I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.

A Taste of Magic

17th Course – Coming Back

"I've missed going to breakfast and doing things with you two," Lavender said happily, threading her arms into Harry's and Parvati's. "I kept expecting to wake up Pav and see Harry waiting for us the first week of summer." The trio were headed to breakfast together, something Harry and evidently the other two, had missed.

"Same, it didn't feel right," Parvati said. "First morning I woke up and saw Padma in my room and I was so disappointed, even more so than usual." She joined their laughter. "Don't feel bad for her, the feeling was mutual."

"Sleeping in was nice though," Lavender said. "Though I couldn't do that too much. My little sisters made it their goal to wake me up early every day if they could."

"My Mum let me for the first few days but put a stop to that," Parvati sighed. "What about you, Harry?"

"I woke up earlier than when I'm here," Harry said nonchalantly. "I always have at the Dursleys. I cook all the meals so I have to get up early to make breakfast before Uncle Vernon leaves for work."

"You cook all of them?" Lavender asked, frowning. "They don't help or take turns?"

"Not really, never have. Uncle Vernon pretends to fish or hunt and tells others he brings me what he and Dudley catch but they always get it from a specialty butcher." Harry snorted. "The only thing Dudley can catch is food falling into his mouth really."

Their frowns abated a little, giggling at Harry's comment. "Must be nice that you can sleep in a little while here at school then," Parvati teased.

"Only a little. Ron and Seamus snore," Harry said with a small smile.

"So does Lav," Parvati smiled and squealed when Lavender pinched her.

They reached the Great Hall and sat at the Gryffindor table, chatting easily. It was like right before they left for the summer break and Harry was grateful for it. It was nice to eat with people again, to see smiling faces and be a part of the table, instead of watching others smile while they ate. He had noticed during the beginning of the summer how accustomed he got to having that during school.

All summer he ate in his room or while he was cooking. He was happy to eat with Hedwig in his room, her happy expression and the noises she made were good company, far better than the years he had before he had Hedwig in his life. He had not realized just how much he got used to eating with Lavender and Parvati during school and for the first few meals of summer, their absence made it very hard to swallow.

"What's that look for?" Lavender asked gently.

He shook his head, trying to allay her concern. "Nothing, just happy to be eating with you two again." He tried to smile, to put her at ease. "Food tastes better, you know?"

She smiled back but there was still a hint of worry in her eyes. "I do," she said instead.

"Oh! I meant to tell you this earlier," Parvati said eagerly. "Grandmum let me and Padma write out some more recipes for you to make!"

"Brilliant!" Harry exclaimed, excitement driving away the doldrums.

"Yeah when we described how you made it those times she approved. Said it was okay to share it with the angrej ladaka." Parvati blushed. "Forget I said the last part."

"If you tell me what it means," Harry grinned.

"English boy," Parvati mumbled and Harry snorted and laughed and Lavender giggled.

"Well she's not wrong," Harry said, unbothered.

Parvati smiled with relief. "Don't hold it against her. She just thinks only Indian people can make Indian food properly but she's willing to bend so that me and Padma can have proper food during the term."

"That's kinda nice of her," Harry said, making the girls laugh. "And as long as she doesn't Curse me, then all the better."

Parvati smiled when Hedwig fluttered down to join them at breakfast. "She liked Hedwig. She thinks Hedwig is beautiful."

"So does Hedwig," Harry grinned. He rubbed her head while the owl cheeped with a regal mien.

"Hello everyone," Hermione said as she sat down to join them. "Oh Harry, I wanted to mention that I really do think that tasting magic theory carries weight. I paid attention to food over the break and there really was a different taste to things."

"Oh yeah, so did we," Parvati said. "I think Padma and I could get to a point where we recognized who cooked with magic and who didn't, kinda like with you."

Hermione nodded. "I couldn't cook with magic obviously," she looked sheepish, "I can't cook at all really to be honest, but I still had some magical candy and when I tried them side by side, there was a clear difference. I even convinced my parents to try them and they said that there was a difference too. It wasn't as easy for them to tell but they could."

