I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
86th Course – Summer's End
Main Kitchen One was bustling, the Crew cleaning up after another solid lunch service. They were especially busy that day, the eating hall in the front was constantly packed from beginning to end. The Crew joked and laughed as they cleaned, putting most things away and breaking the space down.
"Why were we so busy?" Pinny asked, looking tired.
"It's the end of summer," Flynt said, mopping the floor. "Someone is about to take a year-long vacation."
Amythyst deliberately spilled some grease on the ground in front of him, making him frown. "'Year-long vacation', bah." She rolled her eyes at him. "He's going back to school. Wouldn't call that a vacation."
"I don't know, sitting around all day. Not dealing with customers and angry higher-ups. Seems relaxing to me," Hacker mused.
"Yeah until you factor in the tests and the essays and the book learning," Salta snorted. "And worrying about marks."
"Fair enough, that's why I became a cook apprentice as soon as I could," Hacker chuckled.
"We're talking about you, if you're wondering," Flynt said, running the mop over Harry's feet.
Harry grinned and stepped back. "Really? Never would've guessed."
"Your marks must suffer with that obliviousness," Hacker laughed.
"Top ten," Harry sniffed.
"Swot," Flynt and Hacker said together and the Crew laughed.
"I have to do something while on vacation if I can't cook and work," Harry sighed with faux sadness, making the others laugh harder. "Might as well try and do well in school."
"Fair enough," Salta agreed.
"Right, now that it's all clean, let's muck it up again," Flynt said when they finished. He and the others started putting out their favorite ingredients and things. "Come on Poittor, you're not done yet."
Eventually the back door opened and Diglin walked in, followed by Doran, Phrog, Gates, a few others, and Ragnok bringing up the rear. "Don't hold back on my account," Ragnok said when some of the Crew stiffened a little. "No need to stand on ceremony."
"What are they doing here?" Pinny whispered, looking at the officials with wide eyes.
"Helping us celebrate with Harry," Amythyst replied. "This is his going-away party. Not permanent of course. A few of us see him during the months when we go Hogwarts for trade things and he pops by over holiday breaks."
"He's that important? Does he belong to an important wizarding family?" Pinny asked.
"Well, yes and no. He's a Potter and they had good relations with the bank in the past. He's part of the Blacks and they're one of the oldest wizarding families. But they're here because they like Harry. He's a good kid and a great cook. They like him and his food."
Soon the tables in the back were covered by dishes and food and they sat around on the counters or on chairs they dragged back to eat and chat. The atmosphere was merry and bright as they enjoyed the food and the company.
"I'm still not legal," Harry remarked when they poured out cups of a fizzing ale.
"You're still kitchen staff. No age for kitchen staff," Flynt said, handing him a cup.
"And you're on Gringotts territory," Ragnok chuckled. "Muggle and Wizarding laws do not apply."
"Besides, that's the weak teagale," Diglin snorted. "Just drink it and enjoy."
"Heard, Chef," Harry grinned, accepting the cup.
"Are you sure we can't have him come over during the school year?" Gates asked. "We can treat it like a school exchange sort of thing. We can teach him things."
"He deserves a break from us," Ragnok said lightly. "Perhaps in his later years. If I recall, older students get to have internship opportunities here and there. Actually, this is your fifth year, right Harry?"
"Yes Sir."
"Then you need to focus on your O.W.L.s," Ragnok said. "Those are important."
"Bah, if you fail them, we'll still hire you," Phrog snorted.
"Hey, job security, nice," Harry smiled and they laughed.
"Ignore them," Doran said, shaking his spoon at them. "Education is very important."
"Well, if you tell me when you're coming to Hogwarts for the trade days with the Tribe, I'll make sure to cook for people that come," Harry offered. "Also, I can tell you what Hogsmeade days I get and I'll be at the Hog's Head."
"That'll please Aberforth," Phrog laughed. "Making him work more. He's a lazy bastard."
"Much like most of you," Ragnok sniffed.
