I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Hello everyone, hope all are doing well.
I have a couple of announcements. First, this is the fifth chapter from the end of the fic. Like I said I would, and like I did for Family, I'll start a countdown and thus, today is 5. It's a very poignant moment for me, finally reaching the end of this very long project. But, I put a lot of work into the last few chapters and I think it ends on a note that I was hoping to reach. So after today, there will be four more chapters and the chapter after the last will have a note in it. I didn't want to clutter the last chapter with a big note. I will post an extra chapter this weekend, then two next week, with the last one being posted on the following Monday. I hope everyone is ready for it when it comes.
Second, I commissioned a very lovely piece from Babbling Brook, the wonderful artist who has done the covers for my fics, and it is about something in this chapter. I cannot put an image in the chapter, but if you head over to AO3, you can see it there. It's very lovely and I hope you can take a peak at it.
Thank you all for your time and attention. This has been a giant project and it is coming to the end, unfortunately like all good things must. But I am fairly confident that it will be a satisfying end.
My best to each and every one of you.
Have a lovely day!
-0-0-0-
A Taste of Magic
172nd Course – The Dream Realized
"Welcome home," Lavender said warmly. She got up from the couch and hugged Harry tightly.
"I still love hearing that," he said, kissing her.
"I still love saying it," she smiled, kissing him back.
Lavender and Parvati still lived above the Needy Thread in the small flat they made when renovating the building. They each had a room and shared the small but comfortable sitting room with an attached kitchenette. When Harry returned to Britain, he was told he could move in too and he spent a lot of his spare time there if he was not at the growing restaurant or at Grimmauld. Parvati had been happy to have him there too, though in typical Parvati fashion, hired Hermione to come over and enchant the doorway to Lavender's room with sound-blocking charms and privacy charms and all sorts of others. Hermione, in untypical Hermione fashion, came and did just that and she and Parvati enjoyed teasing Lavender until she chased them around in typical Lavender fashion.
Eventually they knew they would be moving out but for now, while they were getting their businesses stable, they were comfortable and happy with the arrangement.
"Have you two eaten yet?" Harry asked, hanging his cloak up and putting his bag in the room he and Lavender shared.
"Yeah, but I can eat again," Parvati said, still lying on the couch. She shifted when Hedwig flapped over and settled on her stomach, fluffing up and wiggling comfortably.
"Same," Lavender smiled. "If you're not too tired to make something."
"I can make something fast and easy," Harry said. He got to work in the kitchenette, moving things about and taking things out of the cold and ice box.
"How're things going?" Parvati asked.
"Better," Harry said. "Finally finalized the new staff and I think it'll work out."
"Oh yay!" Lavender cheered. "So the last two are set?"
Harry nodded as he threw leftover vegetables from last night's dinner into the pan and added oil and chopped garlic to them. "I'm grateful Professor Sprout got me in touch with Felicity. She's inexperienced but really eager and wants to learn and work. She really liked the cooking club when we started it that year and was trying to find work similar to it. She thought she might have to work in Muggle places for a while but when Professor Sprout heard I was still looking, she got in touch with her before contacting me."
"Wanting to work makes up for inexperience," Parvati said. "And the other bloke is going to work even though he's older?"
Harry nodded as he added pinches of seasoning to the vegetables and the noodles he added to it. "It looks like it. Chef Ripert was mortified that two of his recommendations turned out to be utter arseholes. I was a little wary of the last one he spoke to me about but he swore on his restaurant that this time I wouldn't be disgusted." He and the others laughed together.
"But yeah. Guy seems like a nice guy," he smiled as the women snorted at his bad joke. "He's worked in the industry for years and worked his way up from plongeur to even being sous chef."
"Oh wow, that means he works hard," Lavender said. "Why did he never have his own place?"
"He never wanted it," Harry said. "Even when I asked if he wanted a sous chef position, he said he didn't want the headache. Just wants to work in a decent place and leave the work at work when he leaves for the day."
"That's fair, why is he over here now?" Parvati asked.
"His daughter moved here. She works for the ICW and since they're setting up a permanent place for them here, she came over to grow her career. He doesn't really have any other family so he came over with her." Harry finished cooking and brought over three plates.
"Aww, that's sweet," Lavender smiled, taking her plate. "Mmm, this smells great, thank you!"
"Yakisoba," Harry smiled as he gave Parvati a plate and put the other on the table for Hedwig to eat from. "Stir-fried noodles. Fast and tasty and a good way to use leftovers."
"I'll say," Parvati said through a full mouth. "This is great, thanks!"