"That's so interesting," Lavender said. "That's kinda like with my Dad. My Mum cooks with magic sometimes but not always and when I told her about it, we tested it too. Dad liked it all but we started telling the difference too."

"That's so cool," Harry mused. "I'm definitely going to talk to Professor Flitwick more about it. I think he wants to test it more too. I obviously didn't use magic this summer," he growled slightly, still nettled by the letter, "but I remember towards the end of last term, I was able to do some spell stuff and it didn't change the taste all that much."

"I can't wait for club," Lavender said excitedly. "I practiced a lot over summer with sewing and I can make new stuff now!"

"Oh I was about to ask when we will be starting up again." Padma had approached with Sue beside her. "I don't want to miss it at all and it's a lot of fun."

"I'll ask Professor Flitwick after class," Harry said. "He might start letting us use the room outside of club times too."

"You're taking new members, right?" Sue asked.

"I don't see why not," Harry said. "It was tiny before and I bet Professor Flitwick would be happy. He's your Head of House after all."

"I always thought he was a bit strange to be our Head," Sue said. She smiled weakly when everyone looked at her. "He's so cheery and enthusiastic and Ravenclaws on the whole aren't."

"Is it really like that?" Hermione asked while they chuckled.

"A little," Padma said. "Lots of debating and arguing and talking about theory and things but it's not terribly warm or close. People will help each other but the helper is usually a little snooty about it."

"What's it like in Gryffindor?" Sue asked.

"People are nice enough but sorta cliquish," Lavender said. "Like stay apart in small groups and there's some rude people in it. Lot of the upper years don't seem to bother."

"I guess that's why I like the clubs so much," Parvati said. "Gives us a chance to interact with people from other Houses." She noticed two people walking in. "Even people I'd never think to talk to ever." She waved a hand.

Millicent and Pansy noticed her waving and after a moment's hesitation and a shared look, they came walking over. "Morning," Millicent said pleasantly and Pansy nodded at them, stifling a yawn. "Impromptu club meeting?"

"Something like that," Parvati smiled. "You joining too?"

"Sure," Millicent said brightly. "I liked talking about fabric stuff with you two and I want to eat more of Potter's cooking."

"Call me Harry," Harry smiled. "There's enough people to call me Potter like that."

"Alright Harry," Millicent said, looking pleased.

"How's Sunny?" Lavender asked.

"She's doing great! Likes her room. Likes sleeping with Pansy," Millicent giggled.

Pansy removed several grey hairs from her black robes. "Likes exploring my dresser as you see," she said sourly. She flicked her fingers at Millicent, flinging the hairs onto her.

"Aww, but she's so adorable. How can you get mad at her?" Lavender giggled.

"Easily," Pansy said dryly, but with a small smile to lessen the sting.

"Maybe she can be the club mascot," Parvati said. "Ow! Wait, I didn't mean it Hedwig!" Parvati tried to fend off Hedwig's irritable pecking. "I'm sorry! Harry! Help!"

"I'm not getting in between you two, sorry," Harry laughed, holding his hands up.

"Aww, don't be like that," Parvati said when Hedwig turned her back to the girl, mooning her and flicking her tail feathers at her. "You're my favorite owl!"

"Poor girl," Lavender cooed and took Hedwig in her arms. "Pav is so mean, isn't she?"

"You all have no idea," Padma said and they howled with laughter while Parvati looked at them all with a deeply wounded expression.

-0-

"Term has barely started and you're already letting the House down," Draco said snidely when Millicent and Pansy sat down at the Slytherin table.

Millicent grunted in reply.

"Did you have a nice summer, Draco?" Pansy asked blandly, fighting the squirming in her stomach.

"As if you care," he sniffed.

"I did just ask you," she said quietly.

"You didn't even visit once."

"You never asked me to," she replied coolly.

