that bad?" Sue asked.
"No, she's talking about the invasion of the younger sib monsters," Millicent said mournfully. "My brothers and her sister are coming this year."
"And mine," Lavender groaned.
"Ivaan too, and he's annoying," Parvati said and she and Padma made identical faces.
"They're not that bad," Harry said easily.
"Well you don't live with them," Millicent snorted.
"Actually, they do seem to listen to Harry more than us," Pansy said. "Aster thinks you are very cool."
"My sisters love you," Lavender smiled.
"Then you get to wrangle them," Millicent said.
"Hedwig will help me," Harry said, rubbing Hedwig's belly. Hedwig nodded and clacked her beak in a business-like fashion.
"Poor things," Pansy sighed.
-0-0-0-
odonnellzoo99 - That was my favorite thing I've written in a long time. I had the odd idea a while back and was just waiting for a moment to work it into a chapter and when it finally happened, I was so happy. I wanted to show some more of Durga and the Patils so it felt good too.
TheSphynx - I'm sure she will be appropriate with one. Maybe.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - Hedwig exercises constantly. Her restraint, her hunger, her propriety, etc. No, if the person can argue back, then Nicolas will absolutely argue with them. Thanks for reading.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Hedwig is the best arguer and a decent fencer. And very good at making fun of people.
alix33 - Any time the Patroni do things together and with Hedwig is always cause to smile and laugh.
61394 - Pigeons really are kinda not all there. She really should by now but it's funnier that she doesn't.
poka - She surprises me constantly too. It's fun writing her because half the time it comes out as a genuine surprise and it's nice. Hold onto that thought for many chapters. I want to try biryani one day, cooking and eating.
SixFtWookie - Chapter 53
DarkRavie - Thank you.
Lady In Colour - I have not honestly. It just felt right in this fic to have all the animals love Harry, it fit the vibe I wanted. I have no plans to do one but who knows, I might one day. Thank you for reading and hope you have a great day too.
xXMoonlitSorrowsXx - She's awful fun to write for. I didn't utilize her as well in Family until later on and I really appreciate how a gremlin Hedwig can really add to the story and she's one of my favorite writing characters and tools.
Guest - Thank you.
Asher - Thank you so much. I'm glad you are enjoying it. I'm honestly surprised at how instrumental the Flamels became but certainly don't regret it.
Guest - Thank you very much. I like to keep a consistent update schedule. Keeps things moving and something to look forward to.