I do not own harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
A Taste of Magic
109th Course – Triumphant
Draco looked up and his lip curled. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice cold.
Pansy looked at him evenly before looking around the room. It was small but opulent. A plush carpet was on the ground, wooden furniture decorated the interior. "I came to say hello and visit with Auntie Cissa," she said at last. "What I am doing here," she gestured around her, "I honestly don't know."
"Come to rub it in then? Gloat? Enjoy my disgrace?" he asked acidly.
"Perhaps," she said coolly.
"Well go on then, feast to your heart's content," he said. "Look at me and rest assured that you apparently made the right decision." He looked away angrily.
"I didn't come to upset you, believe it or not," she said, looking at him levelly. "I don't know why to be truthful, but I didn't come to do that."
He stared at her before snorting.
"Are you happy?" she asked.
He snorted even louder. "Happy? Happy I lost the duel and brought shame and disgrace to my school and family name? What do you think?"
"You performed well," she said, trying to stay calm. "In the class things. As far as the duel goes," she let her displeasure show, "that was a disgusting spell."
"You do not get to judge me," he spat.
"I certainly do. Why would you cast that? And show such delight in it? The Draco I knew-"
"The one you thought you knew! The one you thought existed!" Draco interrupted. "The one you cast aside, betrayed!" He smiled sharply. "All for naught it seems. I've seen Potter with that dumb girl together. Seems like you gambled and lost."
Pansy shook her head and her calm surprised him. "No, I made my peace with that. I decided I did not want Harry in that way and I am fine with it. And I am happy for them. They are wonderful together and complete each other in a way that he and I didn't. Not in a way we needed."
"Or are you trying to rationalize your loss," he taunted.
"No, I am not. Our friendship," she emphasized the word, "is strong and fulfilling. It is what I want and need and have."
"So what, you are so assured to come rub it in my face? I do not need you to show me what things could be."
They stared at each other in silence for a long moment.
"I think I came to see if you were at least happy in some way," she said at last. "You got what you wanted. To be the figurehead of a school, to show everyone how important your father is. I was hoping you would have some happiness from that."
"Everything I wanted," he repeated, mockingly. "When my so-called friends betrayed me, did not come with me."
"You never asked," she replied. "You never truly wanted their friendship. Not an equal one. It took me a long time to learn what a real friendship is, what it entails."
"And are you here to make some overture?" he asked, half scornful, half something else.
Pansy looked at him for a moment. "I was here to see if you were happy and to give my old self a sense of closure I suppose. A chance for the Pansy I was to say goodbye." She sighed at his shocked look. "Goodbye, Mister Malfoy," she said and he looked at her with even more shock. "I wish you a pleasant trip back to England." With that said she turned and left without looking back.
Draco sat on his bed and stared at the empty door for long moments, blinking when Narcissa walked in and she closed the door behind him. He looked up at her and she shook her head slowly, looking down at him. "I had hoped that you two would make some amends," she said finally.
"She betrayed me," Draco said roughly.
"She outgrew you," Narcissa corrected. "And you did not grow with her. And I was too blind to see it until after it happened."
"I do not need her," he said angrily.
"Perhaps not," Narcissa said sadly. "But you do need to grow and change, Draco. I have seen you do some of that this last year, but you will need to do more. We need to fill the void that is in Sanguis and our legacy."
"And we are just going to let them get away with it? Mocking us? Ruining us?!" Draco nearly shouted. He had been shocked and appalled when Narcissa and Lucius told him what happened to Quirrell. He had seethed for some time over it.
"They did not do that at all," Narcissa said sharply. "They have freed us! Do you not see? We have Sanguis, we have the power to continue it as we see fit without the fear of a raving madman hanging over our heads! We do not have to worry about losing our heads at a whim!"
"We traded one gaoler for another! From what you and father told me, we will always be under the eyes of the Tepes Eld and the Flamels!"
"And do you know what the difference is between them and Voldemort?!" Narcissa asked sarcastically. "They, unlike him, have a code of honor that they will abide by. We keep our end of the bargain, and so will they! They will not break their oaths and behave erratically out of selfishness! We came out of this for the best and with the potential to be better!"