Hedwig cheeped through a full beak, wiggling happily as she munched and slurped.
"So with them, Inky, Eddie, and Mirra, the kitchen is set," Harry said. "Willie will pop in when needed. Chloe also convinced two people she knew in France to come over to be servers too with Willie and Nillie. They weren't too happy with where they were and apparently our place will be better."
"You don't think so?" Lavender asked.
"Hard to say since we haven't even opened yet," Harry laughed. "I mean, I hope so. But they seem nice and if Chloe vouches for them, I'm fine with letting them try things out. Their names are Henri and Julia."
"Sounds like you're set there then," Parvati said. "That's good. It was rough for the time that it was just Lav and me."
"We made it work though," Lavender said and they high-fived.
"Yeah you did," Harry smiled. "It's cool seeing people in the village wearing your things and I'm sure I've seen a few people at Diagon too."
"Good," Parvati said fervently. "Growing up, I thought people who owned and worked their own businesses had it good. Even with Auntie Anvi having her own restaurant. But you don't realize that you basically work all hours of the day and night, even when the store is closed.
"It's really hard," Lavender sighed. "But I'm happy with all the work we put in and how it is now. And it'll get better." She and Parvati high-fived.
"I'm sure it will, you two work hard and put in the effort," Harry said encouragingly.
"Only about a week or so until your soft open, right?" Parvati asked.
Harry nodded. "And then the official opening a few days later."
"You've put in a lot of work too," Lavender said, leaning against him. "It's going to be awesome. No way it can't be!"
He smiled. "Thanks. I'm just nervous. I've put so much energy and thought into it. It's been a dream for a while now and it's scary to see it become real. What if it bombs and is terrible?"
"Really don't think that's possible," Parvati said, chewing. "We've gone over at length about how you could be bad and each time, it just isn't feasible." She swallowed. "Your Owl de Cuisine won't let you do anything without bacon."
Hedwig nodded emphatically at that.
"And we've seen your test plates, not small portions," Lavender smiled.
"And besides, it's you. Even if it isn't amazing from the start, you'll work hard and make it happen," Parvati said, waggling her fork at him.
"What would I do without you?" Harry sighed gustily.
"Have too much food," Parvati grinned. "And be devoid of our company and personality."
"Can't have that," Harry laughed.
-0-
"Good job everyone," Harry said, beaming. He waited for everyone to come together and took a moment to look over them all.
Inky, Willie, and Nillie were as familiar as familiar could be and he knew he could trust them to do what they did to the best of their abilities. They all wore new clothes that were the blue and grey that Harry had picked out for colors and they lined up and stood at eager attention, smiling up at him happily.
Henri Tremblay and Julia Lavigne looked fairly comfortable. Henri went to the same college that Chloe did and were close friends and Julia was a friend Chloe made while working. They had experience serving in fancier hotels and cafes and had come over when Chloe asked if they wanted a better job. They were polite and professional during their interviews and Harry decided to trust Chloe. She too stood at the ready, holding the metal tablet they used to write orders and reservations on and she already looked like she had worked the position for years instead of the bare few weeks.
Guy Arnaud was easily the oldest of them all. He stood at attention and looked professionally aloof. He did not speak or banter with the others but was not rude, speaking mostly when it came to work things. Though he did like to talk about his daughter and his family when pressed. He was a consummate professional however and Harry knew he would be happy to have him there.
Felicity Fellows was the youngest and consequently looked the most excited and nervous. She also had the least amount of experience there but was very enthusiastic to make up for it. She had just graduated from Hogwarts and was over the moon when she heard Harry was looking for people and had stumbled over herself during the interview. Harry had vaguely remembered her at school and was perfectly fine with her inexperience, thinking she would improve with time.
Mirra had relaxed a little from her initial interview and worked solidly and well. She had learned a lot from her time at Gringotts Main One and Harry felt she would be a vital asset to the restaurant. She was warming up to the others and it was gratifying to see.
Eddie was probably the most gregarious of them, almost always smiling and eager to chat. He did not shirk in his duties while working thankfully, and took direction well. He also had some experience in restaurants and slotted easily into how Harry wanted things done. Harry knew that Chloe thought he talked too much, and Guy thought that as well, but the elves loved to chat with him as did Felicity and Julia and so far, it has not been a problem.
It was the day before the soft open and they just did a mock service and Harry had been very happy with how things had gone. He did not have a sous yet and with Chloe having control of the front, he did not think he would have to step away from the kitchen a lot. Still, despite him not being the formal one, Guy was usually the person asked about things, especially the French dishes, and the man always assisted when he was needed to.