He looked uncomfortable at that. "You never needed to be formally invited before," he said, trying to sound aloof and collected and failing at it.

His tone made her eye twitch. "I never felt unwelcome before," she said back. She sighed when he flinched. "I did write to you and you either did not reply at all or very shortly."

"I was busy." He puffed his chest out and looked inordinately proud. "My father has started a new project and I am a vital component within it."

"Good for you," Pansy said, able to keep the condescension out of her voice. She knew how much he idolized his father and while she had very complicated feelings regarding him now, she did not want to cause unnecessary strife. At least, not at that moment.

"I just might share what the plans are with you," he said smugly. "If you deserve it." He got up from the table and left, nose in the air.

"A Knut says he's just saying things to sound important," Millicent said softly, rolling her eyes. "Or it's a ploy to get back onto your good side. Or both."

"I suppose," Pansy muttered back.

"Proud of you for not falling for it immediately," Millicent said gently.

"Thanks Millie," Pansy smiled. "It's just, I did try, over the summer. I sent messages. I gave him a chance." She turned wistful. "I don't know what I was expecting. Or hoping if I'm being honest."

"Well, if you still want to give him one, make it on your terms," Millicent said. She started to snicker.

"What's so funny?" Pansy asked.

"That bit where he puffed his chest out and tried to look all superior?" Millicent said in between her giggles. "I was just thinking that Hedwig does it better and she's much cuter."

Pansy clapped a hand to her mouth but was unable to stop herself from laughing. Her laughter pushed Millicent over the edge and the two laughed loudly and broadly to the bemusement of their fellow Slytherins.

-0-

"Look at all the people!" Flitwick clapped his hands happily. "I cannot remember the last time we had so many people in Household Charms! When I saw the sign-up sheet this year I practically danced." He winked at Harry. "And the Headmaster has increased our club budget for this year to reflect it. Welcome! Good to see you Miss Li, Miss Bulstrode, Miss Granger, and Mister Longbottom."

"Is it okay if I don't learn all the spells and things?" Neville asked shyly. "I asked my Grandmother over the summer and she got a bit upset at me, asking why I would ever need to do any kind of that spellwork."

"Ah yes, Madam Longbottom has some feelings about propriety if I recall," Flitwick smiled easily. "Be at ease Mister Longbottom, if you simply wish to be here and spend the time, then that is perfectly okay as well. As long as you do not disrupt things."

His smile grew. "I have been looking forward to club again and I have built up a better library of things in anticipation. Now! What are we interested in to start?"

"I wanted to ask if there is a kind of translating charm," Harry said. "I found more of those foreign magazines about cooking but a lot of them aren't translated into English."

"I am ahead of you there! My own curiosity in food has increased due to your influence and I have found a few that works well. Some nuance is lost however in translation, literal versus colloquial translations you know, but I am continuing to work on that. It's a fairly simple charm though! In the current stage that is."

He took one of Harry's magazines and drew a stylized letter A with the wand tip. "Transferedum in anglicus," he incanted and tapped the magazine. The letters shimmered and they exclaimed with delight when the French became English. "As you see, it does some funny things to moving pictures so it is not perfect, but it will suffice."

"Thanks, Professor!" Harry said happily.

"Of course! I have used it on charms texts from other countries and it is quite delightful and terribly useful." He demonstrated the charm again and helped the others attempt to cast it. "There we are and as always, practice makes perfect. What's next?"

"Are there charms to prevent damage caused by pets?" Harry asked and Pansy smirked while Millicent groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Plenty," Flitwick chuckled. "Damage to fabric and clothes I imagine? And what kind of pet?"

"Yes and a cat," Pansy said.

"Cat or kneazle?" Flitwick asked.

"She's mostly kneazle I think," Millicent said. "Not sure if she's completely kneazle."

"Oh the amount does not matter. But the fact that she is important since regular charms that protect against cats will not suffice towards a kneazle." He summoned a book from a stack of them and started to page through it, looking for the charms that he wanted.