She sighed. "I think you will understand in time. Rather, I hope." She rose. "And get used to seeing people you dislike or are not outwardly fond of. I am not losing my relationship and friendship with Pansy or Primrose. And I will continue to rebuild my relationship with Andromeda. That will also include Sirius, Ted, and Dora. And Harry."
"Wonderful," Draco said sarcastically.
She smiled a little. "See? Some growth already. Before your response would be far worse." She kissed him on the cheek and made to leave.
"How do you do it?" he asked as she reached the door. "Endure such…embarrassment. Lose with such grace."
She looked at him with a soft expression. "You decided what is embarrassing. You decide the terms of loss. I do not see what has happened as either of those. You either grow, or lose the ability to grow forever."
Draco watched her leave and he sat back on his bed and looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought.
-0-
"Oof, my feet hurt," Parvati said as they climbed back onto the train. "But it was worth it."
"Right?! Rome is so beautiful," Lavender said happily.
They were originally supposed to leave when the Showcase ended, but the Colosseum was still going to be used for the event and there were still a few meetings for a few days after. Leomattok offered to send a few guides for the Hogwarts group to take them around Rome for the day, so Dumbledore gratefully accepted the offer. They stayed an extra day to give everyone a chance to explore the city a little and enjoy the sights.
They had visited the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, and the Sistine Chapel, using special paths that visiting magicals took to get to the different landmarks with a little less trouble. They were still a little crowded on the magical side, the city was a popular tourism spot for magicals too, but they enjoyed themselves immensely. Tracey brought a camera and took plenty of pictures for them all and promised to make copies for everyone.
They visited the Roman magical district and its equivalent to Diagon Alley: Foro della Magia, the Forum of Magic. It was placed in a space alongside the Roman Forum, the hidden entrance being between a specific pair of pillars. Like Diagon Alley, it was where all the magicals went to do business, shop, eat, and all sorts of things. It was also very large and full of amazing colors and sounds and sights. Quaint eateries and cafes dotted the streets and corners and many stores were open to the air with colorful stalls while the higher end stores were enclosed in buildings.
After a lot of walking and sightseeing and some shopping, they returned to the Colosseum and the Express footsore and light of wallet, but otherwise very happy.
"I'm going to develop these as soon as I get home," Tracey said happily, hefting her camera and her rolls of film.
"I didn't know you liked photography," Sue said.
"It's my second favorite hobby after dancing," Tracey said brightly.
"Oooh, can't help but notice you're third," Parvati said sympathetically. "Tough luck."
"I'm not a hobby," Hermione sniffed, glaring back. She smiled when Tracey kissed her cheek.
"You're more of a chore," Padma said, patting Parvati on the shoulder.
"Harry! Defend me!" Parvati said indignantly.
"I got you those necklaces," Harry laughed.
"They are pretty," Parvati agreed, holding up her necklaces to the light.
"Oh hey, did you see that cooking store in the Foro?" Neville asked.
"We had to drag him out," Pansy laughed with the others. "He spent the majority of his time there."
"The owner was super nice, taught me a lot," Harry smiled.
"He was so sad to find out you didn't live here," Luna giggled.
"I hope you didn't get fleeced," Dora said, looking over.
"Funny you should mention that," Harry said with a wide smile, "when we got to really chatting, he made me put a lot of the stuff I picked out back and he picked out some other things for me. Said what I originally got were for tourists and amateurs."
"Aww that was nice of him," Dora smiled. "What did you get?"
"This rolling pin is enchanted for stability and can roll itself," Harry said, holding up a heavy solid wooden rolling pin. "And can be told how thinly to roll things out, said it was just as good as pasta rollers. These towels are his favorite and can clean on their own and are really durable. I also got this." He held up a cast iron trivet in the shape of an owl. "It's so cute!"
Hedwig nodded in agreement, fluffing up to look like it.
"I really liked all the Sistine Chapel," Ginny said. "It was so pretty."
"My favorite was the fountain," Daphne gushed.
"I'm glad we had the opportunity to wander around and explore," Susan said. "Make sure you thank the Director for us."
