I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
127th Course – Awkwardly Blissful
"Hello Harry," Dumbledore smiled.
"Hello Sir! Hi Fawkes!" Harry set the tray down on Dumbledore's desk and smiled when Fawkes landed on his shoulder, singing hello and emanating warm light. He put out the plates of food he brought, including one for the phoenix as per usual.
"Ah, a small change from our usual tea," Dumbledore said with anticipation. "What do we have here?"
"Some Chinese food they have called Dim Sum," Harry said brightly. "Sue taught them to me. They have a meal where they drink tea and have lots of small dishes of different foods and it's wonderful. I thought you'd like to try them. These are shrimp dumplings. This is called Luo Bo Gao which is a steamed and then pan-fried daikon radish cake. This is Lo Mai Gai which is like the zongzi with chicken and wrapped in lotus leaves. And finally, these are egg custard tarts."
"You spoil me and I thank you for it," Dumbledore said happily and poured out the tea. "Mmm, and this is Jasmine tea? Lovely." The trio ate hungrily, Fawkes warbling with delight as he devoured his bundle of sticky rice and savory fillings. "It is different from the usual British tea but it is just as delightful and delicious."
"There's so many things that can be made for dim sum," Harry said. "It's so good."
"I do admire your willingness and eagerness to try new cuisines and things," Dumbledore said as he ate the luo bo gao. "Mmm, this is very tasty. Interesting texture. Oh and the sausages I like are mixed in."
"It's fun," Harry said. "I'm lucky I have great teachers and people who know what it's supposed to be like though. It'd be a lot harder if I didn't."
"Indeed. Part of the risk of trying spells from old books," Dumbledore said. "I recall trying to cast an intriguing transfiguration spell once about changing the state of water."
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"Well, it changed the state and also apparently changed another property that it was not too clear on in the book," Dumbledore said ruefully. "I turned the water into a mist which also made it rather corrosive. I ended up melting a table before I could stop it."
"At least when I mess up a recipe, I won't melt anything," Harry laughed. "Wait, actually, Mr. Drake's hot sauce does melt crackers so that's not entirely true." He smiled at Fawkes' hearty snickering. "I do have to worry about food allergies too, come to think about it."
"Like the crake toxin," Dumbledore nodded.
"I'm glad Headmaster Karkaroff didn't get too mad at me," Harry said.
"That was not your fault anyways," Dumbledore said genially. After they ate their fill, with Fawkes claiming the leftovers, they got to the other reason for their meeting. "So, what morale raising do you have next?" Dumbledore asked eagerly.
"I thought it might be nice to do something for Saint Valentine's Day," Harry said.
"Oh yes, that would be nice," Dumbledore agreed. "I know the Hogsmeade weekend during February is especially popular for just that reason. What do you have in mind?"
"I actually did a bit of research about the origins and it's kinda wild," Harry said. "Apparently there used to be a fertility festival that might have been the basis for it? Which don't worry, not going to do anything with that," he added hurriedly.
"Thank you," Dumbledore said with more than a trace of relief.
Harry smiled. "And apparently there could have been two Valentines that might be the original saint for the day? One performed marriages for Roman soldiers which was outlawed by the Emperor at the time and another wrote to his love while in jail which is romantic."
"That is," Dumbledore agreed.
"Anyways, nothing grand but maybe a feast on the day? Lots of sweet treats, decorated things with flowers. That sort of thing. Heart-shaped biscuits and cakes."
"Easily done and nice and simple," Dumbledore agreed. "Professor Sprout always likes to decorate using plants when she can."
"We can do springtime plants too, to celebrate the coming of spring," Harry said.
"Good idea," Dumbledore said approvingly. "Any other ideas you wanted to do for the day?"
"Not really, I was given some though," Harry laughed. "Parvati suggested we do singing messages from cupids or something like that."
"Amusing but disruptive," Dumbledore chuckled. "And delightfully embarrassing for all involved."