"So tomorrow is the soft open," Harry said and they all looked at him expectantly. "It's going to be mostly friends and family but there will be a few people from organizations I have invited to not completely stack the deck for us." He smiled as most of them chuckled at that.
"I think things will go great," he continued. "Everyone's worked really hard and I think we'll do just fine. I really like our teamwork and group dynamic. Anyone have any questions right now?"
"What is the protocol for people without reservations?" Chloe asked.
"Check with me and if we can make accommodations, we can try to, but I want us to be able to turn people away without trouble," Harry said. "I know the set-up is a little odd and will take some practice, but I'm hoping it works how I hope it does."
"Do I have permission to turn people away as needed?" she asked.
"Check with me first for now, please, but yes. I eventually want to trust you to do that," he replied.
"I wouldn't do that," Henri said jokingly, smiling cheerily at Chloe's scowl. "Mademoiselle Pointue has been known to take liberties," he continued, ignoring her deepening scowl.
"I'm hoping to trust her in that," Harry smiled.
"I can and will literally fire you," Chloe growled.
"So you have said many times before knowing full well what I do for you," he sniffed.
"Chef, it seems we have come to the part where I regret asking you to hire him," she said cooly, looking at Harry. "It has happened before we have even formally opened. I apologize."
"I trust you to handle him," Harry grinned. "Any other questions? I'll see everyone tomorrow then." He waved as the house elves left. Mirra took the private Floo back to Gringotts so she could go home and Chloe was speaking in rapid-fire French with Julia and Henri as they left. Felicity walked out with Eddie following behind after changing.
Harry looked up at the taciturn Guy. "Did your daughter get her invitation?"
"Oui, Chef," Guy said, mellowing as he did whenever his daughter was mentioned. "She is very thankful and will be here with her husband and daughter. I thank you for inviting them."
"Of course, I meant it when I said friends and family," Harry said easily.
"I also appreciate you inviting her superior," Guy continued.
"Workplace relations matter."
Guy nodded solemnly.
"What do you think?" Harry asked.
Guy raised an eyebrow. "You are the Chef. It is what you think that matters."
"And I think the opinions of my staff matter," Harry said simply. "I listen to everyone, especially people with a lot of experience."
Guy looked at him steadily for a moment. "I think you have a fine establishment. Your menu is a bit…varied compared to where I have worked before, but not excessively so." He shrugged lightly. "Let us say, I have worked at places that were far less prepared and thoughtful. It will depend on how we perform under fire."
"Agreed," Harry sighed. "Thank you for your honesty."
"Thank you for receiving it." Guy looked at him curiously as he pulled his coat. "You are a very strange chef, if you do not mind me saying so Chef."
"I get that a lot," Harry grinned. "See you tomorrow."
"Oui Chef," Guy nodded and left.
It was still a little odd to him, being referred to as Chef like that. It had a different feel to it, then simply being referred to as Chef Potter. To be simply called Chef, not chef, made him feel different. To him, it had the connotations and feelings of how he referred to Diglin, Gabriel, Banks, and Morimoto when he worked with them. To be referred to with similar reverence and authority felt strange. He did not know if he deserved it yet, not in the same way.
Harry walked around the now empty building. It was a humbling moment, seeing what were drawings and musings and dreams made into reality. He could feel the tables he imagined, touch the dinnerware he selected. He could see the designs on the walls. It was all there. It was real.
Would it be enough?
Would reality match the dream?
Only time would tell.
-0-
"Hello Lavender."
"Hi Auntie Rose!" Lavender said brightly, smiling at the woman who stood before her. Lavender had been really surprised when Primrose had wanted to invest in the store, at least, until Pansy had told Lavender that some of her commissions in the past had been gifts for her mother. Primrose had liked them very much and when Lavender was starting the Thread, wanted to help contribute and the discount Lavender offered was the cherry on top.
"I actually just finished," Lavender said, kneeling down behind the counter and coming up with a shawl wrap. It was midnight black with threads of silver embroidered throughout. When it moved, the silver threads caught the light and the whole thing looked like the night's sky with stars winking and blinking in and out of existence.
"Gorgeous," Primrose breathed, taking it from her. She wrapped it around her shoulders and admired herself in the small mirrored alcove where the mirrors would allow the person to see themselves from all angles. "I love it!"
"I'm glad!" Lavender looked about the wrap with professional scrutiny, looking for errors or loose threads. "It turned out better than I thought."
"It is so elegant and wonderful, and very light," Primrose praised. "And perfect timing for tonight. I have just the dress robe for it."