"I will," Harry said. "He's really cool."
"I still cannot believe you are friends with not one, but two Gringotts directors," Blaise sighed.
"I still can't believe I never knew," Harry groaned.
"I can," Millicent said. She patted Harry on the shoulder. "You're a bit oblivious. But the fact that you're nice to practically everyone unless you have a reason not to be is one of the best things about you."
"Thanks," Harry said wryly, much to the amusement of the others.
-0-
"It was very good to meet you," Akin said warmly, shaking hands with Harry.
There was a flurry of activity in the Colosseum. People were officially packing and making preparations to leave. Amid the chaos and hubbub, Harry and his friends met halfway with the Uagadou students that they became friends with and were exchanging final farewells and things.
"Same, thanks for teaching us so much about your school and culture," Harry said just as warmly. He whooped when Moriti knocked him over and licked him enthusiastically.
"Thank you for sharing yours," Akin laughed. "And for being so good with Moriti. He's going to miss you."
Moriti whined dolefully and slumped on Harry dramatically.
"I'm sure we can meet again one day," Harry said, patting the large wild dog. "Magic makes traveling so much easier."
"How did you guys get here?" Parvati asked.
"We arrived on a ship," Ola said. "We will take it back and then trek back to our school together."
"That's a pretty long walk right?" Millicent asked with a wince.
"Is not so bad," Dembe said. "We visit many historical sites in between. Plus there are carpets and things we can take."
"Oh, the Headmaster said that he is more than happy to act as a mail center for us," Harry said, climbing to his feet. "We can exchange letters between him and your Headmaster. They arranged it for us."
"That is good!" Akin said happily. "I will look forward to letters and exchange them regularly." After some more well wishes and another thorough face-licking from Moriti, the Uagadou group left.
It was not long before the Mahoutokoro appeared, led by a scampering Azuki that clambered up Harry's robe.
Tsumugi shook her head. "I still cannot believe how nice she is with you. She normally irritates new people."
"She's a good girl," Harry said, scratching her ears.
"Our Headmaster has already informed us that he will pass letters between our schools for us," Sota said. "I am glad. I wish to continue to exchange recipes and knowledge with you."
"Me too," Harry said happily. He looked surprised when Sota gave him something. "What's this? No way, my own tamagoyaki pan?!"
"I found an extra one that our school brought and was in good condition," Sota said. "You can make tamagoyaki in any pan, but is much easier with that one."
"I didn't get you anything," Harry said mournfully.
"You gave me many recipes," Sota said easily. "Especially for your dragon and beef stew. I am grateful."
"I am glad you and Hogwarts were here," Tsumugi said. "It was very nice learning from you."
"We'll get you next time in Quidditch," Ron smiled.
"I look forward to it! Your team was very good," Tsumugi smiled back. The new friends spoke a little longer and they too parted ways reluctantly, waving goodbye.
"It's nice making new friends," Lavender said. "Sadly they're really far. But it'll be nice to exchange letters!"
"It's been an amazing trip," Harry said soulfully with everyone agreeing.
-0-
Dumbledore looked at the assembled students and staff and escorts with warm fondness laced with pride. "Excellent work, all of you," he praised. "Hogwarts could not have had a finer return to the international stage than this. So many have complimented and praised your knowledge and skills and behavior." He looked ironically at the Weasley twins and chuckled when Bill and McGonagall looked up at the ceiling of the train when he did with identical expressions and sighs.
"From now on, Hogwarts will be a regular participant in the Showcase. Every year, a small group of students will be allowed and selected to go based on interest and be escorted by some of the staff and other volunteers. As you saw from this, it is an excellent time to network and learn other things and bring back said knowledge and experience to share with your compatriots. And of course, when it is time for Hogwarts to be invited to be one of the Showcase Highlights, we will assemble a team like this and come like we did today.
"I am proud of all of you," he continued. "You all performed beyond my expectations and I am proud to call you my students. From the ones leaving us, to the ones with years still left to come. You have aided me in a goal I had long dreamt of and once again, I salute you."