Harry, having gotten to the point where he could comfortably cast the Translation to English Charm, moved over to the stove and the part of the clubroom they called the kitchen. Inky was waiting eagerly and she and Harry poured over a recipe together and once Padma walked over, they got started.

"What's on the menu tonight?" Sue asked.

"Chicken tikka masala," Harry said as he carefully measured out the spices. "And rice."

"Ooh, that sounds great," Sue said.

"I'm sure it will be, the butter chicken we made before is so good so the recipes have to be," Harry said and Padma and Parvati beamed.

"What's the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala?" Flitwick asked, saying the words carefully.

"Butter chicken is creamier and sweeter," Padma said. "Tikka is more spiced and the tomato sauce is more tangy and tomato-y if that makes sense."

"You also grill the chicken on skewers for a bit so they get a charred flavor before you add them to the sauce," Parvati said. "Not everyone does that but we do and I think it makes a difference."

"Mmm, can't wait," Lavender smiled.

"The ratio of spices is different too," Harry said as he made sure he got the measurements right. "There's more in the tikka."

Sue's eyes widened when they prepared the rice after they got the tomato sauce simmering. "Whoa, you put stuff to cook in the rice too?"

Padma nodded. "Just a few spices."

"That's interesting! When we cook rice, unless it's a specific dish, the rice is just cooked in water. It's not flavored at all," Sue said. "We as in my family and stuff."

"We sometimes do that but there's usually some seasonings in it," Parvati said.

Sue ran her fingers through the grains of basmati rice. "Ours is usually short grain too, or shy of medium. These are long grain."

"Grains can be short or long?" Pansy asked.

"Mmmhmm. If it's shorter, it's usually stickier," Sue said and Padma and Parvati nodded with her. "Chinese food usually uses the shorter ones."

Pansy blinked. "I didn't know that there's so much nuance to grains of rice of all things."

"That's why I love food," Harry said softly. "So many different people eat things that are similar and different at the same time. It's so interesting to learn and try it all."

While the tomato sauce continued to bubble and simmer and the rice steamed, Harry skewered the marinated chicken pieces onto wooden skewers and put them in the oven. It took a moment for him and Inky to make it broil rather than bake but once they did, the room filled with the smell of browning chicken and spices.

He flipped them and let them cook on the other side before removing them from the oven and the skewers, submerging the pieces into the sauce to finish cooking and letting the flavors meld. After some gentle stirring, the rice was fluffed and ready. Plates of the chicken tikka masala poured over rice were made and they all sat together to eat.

"This is incredible," Millicent said in awe, staring at the dish. "It's so spicy and tasty!"

"Oh make sure you eat more rice to sop up the curry or you'll have an upset stomach," Harry said. "I learned that the first time I had curry."

"It's almost too spicy," Pansy said, fanning her mouth. "But I don't want to stop eating it either."

Sue smiled. "Oh boy, if you think this is spicy, I know some dishes that will really melt your tongue. This is really good!"

"Even spicier?" Neville asked, eyes round.

"Much spicier," Sue nodded.

"Yup, we can keep telling Grandmum that you shouldn't be Cursed," Parvati said as she gobbled her food. "Tastes like home to me!"

"Really?" Harry asked, smiling proudly.

"Better than any take-away I've ever had," Lavender said fervently and Hermione agreed.

"Wow, Professor," Parvati said, "have you had a lot of Indian food before?"

Flitwick wiped his mouth with his napkin with gusto. "Not at all actually! But the taste and lots of spices is something familiar to me and it tastes wonderful. One of these days, I just might share some of my own heritage with you. I really do appreciate the opportunity to try these new things and learn more about each other."

"Is there like a list or something of cooking suggestions?" Sue asked. "I don't want to be presumptuous or anything."

"Not really. Most times it's what I feel like making but Parvati asked me to make Indian food our first term because she missed home," Harry said. "I'd be fine with us having a list of things we want to try. If its something that needs specialty ingredients, then we'll need to plan for it. As in find someone that sells it so Hedwig can get it for us or if you can ask for it sent to you if you know what you want specifically."