"That was the group consensus," Harry nodded. "Blaise suggested a heart soup or heart dishes with literal heart and while I heard grilled beef heart is good and lots of cultures eat it, might be a bit much here. Also the others got mad at him for being unromantic." He laughed when Dumbledore choked on his tea and also laughed out loud.
"Very amusing and I will also agree not to add that to the menu," Dumbledore laughed, wiping up the tea and dabbing his chin and beard dry. They chatted some more and Dumbledore nodded. "Done. I approve and I think it will be a delightful day and once more, thank you for your time in raising morale and organizing things."
"No problem, Sir. I like it," Harry said, getting up.
"Good. I will give the menu ideas to the kitchens and arrange things with Professor Sprout and Hogsmeade." He smiled at Harry. "And I am sure you and Miss Brown will have a wonderful day. He blinked when Harry went still. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh no," Harry said, paling. "I uh I gotta go. Sorry!" Harry went running out of the office.
"Oh dear," Dumbledore sighed with a fond smile. "I think our friend might have remembered something he has forgotten and is now panicking." He and Fawkes exchanged amused looks. "Ah to be young and in love."
-0-
"You look like you are about to have a heart attack," Blaise remarked. He, Ron, and Neville had been working on a charms paper together when the door to the Uncommon Room banged open and Harry came running in.
"I'm such a terrible person," Harry groaned. He paced nervously while the other three boys exchanged alarmed looks.
"In first year I might've agreed with you," Ron joked, "but not now. Why are you saying that now?"
"Valentine's Day is a few days away!" Harry exclaimed.
"Yeah, we were talking about it the other day," Neville said, looking confused. "You were talking about ideas and things to do for the day for Hogwarts."
"Right but I…I…" Harry stammered.
"You forgot about doing something for your girlfriend," Blaise finished. "Is that right?" He snorted when Harry nodded frantically. "Well lucky for you, the day has not passed so you have time to do something for it."
"But I'm the worst! I should've had something prepared long before now!"
"You still have a few days and you just got better from getting sick," Ron said. "Besides, it's you. Just make her something good to eat and you're good."
"But I do that on the regular," Harry protested. "What if that's not good enough? Nev, what are you doing for Millie, if you don't mind me asking."
"I got her a field kit for hunting," Neville said proudly. "And we're going on a date to Hogsmeade."
"She'll like that," Blaise said. "She likes practical things more than flowery things."
"I just got Lavender a new sewing set too," Harry said. "I can't keep getting her the same thing over and again."
"No, that will not do either," Blaise agreed. "Don't worry, we'll help you."
"I really don't know why you're freaking out," Ron said. "Unlike most blokes, you can cook and make stuff. Just make a nice picnic thing like you did for your first date."
"Lavender doesn't care about crazy fancy things," Neville agreed.
"All the more reason to do something a bit more elaborate," Blaise interjected. "Just because she doesn't care about those sorts of things, it doesn't mean she doesn't want them. No need to bankrupt yourself but the grand gesture here and there is a good thing."
"Grand gesture?" Neville groaned. "You're not talking about Society traditions for courting, are you?"
"And if I am? They are perfectly fine and like I said, grand gesture," Blaise said.
"Like what?" Harry asked.
"Harry and Lavender aren't in Society, they don't have to follow those rules," Neville said.
"Are you following them?" Ron asked with interest.
Neville shrugged. "Not exactly, but a few of the super traditional ones. Grandmum insisted and Millie likes some of them so I don't mind."
"What are they?" Harry asked.
"Some are kinda silly," Neville said. "Like appropriate gifts at certain stages of your relationship. Things you should and shouldn't give."
"Flowers at certain times and specific flowers," Blaise said. "Jewelry with meaning. Tools or paraphernalia as appropriate. It's a dance but a necessary one from time to time."
"What happens if you don't do them right?" Harry asked nervously.
"Could jinx the relationship," Ron said. "We're not Society but some of those traditions are still with some of the Pureblood families. Depending on the family of course." He coughed at Harry's stricken look. "Not saying you did jinx the relationship though! Some of those things are superstitions anyways and like I said, depends on the family. Like I wouldn't expect Muggleborn families and other non-traditional ones to care."