He smiled broadly. "So, one last little treat before we return to Britain. In years past, during the time of the Roman Empire and her Legions, there was a tradition for victorious commanders. They would return to Rome for a Triumph, a grand celebration to shower praise on the commanding officer and their Legion. They would have a grand parade through the streets of Rome and be feted with feasts and riches. In this case, we are leaving Rome sadly, but the Express will be taking a last slow circuit about the city before we return home triumphant. And I will be providing a reward to be given when completed."
"Do we get some points?" Ron asked and everyone laughed.
"Seeing we have representatives from each House here, why not," Dumbledore laughed too. "A thousand points to each House for the efforts of their representatives." He led the applause. "Now, make sure you have everything and let us return home, together."
-0-
"Someone looks happy."
Dumbledore looked up and smiled at Alastor. "I am very happy," he replied. He waited for Alastor to sit down across from his desk. "Hogwarts made a very impressive showing to reintegrate into the international scene. I have many messages and means to communicate with the other school headmasters as well as other educational figures. I saw how Hogwarts compares educationally to the other schools and we perform very well alongside them."
He reached into his desk drawer and showed Alastor the locket. "And Voldemort is gone. He has received his reward at last, and it was long overdue."
"Good," Alastor grunted. He looked curiously at the locket. "How'd you get that back?"
"Headmistress Malfoy. She sent it to me the next day and has said that she has some other things to return to Hogwarts."
Alastor grunted again. "And we're just going to let that school continue to be a place for Pureblood bigots?"
"It is a school that was founded somewhat legally," Dumbledore said lightly, putting the locket away. "And I observed their students and while yes, they did learn at Hogwarts too, they did spend the year at Sanguis and it seems she has some able professors there." He snorted. "She turned down Lockhart too actually."
Alastor laughed at that.
"I do believe that she wants the school to perform as a school," Dumbledore continued. "Will there be a slant towards Purebloods as well as a mindset that highlights them? Probably. But that just means that we can teach our way at Hogwarts and the future of Britain will be all the better with more educated people entering our wizarding society."
"Still seeing the best in people even if it's not there," Alastor said, half admiring and half annoyed.
"People can change," Dumbledore said lightly. "Slowly and reluctantly, but it is possible." He looked at the door. "Yes?"
Rita looked in. "Do you have a moment? I can return later."
After sharing a look with Alastor, he gestured. "By all means Miss Skeeter. Come in."
"Want me to leave?" Alastor asked.
"I don't think so," she said. She sat in the free chair and handed a pile of parchment to Dumbledore. "First draft, ready to be printed but letting you have the first look."
Dumbledore looked at the top page and smiled. "'Welcome back Hogwarts to the World! Hogwarts returns to the International Stage in Skill and Style!'" he read. "I like the title."
"And it's true," Rita said smoothly with a hint of a smile. "All of it. I didn't have to embellish a thing. Didn't even downplay the other schools because it's more impressive that way with how we performed." She smiled at Alastor when he snorted. "I do have a little national pride as well as pride as an alumnus."
"Hmm," Alastor grunted in an amused way, nodding slightly.
"I also have at least a few more articles in the works. One highlighting the different schools. One with how the ICW works behind the scenes and between them. Another talking about how grand our boys and girls did. And one that compliments Sanguis on a job…mostly well done with room for improvement." Rita smiled again at Dumbledore's obvious amusement.
She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "And I was approached by Headmistress Malfoy to help write a…eulogy article of sorts, about the former Headmaster of Sanguis Verus and his efforts in founding the school."
"Oh?" Dumbledore murmured and he and Alastor shared another look.
"Seems like the poor recently departed, or soon to be recently departed Headmaster has no family or friends to speak of," Rita continued, looking and soundly oddly nonchalant. "And she requested my future assistance in the matter."
"And what did you say?" Dumbledore asked with interest.
"I said I would do it for a hefty fee of course," she replied without shame. "Wouldn't be the first time I lied while writing something and if either of you tell anyone I said so I will deny it strenuously." She smiled primly while Dumbledore and Alastor snorted. "She also said something rather curious. Something about the victor writes the history."
"There is truth to that," Dumbledore nodded.