"That's more than fair and I'll definitely help pay for it if I can't get it for us," she said eagerly. "I'd love to have home cooking here too. I really missed it last year."

"Chinese food?" Harry asked. He smiled broadly when she nodded. "I really want to learn that too. It always looks nice. Never had it before myself."

"Really? With all the options for take-away?" she asked with surprise.

"My relatives never cared for it really," he said lightly.

"Well that's a shame," Sue said. "I'll be happy to share and see what we can do here."

After they finished eating, they helped clean things and put them away with Harry happy to be able to use the Scouring Charm again to clean up afterwards. Bidding the ones in the other Houses farewell, and the Professor and Inky, they made their way back to their respective common rooms.

"I'm going to need more water," Neville said with a little laugh. "My mouth is still burning."

"So worth it though," Lavender said and Neville nodded in agreement.

"You know, I think you might've made it a little better than some in my family," Parvati said thoughtfully. "Some of them don't cook well at all and yours was pretty darn close to Auntie Anvi's."

"She's your aunt that owns a restaurant?" Harry blushed with pleasure. "You're having me on."

"I'm not! It was really really close." She looked about a little. "I don't dare compare you to Grandmum though. She'll Curse me."

"You say that a lot," Hermione observed. "Does she really Curse people as much as you say?"

"Oh yeah, that's why I say it."

"Cursing or swearing?" Neville asked.

"Both! I learned my first swear words from her. She won't teach me any Curses until I'm older though."

"She sounds great," Lavender laughed.

"She's the best," Parvati sighed happily.

-0-

"Ha! I told you!" Pansy said triumphantly. She smiled at the crestfallen look on Sunny's face. "I knew she was deliberately clawing my things!" The girl had wasted no time in casting the anti-kneazle claw charm on her clothes and things when they returned and Sunny had tried her best to scratch them and had failed.

Millicent scooped up the sulking pet. "Poor baby," she crooned. "Did Auntie Pans take away your fun? She's so mean to such a cute kitty."

"Stop making me feel bad about wanting to keep my things unclawed," Pansy said, scowling at her friend.

"I will forgive you if you kiss and make up with Sunny."

"Fine, I will."

Millicent smiled. "Go get her Sunny!" She opened her arms and Sunny launched herself out of them, flying right into Pansy's face. Millicent laughed heartily when Pansy fell back onto her bed, swearing and coughing with Sunny wrapped firmly around her face.

-0-0-0-

LordLiberty - Thank you. I always try to write different things among my fics and I don't want to go over exactly what happened in canon most of the time. I did that a lot in Family, showing the after effects or fall outs from the perspectives of others unless it was very integral to the plot. So in this one, I wanted to explain Dobby's interference in a way that will remain relevant, but make it feel like it fits this setting. It gives insight to Harry's home life, showcases his abilities, as well as establish something for future chapters. I'm glad you like it.

poka - I hope a fourth helps as well. Earlier this eyar I had a prolong bout of physical illness as well and a few weeks ago I had about a week's worth of malaise to recover from as well. Hope you feel better soon. Inky, if you read Family, first showed up there and for some reason I adore that name for a House Elf so she's my go to OC elf. I kind of like her larger role in this story and will go into my desire to explore more facets of the Wizarding World. In fact, I believe next chapter, there will be a bit more fun like that. And of course I can't not have gremlin Hedwig. I only really wrote a couple stories without Hedwig for canon reasons and I missed her dearly.

odonnellsoo99 - Hedwig is proud of all the shenanigans she gets into. She doesn't need a scapegoat or scapekneazle. But perhaps they will one day team up to torment the others.

Hands Off MY Wolfie - I think it should be interesting, especially with the changes to the beginning of the year.

alix33 - Miss Hedwig has a nice ring to it doesn't it?

Earth Guardian 28 - I almost forgot about her rabbit. That would be funny to have a bunny do that.