"You know attire can be casual," Lavender smiled.
"This is casual for me," Primrose said and they laughed together. "I am sure I will not always wish to dress up when visiting, but first openings are special occasions after all. Plus I can force Alan to dress up a bit as well."
She looked at Lavender. "How is the place?"
"It's beautiful," Lavender said without hesitation. "And it feels so homey."
"I cannot wait," Primrose said with a big smile. "And how is he?"
"Nervous, but ready," Lavender said. "It'll be my first time seeing everything together and finished too. I wanted to be surprised."
"You have more willpower than I," Primrose chuckled. "Do you know the name at least?"
"Nope! And I tried to get it out of him for a while," Lavender laughed.
"I am sure It will be fitting and wonderful," Primrose said eagerly. She paid for the shawl wrap and they went over her next order. "See you tonight!"
"See you tonight!" Lavender said, hugging her and then moved on to the next customer, smiling broadly and feeling just a bit impatient for the day to be over.
-0-
He was alone there, and was grateful for the privacy.
The sun was full in the sky, the clouds present but not covering. A light breeze blew, keeping the air moving and fresh. The grass rippled gently and the flowers still smelled faintly sweet and floral, even the ones that had been laid there for a while.
Harry finished cleaning the gravestone, wiping away the traces of time that had built up. Like before he set a couple of boxes in front of the stone, taking the lids off. He sat beside them and leaned against the stone a little, vaguely wondering if it was disrespectful or not.
"Hi Mum, Hi Dad," he said softly. He spoke out loud because it felt more real to do so. More impactful.
"It's finally here," he continued softly. "Soft opening day. I'll get to see how the place runs under pressure and what will work and what won't. Get to serve people the menu, feel the restaurant in its entirety. Years of thought, planning, dreaming, all to this. I've thought about it ever since Mr. Abe mentioned letting me take the Hog's Head one day."
He sighed a little. "What if I mess it up?" he asked out loud. "What if it doesn't last?"
He leaned back into the stone more. "I wish you were here," he said softly and sadly. "For many reasons, but I bet you two would know how to run things, what to do. Though Sirius and Remus said you wouldn't be allowed anywhere near the food, Dad." He smiled a little.
"I just hope it'll be good enough," he whispered.
Time passed slowly as he sat there, under the sun and sky. After a moment he shook his head, wondering if he fell asleep or not. He looked down and he saw the empty containers there. He knew he had brought them full of food. He knew they had food in them while he sat there. And yet here they were, empty and spotlessly clean.
He smiled and packed them up, not bothered in the slightest. He rested his forehead against the stone. "Thanks," he said, a little louder and prouder. "I'm sure it'll be fine." He got up and held his hand to his heart. "You're with me all the way, right?" He nodded and thought his eyes were bright with tears, he smiled. "Wish me luck. I love you."
As he walked away, the sun shone down just a little more, the rays following his footsteps and left a path of glittering golden sunlight behind him. He did not see it.
But he did not need to.
-0-
"Bonjour Chef," Chloe said when Harry walked into the restaurant. She looked at him again. "Is everything okay?"
"I think so," Harry said, smiling at her. "How about here?"
"All is ready," Chloe said confidently. "Reservations have all been confirmed. Deliveries made. Everyone is accounted for. You have forty-five minutes to do final walkthrough and inspection before you are needed outside for the unveiling."
"I think we're going to work together really well," Harry said with a big warm smile.
"You think so?" Chloe asked, feeling warm and delighted. "I have been told I can be annoyingly organized and insistent."
"Just like one of my best friends and my sister," Harry said. "I rely on them and I have a feeling I'll rely on you just as much."
"Permission to remind you of this when you complain in the future?" she asked with a shy but cheeky smile.
"And now you're like my other sister and some of my other friends," Harry laughed as he walked away. He changed rapidly in his office, wearing a uniform of dark blue and grey, tying a bandanna over his head. He checked all the things in the kitchen, adding a bit of seasoning here and there before showing sincere satisfaction how things were. He walked through the rest of the restaurant, looking even more pleased.
"Gather 'round," he called and waited for everyone to join him at the front of the restaurant. He poured out measures of champagne into tall fluted glasses and handed one to everyone. "Look at this place," he said and they all did just that. "We did this, together. It's how I dreamed it would be and I'm really happy that each of you are here to share this moment with me."
The three elves looked jubilant and faintly smug. Henri and Julia looked surprised but pleased with Chloe smiling openly. Felicity was bouncing from foot to foot and Mirra looked very happy as well. Eddie was all smiles and even Guy was slightly less dour. Harry held his glass up and the others followed suit. "To us, and the food we love."