"I don't want to mess things up," Harry said.
"And with us, you won't," Blaise said with confidence.
-0-
Pansy looked up when the door to her room opened. Daphne and Tracey walked in, in mid argument, followed by Astoria.
"Hermione is Muggleborn!" Tracey exclaimed as she sat down on Millicent's bed.
"That does not matter! You are part of a Society family and you should be more careful about that sort of thing!" Daphne replied, sitting on Pansy's bed. "Excuse me, Aster." She smiled as Aster rolled to the side and frowned at her, making space on the bed.
"Hey!" Pansy slapped Daphne's hand when Daphne reached for the box on her desk. "First of all, you know you should ask first. Second of all, why are you here with another argument?"
"They wanted more opinions," Astoria said. "May I have some snacks?" she asked, already reaching out for the box.
"Why don't you eat your own?" Pansy complained as Astoria took it from her.
"We already ate them all," Astoria said matter-of-factly as she took a biscuit from the box.
Millicent walked out of the bathroom and stopped when she saw the others there. "What's going on?" she asked, toweling her hair.
"Tracey is not following gifting protocol," Daphne sniffed.
"Oh who cares?" Millicent said as she sat at her desk. "Hermione isn't Society."
"Thank you!" Tracey said. "My point exactly!"
"But that does not mean you should lower your own standards on how you comport yourself," Daphne argued.
"What, are you like skipping a bunch of steps or something?" Millicent asked.
"I'm giving Hermione a necklace," Tracey said defiantly. She wilted at Daphne's look. "A really nice silver one with a locket," she said weakly.
"Oh, that's serious," Pansy said with interest while Aster looked at Tracey with sparkling eyes.
"We are in a serious relationship," Tracey sniffed, blushing and looking away. "And yes, I know she thinks it's serious too," she added when Daphne opened her mouth.
"Well that is good then," Daphne said, mollified. "Still, a bit swift."
"They have been dating for like two years now," Astoria said.
"They were not official until the end of fourth year if not the beginning of fifth," Daphne argued. "The Ball counts as a first date. A very bold and forward first date, but not the start of the relationship. Even if you consider that being a two-year mark, still a bit swift."
"I think it's cute," Aster said brightly.
"Thanks Aster," Tracey said gratefully. "I'm glad someone is on my side."
"Tracey, again, I would never begrudge your happiness," Daphne sighed. "And while I questioned your taste in girls," she moved her leg to dodge the incoming kick, "I genuinely think Hermione is fine and you and her are good together."
"Then what's the problem?" Tracey asked indignantly.
"I just want you to be safe," Daphne said exasperatedly. "I do not want you to hurt yourself nor do I want Hermione to hurt you. Not saying she has or you have or will, but I care. Have you two talked about your futures?"
"Yes, actually," Tracey said.
"Oh you have?" Daphne asked, surprised.
"This is Hermione we are talking about," Pansy said without heat or acid. "She is very much a planner."
"Fair enough," Daphne conceded. "I will not pry, but I just wanted to look out for you."
"Thanks," Tracey said, flushing a little but looking a little better. "I get it, you're just being you and I appreciate it. A little." She caught the pillow that Daphne threw at her.
"Why should they even be talking about that?" Astoria asked. "They still have a year left before having to worry about major life things."
"Even though our parents have…relaxed their views on things somewhat," Daphne said slowly, "it is still something that needs to be thought about."
"I think you're just jealous you don't have someone on Valentine's," Astoria said with a sharp smile.
"That's not true," Pansy smiled as she went back to her school work.
"Wait what?" the others asked, ears perked up.
"Wait, what?!" Daphne gasped, cheeks pink.
"Felix is my friend," Pansy giggled. "We do exchange letters."
"You and Felix?! No way!" Aster gasped.
"We are friends," Daphne said, scowling while blushing furiously. "Do not air out my business!" she cried, smacking Pansy.