The party ended and after a final clean up, they slowly dispersed. Harry was touched by their attention and well-wishes. The Crew and Diglin had repaired his case and refilled it with new oils, cloths, and whetstones as well as gifting him a cleaver and a serrated knife, hand-forged by Diglin's family like his chef and paring knife. Doran gifted him a steel and bone fountain pen and the others made him a school bag made from dragon hide and with the UK Gringotts Branch symbol on it.
He left with a slightly heavy heart but knowing that he was thought so highly of made him feel better. That and the fact he would still see them and correspond with them regularly as well as knowing he would be welcomed back next year made leaving easier for him.
-0-
"Are you alright, Sir?" Harry asked, slightly worried.
Dumbledore smiled wanly. "I am fine, thank you for your concern. I have a lot to handle and deal with for this coming school year. Ironically, slightly more than last year even considering the Tournament. Do not worry, I am fine. Just a little more tired."
He gratefully accepted the cup of tea from Harry and drank deeply. "Ahh, that hits the spot, thank you."
"Would you like anything in particular tonight?" Harry asked.
"The breakfast plate will be lovely, thank you. I seem to have grown accustomed to having it for dinner more often." While Harry went to prepare it, he sat on the stool and enjoyed the casual bustle of the tavern, nodding cordially to other customers and exchanging light conversation with a few. "Ah, this looks wonderful," he smiled when Harry brought out a full plate and a bowl of soup.
He took a few bits of potato and sipped the soup, smacking his lips. "Mmm, I find myself revitalizing. Not the first time I thought as much from eating your food. Do you have a few moments? I have something I would like to discuss with you."
"Let me make sure we're caught up in the kitchen." Harry did that while Dumbledore ate and he returned and leaned against the counter. "What's up?"
"Normally I would not do this, but I aim to continue to hold onto my promise to involve you in big decisions," Dumbledore said, chucking at Harry's smile. "Now, do you have any ambitions on being a prefect?"
Harry thought for a moment. "Uhm, I haven't thought about it really to be honest. I know prefects have extra duties and responsibilities and all, and that it's a position of importance, but I'll be honest and say I wasn't working to be one."
"Honesty is good," Dumbledore praised. "Typically, prefects are chosen by the Heads of the Houses and I generally approve of them. Very rarely are there disagreements between the Heads and I. They are chosen from the years because they are typically good students, have strong moral standings, and we believe they can handle the responsibility while remaining up to date on their studies."
"Now you fit all that criterion but here is the rub. Prefects tend to have less free time than others, meaning less time to do other pursuits that could potentially impact time spent in a room that has a kitchen in it." Dumbledore laughed gently at Harry's facial expression. "Does not sound all that appealing, does it?"
"I mean, I know it's an honor and I suppose I could try to balance my time better…" Harry said with a very weak smile and sheepish expression.
"True, and while I believe you would be an excellent prefect, I also respect that your interests lie elsewhere." He dipped his toast in the runny yolk and munched on it. "I do not mind you declining the position, but that leads me to my other point I wish to raise with you. There will be something else coming at the end of the school year. Hogwarts has been invited to participate in the International Scholastic Showcase for the first time in many years."
"Oh wow! That sounds great," Harry exclaimed. "That's a good thing, right?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "It is. You see, it is an event run by the ICW every year. The ICW committee selects a few schools to show off their studies and students. The school sends a team of students to demonstrate their abilities and knowledge for the duration of the showcase. Officials and masters and other scholastic individuals come to see how the schools are doing and how the different schools operate."
He sighed. "Hogwarts has not been invited for quite some time. One year, the school just barely missed out on the criteria and the Ministry took offense to that. It very much became a case of sour grapes and the headmaster at the time along with the Minister did not want to try again in future years, claiming bias. Then the war and all the terror and pain came with that and it became less and less of a goal.
"When I became Headmaster, I have done my best to try and get Hogwarts' standards back up to ICW levels. I truly believe our school deserves to be part of the international stage, that we can stack up against the other schools. And, well, I have very much hoped to participate in the showcase when you came."
"Me?" Harry asked, dumbfounded.