Everyone echoed his toast and drank deeply of their cups, draining them and cheering.
"Right, I'm going to go open things up and let's get going!" Harry said and they cheered once more.
Guy gave Harry an amused look. "That was one of the better opening speeches," he said.
"I'm glad to continue to be strange," Harry replied, smiling at Guy's amused snort. He handed his glass to Chloe and walked to the closed doors. He rested his hands on the handles, took a deep breath, and pushed the doors open.
A wave of sound hit him, cheers that seemed to shake the street and the building around him. The street was full of people and they cheered and shouted when they saw him. Cameras flashed and Harry stood there dumbly for a moment, looking at the wave of warmth and adoration with open-eyed wonder before he smiled back at them.
"Hello everyone!" he said happily, waving to them all. "Thank you so much for coming. I am happy to see all of you and it means a lot for you all to be here." He waited for the applause to die down a little. "This place is a landmark location for Hogsmeade. I think a lot of you would agree with me when I say that the village would be a different place without the place, and what it means. I wanted to maintain that feeling as I made this new place, and I think it will fit the bill."
He smiled at them. "And this place was only possible with all of you. It was a dream for so long and I poured into it all my experiences, my memories, my feelings, and all of you here now have had major impacts on me in all of that. So this place is possible because of all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
He held up his wand. "Now I know that all of you have been waiting to see the name and I thought about it for a long time, but here it is!" He flicked his wand and the covering on the sign above the door vanished. An iron-wrought sign hung down and it showed a snowy owl wearing a toque, roosting on a wooden spoon, all above the name that was forged in flowing script. "Everyone, welcome to Hedwig's Hearth! Where you're sure to find warm food and warm company aplenty."
"Someone's ego just got way bigger," Parvati laughed as Hedwig screeched happily, dancing up and down in Lavender's arms, flapping her wings wildly.
"She deserves it," Lavender laughed, kissing the jubilant owl on the head.
"Come on in!" Harry said and walked into the restaurant before the excited crowd. He waved and went to the kitchen to get ready for the coming rush. The guests approached the desk where Chloe was standing, ready to receive.
"Hello, and welcome to Hedwig's Hearth," she said warmly, her smile polite and professional. "Your name please?"
"Sirius Black," Sirius said proudly, "party of seven."
"Here you are," Chloe said, making a mark on the appointment slate. "Henri will show you to your table."
Sirius, Amelia, Remus, Emmeline, Andromeda, Ted, and Dora followed Henri in and settled themselves at a large round table. They waved exuberantly to Harry who waved back from the window. "I really like the feel of this place," Sirius said, looking around excitedly.
"He kept the feeling of the Hog's Head," Remus nodded, "but it's more welcoming and comfortable."
"And still elegant in some ways," Andromeda said appreciatively.
"He kept the old bar," Ted smiled, pointing at the bar in the corner of the room. "Looks really good and familiar."
As the others were being seated, they all looked around and made similar observations.
"I love the new name," Ariana said as she sat. "And it still has the double Hs!"
"Very well done," Dumbledore nodded. "A very kind homage."
"This place could look this good?" Aberforth said, looking around. "We should have tried harder."
"You are not working the bar tonight?" Dumbledore asked.
"Kid wanted me to be a full guest during the opening," Aberforth said.
"He's our boy," Ariana smiled.
"Wow, good job on the décor," Parvati said.
"Thank you," Luna smiled prettily.
"We work well together," Blaise nodded, smiling and giving Luna a high-five when she held her hand up high.
"It feels nice and fancy but comfy," Clover and Marigold said together.
"It really does," Jean said. "I don't feel out of place at all."
"Oh this is good charm and enchanting work," Flitwick admired. "The chairs and tables adjust to the occupant slightly. Not so obvious about it either."
"Let's us fit in comfortably and happily," Dee smiled. "That's my boy, thinks of the details he does."
"Hi Uncle Harry!" Emmie squealed, waving both hands and giggling when Harry waved both hands back.
After returning with their drink orders and giving them time to look at the menu, Henri came back. "Are we ready to order?" he asked.
"What's good?" Sirius asked, prompting the others to groan and give him a look.
Henri simply smiled. "I have had every dish the Hearth offers and can say with complete honesty, that all the food is very good and belongs on the menu. And while I will not say I love everything, at the risk of my job, I did not regret eating any of it." He smiled as they chuckled. "The list of things I would order again completely outweigh what I would not, however, with the steak frites to be very high on that list. I have had it many times growing up and working in Paris and I can say without any deception or inflation that the version here is especially delicious."