"Sorry!" Pansy laughed, sounding anything but. "I think you two are nice together though." The others laughed as Daphne tried to hide her face while smacking blindly at Pansy when someone knocked on the door.
"What do you want, Blaise?" Millicent called.
The door opened and Blaise peeked in. "Ah, all of you are here. Good. Do one of you have your copy of the guidelines?"
"The Society one? Don't you have yours?" Millicent asked as she opened her trunk.
"I could get mine, but it's currently serving as a prop for my shaky desk," Blaise said. "Besides, I need the part for witches and mine doesn't include that."
"Why do you need that?" Astoria asked.
"To help Harry," Blaise said. He blinked when all the girls turned to stare at him.
"What do you mean, 'help Harry'?" Tracey asked.
"I'm helping him come up with an appropriate Valentine's gift," Blaise sniffed.
"Why are you helping him?" Daphne asked.
"Because I am his friend and friends help each other," Blaise sniffed again.
"No, what I mean is why are you helping him," Daphne repeated emphatically. "You should not be helping him with that and he does not need your help. What nonsense have you been filling his head with?"
"Society rules so yes, while nonsense, it's proper nonsense which is something all of you should appreciate," Blaise said airily.
"I better go and fix whatever nonsense you told him and provide actual help," Pansy sighed. She shook her head at him as she pushed past him. "Being his best friend of course, means I can provide the best help."
"What's wrong with my help?!" Blaise asked indignantly. He glowered when all the girls in the room began talking and he shut the door firmly and walked away, grumbling to himself.
-0-
"Okay, I'm here," Pansy said as she entered the Uncommon Room. "What's wrong, and why were you listening to Blaise?"
Harry still looked faintly panicked. "I'm the worst boyfriend, that's what's wrong."
"I highly doubt that," Pansy snorted. She looked around the kitchen area at all the containers and trays and things laid out and how the ovens were on. "Come on, out with it," she said, sitting across from him at the main prep table.
Harry sighed dolefully. "I was so focused on cooking club, and getting back on track after being sick, and then coming up with the Valentine's Day Feast thing the school is doing for everyone, that I realized I haven't done anything special for Lavender and that makes me the worst."
"Well thankfully you still have days to make something and that hardly means you are the worst," Pansy smiled. "Now if you had let it pass without doing anything or if you do something half-arsed, then perhaps but we all know that's not you." She snorted. "You feeling bad about something that you haven't even done is, well, you."
"Thanks, I think," he sighed, making her laugh. He smiled weakly. "I just, well, shouldn't I be focused more on her?"
"You aren't not focused on her," Pansy said. "Part of your charm is how treat everyone that you care about. That is your nature and why we appreciate and like you. And you do show her a different kind of care, which is only appropriate, and I know she appreciates it. Just be you, Harry."
"What if it isn't enough?" he asked.
"I can't possibly imagine that ever being the case but Lavender is also pretty forward with what she thinks, so if it ever was a problem, she would speak with you about it." Pansy shrugged. "Or she would speak to Parvati or I and then we would meddle as best friends do, so you have nothing to worry about."
He let out a big sigh. "Thanks," he said.
"Of course. Besides, all you have to do is make your usual cooking and that is far better than what most would do."
"I do that all the time though," Harry said.
"Okay, fair," Pansy conceded. "But Society gifting? From Blaise of all people?"
"I panicked," Harry protested. "And Blaise gives good advice."
"No he doesn't," Pansy said flatly. "What did he tell you to do?"
"Something he called a memento box? From Vyctoria's?"
"That's…not a terrible idea actually," Pansy admitted. "Though I don't know if Lavender keeps things like keepsakes or mementos in a case. But Vyctoria is a very fancy and very expensive crafts shop for those sorts of things."
"He also didn't know if it was appropriate or not given we've only been dating for less than a year," Harry said.
"Don't listen to that," Pansy said. "Society guidelines for gifts and courting is for the Society families that need to needlessly complicate something while dancing around the political parts of things. Blaise is much like a kneazle in the sense they have a routine and feel bound by propriety and is miffed when slighted or with imagined slights." She turned when she heard a hiss. "Don't give me that, you know I'm right."