"Yes, you. You are an excellent student Harry and you approach magic in a different way." He tapped his plate. "And with the friends that you have made, all of you are so bright and diligent in your ways with a very nice mix of interests and abilities. You also have something that many years have lacked."
"What's that?" Harry asked.
"Inclusion," Dumbledore said. "A not insignificant thing. Houses, per unfortunate tradition, are typically rather insular. Competition went from friendly to decidedly unfriendly and some years, the rivalries and the divide felt deep and insurmountable. However you have made a friend group with members of all the Houses and you all genuinely get along."
"Depends on the people and the day to be fair," Harry said weakly.
Dumbledore laughed. "True, but that makes it all the better honestly. Time passes, humours rise and fall, but you all have remained good friends. That is something to admire."
"They're good people and great friends," Harry said proudly. He thought for a moment. "So you want me to try out for this team? And whoever else wants to?"
"I would," Dumbledore nodded.
"Is this why you wanted us to try so hard last year?" Harry asked. "You said that last year too, about us being friends despite being so different."
"Precisely," Dumbledore said warmly. "I do believe we got our invitation because of the efforts that you and the Uncommon Room team put forth. That got the attention of the ICW guests. I am sure of it." He sipped his tea. "Now, all of the burden will not rest on you and yours. The entire school, say fourth years and up more likely, will be invited to try out to join the team so it will not just be on you and your friends. But once more, I have high hopes for you and you have performed incredibly well in the past.
"And yes, I do know it is your O.W.L. year but a lot of the things you would demonstrate at the showcase will be O.W.L. level abilities so two spells, one wand motion as it were."
Harry turned thoughtful for a moment. "You think we can do it? That I can do it?"
"With all my heart," Dumbledore said sincerely.
Harry thought some more. "Okay, I'll do my best and let them know."
"Thank you, Harry," Dumbledore said with a very large and warm smile. "As before, any extra assistance I can provide, I will. Ariana, Nicolas, and Perenelle will come by for additional tutoring. They have already offered."
"Oh that'll be great!"
"It will! At least until Ariana starts teaching people inappropriate spells," Dumbledore sighed.
"I've gotten better with the Flame Whip spell," Harry said in what he hoped was a confident tone.
"Good, that is not a spell you wish to play around with," Dumbledore said, shaking his head. "And you are sanguine with not being prefect?"
"If that's okay. If I'm going to be trying out for the team and practicing things, I rather have free time to cook and other things," Harry said with a small smile.
"Perfectly fine," Dumbledore chuckled. "It is always good to know what you do and do not want."
"Professor McGonagall won't be upset with me, will she?" Harry asked, suddenly concerned.
"Nothing a steady supply of muffins will not smooth over," Dumbledore smiled. "She has acquired a weakness for them but I did not tell you that and nor should you use that knowledge for nefarious reasons."
"Of course not, Sir," Harry grinned. He sobered a little. "Wow, the International Showcase is a really big thing, isn't it?"
"It is."
"Us getting invited should show that Hogwarts is a good school, no matter what others might say," Harry said stoutly.
Dumbledore sighed once more but nodded. "And if we do well at the showcase, then it will further lend evidence to that."
"We'll do our best," Harry said.
"I have no doubts about that," Dumbledore said with a nod of approval.
-0-
McGonagall harrumphed, crossing her arms, looking put out.
"Minerva, even I could see this coming," Sprout said comfortingly but with a wry smile.
"I know," she said shortly. "I can still be somewhat disappointed."
"You will recover, I have faith," Flitwick said brightly, chuckling richly at her look.
Dumbledore smiled too. "Students have always been able to refuse the position. Granted, few ever do and even fewer have a good enough reason. In any case, Mister Longbottom has my confidence."
"He has mine as well, he has grown as a student and deserves the position," McGonagall said, pride in Neville outweighing her overall disappointment.
"In any case, we need different kinds of prefects this fifth year," Dumbledore said quietly. "Not just the best scholastically, but with other qualities that will be needed this year. They remain the least changed overall. The sixth and seven year classes are much reduced."