"I know I've been a bit curious as to why you hired me on in the first place. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the steady income and seeing the behind-the-scenes workings of the school and how things work on the international level. Color me surprised that I genuinely found it interesting." She wore an expression of pleasant surprise when she said that.
Her expression sharpened somewhat. "Rita Skeeter is many things and stupid is not one of them. There was a reason you had me go on the attack about Sanguis, especially over their Headmaster that may or may not be departed right now and is most certainly not lamented."
Dumbledore looked at her carefully while Alastor leaned back in his chair, his hand on his wand. "There might be," Dumbledore said slowly. "What reason do you think that is?" Before she could reply, a third knock could be heard on the door.
"You're popular today," Alastor said.
"Apparently. Come in." Dumbledore smiled when Harry came in with a tray. "Hello Harry."
"Hello Sir. Hello Miss Skeeter, Mr. Moody." Harry nodded and greeted the others warmly and Alastor nodded back pleasantly while Rita smiled and waved cheerily. "Would you all like something to eat?"
"I will never say no," Dumbledore said. He smiled when Harry gave him a small glass cup full of gelato. "Ice cream?"
"Gelato," Harry smiled, giving Rita and Alastor a cup as well. "Italian ice cream. What makes it different is the ratio of cream and milk. Gelato has more milk to it and a good portion doesn't have eggs though some do. It's also slower churned so it has that smoother and creamier texture."
"Mmm!" Rita licked her spoon clean and continued to eat. "This is wonderful!"
"Very much so," Dumbledore agreed. "I hope you are not sharing your supply."
"Oh don't worry Sir, I made it." Harry smiled proudly. "The proprietor at the gelato store we went to in the Foro was super kind and cool. She taught me the basic ratio and the charm you use to keep the bowl cold and the paddle for churning. She also taught me this too."
"Coffee?" Alastor asked, smelling the fragrant liquid as Harry poured it over Dumbledore's cup of gelato.
"Yes Sir, espresso. When you pour some over vanilla gelato, it's called affogato." Harry shrugged a little. "The translation is a bit grim, it means drowned. But in this case, drowning the gelato in hot coffee."
"Oh my Merlin," Rita sighed as she ate some of the hot espresso mixed with the cold gelato. "This is exquisite."
"It really is," Alastor said, eating enthusiastically. "Thanks lad."
"You're welcome! I'd offer more but you might have to wait until later. Making more gelato you see and Madam Pomfrey insisted I space out the treats to account for your health."
"And how many servings has she had?" Dumbledore asked, eyes twinkling.
"She said if I told you specifically, she would make me help her taste test potions," Harry laughed.
"Best not then," Dumbledore laughed. "Thank you for the treat, Harry. Oh wait, do not give Fawkes any espresso, please."
Fawkes had been sitting on a perch beside Dumbledore, dozing away. When Harry entered, he had perked up and had accepted his cup of gelato with a happy trill. At Dumbledore's warning however, he made a noise like a sulky drum and gave Dumbledore a look.
"There will be terrible consequences if you do," Dumbledore said, glaring back at Fawkes.
"He can have alcohol but not espresso?" Harry asked, incredulous.
"In this case, alcohol is the lesser of two evils," Dumbledore sighed, ignoring Fawkes' blat of disgruntlement.
"Sorry Fawkes," Harry said apologetically. "Come see me later and I'll give you more gelato." He left after waving at them and Alastor nodded companionably while Rita returned the cheery wave.
"That hit the spot," Alastor said, drinking the remains of the espresso.
Rita slurped the rest of hers and licked her spoon clean. "Mmm, delicious," she sighed. She looked at Dumbledore. "To answer your question, I think the reason has to do with Harry, do I have that right?"
"You do," Dumbledore said, looking at her directly.
"And what I did, and continue to do, helped him? Continue to help him?"
"It did," he nodded, "and it will."
Rita nodded. "Then that's all there is to it." She got up to leave.
"Just like that?" Alastor asked, eyebrow raised. "For the lad?"
"Yes," Rita said. "I like Harry. And I love his cooking. It's really that simple." She smiled broadly at Alastor's look of surprise and Dumbledore's knowing smile. "See you two later. Ta!" She left and closed the door behind her."