He took their orders and went to the metal plate by the kitchen window. He pressed his smaller metallic tablet against it and it glowed briefly. The plate in the kitchen glowed and the words appeared as if being etched by an invisible tool.
"First orders!" Harry said out loud. "Fire three dumplings, one chicken soup, and two stuffed mushrooms!"
"Yes Chef!" Eddie called back. He immediately put three orders of dumplings on pans to pan fry then assembled some stuffed mushrooms on small sizzle pans and put them in the oven. He then got a bowl ready by warming it and stirred the pot of chicken soup that was simmering on the stove. As the dumplings finished, he plated them and brought them to the pass with the bowl of soup and the two plates of stuffed mushrooms.
Harry looked at them all before nodding with approval and Nillie walked off with them, the tray holding the food following her and looked as stable as if it was being carried by a heavy table. By then, more orders were coming in and arranging themselves on the large metal sheets in order. As food went out, Harry touched the names of the food with his finger and they would fade and no longer glow.
"Three steak frites, make that six all day," Harry called out. "All medium."
"Yes Chef!" Mirra called back, putting the steaks on the grill to start.
"Inky has the frites," Inky said from the fryer.
"Thanks!" Mirra said.
Chloe moved about on the floor, exchanging a word with the guests. She checked on them, making sure they were being taken care of before moving on, keeping an eye on the flow of things. The appetizers came out at a good pace and people were eating and laughing.
"Mmm, so good," Adele sighed happily, eating the potstickers hungrily.
"He has a fine wine selection too," Cyrus observed, reading the wine menu. "Not a very large selection, but covers most expectations."
"I've missed this," Astoria said, eating happily.
"It's so wonderful to see it all work like this," Padma said, looking around.
"I'm so proud of him," Lavender said, her smile from ear to ear.
"And Hedwig's working hard," Hermione smiled, watching Hedwig deliver new napkins to a waiting table before flapping off to sit on a roost in the kitchen window, looking around with professional dedication.
"She always does, even if it's to mess with someone," Sue laughed.
"How're we looking out there?" Harry asked, looking up from finishing a dish when Chloe walked in.
"Very good," she said. "First turnover is about done and we are starting to get the second wave of reservations. Now will be the time to visit briefly."
"Guy, will you watch the pass for a few please?" Harry asked.
"Oui Chef." Guy walked to the pass and started to go over the dishes like Harry was.
"Ahh good job!" Dora exclaimed, hugging him tightly when Harry walked to their table.
"Thanks!" he wheezed, hugging her back. "How is everything?"
"Perfect," Sirius said, hugging him when he was freed. "Such a great place! I'm so proud of you!"
"The food is amazing and so is the atmosphere," Emmeline smiled warmly. "Thank you for having us."
"Thank you for coming!" Harry said.
"Go on, we know you are busy, we can talk more later," Andromeda laughed, kissing him on the cheek and pushing him on.
"Amazing place!" Millicent said, squeezing him.
"Such a wonderful job," Pansy praised, hugging him.
Harry was briefly able to greet his friends and share a few words here and there before he returned to the kitchen. The second wave of reservations had arrived and he did not want to let things get backed up. His friends and family also left their tables in a timely fashion, letting them be cleaned and the new arrivals be seated.
The orders kept coming and Harry and his Brigade worked together, getting faster as they did. Felicity ran new ingredients and did prep for them, much like Harry did when he started in Main One all those years ago. Mirra held her end of the line down with Guy doing the other side and Eddie handled the appetizers and oven work and Inky did a bit of everything with Harry watching it all and finishing things on the pass. He also stepped into the stations to give the others a breather when they needed it.
"Chef, MVP as you have requested," Chloe said, walking in. "Rebecca Planchet, party of three."
"Oh, that is my daughter," Guy said, surprised.
"Go say hi," Harry said, taking Guy's spot on the line. "We got this."
"Merci, Chef," Guy said, nodding thankfully and walking out onto the floor. After a few moments he returned, looking happy. "They have ordered."
"Sounds good! Let's make it tasty. Chloe, has the Knight reservation come in, party of two?"
"Oui, Chef, just have," she replied.
"Let's make sure they have a good meal too," Harry said. "Wouldn't want to risk things for the Planchets."
"Merci, Chef," Guy repeated, looking at Harry with sincere thankfulness.
"Wow, that's almost a smile I see," Eddie said, grinning at Guy. He held his hands up when Guy looked at him flatly.
"Eddie be nice," Inky scolded when she walked past, waggling a finger at him as she was followed by a floating tray full of minced shallots.