They all looked at Snape who looked even more dour than usual. The majority of the upper years in Slytherin had not returned to finish their education at Hogwarts, having gone to Sanguis instead. His House had been hit the hardest by student transfers and withdrawals, though no House had remained unscathed. The only year that had no losses was the fifth year Gryffindor class.
"Should we consider having an extra upper year prefect to make up the numbers some?" Flitwick asked quietly.
"I do not believe it will be necessary with the reduction in student numbers for all the years," Dumbledore said sadly. He held out a roll of parchment and Flitwick took it.
The Charms Professor winced when he unfurled it and looked at it. "Goodness me, this is one of the smallest entering classes I have ever seen."
"Sanguis did a good job of recruiting it seems," Dumbledore said quietly.
"A lot of family names I do not recognize," Sprout said, looking at it next. "Must be mostly Muggleborns then."
"Can Hogwarts sustain this?" McGonagall asked frankly.
"She can, for some time," Dumbledore said with conviction. "We still have enough students to maintain our status. None of you have to worry about a pay cut." That elicited a small chuckle. "I also have high hopes for the International Showcase. We put in a good performance like we did during the Tournament, that will draw attention both locally and internationally. That will improve things in the future."
He looked at his Heads of House. "But this year will determine the fate of Hogwarts for years to come. It is imperative that we prepare our remaining fifth and seventh years for their respective exams as well as maintain the high standards we impose on ourselves for the other years. We must show that Hogwarts stands united and the education and safety of our students is paramount."
They all nodded with conviction.
"I have obtained the aid of some who will come and tutor the students if need be," Dumbledore said. "On top of what we provide."
"Ariana?" Flitwick asked, smiling at Snape's wince.
"And the Flamels," Dumbledore said with a small smile.
"Dear Merlin," McGonagall and Snape both swore under their breaths, making Flitwick and Dumbledore laugh.
"Is…isn't that a good thing?" Sprout asked, looking at them. "I can't think of any occasion normally where the Alchemist would come to tutor students."
"Oh, well, technically it is a very good thing," McGonagall snorted. "If you can ignore Nicolas' personality flaws."
"No one can ignore that," Snape muttered.
"He will be on his best behavior," Dumbledore said mildly.
"And whose definition of best would that be?" Snape asked mildly.
"Now that will be up for debate," Dumbledore admitted, ignoring the groans from McGonagall and Snape. "In any case, let us accept the gift as it is and press on."
"I suppose that is all we can do," McGonagall sighed. "For good or for ill."
"Let us hope more for good then," Flitwick said.
-0-
Remus blinked a few times. "Why on earth would you think I'd be disappointed in you?" he asked, his voice rising as he stared at Harry.
"Sirius said you would be," Harry shrugged.
"I said there was a chance," Sirius said, rolling his eyes at Remus' accusing glare. "Like a small chance. Miniscule. Almost inconsequentially."
"Unlike some people, I am not prone to dramatics. Case in point." He kicked Sirius' stool when Sirius pretended to swoon and Sirius fell off the stool and hit the ground, swearing loudly. "Why did this one think I would be disappointed in you?"
"Because I turned down the prefect position," Harry said.
"Oh, well did you want to be one?"
"Not really?"
"Not that you have to justify yourself, but why did you turn it down, may I ask?"
"The honest answer? Less time relaxing and cooking." Harry grinned when everyone chuckled at that. "Also apparently the Headmaster wants me to try for the International Showcase team thing too."
"Oh, Hogwarts got invited to the Showcase? That is excellent news," Andromeda said.
"It's been a long time," Sirius said, climbing to his feet and sitting on the stool.
"That's what the Headmaster said. He thinks we can put forward a good team and wants me and my friends to try. That it'll help Hogwarts."
"A good idea," Andromeda said.
"So yeah, given all that, I didn't want to be a prefect," Harry said with a limp shrug. "That's kinda bad, right?"
"Not at all," Remus said soothingly. "Students selected aren't compelled to accept. It's an offer, not a demand. It's typically better for a student who wants to be one and have the responsibility than one that doesn't." He kicked Sirius again who glared and kicked back. "I suppose Sirius thought I would be disappointed is because I was prefect. It was hoped that I could corral Sirius and James and needless to say, I failed miserably."