"You know," Alastor said after Rita's footsteps faded away, "if you told me that Rita Skeeter would ever think kindly of someone that wasn't giving her sacks of gold, I'd say you were barking."
"Harry is providing something more valuable than gold," Dumbledore said, savoring his spoonful of affogato.
"He does do that," Alastor agreed. "Guess you're right. People can change after all."
"I told you so."
"No one likes a person that says that," Alastor snorted, amused. "And I don't remember the last time I heard you say that to anyone."
"I find myself of lighter spirit and willing to indulge myself that way," Dumbledore smiled.
-0-
"What is wrong with your kneazle?!" Pansy pointed a finger at Millicent.
"You look ruffled," Millicent said, trying to hide her laughter.
It was true. Pansy's hair was a little mussed and her robes askew. She also looked irate and she shook her fist at Millicent. "That is because Sunny ran into the room, assaulted me, and then took off running! What is her problem?! I thought you wouldn't give her catnip anymore!"
"I didn't give her any catnip!" Millicent protested. "Also it's not my fault!"
"It is true," Daphne said, giggling and looking deeply amused. "I think we have learned that the pets should not be given espresso."
"Why would you give her espresso?!" Pansy shouted, appalled.
"Sorry," Harry groaned. "I sort of did. You see I was giving out the affogato and I gave Sunny and Crookshanks and Hedwig the gelato and they looked so put out that they didn't get any espresso to turn it into an affogato and I felt so bad. I figured a little espresso couldn't hurt…"
The door slammed open and Parvati came diving into the kitchen car. "Hedwig's been chasing me up and down the train!" she shouted, clambering to her feet. "I can barely avoid her regularly but she's like a freaking Bludger right now!"
"How did you get her off you?" Daphne asked eagerly while Harry groaned again.
"Luckily I ran into Blaise and she changed targets. Last I saw, she and Sunny were chasing him around," Parvati said, panting. "I thought we were cool!"
"She got a little espresso in her," Harry said weakly while the others howled with laughter.
"Who gave her espresso?!" Parvati shouted. "Also why?!"
"She looked really sad when her gelato didn't have any," Harry said lamely.
"And Harry cannot say no to Hedwig," Pansy smiled.
"Remember when you asked me why you were buying me something at the Showcase, it's for instances like this one," Parvati growled. "I demand restitution!" She brightened when Harry gave her a large cup with scoops of gelato within it and she smiled when he poured espresso on top. "Okay, restitution accepted."
"Thank you, Harry," Pansy smiled when she received her own portion. "Mmm! This is incredible!" she gasped, eating a spoonful with obvious delight.
"Yeah, I guess I can understand why the petlings got upset they didn't get any espresso," Parvati conceded.
"That was seriously the fastest I've seen Crookshanks move," Millicent laughed. "He was like a blur!"
"Hopefully it means they crash and go to sleep," Parvati muttered, eating her treat.
The door opened and everyone burst out laughing seeing Blaise stagger in, looking windswept and rumpled. "I have questions," he said, glaring at his laughing friends.
"They got espresso in them," Millicent said.
"Oh, you know what, fair enough," Blaise said evenly. He slumped into a chair. "I am exhausted and it did not help that my mother did nothing to help and only laughed at my plight. Oh, thank you Harry." He happily took the cup of espresso from Harry as well as a cup of affogato. "Mmm, this helps."
"Where are they now?" Pansy asked.
"Chasing the Weasley twins. They tried to catch them and the animals took offense." He sipped his espresso and ate a spoonful of the gelato and espresso mixed. "This is quite delicious by the way."
"I guess we can file this away for future use," Millicent said. "Give them a bit of espresso and let them loose on people we don't like."
"We should not weaponize them," Daphne frowned.
"They enjoy it," Pansy and Parvati and Blaise said flatly.
"What did you do to my cat?!" Hermione appeared at the door holding Crookshanks that was practically vibrating in her arms, his purr sounding like a racing engine. Sunny and Hedwig came in and dashed around the kitchen car with the former running and the latter flapping about.