Harry grinned at the looks of affront that Sunny and Crookshanks wore. "They look like they disagree."
"Probably with the fact that I equated them with Blaise," Pansy giggled. "Anyways, you know her well, just search your feelings and gift accordingly and she will love it. She likes you for you, not for what you give."
He sighed again but looked more relieved. "Thanks." He grinned. "You're an awesome best friend."
"And don't you forget it," Pansy preened.
-0-
"Oooh, that's pretty," Parvati admired.
Hermione looked pleased and slightly embarrassed. "Thank you," she said. She carefully put the necklace back in the box. "I think she will like it."
"I think so too. Matches her style and the other necklaces she wears," Parvati nodded. "What gave you the idea?"
"Last time we were out shopping together, she kept looking at them," Hermione explained. "So I remembered the one she looked at the most and went back and got it another day."
"How smart and sneaky of you," Parvati grinned.
"Yes yes, Tracey is apparently rubbing off on me," Hermione said, rolling her eyes but still smiling. She flushed at Parvati's snicker and waggling eyebrows. "Oh you have such a dirty mind!"
"You're the one that said it," Parvati laughed, ducking as Hermione banished a pillow at her forcefully.
Lavender walked into their dorm room and was nearly hit by another pillow. "What did Parv do now?" she asked with a merry smile.
"Be a perv," Hermione sniffed.
"Oh, so just be herself," Lavender said, tossing the pillow back.
"I've noticed you never banish or throw books at us, which I'm not complaining mind," Parvati observed.
"And possibly hurt the book?" Hermione gasped. "Never!"
"You care about books more than us?!" Parvati gasped.
"Yes, more than you especially!"
Parvati smiled. "Fair." She looked over at a laughing Lavender. "So what are you getting for Harry?"
"What do you mean?" Lavender asked, taking off her bag.
Parvati and Hermione exchanged looks. "For Valentine's Day?" Parvati asked, raising an eyebrow.
Lavender's bag fell from her fingers and hit the ground with a heavy thump. "Valentine's Day is coming!" she cried, eyes wide and round.
"You forgot?!" Hermione gasped as Parvati fell over laughing. "I thought you would have plans already!"
"I forgot!" Lavender shouted, looking appalled at herself. "It's not funny!" she shouted, banishing several pillows at Parvati.
"It's hilarious!" Parvati said, holding up a pillow as a shield.
Lavender slumped onto her bed. "And I bet Harry already came up with something amazing because he's amazing." She covered her teddy bear with a pillow to hide her shame and buried her face into another.
"This is Harry we're talking about," Hermione said soothingly. "Just spending time with him is what he wants and you give him so many things you sew and make as it is."
"I do that all the time normally! It's Valentine's, it has to be super special."
"Especially since it's your first," Parvati said.
"And it's our first! I'm the worst girlfriend!" Lavender cried into her pillow.
"How is this helping?" Hermione asked Parvati with a frown.
"It wasn't," Parvati said glibly. "But now I'll engage in helping. Lav, calm down. It's not like the day passed already and there's plenty of time for you to do something. Worst comes to worst, we can do that thing we read about in Witch Weekly."
Hermione and Lavender stared at Parvati, faces turning red.
"Now I know what articles you two have been reading," Parvati whistled. "OW! Don't chuck ink bottles at me!"
-0-
"I didn't come to you two for help and be laughed at!" Harry said indignantly, trying to bury a smile under his scowl.
"Sorry!" Remus coughed, trying to regain his composure. "My apologies, Harry. I don't mean to laugh."
Sirius wiped his eyes. "It's just, gosh, it was just like seeing James again. The first Valentine's he and Lily were together, he freaked out for weeks and weeks. He had to make up for things you see."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, looking eager.
Remus coughed again. "Well, uh, you see, years prior, James might have sent Lily a few…un-Valentine's Day things to annoy her."
"Really?" Harry gasped.