"I'm always nice!" Eddie protested.
"Be nicer! Or less annoying!"
"Chef! Inky's being mean to me!"
"Inky only does that when it's necessary," Harry grinned as he finished saucing a dish and gave it to a waiting Julia. Eddie laughed when Inky gave him a very smug smile. "And trust me, you haven't seen her be mean at all yet."
They cooked on, keeping things moving. Eventually Mirra looked over to Harry. "Chef, we're almost completely out of steaks. Only one and it's a bit small."
"Heard," Harry said. "We might have to take it off the menu. Chloe, take the steak frites off the menu please."
"That will not be necessary," Chloe said. She smiled at his confusion. "All orders are in and all reservations are finished. We are done."
"Hey! Congratulations everyone!" Harry shouted and clapped his hands. The others looked at each other and smiled too with Eddie cheering loudly and Felicity joining in right after. "And everything went well out there?"
"Very well," Chloe said. "Not a complaint, many kind words, and a few suggestions for improvement that are not completely baseless. We achieved 35 covers this day."
"Good job everyone," Harry said, smiling at his Brigade. "Seriously, this was amazing. Everyone should be really proud of themselves. We nailed it! Let's finish the rest of the orders strong!" They went back to work with a will and the last of the food, including dessert, went out the doors.
Guy looked up when Harry gave him a plate with the last of the tiramisu on it and a small individual trifle. "Here, take this to your daughter and her family. I assume your granddaughter loves sweets."
"You assume correctly," Guy said fondly. "Merci." He took the plate out and soon returned. "They would like to see you, if you wish."
"I'd like that," Harry said. He finished wiping down his table and walked out with Guy. The remaining guests cheered at his appearance, clapping and whistling and he waved happily back to them. There was a good scattering of his friends among the crowd but a fair chunk of them were the extra guests he invited through the different agencies, and he did not know personally. He wanted their input as much as the input from his friends and family for a more unbiased feel. He walked to the closest table first, however, and smiled at the three sitting there. "Hello, it's nice to meet you," he said warmly.
"It is very nice to meet you too," the young woman said. She and Guy shared the same blue eyes and blonde hair. "I am Rebecca. This is my husband, Tomas. And this is our daughter, Zoe."
"How was everything?" Harry asked, shaking Tomas' and Rebecca's hands.
"Very delicious," Tomas smiled. "I very much enjoyed the beef stew. Simply wonderful."
"The cake is really good," Zoe said shyly.
Harry knelt down so they were eye to eye. "The tiramisu is really good, isn't it? It was my Mum's favorite dessert."
"It's my first time having it," Zoe said, smiling broadly, no longer as shy. "It's yummy!"
"I'm glad," Harry smiled. "It's Italian. And the trifle is a British dessert. It's made with cake and custard and jam."
"I like the layers," Zoe said excitedly and her parents and grandfather watched on with joy at how happy she was chatting with Harry.
"That's why we serve it in small clear cups," Harry smiled. "So you can see them all and how pretty they are. Aren't they pretty?"
"They are!" Zoe exclaimed.
"I'll have to tell Mirra that," Harry grinned. "She helped assemble them earlier and I bet it will make her happy hearing how much you liked it!"
"I really really liked it," Zoe said emphatically.
"And you had the chicken right? Wasn't that delicious too? Your grand-pere helped me make it," Harry said warmly.
"Grand-pere is the best!" Zoe said with the biggest smile.
"He is," Harry agreed. "I'm very lucky I get to work with him."
"I like you," Zoe said brightly, making Rebecca and Tomas laugh and Guy smiled fully. "Can I have a hug?"
After Rebecca's and Tomas' beaming smiles and nods, Harry hugged her. "Thank you for coming," he said to the delighted little girl.
"Thank you for having us," Rebecca said sincerely. "And for inviting my superior and his wife. They were very happy to come. They thought they would have to wait until after the grand opening with how the reservations were already made."
"I wasn't kidding about how lucky I am that Mr. Arnaud is here," Harry said. "He's brought lots of valuable experience here."
"Thank you for dealing with him too," Rebecca said, giving her father a look.
"What does that mean?" Guy asked, affronted.
"I know how you are, Papa," Rebecca said severely. "Chef Potter must be incredibly kind to be able to tolerate someone as sour as you."
"My own daughter," Guy sighed, shaking his head.
Harry joined them in laughing and he walked around the room, visiting with the guests for a moment. He introduced himself to the newcomers and people he was not familiar with while greeting warmly the people he was. He finally reached the last table and hugged them hard.