"Yeah, way to suck," Sirius said. He fell again when Remus kicked his stool very hard but managed to pull Remus down with him.
Andromeda clicked her tongue at Remus and Sirius wrestling on the ground. "I was the prefect my year. My family was proud. I was at first but found it to be rather tedious to be honest." She smiled at Ted. "That is, until Ted and I became involved and we patrolled and did our duties together."
"Ugh, gross," Dora retched, her face turning green and her hair becoming limp and white. "Don't say that!"
"We literally did our prefect duties together," Ted said, "nothing salacious about that." He winked at Andromeda. "We also found a lot of really nice place to sneak a snog in too."
Andromeda gave him a smoldering smile and pinched Dora who was gagging theatrically. "Be nice to your parents."
"Was my mum a prefect?" Harry asked, grinning.
"She was," Remus said. He managed to suspend Sirius with the Dangling Jinx and kicked him again, making him swing back and forth like an irate pendulum. "She did enjoy taking points from Sirius and James when she needed to, which was often."
"Only two prefects that could make us reflect on our actions," Sirius said as he swung back and forth, trying to grab Remus when he could. "It helped sometimes." He clambered to his feet when Harry undid the jinx with the counter-incantation. "Thanks! But yeah, it's totally fine doing what you're interested in and we know it's not because you're lazy."
"I refused the position," Dora said brightly. "Though I'm a little lazy."
"You were not offered the position," Andromeda corrected, giving her daughter a stern look. "You had troubles behaving at school."
"I was…what's that thing when you're allergic to milk?"
"Lactose intolerant?" Harry offered.
"Yeah that! I'm lactrule intolerant," Dora said with a bright smile that dripped with mischief and malicious compliance.
"First of all, that is not a thing," Andromeda sniffed. "Second of all, why are you an Auror if you are allegedly allergic to rules?"
"Hey, you're the one that says that witches are contrary beings! I get it from you! You only have yourself to blame!"
"I love my wife and daughter," Ted said warmly as he watched Andromeda chase Dora around the kitchen. Sirus and Remus and Harry joined in his laughter as Dora yelped as she was being chased.
"Save me!" Dora cried, hiding behind Harry. "Mum's being mean!"
"Such a brave girl, hiding behind a boy younger than you!" Andromeda scolding, shaking a finger. She glared when Dora stuck her tongue out at her.
"She doesn't mean it," Harry said, hugging Andromeda.
"Wait, which she?" Andromeda and Dora asked together, sharing a look of surprise.
"Yes," Harry smiled.
"Defusion via confusion, excellent," Ted laughed.
-0-0-0-
agnar - Ah I thought that looked a bit odd for some reason. I will fix that, thank you.
odonnellzoo99 - Having a home for people to visit makes it easier. I thought about those surprise filling takoyakis and taiyakis and Beans and Mystery pies sounded fun to me. Glad you liked the Grove.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - She's a very good taste tester. Just like different people have different values, I figured Goblins would be no exception. They all don't care about money, mostly. Thanks for reading.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - A little bit of everything to keep things in balance.
Arnie1701 - Good version of the song.
Kaya - Thaaaanks.
poka - I've only had crepes once and it was a decidedly sweet one for a snack but it was lovely. I don't think even Hedwig knows what she can't do. She probably assumes she can do anything and has yet to be proven wrong. I thought it would be fun to explore goblin places as much as the culture. It helps that Harry genuninely shows interest and the goblins recognize, respect, and appreciate it.
TheSphynx - Thank you so much for the kind words and for reading them. I write for people like you.
alix33 - Hedwig seeing Ave Maria was my favorite bit of the whole chapter.
Jah Ith Ber - Probably a dark one. As in little to no light.
Songwriter90 - A lot of the dishes I describe I haven't made and read about while doing some research, so some authenticity might be suspect depending on what I read sadly. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Thank you for reading and the kind words.