"Really," Sirius smiled fondly. "And she responded in kind and I mean, it was hilarious to watch from the sidelines."
"Oh wow," Harry said. "What are un-Valentine's Day things?"
"Better I don't tell you," Remus smiled. "But in any case, I think Miss Parkinson has the right of it. Simply be you and you will be just fine."
"Yeah, you're a good person," Sirius agreed. "And not an arrogant berk like your dad."
"So it's not too much or too little?" Harry asked.
"I don't think so. It's a good gift and shows thoughtfulness," Sirius nodded. "I'll go get it for you and bring it to Remus here for you to grab later. I'll go right now."
"Thanks," Harry sighed with relief. He hugged the two men fondly. "You're not going to make fun of me for this later, are you?"
"I solemnly swear not to your face," Sirius said seriously.
"I solemnly swear not to as well, to your face," Remus said just as seriously.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I'll take it. Thanks again!" He left feeling better.
"There goes our boy," Sirius smiled. "Gosh, just like his dad in some ways."
"In the good ways thankfully," Remus smiled. They stood in companionable silence.
"So Valentine's Day," Sirius said.
Remus hummed softly. "Indeed."
"You forgot to get something for Emms?" Sirius asked innocently.
"Did you remember to get something for Amelia?" Remus retorted blandly.
"Yep, just need to go pick it up at the same time I go get Harry's thing," Sirius said. "Thankfully at the same place. Needed to go anyways."
"Pick up my order for me too please?" Remus asked.
"Sure thing Moony."
"Thanks Padfoot."
-0-
Valentine's Day was Wednesday that year and it was a nice little break in the week. Sprout had gleefully decorated with flowers and flowering plants and the halls were a bit cheerier and the Great Hall was decked out in bright colors. Paper hearts floated lazily about and the air was sweet with scents of vanilla and chocolate throughout the castle.
"Harry, what's this?" Padma asked with delight. The friends had gathered in the Uncommon Room as they typically did and Harry gave everyone a small bag.
"Chocolate chip biscuits and treats," Harry smiled.
"Not that I don't want them, but you're not forgetting someone are you?" Parvati asked, looking pointedly at Lavender who scowled and poked her with a violet magical hand.
"Haven't seen those in a while," Harry laughed when Parvati retaliated with a red magical hand. "Well no, I haven't forgotten about Lavender." He pointedly ignored Ron and Neville grinning and Blaise's ironic look and Pansy's amused and sympathetic one. "But I feel Valentine's Day can also be about the affection you have for friends and family so I wanted to give you guys treats too."
"Thanks Harry!" Clover and Marigold chorused and they hugged Harry tightly between them.
"This is for you," Harry said later when he and Lavender had a moment of privacy.
She kissed him brightly and she eagerly opened the slim package that he gave her. "What's this?!" she gasped when she looked at the unwrapped wooden box. It was well made and lovingly polished, the wood glowing. A latch held it closed and when she opened it, she exclaimed with wonder as it unfolded into several compartments and had a mirror within the upper lid.
"It's a makeup case or a vanity box," Harry explained. "You can put makeup and things inside and it's expanded too so it holds more than it looks. I'm not calling you vain," he stammered, "it's seriously called a vanity box but I thought you'd like it because I know you like things organized and-"
Lavender kissed him again, cutting him off. "I know you're not saying I'm vain, even though some might say I'm a little," she laughed, blushing happily. "I love it!"
"Thank goodness," Harry sighed with relief. He happily took the bag from her and opened it. "Oh wow!" He took out the new apron. It was deep red and trimmed in gold with the straps around the neck and waist also in gold. There were two large pockets in the front and one on the side for his wand. Over the chest pocket, there were his initials lovingly stitched in black and a small white owl was beside them.
"It's been a while since I got you a new apron. Hope you don't mind another one, I really couldn't think of anything else and-" It was her turn to be cut off by a kiss and she smiled against his lips and pulled him close before finally breaking away.
"I love it," Harry said, putting it on and tying the straps securely. "I'll never not love them. You're the best sewer and designer."