"Technically he did it to himself," Millicent laughed. "He ate gelato and espresso."
"Don't feed him espresso!" Hermione cried.
"He looked really sad!" Harry replied. He looked at Hedwig and Sunny with apprehension when Hedwig landed beside him and Sunny jumped onto the table. "But maybe we should limit your espresso intake." He smiled when they shrugged and dashed out of the kitchen car, followed by a very energetic Crookshanks.
-0-
"They look comfortable," Andromeda smiled.
Harry looked up and blushed a little but also looked happy. He was lying on a couch in the seating car and was literally covered. Lavender was lying beside him between him and the couch back, her head on his shoulder. Crookshanks was draped over their legs like a cat-shaped blanket. Sunny was snuggled between them and Hedwig was sprawled on his chest, wings spread and beak slightly open, snoring lustily. Even Fawkes was there, sitting on his other shoulder and snoozing. "They crashed hard after the espresso wore off," Harry laughed, "Except for Fawkes, he didn't have any. Guess he just wanted to nap too. Lavender said we looked too comfortable and she fell asleep after sitting."
"Dora was annoyingly energetic. She managed to work it out with some dueling practice," Andromeda snorted. "She and Amelia and Professor Flitwick turned one of the back cars into an impromptu duel space. They got a lot of use out of it. Apparently the duels at the Showcase inspired them."
"Where are they now?" he asked.
"Most are back in the second sitting car and gambling away," she smiled. She sat in the chair beside Harry. "Dee and Ariana are neck and neck and the others are making them work for it." She leaned back comfortably. "Where are your other friends?"
"Having a debate in the eating car," Harry smiled. "At first it was which is better: Chinese dumplings or Italian ravioli. Which then became an argument of what's the difference between the two. Some think they're the same. Sue and Blaise most certainly don't."
Andromeda chuckled. "And how are you feeling?"
"I don't think they're the same either." He smiled at her chuckling. "Now? Pretty great if unable to move really." His smile grew when she laughed outright. "If you mean with all that happened, well, a lot happened in just a few days."
"It did," she said sympathetically.
"I still can't believe you all went through all that for me," he said.
"You might as well get used to it," she said, smiling softly. "We care deeply about you Harry. We did what we did because we wanted to. For you, and for us."
"I'm really thankful you all think of me like that," he said in a soft whisper.
She leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead. "And we're thankful that you are in our lives. I would consider myself quite poor in heart and health without you."
"Me too," he said sincerely. "I'd hug you back right now but I kinda can't."
She laughed gently. "I can wait."
They chatted away with Harry enveloped by the pets and Fawkes and Lavender. Harry felt warm within and without and considered himself very lucky indeed. It had been a very eventful last few days and he learned a lot, about all sorts of things.
It was nice to go home, however. To return in safety and warmth.
Triumphant.
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Happy Christmas! I hope everyone is have a wonderful day with those they call family and are warm and happy. I wanted to pos ttoday and give everyone another chapter to read and enjoy. If you don't celebrate, I hope you're having a wonderful day and are happy and healthy as well.
So I wanted to write another note with this chapter. Much like the moment in The Family that Chooses You, this is what I would consider a soft ending to this fic. The Voldemort story and the original canon endpoint ends here. That doesn't mean he might not be mentioned ever again and the repercussions of the story line and his actions will still be felt, but the hunt and everything major involving him ends here.
I still intend on finishing out the story to the end of 7th year and a bit past that, again like Family. I do not have a final chapter count in mind, I am about maybe 7 chapters ahead of today's and we just started 6th year, so I imagine that there will be plenty of chapters to go.
Unlike Family, I came into this fic with a more defined idea of how I wanted this story to be and feel like. I was constantly changing things with Family, I had a general idea of course but was still revaluating and changing things as I wrote. For Taste, I knew I wanted a more slice of life, comfort and cozy fic with an emphasis on good feelings, vibes, and food. So while I do not have a chapter count in mind, I am still comfortable with the meandering and slow pace of things and writing what I think fits and feels good here. I do have some major events I want to reach, my milestone chapters, but they are fewer now after the Showcase so it'll be more exploratory and just seeing what happens.