"Splendid job, cheri," Perenelle said, kissing him on the cheeks.
"It feels like you have been open for ages," Nicolas praised. "It was very smooth and absolutely wonderful. You have a good staff."
"I really do," Harry said gratefully. "How do you like this table?"
"It is a very nice table," Nicolas said. "Four legs, sturdy, polished and comfortable. Why, is it special?"
"Very," Harry grinned. "This will be your two's personal table, forever."
"For us, forever is more or less literal," Nicolas smiled as Perenelle hugged him tightly.
"I know, and I'm hoping," Harry said, hugging his grandmother back.
"The best table in the whole restaurant," Perenelle smiled.
"It can be made bigger if you want to eat with others, or just for the two of you," Harry grinned.
"Our boy is the best," Nicolas sighed gustily.
After the guests left, Harry pitched in on the cleaning. In a surprisingly short time, the whole restaurant was cleaned. Harry poured more champagne out to celebrate with everyone and they all drank together, pleasantly tired from the soft opening.
Harry and Chloe briefly went over the covers, the flow from the turnovers, and the operational costs as well as the income they generated. "I think this looks good to start," Harry said when they finished.
"Very encouraging," Chloe nodded. "Eventually, should we expand hours or dishes, as well as hire on more people, I believe we can maintain the baseline we wish to stay above. Luck and powers willing of course."
"Of course. Thank you everyone. We did this together, and it was better than I hoped. Get some rest, you earned it, and hope you still like it when we do this again tomorrow." He smiled as they snorted and chuckled. "And hopefully we'll smooth things out and be ready for the official grand opening next week." He watched them leave, his smile never leaving his face.
"Chef."
He turned and looked at Guy. "Hmm?"
"I want to thank you," Guy said seriously. "For how you treated my daughter and son-in-law and granddaughter."
"Of course. They're your family and that makes them close as to me. I like to eventually feel close to everyone I work with," Harry said honestly.
Guy looked at him for a moment. "You are getting stranger," he said. His expression relaxed. "But I do not dislike it."
"Thank goodness," Harry smiled.
Guy nodded. "This was the best opening night I have ever worked," he said quietly.
Harry blinked a few times. "That makes me very happy."
"Good, because it should." Guy nodded. "See you tomorrow, Chef."
"See you tomorrow." Harry watched him leave and he stood in the middle of Hedwig's Hearth, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. He smiled when Hedwig fluttered to him and landed on his shoulder, cooing and nuzzling him lovingly.
"We did it," he said and she cheeped in agreement. She climbed down his front and plumped up in his arms as he hugged her close to his chest.
Harry felt like he was dreaming while awake, and it was wonderful.
-0-0-0-
JRSDH1 - I'm surprised how much fun she is and how easily she slotted into things, as you will see. Glad you like her.
Wentley - Harry did have the best first interview and it sadly went downhill from there, but he'll be okay. Maybe. I thought it would be fun for her to be inspired by a non-goblin dish and be like Harry in that regard where she wants to learn more about non-goblin cooking.
Shroudy9 - I'm glad you enjoyed it. I do like replying to reviews that I can reply to and there are some people who have been around for a very long time and I enjoy interacting with them. It doesn't feel quite complete, to me, until I see them review.
Jaysto - Thank you for the kind words. I unfortunately won't get to 1 million, falling around 860,000 words or so. Which is still a lot haha.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - He's learned a lot during his year and a half or so of interning and traveling and working. Owl de Cuisine is a very important position with lots of hats to be worn, but she's the best owl for the job. Thanks for reading.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - And here's the announcement you were waiting for. No, not doing that, but it would have been funny to end it on a chapter with the restaurant closing after many many years, but even I'm not that maudlin.
TheSphynx - Assembling.
odonnellzoo99 - Only the restaurant with the name you find out today. Which is appropriate. Hedwig isn't afraid of Ari, remember the pumpkin incident that Halloween? Hope you like today's chapter.
Hoodedgenius98 - She won't need it unless she really needs it.
alix33 - Hedwig has the best facial expressions.
poka - It's been really satisfying to see Harry grow throughout this entire fic. It feels natural and plausible to me.
Astrakahn - Thank you for reading and the kind words. Still a bit to go yet.
choquain - He's grown a lot and it's been very satisfying to see. Hedwig is the best owl for the job.
dawnsfire - Maybe Chloe underestimated that Hedwig will be a formal part of things. It is different from having a restaurant and working consistently versus Hedwig helping during one of the events. No one will survive unscathed if they make the mistake of insulting Hedwig.