Lavender blushed happily and hugged him again, resting her head on his shoulder. She narrowed her eyes as she peeked over his shoulder at their friends. "Why does it feel like they're laughing at us?"
"Uh, might be my fault," he confessed. "I might've freaked out a little a few days ago because I…forgot to plan something special for you. I'm sorry."
"Oh that's so funny, I did the same thing," Lavender confessed. She and Harry looked at each other and laughed brightly.
"That's really funny," Harry grinned. He hugged her to him and pressed his forehead against hers.
"Look at our idiots," Parvati sighed gustily. She laughed when Lavender conjured her glowing violet hand and enlarged it to give them a very emphatic two-finger salute.
"They're perfect for each other," Pansy smiled as Parvati returned the gesture to a glowering Lavender.
-0-
"Okay, what are you doing here?" Aberforth asked flatly as he walked into the kitchen at the Hog's Head. "And don't tell me you're doing prep work or cooking or working."
Harry looked up at him, still chopping vegetables. "I, uh, don't know what to say then. I don't want to lie to you."
"Master Abe should get his eyes checked," Nillie remarked as she walked past.
"Don't start with me," Aberforth glowered at the giggling house elves. "Kid. It's the weekend after Valentine's. What are you doing working here when you should be out doing something with your girlfriend?"
"We had our date earlier and she likes to see me cook and work," Harry protested. "And we're still spending time together."
"Hello Mr. Dumbledore!" Lavender said brightly. She was sitting by the counter and waved merrily at him.
"Oh, uh hi there," Aberforth said, caught off guard. "Call me Mr. Abe like Kid does, Mr. Dumbledore is weird and isn't me."
"Sure! Thank you, Mr. Abe. And I'm only sitting here until it gets busy and then I'll go out," Lavender said with a big smile. "Auntie Ari said I could sit here when it's not busy, hopefully that's okay. Our other friends are coming for dinner too later anyways."
"Yeah, that's fine," Aberforth said. He shook his head at a smiling Harry. "She really gets you."
"She does," Harry said happily. He leaned over and kissed her on the lips when she did the same. He then yelped when a stream of water hit him in the back of the head.
"Master Abe!" Willie and Nillie cried, appalled.
"Hey! I warned him that if he snogs in here, I'm hosing him! I only hit him with a little bit!" Aberforth waved his wand as the two house elves growled at him. "Don't you two start with me!"
Harry smiled as Lavender toweled his hair dry. "I love this place."
Lavender giggled. "It really is great," she said as the elves and Aberforth sent things flying at each other.
-0-0-0-
odonnellzoo99 - I'm glad you liked the bad jokes. I wanted that to be a part of this Harry's personality in this setting, a penchant for bad jokes and things like that. It's fun to imagine how things change in a setting with a few differences. I think it's slightly more fun to do an AU like that. So Harry being a bit more kind here and his cooking made small changes that turned into bigger ones that then made the setting as it is now.
DarkRavie - Thank you.
Home of the Brave - I have not finished writing this one and I have a lot to go. At this moment, I'm not considering anything beyond finishing this fic or working on my other one.
alix33 - The crab cake put up a good fight considering that. Steamed eggs are one of my favorite ways to eat them.
TheSphynx - they make a good combo, don't they?
Hands Off MY Wolfie - I figured that was you with how the review ended. No problem, the website is finicky at the best of times. I figure Harry enjoys the challenge as it is too, which helps a lot. Thanks for reading.
poka - A charmed crabcake came to me one day and then it became a duel with Hedwig and I had to work it in somehow. It was too funny and absurd not to. I do like Sophie a lot too, and my other major OCs. I'm very fond of them for some reason. Rita and Drake are a scary combination to be fair. I hope you liked today's chapter then in regards to your last comment.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I know in the beginning I wanted Harry to be more reluctant about magic and cooking because of how he was then, but I figured it would make sense for him to grow to like it and to use it more in certain ways. Shows how he has grown in skill in both cooking and magic while growing in character too.