I'm very happy how this fic has come out and how well it's been received. I didn't think many people would be so interested in a food focused and forward story with a different kind of Harry and company. I also wanted to challenge myself by highlighting a different cast of characters while trying not to make them as reskins of characters I've written before, and try to keep a sense of their canon portrayal while allowing them to develop and grow and be their own characters. I'm fairly happy with everyone here and genuinely surprised by a lot of them to be honest.
Not surprised with Hedwig however. I love that owl and I'm so glad I leaned into her gremlin-ness early on in this fic.
I have been getting questions of what I am doing after and honestly, no idea haha. Like I said, I still have a fair chunk to write for this story and am just letting the words write and see where the journey is taking us. I still intend on working on Extended Family for as long as I can. I might take a small break after finishing Taste. I still cannot believe I've managed to consistently write as much as I have the last two years. I seriously abandoned so many projects and went months without writing a thing in the years prior to starting HP fanfic.
I also swore to never write a super long series rewrite again after finishing Family, not thinking I had the strength nor the will to do so. Luckily, I have proven myself wrong so far haha. I honestly didn't think I had it in me to do it again. Extended doesn't count because it is nonlinear and just fun to do contained chapters like that and Curse, Ruthless, and Defiance were all much smaller in scope and length. Though Defiance was pretty long and I was pretty happy with that one too. And it surprisingly has had a big impact on my writing as a whole with Sophie, Tsumugi, and Okoye showing up in everything now.
I suppose I can admit that I have been playing with a wandmaker post-Hogwarts story but goodness knows when and if I'll get to it. Just idle thoughts in between writing this one.
Thank you all for reading and commenting. I have said it as much before, but I don't write for myself, I write for you all. Seeing your kind words really helps me feel better on tough days and I go back to read them for a bit of positivity when I need it. I love knowing that people enjoy my writing and that it brightens their day and helps them forget the real world here and there. I actually have had some people tell me they have been inspired to try new food and that is incredible praise to me. I am so happy to hear that.
I give my best to all of you and wish you the very best. Thank you for gifting me your time. Thank you for being a part of my fanfiction family.
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DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - I knew you would enjoy the Leomattok bit when you asked about him a few chapters ago. It definitely amused me and I was waiting for that reveal. I was really happy with his demonstration too. I thought it neatly showed how much Harry has changed in both character and strength and magic from the beginning of the fic to now. Glad you thought so too.
Kaya - I guess I prefer slow burns to romance and that sort of thing. I never really was for the ones that show up super early and I always thought they're more satisfying to see them grow into it. I worked hard on the descriptions for the demonstrations and glad you liked them.
odonnellzoo99 - I honestly didn't even think of that when I was writing them but hey, happy accident there that fits. Lavender and Harry are a lot more adorable and cute than I anticipated and I kinda love it if I'm being honest. I really wanted to capture that awkwardness at that age and how silly and nice it is. And Dora is always the best. She is very good at speaking conflict.
Hands Off MY Wolfie - I really liked the demonstrations and how personal they were and varied to the same topic. I thought it fit nicely. I knew I wanted the switch spell explanation too. I had someone accuse me of making it look like the cooking happens instantly and I have always tried to be somewhat realistic in showing that so I wanted to address it here too. Because no one would watch a mutli hour presentation like that haha. Thanks for reading.
poka - I'm glad you liked it. I also thought it was a nice capstone on the entire arc and it felt like a good end to it. I wanted the Showcase to feel important since I teased it back in first year and second year, and it would be that major turning point in the entire story. And it was important for me to show Harry's growth in a more tangible way, as in we see it in one scene as opposed to slowly reading about it from the beginning.
DarkRavie - Thank you so much.
TheSphynx - I hope it is an Owen Wilson good wow. Thank you.
AshokaTheGreat - Thank you. I thought it was right to have a little romance mixed in.
Grothnack - I have not thought about that. Truthfully, some of the recipes I haven't attempted myself while others I have. Might be worth thinking about. I'm glad you tried the food and glad you enjoyed it. I adore butter chicken and make it regularly at home. I need to try a tikka too.